Droid Life

We Could Get Our First Taste of Android P Later This Month

Tim — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 11:38:42 +0000

According to @evleaks, Google is targeting to launch the first Developer Preview of Android P later this month. Considering we got the first Developer Preview of Oreo back in March of last year, and if Google sticks to this timing scheme, then mid-March makes complete sense. Not only are we thinking mid-March sounds solid, but if Google was concerned about being even more Googly, March 14 would be a fun date. As you may know, March 14 is known as Pi day (3.14), and we all know how much Google loves Pi. Android Pie, anyone? You never know! So, if you own a Pixel or Nexus device, you may want to get prepared. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/969822034216804352

March’s Android Security Update Goes Live for Nexus, Pixel Devices (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 09:38:44 +0000

Google just dropped the March 2018 security patch for Nexus and Pixel devices on us. At this time, we already have both factory image and OTA files, so choose whichever works best for you if you don’t feel like waiting for the update to show up on your device. So far, we are seeing new 8.1.0 files for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (OPM1.171019.021), Pixel and Pixel XL (OPM1.171019.021), Nexus 6P (OPM3.171019.016, OPM5.171019.017), and Nexus 5X (OPM3.171019.016, OPM5.171019.017). There aren't files for the Pixel C yet. UPDATE 3/7: Pixel C's March update added as build OPM1.171019.022.A1. For device specific build notes:

Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X: OPM3.171019.016 is the general release
Nexus 6P: OPM5.171019.017 is for Softbank
Nexus 5X: OPM5.171019.017 is for Softbank, Telstra

Functional updates for Pixel/Nexus: [table id=121 responsive=scroll /] You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. As more files arrive as well as additional details, we’ll update this post. Links:

Essential Might be Ready to Move Beyond the Notch With Pop-Up Camera Patent

Kellen — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 09:21:45 +0000

A patent revealed over the weekend by Andy Rubin may show that his company, Essential, is already thinking beyond front display notches and onto an even cleaner, non-trendy design. Like we saw on Vivo's APEX concept phone last week, Essential is thinking about embedding a front-facing camera in the body of a phone "to maximize the display area of a mobile device," the patent suggests. The patent describes a situation in a smartphone where "the camera is placed inside the mobile device, and can pop outside the mobile device when the camera is activated." Not only that, but when not in use, "the camera retracts inside the mobile device, and becomes unnoticeable to the user." Again, this sounds just like Vivo's new phone, only Essential has the patent for it and appears to have started thinking about this back in 2015. My first reaction when Vivo showed this off was, "Won't it be slow?" But if you think about it, a mechanical camera could pop-up pretty damn quickly, just like a flash does on a traditional camera. As you go to open the camera app on your phone and flip to selfie mode, that could easily trigger the camera to rise and likely be ready just as the camera app is. And how cool would it be to then close the camera app, only to see the camera magically lower itself without the need for your physical press? Pretty cool. Of course, this is another moving part that you have to worry about failing. Or what if you try and stash the phone in your bag or pocket before the camera can retract and do damage to it, get dust or liquid in there while taking that rain selfie, etc.? All things I hope Essential is trying to figure out.

The imagery accompanying the patent shows what a future Essential Phone could look like. The top image shows a camera popping in and out, while the image directly above is essentially the current Essential Phone sans front-camera notch. As someone who is well over most notches at this point, after having spent a week watching Android manufacturers copy Apple's take on it, I'm about to start begging Rubin and Essential to make this happen. Thoughts on a pop-up camera?

HTC U12 Specs Reported to Include Everything You'd Want in 2018

Tim — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 08:47:25 +0000

Reported specifications for the HTC U12 have made their way to the web, with HTC looking to offer anything and everything you'd expect from a 2018 flagship smartphone. According to LlabTooFeR, who shared the specs via Twitter, the U12, codenamed Imagine, will feature a 5.99" QHD+ display, Snapdragon 845 processor, up to 6GB RAM and 256GB storage, dual rear-facing cameras (Sony sensors), IP68 certification, 3,420mAh battery, and full Treble support with Android 8.0 Oreo. That's quite the spec sheet, though, I don't see mention of a top notch. Just kidding, that would be bad. If you're interested in what the U12 may look like, we believe we got a look at it last month during a 5G industry event and you can view those photos here. In the comments of this tweet, LlabTooFeR also mentions launch will be somewhere in April, and that for anyone hoping to see a 3.5mm headphone jack included, just forget it. According to them, "We all have to move on and leave behind it." Now all we need is for HTC to not forget about the US and launch this phone here. How is this phone sounding to you? https://twitter.com/LlabTooFeR/status/970226541685854208?s=20

SmartThings Begins Transition Out of "Classic" App

Kellen — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 08:29:46 +0000

Samsung sent emails to SmartThings users this morning, notifying them that the SmartThings app they have been using has been renamed to "SmartThings Classic" as we await the arrival of the new app to take its place. For now, it's looking like the new app will just be the Samsung Connect app being renamed as "SmartThings." We were told back at CES that a big SmartThings app redesign was coming and that Samsung would be merging their various smart controller apps into one. And that makes sense, since there are currently at least three different smart home controllers from Samsung: SmartThings, Samsung Connect, and Samsung Smart Home. Having one would certainly eliminate some confusion. A couple of weeks ago, the Samsung Connect app was renamed to "SmartThings (Samsung Connect)." I'd imagine that's because it's the app that will replace everything and soon SmartThings owners will be asked to download it. For now, though, the emails going out today are only an announcement about the name change to "Classic." Samsung says that they'll notify everyone with the new app is ready. Google Play Links:

Cheers @jon_kruse!

Weekly Recap: Galaxy S9 Announced and Notch-pocalypse Confirmed

Tim — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 15:30:53 +0000

MWC 2018 is wrapped up, but it wasn't without a bit of excitement. Samsung launched the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ (which are now up for pre-order), Sony unveiled a couple of new phones that we hope make their way to the US somehow, we got our first potential look at the LG G7 aka Neo aka Judy, and we have confirmed that Notch-pocalypse is upon us. Brace yourselves. Here are the big stories from this week that you won't want to miss.

Have a fantastic weekend, all!

Android Feature Request: Please Allow Google Play Movies, Netflix Downloads on Android TV

Kellen — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 14:15:59 +0000

As someone who ditched cable well over a year ago in favor of streaming all-the-things, I've found it hard to believe that services like Google Play Movies & TV and Netflix won't allow me to store any content offline on Android TV. It's actually become quite frustrating since I stream everything, work from home on the internet all day, have a wife who likes to binge-watch at times, and now have to worry about home internet data caps from companies like Comcast. I think we're at a point where it's time that we're allowed to keep an offline collection. To back up a second, I should point out that on mobile devices (phones and tablets), both Netflix and Google Play Movies allow you to download shows and movies for viewing whenever. Play Movies & TV also allows for downloads on Chromebooks. But on devices like Android TV, that's just not an available option, even though this seems like the perfect place for it. And here's why it makes sense to finally allow this.

1. Streaming caps are a problem. If you find yourself streaming everything from your TV service to HBO, Netflix, and Google Play, while also gaming and generally using the hell out of your internet connection on the daily, you're the type of person who might need to worry about monthly data usage. Since companies like Comcast are capping data at 1TB of usage in a month, while charging for overages beyond that, allowing the downloading of movies and shows would massively help keep heavy internet users under those caps. 2. 4K. With TVs all moving to 4K and companies like Netflix and Amazon pushing more and more content in 4K, you've got a number of things to worry about. For one, 4K files are going to gobble up a whole lot more data than a 1080p file. Additionally, it takes a heck of an internet connection to be able to stream a crisp, stable 4K video, which isn't something that everyone has. So if you allow for 4K files to be downloaded, you eliminate both of those things. After a 1-time download of a 4K file (I'll take the 1-time data hit!), a person could then playback that 4K stream on their 4K TV without using additional data and without relying on what could be a poor internet connection. 3. Outages. This sort of falls in line with a poor internet connection, but what if your internet goes out and you want to watch a movie or show? Without offline storage, you just can't do it on a TV. 4. You paid for 'em. As we're pushed further and further into a digital world where physical copies of DVDs or Blurays are no longer necessary, we should have more control over the movies we buy digitally. For example, I just bought "Ferdinand" for my son on Google Play Movies, and the damn thing cost $20. That's a digital version, not a physical disc! Yet even though I paid for the movie to own it for life, I can only ever watch it on my TV by streaming it. That's kind of messed up. BONUS: I have a kid. If you have kids who watch much television, then you know how they become addicted to one thing at a time and insist on watching it over and over and over again. It could be the new Cars movie or Justin Time or Frozen or Coraline or Tumbleleaf. Whatever it is, kids tend to want to re-watch the same stuff as many times in a row as they can. It's why all of us parents know the lyrics to every Moana song. I probably don't even want to know how much of my 1TB data cap is used up each month from Transformers: Rescue Bots on repeat. Let me store these offline! If I know the movie or show that my kid is going to be into for a while, being able to store it locally will surely help with numbers 1, 2, and 3 above. And a happy kid means a happy parent and a happy household with a happy internet bill.

You might be wondering where you are going to store all these massive 4K files? NVIDIA's SHIELD TV lets you attach external storage. You could hook up enough storage to a SHIELD TV to store a pretty decent movie and TV show collection (or at least a handful that you rotate through), that I'm sure Google and these content providers could find a way to encrypt or secure from the pirate bro down the street. Speaking of security, I'm sure there are piracy concerns here. However, an Android TV box is an Android device and should run and store things similarly through apps to an Android phone or tablet, right? Same goes for a Chromebook. If these companies have found a way to securely and safely store on all of those, why not Android TV? Is it an industry thing that just isn't approved of? Are content providers holding this back? I don't know, I just know that it's probably time this feature be added. We live in a stream-heavy world these days and should be able to store our movie collections locally to be played back on bigger screens.

Previous Android Feature Requests:

DEAL: Pixel 2 XL is $400 Off at Best Buy Again Right Now

Kellen — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 13:01:05 +0000

I know that Samsung just opened up pre-orders for the Galaxy S9 and you can save quite a bit off one by trading in your phone, but Best Buy has an even better deal on the Pixel 2 XL, which might still be the better phone. Right now, you can grab one for $400 off, thanks to $300 in bill credits and a $100 instant savings. They ran this deal a couple of weeks ago as a 1-day sale. This one appears to be here for the at least the weekend, though, in case you were hesitating or missed that first one. With a $400 discount on the Pixel 2 XL in any colorway or storage variant, you are looking at paying either $18.74/mo (64GB) or $22.91/mo (128GB). These have to be bought with Verizon service and a monthly installment plan. The $300 in bill credits are spread out over the length of the installment plan. The regular Pixel 2 is not a part of this deal, but is $100 off at the moment. Best Buy Link

Podcast: Looking Back at MWC 2018

Kellen — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 09:53:55 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're recapping all of the big news out of MWC 2018, like the Galaxy S9, Sony's Xperia XZ2 line, ASUS' iPhone X clone, and 5G happenings. We'll also run through our first impressions of Google Clips, review of the Huawei Mate 10 Pro, what we think looks interesting about Google I/O 2018's recently released schedule, and talk about improvements to the Essential Phone's camera. As a bonus, we're also going to try and start working some trivia into each show for live listeners. We'll start today and see how it goes, because the goal is to handout prizes to those who participate. We’ll open the show at 10:30AM Pacific (1:30PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

Rylo Releases Android Version and App for Actually Legit 360° Camera

Tim — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 09:26:07 +0000

In the world of 360-degree cameras, I've found that most devices are a tad cheesy and not worth the trouble. It's not that the video is bad, but there has never been software that completely utilizes the fact that you're working with 360-degree video. While iOS users have had the fortune of working with Rylo for some time now, Android users are now welcomed to the party. Not long ago, I had never heard of Rylo, but now, I'm quite convinced that this group has nailed what 360-degree shooting is all about. Essentially, Rylo is an action camera, sporting dual 208° FOV wide-angle lenses with a fixed aperture of f/2.8. Capturing your video is as easy as just going out and hitting record. All of the magic happens during the editing process, all of which is completed through the app (which is now out for Android). Inside the app, you'll find that the stabilization capabilities of Rylo are insane, similar to what we have on the Pixel phones from Google. There's no need for a gimbal, which is almost required when you're shooting with any other type of action camera. Not only is stabilization key to getting great action shots, but Rylo worked in other features like object tracking, speed control (timelapse), 6K panorama, Tiny Planet, as well as Spotting for incredibly steady panning through various points you select in a video. And again, all of these edits are done in the app, meaning you don't have to worry about getting the right angle of shot while you're out on the trail filming. Now, while little Rylo sounds totally great, it does come with a hefty price tag. On Rylo's website, the camera is priced at $499, but it does come with a box of goodies to get you started. Inside the box you'll find an Everyday Case (case with mounted handle), 16GB microSD card, battery, charging cable, microUSB and USB Type-C cables for data transferring purposes, as well as a protective pouch. While we await our very own Rylo camera to get into the DL offices (I'm very excited to check it out), give a watch to Casey Neistat's video below which overviews the camera and its features nicely. As you can see, Casey seems pretty impressed by it, and while that's saying something, he does admit that at $499 it may not suited for too many creators. Purchase Links: Rylo Link | Amazon Link (Coming Soon)

August Adds Support for DoorSense in Google Assistant, Arlo Picks Up Camera Commands

Kellen — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 08:48:56 +0000

This week, two of the bigger names in the smart home world expanded or added Google Assistant functionality to their products. I'm talking about August and Arlo, two companies whose products should probably be on your short list if you are considering diving into a connected home. For August, its newest Smart Lock and Smart Lock Pro gained a Google Assistant command that utilizes their DoorSense technology. With DoorSense, August Smart Locks can tell you if your door is open or not, so this command let's you ask Assistant, "Hey Google, is my door closed?" and get an answer. You can also ask Google Assistant to lock your doors with August locks on them, but that's not a new command. In the world of Arlo smart security cameras, we now have the ability to say, "OK google, show front door camera on living room TV." Or you could do that with your garage cameras or kid's room camera, etc. to pull up a feed on a supported Android TV device or Chromecast. One of our readers who owns Arlo cameras told us this morning that there was at least a 10 second delay between the time he asked Assistant to show one of his cameras on his Shield (both are hard-wired). That's certainly not that quick, especially if you are attempting to pull up the feed because your camera noticed motion and you want to check on it. I'd imagine functionality like that will speed up over time. This new Assistant feature works with Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro, Arlo Go, Arlo Baby, Arlo Q, and Arlo Q Plus. // August | Arlo [2] Cheers Eric!

Huawei Will Launch a Huawei Watch 3, But Not Anytime Soon

Tim — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 15:39:10 +0000

Earlier this week, Huawei's CEO Richard Yu confirmed that the company will release a third iteration of the Huawei Watch, but specifically mentioned that it will come at a later time. According to Yu, "It will come later - there’s no hurry because Huawei Watch 2 sells well. We’re not in a hurry, so we’re launching the new watch later." While there are no publicly official numbers to confirm Yu's comment about the Huawei Watch 2's sales, it's at least reassuring for Android Wear fans that at least one Android OEM still has faith in Google's wearable platform. As of right now, the bulk of Android Wear devices appear to be sold by the Fossil Group, the company behind many of the brands you likely know and love but aren't exactly household names because of their tech. To name just a few of the brands under the Fossil umbrella, there's Skagen, Emporio Armani, Diesel, Michael Kors, and wearable maker Misfit. As for Android OEMs, we haven't seen many new devices launched lately, which led me to state that the platform should sail into the sunset on a recent podcast. Either way, if companies continue to make Android Wear devices, there will undoubtedly be a number of people who will want to buy them. // TechRadar

All the Best Galaxy S9 Deals Right Here (Pre-Orders Live!)

Kellen — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 14:59:07 +0000

Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ pre-orders are here and the deals joining the launch are pretty wild. If you were considering the Galaxy S9, but thought that it might not be worth the upgrade or that you weren't ready to fork out a bunch of cash, you should look at the offers from Samsung, Verizon, AT&T, and the other carriers. The best Galaxy S9 deals at the moment include up to $500 off if you switch to Verizon or AT&T. If you don't plan on switching, the Samsung store has a $350-off trade-in deal that is an instant discount, not a credit you get back later. T-Mobile has a 50% off deal too. We've got all the best S9 deals below. Pre-orders open at 12:01AM, March 2.

Samsung Store

I generally consider the Samsung store to be the best place to buy new Galaxy phones, like the Galaxy S9 or S9+. Dating back to last year, Samsung started running the best trade-in program of anyone, because they give you an instant credit for the phone you want to trade-in rather than get you cash back later on. That's important because a $720 Galaxy S9 could be just $370 with trade-in as pre-orders go live. Not only that, but the Samsung store sells all of the variants, including the unlocked models. They offer financing and that trade-in program I just mentioned. Also, with the Note 8 launch, they were one of the first to ship pre-orders that arrived well over a week early. Samsung's Galaxy S9 deal The current Galaxy S9 and S9+ deal from Samsung is an up-to $350 trade-in. Depending on the model you choose, you could pay as little as $370 for the Galaxy S9 or $490 for the Galaxy S9+. How you get that $350 off depends on the phone you have to trade-in. If you have a Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active, or any of the newest iPhones (X or 8), Samsung will give you an instant $350 off. If you have a Pixel 2, Galaxy S7, iPhone 7, or LG V30, you'll get $300 off. There are other options as well, but those are the most valuable. Once you pick your trade-in and then buy the Galaxy S9 or S9+, you'll have 15 days to get Samsung your old phone or you'll have to reimburse them for the discount. Samsung Store Link

Verizon

If you are a Verizon customer and don't want to shop from the Samsung store, then your deal is also a $350-off trade-in, but it's not as clean and pretty as Samsung's. If you aren't a Verizon customer, yet want to be, Big Red has an even sweeter deal that tops out at $500. Verizon Galaxy S9 pricing

Galaxy S9 is $33.33/mo for 24 months ($799.99 full retail)
Galaxy S9+ is $38.74/mo for 24 months ($929.99 full retail)

Verizon's Galaxy S9 deal Current customers can trade-in their phones and get $350 in trade-in credits that are spaced out over 24 months. Those credits start within 1-2 billing cycles. The phones that will give you $350 off are the same as those I mentioned above from Samsung. Verizon also has phones in $300 and $200 ranges too. For new customers, you can get the $350 trade-in deal as well as a $150 prepaid MasterCard by porting over your number to a new line. Verizon Links: Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+

AT&T

AT&T is basically running the exact same deal as Verizon where you can get $350 off in trade credits, plus an added $150 bonus if you leave your current carrier and come to AT&T. AT&T Galaxy S9 pricing

Galaxy S9 is $26.34/mo on AT&T Next
Galaxy S9+ is $30.50/mo on AT&T Next

AT&T's Galaxy S9 deal Current customers can trade-in their phones and get $350 in trade-in credits that are spaced out over the length of AT&T Next device payment plans. The phones that will give you $350 off are the same as those I mentioned above from Samsung, plus the V30 and Pixel 2/2XL. AT&T also has phones in $300 and $200 ranges. For new customers, you can get the $350 trade-in deal as well as a $150 additional bill credit by porting over your number to a new line. We're talking a Galaxy S9 for as low as $289.99 or the S9+ for as low as $414.99. AT&T Links: Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is calling their deal a 50% off promo, but it's just a trade-in bill credit thing, like AT&T and Verizon are doing. T-Mobile Galaxy S9 pricing

Galaxy S9 is $30/mo on EIP ($720 full retail)
Galaxy S9+ is $30/mo on EIP w/ $120 down ($840 full retail)

T-Mobile Galaxy S9 deal T-Mobile's site is lacking the dirty details (like which phones you can trade-in), but their deal is up-to $360 in bill credits spread out over the life of your equipment installment plan (EIP). Like Verizon, it'll take 1-2 billing cycles for the credits to start. UPDATE: T-Mobile's list of devices that will get you $360 off is pretty extensive. It covers most Samsung and iPhones from the past two years, as well as the LG V30. View it here. We'll update this as more details drop with live pre-orders. T-Mobile Links: Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+

Sprint

Sprint, like AT&T and Verizon, is doing an up-to $500-off deal that combines a trade-in and gift card if you switch over to Sprint. Sprint Galaxy S9 pricing

Galaxy S9 is $33/mo with a Sprint Flex Lease ($792 full retail)
Galaxy S9+ is $38/mo with a Sprint Flex Lease ($912 full retail)

Sprint Galaxy S9 deal Current customers can trade-in their phones and get up to a $350 discount spread out over monthly Sprint Flex payments. Sprint has not yet listed the devices you can trade to get the max $350. For new customers, you can get the $350 trade-in deal as well as a $150 prepaid Visa gift card by porting over your number to a new line. Sprint Links: Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+

Best Buy

Ditching carrier stores is always an option, and that means Best Buy is here for you. They tend to follow many of the carrier deals, but often toss in extra discounts or incentives. With the Galaxy S9, they are doing just that. As a reminder, Best Buy sells the Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and Unlocked Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. They do not sell T-Mobile phones. Best Buy's Galaxy S9 deal To start, Best Buy is dropping all models by $100. In addition to that, they will shave off up-to $350 with a trade-in for the Verizon version. Their eligible trade-in devices match the Verizon list and also include $300 and $150 tiers. Best Buy Link

Google Clips First Look and Tour!

Kellen — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 13:21:12 +0000

Now that Google's new smart camera is readily available, we went ahead and picked one up to give it a spin. For those who missed it, I'm talking about Google Clips, the camera that wants to sit by your side, so that it can capture the memories while you live within them, not behind the lens. I've had it for a cool day or so now and let it take over my living room filled with cats and my son. It captured fort building and climbing, napping kitties, and other super exciting DL house action. My immediate takeaway is that Google Clips is a pretty cool little accessory to keep around the house. Is it $250-cool? That's a tough one.

To recap, Google Clips is a stand-alone smart camera with 130-degree lens and 16GB of storage. It connects to your phone over WiFi Direct or Bluetooth, lasts for up to 3 hours while utilizing its smart capture feature, and works with phones running Android 7.0 or higher. To use it, you turn it on (by twisting its lens) and set it near you. It'll will then capture moments at varying intervals as it sees the scene composed properly or as someone or something looks at it. You can also manually control it with its physical shutter button, or through the Clips app. When it captures something, it shows you them as animated clips (can be GIF, motion photos, or video) that you can then save as an animation or pull stills from. You can crop and edit them as well, plus it'll offer up suggestions of clips it thinks are good ones. The magic here is in its ability to learn faces over time, which you can kickstart by taking portrait shots of friends and family. You can also connect it to your Google Photos account to help that process along. It only connects to your phone, so it doesn't have its own internet connection, nor is it supposed to ever transmit anything you don't want it to. It doesn't capture sound either. In the video at the top of this post, I talk through everything that Google Clips does in greater detail, plus give you a tutorial of the app. In the box, you get the camera, a stand that doubles as a clip, and a USB-C charging cable.

Do I think you should buy one? As I say in the video, it's a cool gadget to have, but it's probably something you should sit back and watch develop before diving in. I want to see how Google can improve it over time and what features they can add to make this a worthy purchase. Then again, if you just have $250 to spend on new, untested products that Google may or may not keep around for long, go for it. Buy Google Clips:

Verizon
Best Buy
B&H Photo
Google Store

Thursday Poll: Are You a Fan of the Top Notch Design?

Tim — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 12:01:19 +0000

Kellen and I have both shared our differing thoughts on the trend of top notches, so now it's your turn to let us know how you're feeling about it. It does seem like a very polarizing subject, but rightfully so. On one hand, we have multiple Android OEMs apparently ready to copy one of Apple's most interesting design choices in recent memory, while on the other hand we're getting phones with extremely thin bezels. It's certainly not the worst looking thing ever, right? What's your take on this top notch drama? [poll id="476"]

Call Me Crazy, But I Dig the Notch

Tim — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 10:41:46 +0000

There seems to be a trend occurring right before our eyes, with multiple Android OEMs looking to incorporate a top notch on the frontside of their devices, you know, similar to the one on the iPhone X. We're not talking about Essential Phone's little widow's peak, but a full blown notch that dips right into a large portion of the display. When the iPhone X was first unveiled, I lol'd just like any other person. However, as the weeks and months have gone by, I find myself oddly attracted to this notch. Now that we've gotten a peek at the LG G7 "Neo," I can proudly admit that I dig the notch. While I can't quite put my finger on why I'm attracted to a notch digging into my display, I can articulate that I'm drawn to the idea of having dedicated portions of the display for notifications, the clock, battery icon, and cell/wifi signal icons. It seems very clean to me, and being a rather detail-oriented individual, I appreciate the symmetry.

LG G7 Neo

As Kellen and I have both stated, the Essential Phone's notch came first in the timeline of modern smartphone notches, and both having used that device, we can attest that you simply get used to it being there. It doesn't really affect how you use the phone, and if anything, it adds a certain flair to the design. I understand how others feel about the notch, though. It does indeed dig into the display a bit, but obviously, it's necessary when OEMs are trying to pack a device's front with sensors and cameras while also keeping bezels minimal. This argument has to standalone from the belief that many Android OEMs are just copying Apple, though. I don't think anyone sees it as a mere coincidence that Apple releases the iPhone X, then a string of Android phone makers have phones with the exact same design. I, too, believe that Android and Android OEMs were really starting to break away from Apple in terms of features and designs, but alas, they appear to be falling victim to the Monkey See, Monkey Do idiom again. For example, Apple removes the headphone jack, then essentially all Android OEMs remove the headphone jack. Apple releases a certain feature, such as Animoji, then every Android OEM has to create their own version. What really chaps me is that Android OEMs are more focused on copying dumb things like that and not copying what makes iOS a superior mobile OS in some ways (cough timely software updates cough). That's a topic we've talked about many times already, though. This also leads me to a somewhat funny observation, that Samsung of all companies is the only major Android OEM not giving into these trends. Years ago, we would put money on Samsung being the first to incorporate such things following Apple, but with the Galaxy S9 now official, we can confirm that it still has a headphone jack and doesn't have a notch. As someone who has been involved in Android for so long, and has seen Samsung's attempts at copying certain things, it almost feels like an episode of The Twilight Zone. Something to keep in mind, it's not as if the notch will be around forever. From what we can tell, OEMs are attempting to deliver a more immersive viewing experience on phones, meaning they need to trim down the bezels. That leads to the dip into the display for housing of sensors and cameras. This will be something all OEMs will want to solve. How do you go about putting those sensors in smaller areas so there are no notches and still small bezels? We could see more manufacturers take the recently shown off Vivo approach, which is incorporating a pop-up mechanism for the front-facing camera. It allows there to not be a notch and still have an insanely small amount of bezel. While it seems like a backwards way of going about hardware design, where you're creating a new problem to solve by attempting to solve a previous issue, I think this entire road will lead to a design we have yet to see, but will be truly innovative. We just need a little patience and hope. My original point, and I still stand by this, is the notch is growing on me and I don't care if you make fun of me. Do I think it's ridiculous what a blatant ripoff it is of the iPhone X? Yes, but dang it, that doesn't take away from the fact that I like the look of it.

Galaxy S9 Tops Pixel 2 in DxOMark Score Because It has a Zoom Lens

Kellen — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 09:02:08 +0000

Because we made the foolish decision to report on a DxOMark score of a phone at one point in time, we now feel like we need to keep you updated on whichever phone is crowned the new king of their scoring system. So here you go - the new king is the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus. It achieved a score of 99, which is higher than the Pixel 2's 98 and iPhone X's 97. During testing, DxOMark's scoring system landed the Galaxy S9 with a photo score of 104, the highest to date, but only a 91 in video. The Pixel 2 posted scores of 99 and 96, respectively. If you care to dive into the details, the breakdown is pretty interesting in the photo department. The Pixel 2 topped the Galaxy S9 in 6 of the 9 categories, including the top four. For those who don't follow this scoring system closely, you should know that for sub-categories DxoMark does "weight the various results in a way that most closely matches their importance in real-world applications as judged by mainstream users." In fact, they call exposure and contrast the "most important sub-score."

The Pixel 2 scored higher in exposure and contrast, which you can really see in the sample photos that DxO posted. It also scored higher in color and autofocus, texture, flash, and artifacts. If you look at the numbers above, the Pixel 2 sort of wiped the floor with the S9 until you get into the noise and zoom categories where Samsung created the difference. And then you remember that the S9 Plus has a zoom lens, so yeah, it should win in that category. However, in the noise category, the S9 does indeed appear to be a clear winner. Check this noise comparison out:

I don't know if anyone uses DxOMark scores to decide on the phone they should buy, but these results show that the Galaxy S9, with its variable aperture lens, probably only beat last year's Pixel 2 because it also has a zoom lens. Zoom in on subjects a lot while taking pictures? The S9 Plus is probably the best right now. Don't zoom and want better exposure, autofocus, color, and contrast? Yeah, the Pixel 2 is still probably king there. It's all about those details, folks. // DxOMark

DEAL: Anker's Wireless Chargers are Super Cheap Today

Kellen — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 07:55:35 +0000

Thanks to the iPhone inventing wireless charging in 2017, the kids can't get enough of it. And that means that accessory makers are also cashing in by selling boatloads of them in various forms through places like Amazon at deeply discounted prices. Like today, Anker is selling their regular and fast wireless chargers for $14.99 and $16.99, respectively. At $14.99, the Anker PowerPort Slim Wireless Charger is $6 off its normal price. It won't fast charge your Samsung phones, but it'll get the job done as a typical wireless charger. It's also slim as hell, and provides a good pad to lay your phone on. At $16.99, the Anker PowerPort Fast Wireless Charger is a steeper $9 off. This bad boy will fast charge your fast charge-equipped Samsung phone, plus it's as ridiculously thin as the Slim charger. Both chargers are Qi-certified and have Prime shipping. These are 1-day only deals, though. No code needed. Amazon Links:

Anker PowerPort Fast Wireless Charger ($16.99)
Anker PowerPort Slim Wireless Charger ($14.99)

Hey, Android Phone Makers, I Don't Want an iPhone.

Kellen — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:54:34 +0000

If you were to ask me what I thought Android's biggest strength was today, it would probably have something to do with innovation. We've come a long way from those early days of Samsung getting sued by Apple for making iPhone clones to a place where Android manufacturers have pushed design, technical innovation, and software experiences to new heights. Android is the platform for innovation and has been for a number of years. If anything, it's Apple who has been playing catch-up. But as Android has become a forward-thinking platform that continues to create smartphone trends, that hasn't exactly led to never-ending successes for all of its partners. In fact, you could argue that few have succeeded outside of Samsung and Huawei in recent years. And because of that lack of success, it's starting to look like Android's former phone making stars are about to take us back, back to a time where Android was the joke platform to Apple and its obsessed followers. Yeah, I am talking about that stupid f*cking iPhone X notch, OK?

ASUS iPhone X

I got a little testy with this subject yesterday as ASUS stood on stage at MWC and shamelessly announced phones that it acknowledged were iPhone X clones. What's becoming even clearer, though, is that they won't be alone in this. LG was considering copying Apple's design. OnePlus might be. And materials we've reviewed show that Motorola will do so with the Moto X5 and more than likely additional phones too. Look, I'm not opposed to notches, necessarily. The Essential Phone had one first and I think that's the best looking phone released in years. It's striking. It's different. My problem with what all of these Android players are doing by copying Apple's version, is the fact that they all spent years trying to get out of the iPhone clone world, to be unique and create their own brand, and to differentiate themselves from the pack. Yet here we are with nothing but shameless Apple design poaches in 2018.

Motorola iPhone X

To me, this feels like Android OEMs telling us in a way that they have given up. That even though Apple was heavily mocked for its notch, that they have no choice but to copy all ideas provided by Apple because it might help them sell a few extra devices if someone mistakes their phone for an iPhone. Can't afford the iPhone X? No worries, Android is here with the cheap versions! ASUS tried to claim that this is what their customers want - a notch. A "Fruit Phone X" notch, they said. Maybe they can re-create the clone magic of Samsung in 2011 and eventually transition into the smartphone selling king. I don't know, but it sure looks bad and feels even worse as someone who covers Android for a living. We rolled our eyes at companies dropping the headphone jack after Apple did it first. In 2018, that's only going to get worse. Because not only is every phone maker about to toss in an iPhone X notch and attempt to brag about its size compared to Apple's, they'll create their own version of Apple's Animoji, talk up front sensors and cameras for scanning faces, and possibly start ditching fingerprint readers. Why would we believe they'll do anything else?

LG iPhone X

It's frustrating to watch because one of the reasons we all came to Android was that it wasn't Apple. We chose Android and have stuck with it because it offered us something else, it offered us choice and some freedom ('Merica!). Not only that, but it's become a platform to be proud of. It's become a platform that pushes boundaries and that Apple follows. It sucks that I have to say this, but hey, Android manufacturers, I don't want an iPhone. I want your ideas, not Apple's.

Not to be Outdone, Huawei's P20 Lineup Also Sports a Top Notch

Tim — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 14:42:23 +0000

Earlier today, we got a look at the LG G7 "Neo" while it was apparently on display at MWC. The main takeaway from that news is that the phone sports a top notch, similar to the notch found on the iPhone X. Now, thanks to @evleaks, we're also getting a look at the P20 Lite from Huawei. And shocker alert, it has a top notch, too! According to VentureBeat's writeup, the P20 Lite will be unveiled in March, sporting a 5.6" display (1080 x 2250), rear-facing fingerprint reader, Kirin 659 processor, 4GB RAM, Leica co-developed dual rear-facing cameras, 3520mAh battery, and will run Oreo at launch. VentureBeat's report claims there are three new P20 models in total, including a P20 Pro model, all of which sport the top notch design. Sadly, no specs were shared for the Pro model at this time. What can we say, notches are trendy right now. We used the Essential Phone with its little notch and didn't think it caused much of an issue, but with these notches getting bigger on Android devices, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Do you welcome our top notch overlords? https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/968866241309011968 // VentureBeat

LG G7 Shows Up at MWC With the Most Beautiful iPhone X Notch Ever 🙄

Kellen — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 13:17:44 +0000

We thought the LG G7 was a dead product and that LG had moved onto something new, possibly codenamed "Judy" that could arrive in June. Then today, this random video popped up from Ynet News at MWC with a phone in it purported to be the LG G7. It's confusing times right now in the world of LG! The brief hands-on with the phone shows a device next to an LG spec card on a table that refers the phone as the LG G7, with a codename of "Neo." The specs suggest that the phone features a 6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3120x1440 (19.5:9), 3000mAh battery, Snapdragon 845 processor, 64GB (G7) or 128GB (G7+) storage, 4GB (G7) or 6GB (G7+) RAM, rear fingerprint reader, dual rear 16MP cameras (standard + wide, both f/1.6), and an 8MP front camera. Here is the phone.

Speaking of that front camera, it'll apparently be housed within an iPhone X-esque notch. Can't see it above? That's because LG appears to be allowing the phone's software to hide it with a black bar. However, the hands-on video from Ynet shows how it'll look when that black bar isn't active.

Smh. OK, wait, what does this all mean? Is the G7 coming? Is LG about to rip off the iPhone X, just like ASUS did? Umm, sure? @evleaks believes this may be the G7 that was scrapped in favor of the "Judy" phone that he has suggested is coming in June. He also was told that the G7 wasn't the only product on display at this MWC event, and that there may have been a Q7, V35, and new watch there as well. I think the takeaway here is that LG was probably pretty close to launching the G7 until they decided to scrap it last minute, as was reported a handful of times around CES and that LG mostly confirmed. They held a private meeting at MWC to show off some products that they have or had in the pipeline and that's where this G7 came from. We still don't know that this phone will ever arrive for purchase, but it could be that LG is giving investors or select customers a look at what their vision may be for the future. Unfortunately, that vision may include copying Apple. // Ynet

Huawei Mate 10 Pro Review

Tim — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:45:59 +0000

Unveiled in October of last year, the Mate 10 Pro from Huawei has finally made its way to the US, but not without a bit of commotion. Reported to launch with carrier partners such as AT&T, all of those plans fell through, striking a major blow to Huawei's plan of penetrating the US market. Not only that, but we now have US government agencies saying buyers should stay away from companies like Huawei and ZTE (China-based Android OEMs) due to privacy concerns. I've always considered myself the rebellious type, so in doing this Mate 10 Pro review, I suppose I'm sticking it to The Man. It feels good. To be completely clear, this review isn't going to be political whatsoever. We're here to talk about the phone, its hardware, software, and overall experience for any potential buyer. Priced at $799, the Mate 10 Pro is no inexpensive piece of tech, so I'm here to let you know if it's worth a look over something like the Pixel 2 XL and Galaxy S9+. Let's get to it, shall we? This is our Mate 10 Pro review.

The Good

Specs In the US, the Mate 10 Pro comes equipped with a 6-inch FHD+ OLED 18:9 display (2160 x 1080 resolution), Kirin 970 octa-core processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, dual Leica-branded camera setup (20MP Mono + 12MP RGB, both f/1.6, OIS), 8MP front camera, 4000mAh battery, NFC, IP67 water and dust resistance, rear-facing fingerprint reader, and Android 8.0 Oreo under EMUI 8.0. Considering the phone was announced last year, these specs shouldn't upset anyone. It has everything you'd expect from a high-end flagship of 2017, such as an 18:9 aspect ratio, solid IP rating, 6GB RAM, dual camera setup, and it even lacks a headphone jack. This phone is basically 2017 wrapped up in a single package, which could be seen as either a negative or positive here in early 2018. For me, if you're buying a phone from 2017, it's unreasonable to expect anything else. Camera Huawei has been taking mobile photography quite seriously as of late, working with Leica to have smartphones capable of taking pictures you'd expect from expensive camera rigs. As an avid dog and hamburger picture taker, I appreciate this and the Mate 10 Pro has delivered a solid shooting experience. On the back there are two cameras, a 20-megapixel mono sensor plus a 12-megapixel RGB sensor, both with an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). The cameras also utilize a laser auto focus system, in addition to Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Continuous Auto Focus (CAF). Lastly, the RGB sensor is also able to do 2x "Hybrid Zoom," which is just a fancy way of saying it has a solid zoom function. On the software side, it's fine, albeit a little jumbled in terms of features and the UI seems cramped. Everything you might need to take shots or shoot video is included, though, such as Pro settings for ISO, shutter speed, exposure values, white balance, and everything else. Huawei has also built-in a few different modes that are fun to play with like Night Shot, Portrait Mode, Light Painting, Filters, Time-Lapse, and Slow-mo. Now, during my time with the Mate 10 Pro, I was never quite blown away by the camera's abilities, but it's a very solid shooter. The focus time is quick, the shutter is fast to react to your finger, and the overall image quality isn't bad at all. It's safe to say I've been spoiled by Google's Pixel 2 XL, but I can be objective enough to say that the Mate 10 Pro offers a very good mobile camera experience. It also offers a more comprehensive range of abilities over the Pixel 2 XL, which is something I knock Google for often. I love being able to switch between Mono and RGB on the fly, as well as having a dedicated 2x zoom button. Plus, who can ever get enough light trail shots? For me, the Mate 10 Pro excelled in conditions with low or not ideal lighting, though, some colors can tend to bleed together at times. For example, the camera can't seem to keep images very sharp in lower lighting, but that's the case for many phone cameras. Of course, in ideal lighting, the cameras have no issues focusing quickly and snapping shots rapidly with plenty of detail. Here are a few sample shots from the Mate 10 Pro, taken in both RGB and Mono, as well as testing some of the special features, unedited except for size. Hardware The Mate 10 Pro's hardware is one of its finer selling points, combining 3D glass and metal into a very premium-feeling handset. The phone has an almost subjectively ideal in-hand weight of 178 grams, very close to the 175 gram weight of the Pixel 2 XL. Thanks to its minimal amount of bezels, the frontside is mostly display and the back lets off a glassy, metallic/reflective look, making for quite the head turner in certain lighting. I was sent the pretty tame Titanium Grey color, but the Mate 10 Pro also comes in Midnight Blue, and Mocha Brown in the US. If I was to recommend a color, I'd tell you to go with that Midnight Blue. Very nice. Display The Mate 10 Pro features a 6-inch FHD+ OLED display (2160 x 1080 resolution), with an 18:9 aspect ratio, HDR10, and a design called FullView. Don't confuse it with LG's FullVision, but essentially, it means there is little bezel around the display itself, making for a more immersive viewing experience. Feel free to toss me into the camp of people who don't quite care about having the highest resolution on my smartphone. While having QHD can have its benefits, what I use my phone for doesn't really require the highest possible resolution, so in the long run, it's just more pixels my battery and processor has to deal with. This FHD+ resolution is by all means fine, basically providing a perfect middle ground for my needs. I can still have highly detailed wallpapers, play my games just fine with all of the details I expect, plus the photos I snap still look great on the display. In the software, Huawei provides the ability to choose a color profile, similar to what you see on other devices. There aren't many choices, though, just Vivid and Normal. I opt for Vivid because I like higher amounts of color saturation. The phone also offers an Eye Comfort mode, which tones down the blue hues from the display at night time. You can manually adjust the color temperature of Eye Comfort in the settings, as well as set a schedule for this function. To top it off, you can also adjust the overall color temperature of the UI itself, with a complete color wheel at your disposal for selecting what's best.

Somewhere in the Middle

Battery For having a 4,000mAh battery and a display that isn't QHD, I must say, I'm pretty shocked by the averageness of this phone's battery performance. I'm seeing the same battery life I'd have on nearly any other device. I use each device the same during a review, just as I would any personal phone. I wake up around 7:30AM, do my daily login routine, play my Star Wars game through the day, take pictures while out on my walks, play more games while sitting on the couch and watching TV, then it's bed for me around 10:30PM. I average about 3-4 hours of screen on time during a day, which is fine for me, but I was hoping to see a lot more usable juice by the time my day is finished. I went to bed a lot with about 30% juice left, when I was hoping I'd see about 50%. Because it's well below that, I usually end up plugging in at night, assuring myself there's no way I could get a second day of usage off one charge. Because my average usage will undoubtedly differ from yours, what seems fine to me could be great, or even very bad, for you. If you find the battery is the only thing holding you back, there's plenty you can do to get better battery life. Huawei's software allows you to tone down the resolution of the display more, offers battery saving modes, and you could also not play as many mobile games as I do.

The Not-so-Good

Software The Mate 10 Pro comes with Oreo out of the box, but you'd never guess that at first look. Sitting atop Android 8.0 is EMUI 8.0, Huawei's latest custom skin. EMUI 8.0 looks quite similar to the previous versions of EMUI, but to me, it behaves much worse than past iterations. I am quite familiar with EMUI, having reviewed both the Honor 8 and Huawei Mate 9, but this version has been grinding my gears. One quick example is the inability to expand lockscreen notifications. Huawei, stop this nonsense. If I was so worried about someone viewing my lockscreen, I could simply opt to not have any information shown on the lockscreen to begin with. Because of this, you are forced to unlock the device to view any notifications. Another issue has been notifications. I use a banking app that pushes a notification to my phone every time I use my debit card, but for some odd reason, notifications from this app never appear, even though I have them enabled. At the same time, they're coming through just fine on the Pixel 2 XL, so I know it's likely a phone issue and not an app issue. Maybe its Huawei trying to keep my info secure, but again, this could be something I opt into and not forced upon. Most of my issues with the software seem to be performance related (aka jank), so I'll save that for below, and in doing so, allow me to share a few things I do appreciate with EMUI in general. Huawei is still baking in its letter drawing function that lets you draw a letter with your knuckle, which then opens up an app associated with that letter. For example, C can open Chrome or Camera, M can open up your favorite music app and so on. Additionally, you can use your knuckle to quickly screen grab something, crop and resize shapes, plus quite a bit more. Another nice touch is a systems toggle apparently only accessible from the lockscreen. If you swipe up on the display from the bottom of the phone, a few toggles will appear for easy access. You can access your flashlight, calculator, and even quickly change the lockscreen "cover" (wallpaper). This is a solid little feature, but it really only exists because you can't access the notification shade from your lockscreen. It's as if Huawei had to create something new because they decided to disable a very important function of the Android OS (notification bar). The overall experience just feels like a jumbled mess at times, always reminding me that I want to only ever use a Pixel phone from now on. Performance Over the course of my week reviewing this phone, I ran into plenty of jank. During the first couple of days, I noticed a very bad dragging effect when simply swiping to the built-in Google Now feed from the home screen. There's also an issue when your display goes to sleep when you're inside of an app that works in landscape. Once you turn the display back on, the UI is back portrait, rendering the app you had open useless. To correct this, I had to pull down the notification shade, toggle auto rotate, then re-toggle it off. After that, the phone realizes it's being naughty and corrects the app's orientation. Is it world ending? No, but it sure is annoying. In terms of multi-taking, that's something the phone seems to handle decently. I can jump in and out of apps just fine, but sometimes, the system will kill an app that was in the background for a short period. Oddly, if it's a processor intense app, such as the Star Wars game I play, it will leave that app running over everything else. I can exit out of the app by pressing home, then come back later and have to reload it, which surprises me because I know that app uses up a solid amount of processing resources. I assumed the phone would be intelligent enough to realize that app should be closed over Hangouts or Twitter, but hey, that's Android. My take away from this phone's performance, with its 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, was expecting one of the smoothest performing devices. Whether it's a Kirin issue, task managing software thing or just EMUI 8.0 in general, I'm not quite sure, but there's something that seems to be holding back this device's potential. Pro Tip: Enable your developer settings by tapping on the build number in the About Phone section, then switch all of your animation scales to 0.5x, down from 1x. This will act as a helpful placebo to make the phone feel/look faster, which is a-ok in my book.

Availability and Pricing

The Huawei Mate 10 Pro is only purchasable unlocked through a handful of retailers. You won't find it on any US carriers. For now, it's available at $799 through Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, B&H Photo, as well as in-store at select Microsoft stores. Also note, it's only certified to work on GSM networks, so while your T-Mobile and AT&T will work fine, you get no support for Verizon or Sprint. Because of its high price and lack of availability in carrier stores, it's hard to see this phone catching the attention of anyone outside of the Android blogosphere. That's the way the US smartphone market works, though. If you aren't on a carrier, you basically don't exist to the general population of Americans.

Other Notes

No Headphone Jack - I don't really have anything to say about this, just wanted to point it out for anyone concerned. Don't worry, audiophiles, Huawei provides a Type-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box.
Girlfriend Impressions - "I think this phone feels awesome! It seems easy to use with one hand. I love the fingerprint reader on the back and the very little bezel makes the display look awesome. Maybe a tad heavier than what I'm used to, but nothing crazy."
Audio - There's technically dual speakers on this device, but the bulk of sound comes from the bottom-firing speaker, easily covered up by your index finger when playing games. The sound isn't bad, but it's not great either, similar to the Galaxy S8. Can't wait for dual front-facing speakers to be standard on all flagships.

Gallery

The Verdict

While Huawei is offering a very intriguing hardware and camera experience with this device, the software is going to keep me far away. No phone with specs such as this should behave the way it has, and with such a heavy skin on top of Oreo, easily one of the best versions of Android yet, it feels like I'm missing out on something special with it being all covered and skinned to death. I've always been one to appreciate minor software tweaks here and there, but sometimes, EMUI 8.0 doesn't even feel like Android, and when you're a purist like me, it makes things frustrating. To top it off, $799 seems crazy for a phone that was announced last year, with the new Galaxy S9 coming in at just $720. Heck, even for another $40 you can get a Galaxy S9+, which seems like such a better buy. On the upside, Huawei continues to make great hardware. This phone feels fantastic in-hand and I thoroughly enjoyed the camera. If Huawei keeps this up and just tones down that software, I could easily get on board.

Buy the Huawei Mate 10

Amazon
Best Buy
Newegg
B&H Photo

Twitter Adds Bookmarks!

Kellen — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 10:58:01 +0000

Twitter announced today that it has finally added a Bookmarks feature. For anyone who uses Twitter regularly, yes, this means you can stop liking everything to try and save it for later. You can probably edit your profile too, to remove that "Likes are not endorsements" line. The Bookmarks option will be included within the Share button. That seems kind of odd, but you'll be able to bookmark Tweets by tapping the Share button, then "Add Tweet to Bookmarks." To access your Bookmarks, you'll find a shortcut to them by tapping on your profile icon. Oh, and Bookmarks are only seen by you. So as you bookmark items, your followers won't see any of that action. This is your show, folks. Twitter says that bookmarks are rolling out globally today on iOS, Android, Twitter Lite, and mobile.twitter.com. I'm not yet seeing the update for Android, but you can certainly accessing the new bookmarks option on the mobile site. Google Play Link // Twitter

Hangouts Chat Out of Beta and Available to G Suite Users

Kellen — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 10:24:28 +0000

Almost a year ago today, Google announced its new vision for Hangouts. It would break Hangouts apart into two apps - Meet and Chat - while adding advanced features to them. Meet was available pretty quickly to most, but Hangouts Chat has only been in beta or as a part of an Early Access Program. Today, Hangouts Chat leaves that EAP and will be available to all G Suite users as a core application. What's different about Hangouts Chat? While we have yet to use it (don't worry, we will use it soon), you'll see a fair amount of people compare it to Slack. Hangouts Chat is Google's take on the modern project management, group messaging application. You can chat with everyone in your organization, make groups, and that sort of thing, of course, but the app includes integrations from other apps too. You'll be able to work with Drive applications easily within chats, there are bots in chats to help you set meetings and find files, and companies like Kayak, Vonage, Uberconference, Freshdesk, and others have all setup shop within Chat. In order to get Hangouts Chat, you'll need your G Suite admin to turn it on for everyone. Once that happens, you can hit up the link below to install Android, iOS, and desktop apps. Google says that it should be available to everyone over the next 7 days. Hangouts Chat Link // Google | G Suite Blog

Google I/O 2018 Schedule is Filled With Android and Assistant

Kellen — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 09:29:58 +0000

The first Google I/O 2018 schedule went live this morning (now that registration is closed), giving us a first look at some of the areas of focus that Google has in-store for their developer festival. From Android and Android Wear to Google Assistant, I/O 2018 will be packed with news surrounding the stuff we care the most about. Google was careful this year to not give up anything specific in this first schedule release, but we can already tell that Android will be everywhere. There are scheduled sessions to discuss not only what's new in Android in general, but additional sessions for security, memory management, runtime, etc.

I would pay close attention the session on Android Wear, because it's about time for Google to deliver a big Wear update (maybe 3.0?). Google's wearable platform has been stuck in a weird spot since the release of Wear 2.0. While that new version was adopted, I'm not sure it did enough to get people more interested in owning a smartwatch. If Google wants to play ball with Apple in smartwatches, it's got to find a different path and a fresh update could help.

The session on "Whats new in Android apps for Chrome OS" will be another big one. I don't know how close we are to Android and Chrome OS truly becoming one, but with the advances we're seeing on the Chrome OS side, this constant push for better integration of Android apps is big. Remember when I said back in 2016 that Chromebooks had killed the tablet? This might be the year Google finally finishes them off. Some other sessions that stood out are those involving Google Assistant. Google is planning to talk further about integrating Assistant into other smart home devices, building out more Actions into Assistant, and of course, how those should work with the new Google Assistant Smart Displays. Remember, the first Smart Displays will arrive this summer, but before we get there, Google needs to get developers ready for them. At I/O, we'll get to see exactly what Google's vision for these are, plus we'll probably get to really play with some of the first devices.

And finally, there seems to be a lot of Material Design-related stuff, so maybe that means a big MD refresh for 2018. See the rest of the early schedule at the Google I/O site. Anything catch your eye?

Bunch of Verizon Samsung Phones Grabbed Updates This Week (Updated: More!)

Kellen — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 08:36:09 +0000

If you own a Samsung phone from Verizon, there is a good chance it picked-up an update this week. The Galaxy Note 8, Note 5, Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge+ are all seeing security patches. Additionally, the Moto Z Play from Big Red was updated too. The Samsung phones were all bumped up to February's security patch, while the Z Play just now found December's. All of the new software builds to be on the lookout for can be found below:

Galaxy Note 8: NMF26X.N950USQS3BRB1
Galaxy Note 5: NRD90M.N920VVRS3CRB2
Galaxy S6: NRD90M.G920VVRS4DRB1
Galaxy S6 Edge: NRD90M.G925VVRS4DRB1
Galaxy S6 Edge+: NRD90M.G928VVRS3CRB2
Moto Z Play: NDNS26.118-23-12-7-1

UPDATE: We've got more phones getting updates (all are the February patch)!

Galaxy S8: NRD90M.G950USQS2BRB1
Galaxy S8+: NRD90M.G955USQS2BRB1
Moto Z2 Play: NDSS26.118-23-19-3

// Verizon [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Essential Camera Gets Another Update, So Let's Compare Some Shots to the Pixel 2 XL

Kellen — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:49:05 +0000

The Essential Phone's camera grabbed another update this week, one that introduces some fun new modes for Essential owners with a 360 Camera mod (Tiny Planet). It also added a selfie flash and some stability fixes. You can view the full list below if any of that sounds interesting.

WHAT'S NEW (Google Play Link)

Introducing a new mode: Tiny Planet (Beta)

View all your 360 photos and videos as Tiny Planets with just a tap

Edit, save and share your 360 photos and videos as Tiny Planet right from in the Essential Camera app

Capture still images from your Tiny Planet videos

Selfie flash: Screen illuminates when taking a picture with the front camera in low light

Stability fixes

But since we've had numerous Essential camera updates over the months (like this huge one), and because I happened to be curious today, I ran a little photo shootout around my house with the Essential Phone and the Pixel 2 XL. There isn't anything scientific to what I did here, because I thought it would be more authentic to just point and shoot at objects in the same manner and see how they turn out. After all, isn't that how we shoot photos each day? What I'm saying is that this is not the definitive camera shootout between the Pixel 2 XL and Essential Phone like we would normally do. This is just a quick update on how the camera is currently performing.

Pixel 2 XL (left), Essential Phone (right)

Alright, so you've seen these results. Let's talk about what I'm seeing and then you can all weigh-in down there in the comments. For one, the Essential Phone's camera is no longer 20 steps lower than the Pixel 2 XL. It's certainly not as versatile as Google's camera, but it's no longer embarrassing itself when taking pictures next the king in smartphone cameras. For most of the these shots, I'd take what Google's Pixel 2 XL has given me. However, I actually think I prefer the toy train picture and possibly even the pine needle picture from Essential. The colors are more accurate in both, even if the focus in pine needle picture isn't quite right from the Essential Phone. And that's kind of what I saw in most, actually, was that the Essential Phone's autofocus was pretty hit or miss. I think that led to some of these pictures not turning out all that great because of incorrectly judged lighting (berry picture) from a poor focus pull. That's not all of the story, though. You can tell immediately in the rose picture that the Essential Phone's dynamic range is no match for the Pixel 2 XL's. All of that background light gave the Essential Phone nightmares in the detail department. In low light in general, we are seeing improvement from Essential, but Google is just doing some magic here. That last shot is each phone's portrait mode. Both look pretty rough around the edges and I don't know that either is something I'd take home to my mother. Overall, I think Essential should be pretty proud of how far they've brought this camera. It used to be awful. Now, it's pretty solid. The Essential Camera app is quick enough, now has features we want (like Auto HDR, grid, portrait mode, etc.), and hasn't crashed on me in a while. We're getting somewhere!

Amazon Buys Ring for More Than $1 Billion

Kellen — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 13:21:19 +0000

Popular video doorbell and home security camera maker, Ring, has been acquired by Amazon. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but reports are already suggesting it was worth more than $1 billion. In a statement delivered to GeekWire, a Ring spokesperson said, "We’ll be able to achieve even more by partnering with an inventive, customer-centric company like Amazon. We look forward to being a part of the Amazon team as we work toward our vision for safer neighborhoods." Additionally Amazon said that "Ring’s home security products and services have delighted customers since day one," and that they are "excited to work with this talented team and help them in their mission to keep homes safe and secure.” Does this mean that Ring is going away? If you read those two statements, it certainly doesn't sound like it. If anything, Ring will now just have more resources to get their products to even more households. GeekWire suggests that Amazon may run Ring like it does Twitch and Zappos, where they'll integrate services while letting Ring sort of do its own thing, under its own brand. As a Ring product user, I don't have much of a reaction to this, other than that I hope it only helps Ring continue to improve its products. They've come a long way from their first couple of poorly made doorbells. I currently have a Ring Doorbell Pro and it's pretty great. Not only does it give me feeds and history for a cheap price, it has this cool "Neighborhood" section, where you can share videos captured by your Ring products or report crimes with those who live nearby. And remember, Ring just announced a ton of new stuff that will help turn them into your ultimate smart home security platform. I'd imagine Amazon took notice long ago and probably made a smart play here. https://twitter.com/ReutersTech/status/968589365646647296 // GeekWire

ASUS Just Unapologetically, Embarrassingly Copied the iPhone X

Kellen — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 12:41:24 +0000

ASUS just wrapped up its press event at MWC 2018 and they should probably be embarrassed. They delivered their new ZenFone 5 line, which includes three phones, two of which are unapologetic iPhone X clones. The thing is, they purposely copied almost everything from Apple without hesitation, while only childishly referring to Apple's latest flagship as the "Fruit Phone X." Like, you can't make this stuff up. They opened up by announcing the line and then running through a spiel about a lower end ZenFone 5 model before unveiling the ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 5Z. At first, they only wanted to talk about a bunch of faux AI that is included (like AI in your ringtones, level of faux), followed by the impressive performance of each phone's camera. And they did all of this while hiding the fact that each includes an iPhone X notch. Where this became pure comedic bliss, was the fact that they acknowledged the notch by sneakily revealing it only to confirm that they had copied it from Apple, but that theirs is supposed to be better, because it's smaller. They even included different swipes on each side of the notch, just like Apple did.

Of course, the cloning didn't stop there. They tossed in their own version of Apple's Animoji, called Zenimoji (this section included another "Fruit Phone!" shoutout). They also didn't hesitate in mimicking the back of the iPhone X either, by precisely placing their dual camera setup in a vertical alignment at the top left corner. The only difference here is the inclusion of a fingerprint reader. They apparently told The Verge during a briefing that "Some people will say it’s copying Apple, but we cannot get away from what users want." Again, they are admitting to blatantly copying Apple's newest flagship phone. Without hesitation. The ZenFone 5 and 5Z are iPhone X clones and ASUS seems cool with that. This is all very sad. And it's sad because these phones are packed full of the specs you might want, they feature some gimmicky-yet-kind-of-cool software features, beefed up audio goodies, and really, really nice price points.

ZenFone 5Z specs

ZenFone 5 specs

ZenFone 5 / 5Z camera specs

The ZenFone 5 arrives in April, while the ZenFone 5Z will show up in June. The 5Z is higher-end of the two with its Snapdragon 845, but it'll retail for under $500, it sounds like. That's pretty incredible for what you get. The problem is, you will be that guy who bought the iPhone X clone. // ASUS [2]

T-Mobile to Once Again Offer Free Season of MLB.TV to Customers

Tim — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 11:33:21 +0000

Starting March 27, T-Mobile is again offering a free season of MLB.TV to customers. The offer is valid March 27 through April 2 in the T-Mobile Tuesdays app. If you're curious if your account is eligible, so long as you can claim T-Mobile Tuesday gifts, you can likely claim this. Simply open up the app on March 27, redeem the offer, then create your new MLB.TV account to start watching baseball. Here's the small print, some of which is very important if you're an existing MLB.TV subscriber or if you plan on sharing this with anyone that's not on the T-Mobile network.

Must be connected to T-Mobile's network to sign up; redemption not available over Wi-Fi or while roaming. New 2018 MLB.TV subscribers only; current subscribers must cancel by 8:00 p.m. ET on March 23, 2018 to be eligible. Access from max 10 devices; not for use on other carriers’ wireless devices.

Speaking from personal experience, if you redeem this offer and want to share it with someone (your wife, boyfriend, etc.), ensure they do not connect to the service on a different carrier's network. That will void the terms and T-Mobile will shut down your MLB account. It's not fun and you lose out on a great offer. This offer goes live March 27, so get ready! // T-Mobile

AT&T Announces New Unlimited "Enhanced" Data Plans

Kellen — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 10:19:20 +0000

Of course, just as I finish wrapping up the latest US wireless unlimited plan comparison, AT&T announces tweaks to its unlimited plan line-up. They are calling their new plans Unlimited Plus Enhanced and Unlimited Choice Enhanced. The names suggest they won't change much, but let's dive in anyway. In terms of differences, we're still waiting to get a clear list of features, but for now, we know that the Unlimited Plus Enhanced will start at $80, which is $10 cheaper than the current Unlimited Plus plan. The Unlimited Choice Enhanced plan's price is increasing to $65 (from $60). Of course, you only get those prices if you sign-up for autopay and paperless billing. You also won't see that $10 discount on the Plus plan until you are two billing cycles in. AT&T is also upping the hotspot bucket to 15GB (from 10GB) on Plus. Both plans will come with a $15 loyalty credit towards AT&T video services (DIRECTV, U-Verse or DIRECTV NOW) as well. The 22GB throttle limit still stands for the Plus plan. To help push these new plans, AT&T is offering up select deals to folks located in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. If in NYC, you could get live TV for a year free, free home internet for life in Chicago, or take advantage of a buy one, get one iPhone X deal in LA. All three deals have more asterisks than I'm willing to explain. If you live in those areas, hit that source link up to decide if it's something worth diving into. Starting March 1, customers can jump onto both Enhanced Plus or Choice plans. We'll update this post as we have more. // AT&T

Samsung Hopes to Launch Bixby 2.0 With the Galaxy Note 9

Tim — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000

We know all of you Samsung fans have been dying to get Bixby 2.0 in your hands, but according to the latest from Samsung's mobile CEO DJ Koh, you may have to wait until much later this year. As stated by Koh, over 800 companies are currently testing the next iteration of Bixby, one that should strengthen the platform. At this rate, Samsung thinks it can deliver Bixby 2.0 with the Galaxy Note 9, should all go well. Here's what DJ Koh said on the matter.

In December last year, we began taking applications for the public beta version. So far over 800 companies have applied and are testing it. At this speed, I think we will be able to unveil Bixby 2.0 when we launch the Galaxy Note 9.

For those not keeping track, and I don't blame you if you aren't, Bixby 2.0 is said to be a bold reinvention of the platform, not just a strengthening. From the details Samsung released, the Bixby platform will be more open going forward, with 3rd-party developers and companies able to access a Bixby SDK. With that, it means Bixby may not be exclusive to phones for long, and instead, we'd find it on appliances, televisions, plus a whole number of other things. As always, we'll keep you posted on the latest Bixby happenings, but things seem pretty fluid over at Samsung right now in the Bixby labs. // ZDNet

And Now T-Mobile Says It'll Push 5G Into 30 Cities This Year (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 09:36:27 +0000

Before we could even finish getting excited about Sprint's first 5G cities, T-Mobile has swooped in and announced that they'll prepare 5G in 30 cities throughout the year. The plan is to build everything out in preparation for the launch of 5G in 2019. T-Mobile customers in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Las Vegas will be the first to experience 5G next year. Why are they the first and what are the other 26 cities? We're waiting to hear back from T-Mobile on that. UPDATE: T-Mobile told us that they aren't willing to share the 30 cities list at this time. So maybe for now, we call it what it is - T-Mobile has four cities lined up for 5G. If there are more, we can update that count. The buildout plan for T-Mobile includes deploying 5G equipment that utilizes their low-band spectrum (600MHz), as well as a buildout on millimeter wave (mmW) spectrum. All of that will be accompanied by deployment of 25,000 small cells with License Assisted Access (LAA), which adds to the capacity and speed in areas. Like with Sprint, T-Mobile won't just push out a 5G network and forget about LTE. Instead, the future will include use of both networks simultaneously to create a better experience and incredible speeds. But again, 5G phones won't be here until 2019, so even as T-Mobile builds out 5G technologies in 30 cities, you won't be able to access 5G. You may see some benefits of them strengthening their network, though. // T-Mobile

We Now Know Sprint's First 5G Cities

Kellen — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 09:00:11 +0000

As Sprint prepares to launch 5G in 2019, they announced which US cities would be the first to get a taste. Not only that, but these cities will see major improvements to 4G LTE connections in the mean time, thanks to Massive MIMO technology that Sprint is deploying now. The rollout of Massive MIMO will begin as early as April and that'll mean "5G-like capabilities," according to Sprint. Just know that you won't see anything truly 5G until you have a 5G phone, but Massive MIMO will certainly improve the network by increasing data speeds and overall capacity. Massive MIMO are radios with 128 antennas on them, referred to as 64T64R (64 transmit, 64 receive) that can send and receive massive amounts of data, hence the name. The big deal here is the fact that once Sprint installs these new Massive MIMO antennas, they'll be able to upgrade them to 5G via software update. In other words, once 5G is here and there are devices that can take advantage of it, Sprint can basically just flip the switch on it. For you to utilize Massive MIMO before 5G gets here, all you'll need is a device that works on Sprint's LTE Band 41 (2.5GHz). That should be most of you, as long as you have a newish phone from Sprint. Additionally, you should really pay attention to Sprint's 5G rollout. They have "204 MHz of spectrum and more than 160 MHz of 2.5 GHz spectrum in the top 100 markets," so when they do kick out 5G, they could do so across the country while still operating LTE simultaneously.

First Sprint 5G cities

Chicago
Dallas
Los Angeles
Atlanta
Houston
Washington, DC

In that list of cities, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles will see the improvements first, in April. The other three (Atlanta, Houston, and Washington, DC) will get the goods later this year. Just remember, a price hike is coming when 5G gets here. // Sprint

Google Clips Now Available Everywhere, You Might Want to Hurry (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 08:22:58 +0000

Google Clips, the hands-free camera that attempts to automatically capture life's great moments while you enjoy them, has arrived at Verizon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo for $249.99. That's worth noting since it sold out at the Google Store a month ago within minutes ~~and has yet to come back in stock~~. This is your chance, Clips fans. For those new to Clips, think of it as a wide-angle camera in a little box that you set near you as you play with your kids or pets, enjoy a party, or take in any other situation where you don't want to hold a camera, yet would love some photos or animated gifs to look back at when it's over. Google Clips can clip to things, be held, or set on a shelf to capture moments using machine learning. Google says that it's smart enough to "recognize great expressions, lighting and framing." It has a shutter button too, just in case you want to manually capture any of the action. You transfer the Clips it takes over WiFi to your phone and the recently released Google Clips app. The Clips camera has 16GB storage, shoots 15 frames per second, takes in everything with a 130-degree lens, and can last up to 3 hours while using smart capture. ~~Again, Clips sold out at the Google Store last month and hasn't restocked. Verizon is currently the place to get it~~. UPDATE: Moments after posting, Google Clips went live at Best Buy, B&H Photo, and re-stocked at the Google Store. You can get Clips almost everywhere that sells Google electronics. Google Clips Links:

Verizon
Best Buy
B&H Photo
Google Store

Qualcomm Simulates 5G in San Francisco and the Speeds are 🔥

Kellen — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:38:55 +0000

Qualcomm is going to make sure that it is at the forefront of 5G by working itself into as many tests and simulations it can with its own products. For example, the chipmaker announced today that over the past several months, it has conducted two extensive 5G network simulations to try and find out how well 5G might work when paired up with a Gigabit LTE network. The results are what we all hoped they'd be. The simulations took place in Frankfurt, Germany and San Francisco. The Frankfurt setup worked over 100MHz of 3.5GHz spectrum on top of a Gigabit LTE network utilizing 5 LTE spectrum bands. The San Francisco setup tested 800MHz of 28GHz mmWave spectrum over a Gigabit LTE network with 4 licensed LTE spectrum bands and License Assisted Access (LAA). I know that probably doesn't make sense and is stupidly technical, so let's talk about some of the results they found. In Frankfurt:

Download speeds jumped from 56Mbps for 4G users to more than 490Mbps on 5G.
This network setup reduced download latency from 116ms to 17ms.
90% of simulated users had file download speeds of more than 100Mbps

In San Francisco:

Like in Frankfurt, the download speeds went nuts on 5G, jumping from 71Mbps on 4G to 1.4Gbps(!).
Latency in SF dropped from 115ms to 4.9ms.
File download speeds were above 186Mbps for 90% of 5G users, with a median speed of 442Mbps.

OK, so what should we really take from these simulations? Well, Qualcomm tried to simulate real-world environments by attaching around 14,000 device connections, with a split of indoor and outdoor. These devices were setup like those that'll arrive in 2019, which means LTE-only, 5G, and support with the bands expected to be live then. They even tried to toss in some interference to make it more real. As I keep saying, we're still so far from 5G being here, but tests like this continue to paint this 5G picture and boy is it starting to look good. // Qualcomm

Samsung CEO: Bixby-Powered Speaker Will Launch Second Half of 2018, Focus on 'Premium'

Tim — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:18:43 +0000

We've been reporting on Samsung's smart speaker powered by Bixby for what feels like a long time (July, 2017 to be exact), and each time we think we have an idea of when it will launch, Samsung says something different. Unfortunately, the latest news is more of the same. In December, we thought we may see this smart speaker in the first half of this year. Speaking to Wall Street Journal, Samsung's mobile CEO DJ Koh now says we can expect to see it in the second half of 2018. While we may have to wait a bit longer to get our hands on it, Koh has given a bit of insight into how Samsung wants users to view this tabletop device.

When I introduce the first model, I don’t want to give the impression that Samsung delivered another affordable mass model. I want to focus on more premium.

If we were to take what Koh states here and run with it, we could easily come to the conclusion that Samsung intends to introduce a competitor to the more expensive Google Home Max, not the standard Google Home. However, it seems like a safer bet that Samsung's first smart speaker will be a more affordable option, a proof of concept if you will, to see if buyers actually want to integrate Bixby into their home. If Samsung's first speaker is priced too highly, adoption numbers will suffer. Considering Samsung typically has another huge announcement in the second half of each year (Galaxy Note series), maybe we can expect it to be announced then. // Wall Street Journal

Samsung's New DeX Pad is Official Too, But Only for the Galaxy S9 Right Now

Kellen — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:54:58 +0000

The new Samsung DeX product, known as the DeX Pad, was announced yesterday along with the Galaxy S9 and S9+. Like the previous DeX, this DeX Pad will turn your phone into a Samsung-powered computer for...computer stuff...because you don't have another computer? I don't know. This one is kind of neat because as your phone docks into it, it then becomes a touchpad or keyboard. It fast charges your phone too, has 2 USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port for power. It even has a fan to help keep your phone cool while in use. This version of DeX, once connected to a monitor, pulls up Samsung's Galaxy Desktop software. Samsung also says that it can run virtualized Windows desktops and apps. To learn more about what DeX can do, hit up this post. At this time, Samsung hasn't said how much DeX Pad will cost.

// Samsung [2]

$80 ZTE Tempo GO is an Android Go Device Ready for the US

Tim — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:13:39 +0000

ZTE announced the Tempo GO at MWC this week, an $80 Android Go device, meaning it comes out of the box running a slimmed version of Android "Oreo." That also means buyers should expect timely updates for security, too. After all, just because you get an inexpensive phone doesn't mean you should get a lacking software experience. For specs, the Tempo GO offers a 5" FWVGA display (480x854), Qualcomm-made Snapdragon 210 quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 2200mAh battery. According to the network compatibility list, buyers should have no issue connecting it to any major GSM network here in the US. From what ZTE's website shows, the device is already sold out, so if you're interested, you may want to keep checking back. Not a bad little $80 phone, even if it looks eerily similar to HTC's "Facebook Phone." ZTE Store Link

Poll: Buying a Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+?

Kellen — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 11:40:36 +0000

Time to weigh in! The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ have been announced, we know their specs, we know their features, we know their pricing, and we know when they go up for pre-order before arriving in stores (March 2 and March 16). We know all there is to know without having reviewed them, which is often enough for most to decide if they are going to buy something. So are you buying one of them? Will you buy the Galaxy S9 or the Galaxy S9+? Will you skip both and stick with what you've got? Let us know. [poll id="475"]

Changes for YouTube Live Announced, IFTTT Implementation and Live Chat Now Replayable

Tim — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:56:35 +0000

YouTube is improving its livestreaming service, YouTube Live, with an update this month. With these changes, creators will find new ways of reaching more viewers and making their streams more interactive, but viewers will also see changes that should lead to a richer experience. For creators, their streams can now have live automatic speech recognition (LASR), allowing viewers to see live automatic captions. According to YouTube, "you’ll get captions with error rates and latency approaching industry standards," which means any one with the video muted or with a hearing disability can still enjoy the show. Additionally for creators, your Super Chat can be integrated with IFTTT, meaning a Super Chat can trigger a real-life event. For example, someone donates $5, which would trigger a light show behind you. Of course, you'll need your smart lights connected to IFTTT, plus a recipe made for this exact instance, but if you're a full time YouTuber then this shouldn't be an issue for you. For viewers, a livestream's chat typically disappears once the stream is over. With this update, the live chat will live on forever, playing back at the exact same time as it did when it was first recorded. This allows for much more content to digest should you go back and watch the saved livestream, as well as context should the streamer be taking questions or reading off comments from the live chat. These changes are rolling out now, so check them out. // YouTube

Download: Samsung Galaxy S9 Wallpapers

Tim — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 09:31:46 +0000

Feeling a few of the wallpapers you've seen so far on the Galaxy S9? Thanks to SamMobile, we now have all of the included wallpapers that come with the device available for download and use on any other device. In total there are 19 wallpapers, most of which are sized at 2560x2560. That should be good enough for any phone you're using, plus even your desktop monitor. If you're curious what types of styling you'll see, there are a few color gradient options, the above dandelion paper, standard "S9" papers, as well as the triangular look in a few different colors. We've placed a few examples below. To get these on your device, follow the link below to download the entire zip folder, unzip the wallpapers, then place them on either your desktop or phone. From there, go ahead and set them as your wallpaper. Download Here

Samsung Overviews Galaxy S9's 960fps Super Slow-mo, AR Emoji, and Stereo Speakers in New Videos

Tim — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 09:08:47 +0000

From the outside, it may only appear that the Galaxy S9 and S9+ have added stereo speakers and moved the fingerprint reader, but Samsung wants to ensure you that there's more to these phones than just those two physical changes. As we detailed in the announcement post, Samsung has added quite a few features to the camera(s) you find on the backside of the phones, improved the biometric authentication systems, and yes, they kept the headphone jack. While I could write 1,000 words detailing all of the changes, which we'll likely have to do for our full review, I'll let Samsung showcase the changes for you in the below series of videos. Each video is short, dedicated to only showing off what's new on the Galaxy S9 and S9+. For me, I have got to get this 960fps functionality into my hands. I imagine getting videos of my dogs will be a lot of fun with this. What's your favorite change? Refined Design and Infinity Display Super Slow-mo AR Emoji Low Light Camera Stereo Speakers Biometric Authentication Samsung DeX Galaxy S9+'s Dual Camera Live Translation

Google's Pixel Visual Core Just got an Update Through Google Play

Kellen — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 08:32:56 +0000

Google's Pixel Visual Core just got an update today through Google Play to v1.0.185741828. There isn't a changelog for the update, so we don't know what Google tweaked here. However, this app (or service) "updates image processing and machine learning algorithms on Pixel 2 phones," so I'd assume any update means Google has done some tweaking. Just this month, Google turned on the Pixel Visual Core for all 3rd party apps that want to take advantage of its processing power and HDR+ skills. It could be that this update improves that experience for other camera apps. The update should be live on your Pixel 2 phone right now. Google Play Link Cheers Kevin!

This Vivo APEX Phone has a Pop-Up Selfie Camera Because It's Front is 98% Screen

Kellen — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 08:18:49 +0000

Vivo, a company that might be fresh in your short-term memory because they showed off in-display fingerprint tech back at CES, has brought its A+ concept game to MWC. They are showing off (or talking about the possibility of?) a phone called the Vivo APEX FullView that looks like the future, if the future includes pop-up selfie cameras. The Vivo APEX FullView concept phone features a 98% screen-to-body ratio, taking this whole no-bezel trend to the max. Vivo says that this phone would have 1.8mm thick bezels on top and sides, along with a 4.3mm bottom bezel. While this is - again - a concept, this might be the reality we are quickly approaching. In addition to this idea that we could have a phone with 98% display up front, that means there aren't room for other must-haves, like a front camera. Vivo thinks it can solve that by including a pop-up selfie camera that elevates in 0.8 seconds and "retracts after use." Sure, guys.

But look, that's all talk. The real reason this concept exists is to talk about the new in-screen fingerprint reader tech that Vivo would like to put in phones. This latest tech from Synaptics (who sure does work closely with Vivo) is a half-screen in-display fingerprint tech that lets you put your finger anywhere in the bottom half of the display for it to be read. Instead of finding the sweet spot for fingerprint recognition, the idea here is to scan your finger without the guesswork. You could scan two fingers at once too, which would really ramp up the security. Vivo says that the APEX could have a DAC too, a vibrating SoundCasting technology within the display, and...yeah who cares, this is a concept. It's pretty cool, though!

F*ck Yeah, Sony's Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact Look Awesome

Kellen — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:31:21 +0000

Sony unwrapped its new 2018 phones tonight (this morning?) at MWC and as expected, they are the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact. If I'm being honest, they look pretty damn great, even if we have no idea if/when they'll come to the US or how much they'll cost. Let's talk about them anyway. With this new Xperia XZ2 line, Sony has indeed changed it up some. Their old design language is mostly gone and we've now got something that's almost modern. These phones have slimmer bezels than past Sony phones, pretty curves to their backsides, and proper fingerprint readers, as well as a bunch of other impressive specs.

Xperia XZ2

The higher-end of the two is the Xperia XZ2 and it packs just about everything you could ask for in a modern phone. You've got Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage with microSD support up to 400GB, 5.7-inch FHD+ display (2160x1080, 18:9, HDR), decent-sized 3180mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 and fast wireless charging, water resistance, rear-mounted fingerprint reader, a new 19MP camera, and Android 8.0 Oreo. That 19MP camera is worth talking more about, as Sony has included features like 4K HDR video recording and 960fps slow motion at up to 1080p. It drops in at f/2.0, but it packs an enormous list of additional high-end camera features. As for the rest of the phone, you've got stereo speakers, a Dynamic Vibration System to let you "feel the action in your hands" as you consume content, and no headphone jack (ugh, I know).

Sony Xperia XZ2

Xperia XZ2 Compact

With the Xperia XZ2 Compact, you've mostly got the same phone and specs, only in a smaller body. The changes here are the 5-inch FHD+ display with HDR, no vibration system or wireless charging, and a cheaper, plastic build. It still has the Snapdragon 845, though, as well as the 4GB RAM, 19MP camera, fingerprint reader, and stereo speakers. Like older Xperia Compact phones, it's just a smaller phone with all the specs you want.

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Sony says that the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact will be availabe globally "from" March 2018. I wish I could tell you how the US factors into that, but we just don't know yet. See the rest of the details at Sony's site:

// Sony

Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact Specs (Official)

Kellen — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:25:55 +0000

Now that the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact are official from Sony, let's dive into the full set of specs because these phones have it all. Like previous Xperia lines that included a Compact, you've got two phones with almost identical specs, only one is smaller than the other. So that means Snapdragon 845, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 19MP high-end cameras that shoot 4K HDR, 18:9 FHD+ displays, Bluetooth 5.0, rear-mounted fingerprint readers, and water resistance. The differences here are in the battery sizes, display sizes, and a couple of other things like wireless charging and a special vibration motor. Dive into the full specs list below.

Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact Specs

[table id=118 responsive=scroll /]

How Much Does the Galaxy S9 Cost?

Kellen — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 09:32:08 +0000

On the past two DL Shows, we debated what the price of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ would be. After hearing rumors of a major price increase coming over last year's Galaxy S8 and S8+, we figured we were looking at having to pay $50-$100 more for each phone. Today, Samsung announced both and the Galaxy S9 prices have surprised the hell out of us.

How much do they cost?

The US unlocked Galaxy S9 costs $719.99 and the unlocked Galaxy S9+ costs $839.99. Compared to last year, that's a $5 decrease in price on the S9 and only a $15 increase in the S9+. And remember, we've got upgrades across the board, including more RAM and a second rear camera in the S9+. That's not bad!

What about on carriers?

AT&T

Galaxy S9 is $26.34/mo on AT&T Next
Galaxy S9+ is $30.50/mo on AT&T Next

Buy: Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+

Verizon

Galaxy S9 is $33.33/mo for 24 months ($799.99 full retail)
Galaxy S9+ is $38.74/mo for 24 months ($929.99 full retail)

Buy: Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+

T-Mobile

Galaxy S9 is $30/mo on payment plan ($720 full retail)
Galaxy S9+ is $30/mo on payment plan with $120 down ($840 full retail)

Buy: Galaxy S9 | Galaxy S9+

Sprint

Galaxy S9 is $33/mo with a Sprint Flex Lease ($792 full retail)
Galaxy S9+ is $38/mo with a Sprint Flex Lease ($912 full retail)

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available starting March 16, with pre-orders going live on March 2.

// AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ Official, Available March 16

Tim — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 09:27:07 +0000

The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are now official from Samsung, with global availability set for March 16. While the overall designs haven't changed drastically from last year, let's quickly cover the big spec differences. The Galaxy S9 features a 5.8" QHD+ Curved Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB RAM, storage options starting at 64GB up to 256GB, rear-facing 12-megapixel camera, 3,000mAh battery, wireless charging, fingerprint reader on the backside, AKG-tuned stereo speakers, plus Android "Oreo" at launch. The Galaxy S9+ is of course similar to the smaller Galaxy S9, but comes with a larger 6.2" QHD+ Curved Super AMOLED display, 6GB RAM, dual rear-facing cameras with OIS (Wide-angle: Super Speed Dual Pixel 12MP AF sensor (F1.5/F2.4), Telephoto: 12MP AF sensor (F2.4)), and a larger 3,500mAh battery. All of the important spec information can be viewed here. Because the hardware didn't change too much, Samsung has to incorporate other changes to make these phones stand out from last year's. To do so, Samsung focused on the camera(s), entertainment experience (stereo speakers), new DeX Pad compatibility, as well as security with Knox 3.1 software.

Camera Improvements

Even though Samsung's Galaxy devices are already known for very good mobile cameras, there is always room for improvement, something Samsung doesn't seem to have much of an issue doing year-over-year. For the new S9 and S9+, Samsung is including Super Slow-mo, Low Light Camera, AR Emoji, and Bixby AI enhancements. For those who are fans of slow motion shots, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are capable of 960 frames per second (FPS). Additionally, the devices also offer automatic Motion Detection, a feature that detects movement in the frame and automatically begins to record. After shooting your Super Slow-mo clip, you can select background music from 35 different pre-installed options or add your own personal music. To compete with Apple's Animoji, Samsung is also including AR Emoji on these devices. AR Emoji uses a, "Data-based machine learning algorithm, which analyzes a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions, like winks and nods, for true personalization." To the delight of users, these AR Emoji can also be used in a range of 3rd-party messaging platforms. Here's how Samsung describes the Low Light Camera and Bixby tech.

Low Light Camera: Good lighting is the secret to any great photo. But often, photos are taken in less-than-ideal lighting conditions and most smartphone cameras have a fixed aperture that can’t adjust to low or bright lighting environments resulting in grainy or washed out pictures. Similar to the way the iris of a human eye expands and contracts, Samsung’s Dual Aperture² (F1.5 / F2.4) automatically lets in more light when it’s dark and less light when it’s too bright, taking photos that are crisp and clear.
Bixby: Samsung’s intelligence platform, integrated into the camera, uses augmented reality and deep learning technologies to provide helpful information about a user’s surroundings³. With real-time object detection and recognition, Bixby instantly generates information directly on top of the image that the camera is pointing at. Users can translate foreign languages and currency in real time with Live Translation, learn about their surroundings, purchase products seen in the real world and track calories throughout the day⁴.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available in the U.S. starting March 16, 2018. Pre-orders begin March 2, 2018. Staring March 2, if you pre-order a Samsung Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+, you can save up to $350 with a qualifying trade-in.

Both phones will be available through Samsung.com and the Shop Samsung app. The Unlocked Galaxy S9 is $719.99 or $30/month with 24 months financing, while the unlocked Galaxy S9+ is available for $839.99 or $35/month with 24 months financing.

Carrier pricing can be found here.

Official Introduction Video // Samsung

Comparison: Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8 vs. Galaxy Note 8

Kellen — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 09:18:31 +0000

Is the Galaxy S9 a big enough upgrade over last year's phones from Samsung, like the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8? That's going to be the question we'll try and answer over the coming weeks as we prepare for launch. On paper, these new S9 and S9+ phones sure look like minor upgrades. Samsung may have fixed a lot of stuff and upgraded most of the parts, but this isn't the dramatic change we might see in 2019. So how do they differ? The specs comparison of the S9 to the S8 and Note 8 can be found below for the dirty details. It shows that we have upgrades in the processor, RAM in the S9+, cameras, and, well, that's sort of it. They did move the fingerprint reader to the proper spot this time, so that's good. Check out the full comparison below and tell us if you think the Galaxy S9 is a big enough upgrade.

Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8 vs. Galaxy Note 8

<- Scroll ->

[table id=117 responsive=scroll /]

Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ Specs (Official)

Kellen — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 08:59:24 +0000

The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are official and we have the full set of specs for you below. While there aren't many surprises, it's hard to argue against the package that Samsung has put together here. These phones have it all. You've got a Snapdragon 845 in each, as well as big QHD+ AMOLED displays, water resistance, properly-placed fingerprint readers, plenty of RAM (4GB in S9, 6GB in S9+), plenty of storage (64GB + microSD support), a headphone jack, decent-sized batteries (same as last year's Galaxy S8 line), and Android Oreo under Samsung's latest skin. The big deal, though, is the camera setup. Both feature a 12MP Dual Pixel camera with variable aperture, which certainly isn't common for smartphones. You'll be able to capture proper lighting depending on the scene, plus capture that awesome bokeh we all love. The Galaxy S9+ does have a slight upgrade over the regular S9 in this department in that it's rear camera is a dual camera setup with a secondary telephoto lens. The rest of the Galaxy S9 specs are below.

Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ Specs

[table id=113 responsive=scroll /]

// Samsung

MWC: Nokia Intros the 8 Sirocco, 7 Plus, and Nokia 6 ('18) to Android One Family

Tim — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 08:51:52 +0000

Nokia announced a number of new phones at MWC this morning, three in the Android One family, with an additional handset running Google's Android Go software. The smartphones under the Android One label are the Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 7 Plus, and Nokia 6 (2018). These devices will all run a very barebones Android OS, meaning no amounts of bloatware should come preloaded on the device. With Android One, that also means they should receive timely updates, which is never a bad thing. As detailed, the Nokia 8 Sirocco is basically the flagship of this Android One trio, sporting a 5.5" POLED QHD display, Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, dual rear-facing cameras with Carl Zeiss optics, 3260mAh battery, IP67 rating, and a clean install of Android 8.0. For those not looking to pay flagship money for a device running last year's Snapdragon chipset, Nokia now also has an updated Nokia 6 (pictured above). This device features a 5.5" FHD display, Snapdragon 630 processor, 3 or 4GB RAM depending on the storage option, 16-megapixel rear-facing camera, fingerprint reader, and it too runs Android 8.0. According to Nokia, the latest Nokia 6 will be priced at a global average of €279, making it a pretty solid contender in the mid-range market. The last phone in the Android One family is the Nokia 7 Plus, featuring a 6" display (18:9, 1080 x 2160), Snapdragon 660 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 12-megapixel + 13-megapixel rear-facing cameras, fingerprint reader, and again, Android 8.0 that should be updated timely. Nokia mentions the 7 Plus should be available with an average global price of €399 in early April. Nokia also announced an Android Go device, the Nokia 1. This device comes with an extremely affordable price of $85, plus a clean and easily updatable version of Oreo. For $85, you can'y expect the greatest specs, but it does come with a 4.5" IPS display (854×480), MediaTek (MT6737M) quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, dual SIM slots, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, plus a removable 2150mAh battery. Here's availability and pricing details straight from Nokia.

Availability

Nokia 8 Sirocco will be available from early April for a global average retail price of €749.
Nokia 7 Plus will be available from early April for a global average retail price of €399.
New Nokia 6 will be available from May for a global average retail price of €279.
Nokia 1 will be available from early April for a global average retail price of $85.

Nokia fans, what do you think? // HMD Global

LG's V30S ThinQ is Official, and Guys, It has AI

Kellen — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 21:07:50 +0000

LG took the wraps off its old-but-new phone for 2018 tonight to kick off MWC 2018, the LG V30S ThinQ. That's actually the name too, I didn't just make that up. It's called the LG V30S ThinQ, plus there is another version called the LG V30S+ ThinQ. To save us all from stabbing our own eyes out, we'll refer to it only as the V30S going forward. Good?

How is the V30S different from the V30?

It has more RAM - 6GB to be exact.
It has more storage - 128GB in the regular V30S and 256GB in the V30S+.
It comes in "new" colors: Moroccan Blue and Platinum Gray.
It runs Oreo! Get a load of that!
It has AI, y'all. All the AI. There are 23 mentions of "AI" in the press release.

What is all this AI fuss about?

We actually already talked about all of its AI stuff a couple of weeks ago. You can read about it here. If you don't want to do that because talking about AI this much has put you on the verge of passing out in the middle of your slice of pizza and taking a pepperoni to the eye, let me try to simplify it all. The camera has AI ("AI CAM"), which is LG using technology to scan your scene and recommend a shooting mode. It can scan QR codes now, which is, come on, AI af. It can do some shopping via imagery taken with the camera, like Bixby tried to do at one point. It might try to show you food, fashion, and celebrities too, as well as landmark details. It will probably be better in low-light, which is actually kind of important. The other AI thing is "Voice AI," which is just a bunch of custom commands for the V30S that work with Google Assistant. That's it.

Wait, why can't your LG V30 have those software features, you ask?

It can and probably will. LG said that "certain phones from LG will receive key AI features in future updates delivered over-the-air."

When can you buy last year's V30 that is coming this year?

I don't know. LG didn't tell us in the press release they dropped in our inbox this evening. It's Saturday, my dudes, let's go drink more beer.

LG V30S ThinQ Specs

[table id=115 /] // LG

Samsung Outs Galaxy S9 in 3-Minute Promo Video a Day Early, Enjoy!

Kellen — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 14:08:11 +0000

The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will be unveiled tomorrow during Samsung's MWC 2018 press event, but someone slipped and published a 3-minute overview of the phones to YouTube today. Yeah, this really happened. The video might be the most boring promo video in history, as it takes an enterprise or multi-tasking/business approach to the Galaxy S9. Still, it shows off the phones, their eye-scanning features, fingerprint readers, hardware, cameras, new way to group apps for multi-tasking, water resistance, and an Enterprise Edition. Oh, we got a look at the new DeX dock too, that does indeed transform the phone into a touchpad. See anything fun here?

Weekly Recap: Galaxy S9 Coming This Weekend, HTC Lays Off Number of US Employees

Tim — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 15:08:08 +0000

We usually close shop for the weekends, but thanks to MWC, we'll be working hard starting Sunday morning. We're expecting a good amount of news coming out of Barcelona this weekend, including the announcement of Samsung's Galaxy S9 and S9+, Sony's new lineup of devices, plus possibly some more news from Google. Good times inbound. Here are the goods from this week.

Watch: Droid Life Show - "Sony, Let's Do This" [Subscribe]
The Sony Xperia XZ2 is looking pretty good.
Android P: Android P could have a native Dark Mode.
HTC: HTC lays off "large portion" of US workforce.
Google announces new things for Google Assistant.
Android manufacturers are really bad software updates.
Galaxy S9: Galaxy S9 and S9+ might be expensive, but that's no surprise.
Opinion: Android One is the new Google Play Edition.
Developers, you can now start working with ARCore.
Swype: RIP, Swype.
#IO2018: Application process for Google I/O 2018 is now open!
Google is at MWC and here's what they've announced so far.
Nest Aware price cut to $5/month.
Google Pay update rolling out to Android Pay.
AT&T announces first cities in US to get mobile 5G.
Snapdragon 845 lets you wirelessly stream music to multiple headsets, speakers.

We'll catch you this weekend, folks!

Samsung's MWC 2018 Event is Live February (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 14:52:13 +0000

We're finally here. We have made it to MWC 2018 opening weekend where Samsung will announce the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, two phones that we already know just about everything about, outside of official pricing and release timing. Samsung is a lot like Apple these days in that they are so big, that it has become impossible for them to keep anything a secret. Still, all eyes will be on the king. And yes, Samsung is hosting a massive MWC 2018 event where they'll announce their two new Galaxy S9 phones.

What time is Samsung's MWC 2018 event?

The Samsung MWC 2018 event kicks off on Sunday, February 25 at 12:00PM CET. For those of us in the US, that means Sunday at 12:00PM Eastern and 9:00AM Pacific. The event will be live streamed just about everywhere, so you should have no trouble tuning in.

On Twitter: live.twitter.com/Unpacked
On Facebook: Samsung Mobile Facebook
Samsung Unpacked app: Google Play Link
At Samsung's site

Should we find a YouTube stream, we'll embed that here on Sunday. UPDATE: Stream added to top of post! // Samsung

Sony's MWC 2018 Event is Live February 26

Kellen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 14:35:55 +0000

Samsung will own MWC 2018, but Sony has the event we're looking forward to the most. I know that sounds weird, it's just that we know what Samsung will bring. It'll be good. It'll be Samsung too. For Sony, 2018 is looking like the year they finally try and switch it up some by refreshing their mobile line, and that's exciting. Thanks to a leak earlier today, we caught our first looks at the phones that Sony is sure to unveil: the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact. The XZ2 appears to pack all of the specs and then some, as well as a refreshed design with a bubbly glass finish, and smaller bezels. It looks pretty great, especially when you consider that Sony has shipped the same phone for 5 or 6 or more years.

What time is Sony's MWC 2018 event?

Sony will host an MWC 2018 press event on February 26 that you can tune into. It's kicking off on Monday at a ridiculously early 2:30AM Eastern hour, so that's actually Sunday night at 11:30PM for those out here on the west coast. Again, Sony's MWC event is at 2:30AM Eastern on February 26 (11:30PM Pacific, February 25). Sony will live stream the event through their own site, though they tend to provide some form of a stream we can embed. Should they do that, we'll update this post on Sunday to let you watch it here. // Sony

Unlocked HTC 10 Receives Oreo Update, December Security Patch

Tim — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 13:33:27 +0000

Just as report cards were sent out for all of the major OEMs, with HTC scoring an F grade in the software update department, the HTC 10 is now receiving Oreo by way of over-the-air (OTA). Labeled as build 3.16.617.2 and weighing in at 1.32GB, the update brings the HTC 10 up to Android 8.0 while also updating the phone with the December security patch. No, not the January or February patches, but December's. According to Kellen, who now has Oreo running on his HTC 10, the UI has been switched up a bit, with icons looking a bit more circular. Check out a few screenshots below. If you're rocking the HTC 10, go taste some Oreo.

Podcast: Yes, Sony, Let's Do This.

Kellen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 11:06:20 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're getting hyped for MWC, which starts this weekend. We've got big events from Samsung and Sony, plus a bunch of early announcements from Google. And so you know, Sony might just steal this show while so many others have taken this year off (LG, HTC, Huawei, etc.) Outside of MWC, we'll catch you up on HTC's recent layoffs, Google Pay, YouTube TV, how bad companies are at Android updates these days, and say goodbye to one of the originals in Swype. We’ll be live at 11:30AM Pacific (2:30PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

You Now Have Our Attention, Sony

Tim — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:26:15 +0000

We recently learned that Sony would be drastically changing up its hardware design, and thanks to a new leak, we're seeing just how much Sony is switching things up. Thanks to VentureBeat, we're getting our first good look at the Sony-made Xperia XZ2, plus learning details about its smaller brother, the Xperia XZ2 Compact. As we can see from the image above, the XZ2 is unlike all other past Xperia devices, with curved edges and notably large display with somewhat minimal amounts of bezel. Yes, Sony, this is what we've wanted! According to VB, the Xperia XZ2 features an aluminum frame, 5.7" FHD displays with Gorilla Glass 5, Snapdragon 845 processor, 19-megapixel camera (f/1.8), rear-facing fingerprint reader, S Force front-facing stereo speakers, a currently unknown rating for ingress protection, 3180mAh battery, wireless charging, and Android 8.0+ Oreo at launch. The smaller XZ2 Compact features similar specs, just in a smaller package. The XZ2 Compact's display size is listed at 5.0", plus a smaller 2870mAh battery. Sony will host its press event to unveil its new devices next week, at which point we should learn all of the important stuff such as availability and pricing. // VentureBeat

DEAL: Woot has Google Pixel as Low as $280, Pixel XL as Low as $300

Kellen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:05:29 +0000

A reader asked me the other day if they should ditch their original Google Pixel or Pixel XL for the Essential Phone, since there are always so many good deals on the Essential Phone. I told them, no. I did that because they wanted a great camera and there still aren't many phones that can best even the original Pixel phones in that department. So if you want a great camera and don't have a ton of cash to spend, we've got a great deal for you today. Woot is offering up both the smaller Google Pixel and larger Pixel XL with huge discounts. The discounts are likely there because each is refurbished, but I don't know that that would deter me if I had a $300 budget and wanted a phone this good. UPDATE: As was noted in the comments, this is listed under Woot's "Scratch & Dent" category, so that does indeed mean there could be minor scratches or dents or scuffs. Specifically, "they may have minor cosmetic blemishes to the body of the unit and surface scratches on the screen." Woot's deal includes the Pixel with 32GB or 128GB and in any color (black, white, blue), starting at $279.99 (32GB) and topping out at $314.99 (128GB). If you want the bigger Pixel XL, they've also got 32GB or 128GB versions and all colors. The 32GB model is $299.99 and the 128GB model is $329.99. These phones are listed as being the US variants that work on all carriers, including Verizon. In the box you'll get the phone, an AC adapter, and Type-C cable. Come on, those prices are nuts. Woot Deal Link Cheers @tim_swann!

DARK MODE IS COMING, OMG. (Updated: Ugh...)

Kellen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 09:37:25 +0000

For real, Android P may get an official dark mode.

Back in November of last year, someone created an issue through Google's Issue Tracker that was mostly just a request for Google to add a dark mode or night theme into Android. They argued that OLED displays (which most phones use these days) see serious benefits from a dark mode in terms of battery life, so Google should toss one into a future version of Android, like Android 9.0. Almost immediately, a Googler responded that they would share with the Android engineering team and provide any updates as they became available. Then no updates were provided for months, that is until yesterday, when the issue was marked as "fixed." The Googler also noted that the "engineering team has added this feature," and that "it will be available in a future Android release." OMG.

To recap, we're potentially talking about a toggle for a theme change from something like light to dark, where everything from the notification shade to your settings would be darkened. OnePlus has had this on their phones for some time. Android Oreo sort of has a mild version of this that is dependent on the darkness or lightness of your wallpaper. But this sounds like you would be able to go into settings and turn on a true dark or night mode. That's awesome. And we know Google has been considering the option since Marshmallow. UPDATE: Google reopened the issue this afternoon and said that this was all a big miscommunication. Dark mode is not coming, nor is Hot Dog Mode.

Hi folks, you may remember me from the last three releases where it looked like Dark Mode was being added. Unfortunately, this bug was closed prematurely due to a miscommunication with the team that handles AOSP issues. What we *have* added in a future Android release is a developer-facing setting (via Developer Options) to toggle the -night UI mode qualifier, which will make it easier for developers to create and test apps that implement night mode. This qualifier has been in the platform since Froyo (SDK 8) and globally modifiable via UiModeManager since Marshmallow (SDK 23); however, there was never an explicit toggle made available anywhere in Settings. If it's any consolation, we will also not be adding Hot Dog Mode (where all UI elements are yellow and red).

~~I'm happy~~. // Google Issue Tracker | 9to5Google

HTC Lays Off 'Large Portion' of US Employees, Merges Smartphone and VR Divisions

Tim — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 09:19:43 +0000

Following the resignation of HTC's smartphone boss, the company has quietly confirmed the letting go of a portion of its US employees. According to a source of Digital Trends, the company laid off a few dozen to maybe 100 people, leaving only employees for HTC Global in the US office. While we don't expect any company to highlight layoffs, the company did provide the following statement to Digital Trends.

We have recently brought our smartphone and VR businesses under common leadership in each region. Today, we announced a restructure in North America for the HTC smartphone business that will centralize the reporting structure within the region. In doing so, there have been some employee reductions to align the businesses and empower the teams to share more resources.

With the combining of the company's smartphone and VR businesses, HTC likely hopes that the sharing of resources between teams will streamline whatever work is being done. It makes total sense, but it's not a good sign with regard to the company's smartphones and potential launches in the US. While we're still expecting at least one more flagship launch from HTC in the US, reported to be the U12, HTC's presence in the US following that is unclear. // Digital Trends

Google's ARCore Brings Advanced AR Apps to 13 Phones, Google Lens to All

Kellen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 08:53:18 +0000

Man, we're not even to MWC 2018 yet and Google is dropping news bomb after news bomb. After telling us about all of their Google Assistant plans, we now know what's coming with their ARCore platform and Google Lens. To put it simply, a big ol' group of people can now access both. For ARCore, an update to v1.0 dropped this week to take it out of beta and it enables advanced AR capabilities on 13 devices. It also opens up the option for developers to publish their AR apps on Google Play, so that you can start having fun with augmented reality. We'll be on the lookout for the first sets of these AR apps, like this Ghostbusters World bunch of awesomeness.

Google ARCore supported phones:

Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL
Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, Note 8, S7, S7 Edge
LG V30, V30+
ASUS Zenfone AR
OnePlus 5

For Google Lens, Google has brought Lens to almost everyone's phone through Google Photos. Now, when you take pictures and open them in Photos, you'll be able to tap the Lens button to learn more. That could mean selecting text in an image, using one to create a contact, and recognizing places, animals, plants, etc. An update to enable this for everyone will arrive in the "coming weeks."

In addition to Lens through Photos, Google says that they will also soon bring camera-based Lens support to Google Assistant for others. They didn't provide a list of those devices, but they'll be flagship-level, like the Galaxy S9 or LG V30. Google Play Links: ARCore // Google

Whoa: AT&T Rolling Out First Oreo Update to Moto Z2 Force

Tim — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 08:46:49 +0000

Just as we got done reporting on the software update report cards for major OEMs, a wild Oreo update appears. For the Moto Z2 Force on AT&T, owners can now download Android 8.0 Oreo, labeled as version OCX27.109-47. AT&T doesn't go into detail with what's new, but given we've been running Oreo for about half a year, we can fill you in. Oreo, specifically Android 8.0, offers native Autofill, smart text selection, Picture-in-Picture, Notifications Dots, Google Play Protect, plus a whole lot more. Moto Z2 Force owners on AT&T, go get it! // AT&T Cheers Eric!

Here's All the Big Google Assistant News That was Announced This Morning

Kellen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 08:23:17 +0000

More languages. OEM and carrier support. Routines. Location based reminders.

All of that stuff is on the way, Google announced through a blog post this morning, just before MWC 2018 kicks off in Barcelona. Throughout 2018, we're going to see Google Assistant in more places, work in more languages, let carriers and manufacturers add their own commands, and we'll finally (finally) get Routines. For Routines, you may remember these being announced all of the way back at Google's October 4 Pixel 2 event. What are they? Routines allow you to "get multiple things done with just a single command." For example, you could say, "OK Google, I'm home" as you arrive home from work and Assistant on your phone or through Google Home will turn your lights on, share reminders, and fire up that fresh 2018 playlist. The idea here is that one command will take care of a bunch of stuff. Google says that Routines are arriving in the "coming weeks" in the US, which is better than "soon," I guess. There will be six routines to "help with your morning, commutes to and from work, and evening at home." So it's not sounding like this is a customizable thing just yet, but more of a set list of commands that can do a set list of things. We'll know more...soon. Google is also adding a new aspect to location-based reminders. Since Assistant already does this on your phone, we're talking about adding them through Google Home now. That could mean by telling Google Home to remind you to pick up beer at the grocery store and then receiving a reminder to do so once you arrive. As for the carrier and manufacturer stuff, like LG has already announced they will do, Google is allowing both to add custom Google Assistant commands to give everyone more tools in Assistant. Google has dubbed these the Assistant Mobile OEM and Assistant Carrier programs. For OEMs (LG, Sony, and Xiaomi are already signed up), this will let you build device-specific commands. For carriers, this program lets them build out commands for customers to learn about their data plan or other services. Sprint, Koodo, Telus, and Vodafone are already working on some. Finally, Google announced today that more languages are gaining support in Assistant this year (more than 30, actually). In addition to more language support, Assistant will become multilingual too. If you speak German at work and French at home, your Assistant will be able to handle that. Multilingual support will first be available in English, French, and German. Big stuff for Assistant! // Google

DEAL: Up to $500 Off Verizon Galaxy S8, S8+ or T-Mobile Note 8, Plus Free Gear IconX Too

Kellen — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:22:48 +0000

Even with the Galaxy S9 right around the corner, there is nothing wrong with still looking for the best deal on the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy Note 8. Often when new phones are on the horizon, companies will discount their current best-sellers to try and move product. That seems to be the case over at Samsung's online store, where you can slash up to $500 off the Verizon Galaxy S8 or S8+, as well as the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 8. They are tossing in a free pair of Gear IconX ear buds too ($$200 value). This new Galaxy deal is a combination of an instant $200 discount paired with a trade-in (up to $300). For the Verizon Galaxy S8, you are looking at a starting price of $640, while the Galaxy S8+ starts at $556. For the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 8, your starting price would be $750. Those are solid discounts by themselves! However, to get the biggest discount, you will need to trade in your current phone. This is one of those Samsung trade-in deals where they give you the credit off right away, then ask you to send in your old phone once your new phone arrives. It's the best trade-in deal around, in our opinion. Samsung will give you $300 off instantly if you trade-in a iPhone 8 or 8 Plus, as well as a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL. They'll give you $250 off if you trade-in older devices like the Pixel and XL, Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, Note 5, or LG V20. There are $150 and $50 tiers too. In addition to those discounts, as I mentioned in the opening, the deal for a free pair of Gear IconX wireless buds is included as well. That's a $200 value there, bringing the total savings here to $700 or so. These deals are typically a limited time thing.

Samsung Deal Links:

Android Manufacturers are Getting Sh*ttier at Updating Phones

Kellen — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:47:11 +0000

Dating back to last August, we've released a monthly visualization to show the adoption (or lack thereof) of new versions of Android. We post an updated chart with each month's refreshed Android distribution numbers and they show that since Jelly Bean topped out at just over 60% of the pie and KitKat reached 40%, that it's been all down hill. Today, Computerworld posted their latest "Android Upgrade Report Card" for Oreo updates in the US and manufacturers outside of Google should be embarrassed by it. Companies like Samsung, LG, Motorola, and HTC are getting sh*ttier at updating their Android phones, just like the data we post monthly shows. The report card gave Google an "A" because since it's their operating system and they control their own Pixel and Nexus phones, they can update them pretty quickly. Computerworld's numbers show Google getting updates to all current flagship phones within 9 days and 18 days for previous-gen flagships. They got dinged a bit for their lack of communication, which makes sense, since this is Google who is terrible at communicating anything. From there, the next company on the report card is OnePlus with a "D" score. Oh, and by the way, this report card is in order by grade, so that means Google got an "A" and the next best company (OnePlus) could only muster up a "D." That also means that HTC, Motorola, LG, and yes, Samsung, all received an "F" score.

Another way to look at this would be through how long it took each company to update their current and previous flagships to Oreo, since that's the point of this. Let's take a look:

OnePlus ("D"): OnePlus 5 - 138 days; OnePlus 3, 3T - 91 days
HTC ("F"): U11 - 99 days; HTC 10 - no update
Motorola ("F"): Moto Z2 Force - 124 days; Moto Z - no update
LG ("F"): G6 - no update; G5 - no update
Samsung ("F"): S8, Note 8 - no update; S7 - no update

Embarrassing, right? This morning, I laid out a series of ideas about Android One becoming like the old Google Play Edition program, only this time as a way to reduce the time and resources needed for some of these companies to update their phones. This report card only seems to further my argument. It's time for companies like HTC, LG, and Motorola to ditch their current update patterns. Maybe it'll help them sell some phones again. As for Samsung, well, this is what Samsung does. They want you to continue buying new hardware and don't seem to care that much about how quickly they update their old devices. For a company that big and with those resources behind it, I'm not sure I'd buy any excuse they want to give for it being this way outside of just not caring. // Computerworld

Report: Google to Soon Launch ARCore Framework for 3rd-Party Development

Tim — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:18:27 +0000

According to a report from Variety, Google will launch the ARCore framework at this year's MWC, allowing 3rd-party developers to more easily bring augmented reality (AR) apps to the Android platform. As of right now, if you want to experience any sort of AR on your Android device, you're best equipped with a Pixel phone from Google, coupled with the latest ARCore app and Star Wars sticker pack. And don't forget, Pokemon GO also has a touch of AR when trying to catch pocket monsters, but we all disabled that jank, right? With the release of the framework, developers should have access to all of the development tools they will need to create immersive and exciting apps. You know, access to all of a phone's sensors, cameras, and all that is needed for AR. It's funny that we've been discussing AR for such a long time, but it doesn't have much of an audience on Android at this moment. It's quite clear that companies like Google and Samsung have focused more on virtual reality (VR) ahead of AR, but now we could see an explosion of AR experiences come to Android. It's been a long road, but maybe soon we'll be playing tabletop games sorta like the one Apple showcased during last year's WWDC. Ready for AR? // Variety

Opinion: Android One Becomes the New Google Play Edition Now That Android Go is Here

Kellen — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:59:34 +0000

If I look back through all of the years we have covered Android, it's hard to argue that the introduction of Google Play Edition phones wasn't one of the biggest moments. In those early years, the Android skin situation was bad. Those early versions of TouchWiz, MotoBlur, and even HTC Sense, weren't what many of us wanted, to say the least. We wanted Google's version of Android, as well as their Nexus update schedules, yet that was tough to get because Google was making average hardware at the time. While Google Play Edition may have failed as a program, I get the feeling that Android One will now act as a proper replacement to it.

A little Google Play Edition history

When the Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play Editions arrived in June 2013, the Nexus 4 was still available. While it was a fine phone with a pretty, sparkly backside, it had a less-than-stellar camera and lacked the biggest tech of the moment: LTE. Not only that, we all liked Samsung and HTC's hardware and had long-dreamed of a phone that featured Samsung's cameras and specs, HTC's stellar metal bodies and speakers, and ran stock Android that was updated frequently. Google Play Editions gave us that. You may recall that when the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition was announced at Google I/O, it was described as a "Nexus user experience" with noted LTE support, an unlockable bootloader, and "prompt system updates." Those old Google Play Edition listings talked heavily about having the "latest version of Android from Google," a "fast, clean user experience," and Google's apps package there in a carrier-free phone, so that you have a device that is yours to do what you want with. These were dream phones for Android purists.

Well, they were until Google killed the program not even two years later. I'm not sure Google ever truly acknowledged the GPE program's death, we just assumed it wasn't worth the hassle for everyone involved. By the time it ended, Google had helped bring its Android experience to others by splitting up Android into multiple parts to make its services more accessible to everyone, as well as update certain aspects through Google Play Services. But you also have to wonder if any of the partners truly bought in and saw the value in offering Google Play Editions.

Android One first arrives

During that short Google Play Edition life cycle, Google introduced another still-alive-today program called Android One. At the time, Google billed it as a platform for the "next five billion," thanks to its accessible pricing. Android One phones were built on a reference design that could be updated frequently, run smoothly, and cost less. Google said specifically that Android One's purpose was "to make high-quality smartphones accessible to as many people as possible" and that were "not just great to use, but also affordable." The Android One site used to reference those next billions of people as well. Even as late as last year, the Android One site was showcasing phones for Y! Mobile and talking about how "Android One devices feature best-in-class hardware for their price." Fast forward to today and that's all changed.

The big, budget switcheroo

Hiroshi Lockheimer said in a blog post today that they created Android One for three reasons: "faster access to the latest Android OS updates and Google innovations, regular security updates, and an easy-to-use software design that’s intuitive and streamlined." See anything missing there? He didn't mention anything about pricing, affordability, or accessibility to billions of new Android users. The current version of the Android One site has scrubbed all mentions of value or price. The focus of Android One today is about phones that run the "purest form of Android." Google is calling Android One a platform that showcases "Android at its best." Google talks about Android One having "everything you want" (all of Google's services, not someone else's) and "nothing you don't" (no bloatware or obnoxious skin), as well as access to Google Assistant, Google Play Protect, and two years worth of updates. It's a lot like how Android One started out, but again, without the budget talk or that whole reaching the next five billion focus. And the budget talk has gone away because Android Go is here to fill that need. In fact, Android Go devices will first arrive next week at MWC, as well as news surrounding Android One. Android Go devices will run a lighter version of Android with optimized Go apps that were built for devices we once saw kickstart the Android One program (those with lower specs, like between 512MB and 1GB RAM). Google is even acknowledging on the Go site that they need help of developers to make Go reach "the next billion." Android Go is what Android One first set out to be, which is fine.

First new Android One devices

Last year, we saw the beginnings of this change in Android One as reports suggested the program's phones would arrive for the first time in the US. Before the year ended, new Android One phones from partners you know, like the Xiaomi Mi A1, HTC U11 Life, and Moto X4 all launched in various countries. The difference with these phones and previous Android One phones was the fact that these weren't ultra budget phones anymore. Sure, they aren't $700, but they cost anywhere from $230 to $400, feature 3GB and 4GB RAM, higher-end processors, full HD displays, dual camera setups, and premium builds. By all means, these are phones anyone could enjoy, not just the next billion with $100 budgets. And that sort of brings me back around to Google Play Edition phones. There was a range of devices in Google Play Edition, from the budget-friendly Moto G to the overpriced Sony Z Ultra and random inclusion of the LG G Pad 8.3. But the goal for Google Play Edition was the same as it is for Android One today: to give you the best Android experience.

Even better Android One phones must be coming

So what does all of that mean for the future? It appears that Android One is going to get an even bigger push into this new lifestyle in 2018. Lockheimer said today that "beautifully designed hardware from top partners" will continue to push Android One forward. New Android One devices are coming very soon. The tricky part here is trying to figure out how far they'll take Android One. Will they get close to the level of phones that were in Google Play Edition? Will the program tack on a high-end phone like the Galaxy S9 or maybe the LG V30 (2018 Edition)? Google sure is close with HTC - do we get a flagship-level phone from HTC as a part of this program? My guess is that we will see just that. I don't know who is going to make it or who the partner will be, but it's clear that Android One is Google's latest attempt to push their version of Android with their services front and center. The way you get that in front of more people is by reaching all budgets. They are currently in both low (Mi A1) and mid tiers (U11 Life, X4), so that only leaves an obvious next tier.

Why now, though?

That's a tough question to answer. Why did Google Play Editions fail or why did Google kill the program? Again, we don't know the exact reason. What we do know is that Android still has an update problem to this day, something both Google Play Edition and Android One have solutions for. Is another push behind Android One the way to help fix that? If only it were that easy. But with most Android manufacturers struggling these days to sell phones outside of Samsung and Huawei, maybe it makes sense that players like HTC, LG, and Motorola take on Google's version of Android through Android One with Google helping out on updates. Rather than spending the time and resources it takes to update custom Android skins to the latest versions of Android, why not let Google do most of that work? Look, Android manufacturers have argued that selling lots of Android phones can only happen through differentiation, often through software. Except, that doesn't appear to be working anymore. Will running Google's version of Android help fix that? I don't know, but after years upon years of failing, why not give it a shot? Android One, the new Google Play Edition, might be that next shot.

You Can Now Apply to Attend Google I/O 2018!

Tim — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:44:14 +0000

The application process for this year's Google I/O is now open! In order to get yourself a ticket to the event that takes place in Google's backyard on May 8-10, you'll need to have some luck. You'll also need to let Google put a $1,150 hold on your credit card. Ouchies. To get started, follow the link below, sign into your Google account, apply for either an academic ($375) or general admission ticket ($1,150), provide your form of payment, and then cross your fingers. If you're selected to attend, you'll likely hear back from Google after a week or so. Good luck to those trying to attend! Apply Here

Reported Pricing for Galaxy S9 and S9+ is High, But That's No Surprise

Tim — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:49:47 +0000

According to @evleaks, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will carry high prices, but that doesn't come as much of a surprise. As shown in images attached to his tweet, the Galaxy S9 will be priced at 841€ and the Galaxy S9+ will be 997€. With a straight conversion, that equates to $1037 for the S9 and $1229 for the S9+. However, Samsung will unlikely do a straight conversion for its pricing in the US, and instead, opt for something like $849 for the Galaxy S9 and $999 for the Galaxy S9+. Of course, we can't confirm this and those numbers are pure speculation, but seeing as how major OEMs seem to love adding $75 to $100 to their retail prices year-over-year, this wouldn't be too surprising. Last year, the Galaxy S8 was launched with a price of around $740, while the S8+ was $850. If indeed we see such a price increase, with Samsung thinking they can get away with iPhone X prices, these will undoubtedly be the most expensive Galaxy S devices to ever launch. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be announced this weekend at MWC. We'll likely get official US pricing at that time, so stay tuned. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/966717256205045760

Google's MWC Plans Include RCS, Assistant, and Lens News, Plus the First Android Oreo (Go Edition) Devices

Kellen — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:19:20 +0000

This morning, Google provided a preview of sorts for their plans at next week's MWC 2018 conference. Like at this year's CES, Google is going to have a big presence, only this time it won't just be a focus on Google Assistant. While Assistant will be on hand, we'll also learn about the latest in RCS adoption, something surrounding Google Lens, and see the first Android Oreo (Go Edition) devices. There'll be some new Android One fun as well. The details for Google Assistant, RCS, and Lens announcements were only hinted at, so we'll mostly have to guess what Google's plan is there. With Assistant and Lens, I'd imagine we will see improvements or newish features, as well as new devices for both to be featured in. The RCS stuff could be huge, though. You may recall that Google first kicked off its RCS push at MWC only two years ago. Since, they've added a number of carrier partners to help make RCS the future, but that likely hasn't gone as quickly as they hoped. We've seen signs that point to Google possibly taking RCS and advanced messaging into their own hands, sort of like Apple did years ago with iMessage. Two weeks ago, we shared details about Android Messages coming to the web, as well as Google pushing a "powered by Google" set of features that are core to RCS that previously relied on carrier support. Don't be surprised if this all opens up over the weekend or early next week as MWC kicks off.

As for Android Oreo (Go Edition), well, this was announced back in December as an ultra-light version of Android Oreo that was performance and storage-tuned to work on lower-tier Android phones, specifically those with between 512MB and 1GB RAM. Oreo (Go Edition) also runs a special set of "Go" apps (Assistant, YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Chrome, etc.) that are optimized to take up less space. Google says to expect the first devices running this lighter version of Oreo, but didn't announce any partners just yet. And finally, Android One will most definitely be on hand at MWC 2018. I've got some thoughts to share there, so stay tuned. // Google

Study Finds That a Third of You Would Rather Use Your Phone Than Talk to Humans

Kellen — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 08:28:40 +0000

Motorola published the results of a study yesterday that describe a world in which too many of us are obsessed with our phones, would rather use our phones than talk to people, and possibly consider our phones to be best friends. That's all pretty alarming stuff, though not necessarily surprising. Moto asked Dr. Nancy Etcoff, a mind-brain behavior expert from Harvard, to put together the study before handing it off to an independent group to run it. The goal was to look at behaviors of phone users across generations while also understand the impact of them on relationships with ourselves, people around us, and the places we visit or socialize in. There were a handful of interesting findings, like the ones I mentioned above. This study showed that 33% of respondents "prioritize their smartphone over engaging with people they are about and want to spend time with them." Yeah, that's not OK. Additionally, 53% of Gen Z respondents described their phone as a "best friend." That's beyond lolz-worthy and also, as I noted above, not surprising. Kids these days, am I right? Thankfully, 60% of respondents acknowledged that they need to have better phone-life balance. To further the fun, Motorola setup a quiz with 10 questions that attempts top rate you based on your relationship with your phone. You can access the quiz right here. I took it and came in at a level 3, which is probably still bad, but maybe not as bad as you level 5ers.

Why did Motorola, a company who wants to sell you phones that you consider to be a best friend, run this study? Who knows. But they are hawking a SPACE app, that attempts to help you take breaks from your phone, as a part of it. They also tossed in a Moto Mods mention and Moto Display, because, yeah. Anyways, the numbers were interesting enough to share, because we really all are addicted to these damn glowing screens. // Motorola

Which Android Phone Should You Buy Today? (February 2018)

Kellen — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 16:18:13 +0000

It's the question we get asked the most. As Android enthusiasts who review Android phones for a living, readers, friends, family and anyone else who finds out who we are, want our recommendations on the phone that they should buy. In past years, we've steered a bit clear from just straight up recommending a single phone because everyone's needs are different. But you know what? It's 2018, so the hell with that. You want to know what the best Android phone is that you can buy today? Cool, we'll tell you what we'd buy if our budget was unlimited, if it topped out at around $500, or if the budget was only a couple of hundred dollars.

What's your budget?

Unlimited | Around $500 | $300 and Under

Unlimited Budget

You are willing to spend what it takes to get the best phone available on Android. You'll pay $1,000 if you have to, but really just want the phone that can do it all.

Buy the Pixel 2 XL.

Why? It has one of the best cameras (probably the best) in a smartphone. It will always run the newest version of Android because Google updates it directly. It'll be the most secure, because Google sends it monthly security patches. It will run almost flawlessly, because it's Google's hardware and software working together the way Google wants it to work. The battery life is solid. It charges quickly. It's water resistant. The stereo speakers are nice to have. It has a fingerprint reader. It comes with either 64GB or 128GB of storage, which is probably plenty for most people. You get unlimited high-quality photo backups in Google Photos too. It even looks pretty slick. It works on every single major US carrier and you can buy it directly from Google. Need more details on all of that? Read this post as well as our Pixel 2 XL review.

Buy Pixel 2 XL: Verizon | Best Buy | Google

Not interested in the Pixel 2 XL? If you don't want to buy the Pixel 2 XL today, you should probably wait a bit. It's February 21 and the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be unveiled in a couple of days. If the Pixel 2 XL isn't doing it for you, you may as well see what Samsung is up to. As of today, it's looking like the Galaxy S9 will include minor cosmetic changes over the Galaxy S8, but could feature a really big camera upgrade and stereo speakers. Both S9 models will have headphone jacks too. Will the S9 be better than the Pixel 2 XL? While we don't know the answer to that yet, I have my doubts.

Around $500

You've got some cash to spend, but you don't really want to break the bank. Still, you want a great phone that doesn't compromise, that can take great photos, works well, sees updates, and is basically a Pixel 2 XL without the steep price tag.

Buy the OnePlus 5T.

At a starting price of $499, it will be hard to find a better value than the OnePlus 5T. It features an all-display front, premium hardware, really good camera, all of the specs your brain can handle, one of our favorite Android skins (OxygenOS), a super fast fingerprint reader with facial unlock there as a bonus, incredible battery life, and fairly quick updates. Sure, OnePlus isn't as good with software updates as Google, there isn't real water resistance, and the phone doesn't work on Verizon (only T-Mobile and AT&T in the US), but the rest is about as good as it gets for around $500. Need a deeper dive into that? Read this post and watch our review.

Buy OnePlus 5T

Need another option, friend who isn't on AT&T or T-Mobile? Your options for a package as good as the OnePlus 5T at this budget are limited. The LG G6 Prime Exclusive version ($420, review) is a solid bet as LG's flagship from last year. I'd suggest you take a look at the Essential Phone ($500, review) too.

$300 and Under

Not everyone wants to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on an Android phone, we get that. For those with a smaller budget that still want quality and reliability, this is the phone we think you should buy.

Buy the Moto X4 Prime Exclusive.

Even though I reviewed the Moto X4 and wasn't blown away, the overall package you get with the Prime Exclusive discount changes everything. Depending on the day, Amazon will sell you the Moto X4 for under $300 ($279 right now), yet Motorola wants $400. At that $400 price, I wasn't impressed. However, at sub-$300, this is a steal. The Moto X4 is equipped with a solid set of specs, sharp design, decent dual cameras, water resistance, and it already runs Android Oreo before most. It works on all major US carriers too.

Buy Moto X4 Prime Exclusive

It's a "no" on the Moto X4? Then wait. Motorola, the current king of budget phones, is about to announce the Moto G6 line. The Moto G6 line will likely set the standard for budget phones in 2018, though we don't know when it'll arrive in the US. If you can wait, I'd wait for the G6. We'll do our best to update this every few months, but are making no damn promises.

DEAL: Google's Newest Daydream View Headset is $20 Off

Kellen — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:33:51 +0000

Google's newest Daydream View headset is currently $20 off at a variety of retailers. That drops the price to $79.99, which is the same price that the original View headset fetched. What's different about this new 2017 version? It has a new outer material, one that should be much more resilient to the VR damage you may inflict on it. In terms of VR quality, it has an upgraded 100-degree field of view, as well as a new optical lens design and heatsink to help keep your phone cool during long sessions. It also has a top strap to relieve some weight. The $20-off deal is a limited time offer, so don't wait too long.

Daydream View Deal Links:

Verizon
Best Buy
Google

Here are the Android Phones Google Recommends for Enterprise Customers

Tim — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:20:15 +0000

In the world of Android, there are many choices when it comes to devices. When you look closely, though, some devices are better than others in categories such as frequent security updates and reliable software experiences. Because of this, Google is launching a new global initiative called Android Enterprise Recommended. With this program, Google is handpicking which devices are best for the world of enterprise. According to Google, devices in the program meet an, "elevated set of specifications for hardware, deployment, security updates, and user experience to help organizations handle the most challenging and diverse business environments." Additionally, the OEMs in said program receive an enhanced level of technical support and training from Google. This should all lead to a better enterprise experience for the customer, which of course, matters the most. Here's the full list of Enterprise Recommended devices as it stands right now. Android Enterprise Recommended Devices

BlackBerry KEYone and Motion
Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL
Huawei Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, P10, P10 Plus, P10 Lite, and P smart
LG V30 and G6
Motorola X4 and Z2
Nokia 8
Sony Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, XA2, and XA2 Ultra

As we can see, Google's own devices meet the criteria (naturally), but Huawei also comes in with six devices on the list. Funny, I thought we were trying to avoid Huawei at all cost. Even more odd is that Samsung's flagship devices are not listed, but that could change with the release of the Galaxy S9 and S9+. Google was kind enough to also lay down what is required of OEMs to partake is this program. Needless to say, most of these requirements shouldn't be deal breakers for any major OEM. Android Enterprise Recommended Requirements and Best Practices

Minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0+ devices
Support for bulk deployment of Android devices including zero-touch enrollment
Delivery of Android security updates within 90 days of release from Google, for a minimum of three years
Availability of unlocked devices, direct from manufacturer or reseller
Consistent application experience in managed profiles and on managed devices

As Google notes in its announcement, you can expect more Android Enterprise Recommended devices to be added in the coming weeks and months.

Throughout 2018, we will also be applying the Android Enterprise Recommended framework to additional partner types, including OEMs of “dedicated” and rugged devices, mobile carriers, enterprise mobility management (EMM) providers and systems integrators.

Here's an overview video Google published for the Enterprise Recommended program. // Google

REMINDER: We're Giving Away 2 LG V30s, Thanks to AT&T!

Kellen — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 11:18:39 +0000

Quick reminder here, but don't forget that we're giving away an LG V30 to two different DL readers on Monday, thanks to AT&T. You don't have to do much to enter, outside of completing a few tasks in the widget below. It's super free and super easy. Full contest details here.

Snapdragon 845 Platform Lets You Wirelessly Stream Audio to Multiple Headsets, Speakers

Tim — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:37:46 +0000

According to an announcement made by Qualcomm this morning, the Snapdragon 845 platform (you know, the processor that will be inside all of this year's flagship devices?), now supports Qualcomm Broadcast Audio. Like me when I first heard of this, you may be asking what Broadcast Audio is. Well, to put it as simply as possible, it allows users to wirelessly stream music from their Snapdragon 845-powered device to multiple headsets and speakers. For example, let's say you and a friend are taking a plane ride. With this tech, you can stream tunes to both you and your friend's wireless headsets, no dongles or 2-port adapters needed. So long as the headset or desired speaker is in Bluetooth range, you should have no issues connecting. Furthermore, Qualcomm states this tech features "near perfect synchronization," meaning regardless of which audio sources are connected, the audio playing should be synced well enough that you don't hear any odd timing. Broadcast Audio Features

Simpler set-up and pairing of devices and device management helping users to more easily manage which devices can join
Broadcast to numerous devices within Bluetooth range
Built-in robustness, automatic retransmission and packet-loss concealment
Encrypted audio stream designed to help reduce the risk of eavesdropping

As Qualcomm puts it, "Imagine the laughter of a group of teenagers sharing a new song amongst their individual headphones, a 'silent disco' with hundreds listening to a DJ that only they can hear, a guided tour with simultaneous translation or college dorm party where numerous speakers can participate to support an impromptu party, these are just some of the exciting possibilities our customers can support with broadcast audio." Qualcomm notes that Broadcast Audio will be demoed at this year's MWC, so expect to see more about this in the coming days. // Qualcomm

Nest Aware No Longer Stupidly Expensive, Plus Nest Cam IQ Now has Google Assistant

Kellen — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:31:02 +0000

Nest announced today that thanks to a new addition to the Nest Aware line-up of subscription plans, it's no longer so expensive to get a bit of access to your home security cameras' history. Additionally, if you own a Nest Cam IQ, it's now powered by Google Assistant. For the new Nest Aware plan, you can pay $5 and access up to 5 days worth of video history. That's a big deal because your only options previously were plans at $10 for 10 days or $30 for 30 days. And for those not aware, that's a per-camera fee. So that $5 or $10 or $30 per month only gets you video history to a single camera. If you want access to more cameras, you have to pay for each one. As you can imagine, it can get pretty expensive to have access to video history with Nest, which is why this $5 plan is nice to see. Wonder how that compares to others? Ring's Protect Plans include Protect Basic at $3 per month each, but that gets you 60 days (!) worth of video. They also have a Protect Plus for $10 per month that covers an unlimited number of cameras. For Logitech's Circle cameras, you get 1-day access free, plus there are $3.99/mo and $9.99/mo options. Those provide 14-day and 31-day history, respectively. As for the Google Assistant addition to Nest Cam IQ, this arrives via a free software update for all current and new owners. With Assistant on board, you get to say, "OK Google" to have it fire up and listen to your commands, just like a Google Home would. The update will arrive as a part of the Nest app's update that begins rolling out today. Once you have that new update, you'll head into the Nest app, opening settings and then look for the "Add Google Assistant" option. // Nest

Essential Just Made It Easier Than Ever to Join Their Oreo Beta Program

Tim — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:18:14 +0000

We get it, you haven't sideloaded something onto an Android phone since 2011. That's completely understandable and no one here blames you. Well, should you not be an adb master hacker elite, Essential is now letting would-be Oreo beta testers join the Android 8.1 beta via an over-the-air (OTA) update, instead of the usual sideload routine.

OTA > Sideload

I don't know about you, but every time I flash something onto a phone, there's a part of me, albeit small, that is completely positive that I'm about to brick my device. What can I say, I'm a worrier. With Essential letting folks determine if they want to sideload the beta build or receive a simple OTA, it essentially lets anyone with the device test out the upcoming Oreo update, without the need to worry about something going horribly wrong. This is a great thing. The option is now live on Essential's developer page. To get started, all you need is your name, email address, device serial number (2x to ensure they match), then Essential states it could take up to 72 hours for you to receive the OTA. Of course, you don't need to wait if you sideload, but again, not everyone is comfortable with that method. Follow the link below if you're ready to get started. Essential Beta Builds

AT&T Appears to be Serious About Launching Mobile 5G This Year

Kellen — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 08:01:36 +0000

In early January, shortly after AT&T told us that they had plans to launch mobile 5G before the end of 2018, the collective eye-roll throughout the industry could be felt far and wide. Having said very little about 5G in the lead-up to that proclamation, along with the fact that zero details were delivered in that initial statement, we weren't about to take them seriously until we learned more. Today, they delivered more. Not only do we know the first AT&T 5G cities that will go live later in 2018, we know some of the network tech they plan to deploy as this whole 5G thing builds out.

First AT&T 5G cities

Again, AT&T said back in January that they would have 5G in up to a dozen markets before the end of the year. They haven't backed off that claim and instead told us that parts of Dallas, Atlanta, and Waco will go live with mobile 5G. Since that's only three, AT&T says that we'll just have to stay tuned for the rest of the list. I wouldn't be shocked if we see cities like Austin and Indianapolis make the cut, since they are a couple of AT&T's live 5G Evolution markets. Their other 5G Evolution cities list included Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Nashville, and San Francisco.

What's the 5G plan?

Today's announcement attempted to connect some of the dots, so that we know how AT&T plans to launch mobile 5G well ahead of T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint. It's not the clearest thing ever, because they mention 5G Evolution (which is not 5G), as well as LTE-LAA, which is currently a piece of everyone's LTE network. But AT&T does want to assure us that their 5G will be 3GPP standards based and operate over mmWave spectrum (just like Verizon and T-Mobile) initially. After that mmWave start, they will then deploy additional 5G technology on additional spectrum bands. AT&T says that the way they are "implementing 5G in the initial deployments will also seamlessly integrate with current LTE technologies," plus the equipment they are deploying on their LTE network will be easy to migrate to 5G. For those not following, this sounds like what everyone is doing, it's just that AT&T claims to be on a schedule to kick off a lot of this before 2018 ends. While there won't be a single phone available to take advantage of their 5G network, we might get a hotspot or two. 5G phones aren't going to rollout out until next year. And there you have it. Those are AT&T's early plans for launching 5G in 2018. Think they'll do it? // AT&T

Pixel 2 XL Camera Wins the Weekend After Owner's Kebab Photo Session Goes Viral

Kellen — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 15:52:32 +0000

Thanks to a drunken photo session at a kebab place that went down over the weekend, the internet is now in love with the Pixel 2 XL camera. Funny how these things happen, but a single Tweet that included four photos taken with a Pixel 2 XL, photos that the owner doesn't even remember taking, has become one heck of an advertisement for Google's new phones. Twitter user @moya_lm posted the photos, saying that she "passed out fully clothed last night" and "managed to upload a full photoset from my local kebab place" that she doesn't "remember either doing or taking in the first place." That's funny as a stand-alone story, especially when you dive into the replies of her Tweet, but this turned into Google's dream scenario once someone asked her which phone she had. She replied by saying, "Google Pixel 2 XL!" and that the "camera is INSANE." From there, she sent out a series of replies about how much she loved her new Pixel 2 XL, that she recommends it, and noted that it "brought back" her joy in snapping pictures again. Others who own the Pixel 2 joined in, sharing their pics. Here is the original Tweet and the photos. https://twitter.com/moya_lm/status/964859182901006336 Google acknowledged the hilarity of it today. https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/966089037910966272 To say that we agree is probably an understatement. This is one of those phone cameras that you want to constantly test.

OpenSignal's State of LTE Report Highlights America's Slow 4G Speeds

Tim — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:57:11 +0000

OpenSignal has published an updated State of LTE report for February, 2018. To be quite honest, 4G technology doesn't seem to have evolved too much lately, given everyone is more focused on developing and deploying 5G, so this report doesn't really have anything too exciting. However, we do get to see where the good ol' US of A ranks in 4G speed compared to other nations (it's like the Olympics but with 4G) and we're also learning of nations that are now providing 4G connection speeds at least 90% of the time. For average speed in Mbps, it's not looking great for the US. Currently, when stacked against other countries, we're ranked #62. According to OpenSignal, we come in with an average speed of 16.31Mbps. Compare that to South Korea, Norway and the Netherlands, all of whom offer 40Mbps averages, and we're now depressed.

While speeds aren't all that hot for us, what we can say is that access to "4G" has increased. As OpenSignal's report shows, "There are now five countries where consumers have access to a 4G connection more than 90% of the time: South Korea, Japan, Norway, Hong Kong and the U.S." That's great for us, if you consider 16Mbps to be a 4G connection. I'll be quite interested to see how all of these numbers react to the launch of 5G for consumers. Will the US still struggle to offer fantastic speeds to citizens? Will our availability numbers be just as good? Guess we'll have to just wait and see. // OpenSignal

Unlimited Plan Comparison: Verizon vs. AT&T vs. T-Mobile vs. Sprint (Feb 2018 Update)

Kellen — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:36:46 +0000

Now that we're a full year into the return of unlimited data on almost all US wireless carriers, it's time for an update on the current unlimited data plans from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Like we did last February and then again in August, we've got it all laid out for you in a comparison table below.

Unlimited Data Plans Comparison

[table id=114 responsive=scroll /]

Whose Unlimited Data Plans Changed?

I'm not sure if this is good news or not, but there are few changes since that last update. In fact, the only notable changes were to pricing from a couple of carriers (T-Mobile and Sprint) that were likely the result of promo pricing expiring. Verizon and AT&T both stayed the same since that last comparison. Outside of pricing, we've got a clearer breakdown of T-Mobile's Canada/Mexico roaming, as well as their hotspot availability and caps depending on which version of T-Mobile ONE you subscribe to. The other big change is the list of freebies, with AT&T now offering free HBO to both plans, T-Mobile offering free Netflix, and Sprint tossing in a Hulu Limited Commercials plan. Verizon still only offers Verizon Up as a potential bonus.

Which carrier has the best unlimited plan?

All depends on what you need. As I said in the last comparison, our readers tend to be split between T-Mobile and Verizon these days. Verizon's network continues to be rated the best, but T-Mobile's continues to improve at a rapid pace. AT&T did show big improvements in the last big RootMetrics report too, while Sprint, well, they seem to be waiting for 5G to make a big splash. I can tell you that as someone who tests networks a lot, I use both Verizon and T-Mobile. I like both. In Portland, T-Mobile has been better for me, mostly because of where I live. But when I leave the city, I often make sure I grab my Verizon phone because I know their network reach is the best there is. I know that doesn't help you much, I'm just pointing out that those ideas about each network that have persisted for years are still very much a part of the equation. In terms of value, they are all pretty similar. T-Mobile's ONE plan starts out low, but as you upgrade to ONE Plus for the 4G LTE hotspot, you start creeping up quickly to Verizon and AT&T's top tier plans. Your best bet to decide is to find the phone you want at the best price and then see which carrier has the best coverage map for the areas you live in. Coverage will always be king.

Sign-up for unlimited service:

Tuesday Poll: How Often do You Use Google Assistant?

Tim — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 13:50:04 +0000

If you use an Android device, it's hard to escape Google Assistant's reach. Google is putting its digital assistant in basically everything from your car with Android Auto to your living room on Android TV. Because of this, we have to assume many of you are using it a ton, but we want to know for sure. For me, I use Google Assistant at least once a day, each time when I turn down the heat in my house when it's time for bed. I'll also use it for quickly turning on my phone's flashlight when I am wearing gloves and walking my dogs. I also use it for weather forecast checking constantly. Come to think of it, I use Assistant a ton. How about you? [poll id="474"]

Who Doesn't Want This Archos Android-Powered Scooter?

Kellen — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:43:57 +0000

Better yet, who does want this thing?

Archos, a company we haven't written about in two years, but typically is known for budget-friendly devices you'd skip over, announced the "first Google Android scooter" today. It's called the Archos Citee Connect, for those curious. We're talking about a scooter that has a connected Android device embedded in its handle bars to give you access to apps and other info as you buzz around town. The Android device within the Citee Connect features a 5-inch IPS display with Gorilla Glass, quad-core processor, 3G chip, 1GB RAM, 8GB of storage, splash resistance, and Android 8.0 "Oreo." It will show you information like your speed and distance traveled, as well as battery level. Here is a look at that setup.

Archos would only mention that the Citee Connect has access to "numerous applications and services" without actually mentioning any. Will it have Google Play access or are we talking about a random 3rd party app store? We don't know! As a scooter, you've got 8.5-inch wheels, peak speeds of 25km/h, 6000mAh battery (2-3 hour charging time), weight of 13kgs, and max load of 100kgs. Archos plans to sell the Citee Connect this summer at a starting price of 499.99 € ($616) // Archos (PDF)

Fox News to Launch Paid Streaming Service for "Superfans" Called Fox Nation

Kellen — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:33:12 +0000

Fox News announced this morning that it will launch a stand-alone streaming service in Q4 of this year called Fox Nation. It won't be free, but they aren't ready to announce pricing just yet. Fox says that Fox Nation will "enhance the Fox News viewer experience" while taking a "deep dive into the big issues of the day." There will be long-form programming, access to exclusive events for subscribers, and 20+ years of old Fox News programming. It's for the "superfans" of Fox News. Fox Nation will run out of the Fox News headquarters, with access to its "state-of-the-art technology," like this teaser page that isn't secure. Good luck, America. // Fox News

Samsung Neuters Rewards Program for Heavy Samsung Pay Users

Tim — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:10:00 +0000

In late 2016, Samsung introduced a rewards program, designed to let heavy users of Samsung Pay gain points, then redeem those points for a variety of things like new devices and prepaid gift cards. You can even use your points to be entered to win trips to vacation destinations. Well, Samsung has gone and done something that is very uncool, which is halve the points you received on qualifying transactions. The way this system works is pretty straightforward, so here's an overview. Depending on how many transactions you make with Samsung Pay in a month, you qualify for a certain tier -- Member, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Depending on your tier, you get a certain amount of points per transaction. With points being halved, the new values of each tier are 5 points for Member, 10 for Silver, 15 for Gold, and 20 for Platinum. They used to be 10, 20, 30, and 40. Because of this, if you make the same purchases every month with Samsung Pay, you'll be earning half of the points you would have before this change, which quite frankly, really sucks. Keep in mind, redeeming something with these points takes a long, long time. For example, let's say you only want a $50 gift card to Samsung.com. Well, that'll cost you 12,500 points. How about a Gear Fit 2 Pro? That amounts to a whopping 50,000 points. The point is, getting these points is no cheap task, so with Samsung halving the amount you were already getting, this rewards program just got a whole lot less cool. Samsung Pay users, what's your take? // Android Police

DEAL: Amazon's Deal of the Day Brings Moto X4 Prime Exclusive to Just $250

Tim — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 08:35:15 +0000

Thank to the Deal of the Day, Amazon is matching the Project Fi deal for the Moto X4 right now, bringing the total of its Prime Exclusive model to just $250. That's $80 in savings when compared to the usual price of this exact model. As you may have heard recently, Amazon announced that it is removing lockscreen advertisements from its Prime Exclusive lineup, making these less expensive devices a little more intriguing, but we would see a small price increase because of it. Thanks to this deal, you can score a very well priced smartphone with no lockscreen ads. It's a win-win if you've had your eye on the Moto X4. For specs, the X4 has a 5.2″ FHD display, Snapdragon 630 processor, 3000mAh battery, dual cameras, NFC, and IP68 water and dust resistance (full specs) with a mostly clean version of Android. It works on all of the major US carriers, too. Follow the link below to take advantage. Amazon Link

Google Wallet Becomes Google Pay Send Until Google Pay Gets Send/Request Money Feature

Kellen — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 08:30:30 +0000

While Google begins making the shift of Android Pay to Google Pay today, you may be curious what the future holds for Google Wallet. For the next few months, it'll still live on, but it's being rebranded as well. Google Wallet will become Google Pay Send until Google can bake send/request money features into Google Pay. The announcement for Google Wallet was attached to the bottom of today's Google Pay news. Google said to expect not only a name change, but "a fresh coat of paint to go with the Google Pay brand" as well. And again, this is happening because Google Pay will get the ability to send and request money "within the next few months." At that point, Google Pay Send will likely be retired. Google hasn't quite flipped the switch on Wallet on Google Play just yet. I'd bet that'll happen within the next few hours. Again, be on the lookout for an update! Google Play Link // Google

Android Pay App Makes the Switch to Google Pay, Gets Spicy New UI (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 08:06:46 +0000

The next time you see an update to your Android Pay app, it will no longer be called Android Pay. Instead, Google will flip the switch over to the Google Pay branding it told us to expect back in January. The change happened on Google Play over night and not only shows a change in name, but a refreshed UI as well. While I have yet to receive the update that changes the name, the new listing shows the branding and screenshots of what we can expect. Take a look.

This new, heavily white UI, is no longer filled from edge to edge with a stack of your cards. Instead, Google has made everything smaller, added more info to the front page (like recent activity), and tossed in a slideout menu to house settings. It's clean! UPDATE: Google has now announced that today is the day for Google Pay to arrive. In this new UI, the home tab not only shows your current active card an recent purchases, it'll be there to help you find nearby stores, access rewards, and even offer up tips. A new cards tab has arrived too, as well as a new fast way to pay for transit in select cities (Kiev, London, and Portland), where "all you need at the turnstile is the device that's already in your hand." Finally, Google says to expect the ability to send and request money within the next few months in the US and UK. Here's another look at the new UI:

Be on the lookout for it! Google Play Link

Monday Poll: What's Your Keyboard App of Choice?

Tim — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:25:12 +0000

Before Google Keyboard (now Gboard) was readily available for download on Google Play, there were various keyboard apps I would use all of the time. In particular, there was one during that period I loved very much, that one being Swype. With the news that Swype is being discontinued, though, we wanted to get a feel for what you are using these days. For me, it's all about the Gboard life. It may not be the most feature-packed keyboard available, but I don't find myself mistyping things when swiping and its auto correct functionality seems good. I always appreciate the new features it does get, too, like GIF suggestions and resizing abilities. It's very handy. How about you? What's your keyboard app of choice? [poll id="473"]

RIP, Swype. (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:16:59 +0000

Swype, one of the original apps we ever covered on this site, has apparently been put to rest by its owners. Nuance, the company that bought Swype in 2011 for $100M, told a redditor today that they are no longer developing for the Swype keyboard and that they have decided to exit the "direct-to-consumer keyboard business." We reached out to Nuance and have yet to hear back, but XDA claims to have confirmed with the company that Swype is indeed dead. We know for sure that the iOS version was discontinued at the beginning of this month. The odd thing here is the fact that a new Android version was supposed to have been released on the day they announced iOS' demise. Either way, if you look through any of the recent reviews for Swype, it appears as if the app is struggling. Most acknowledge that the app is no longer what it once was. That's too bad. If we hear back from Nuance, we'll be sure to update this post. UPDATE 2/21: Here is the official statement that Nuance delivered to us.

After years of leadership in the third-party keyboard and alternative text input space, Nuance made the difficult decision to discontinue our support of the Swype keyboard application as we continue to focus our efforts on AI-powered solutions for our core vertical markets. This means that the app is no longer available for new downloads from the iPhone or Android App Stores and that we are no longer maintaining or making updates to the app. However, current users still have the ability to access and use the app as normal and will be able to contact Nuance for tech support as needed for the next several months. The core technology behind Swype will continue to be utilized and improved upon across other Nuance offerings – and integrated into our broader AI-powered solutions – most notably in Android-based keyboard solutions for our automotive customers. We thank Swype’s loyal user base for its support.

Anyone have fond memories of Swype? Google Play Link // reddit | XDA

Good Deals: Moto X4 and PixelBook are $100 Off, Moto Mods Have Big Discounts, Free Gear IconX

Kellen — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 14:38:45 +0000

Being President's Day, electronics dealers are running all sorts of solid discounts. I don't know why this holiday always brings out some of the best deals since Christmas, but it happens almost every year and we aren't about to start complaining. After a quick browse around the typical players, we're seeing $100 off discounts on the Moto X4 (Unlocked) and PixelBook. The Moto X4 is the normal unlocked version (not Android One model) that works on all major carriers and comes in a couple of colors. We reviewed it here. The PixelBook is $100 off all models, with the base model starting right now at $899. It's awesome, in case you were wondering. I love mine.

Moto X4 Deal Links:

Motorola Store
Best Buy

PixelBook Deal Links:

Best Buy
Google Store

If you own a Moto Z or Moto Z2 phone and are interested in Moto Mods, Best Buy has discounts on almost all of them. Motorola has some deals too, but Best Buy has the best pricing. The Insta Share Projector or is $150 off, as are the Hasselblad Camera and 360 Camera Mods. The Polaroid Insta Share Printer is $50 off, plus there are discounts on the Gamepad and extended battery pack too.

Moto Mods Deal Links:

Best Buy
Motorola Store

Considering a Galaxy S8 or Note 8 even with the Galaxy S9 around the corner? If so, Samsung still has their $300 off deal going with trades, but they are also handing you a free pair of Gear IconX wireless buds ($199 value), the 2018 version.

Samsung Deal Links:

None of that sound good and need some other random deals? How about the Nebula Capsule, which is Anker's portable Android-powered projector? It retails for $350, but is discounted at the moment to $296. It's pretty cool. If you haven't seen it in action, I'd recommend jumping through that link below and watching the promo video for it. And finally, Anker's Eufy Smart Bulb is $6 off ($30), down from its usual $36 price. This is the tunable color and white version too, and it works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.

Amazon Deal Links:

Chrome OS Gets Split Screen Android App Action

Kellen — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:31:02 +0000

Chrome OS and convertible Chromebooks with touch screens or those that fully detach are the future of Android tablets. With fewer Android tablet options available each year and Google baking in feature after feature into Chrome OS to make it even better than an Android tablet could be, this is an exciting time. For example, the folks ta Chrome Unboxed discovered that Google has already started building in a split screen mode for Android apps on Chrome OS. In a video they posted over the weekend, Chrome Unboxed shows off multiple Android apps running that are capable of being pinned into a split screen or multi window experience when in the tablet interface. It works like it does currently with Chrome OS apps, but with this functionality added, it shouldn't matter which type of app you are running. To attempt this, you'd hit the multi-tasking button when your Chromebook is in tablet mode, then choose the apps you want to appear in each side of the split screen. Like in Android, you can then tap to each one to manipulate or slide the split screen bar to resize. Now, this current implementation is in the Canary channel, which is about as unstable as it gets for Chrome OS, just like with Chrome. Should this arrive in stable (and we have no reason to believe it won't), it'll have to hit Dev and Beta channels first. This is a big step forward for this hybrid approach to Chrome OS that relies on Chrome pieces and Google Play's giant library of apps. For us to continue to get excited about the direction of Chrome OS and Chromebooks, this is the stuff we like to see, just like when we learned about apps running in parallel. // Chrome Unboxed

Verizon Drop Tests Phones to Make Sure They Don't Lose Signal

Tim — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 12:37:50 +0000

As a carrier, Verizon looks at things differently than we do. For example, when we drop a phone, our first thought is, "OMFG, please don't let it be broken!" Verizon, on the other hand, wonders if the phone lost cell reception after the drop. In its device testing labs in New Jersey, Verizon puts phones in a tumbling machine, simulating a lifetime of drops on smartphones to see if the phone keeps its signal after each fall. During these drops, the phone is connected on a call, and with each drop, it's checked to ensure the call has not been dropped. According to Verizon, "Our lab machines simulate years of phone drops in 30 minutes, while monitoring an active call on the phone, to make sure it stays connected." Of course, none of this testing is required, but it's still cool. As we know, each OEM does their own in-house durability testing of phones, but it's a nice insight to see that some carriers perform their own sort of reception durability testing. Watch as what appears to be some Moto Z model takes a few tumbles in Verizon's lab. // Verizon

Sony's MWC Announcement Could be Very Lit

Tim — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:47:09 +0000

Well, here's a bit of shocking news I wasn't quite expecting to ever report. The official Sony Xperia account on Twitter is teasing an upcoming announcement at MWC, and while that's not a huge surprise, the hardware itself may be. For what seems like forever, Sony has used a design for its hardware called OmniBalance. Basically, any Xperia device launched from 2012 up to this point have had a similar look, leading many to feel that Sony's new smartphones are just plain boring. I am part of this crowd. No matter how well Sony upgrades its display panels or internal specifications, all of the devices look the same. In a market where OEMs are switching up designs almost year-to-year, it's easy to get stale. Couple that with nearly zero US market presence and you get the picture, we don't talk much about Sony around these parts. That could possibly be changing, though. According to a tweet sent out early this morning, on top of various reports, Sony may be introducing a new design language for the Xperia XZ Pro, the flagship its rumored to announce this weekend. With this rumored Xperia XZ Pro, Sony may take a curved approach, which would be a huge evolution from what we've seen for many years now. There doesn't appear to be any legit renders of this device floating around yet, which is surprising, but a common thread seems to be that the corners of the device will be rounded somehow. Heck, even if its just the display that's rounded, that would be good enough for me. Sony's own tweet doesn't give away too much, but regardless, we're excited. Even though Sony may introduce a new design, there's still not too much hope we could see it come to the US, though. You can always import a phone from overseas or Canada, but I get the feeling we won't see the XZ Pro supported on US carriers. We'll know more this weekend. Ready for a whole new Xperia experience? // Trusted Reviews

GIVEAWAY: Win 1 of 2 LG V30s From Droid Life and AT&T!

Kellen — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 09:45:26 +0000

AT&T asked if we'd be interested in giving away a couple of LG V30 phones to you, the DL reader, and I'm happy to report that we accepted their offer. So yeah, for the next week, you can enter to win an LG V30 (our review). Since we have two to give away, your chances are pretty solid, I'd say. Before we get to the details, just know that AT&T is currently running a BOGO deal on the V30 that'll get you two phones, as long as you buy both on AT&T Next. Should you take that offer, you'll get 30 months worth of credits to cover the cost of the second phone, making it free. In addition to the V30 BOGO, AT&T will also give you $200 in credits if you trade in an eligible smartphone. More details on all of that here.

How to Enter

How can you win one of the two LG V30 phones that we have to give away? The entry form is below and it's pretty simple. We need name and email (since we have to contact you should you win), followed by however many ways you'd like to enter. Things like subscribing to us on YouTube or visiting the AT&T deals page are just a couple of examples. You have until February 26th at 9AM Pacific to enter. And yep, we'll email the winners that day. Good luck! This is a US only giveaway.

DEAL: Huawei Watch 2 Classic for $267 ($100 Off), Watch 2 for $239 ($60 Off)

Tim — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 09:12:05 +0000

Should you be looking to pick up a new Android Wear piece, the Huawei Watch 2 and Huawei Watch 2 Classic are on sale via Amazon, with decent savings to be had. For what's likely a limited time, you can save $60 on a Huawei Watch 2, with the price down to $239. For the Watch 2 Classic, the classier of the two smartwatches, the price is listed at just $267, a savings of $102. For me, the Classic is a bit more up my alley, considering the standard Watch 2 is styled more towards the fitness group. Regardless of what you need it for, though, both units will receive Oreo at some point, so that's a plus. Follow the links below to take advantage. Amazon Links: Watch 2 Classic | Watch 2

Soooooo, This is the Mega-Galaxy S9 Leak You Either Want or Should Avoid

Kellen — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 08:39:03 +0000

When Samsung takes the stage at MWC this weekend to announce the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, there won't be many surprises. A number of leaks have already revealed many of the details (dual speakers and animoji, same batteries as S8 line, variable aperture camera, specs, first details), but one that dropped this morning might have finished it all off. WinFuture posted up details about the Galaxy S9 and S9+ that look straight out of landing or press pages for Samsung's new phones. That means press renders, specs, color options, and more have all been revealed again. Let's run through it to catch you up, so that you can take this weekend off.

Galaxy S9 (Midnight Black)

Galaxy S9 cameras

The Galaxy S9's variable aperture camera has once again all but been confirmed. We'll get a single 12MP camera on the regular S9 with the variable aperture shooter at f/1.5 to f/2.4. The Galaxy S9+ will sport a dual camera setup that includes that variable aperture camera, as well as an additional 12MP f/2.4 shooter. The cameras will all have optical image stabilization (OIS), plus slow motion shooting at up to 960fps, and laser and dual-pixel autofocus. The front camera will weigh in at 8MP and f/1.7.

Display, processor, batteries, stereo speakers...

As for other details, we'll get similar displays to last year's Galaxy S8 line (5.8" and 6.2", QHD+ Super AMOLED, 18.5:9), but WinFuture suggests "less edge" in the experience. That matches up to some of the first images we saw that showed a phone very similar to LG's V30 and Google's Pixel 2 XL. In the processor department, as expected, the US variants will run a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, while most of the rest of the world will see the Exynos 9810. We'll get 4GB (S9) and 6GB RAM (S9+), 3000mAh (S9) and 3500mAh (S9+) batteries, Iris Scanners, 64GB UFS 2.1 storage, IP68 water and dust resistance, AKG tuned stereo speakers, and Android 8.0 under the latest Samsung Experience 9.0 software. The Galaxy S9 an Galaxy S9+ should be available for pre-orders as early as February 25, with shipments headed out as early as March 8. The colors you'll be able to choose from are Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, and Titanium Grey. Availability there will likely depend on the country. We still don't know pricing.

Galaxy S9+ (Titanium Grey)

Galaxy S9 / Galaxy S9+ Specs

[table id=113 /] So that about sums it all up. I'm not sure what else there is to know outside of the software tweaks that Samsung will show off and how much each phone will cost. Exciting enough? // WinFuture | @evleaks [2]

Google is Adding Features to the Screenshot Tool, But Only in the Google App for Now

Kellen — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 07:21:40 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I asked Google to build screenshot scrolling into Android, since almost every other phone maker on the planet has done so except them. Over the weekend, they actually began rolling out a screenshot-related update, it's just that it's only available in the Google App and it isn't scrolling capture. It is pretty cool, though. Some users (as you can see above) are being prompted to turn the feature on when in the Google App. As the teaser suggests, the new screenshot feature is a set of tools that help you edit and share all of the screenshots you take. How is that different from what we already have, you ask? I'll tell you. When you turn this feature on (Google App>Settings>Accounts & privacy>Edit and share screenshots), which was first spotted by 9to5Google, shortly after you take a screenshot, you'll get a prompt at the bottom of your screen with options to "Edit" or "Share." Instead of the screenshot and its options hiding in a notification, you get prompted on-screen.

If you tap on "Edit," you'll get three new buttons: crop, done, and draw." The crop button lets you quickly crop the size of your screenshot, the done button lets you finish and share, and the draw button lets you...draw (in different colors). So no scrolling capture, but you do get quick resizing and drawing without needing to open anything else, like Google Photos. And again, this only works within the Google App, so if you are in Chrome, you won't see these tools. But if you do searches from within the Google App, then load up Chrome pages from there, it'll work (as you can see above). Maybe there could be plans to implement this in Chrome or other apps or Google Assistant, now that'd be nice. The option is there for me in v7.21.19.21 of the Google App. Google Play Link Cheers @pauljonessb!

Weekly Recap: LG Judy, Samsung Hypes Galaxy S9 Camera, and the Pixel 2 XL is Our iPhone

Tim — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 15:37:27 +0000

MWC is coming, folks! After this week, we only have one more week to get through and then it's officially Galaxy S9 season, thanks to other Android OEMs apparently unwilling to go head-to-head with Samsung in Barcelona. Not that I blame any of them, but it would be nice to see a whole bunch of new phones announced, not just the S9 and S9+. Besides the Galaxy S9 hype, we learned that LG could be waiting until June to release Judy, the codename for its 2018 flagship device. That's quite a wait, but fingers crossed it's worth it. We also determined that Google's Pixel 2 XL is our iPhone, a lovely piece by Kellex that I highly recommend you check out. Here's everything you don't want to miss from this week.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone. Peace!

Pixel Owners Get Exclusive Behind the Scenes VR "Isle of Dogs" Spotlight Story

Kellen — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:46:22 +0000

Fan of Wes Anderson films and own a Pixel or Pixel 2? You've got exclusive content to consume involving his latest film, "Isle of Dogs." Google announced today that a behind the scenes virtual reality experience for the movie is now available through the Spotlight Stories app. What is "Isle of Dogs?" It's a stop motion film about a pack of dogs on a trash-filled island who try and help a boy find his own dog on the island. I know that sounds odd and a bit silly, but if you've seen "Fantastic Mr. Fox" then you know what the style of this film and commentary will be like, that it'll have a bunch of noteworthy actors as the voices (Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson, etc.), and it'll probably end cleverly. To experience the VR story from the film on your Pixel phone, you'll need some sort of virtual reality viewer, like a Daydream View. If you already do, then download the Spotlight Stories app below and fire it up. Google Play Link // Google

Evleaks: LG Waiting Until June to Launch Judy, Its Next Flagship Device

Tim — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 11:37:03 +0000

According to @evleaks, LG is targeting June for its launch of Judy, an apparent codename for its 2018 flagship device. This is welcomed news, considering we've been waiting since early January to get an idea of what LG's plan for 2018 is. However, while it's good to have a timeframe in mind, we can't help but think this timing could doom the OEM for yet another year. Last year, LG put forth two of its best devices in the G6 and V30. After reports that the company scrapped all of its work on the reported G7 and started over, it seems that there may be a serious lack of direction over at LG, at least from an outsider's perspective. If LG was on the ball when it came to competing with Samsung, they'd have had this year's flagship ready to go against the Galaxy S9 at MWC, but instead, we're left with what should be a revamped V30 in Barcelona, the same phone we got last year, but with some AI software additions for the camera. That's not a good look. If it was me, I'd be following up on my best phones with more best phones, proving that I can be consistent and competitive. On the bright side, launching a phone in June means they will most of the attention from Android media, because by that point almost every other major OEM (except for Google) should have announced their 2018 flagships. Basically, it means they don't have to fight for attention with Samsung, and let's face it, that's a battle LG would likely lose. @evleaks' report doesn't only discuss announcement timing, though. According to the report, Judy, which won't be called the LG G7, will feature a 6.1" 18:9 display, Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, dual 16-megapixel cameras (f/1.6), IP68 water and dust resistance, stereo speakers, HDR10 imaging, as well as wireless charging. For the display in particular, LG is reported to be using a "fairly new type," called MLCD+. Thanks to the usage of a white sub-pixel, the display is reported to be capable of 800-nit brightness while consuming 35% less power than a standard LCD panel. If you browse the web on your phone, you'll know that white is used quite commonly for the background of pages, so having that extra power savings would be good. So, I guess we can chill out on LG rumors until around May-June, but that sure does give Samsung and the Galaxy S9 a whole lot of time in the spotlight. Not that Samsung is going to complain about this. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/964570516114853889

Amazon Lands Exclusive Halo Gray Essential Phone and It's $150 Cheaper Than Other New Colors

Kellen — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 09:30:08 +0000

Essential isn't done after announcing three new "limited" colorways of the Essential Phone. Today, the company announced that Amazon has its own exclusive colorway called Halo Gray. It's like Stellar Gray, only with silver sides instead of black titanium. In even better news, it's available for just $449.99 at the moment, which is $150 cheaper than the other limited colorways. I'm actually shocked to see the price here. Remember, the three colors announced yesterday all carry a $100 premium over the original black and white models. They cost $599, whereas this Halo Gray model is listed currently at $449.99. If you want an exclusive color of the Essential Phone, you might want to hurry before they jack up that price. Then again, this is the "first Essential Phone to come with Alexa built-in," so there is always the chance that Essential worked out a deal on the price with Amazon in exchange for Alexa integration. The phone is up for pre-order right now and will release on February 21.

Amazon Link

https://twitter.com/essential/status/964549619341410304

Today Only Deal: Save $400 on a Verizon Pixel 2 XL at Best Buy

Tim — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 09:09:41 +0000

For today only, you can save $400 on a Pixel 2 XL through Verizon at Best Buy, with the only caveat being that you'll need to activate the phone on a monthly installment plan. The way it works is easy enough. When you purchase the phone, either 64GB or 128GB, you'll receive $100 in instant savings. Following that, you'll receive $300 in monthly bill credits, bringing your monthly total for the Pixel 2 XL down to $18.74 for the 64GB model and $22.91 for the 128GB model. Over the course of the two year installment plan, you'll have saved the $300 (on top of the $100 instant savings at time of purchase). These deals don't come around too often, so if the Pixel 2 XL strikes your fancy, now would be a good time to make a move. Follow the link below to get started. Best Buy Link Cheers Rich!

NO, GOOGLE. (UPDATED)

Kellen — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 08:24:21 +0000

No, Google.

Noooo.

MY GOD, NO.

😔 UPDATE 3/7/18: GONE!

🙌

Verizon Prepaid Changes Include Unlimited Price Drop, Access to Travel Pass

Kellen — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 07:45:23 +0000

Verizon announced new changes to its prepaid line-up this morning that'll save some of you money, give others even more options, and help everyone use their plan in Canada and Mexico for cheap. Yep, Verizon unlimited is dropping in price, we've got a new cheap plan in the line, and for $5, you can use your Verizon prepaid plan across our borders. Starting February 20, Verizon prepaid unlimited is dropping to $75 per month from $80. Not only that, but it's gaining access to hotspot, a feature it previously lacked. Hotspot speeds are capped at 3G speeds (600Kbps). As for that new plan, a new $30 option with 500MB of data is joining the party. That's the cheapest Verizon prepaid offers along with 3 GB for $40, 7 GB for $50, 10 GB for $60, and unlimited for $75. Verizon says that 500MB of data is enough "data to stay connected, listen to music and keep up on email." The music streaming may be pushing it, but you get the idea. Finally, Verizon Travel Pass will be available to prepaid for the first time and costs $5 per day. While a couple of the Verizon prepaid plans allow you to call Mexico or Canada, the Travel Pass gives you access to the rest of your plan when you head to either country. All of these changes are in addition to those made in recent months, like access to accounts through the My Verizon app and prepaid family accounts. Outside of that whole throttling thing, these aren't bad values. You can sign-up for Verizon Prepaid here. Again, these changes go through on February 20. // Verizon

Google Offers "Loyal" Nexus Owners 20% Off Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL

Kellen — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 21:05:35 +0000

A wonderful email is arriving in the inboxes of "loyal" Nexus owners tonight from Google. As a "thanks" for being a part of the Nexus gang, Google is offering 20% off the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL through the Google Store. With a 20% discount, assuming that 20% is off all variants, you could get into a Pixel 2 64GB for around $520 or a Pixel 2 XL 64GB for $680. Those are really nice prices, especially when you consider the refurbished deal we thought was a good deal on the Pixel 2 earlier today. We aren't exactly sure who qualifies for this deal, but I'd imagine it's those who previously bought a Nexus from the Google Store (a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X, for example). And in order to get the deal, you have to get this specific email because the discount is applied after clicking through the "Shop Now" link within. This isn't a Pixel 2 coupon code that just anyone can enter at checkout. If you do get it, you have until February 28 to use the 20% off. Be sure to check those spam folders, Nexus owners.

"20% off Pixel 2, just for you"

Cheers J!

DEAL: Sign-Up for Project Fi and Buy a Fi Phone, Get an $80 Credit

Kellen — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 15:19:28 +0000

Google's Project Fi really wants you to leave your current carrier and come join its wireless party. Google is currently trying to entice you to do that by offering you an $80 credit if you come over and buy a Project Fi phone, like the Pixel 2, Pixel XL, or Moto X4. If you come on over and buy a phone, you'll get the $80 credit once you activate it and keep it active for 30 days. This isn't one of those sneaky Verizon or T-Mobile deals where they spread out whatever credit you get over 24 months. With this deal, you should have your $80 within two months. Is Project Fi worth it these days? It sure seems like it, thanks to the introduction of their $80 unlimited plan that could have you paying far less than $80 each month depending on your usage. Let's also not forget that they just added more countries to their free global roaming. Want to learn more? We asked our readers about Project Fi and they shared plenty of thoughts. Sign-up for Project Fi right here. https://twitter.com/projectfi/status/964274582126505984

Question of the Day: Why'd You Buy Your Current Phone?

Tim — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:41:31 +0000

Android users have no shortage of options when it comes to purchasing new phones. We can get a Galaxy from Samsung, Pixel from Google, or any number of other devices from various device makers. It's good having a choice. Our question to you is, why did you buy your current phone? Was it the color of the phone? A certain feature, like waterproofing or UI experience? Maybe the camera is top notch? Or maybe there was simply a deal taking place at your carrier of choice? For me, I'm still rocking a Pixel 2 XL, waiting for 2018's lineup to show me what they have to offer. When it comes to why, though, it's because I value the software experience and camera capability. I want a smooth UI and the ability to shoot pictures accurately and quickly. The Pixel does that for me. How about you?

Chrome Canary on Android Gets New Chrome Duplex Experience

Kellen — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 12:44:09 +0000

Chrome on Android's love-it-or-hate-it bottom bar situation, known as Chrome Home, may no longer be a part of the app's future even though it made its way up to Chrome Beta. In its place, there's a chance we'll get something called "Chrome Duplex" that was first spotted only a week ago, leading us to believe that we may get a version of Chrome Home that's simply been split into pieces. Today, Chrome Canary received access to Chrome Duplex and you can play with this early feature right now. I don't know that I'd recommend doing so as it appears to be pretty bare bones, but it is there for you tinkerers. To enable it, you'll first install Canary, then type chrome://flags in its address bar. From within there, do a search for "duplex" and then enable it. (See image above) Once enabled and a relaunch of the app completes, you'll get an experience like the one below. As you can see, the address bar returns to the top, as does your tab counter, and settings menu. At the bottom, though, you'll have access to a sliding panel that'll give you access to your most visited sites, as well as previously visited pages. I'd imagine if this moves forward, it'll show you news articles too. At this time, Chrome Duplex isn't offering the best experience. While I know this is still in development and is only in the Canary channel, there are some changes that need to be made pretty quickly. For one, that tab at the bottom is waaaaaaay too big. It's also covering up Droid Life's bottom navigation bar, as if it's not recognizing the page's layout. Either way, give it a spin if you want. Just remember that Canary is the least stable of Chrome versions. Google Play Link

// 9to5Google

Samsung Halts Oreo Update Due to Reboot Bug, is Currently Investigating

Tim — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 10:13:28 +0000

Oreo was rolling out to international models of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ this week, which we assumed meant it was soon coming to the US. Sadly, the update has officially halted, due to a random reboot bug that Samsung needs to investigate. Samsung provided the following statement to SamMobile.

Following a limited number of cases where Galaxy S8 and S8+ devices have rebooted unexpectedly with the Android 8.0 Oreo, we have temporarily stopped the rollout of the update. We are investigating the issue internally to ensure that the impact to the affected devices is minimized and the rollout of the update can resume as quickly as possible.

So, yeah, bummer. You wait months to get the Oreo update, only to have it be buggy or pulled before it reaches your device. We'll keep you posted when Samsung begins rollout again. // SamMobile

Essential Phone Arrives in Three New Limited Colors: Ocean Depths, Stellar Gray, and Copper Black

Kellen — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:21:15 +0000

Essential teased it the other day and now we know the details: the Essential Phone gets a "Spring" collection and will be available in three new limited edition colorways. Those new Essential Phone colors are Ocean Depths, Stellar Gray, and Copper Black. Since these are "limited," they'll release on various dates and include a price hike of $100 over the black and white versions of the same phone. That means $599 for one of 'em. Essential said that they "spent months developing custom ceramic colors" and that the process is "much more complex and challenging than altering colors on standard materials" like plastic. I guess that's the reason for the price hike? It's certainly the reason we're calling them "limited." The schedule of release is as follows:

Ocean Depths: Available today at 12PM Pacific (3PM Eastern)
Stellar Gray: Tuesday, February 20 at 12PM Pacific
Copper Black: Thursday, February 22 at 12PM Pacific

Want to see the three colors? Here you go.

Ocean Depths

Stellar Gray

Copper Black

You'll be able to buy them exclusively at Essential.com. Should you buy them? Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, maybe? Remember, the Galaxy S9 is around the corner and the Pixel 2 XL is still the best phone you can buy today (in my opinion). With that said, Essential is really good about updating their phone (just got 8.1 beta, gets monthly security patches) and continues to improve it. But $600, though? I'll let you decide. // Essential

Project Fi Now Supported in 170 Countries, Will Pull Travel Itinerary From Gmail to Make Sure You're Covered or Not

Tim — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 08:58:10 +0000

New countries have been added to Project Fi's supported list, bringing the total number of supported countries to 170. Countries like Cameroon, Botswana, Guam, Georgia, Armenia, Palestine, and Belize have been added, with the full list viewable down below. In addition to new places you can catch a Project Fi signal, the app will begin alerting you if you're traveling to a place that is either supported or not. Let's say you're headed to Algeria, thanks to the pulling of travel itineraries from your Gmail account, the app can now let you know that your Project Fi is supported before you take your trip. These notifications will be enabled by default, but you can elect to disable them via the Project Fi settings menu. If you're a Fi customer, you don't need to do anything to your account to enable international support -- it's just there. That's what I call a smooth operator. Newly Supported Countries // Project Fi

DEAL: Woot has Certified Refurbished Pixel 2 in All Colors for as Low as $530 ($120 Off) (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 08:13:20 +0000

Legit Pixel 2 deal, if you don't mind a refurb.

Oh boy, do we have a deal today. Woot is hosting a Pixel 2 deal that drops the price of the phone with 64GB storage to as low as $529.99, which is $120 off. They also have the 128GB model, which has been dropped to just $579.99 ($170 off!). UPDATE: Newegg Flash has the Pixel 2 in Just Black and with 64GB storage for $514.99. It's also refurbished. [DEAL LINK] Now, these Pixel 2 phones are "certified refurbished," so they aren't brand new. Even refurbished, this seems like a good price for the phone that typically retails for $650 and goes up as high as $750. Right now, Woot has has the Pixel 2 in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White with 64GB storage. If you want 128GB storage, Just Black might be your only option. This is the US model, so it'll work on any carrier, including Verizon. It comes with a USB-C 18W charging plug and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Shipping costs $5. You may want to hurry on this one.

Woot Pixel 2 Deal Link

Cheers @tim_swann!

Samsung is Really Excited About the Galaxy S9's Camera

Kellen — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 08:00:30 +0000

The first Galaxy S9 teaser to tell us about the phone's unveiling on February 25, had one focus: the Galaxy S9 camera. They are telling us that it has been "reimagined" on some level. What that means hasn't been confirmed yet, but they sure are excited about the idea. In the latest Galaxy S9 teaser, we've got a 30 second promo spot that considers a reimagined eye, flash, low-light birthday cake in-the-club picture, selfie, additional selfie, selfie, friend tagging, and yes, animated emoji. We're reimagining a lot here, which is probably necessary since the Galaxy S9 is mostly an upgraded Galaxy S8. A previous leak suggests that we'll get a "Super Speed Dual Pixel" 12MP camera in the Galaxy S9 with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a variable aperture of f/1.5 to f/2.4 (it'll be a dual camera in the Galaxy S9+). That's not a first, because Samsung already put a variable aperture in a phone you've never heard of, but it'll be the first time a mass-produced phone that sells in the millions will have a variable aperture. That means more flexibility depending on the light and possibly milkier bokeh. You can see how that'll work here. The word "reimagined" is probably taking this all a bit far. I doubt we're really reimagining anything. Instead, we're improving or upgrading the camera like no one has done yet in mobile, which is worth noting, for sure. Samsung has long-been one of the best smartphone camera makers in the world and the Galaxy S9's shouldn't change that.

Qualcomm Wants Your Next Phone to Hit 2Gbps Gigabit LTE Speeds

Kellen — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 14:48:22 +0000

Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X24 LTE modem has started sampling to manufacturers and we care because with this modem in your next phone, you could theoretically hit download speeds of up to 2Gbps (!). There are a number of factors that would need to align in order for your phone's data connection to laugh at your home internet with those speeds, but that future is in the works. This new Snapdragon X24 LTE modem is a Cat 20 LTE modem built on 7nm FinFET process that takes the Gigabit LTE storyline to a new level. The use of this modem will build on an LTE foundation as we move towards a 5G launch within the next couple of years and the launch of Qualcomm's X50 5G modem. It supports 7x carrier aggregation, 4x4 MIMO on up to five aggregated LTE carriers, and License Assisted Access (LAA). To make it futureproof, Qualcomm added support for FD-MIMO (it's a Massive MIMO tech that's a key factor in 5G) too. Along with the 2Gbps download speeds, this X24 modem is capable of hitting upload speeds at 316Mbps. Enough tech talk, though, when can we see this modem in a phone? Probably not for a while. You might recall that the Snapdragon 845, Qualcomm's 2018 mobile processor, has their X20 modem inside. Since the 845 is this year's chip to be featured in phones like the Galaxy S9, that means the X24 modem probably won't show up in a phone until 2019, once Qualcomm has announced a Snapdragon 855 or something similar. They are hoping that something will launch later this year. Qualcomm does plan to show off the X24 in action at MWC in a couple of weeks. // Qualcomm

Samsung Galaxy S9 Teasers Feature 3D Emoji and Super Slow Motion

Tim — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 13:22:25 +0000

We're excited for February 25 to roll around, the date Samsung is scheduled to unveil the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. As we draw closer, we'll undoubtedly learn more about these devices not just through leaks and rumors, but official teasers posted by Samsung. In fact, the company has posted three new teasers for the Galaxy S9 lineup to YouTube this week, highlighting three features for the phone's camera(s). While no specific words are used for these teasers, we have a solid understanding of what's being shown, thanks to the numerous reports and rumors we have written up over the past few months. The first video appears to show off Samsung's answer to Apple's Animoji. Reportedly called 3D Emoji, a user can make faces into the camera, with the movements being tracked and laid out inside of shareable emoji. Pretty self explanatory, but still neat for those who can't get enough personalized emoji. Next up is camera performance in low light. What we see in the video is a deer in what's essentially the dark of night, but either thanks to the soaking up of light from the sensor or possibly a tweaked LED flash (maybe both?), the phone is able to capture a very nice image of the deer. The last teaser appears to be all about speed, though, we believe it's more about the ability to slow things down. We recently heard from a reliable source that the Galaxy S9 will sport 960FPS video shooting, meaning a serious Slow-Motion feature. As we can see in the teaser, everything is moving extremely fast, but once the "9" is placed over the image, the skydiver moves extremely slowly. Check out the teasers yourself, then get pumped for later this month. 3D Emoji Camera 960FPS

Guys, I Don't Think Verizon's go90 Service was a Hit

Kellen — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 13:14:29 +0000

Verizon has this video service called go90. I doubt you've used it. I did once, though, because they were offering up a free stream of the US soccer match where they failed to qualify for the next World Cup. It's quite the memory to be attached to go90. Other than that, I'm not sure what it's goal was. Going forward, I don't think any of us will have to care, as Tim Armstrong, fearless leader of Verizon's Oath, is pretty sure that it'll soon die. Speaking at Recode's Code Media conference yesterday, Armstrong said that they'll take the content from go90 and redistribute it within Oath's other outlets, like HuffPost and Yahoo. As for the brand that is go90, he doesn't "know how long" it'll be around, but labeled it a "super ambitious project." Sure, Tim. The streaming video service first launched in 2015 after being hyped by Verizon for what seemed like forever. I'm pretty sure that their executives were forced to mention it at every investor conference, because they figured that talking about it over and over might get someone else to believe the impossible. go90 never quite helped realize Verizon's grand plan, though, probably because it was a mobile-only thing that was destined to fail. In other words, Verizon thought it made sense to create a mobile-only streaming video service that had no access to TVs or bigger screens. Look, watching video is fine for a little while on my phone, but if the TV is in front of me and there is content to be had, I'd rather the TV do what it does best so that I can use my phone for other stuff. Having fantastic content might have helped too. While we won't be dropping a "RIP" on go90 today, we're close. // CNET

Essential Phone 8.1 Beta Update Available, Includes "Slow Scrolling Jitter Fix" (Updated!)

Kellen — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 11:30:51 +0000

After Essential told us that they were skipping the update to Android 8.0 and jumping straight to Android 8.1 instead, we were left wondering when that might happen. Today, Essential announced that the Android 8.1 "Oreo" update was rolling out in their beta channel. And when Essential says something is rolling out, they mean it - you can download it right now. The update - which again is only through their beta program - includes things like picture-in-picture mode, smart text selection, faster startups, etc., just like you would have received with Android 8.0. However, Essential seems to have found a solution to address one of the phone's biggest bugs. Listed in the changelog is a "Slow Scrolling Jitter Fix (Beta)," that could add some much needed smoothness to the Essential Phone's user experience. https://twitter.com/essential/status/963851778721640448 In addition to that possibly fix, they tossed in February's security patch and dynamic calendar and clock icons. The update arrives as OPM1.180104.010 and weighs in at roughly 492.9MB for those on 8.0 Beta 3. If you are interested in joining the Essential beta program, head over to Essential's site.

UPDATE: Now that I've got 8.1 installed, I've noticed some other changes that Essential didn't mention. For one, you've got resdesigned navigation buttons with smaller back and app switcher buttons straddling a bigger home button. Also, like on the Pixel Launcher, the phone's theme now switches between dark and light depending on your wallpaper.

New buttons in 8.1

Light vs. Dark themes

I'll continue updating this post as I find more.

US Government Recommends That You Avoid Huawei and ZTE Products

Kellen — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 10:16:56 +0000

Yikes for Huawei and ZTE.

You know all that talk recently about how AT&T and Verizon were distancing themselves from Huawei because the US government was worried that their products could be used to spy on Americans? Six top intelligence chiefs sat in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee yesterday and confirmed those thoughts publicly. Among the group were the heads of the CIA, FBI, NSA, and director of national intelligence, all of whom acknowledged that they don't trust Huawei or ZTE. They even went as far as to suggest that they do not recommend private citizens (all of us) buy or use either company's products. FBI director Chris Wray said, "We're deeply concerned about the risks of allowing any company or entity that is beholden to foreign governments that don't share our values to gain positions of power inside our telecommunications networks" and that such a position "provides the capacity to maliciously modify or steal information. And it provides the capacity to conduct undetected espionage." Huawei responded with the following statement:

"Huawei is aware of a range of U.S. government activities seemingly aimed at inhibiting Huawei's business in the U.S. market. Huawei is trusted by governments and customers in 170 countries worldwide and poses no greater cybersecurity risk than any ICT vendor, sharing as we do common global supply chains and production capabilities."

I'm not quite sure how to take all of this. As Huawei notes, they work with governments and customers in 170 countries, are a top 3 smartphone seller in the world, and as far as I know, haven't been caught doing a bunch of shady China spying. I also get that the US government has its concerns, though as Gizmodo points out, our government has its own troubling past when it comes to trustworthiness. It's a tricky situation, but one that will only make it harder and harder for Huawei to make it in the US, which it so desperately wants to do. What's unfortunate for US tech consumers is the fact that Huawei actually makes pretty good, reasonably priced phones. And don't forget that the Huawei Mate 10 Pro arrives this weekend if you want to pre-order one now. 🙃 Curious to hear your thoughts. Will you listen to the US government and avoid Huawei (and ZTE) products or are you willing to take the supposed risk on? // CNBC | Gizmodo

ZTE Looking for Axon 7 Owners to Beta Test Oreo

Tim — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 10:13:03 +0000

Own an Axon 7 from ZTE? Want Oreo? Then you best hurry on over to the ZTE forums and sign up for the closed Oreo beta group, currently accepting applications from those with real Android know-how. As ZTE explains, "Since these builds are in the early stages, we will be selecting our first group based on their familiarity with Android. Once stabilized, we will invite more users to this program." This means the first group will likely be small, but if you're reading this, then you likely qualify for a spot. Props to you, savvy Droid Life reader. Not only is the build Oreo, but ZTE specifically mentions that it's near-stock Android. That could be just for testing purposes, but the more vanilla the better, if you ask me. Follow the link below to get started and good luck. Sign-ups Here

HTC's Smartphone Boss Resigns

Kellen — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:48:08 +0000

If HTC wants to turn things around, they'll have to do so with a new leader in their smartphone division. Chialin Chang, the company's president of smartphone and connected device business, has resigned effective immediately. Chang has been at the helm for a couple of years now and even presented a couple of phones on stage in front of press, most notably the HTC U Ultra and U11. Of course, neither were a big hit even if they were fine smartphones. After having posted terrible quarter after terrible quarter, Chang stepping down may not be such a bad thing. HTC is in desperate need of another fresh start to try and cook-up up something to get this train headed in the right direction. HTC says that Chang has resigned for a "personal career plan," and is moving on to start his own AI company. We don't yet know who will replace him. Should I still be excited for HTC's 2018? I'm having second thoughts. // Engadget | HTC

Razer Phone Factory Images Now Available for Download

Tim — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:44:16 +0000

In need of the factory images for your Razer Phone? You're now in luck, as Razer has posted them directly to its Razer Zone website. This is a good thing because let's say you get a little crazy and start flashing ROMs (do developers even make custom ROMs for this phone?) or just experience a bad software bug. With the factory image, you'll be able to start fresh with the OS, as if the phone was straight from the factory. Of course, Razer warns that unlocking the bootloader will void your warranty, and if you have zero experience flashing images, your best bet is to keep away and leave it to the professionals. However, we know that the task isn't all that scary. To be safe, I'd recommend you download the latest factory image and stash it somewhere on your computer for safe keeping. You never know when a factory image will come in handy. Download the image by following the link below. Factory Images Here // Razer

Now Official: YouTube TV Picks Up Turner Networks, But Sign-Up Soon to Avoid Price Increase

Kellen — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 07:15:54 +0000

After an embargo breaking article yesterday told us that YouTube TV had big plans to announce this morning, we wanted to update you now that the details are official. As expected, YouTube TV is indeed adding Turner's family of networks (plus more), will expand to over 100 markets, and is getting a price increase on March 13 for new subscribers. In the new channel department, YouTube TV now has access to channels including TNT, Adult Swim, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, truTV, and Turner Classic Movies. I just checked and they are already live here in Portland. Additionally, NBA TV and MLB Network are still coming "soon," but will be a part of the base package once they are added. For premium subscriptions, NBA League Pass and MLB.TV will soon be available for purchase within YouTube TV.

As for new markets, we gave you the list yesterday, but some of them include Lexington, Dayton, Honolulu, Richmond, Mobile, and Syracuse. The full list of all 100+ markets can be found here. And finally, about that price increase. On March 13, if you sign-up for YouTube TV, you'll pay $40 per month. That's a $5 increase over the current $35/mo price. However, for current subscribers as well as those who sign-up before March 13, $35 is your price. So yeah, you should sign-up pretty soon here. // YouTube Blog

Google's Pixel 2 XL is My iPhone

Kellen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 16:06:11 +0000

iPhone owners, particularly the lifers, have always fascinated me. Not so much in a way that I'm confused at why they chose Apple's latest phone, but that no matter what, they won't even consider the other side or another phone that might be better in some ways. You know people like this. It's most of the people in your office. It's your mom's second cousin, the obnoxious one who thinks she knows all there is to know about tech and likes to rib you because you are an Android guy. It's the tech journos you read every day, who review phones and could use almost any device available, yet always go back to an iPhone. It's all of the celebs you follow on Twitter, as well as your favorite athlete. Today, I realized that I'm now like all of these people. After having lived with Google's Pixel 2 XL for the past several months, I think I get. I think I found my iPhone.

You could also call it satisfaction. Which I think is exactly what lifelong iPhone owners have found as well. They are pleased. They are content. The iPhone does for them what they need it to do, and it does it all well enough. It's a bit of a status symbol, sure, but the point is that iPhones take great pictures, perform swimmingly, have a great app selection, get updates regularly with new features, and simply make people feel good by owning one. Not only that, iPhones help them not need to look elsewhere. With the Pixel 2 XL, I'm quickly starting to feel the same way. In fact, I may already be there. As some of you have heard on various DL Shows in recent weeks, I've made it pretty clear that 2018 and the phones on the way don't exactly have me grinning with anticipation. Nothing on the roadmap currently excites me enough because I'm still so happy with this Pixel 2 XL. Is the Galaxy S9 and its 2017 design rehash with subtle upgrades supposed to win me over? Not with that software that I can't stand and know will be there. Not with that Bixby button and an upgrade to Android 9.0 a not-happening-for-7-or-8-months thing following its release. Am I supposed to be excited about LG re-releasing their 2017 phones all over again? Am I supposed to line-up for Essential after the phone they gave us last year? Do I want the downgrade that will be a OnePlus 6 and 6T camera? Do I want to pay attention (sort of) to what HTC is working on as they ignore the US? Or do I stay with the phone that satisfies all of my smartphone needs? The funny thing is that all of that is sort of beside the point. Because even if the Galaxy S9 looked like a world-changer, I'm not sure I'd feel any different. Remember what I said above about lifelong iPhone owners ignoring other phones that might be better in certain ways? Like, I'm fully well aware that the Pixel 2 XL lacks a headphone jack. It's kind of big. Some people hate its display. It's expensive. It has issues that are well documented throughout Google's Pixel forums.

Not that you need me to point this out again, but Google's current Pixel 2 line-up also pretty much checks all of the boxes for me. I get the best camera in the business. I get my favorite version of Android as well as the new version of it and its features before anyone else. Android runs flawlessly on this Pixel 2 XL. I even like the stupid squeezy side thing. The water resistance is nice. It looks pretty great in this Black & White colorway too. And it's battery life is good enough for me. The fact that it costs almost $1,000 is not an insignificant thing that at this stage in my life, I'm able to buy one (Yes, we buy a lot of our phones.). Tomorrow, I may not be able to - you just never know what life will bring. You talk about the status that comes with the latest iPhone, I sort of feel like I get that with the Pixel 2 XL. Generally speaking, this phone is still a blast to use. I sit on my couch or in bed late at night or while killing a few minutes here and there, and often think, "This phone kicks ass." That's after having one in hand since it launched in October. To this day, it still does stuff that amazes me. Take for example the 2018 Winter Olympics that are going on right now. I get to watch the Olympics live every night on YouTube TV in a picture-in-picture window, while catching live commentary on Twitter as Chloe Kim destroys the half pipe. This phone. It does that. You get the point. As all of this relates to what I do, one of the most important things here is the fact that for the first time, I own a phone that makes me look at other phones in a different way. Are they doing enough to make me consider them? How much better will that next phone be than this Pixel 2 XL? Will it be better at all? As someone who evaluates phones for a living, that could be a pretty fun way to be able to look at this industry. I can't wait to tell you the day that someone gives me reason to switch again. For now, though, the Pixel 2 XL is my iPhone. I'm satisfied.

Alto's Odyssey Launches Feb. 22 for iOS, Probably Much Later for Android

Tim — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 15:17:24 +0000

What I'm about to talk about reminds me very much of how Android never got a Tiny Wings launch. For that, I will always resent my loyalty to Google's mobile OS, though, I'm still grateful to use what I think is the best mobile operating system available. Anyway, the official trailer for Alto's Odyssey is now live, a sequel to the crazy popular and mega addicting Alto's Adventure. Seriously, if you didn't catch one of our past write ups, we love that game. Now, the sequel is scheduled to go live on February 22, but only for iOS. As I was told in an email directly from the studio behind the game, "As a small team we have to prioritize one platform for our launch, but we haven’t forgotten about our Android players! We aren’t committing to a release date at the moment, but we’re hoping to get an Android version out in the months ahead." Wait, months ahead? That sucks. We can take this a couple ways. The most notable to me is the fact that Android users seem less likely to drop money on apps than iOS users. Because of this, and as we saw with the launch of Alto's Adventure, the developers implemented an in-app purchase system for our platform, instead of a single-time $4.99 purchase like on iOS. Due to the developers needing to build in an additional IAP payment system, coupled with it being a small team, this is likely why our launch is so delayed. Does it suck having to be patient and watch while iOS users get to have all of the fun? Yes. Will the world keep spinning even though the Android release will take more time? Maybe, but probably. If you have an iOS device, you can pre-order Alto's Odyssey for $4.99 by following the link below. And believe me, once it's available for Android, we'll let you know. Pre-Order for iOS Here Trailer

Google Found a Way to Bring Smart Replies to All Messaging Apps

Tim — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:03:04 +0000

Smart replies are available in a few Google-made applications already, such as Inbox and Allo. If you have never used them before, they are AI-powered responses to messages you receive from others. For example, if someone asks "Where are you?" in Allo, the software recognizes this, then delivers options for you to respond with. With the given example, Allo could recommend you reply with your current location, allowing your friend to get a better sense of where you are. Now that you have an understanding of what smart replies are, you should also know that a small R&D team at Google is working to bring this feature to all of your favorite messaging clients. Called Reply, the team wants to include smart replies in basically any messaging app, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Twitter DMs, and Slack. At the core, Reply is an add-on for any messaging app, not a standalone messaging experience. So, when a notification comes in from a supported messaging app, Reply is right there with contextual replies ready to go. There are apparently other features, though, everything is said to be rather experimental at this time with no concrete release information provided. According to TechCrunch, there is a Do Not Disturb mode that can switch on when a user is driving, as well as a vacation responder that automatically checks your calendar to let others know you aren't working. If you want to try to get in on Reply yourself before anyone else, they're taking sign-ups right now. // TechCrunch

Essential Teases Ocean Depths Colorway of Its Phone for February 15

Kellen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 13:33:31 +0000

That's what this tweet means. https://twitter.com/essential/status/963522365182234624

Bixby Isn't Dying Yet, But the Exec Behind It Just Left for Google

Kellen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 12:29:32 +0000

Injong Rhee, one of the key figures behind Samsung products like KNOX, Samsung Pay, and Bixby, is now working with Google. Even though executive shifts happen regularly at big companies, this one certainly feels a bit different, since Rhee was such an influential figure at a company known for hardware that happened to make several successful software pushes with him at the helm. Rhee will apparently head to Google as an entrepreneur-in-residence, which will mean a focus on IoT projects, according to ZDNet. Knowing his background with Bixby, though, and also acknowledging Google's combination of Nest and Google hardware recently as they prepare a mega-push into your home with Assistant, you have to consider Rhee's expertise coming in handy there. We'll certainly be watching closely for any attachment of him onto specific Google projects.

Future of Samsung Bixby

On a Bixby-related note, you are probably wondering what its future is. For that, I'd point to an interesting article published today by a former Samsung PR team member, Philip Berne, who worked in mobile, often with Rhee in recent years. The article shares some of Rhee's history at the company, with Berne noting the successful product launches under him, especially as they compare to some of Samsung's failures (TouchWiz, Milk Music, etc.). As for how that relates to Bixby, Berne is pointing out that the stuff Rhee gets behind doesn't fail and often becomes cornerstones of Samsung's portfolio because the guy just "would not quit" on anything until it succeeded. Bixby was supposed to be the next big thing that Rhee was working on, except that he just left for Google at a time where Bixby isn't even close to the success story of Pay or KNOX. Does that mean Bixby will now die? Well, no. Samsung built physical Bixby buttons into the S8 line, as well as the Note 8, and will likely do the same with the Galaxy S9. You tie a button to a feature and you are pretty much stuck with it. Samsung also recently announced Bixby 2.0 and that we should expect it in speakers, TVs, and other appliances in the near future. Samsung is still very much behind Bixby. For how long, we don't know. The guy known for making sure things are winners left before he made sure Bixby won.

F*ck the Bixby button

On a related note, I can't help but point to Berne acknowledging the ridiculousness of Samsung including a Bixby button in its phones. He called the move "one of the most boneheaded design decisions ever," which most of us would agree with, especially since Samsung put the button exactly opposite of the power button, often leading to unwanted presses. Good stuff. // ZDNet

Canary Skill Added for Amazon Alexa, Watch Your Feeds on Echo Spot and Show

Tim — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 11:18:09 +0000

Thanks to a new Canary skill for Amazon Alexa, Canary All-in-One, View, and Flex owners can get important video feeds straight to Amazon Echo devices. With the update to firmware v3.0.0, AIOs and View devices can relay video feeds directly to an Echo Spot or Echo Show, simply by saying, "Alexa, show the Front Door”, or “Alexa, show the Basement.” Getting this set up seems rather painless, too. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone or tablet, navigate to Skills, search for Canary, then tap on Enable. From there, sign in using your Canary credentials and follow the prompts. Once you’re connected, you can start using Alexa to view video from your Canary device. According to Canary, the Canary skill for Alexa is supported on Canary All-in-One and Canary View devices running firmware v3.0.0 or higher and on Canary Flex devices running firmware v2.3.0 or higher. Go try it, then report back to me, Canary owners. I'm very interested in how it works. // Canary

Poll: Pick Your Flavor of Android

Kellen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 10:05:26 +0000

I probably already know where this poll is headed, but I still want to see the numbers.

We're bringing up this subject of Android flavors today, because the folks at OnePlus have asked their OnePlus followers which version of Android they prefer: pure or OxygenOS. Of course, when you ask your loyal fans if they prefer your product to someone else's, I think we know how that might weigh on the results. Still, they seem excited that people like OxygenOS. Heck, even we like OxygenOS! But which is your favorite of them all in 2018? If you had a choice of Android flavor, which would you take every time? And I'm not talking about Oreo vs. Nougat vs. Gingerbread. I'm talking about the flavor of Android skin, which even Google has a version of at this point. If you own a Samsung phone, you get the Samsung Experience. Own an LG phone? You get LG's latest UX. Love HTC? They still have HTC Sense on top of Android. Never say "no" to Google? Well, the Pixel phones 100% have their own Google skin. Google is no longer shipping stock Android on their phones, they instead ship the Pixel Experience. Want purely stock Android? Essential has you covered there. Want an upgraded stock-like experience? OnePlus and Moto have something for you. Ready? Pick your flavor. [poll id="472"]

Report: Galaxy S9 Will Have Dual Speakers, Animoji-Like Feature, Bixby 2.0

Tim — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 09:17:53 +0000

According to the latest report from overseas, the Galaxy S9 is getting a major hardware improvement, something I think we've all been asking for. As detailed, Samsung will include dual speakers on its 2018 flagships, and with that, I'm officially hyped for this device. Dual speakers are something I appreciate on smartphones, simply because these devices are typically my main way of consuming media while I'm hanging out. I can blast my tunes, get super immersed in whatever game I'm playing, and for the longest time, Galaxy S devices haven't had fantastic external speakers. Hopefully that's all changing this year with the S9 and S9+. In addition to dual speakers, ETNews reports Samsung will implement an Animoji-like feature on the devices, which will be similar to the animated emoji software Apple includes on the iPhone X. Said to be called 3D Emoji, the front camera tracks your facial movements, then animates an emoji of your choice. For example, an animated pile of poo.

It is also reported that Bixby 2.0 will be included on the Galaxy S9, which isn't too shocking. Announced last year, Bixby 2.0 is Samsung's "bold reinvention" of its assistant platform that no one seemed to appreciate in the first place. With 2.0, users find, "enhanced natural language capabilities for more natural commands and complex processing, so it can get to know and understand not only who you are, but who members of your family are." Not only is Bixby more capable with 2.0, but the platform is more open, with Samsung opening up SDKs to developers for new ways of implementation. As you'd expect, there will be a dedicated Bixby button on the Galaxy S9, which can surely be disabled if you desire. Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S9 on February 25. // ETNews

YouTube TV is Apparently Getting a Huge Channel Boost (Turner!), Price Increase for New Subscribers (Updated: Official!)

Kellen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 09:00:45 +0000

According to a since-deleted BuzzFeed story on major changes coming to YouTube TV, the streaming TV service from Google is about to get a lot of the goodies that early adopters (like me and Tim) have been asking for. We're talking about a major upgrade to the channel line-up, but that might include a price increase too...for new subscribers.

UPDATE: This big YouTube TV news is now official! Read the full details at this post.

The details of the story have been removed, likely because the embargo for it was tomorrow. Thankfully, 9to5Google captured most of it. Here is what we know before confirmation arrives tomorrow.

Turner joins YouTube TV channel line-up

On February 14 (tomorrow), YouTube TV will add the Turner family of channels, which includes TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TruTV, and Turner Classic Movies. NBA TV and the MLB Network will join the line-up too, with options to sign-up for premium packages like NBA League Pass and MLB.TV.

New YouTube TV markets

Additionally, YouTube TV will expand to another 18 new markets after a recent mega-expansion in December. The new markets are: Lexington, Dayton, Honolulu, El Paso, Burlington, Plattsburgh, Richmond, Petersburg, Mobile, Syracuse, Champaign, Springfield, Columbia, Charleston, Harlingen, Wichita, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton.

Price increase for new subs

Finally, and this should be confirmed tomorrow, but a price increase is coming to new subscribers of YouTube TV. According to BuzzFeed, sign-ups after March 13th will cost $40 per month. The current YouTube TV price is just $35 and may stay for those already subscribed. You can sign-up for YouTube TV here. Google Play Link // BuzzFeed | 9to5Google

Yep, LG is Releasing a New V30 Soon and It'll Have an AI Focus in the Camera

Kellen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 07:56:26 +0000

A report from last week suggested that LG would soon debut a new version of the V30 and attempt to spice it up with some "AI" camera tricks. Last night, the company confirmed that to be true. In a press release, LG announced that the "2018 version of the LG V30" is on the way and that it'll take advantage of "more than a year" of research that LG has done in AI technologies. At MWC 2018 in a couple of weeks, LG will show off both, though this first announcement will introduce the "first of a suite" of their AI goals.

LG's Vision AI

LG is calling this Vision AI and it's a lot like Bixby or Google Lens, mixed with a scene analyzer to help you take the best photo. Comparisons to those other assistants are fair because of the "shopping advice" and results it will give when you point your V30's camera at objects, as well as its ability scan QR codes and provide image searches. It differs a bit in that it also tries to automatically analyze objects in order to recommend which shooting mode you might use while taking a picture. LG says that it takes into account the angle of view, color, reflections, backlighting, and saturation levels. LG worked with a partner to analyze over 100 million images in order to develop algorithms for Vision AI. And finally for Vision AI, LG says to expect a new low-light shooting mode that "automatically brightens images in dim environments by a factor of two."

Google Assistant exclusive commands

If you didn't own the original LG V30, you probably didn't know that there were exclusive Google Assistant commands built-in (there were 23 of them), like the ability to ask Google to "Take a picture on a wide angle" or "Take a pop art Cine video." For 2018, LG is adding another 9, including commands to take food photos, scan QR codes, perform image searches, and record time-lapses. The full list of commands can be seen here.

LG's early 2018 story is fully taking shape now. They really are cutting back on releases, ditching their previous phone schedule (G6 in spring to start), and re-releasing last year's phones with new features and in new colors. // LG

Verizon Completes 5G Call Using New 3GPP-Compliant 5G Tech

Kellen — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 15:47:01 +0000

Verizon hasn't announced any mobile 5G plans at this point, but they want you to know that they placed an over-the-air call on a 3GPP-compliant 5G radio using licensed spectrum. That's it. That's the story. And that's the story because Verizon has only announced fixed 5G plans, which they'll do through residential broadband that utilizes mmW spectrum. See, nothing wireless or mobile about that solution, even if they are hoping to push it out to multiple markets this year, including Sacramento as the first. If you want an angle for this story, I'll point out that this call was placed by using technology that meets the 5G spec set in December, a spec that will be used by everyone involved to get 5G into your life. They partnered with Nokia and Qualcomm products to do it too, so we're talking about three players that'll be huge factors in the rollout of 5G over the coming years. For Verizon, this likely helps them prepare their 5G mobile plans and further test mmW technology. For Qualcomm, this is a really big deal because we are expecting a 5G-ready phone from one of their partners by 2019. The more testing they can do, the better. On a related note, checkout them comments. // Verizon

You Probably Shouldn't Trust Any Huawei Mate 10 Pro Reviews at Best Buy

Kellen — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 15:09:04 +0000

The Huawei Mate 10 Pro, Huawei's latest unlocked high-end phone to be sold in the US, begins shipping by February 18. That date is in the future, in case you weren't looking at a calendar, which is important because there sure are a lot of reviews over at Best Buy for it. While there is a pre-order currently open for the phone, 100+ reviews for a phone that isn't supposed to be in anyone's hands is...puzzling. The guys at 9to5Google did a little digging and found that most are probably fake reviews from people looking to win a contest that Huawei was running. On January 31, Huawei posted a "Mate 10 Pro Beta Test Recruitment" contest to a private Facebook group, where they asked members to head on over to the Mate 10 Pro's Best Buy retail page and "Tell us how to [sic] why you WANT to own the Mate 10 Pro in the review section." Oh. Oh my. Sure enough, from January 31 and over the next several days, the Mate 10 Pro listing at Best Buy was flooded with top notch reviews like this one:

Or this one, where the person isn't even hiding the fact that they haven't touched the phone:

There are dozens more and all follow pretty much the same hype guidelines. They aren't reviews. They are spam-filled fake 5-star comments made by Huawei fans looking to score a free phone. In good news, Huawei says that they picked 9 winners for this "beta" program of theirs. 🙄 Why should you care? Well, for one, you should probably never trust Best Buy reviews ever again, assuming you did previously. It's obvious that you don't need to own anything from Best Buy in order to review it, including this here Huawei Mate 10 Pro. And second, I'd now look at the Huawei Mate 10 Pro a little more skeptically than you might have otherwise on other sites too. The company is obviously open to gaming systems, like the Best Buy review system and its score. Looking for our Huawei Mate 10 Pro review? Ask Huawei if they'll send us a phone. Our multiple attempts don't seem to be helping. // 9to5Google

DEAL: Amazon's New 4K Fire TV With Alexa Remote is $49.99 Today ($20 Off)

Kellen — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:20:40 +0000

Amazon's new 4K Fire TV dongle hasn't seen many discounts since being introduced in September, so take advantage of today's deal. And that deal is a $20 price drop from its usual $69.99 price. for $50, you could get not only 4K Fire TV action, but control through an Alexa Voice Remote too. For those not familiar, the 4K Fire TV is very much like Google's Chromecast Ultra. It's a dongle that simply attaches to an HDMI port in your TV and is capable of showing 4K (up to 60fps) and HDR content, as well as Dolby Atmos sound. With the included remote, you can voice search for content or control it all, but because it has Alexa onboard, that means you also get access to smart home controls and the rest of Alexa's powers. Again, this 4K Fire TV hasn't been discounted, so get after it.

Amazon Deal Link

Samsung Fixes Emoji in Android Oreo Update

Kellen — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 12:56:22 +0000

Samsung's emoji have always been really bad. So bad, in fact, that it's often impossible to tell what the emoji in front of you is trying to describe or which emotion it's trying to invoke. With the Android Oreo update for Samsung phones that's dubbed the Samsung Experience 9.0, they are fixing a bunch of them. The folks at Emojipedia did a lengthy write-up today on the changes, which I will direct you towards if this stuff is something you care deeply about and want to see every single emoji that was adjusted. If you just want the highlights, we have those for you below.

The end. // Emojipedia

IDC: Google Doubles Smartphone Shipments in 2017, Essential Ships Just 90,000

Kellen — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:45:43 +0000

The number of phones a company sells isn't typically an area we focus a lot of our time on, here at Droid Life, but when numbers for companies like Google and Essential pop up, it's worth a minute of discussion. For Google, we get to see if their seriousness in hardware is paying off, while Essential's early numbers could tell us if anyone even noticed they exist. According to numbers from IDC's research director, Google is showing growth in Pixel sales, while Essential reached fewer people than attend a single Michigan football game. For 2017, IDC shows that Google shipped 3.9 million phones, double its 2016 volume. That's not a large number, in case you were wondering, if you compare to the quarterly numbers from companies like Samsung and Apple. Still, doubling anything is never a bad thing and I can't imagine becoming a household name in smartphone hardware is ever an overnight thing. We'll see if Google can maintain a similar increase for 2018. As for Essential, at just 88,000 units shipped in their first six months (Google Play downloads match that number), I don't know that many would consider this first Andy Rubin-backed phone to be a colossal success. The Essential Phone (our initial review, and re-review) has some great things going for, but it also has enough issues that Essential dropped its price from $700 to $500 within a few months and has been running steeper discounts since. If there is a takeaway here, I think it's that 2018 will be huge for both companies. Google's Pixel 2 phones are not only well-liked and well-reviewed, but Google has really pushed one of its bigger advertising campaigns for them. I'll be curious to see how consumers react. And with Essential, you have to assume they've learned a ton of valuable lessons after their first phone launch and should only be able to improve with their next. // @fjeronimo [2] | The Verge

Verizon Starts SIM Locking Phones Because They Care About Theft, Not FCC Rules (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 09:28:26 +0000

Jesus, Monday, can we chill already?

Verizon is going to start SIM locking the phones you buy from them. That's significant for a number of reasons, but the most important is over the fact that they aren't actually allowed to do that, thanks to a deal in place with the FCC that was supposed to strictly prohibit them from doing so. It's also terrible because there will soon be a waiting period before you can use your phone on a different carrier, leaving your phone far less open to accessing other networks around the globe.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 6: Verizon still has not yet announced their SIM locking plans

Before diving in, let's step back for a minute. Most carriers SIM lock their phones to only work on their network out of the box. Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T all do and ask that you wait for a certain period of time with active service on a phone before unlocking it. They have to allow unlocking, though. Verizon, on the other hand, hasn't SIM locked their phones as a part of their agreement with the FCC after they purchased Block C spectrum for use with their LTE network. Don't believe me? Here is the exact wording from the Block C rules set:

(e)Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b)of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks.

I'm not sure there is any other way to read this other than Verizon completely ignoring those FCC rules they agreed to. I wouldn't exactly expect industry-lap dog Ajit Pai to care. America! Why is Verizon doing this? They told CNET that they want to deter criminals from stealing phones ~~because apparently they just line-up outside of Verizon stores to rob your ass~~. ~~I'm not actually kidding. They appear to have told CNET that this move should help stop criminals from jacking your new phone as you make your way to a store to get it activated, or leave with one~~. EDIT: As was pointed out to me on Twitter, this could mean that Verizon wants to stop theft as they are shipping or transporting devices, not directly from your sweaty palms, though that's not exactly clear. I've tweaked the title. For now, this SIM lock will happen out the box, but then go away once your phone is activated. However, come this spring, it won't be so easy to get rid of the lock. Verizon hasn't provided any specifics, including how long the lock will be in place, but noted that they will tell us when the policy is rolled out. They also added that they'll unlock phones even if they aren't paid off. Seriously, happy, Monday. // CNET

Report: Google's Only Hope for Android Survival is Notch Support in Android P to Woo iPhone X Users

Kellen — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 08:41:41 +0000

This is the softest Android vs. Apple article I've read in years.

Hey, it's Monday, so let's fire up the ol' Android is a trash operating system and can only survive if it copies Apple to try and win over iPhone users storyline. Thankfully, Bloomberg has blessed us with just that this morning. Let's see what it says!

Google is working on an overhaul of its Android mobile software for a new generation of smartphones mimicking Apple Inc.’s controversial new "notch" at the top of the iPhone X, according to people familiar with the situation.

Oh, Android P is getting a massive "overhaul?" That sounds f*ckin....wait, supporting a notch is an overhaul? I'm not sure I have the energy for this, but keep going, please.

The Android update, due later in the year, will also more tightly integrate Google’s digital assistant, improve battery life on phones and support new designs, like multiple screens and foldable displays, the people added.

Now this sounds more interesting - more Google Assistant integration because Assistant is getting pretty awesome, better battery life because that's always a need, and support for all sorts of designs, like Samsung's upcoming foldable phone. Cool! Where was that in the lede? Oh that's right, this is an unnecessary Android vs. Apple article. Back on topic!

A key goal of this year’s update to the Google mobile operating system is to persuade more iPhone users to switch to Android devices by improving the look of the software, the people said.

That's more like it! Android is a hot mess of design trash while everyone can't stop raving about the best design tweak in history, the iPhone X's notch. Forget the fact that Essential got there first with the notch, well before Apple, and that Android already works just fine with it. This story just wouldn't be as spicy with that info.

While Android dominates the middle and low-end of the global smartphone market, Apple controls much of the high-end with users who spend more on apps and other services. Embracing the notch may help change that.

Rick Osterloh to his newly acquired, billion dollar HTC hardware team: "Build the notch, and they will come."

What’s unlikely to change much is Android’s nagging problem: Most of the billion-plus Android devices globally run outdated versions of the operating system, exposing security holes and holding back Google’s newest mobile innovations.

Oh, so the hot trash mess of software design isn't the problem at all, it's fragmentation. It's always fragmentation and this article wouldn't have been complete without acknowledging it. F.R.A...G.M.E...N.T.A.T.I.O.N. Sing it with me now!

The dramatic redesign will be a contrast this year to the iPhone’s operating system, which will lack a clear outward-facing upgrade in favor of system improvements for performance and reliability, Bloomberg News has reported.

That's right, Android, Apple already dramatically altered the universe with a notch and is taking the year off while you play catch-up to this glory. Anything else to see here?

Every year, the new Android version is named after a dessert. Internally, Google is calling the latest one Pistachio Ice Cream, but the company typically uses different official names, the people also said.

Well shit, that's some news! Android P may be codenamed Pistachio Ice Cream. Happy, Monday! // Bloomberg

VLC 3.0 is Here and It Brings All the New Features

Kellen — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:56:48 +0000

VLC received a big update today to v3.0 "Vetinari," bringing with it stable Chromecast support, voice actions in Android Auto, availability on all Android TV devices (Chromebooks and DeX too), and support for Android's picture-in-picture. Some of this stuff was in the previous VLC beta. Here's the full list of Android-specific changes:

Chromecast support from your phone
HEVC hardware decoding using MediaCodec
Android Auto with voice actions
Available on all Android TV, Chromebooks & DeX
Support for Picture-in-Picture
Playlist files detection

Outside of Android, this is a huge VLC update in general. VLC 3.0 activates hardware decoding by default, allowing for 4K and 8K playback. It supports 10bits and HDR too, 360 and 3D audio, audio passthrough for HD audio codecs, and a whole bunch more. Big VLC users, you'll want to hit up those two links at the bottom to get the dirty details. Google Play Link https://vimeo.com/254723180 // VLC [Full changelog]

T-Mobile Hosting BOGO Line of Service for Those With a Family Plan

Tim — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 13:25:24 +0000

Announced this week, T-Mobile is offering a free line of service when you add a line to an existing T-Mobile ONE family plan. That means, you can go into a T-Mobile store and add one line to your existing plan, then get another line for free. In total, you will need to have three lines of service in order to get credit for the free 3rd line. As T-Mobile notes, so long as the first two lines stay paid, the third will remain active. As a bonus, you can use this third line for whatever you want, not just a phone. You can use it for a tablet, a SyncUp DRIVE for your car, or even a smartwatch. It's entirely up to you. Since we're basically talking about a BOGO deal, but for lines of service, now's a good time to also point out that T-Mobile is still hosting an actual BOGO smartphone deal, one that could net you a free Samsung or LG phone. So long as the phone's value isn't over $750, you can get up to that amount as a rebate when you buy two of the same phone. This includes a Galaxy Note 8, LG V30+, and plenty more. T-Mobile kicks off the BOGO line of service tomorrow on February 10. Sign-up here. // T-Mobile

Podcast: Bring on Android iMessage

Kellen — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:42:49 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're diving into the latest rumors on the Galaxy S9 (because why not?), but also talking through a bunch of big Google happenings. From Android Messages possibly turning into Android's iMessage to Pixel Visual Core going live to Google working on a game streaming service, the company behind Android is busy. Outside of that news, we'll catch you up on LG's next phone, HTC's U12, 5G pricing and news, and discuss whether or not anyone uses Instagram still. It'll be a packed show! We’ll be live at 10AM Pacific (1PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

Report: LG 'V30s' to be Announced at MWC, Features LG Lens AI Tech to Rival Bixby Vision

Tim — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 08:59:26 +0000

Matching up with an earlier report, the latest news from South Korea is that LG will indeed announce a new phone at MWC later this month, sort of. Reported to be called the V30s, LG is simply taking the existing V30 and throwing in a bit of AI magic for the camera, similar to what we already have from Samsung. Detailed in the report, the AI tech is called LG Lens, and if you've ever used Bixby Vision on a new Galaxy phone, then you already know how this probably works. Basically, a user can snap a picture of an item on the V30s, then have that image cross referenced against the web for purchasing. Not only can it handle product searches, but it is reported that it can also do instant language translations via the camera, use GPS to display information and directions through the camera, read barcodes and QR codes, plus likely run basic web searches based on a photo you take (à la Google Lens). While a new G7 might've been a bit more exciting for MWC, we do know there is quite a bit of chaos going on inside LG's mobile division. To that point, for LG to launch the same phone it did last September, only this time with these AI features, there's no telling how the buying public will react. The only other company I know that can get away with slapping an "S" on the end of an existing phone and sell thousands of units is Apple, and let's be real, LG is no Apple. Does LG Lens at least sound interesting to you? The instant language translation could come in handy every now and then, but that might be about it for me. //ETNews

Google Appears Ready to Turn Android Messages Into Android's iMessage

Kellen — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 08:54:07 +0000

Back in August, a reliable source of ours told us that Android Messages would gain a web portal, just like Allo's, that you would access via QR code. We assumed that Google would have launched it by now (that was 6 months ago), but only yesterday, the folks at Android Police dug into a recent Android Messages update and found evidence of it all: the web portal, QR code, browser compatibility, and a possible upgrade from Google on the app's features to turn the client into Android's iMessage.

Android Messages to the web

The info they found suggests an integration with the web like you have now on Allo. When you are ready to connect to a browser, you access the URL for the online Android Messages experience, it brings up a QR code to scan, and then you scan that within Android Messages on your phone to connect the two. Multiple computer support should be built in as well. You know how this works if you've used Allo at any point. We don't yet know the URL for accessing, but if you look at Allo's I wouldn't be shocked if we're texting from messages.google.com/web.

Android iMessage time

What's more interesting is an apparent promotional stress from Google to try and send text messages over WiFi, as well as other RCS-like features. It appears as if Google may just start building out RCS features into Android Messages without carrier support, since carriers aren't exactly rushing to join their party. Code within the app talks about enabling an upgraded chat experience that is "powered by Google," where you can send messages over WiFi, see when friends are typing, and share high-quality messages. For those not familiar, RCS (Rich Communication Services) is super-powered text messaging, in a way, that does all of the stuff I just mentioned. Up until this point, carriers had to provide some of the support for using RCS in order for you to get access to those features in Android Messages. If this update is hinting at the future, Google may not be waiting around any longer and instead may be creating its own iMessage...finally. This is pretty huge news for messaging on Android. // Android Police

DEAL: Essential Phone Drops to $449 at Amazon, 360 Camera to $50

Kellen — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 07:21:39 +0000

Friday is here and so is the first good deal of the day. Amazon has dropped the price of the Essential Phone from $499.99 to $449.99. That may not be the biggest price cut in history, but you have to remember that the phone is already heavily discounted to $500. Amazon has both the black and white versions in stock, with Prime shipping. In addition to the Essential Phone being discounted, the Essential 360 Degree Camera is super cheap at the moment. Normally $199, you can pick-up the Essential Phone's first major accessory for just $50. $50! You can combine the two as well in a bundle that costs $499.99.

Amazon Deal Links:

Essential Phone - $449.99
Essential 360 Degree Camera - $50.00

Here's DeX Pad, the Dock That Turns Your Galaxy Phone Into a Touchpad

Tim — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:56:08 +0000

Over the last few months, we learned Samsung was readying a new DeX product, one that could turn your smartphone, namely the upcoming Galaxy S9, into a touchpad for whatever monitor you have hooked up to the dock. Thanks to @evleaks, we're now getting our first good look at the DeX Pad, along with another look at what appears to be the Galaxy S9. As we can see, the phone sits in the dock flat, with a USB Type-C port on the bottom, plus ports on the top side of the dock. We see ports for power, a full size HDMI port, plus two standard size USB ports. If you are unfamiliar with the original Samsung DeX dock, you'd hook your phone up to the dock, plug a desktop monitor into the dock, then you essentially have a desktop version of Android ready to go. Of course, you'd also need a mouse to interact with the UI, but with DeX Pad, your phone will act as the touchpad, allowing you to eliminate the need for a mouse. Pretty clever, Samsung. Maybe more importantly, we can at least rest easy and say that the Galaxy S9 will indeed sport a 3.5mm headphone jack, according to this image at least. Expect the DeX Pad to be announced alongside the Galaxy S9 later this month. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/961744410970148864

Here are the New Emoji You Can Expect in 2018

Tim — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 14:59:11 +0000

Unicode announced its list of new emoji for 2018, and thanks to Emojipedia, we're getting an idea of how they may shape up when released by the various OEMs who create their own interpretations. The highlights from the new list include a llama, toolbox, salt shaker, lobster, skateboard, pawn, pirate flag, plus plenty more. Emojipedia was kind enough to create a video, highlighting the entire library of new emoji that we've embedded below. According to Unicode's president, we should see support for these new emoji in the second half of 2018. That should go for all emoji users, including iOS, Android, and even Samsung. What new emoji has you hyped? For me, it's gotta be the emotional support peacock. // Emojipedia

Android Feature Request: Let Us "User-Initiate" App Updates on Google Play, Just Like System Updates

Kellen — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 14:46:24 +0000

The introduction of staged rollouts for Android apps is probably my least favorite Android happening in the history of covering this industry. While I'm fully aware of the reasoning for them to exist (act as a test group, catch bugs early before everyone gets them, don't destroy everyone's phone, etc.), they absolutely took almost all of the fun out of Android apps and the way we discovered new features and shared big changes with one another, all through the secure outlet that is Google Play. In this latest edition of Android Feature Request, I think I have an idea that could bring back some of that fun, while still allowing staged rollouts to exist. And I think that can happen by taking a page out of a recent change to Android system updates: user-initiated flags and a "Check for update" button on Android apps. In other words, let us manually check for updates on apps just like we now can with system updates and assume the risk.

Bring the fun back, make it all safer

This seemingly smallish change would really help to make Android app updates fun again, but it'll also improve security around Android. Right now, we hear about an update from Google or a developer, one that introduces a new UI or feature we want, head into Google Play to check for it, and typically walk away disappointed that it's not available. And then someone on Twitter says he or she got it. Then someone else says they did too. Yet here's you, not able to enjoy the new Auto-HDR feature or take advantage of system updates or those new AR Stickers or that new UI. What do you do? Well, you could sit back and forget about the update until you finally see it days if not weeks later. By then, that new coolness is no longer fresh and cool and you are behind countless others in your apps' experiences. You could also head on over to your local .apk host and grab the file. In that situation, you are assuming the file you are downloading is legit, not a scary piece of malware, and the proper file that may not do harm to your phone. Sure, there are trustworthy options out there to find these files (like this one), but there are at least a handful of others that will show up in Google Search results when you go to find that early .apk that I'm not sure are on the up-and-up. Should Google give us a "check for update" button on Google Play and allow for that user-initiated flag to work like it does for system updates, it cleans this all up. The people that sideload .apk files are the ones who know that an update is available and want it no matter what. But because Google doesn't currently allow for us to force an update through Google Play, many have had to get them elsewhere. That's not exactly a great solution and I'm actually surprised that Google has allowed it to take place on this level for this long. Each year, Google puts out reports that detail the steps they have taken to combat malware and bad developers on Google Play. Within those reports, they also almost always point out the fact that Android users should stick to Google Play for their apps and not go looking outside at 3rd party stores (or on .apk sites). This seemingly minor change could help get Android users to do just that - stick to Google Play.

"Check for update" on Android apps too

How would that work? Just like it does for system updates. Here is the explanation from Googler Elliott Hughes when he talked about this change for those:

When a device checks in because you’ve specifically asked it to, we flag that this is user-initiated and so you’re not subject to the usual limitations. So even if we’re at 1% rollout and 1% of users already have the update, if you manually check you’ll still be offered it, even though a background check at the same time wouldn’t.

There are two things to break down here. 1) Staged rollouts still happen even with this change. Most people, won't get an update right away and will have to wait their turn in line because they won't fall into that early percentage that gets lucky. Instead, they'll like get the update with a bigger push, once Google is comfortable with the update and decides to open it up to everyone. 2) Unless of course, they tap the "Check for update" button, which Google flags as a "user-initiated" action. That action is in a way you saying, "I'm in the know, I'll take the risk, give me this update now," to which Google obliges. That could work the same for Android app updates. You have a developer who has set a specific rollout for a major app update, but there could be an additional flag from Google in the developer console that gives developers the power to allow users of its app a "user-initiated" flag to pull the update anyway. Like with system updates, the user is aware that an update is available and wants to pull it even if it's in a slow rollout.

Subtle Google Play tweak to make it happen

In order for this to happen, there obviously would have to be not only that change to the developer console, but at least one to Google Play as well. Right now, we have a button in the "My apps & games" section that refreshes your apps and checks to see that updates are available to you. Unfortunately, this isn't the same type of user-initiated action that I'm talking about. This is really just a refresh button to see that apps have updates and that if there is a staged rollout in progress, you qualify to receive them. Google could do a couple of things here. For one, they could turn that already-implemented button into what I'm describing. Of course, that's probably not the best solution since it would check all of your apps and let you bypass rollouts for them all with a single button. So the second option would probably be to include a "check for update" button within individual app listings. That way, it's a specific user-initiated action that could force through an update that a user is asking for on an app-by-app basis. Let's do it, Google.

Google Assistant Coming to Chrome OS, Hotword and All

Tim — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:07:44 +0000

Thanks to the digging of XDA, we're learning this week that Google is working to bring Google Assistant to Chrome OS. While Assistant is already present on Google's Pixelbook, this move would allow all Chrome OS users to utilize the company's digital assistant, even letting them use the "Ok Google" hotword functionality. Once officially implemented into the Chrome OS code, it appears that Assistant will need to be enabled by an OEM. According to the code that was highlighted by XDA, should the OEM wish to make it a usable feature, they can opt to have it fire up with the press of a button or with the use of the hotword. Now, considering we're seeing the code for it, that could mean we still have to remain patient before things are made official and rolling out. We could even have to wait longer for OEMs to start using Google Assistant as a way to market their Chromebooks. Regardless of when it happens, this makes Chrome OS more exciting and more helpful to all users. // XDA

Big Essential Phone Camera Update Adds Auto-HDR, New HDR Algorithm

Kellen — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:03:19 +0000

The Essential Phone, even with its below-average performance, touch responsiveness, and camera, still has me holding out hope for update magic that'll eliminate its flaws and allow the phone's software to stop embarrassing its incredible build and design. It'll probably never happen, but Essential keeps trying. In the latest attempt to salvage whatever they can from this first frustrating phone, we've got a big camera update to play with. Essential says that the newest camera (which can be updated to right away on Google Play), adds Auto-HDR, a new HDR algorithm that "improves camera performance and scene rendering," dynamic HDR and flash indicators, and "various" other stability fixes. That's a lot! Early reviews of the update suggest that the shutter lag has been greatly reduced and that low-light images might be improved too, thanks to this new HDR fun. Hey, I'm always down for some algorithmic action. Give me all your algorithms. We're going to update to it as soon as we can and snap away. Let us know if you see big improvements. Google Play Link https://twitter.com/essential/status/961690199242694656

Google's New Winter Sports and Blocks AR Stickers are Here for Your Pixel, Pixel 2

Kellen — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:59:54 +0000

New AR stickers are here for your Pixel and Pixel 2! Google told us that new sticker packs were coming and they went live today. We've got Winter Sports and Blocks AR stickers, both of which need an update to the AR Stickers app in order to work on your Pixel phone. That's annoying, since Google is still slowly rolling out updates in stages and no one ever gets them within the first few days, but I'm sure all you APK bros can figure out where to find the v1.1 update. The Winter Sports AR stickers arrive just in time for the Winter Olympics. You'll find new stickers like a winter bear, skier, hockey player, ice skater, snowman and tree. In the Blocks AR stickers pack, you'll find items including a boombox, microphone, stack of cash, and champagne bottle that you can play spin-the-bottle with. What are Google AR Stickers? The fun little animated objects that you can place in photos or videos through the Pixel camera app to spice things up some. To use AR Stickers on your Pixel or Pixel 2, open the camera app, swipe on the side menu, and tap the "AR Stickers" option. From there, browse through the different sticker packs, then drag and drop the ones you want to use onto your camera feed. Snap away. Google Play Links:

// reddit

You Can Tell Google Home to Show You Weather on Select Chromecasts

Kellen — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:06:09 +0000

Back at Google I/O 2017, one of the big new upcoming Google Home features Google showed off was called Visual Responses. As the name suggests, these were responses you'd get from Google Assistant queries through to a display. Think weather or calendar visualizations on a display with a Chromecast attached. Yesterday, the first of these Visual Responses began rolling out. Google posted a support page for the change last night, detailing the supported devices involved, in case you really need to see a weather visualization rather than just hear it spoken. Along with a Google Home unit, the support page says that you'll need Chromecast (2nd gen) or a Chromecast Ultra running cast version 1.28+. If you have neither, a TV with Chromecast built-in may also work, again as long as it's running cast version 1.28+. Chromecast (1st gen) and Android TV boxes are not currently supported, so that means all of us who own SHIELD TVs are out of luck. To get setup, assuming you have the supported goods mentioned above, you'll head into your Google Home app, tap the Devices button in the top right corner, find the Chromecast you want to see weather on, go into its settings, and set it as the preferred TV. The full instructions can be found at the link below. // Google Home Help

Verizon Moto Z2 Play, Moto Z, Z Force Get Security Updates, MAXX 2 Gets Nougat

Tim — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 10:46:28 +0000

Updates are rolling out to four Motorola devices on Verizon, specifically the Moto Z2 Play, Moto Z DROID Edition (Moto Z), Moto Z Force DROID Edition (Moto Z Force), and DROID MAXX 2. For the Moto Z2 Play, the software is labeled as version NDSS26.118-23-19-1 and includes an update to December's security patch. This will protect your device from the KRACK exploit. For the Moto Z and Moto Z Force, labeled as NCLS26.118-23-13-6-1, they are also receiving December's security patch. Lastly, the DROID MAXX 2 is receiving Nougat! Labeled as software version 26.26.14.lux_verizon.verizon.en.US, users will now find Multi-Window support, much more intuitive notification settings, better system settings toggles, new emoji, plus plenty more. On top of Android 7.0+, this phone is also getting December's security update. If you own one of these phones, go get those updates! // Verizon [2] [3]

Look at This Cute Little Robot Movie From Samsung

Kellen — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:46:27 +0000

That Galaxy Note 8 in your pocket was tray-delivered for inspection by white collar Wall-E. Enjoy it.

Amazon Prime Now Starts Delivering Whole Foods Groceries in Select Cities

Tim — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 08:46:24 +0000

Folks who are Amazon Prime customers as well as lovers of Whole Foods, you'll be happy to learn that Prime Now is now delivering Whole Foods groceries for free within 2-hour windows. According to Amazon, this delivery feature is available starting today in Austin, Cincinnati, Dallas, and Virginia Beach. For pricing, it's not too bad. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you receive two-hour delivery for free, plus an option for "ultra-fast delivery" within one hour for $7.99 on orders of $35 or more. You can't ever argue with a free delivery option, though.

Starting today, Prime customers in neighborhoods of Austin, Cincinnati, Dallas and Virginia Beach can shop through Prime Now for bestselling items including fresh produce, high quality meat and seafood, everyday staples and other locally sourced items from Whole Foods Market.

If you live in one of the newly supported areas, follow the link below and check it out. Prime Now Link // Amazon

Qualcomm Shares List of Phone Makers and Carriers Using Its 5G Tech

Kellen — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 08:41:07 +0000

A true 5G wireless network that you can attach a phone to probably won't launch this year, even if AT&T is telling us they will launch something resembling one. 2019 is the year you should set your sights on and that's because Qualcomm, the mega-chipmaker that most companies rely on for wireless connections, said that their X50 5G modem will arrive in phones then. Today, Qualcomm published a list of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and global wireless carriers that are using their X50 5G modem to prepare devices and networks for 5G's arrival. Both press releases are filled with nothing but mentions of 2019. The list includes most of the players you expect to see, by the way.

Qualcomm 5G device makers

The list of OEMs that plan to equip handsets with Qualcomm's X50 5G modem includes HTC, LG, Nokia, Xiaomi, Sony, ZTE, OPPO, Sharp, ASUS, and others. Samsung isn't on there, which is kind of weird, but they do work on their own chipsets and will likely continue to announce their own successes in 5G along the way, even as they work closely with Qualcomm. They also won't pass on 5G, so don't worry too much about their name not being here. The OEMs listed here are building on the first 5G spec that was recently established, creating devices that will work in the sub-6GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum bands. Again, the first devices from this crew isn't expected until 2019 at the earliest.

Qualcomm 5G carrier partners

As for wireless carriers who are working with Qualcomm's 5G solutions, we've got a list that includes Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. T-Mobile isn't called out specifically, but Deutsche Telekom is and they still own T-Mobile USA. We know that T-Mobile has big plans for 5G, including a launch in 2019. These carriers are using Qualcomm's Snapdragon X50 5G modem to run trials based on that 5G spec I just noted. Those tests will "optimize 5G technology within the power and form factor constraints of a smartphone while maintaining interoperability and coexistence with 4G LTE." In other words, Qualcomm and carriers are hoping your battery doesn't die in 3 hours like it did with the HTC Thunderbolt and the first wave of 4G LTE devices. Qualcomm plans to show off "several" gigabits per second download speeds at MWC later this month, using a prototype phone with their X50 5G modem. That's pretty cool. 5G trials with Qualcomm's products will begin in 2018 and early 2019. Those trials will hopefully lead to 5G smartphone launches later in 2019. To find out more and read quotes from carrier and OEM partners, feel free to hit up those links below. // Qualcomm [2]

Wednesday Poll: What's Your Web Browser of Choice on Android?

Tim — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 15:25:22 +0000

Once Chrome hit the scene for Android in 2012, it seemed like many of the 3rd-party browser apps we used sorta disappeared. However, over the years, we still have plenty of options beyond Google's offering for our web browsing needs. We have Firefox, Opera, plus Samsung is still shipping its own mobile browser on its devices, meaning there are likely tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people using it. Our question to you is, what's currently your web browser of choice on Android? For me, it's Chrome, simply because all of my tabs and history are synced to my Google account, which just makes life easy. It's nice not having to deal with multiple ecosystems. We ran a similar poll in late 2012. Looking back, whatever happened to Dolphin? [poll id="471"]

DEAL: Get Up to $20 Off Google Express Purchases, Like Google Home for $79 or Mini for $31

Kellen — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 14:33:40 +0000

Google Express is currently running a deal that will take up to $20 off an order placed through its Android or iOS apps. It's actually a 20% off promo, but it maxes out at $20. To get the 20% discount, use coupon code "APP20OFF" at checkout. From what I can tell, it works on anything you order as long as you order from within the Google Express app. Whether you need groceries or a new tech gadget, you should be able to get up to $20 off your order. A couple of particularly good deals happen to involve the Google Home and Google Home Mini, which are already discounted at various retailers. If you should buy a Google Home through Google Express and choose Walmart as the retailer, you could land one for as low as $79.20, since the device is already discounted to $99. Want Google Home Mini? It's currently discounted to $39, but this 20% off discount drops it to $31.20. These are Black Friday prices! To get setup on Google Express, all you need is your Google account. Google Play Link

DEAL: This AUKEY QC 3.0 Car Charger is Just $5.46 With Coupon Code

Kellen — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:07:54 +0000

Need a car charger that isn't slow, is from a reputable company, and can be had for the price of your venti double shot caramel macchiato? if you head over to Amazon today, you'll find two AUKEY car chargers with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 for absurdly low prices, thanks to coupon codes. We've got the single-port AUKEY QC 3.0 car charger (picture above) that drops from $13.99 to just $5.45, or you can upgrade to a 3-port AUKEY QC 3.0 car charger with USB-C port for $7.40 (down from $19.99). Both products include Prime shipping. To get the discounted price, enter the codes below at checkout. I'm not sure you'll find a better deal in tech today.

Amazon Deal Links:

AUKEY Quick Charge 3.0 Car Charger - $5.46 (Code: AARTUA85)
AUKEY USB-C QC 3.0 3-Port Car Charger - $7.40 (Code: 6DULVOPL)

// Slickdeals

Google Photos Now Lets You Create Your Own Themed Videos

Tim — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:01:08 +0000

Whether you're looking through photos in the Google Photos app or on the web, the service is now letting users create their own themed videos. For example, if you have some great cat or dog photos and want to make a funny or special little video, you can do so now with just a few clicks. Before this change, Google Photos would create these themed works automatically and notify you when it had one it thought was good enough to share. Currently, we're seeing themes like Meow Movie, Doggie Movie, Smiles of 2017, Mother's Day Movie, and plenty more. To start this process, open the Google Photos app, go to the Assistant tab, and tap Movie to get started. You can also just visit this link if you're on a desktop. As Google explains, "After you’ve chosen your theme and the people (or pets) who will star in the movie, you’re ready to go. We’ll use machine learning to select photos based on your choices, add a soundtrack and produce a custom movie just for you." This feature is rolling out for US users today, so go check it out! // Google

Nest Joins Google's Hardware Team to Supercharge Your Smart Home

Kellen — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:32:49 +0000

In November of last year, a report suggested that Google may fold the Nest team into its own hardware division, a move we acknowledged as making a lot of sense since the two have similar goals at this point. Today, the companies confirmed the move, with Nest saying that they are already off to a "head start" at collaborating with Google's hardware crew on supercharging your smart home. Going forward, Nest will remain a unique brand, it's just that they will no longer act as a stand-alone outfit, separate from what the Google hardware team is doing. Instead, they'll work together on projects to make sure that the Nest brand is getting the most of Google's technologies, like Google Assistant. There's no reason that a Google company like Nest should be kept in the dark on Assistant or other useful technologies that could get people to buy more Nest products. And let's also not forget that Google has made a huge push into the home (Google Home line), which is Nest's territory. The combination of the two to make all of those products play nicer together and compliment each other is the right move. With that said, I can't imagine that this won't bring in some change. How will branding work? What will the app situation look like going forward? Is that really the big plan, just putting Google Assistant in? What kinds of improvements can be made to Nest products with deeper Google Assistant integration? For smart home product fans, especially those of Nest, this is pretty big news. The company's history with Google has been a rocky one so far. Hopefully, this helps turn it all around. // Nest | Google

Report: Google Readying Codename 'Yeti' Game Streaming Service, Possible Standalone Console

Tim — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:23:43 +0000

According to a new report from The Information, Google is readying a game streaming service aimed at working with Chromecast dongles, as well as a potential Google-made standalone console for the service. Codenamed Yeti, the service would deliver playable titles via the internet to gamers, but beyond that we aren't sure about much. Specifically, we don't know what type of titles would be available on Yeti and we also don't know how players would control the game once it has been streamed. Using your smartphone as a controller makes sense, but again, we don't have many details. A similar service to what this sounds like would be NVIDIA's GeForce NOW, which makes PC games streamable and playable via the cloud. So long as the player has a client installed on either their SHIELD TV or desktop computer, they can access a NVIDIA-hosted library of playable titles for a monthly fee. As reported, Google has been in talks with game developers, but it remains unclear whether they intend to create games solely for Yeti or make existing titles support the streaming service. For this reported console, Google's hire of Phil Harrison, a veteran in the video game industry, makes a lot of sense. Brought on as a VP and GM in Google’s hardware business who will report directly to Rick Osterloh, he has experience building consoles at both Sony and Microsoft. This means Google must be taking the console approach quite seriously. However, if Yeti is intended to work with a Chromecast, that leads us to believe the company already has potentially millions of "consoles" already set up in homes across the world. Sadly, we simply don't yet know enough about Yeti to speculate too much, but as a gamer myself, the idea is intriguing. Let's say Google launches a game streaming service with a modest monthly subscription price, granting you access to a library of games playable via a Chromecast. Does something like that interest you as a gamer? // The Information

Verizon Dominates Latest Wireless Network Report, T-Mobile Struggles

Kellen — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 09:16:28 +0000

The latest wireless network report from RootMetrics is out and Verizon once again took home its top honors. That win was followed up by AT&T in a distant second, while Sprint and T-Mobile struggled to keep up during testing. With all the talk from carriers these days about network improvements, I expected this to be a tighter battle, but Verizon is the clear champ again, for the ninth time in a row. Today's report covers the 2nd half (2H) of 2017 for US wireless networks. RootMetrics broke it out into three parts: one that covers national network performance, another for state, and a third for metro areas. In all three, Verizon came out on top by a lot.

Overall best US wireless carrier

For national network performance, each carrier received a score for reliability, speed, data, call, and text. Those individual scores were then used to create an overall score. Verizon took top honors in everything except the text category, which they tied AT&T for first in. The overall scores are as follows:

1st - Verizon: 95
2nd - AT&T: 92.8
3rd - Sprint: 87.8
4th - T-Mobile: 86.8

States and Cities too

OK, so that's on a national level, what about in states? For states, RootMetrics measures performance across an entire state, which is no small task for those carriers who want to be good outside of cities. Verizon won or shared the title in the most states in each category. They really dominated in reliability (37 wins, 10 ties) and data (29 wins, 6 ties), but only just edged AT&T in speed. Since this metric also acknowledges your network outside of metro areas, some of you may not find it a surprise to see T-Mobile in dead last. In the reliability category, they didn't win a single state nor did they share the title in one. In speed, data, and call categories, they also struggled mightily, only tallying 9 awards between them. For comparison's sake, Verizon grabbed 29 awards in the speed category alone. For metro areas, Verizon walked away with 601 awards, while AT&T grabbed 365, T-Mobile snagged 301, and Sprint came up way short with just 147. And while those numbers don't look great for anyone but Verizon, T-Mobile definitely performed well in speed and data categories, just not so much in reliability. RootMetrics did break out speed and reliability tests into a table, so you can see the types of speeds they picked up from each carrier in metro areas. This really shows the way T-Mobile has built-up its network in cities and is competing nicely with Verizon and AT&T:

Why it matters

What's the takeaway here? That according to this latest report, not much has changed. Verizon remains the king of overall performance in US wireless, while the rest are still playing catch-up. T-Mobile has really improved its network in cities, but that whole out-of-market coverage thing still hasn't improved much. AT&T, even though we rarely talk about them these days because they seem more into pushing DirecTV than wireless, has improved. Sprint, well, they are Sprint. They need 5G to get here in a hurry. UPDATE: After posting this, T-Mobile was ready with a quote from CTO Neville Ray that reads straight out of InfoWars.

“Big Red is clearly rattled, but buying awards won’t bring back their glory days. T-Mobile has closed the network gap, and the awards that matter – those from real customers on all networks – tell you all you need to know: T-Mobile customers are the most satisfied and are more likely to recommend us. They get an LTE signal more reliably and have the fastest LTE. Those are the reasons why millions of Verizon customers have flocked to T-Mobile.” – Neville Ray, Chief Technology Officer of T-Mobile

Stay classy, T-Mobile. // RootMetrics [2] [3]

Dead Zebra Now Selling 'Year of the Dog' Android Mini for $12

Tim — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 08:55:13 +0000

A new limited edition Android Mini is available through Dead Zebra this week, celebrating the Lunar New Year. Called Year of the Dog, this little Android mini pooch has adorable little ears in place of Bugdroid's antennas and a gold painted medallion that comes wrapped in a special box with reflective gold foil. To get your hands on this cutie, the price is just $12, with shipping set for February 9. How's your Android Mini collection looking these days? Dead Zebra Link

Google Play Services 12.2.09 Seems to Enable the "Check for Update" Button on Pixel Phones

Kellen — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 21:14:39 +0000

Just this morning, your boy was being his usual smarmy self on Twitter by taking subtweety shots at Google and their Pixel phones' "Check for update" button, because it still doesn't work after one of their engineers told us a couple of times now that it probably should. The timing there is now pretty funny, as a Google Play Services update began rolling out today that appears to activate that button, just like we were told it would. Go, me! According to a reddit thread, a number of users have been able to update to Google Play Services 12.2.09 on their Pixel 2 (Pixel 2 XL and original Pixels possibly too) devices, head into Settings>System>System update>Check for update, and pull the latest February security patch. Some tried hitting the button before updating and received no update, but did immediately after grabbing the new version. The trick here seems to be to get into the Google Play Services beta track, which you can do by opening this link on your phone, scrolling to the bottom of the app's listing, and joining the beta. Once you do that, you should receive an update into Google Play Services (beta). If you get the 12.2.09 update, then feel free to jump into settings and check for the update. If you don't, and instead sit on 11.9.76 (like me), the update button still won't work. I wish I could 100% confirm to you that Google Play Services v12 is our hero, but I'm stuck on 11.9.76, even as a beta participant. Also, I'm fully aware that sideloading the latest version is a possibility. That said, sideloading Google Play Services apps from .apk sites isn't always the best idea and should probably be avoided. Should you install the wrong version of Google Play Services, you could really make your phone a living hell for a while. Here's what you should consider doing if you want to become a "Check for update" mashing pro that finds satisfaction in that button finally doing something after all these years - join the beta as I described above. For those into v12.2.09, hit that button and let us know how it goes. // reddit Cheers Tom!

ESPN+ Service to Cost $4.99/Month, Launch This Spring

Tim — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 15:50:28 +0000

In November of last year, we learned about plans for Disney to launch an ESPN+ sports streaming service. Basically, it's a service where viewers can access live sports and live sports events that aren't available on other dedicated ESPN channels. Today, we're learning a very important detail for this service: Pricing. According to Disney's CEO and Chairman Bob Iger, ESPN+ will be priced at $4.99/month. While pricing is a great start, we're still also curious on what will be available to watch. As we're leaning, the ESPN+ platform will feature, "About 10,000 sporting events each year, will have content from the MLB, NHL, MLS, collegiate sports and tennis' Grand Slam events." Enticing enough for you? // CNBC

Google May Have Killed Chrome's Bottom Bar Known as "Chrome Home"

Kellen — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 14:36:42 +0000

Last summer, Google slowly rolled out a pretty major change to Chrome on Android in the form of a bottom-situated address bar known as Chrome Home. It started in Chrome Dev and then graduated to Chrome Beta by August. We assumed at that point we'd see it arrive on Chrome stable within weeks or at the very least, before the end of 2017. Now, with Chrome Home still not found on the stable version of Chrome on Android, evidence has surfaced that suggests Google may have killed it off, possibly in favor of something new. The crew at Android Police noticed that a bunch of Chromium bug tracker items related to Chrome Home were recently marked as "WontFix," which is odd for a major UI change like this. Maybe that's a status change hinting at a change in direction or because it's dying completely? No official word has confirmed the future of Chrome Home, but users who grabbed the latest Chrome Dev are noticing that Chrome Home is no longer enabled by default. As we noted in August, default was the new norm, so this is a big change. On a related note, the folks at XDA noticed a new commit in Chromium referring to a possible Chrome Home replacement. Google is calling it "Chrome Duplex" so far, and refers to it as a "split toolbar Chrome Home, on Android." The details from there are scarce, but my brain immediately goes to some form of a split between a top address bar and an actionable item at the bottom, perhaps a swipe-up that'll still get you into news items or your most-visited sites. I'm just brainstorming in real-time, of course. However, if this new commit is in Chromium, we'll all want to pay close attention to Canary and Chrome Dev to see how it materializes. Should Chrome Home and the bottom bar die, will you miss it? There was a time where I wanted no part of it, but at this point, I've used it for so long that I'm not sure I want to go back to a top bar. // Android Police | XDA

DEAL: Get $100 Off Verizon Pixel 2, $200 Off Pixel 2 XL at Best Buy

Tim — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 14:23:39 +0000

For a limited time, anyone looking to score a deal on a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL should head over to Best Buy's website. Currently, whenever you purchase a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL through Verizon on a monthly installment plan, you'll save $100 on the price of a Pixel 2 and $200 on a Pixel 2 XL. With those savings, that brings the monthly price of a Pixel 2 64GB to $22.91/month, while the Pixel 2 XL 64GB goes down to $27.07/month. For 128GB models, add about $4/month to the price. On top of this, be aware that Verizon's BOGO deal is still taking place, which would net you a free Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL device on top of your new phone purchase, so long as you have a trade-in device. While we have 2018's phones coming soon, there's a reason we are still using the Pixel 2 XL as our daily driver in the DL offices. It's a darn good phone, one that's still worth a look. Check out our video review below if you missed it. Follow the link below to check out Best Buy's site. Best Buy Link

Essential Killing the Game, Rolls Out February Security Update

Tim — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 11:23:15 +0000

Even though Essential came out and said owners will have to wait for Android 8.1 in order to get their first non-beta taste of Oreo, the company still remains one of the quickest to update its phone with the latest Android security patches. Today, Essential announced via Twitter that Essential Phone owners can expect the February patch to roll out starting now, labeled as build NMK24B. This is impressive because the update was literally announced and released yesterday. For a detailed breakdown of the February patch, check here. Essential Phone owners, how are you liking these timely updates? https://twitter.com/essential/status/960953134511144960

DEAL: Anker's Eufy Line Gets Big Discounts - Smart Lights for $18, Plugs for $14, Genie for $25

Kellen — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 11:12:35 +0000

Eufy, the Anker sub-brand that has a focus in the smart home arena, dropped prices on its three of its best products today at Amazon. Right now, you can get the Eufy Genie (an Amazon Alexa speaker), Eufy Smart Plug, or the Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb for at least $9 off. And remember, these products are already priced well, so now we're talking impulse-buy-price territory. The Eufy Genie is now just $24.99 (normally $34.99). It's a hands-free smart speaker with Amazon's Alexa built-in. So you can control your smart home, play music, ask Alexa questions, etc. It compares to the Echo Dot, which costs $40. The other two products would work well with a Genie (or Echo or Google Home and Assistant). The Eufy Smart Plug is now just $13.99 (normally $22.99), connects over WiFi in your home, is setup using the EufyHome app, and can be controlled by voice using your favorite assistant. Same goes for the Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb, which is now just $17.99 (normally $26.99). This is the "tunable" model that can has ambiance adjustment and also works within the EufyHome app or your favorite assistant. Crazy good prices on all of these right now. Time to get that smart home going.

Amazon Deal Links:

Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb - $17.99 ($9 off)
Eufy Smart Plug - $13.99 ($9 off)
Eufy Genie Smart Speaker with Alexa - $24.99 ($10 off)

Booking Hotels and Flights Through Google on Your Phone is Really Easy Now

Tim — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 10:26:49 +0000

Finding hotels or flights is already pretty easy with Google, but thanks to new changes rolling out, the process is getting even more simplistic. In a blog post that details all of the changes, Google mentions the existing ability to book hotels or flights separately. However, with the changes, everything can be done from a single page that has multiple tabs. For example, if you search for a particular city, you will see tabs for Explore, Flights, Hotels, and Your Trips. When inside of the flight tabs, you'll select your dates for travel, and the same goes for hotels. There are filters for each search, so it's the same experience you'd expect from the standalone Flights and Hotels services that Google offers. For that Your Trips tab, you can see all of your all your upcoming and past travel reservations from Gmail. As noted, the results shown here are private, meaning only you can see this information. If you choose, you can email your trip reservations to friends or family right from Your Trips, but you can also make edits and access them directly offline with the Google Trips app (linked below). To wrap it up, if you want to get away some upcoming weekend, just search for a destination, then booking your flight and hotel is just a click away. Google Play Link // Google

Amazon Prime Exclusive Phones Become Better Deal, Update Will Remove Lockscreen Ads (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 09:28:06 +0000

Amazon's Prime Exclusive Phone line-up has always been one to consider while simultaneously wanting to throw-up. By purchasing an Amazon Prime Exclusive Phone, you go into it knowing that you are buying a phone that will show you Amazon ads in order to secure it at a cheaper rate. That's pretty gross, yet the prices were always so good, that they were hard to ignore. I have good news for you on that front that might take away the vomiting - lockscreen ads and offers are going away on Prime Exclusive phones. Amazon announced the news today, stating that on February 7, 2018, Prime Exclusive Phones will be available without lockscreen offers and ads. Additionally, if you happen to own a Prime Exclusive Phone, you'll get an update that will remove those same ads. The update will arrive as an update to the Amazon Offers app on Google Play. Be on the lookout for that update or hit that link below from your phone. Going forward, you'll still own a phone (or buy one) that includes pre-installed Amazon apps, including the Amazon Widget, but the ads and offers won't show up on your lockscreen. You'll find offers on the Widget, in case you were still hoping to see Amazon deals. Amazon says to expect prices to remain discounted even with this change. To view the Prime Exclusive Phone line-up, hit this link. UPDATE: Amazon tells us that they "will increase the price of every current Prime Exclusive Phone in the portfolio by $20," thanks to this ad removal. Google Play Link

// Amazon Prime Exclusive FAQ

Report: Samsung Might Ditch Galaxy 'S' Branding in 2019

Tim — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 09:09:25 +0000

We've had new Galaxy "S" branded devices from Samsung since 2010, but this year's Galaxy S9 could be the last one. According to a new report from GizChina, Samsung could opt to ditch the S branding after Galaxy, with the tenth iteration being called the Galaxy X. d d d

Google+ is Getting a Brand New App

Kellen — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 07:50:23 +0000

Google+, the...wait, what is Google+ these days? A forum? A topic/community following service? I don't know, nor do I appear to have it installed...huh. Either way, it's getting a big update this week! According to Leo Deegan, an engineering manager for Google+, a "brand new version" of the Google+ app on Android is arriving as a full rewrite. While it may closely resemble the current app, the rewrite will allow the G+ team to "build new features on a modern tech stack." The new app should also be faster, thanks to stream rendering and scrolling improvements, plus it'll feature a redesigned photo lightbox and tweaked commenting. There may be a few bugs too. Be on the lookout, Google+ users. Google Play Link // +Leo Deegan

DEAL: Google Home ($30 Off) and Mini ($10 Off) See Price Drops, Bundles Save You Even More

Kellen — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 16:11:14 +0000

Now might be the best time to think about getting into a Google Home, Home Mini, or Home Max. At this time, there are solid discounts on all of Google's Home products, particularly if you bundle them together. Even you don't need multiple, Home and Mini are discounted individually too. The deals are as follows. Google Home Mini is $10 off everywhere, dropping its price to $39. If you buy two, though, you'll save $30 and pay just $68. If you want a regular Google Home, you've got a $30 discount everywhere, dropping its price to $99. If you want a regular Home and a Mini, you'll save $60 for a grand total of $118 (that's a hell of a deal). And finally, if you go with a Google Home Max and Mini bundle, you'll save $40, for a total of $408. Best Buy, Walmart, and the Google Store all have the deals. Best Buy and Walmart have special bundle pages, while Google just asks you to add the combo of devices to cart in order to get the discount. The Home Mini bundle deal lasts until February 17. We aren't sure on the others.

Google Home Mini Links:

Google Home Mini: Best Buy | Walmart | Google ($10 off)
Google Home Mini 2-Pack: Best Buy | Walmart | Google ($30 off)
Google Home: Best Buy | Walmart | Google ($30 off)
Google Home + Mini: Best Buy | Walmart | Google ($60 off)
Google Home Max + Mini: Best Buy | Walmart | Google ($40 off)

DEAL: Motorola Hosting 25% Off Moto Mods, $150 Off Moto Z2 Play for V-Day

Tim — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 14:34:25 +0000

To celebrate the day that's all about romance, Motorola is hosting a sale on all of its Moto Mods, as well as the Moto Z2 Play. Should a Moto Mod be on your special someone's Valentine's Day list, most Mods are marked at 25% off (some are a bit less), which means great savings on that awesome Polaroid Insta-Share Printer (now $149), Style Shells (now $15), the Moto GamePad (now $59), plus many more. On top of that, you can get a Moto Z2 Play, which is completely Moto Mod compatible, for $150 off, bringing the total to just $349. Not a bad price at all for a phone we rather enjoyed. Follow the link below to take advantage. Motorola Store

Verizon Completes 5G Video Call on a Samsung Tablet During Super Bowl

Kellen — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 13:57:36 +0000

I'm starting to find myself in the camp of, "Stop talking about your supposed 5G advancements until you have a live network and a phone that works on them." Because, look, one can only listen to Verizon and T-Mobile and AT&T and Sprint talk about their own 5G awesomeness for so long before we need tangible results. I want to hit 800Mbps down on my phone, not just see a picture of it embedded within a blog post that says it might have happened. With that said, Verizon's latest 5G chest-puffing exercise took place at the Super Bowl and it actually included a working device that isn't just a hotspot or piece of network equipment. Verizon shared news this morning that their CEO, Lowell McAdam, placed a live 5G video call with a Samsung tablet from Minneapolis to South Korea. Granted, this Samsung tablet was a prototype, but a working one at that! The 5G video call happened with Samsung 5G solutions, likely in a similar setup to how Verizon's 5G residential broadband will work later this year when it goes live in Sacramento. In fact, the setup included "28GHz 5G access units, 5G home routers(CPEs), virtualized RAN and virtualized core network, as well as the prototype 5G device." If you still aren't finding this interesting, I'll point out one last bit. Samsung said that this 5G prototype tablet not only is capable of connecting to a 5G network, as well as all of the latest 4G LTE technologies, it can hand-off between 4G LTE and 5G. That's a pretty major milestone, since the rollout of 5G will take enough time that being able to seamlessly hand-off between LTE and 5G is going to be incredibly important. So while we have some time before anyone gives us a working 5G device, these are the types of advancements that do fire us up some. // Samsung | Verizon [2]

Google Calendar, Please Give Me Back a Snooze Button on Android

Kellen — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 13:24:41 +0000

I can't believe I'm typing this out, since this seems like a 2007-inspired feature (that may have once existed in 2012), but you know what would be cool? A snooze button in Google Calendar notifications on Android. You know what I mean, right? As a Google Calendar event or reminder pops up on your phone, you could tell it to snooze for 5 minutes or for 10 minutes or at the event start time. Google Calendar on Android really doesn't do this anymore. The notifications from Google Calendar have no actions. Zero. The only action you'll see is from a reminder, and that only lets you say, "Done." Think about how ridiculous this is. On my desktop, I use Fantastical as a stand-alone calendar app. When it notifies me of anything, I get a notification that either lets me close the reminder/event or snooze it for as long of a period of time as is needed. And then in 5 minutes or 30 or an hour, it pops back up. Because that's how this whole calendar thing should work. It is a time management application, after all, so there should be more controls over how it works on Android, starting with the ability to snooze.

Now, I'm fully aware that with Android 8.0+, I can do this awkward mini-swipe of notifications and have them snooze for 15 mins, 30 mins, an hour, or 2 hours. Something about that actually doesn't feel all that natural, as if it's not a part of the app (which it isn't) or could be unreliable. I want a button that looks like it was purposely put into Google Calendar that gives me options to snooze calendar events as they pop up. For example, Inbox has a snooze button for both emails and reminders. Google Assistant lets you do it with reminders too. Those aren't calendar apps, yet they do something that Google's own Calendar app should have done forever. I'm also aware that apps like Calendar Snooze could probably offer up a solution for me too. I could even install a 3rd party calendar app and just not use Google Calendar. Do I want to install a 3rd party app just to get a basic feature that Google once had and seems unwilling to add back? No, not really, but I guess, maybe I'll have to? I just feel like the stock Calendar app that comes installed on most phones should do something as standard as snooze notifications. Meh.

Android Distribution Updated for February 2018: Oreo Breaks 1%!

Tim — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:53:21 +0000

It only took what's basically been half of a year, but Oreo has cracked 1% on the Android Distribution chart. Last month, Oreo was sitting at 0.7%, but now, Android 8.0+ is at 1.1%. It's not the largest jump in history, but hey, we're getting there. For other versions, Nougat is now at 28.5% (up from 26.3%), Marshmallow is at 28.1% (down from 28.6%), Lollipop is at 24.6%, KitKat is at 12%, Jelly Bean is at 5%, and the others make up for the remaining 0.7%. You can see last month’s numbers here. // Android Developers

Here's the Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ in 'Lilac Purple'

Tim — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 11:47:37 +0000

We're expecting to see the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ unveiled later this month, but naturally, the internet ain't about that life. Thanks to @evleaks, we're getting a mighty good look at both devices, frontside and backside, in a new colorway for the Galaxy S lineup that is called Lilac Purple. I mean, it could've just been Lilac, but whatever. In these images, we see both sides of the phone, with the Galaxy S9 sporting a single rear-facing camera and fingerprint reader sitting below, while the S9+ has dual rear-facing shooters and its finger reader also sitting below. Yes, no more fingerprint reader sitting on the side of the camera. This is a good thing. Beyond that, there's not much else to see at this time. Both of these phones look quite similar to the Galaxy S8 and S8+ (with a sprinkle of the Pixel 2 XL), at least on the front, but that's not to say it's a bad thing. We're sure the hardware will be quite nice on these phones. What do you think about this Lilac Purple, though? Personally, not the biggest fan. Is it too much to ask for a Rose Red or Chrysanthemum Green? // @evleaks

Pre-Order the Huawei Mate 10 Pro for $799, Get a Free $150 Gift Card

Tim — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 10:17:02 +0000

Huawei's latest flagship, the Mate 10 Pro, is now available for pre-order for $799 in the US, purchasable through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H. Of course, if you've been following, the device is not being offered through any US carriers, thanks to US lawmakers having privacy concerns over Huawei's close ties to the Chinese government. I know, it sucks, but here we are. The Mate 10 Pro offers a 6-inch 1080p OLED (18:9) display, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, Kirin 970 octa-core processor, dual Leica-branded cameras (20MP Mono + 12MP RGB, both f/1.6, OIS), 8MP front camera, 4000mAh battery, and Android 8.0 Oreo under EMUI 8.0. The device will be available in Midnight Blue and Titanium Grey, with Mocha Brown to be available soon. To make the offer a tad bit sweeter, a promotion is taking place that will net you a free $150 gift card to whichever retailer you pre-order the device through. For example, if you purchase the phone on Amazon, you'll get a gift card to Amazon. Same goes for Best Buy, B&H, and the other options. As for a shipping date, the phone launches February 18, so you won't have to wait too long to receive your device. Pre-Order Links

Amazon
Best Buy
B&H
Microsoft (Not yet listed)
Newegg

February's Android Security Update Goes Live for Nexus and Pixel Devices

Kellen — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 09:43:15 +0000

Google just dropped the February 2018 security patch for Nexus and Pixel devices on us, the same update that should include 3rd party access for camera apps with Pixel Visual Core. At this time, we already have both factory image and OTA files, so choose whichever works best for you if you don’t feel like waiting for the update to show up on your device. So far, we are seeing new 8.1.0 files for Pixel 2 (OPM1.171019.019), Pixel 2 XL (OPM1.171019.018), Pixel and Pixel XL (OPM1.171019.016), Pixel C (OPM1.171019.016), Nexus 6P (OPM3.171019.014, OPM5.171019.015), and Nexus 5X (OPM3.171019.014, OPM5.171019.015). Here are the functional update for the February patch: [table id=112 responsive=scroll /] You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. As more files arrive as well as additional details, we’ll update this post. Links:

Google Turns on Pixel Visual Core for 3rd Party Apps in Pixel 2 February Update (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 09:34:10 +0000

Google's Pixel Visual Core, the company's first custom chip that helps 3rd party camera apps utilize their HDR+ technology, will be turned on for all Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users with the February Android security patch. That update should go live later today, before rolling out widely to your phone. UPDATE: February security patch is now live! As Google notes in a blog post today, the Pixel Visual Core should help almost any app that uses a camera, take better photos. They give examples for Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp, since those are popular, but if you use another camera app, having the Pixel Visual Core turned on will be a big deal. This custom co-processor in the Pixel 2 uses computational photography and machine learning to take photos that are better when zoomed-in or in poorly lit situations, quicken the shutter for instant shots, and take photos without using as much power, since this is a dedicated chip to do photography. In addition to this Pixel Visual Core news, Google also says to expect new AR Stickers that are a part of a winter theme. Since the Winter Olympics are almost upon us, you'll find stickers of freestyle skiers, ice skaters, hockey players, and more. Again, the February patch should be out in just a bit here. Stick close for those details. // Google

HTC U12 Apparently Shown Off During 5G Industry Event

Tim — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:56:27 +0000

HTC was present at a 5G Industry Alliance event on January 29. At that event, the company showed off a device that is now being reported to be the upcoming U12. While we do have photos from the event, confirming that a mystery phone was indeed on display, HTC did well of covering up anything of value that we could learn from seeing it. From these photos, we can take away that this reported U12 has on-screen buttons, a healthy amount of top and bottom bezel, and at one point somewhere in the world it had access to a download speed of 809Mbps and nearly 50Mbps up. We assume those speeds are from a 5G network, but it's safe to say that's not the focus of this post. The photos may not be a treasure trove of information on the device, but it is something. We are not expecting to see much from HTC later this month at MWC, but as we reported, that comes as no surprise. HTC has been sticking close to home lately, holding press events and product unveilings from Taiwan. We assume the same will be said for this year, too. Thoughts on the U12? Are you excited for HTC's 2018? https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/960451438844567552

OnePlus 5T in Lava Red Hits US Tomorrow for $559

Kellen — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:08:37 +0000

After bringing back (and selling out) the sandstone texture through a limited release of a OnePlus 5T in white, OnePlus has returned with another limited release that will likely sellout quickly. While it may not feature sandstone, the OnePlus 5T in Lava Red is just as striking and possibly even hotter. OnePlus says that this color has been through "months of fine-tuning" in order to create this "distinct shade of red" around the 5T's metal body. All I know is that it looks pretty damn good. You'll be able to buy the OnePlus 5T in Lava Red started tomorrow, February 6, at 10AM Eastern (7AM Pacific). This version comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, so it'll cost $559. Want one? Hit up that link below tomorrow morning.

Buy OnePlus 5T (Lava Red)

// OnePlus

DEAL: Amazon's Big Super Bowl Echo and Alexa Discounts are Here: $15 Off Spot, $80 Off Show

Kellen — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 18:12:47 +0000

The "Big Game" is tomorrow, so Amazon is celebrating by discounting almost all of the Amazon Echo products it sells, as well as others that feature Alexa. The discounts are solid too, like a $15 price drop on the Amazon Echo Spot and an $80 price drop on Echo Show. As far as I know, this is the first deal on Echo Spot too. Those aren't the only goodies, though. The Echo Dot is $10 off, Echo (2nd Gen) is $15 off, Fire TV Stick is $5 off, Fire TV 4K is $15 off, and some Fire tablets can be had at up to $30 off. Additionally, you'll find discounts on the Harman Kardon Allure speaker with Alexa ($50 off), Moto Mod Smart Speaker with Alexa ($5o 0ff), and 2-pack SONOS One bundle with a $50 Amazon gift card. These are limited time deals. All should have Prime shipping.

Amazon Deal Links:

All Amazon Echo, Fire, and Alexa deals
Amazon Echo Spot - $114.99 ($15 off)
Amazon Echo Show - $149.99 ($80 off)
Amazon Echo (2nd Gen) - $84.99 ($15 off)
Amazon Echo Dot - $39.99 ($10 off)

Google Home Owners are Getting a Free Audiobook

Kellen — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 09:16:58 +0000

Google is really pushing this whole audiobook thing. After introducing them only a couple of weeks ago to Google Play and giving everyone 50% off their first purchase, Google Home owners are now receiving email notices that a free audiobook is in their future. The offer should get you almost any audiobook for free ("eligible titles"), from what we can tell. It's the type of deal where you click through the links provided in the email, find the audiobook you want, click the option to buy it, and the price will drop to $0.00 before finalizing the purchase.

The offer is time-sensitive (my invite expires either 2/9 or 2/10), so if you own a Google Home or purchased one recently, be on the lookout or head into your spam folder to make sure it didn't find its way into there. The free Google Home offer is "Open to participants who receive a promotional URL from the Google Home newsletter." The emails look like the one you are seeing at the top of this post. Again, it's specific to Google Home owners, though we aren't sure if its a Home, Home Mini, or Home Max that's triggering the offer. As you can see below, my invite for the freebie mentions the "Google Home 3" that I own. I own all three sizes, and some of my original Home units aren't new. So yeah, check those inboxes if you own Google Home.

Cheers Dave!

Weekly Recap: The Patriots Will Lose.

Kellen — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 15:47:14 +0000

Yeah, I said it. In addition to the Patriots being cheaters and eventual losers of Super Bowl 2018, another week in Android is over and we had some fun stuff in the lead-up to the Galaxy S9 taking over. We showed off iPhone X-like navigation gestures on the OnePlus 5T, found out the Galaxy S9 and S9+'s battery sizes, confirmed that carriers will raise prices on us with 5G, and were confused by the Trump admin considering a government-owned 5G network. It's all in the recap below, so dive in and ignore football.

These are all the ways to watch Super Bowl LII.

Friday Poll: Are You Still Using Instagram?

Tim — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 15:09:04 +0000

Ever since Instagram's introduction of a non-chronological order, I have found myself using Instagram less and less. I know I'm not the only one with these complaints either. It seems like every day I see someone new complaining about their experience on the service, so my question to you is, are you still using Instagram? Have the changes introduced led to at least a drop in usage for you? Do you like the changes? There was something very special about seeing the latest pictures and videos from friends, but now with the "most popular" photos going straight to the top of my feed mixed with a lot more ads than there used to be, the experience just isn't the same for me. What's your take on Instagram these days? [poll id="470"]

DEAL: Moto X4 Now Just $249 Through Project Fi, Down From $399

Tim — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 12:08:54 +0000

For a limited time, buyers can get a Moto X4 through Project Fi for just $249, down $150 from its usual price of $399. The only caveat is that you activate a line on Project Fi. If you have a trade-in to go with it, you could be paying as little as $0, which ain't bad at all. For specs, Motorola offers 5.2-inch FHD LCD display, Snapdragon 630 processor, 32GB storage (with SD slot), 3GB RAM, 3000mAh battery, IP68 water and dust resistance, Bluetooth 5.0, fingerprint sensor, and a dual rear camera setup (12MP standard + 8MP wide-angle). To top it off, the device just received its Oreo update. If this strikes your fancy, check out our Moto X4 review here. Project Fi Link

Remember Aviate? It'll No Longer be Supported After March 8

Kellen — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 11:41:27 +0000

Back in 2013, a couple of former Googlers created a third party launcher that acted in a way like Google Now, by changing throughout your day depending on what you might need. The launcher was called Aviate, and it attempted to automatically or contextually adjust its layouts, app recommendations, info presented, etc., for work and personal or time of day. It picked up enough buzz that Yahoo bought it within a few months and supported it with updates for a solid year. On March 8, that support will officially end. Yahoo announced today that Aviate is dying on March 8. 2018. The launcher will no longer show new content within its stream, though it "might continue to function as an app launcher." Even if it does, Yahoo doesn't plan to update or support it, so you may as well find something new. RIP, overhyped, buzzy app that probably made someone really rich. // Yahoo Aviate

Sprint is First Carrier to Confirm Data Plan Price Hikes are Coming With 5G

Kellen — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 11:13:30 +0000

Sprint posted its latest quarterly numbers this morning and they clearly came away happy about the new customers that were added. Good for them. However, during the call to discuss the quarter and the near feature ahead, Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure confirmed something that we've long-feared: price increases are coming to data plans when 5G gets here.

Sprint 5G rollout in 2019

Claure spent quite a bit of time discussing Sprint's 5G plans, which currently include launching 5G in their 2.5GHz spectrum over the first half of 2019. Sprint's CEO said specifically, that they are "working with Qualcomm and network and device manufacturers in order to launch the first truly mobile [5G] network in the United States by the first half of 2019." He also mentioned the fact that they have an agreement with Qualcomm to get 5G support in a chipset toward the end of 2018, as well as one with a Korean manufacturer (Samsung, LG) to have a phone ready by early 2019. That would put them towards the front of the pack, since they want to launch 5G-ready devices around the same time. Remember, T-Mobile is also targeting a 2019 kickoff, with full nationwide 5G coverage in 2020. AT&T is launching something to do with 5G this year, while Verizon hasn't announced its 5G wireless plans yet. Sprint's 5G network may not have to "compromise" like others, because they are able to "deliver super wide channels of more than 100MHz," Claure said.

5G means price increases

While discussing 5G, though, Claure announced that his company has a "lot of room to increase" prices once 5G gets here. He admitted that they will continue to be a price leader with 4G, but that their 5G network will offer fiber-like speeds and so he sees no reason for them to undercut Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in price. He noted that those other carriers will have a difficult time doing so, because of their current prices, adding that Sprint is in a great position to "charge for the blazing fast speeds." Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile haven't hinted at this happening, as far as I know, but it almost seems like a guarantee that Sprint won't be the only carrier to increase data prices with 5G. When 4G LTE rolled around, I'm sure you can recall the great per-GB shuffling that swept through the industry and the original end to unlimited data. Per-GB prices were not exactly affordable out of the gate, but we're now settling into pricing wars with LTE maturing. After these carriers all make additional heavy investments in 5G, don't expect them to do so without change. We still don't fully know how our lives will react to 5G. We probably do know how those we pay for that connection will, though. // Fierce Wireless | Sprint

There are Numerous Ways to Stream Super Bowl 2018 on Android

Kellen — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 09:25:49 +0000

You don't need traditional cable anymore.

With Super Bowl 2018 weekend upon us, it feels like more than ever we need to talk about the ways to watch the big game. So many have cut the cord and are using a variety of non-traditional methods to get to their favorite television shows, including sports. That means you may not be subscribed to Comcast or another big cable outlet and can't simply turn on NBC to watch this year's Super Bowl LII with the Patriots and Eagles. We figured it might be useful if we walk through the various other ways that you can watch Super Bowl LII on Android.

What time is Super Bowl 2018?

Might as well get this out of the way, but yes, Super Bowl 2018 is this Sunday, February 4 at 3:30PM Pacific (6:30PM Eastern). NBC has the rights to the game, so they'll be broadcasting it through their properties. The game itself is being played at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Time: Sunday, February 4 @ 3:30PM PST (6:30PM ET) Where: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN ChanneL: NBC

Super Bowl android apps

Which Android apps can you watch Super Bow LII on? There are a handful, that's for sure. As I mentioned in the opening, we have a number of ways to get to a Super Bowl 2018 stream that doesn't include having a cable subscription. Mobile options: Since NBC owns the rights this year, you can install the NBC Sports app and watch Super Bowl LII on your Android or iOS phone. After installing and opening the app, it doesn't appear to be asking for any login information either, so that should mean a quick install and watch experience without much fuss. Additionally, Additionally, the NFL Mobile and Yahoo Sports apps will have the Super Bowl 2018 stream too. Again, I installed both, and outside of giving them location access, I didn't need to sign-in to anything in order to get app access. You should be able to install these and just watch the game. Google Play Links:

Android TV, Streaming TV, Chromecast

Oh, you got that next-level Android game and want to watch the Super Bowl on Android TV, Chromecast, or through a streaming TV provider like YouTube TV, Playstation Vue, Sling TV, etc.? OK, you can do that too. Android TV: Unfortunately, there are no NBC Sports (it's on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, XBOX, etc.) or Yahoo Sports apps for Android TV. There is an NFL Mobile app for Android TV, though, so that could be a good option. I attempted to confirm that the game will be played through it and it looks like it will. Streaming TV services (YouTube, Sling TV, etc.): Most of the live streaming, cut-the-cord TV services will be showing Super Bowl LII. If you are signed-up for a streaming TV service, the one thing you need to make sure of is access to live, local NBC channels in your location. For example, YouTube TV includes NBC in all available locations, but they don't serve live NBC in all of them. That means you'll have to check to make sure you have live NBC access and not just on-demand NBC. Same goes for Sling TV, Playstation Vue, Hulu TV, Futbol TV, and any others. The best way to do that is to pull up your channel list, see if it lists your local NBC affiliate, and then try and fire up a show - is it live or are you only seeing on-demand stuff?

Chromecast: The NBC Sports Android app does have Casting, so that can be an option if you need to Cast. The NFL Mobile and Yahoo Sports apps do not appear to support Casting. If you subscribe to one of those streaming TV services above, almost all of them include Chromecast or Google Cast support. If you don't own Android TV, but do own a Chromecast, Cast away from them.

Stream Super Bowl in browser

If you have none of that technology above or perhaps just don't want to install an app, you can always stream Super Bowl LII from NBCsports.com. For real, anyone interested can head to this link and watch away. Almost all browsers are supported, including Windows 10 Edge, Safari 11, latest versions of Chrome and Firefox, iOS 11 Safari, iOS Chrome, and Android phones running Android 7.0+. Who you taking? Patriots or Eagles?

Razer Selling Limited Edition 'Gold' Razer Phone, Same $699 Price

Tim — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 09:09:18 +0000

To celebrate Spring Festival in China, Razer has launched a limited edition Razer Phone for anyone to purchase, featuring a gold Razer emblem on its backside. At the same $699 price as the standard Razer Phone, it's all the same phone with exception to the gold logo on back. If you aren't up to date on the Razer Phone, the specs include a 5.7″ QHD IGZO LCD UltraMotion display (2560 x 1440, 120Hz refresh rate), Snapdragon 835 processor, 8GB RAM, 64GB storage (expandable supported), dual rear-facing cameras (12MP f/1.75 Wide + 13MP f/2.6), 4,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 4+, dual front-facing stereo speakers, fingerprint reader, and Android 7.1+ Nougat. The Razer Phone's Oreo update should also be in the works, so that's something to keep in mind. If you're interested in this Gold edition, be sure to check out our complete Razer Phone review. Follow the link below to buy it directly from Razer. Razer Phone Link

DEAL: Save $15 on Google WiFi, Single Point Down to $114

Tim — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 15:41:52 +0000

Google WiFi is one of the best purchases I've made. Before picking up Google's mesh WiFi system, I was having coverage issues and consistent disconnect problems with my previous WiFi router. Since installing Google WiFi, my issues have basically vanished, and coverage across both levels of my home are great. If you're looking to upgrade your own home WiFi, Amazon is currently has a deal on Google WiFi. The deal is just for a single point of Google WiFi, not the 3-pack, but at $15 off, the single point is listed at just $114. If you need two points for your house, getting two at this price is still cheaper than the 3-pack, so you don't have to feel like you're wasting any money. I personally got the 3-pack, but only use two in my home and it works great. To take advantage of the deal, follow the Amazon link below. Amazon Link

Google Device Shipments Up Bigly in 2017, 'Tens of Millions' Sold

Tim — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 15:05:33 +0000

Alphabet's quarterlies were looking mighty quarterly for Q4, 2017, with the company's total revenue listed at $110.9 billion for the year. Compared to 2016, that's up 23%. For Q4 specifically, the company saw revenues of $32.3 billion, up 24% year on year. While that's all sounding good, the company actually took a massive $9.9 billion hit from a tax charge on foreign earnings. Because of that, the company posted a loss of just over a $3 billion for Q4. Here's Alphabet's detailed explanation on this.

The Tax Act (U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017 and resulted in additional tax expense of $9.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017 primarily due to the one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign subsidiary earnings and deferred tax impacts.

Like you, I'd love to dive deeper into the numbers (that's sarcasm), but what has me more interested are comments Sundar Pichai made during the company's earnings call with investors. According to Picahi, Google device shipments more than doubled in 2017 over the previous year, thanks to the sale of tens of millions of Chromecasts, Chromebooks, and Google Home speakers. Of course, we don't get exact figures for Pixel devices or anything else, but what we do know is that Google has reported revenue of $4.69 billion in this category, which is up 38% from the previous fiscal year. That category also includes sales from Google Play, so things are looking good. Here's to another good year, Google. // Alphabet | Seeking Alpha

Galaxy S9 and S9+ Batteries Likely Same Size as Galaxy S8 Line

Kellen — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 13:34:23 +0000

Samsung will announce the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ on February 25, yet here we are on February 1 continuing to find out about each phone's specific details. Today's update arrives as a component leak that shows the battery capacities we'll likely hear about later this month. If the real deal, then it's looking like the same battery capacities as last year's Galaxy S8 and S8+. The images below show batteries under part numbers EB-BG960ABA (Galaxy S9) and EB-BG965ABE (Galaxy S9+). Why do we think those are the battery numbers for the Galaxy S9 line? Because those part numbers match the model numbers of each phone (SM-G960 is the S9, SM-G965 is the S9+). The S9's battery lists a 3000mAh capacity, while the S9+ battery lists a 3500mAh capacity. Yes, the Galaxy S8 an S8+ had the same size batteries. And yes, 3500mAh is still smaller than the Galaxy S7 Edge's 3600mAh battery.

Galaxy S9 / S9+ Batteries

Were you hoping for a miracle upgrade to 4000mAh+ batteries? Yeah, that's not going to happen. You have to remember that we're not even two years removed from the Galaxy Note 7 debacle, so Samsung isn't about to take any chances here by squeezing in bigger and bigger batteries. Do keep in mind that the Snapdragon 845 should be more efficient than the 835 from last year, and Samsung will likely fine-tune these beasts even further. They may not last two days on a charge, but they should last you a day, like most phones do. // @rquandt [2]

Moto Intros $30 Style Shells Made From Gorilla Glass

Tim — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 12:32:40 +0000

For Moto owners who have a Moto Mod-supported device, the OEM just launched a new type of Style Shell, made from Gorilla Glass. With these fancy shells, you can pop on a new look whenever you want, and thanks to the durability of Gorilla Glass, they should be quite resilient to everyday usage. Currently, we're seeing 5 styles available directly from Motorola, each priced at $29.99. While I don't see myself using something like this, especially at $30 a pop, maybe your phone could use a makeover? Follow the link below to check out the whole collection. Motorola Link

Google Assistant Now Lets You Set Alarms to Music, Find Out When Your Favorite Shows Play Next

Kellen — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 12:02:56 +0000

Google Assistant picked up a couple of new features today, one that'll let you wake up to the sweet, melodic sounds of your favorite metal band, along with another that will help you keep up with your favorite TV shows. For the new alarm command, Google Assistant will let you request something like, "Hey Google, set an alarm for 7AM that plays Kidz Bop 33." Of course, you might want to swap out "Kidz Bop" for real music, but you get the idea. Once that alarm time rolls around, you'll get tunes instead of an obnoxious, head-ache-inducing noise, unless you do choose Kidz Bop. For the new TV show command, Google Assistant is letting you find out not only when your favorite shows are playing, but what channel they are on too. Examples would be, "Hey Google, what channel airs American Horror Story," or "Hey Google, when does ~~Good Morning, State Media Propaganda~~ Fox & Friends air next?" Google also noted today in a blog post about these new Assistant commands that you can now use your voice to watch YouTube TV, plus Netflix can tell the difference between voices in your household to play where you left off on The Punisher, not your 5 year old. Give 'em a shot! The commands should be live now. // Google

Type Mode for Instagram Stories Replaces Pictures and Videos With Boring Text

Tim — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 10:37:18 +0000

The saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Well, Instagram doesn't care, introducing Type Mode for Instagram Stories. Now, instead of placing cool photos and videos into your Stories, you can just write text that others will see, and spoiler alert, this kinda sucks. For those who may find this interesting, inside Type Mode you will find various backgrounds and fancy fonts to write whatever is on your mind. Facebook has already done this for its News Feed that you may have seen already, so if you've mastered that, then you'll know exactly how this works. Instagram has already lost a user in me with its non-chronological feed, but now that I know Stories may not even have photos or videos in them, I just don't see the point in ever opening one. Instagram, what are you doing? // Instagram

Mario Kart Tour Coming to Mobile Phones (Updated)

Tim — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 08:47:46 +0000

Late yesterday, Nintendo announced via Twitter that a new mobile application is in development. Set to launch ~~March, 2019~~ (sometime before the end of March, 2019), it's official, Mario Kart Tour is going mobile. Considering we've still got a whole year and one month to go before its scheduled release, there aren't many details floating around. If I had to guess, though, we can expect there to be karts and all of the characters we know and love. If Nintendo asked me what I wanted from this game, I'd say I want online multiplayer races. That would be the truth. We'll keep you posted. Update: Just to clarify, Nintendo's tweet specifies "Releasing in the fiscal year ending in March 2019." So we're looking at a release of some time before April, 2019. That's a good thing. Basically, within the next 12 months, we'll have a Mario Kart game. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/958876622517452801

DEAL: Samsung Fast Wireless Charger is Amazon's Deal of the Day, Just $28

Kellen — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 08:38:48 +0000

Amazon's top deal of the day today is a price drop on one of Samsung's fast wireless chargers. While not the newest model, you can still get into this fast wireless charger (that doubles as a phone stand) for just $28.00 for the next handful of hours. Most retailers (including Samsung) are currently selling this charger for around $40, so you are looking at a savings of at least $12. Today's deal is for the black Samsung fast wireless charging stand only. There are other colors, but this is the only version that has dropped to $28. With a compatible Samsung device (Galaxy S7, S8, Note 8, etc.), you'll get faster than normal wireless charging speeds. If you don't own a Samsung device, you can still use this as a normal wireless charger, assuming your phone supports wireless charging (iPhone X, V30, Moto Z with charging Mod, etc.). Prime shipping is included as well, for those of you who are Amazon Prime members.

Amazon Deal Link

YouTube TV Arrives on Select Roku Devices

Kellen — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 08:16:48 +0000

Been waiting for Roku to gain access to YouTube TV? That day has come. The two companies announced today that YouTube TV is available on select Roku devices, which means live sports, news, and many of your favorite shows can now be consumed for just $35 per month. Supported Roku devices include all Roku TVs, Roku Ultra, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Streaming Stick (3800x, 3600x), Roku Express/Express+ (3910x, 3900x, 3710x, 3700x), Roku Premiere+, Roku Premiere, Roku 4, Roku 3 (4200x, 4230x), and Roku 2 (4210x). I don't keep tabs on the numerous Roku releases, but that sure seems like most of 'em. Once live on the Roku Channel Store, YouTube TV for Roku can be found right here. // Roku

Video: Android Basics - 15+ Tips and Tricks for Almost Any Android Phone

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 16:20:44 +0000

We've put together a list of 15+ Android tips and tricks that we think will translate to almost any Android phone. This isn't a list for the advanced Android user, necessarily, and is geared more towards the basics of Android. In other words, most of you probably know about all of this stuff. This is the Android tips and tricks list for the new Android phone owner or the one who switched from an iPhone to Android. Because hey, all Android owners need love, OK? In this list, we cover how you can take screenshots on Android, quickest ways to launch the camera, using Google Assistant, making the most of notifications, checking for updates, setting up Do Not Disturb mode, customizing your home screen, using Multi Window, making sure you are backing up photos in Google Photos, and more! Here is the full list, in order as you'll find in the video: 1. How to take screenshots 2. Long-pressing is your best friend in Android 3. Quickest way to launch your Android phone's camera 4a. Use always-on display if you've got it 4b. Double tap to wake, just do it 5. Google Assistant, the powerful tool 6. Checking for software updates and security patch level 7. Notifications (expanding, snoozing, quick actions) 8. Multi window 9. Back up photos to Google Photos 10. Ease eye strain with Night Mode 11. Set and forget Do Not Disturb 12. Setting up a home screen (moving apps, folders) 13. Also, consider a 3rd party launcher (examples) 14. Setup your phone's fingerprint reader 15. Use Smart Lock (home and Bluetooth) Don't care about these basic Android tips? We've got individual videos for all of the phones featured that dive in more deeply:

LG Settles Bootloop Lawsuit, Members Can Choose Between Cash Settlement or Rebate (Updated)

Tim — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:59:31 +0000

Wouldn't you know, there apparently really was a bootloop issue with LG devices. According to a settlement website ran by Girard Gibbs LLP, LG has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit for buyers of affected LG devices, which includes the G4, G5 V10, V20, and Nexus 5X. For those who weren't following this issue, there's a Wiki here, but to sum it up, people were buying LG phones that consistently bootlooped and a class action lawsuit was filed in March, 2017 in regards to how the company handled the hardware issue. As for what LG is offering in the settlement, affected owners can select either a $425 cash settlement or a $700 rebate towards the purchase of a new LG device. With $700, you can basically get any LG phone you want, or just take the cash and put it towards any other phone. The decision will be yours. If you purchased one of the aforementioned devices and never took action, it looks as though you can still get in on this settlement, which is great news. To get started, fill out the below Proof of Claim survey by February 12, 2018. Of course, you'll need your proof of purchase and any other evidence you can provide to prove you owned one of these devices and purchased it through an official channel. Beyond that, you won't be needed to stand in front of a judge or anything. It will all be handled by email, according to the Girard Gibbs website. UPDATE: The Proof of Claim survey is currently closed, likely because it had many people attempting to fill it out. I would wait a while and check back, or contact Girard Gibbs LLP directly through its website here. UPDATE 2/1: The law firm has pulled the original sites that were linked to in this story. We aren't sure why, but maybe they weren't exactly ready to present all of the info just yet. We'll do our best to keep you updated on the situation as it unfolds. UPDATE 2/1 #2: The law firm's website now clearly states, "There is no class action settlement." Instead of any type of monetary compensation, it only says LG will provide an extended warranty for the bootloop defect for 30 months from the date of purchase. Beyond that, they say contact LG for any issues and if LG doesn't address your complaint, contact the law firm. Congrats, LG owners, you did it. Proof of Claim Survey // Android Police | Girard Gibbs LLP

T-Mobile LG V20 Receiving Security Update (Updated: Verizon LG G6 and Moto Z2 Force Also)

Tim — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:39:31 +0000

An OTA is being pushed out to the LG V20 on T-Mobile this week, labeled as version H91810s. Without an official changelog from T-Mobile, we presume it is the January, 2018 monthly security patch. Sprint V20 units received this update earlier this week according to users on reddit, so our money is on that. The only change T-Mobile lists on its support site is "Security update." Yes, very helpful, T-Mobile. Update: Verizon's LG G6 and Moto Z2 Force are also receiving updates, with the G6 getting December, 2017's security patch (Krack security patch) and the Moto Z2 Force receiving January's (Spectre and Meltdown patch). Those OTAs should be rolling out to all owners right now. T-Mobile LG V20 owners, have you gotten the update yet? // T-Mobile | Verizon [2]

YouTube TV Books Exclusive TV Rights to MLS' New Los Angeles Football Club (Updated: Seattle Sounders Too)

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 10:43:04 +0000

This won't immediately impact anyone outside of Los Angeles, but YouTube TV just pulled off a pretty major move in the sports TV world. They booked the exclusive TV rights to the new Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) that'll kick off their first MLS season in a couple of months. The details here include 18 LAFC matches on their own YouTube TV channel that are restricted to subscribers in and around LA. Many of the rest of the matches from LAFC will be played nationally on ESPN or Fox Sports, giving subscribers TV access to 30 of the club's 34 matches. Subscribers in the LA area won't pay extra for this new channel. Why is this a big deal, you ask? While it is mostly irrelevant for those not in LA, the bigger picture here is the fact that a pro sports team in the US has picked a streaming TV service for their TV deal, rather than your typical cable operator or local network. For example, my hometown Portland Trail Blazers have had a long-standing relationship with Comcast and what used to be Comcast Sportsnet NW (now NBC Sports NW). The problem with a deal like the one the Blazers have is the fact that if you aren't a Comcast subscriber or don't have access to it, it's been tough to be able to watch Blazers games. A deal like this one with LAFC and YouTube TV makes access more readily available (because it's streamed over an internet connection) and more affordable. I think the ultimate rights setup would be for channels like this to be broadcast nationally, though the cost there might not be worth it for someone like YouTube, who also happens to now be the jersey sponsor for LAFC. But that's the great thing about streaming TV - all you need is internet and you can access it. I'd be surprised if other teams don't follow a similar path as this. https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV/status/958764183251832832 UPDATE 3/15: YouTube TV has also locked in an exclusive deal with the Seattle Sounders. Fans who subscribe in the Seattle and Spokane areas will have access to a special Sounders FC channel that will show all 20 of their locally televised matches. // LAFC | Variety | Seattle Sounders

US Cellular Drops Price of Prepaid Unlimited Plan From $70 to $55

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 09:45:09 +0000

US Cellular announced today that it has dropped the price of its prepaid unlimited data plan from $70 per month to $55. In addition to the price change, a new 3GB-$40 prepaid plan has joined the party as well. For those not familiar, US Cellular offers unlimited data on this prepaid plan, but it is capped at 1.5Mbps speeds for the first 15GB. After that, the speeds drop to 2G for the rest of the billing cycle. With this new 3GB plan, you should see decent speeds for the first 3GB, but its speeds also drop to 2G after that first 3GB. For a limited time, if you sign-up for the new $55 and $40 plans, US Cellular will give you a free Samsung J3 or Moto E4 Plus. At select national retailers, US Cellular also introduced an exclusive 1GB plan for $35. Their press release makes no mention of who those retailers are, so that's cool. If interested in US Cellular, the new prepaid plans are already live on their site.

SHIELD TV Experience Upgrade 6.3 Brings Monthly Security Update, Accessory Firmware Updates

Tim — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 09:32:35 +0000

NVIDIA is pushing Experience Upgrade 6.3 to SHIELD TV owners, full of new apps support, firmware upgrades for the SHIELD Remote and SHIELD Controller, as well as the latest Android security patch that includes mitigations for the Spectre vulnerability. On top of improvements and enhancements, NVIDIA lists new features like watching your Nest Cam footage on the big screen, ability to listen to SiriusXM, watch VH1 with a new app, enjoy LEGO shows with a new app, and also control over 1,000 smart home products with Google Assistant. Here's the full log for your reading pleasure. Enhancements

The latest monthly Android security updates, including mitigations for “Spectre” vulnerability.
Support for playback of YUV 8 bit BT 2020 videos.
New USB compatibility mode for users with attached USB storage/accessories to improve Bluetooth/wireless performance (Settings > System).
Firmware update for SHIELD remote (2017) for improved responsiveness.
Firmware update for SHIELD remote (rechargeable) to resolve recharging issues. If update fails, connect remote to charging cable and hold Home + Back + Voice Search buttons until LED flashes (~20 seconds).
Latest accessory firmware versions:
- SHIELD controller (2017): v1.18
- SHIELD controller (2015): v1.96/99/3.71/0.32
- SHIELD remote (2017): v1.28
- SHIELD remote (rechargeable): v.1.22

// NVIDIA

OnePlus Pushing Stable Oreo Update to OnePlus 5T

Tim — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 09:06:22 +0000

OnePlus is pushing its first stable Oreo OTA update to the OnePlus 5T, otherwise known as OxygenOS 5.0.2. The changelog isn't extremely detailed, but we do see a new design for Quick Settings, general bug fixes, as well as an applied CPU security patch. OnePlus also mentioned updated applications, including an updated Launcher app, Gallery, File Manager, and more. Yesterday, Kellen showed off an experimental feature in the latest Oreo beta called navigation gestures in a video (posted below). That feature doesn't appear to have made it in this stable release, but it's possible we'll see it in an official OTA at some point. Here's the full changelog. What's New System

Upgraded Android version to Oreo(8.0)
- New design for Quick Settings
- General bug fixes and improvements
- Applied CPU security patch: CVE-2017-13218

Applications

Updated Launcher to v2.2
Updated Gallery to v2.0
Updated Weather to v1.9
Updated File Manager to v1.7.6

Go get that update, 5T owners! // OnePlus

Samsung is Really Going to Release a Phone With a Foldable OLED Display This Year

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 08:40:58 +0000

Samsung released its Q4 2017 earnings last night and they showed record profits. They crushed it in chips (memory, for example), but the mobile division performed well too, thanks to the Galaxy Note 8. Since none of us really care about earnings reports, let's talk about another bit of info that came out of the report: confirmation of a 2018 phone with a foldable OLED display. Samsung didn't name-drop the upcoming phone or even tell us when exactly to expect it, but they mentioned twice that they have display panels that are foldable on the horizon and they'll be used this year. Specifically, Samsung said that in their mobile business, they plan to differentiate smartphones by adopting "cutting-edge technologies, such as foldable OLED displays." And again, this will happen in 2018.

Galaxy X rumors and specs

So far, the few rumors we've seen in reference to a Samsung phone with a foldable display are for the Galaxy X. And while I'd love to give you a whole bunch of concrete details surrounding it, there isn't much other than a bunch of SEO spam from news outlets trying to cash in early without any actual info to provide. The one article we do have came out of ETNews in Korea, which states that Samsung has entered into a "mass-production phase" for foldable phones and that they should have them done in November, after developing and producing foldable OLED panels from March through September. They believe the foldable Samsung OLED phones will sport 7.3-inch flexible OLED panels when unfolded. A mock-up below should give you a better visual for how this might work.

The early thoughts of a foldable phone, at least to me, didn't grab my attention, largely because I assumed the implementation would be garbage and more of a gimmick than usable. However, if the phone ends up being like the image above, I could get excited pretty quickly. Being able to compact a phone down for storage, only to open up to a big beautiful display while using isn't a terrible idea. Now, if Samsung can also toss another display on the backside for use when the phone is folded, I'd really be down. Thoughts? // Samsung | ETNews | LetsGo Digital IMAGE

Essential Calls Off Android 8.0 Update, Will Jump Straight to 8.1 Instead

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 15:43:12 +0000

Most of us probably thought stable Android 8.0 "Oreo" would have arrived on the Essential Phone by now. After all, we have gone through three beta builds that have addressed a number of bugs. According a notice posted by Essential today, the phone will actually never see stable Android 8.0. Instead, Essential is switching their focus to Android 8.1, which they think will address some issues they've run into with 8.0. The notice mentions "several stability issues" in Android 8.0 that they "believe will be addressed" in Android 8.1. Rather than continue on with Android 8.0 work, Essential will focus its "energy" on 8.1, which will push back their phone's Oreo release a "couple weeks." They are planning to release an Android 8.1 "Oreo" beta, though, so that's something we'll keep an eye out for. They weren't initially going to release a beta for 8.1, but I'd assume they want to make sure the issues that gave them concern in 8.0 have indeed been fixed. We don't know when that beta will arrive. We'll keep you updated as new software rolls out to the Essential Phone. https://twitter.com/essential/status/958478880641228801

Android Users Can Now Use Alexa to Send SMS Messages

Tim — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 14:46:28 +0000

Android users who utilize Amazon Alexa can now send SMS messages to others. That's right, real text messages! Using nothing but your voice, you can tell Alexa which contact to send a text message to. By default, Alexa will use its previously-launched Alexa messaging system if the contact you choose also uses Alexa, but if that message can't get through, Alexa will automatically send your message via SMS. If you want to skip the Alexa messaging system altogether, just start your phrase with, "Alexa, text... (insert name here)." According to Amazon, users can get started using this feature by visiting the Conversations tab of the Alexa app, select Contacts, then My Profile. Once there, ensure that Send SMS is enabled. For the time being, this feature is exclusive to Android, with no word currently about iOS support. This is because Apple doesn't allow access to third-parties for its Messaging API. We got an exclusive, folks! Go try it out. // TechCrunch

Video: OnePlus 5T Picks Up iPhone X-Like Gesture Navigation

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 13:41:50 +0000

OnePlus pushed a new Oreo Beta build (Beta 3) to the OnePlus 5T today that brings with it a pretty big new feature called Navigation Gestures. As the name suggests, this new feature takes away the standard Android navigation and replaces it with gestures. Thinking iPhone X? We are too! It's actually a lot like that. In the video here, we show exactly how these new Navigation Gestures work one the OnePlus 5T (our review) and share some thoughts on whether or not this could be an Android future. The basics, though, are as follows. You swipe up from the middle-bottom edge of the phone to go back to the Android home screen. If you swipe up from either the right or left sides, that gesture acts as a back button. Need the app switcher? Swipe up from the middle-bottom and then hold the screen for a second. And that's it! It's pretty easy, but also kind of weird, since this isn't how Android phones typically work. Then again, we won't be shocked if Motorola implements something very similar with its new line of phones this year, starting with the Moto X5. To grab the new Oreo Beta 3 for the OnePlus 5T, hit up this thread. You can buy the OnePlus 5T here. What do you guys think? Ready for navigation gestures on other Android phones? Would you rather Google just stick with buttons?

Business Profiles on Instagram Can Now Schedule Posts

Tim — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 13:39:39 +0000

Starting now, business profiles on Instagram can begin scheduling posts, allowing for better management of their "organic presence." To get started, let's say you manage a company's Instagram account. Via marketing partners, you can view a schedule of sorts that can then be filled with predetermined content. If you want a specific post up at a specific time, you can now just schedule it. If engagement is high around a certain time every day, you'll no longer need to set aside time during that time to make a post. Instead, just schedule it from now on. While scheduling posts will be most beneficial, Instagram is also adding the ability for business profiles to view public content that they are mentioned or tagged in, as well as view other business profiles. What's New for Business Profiles

Schedule posts to be published on Instagram through a Facebook Marketing Partner
View public media they are mentioned or tagged in
View other business profiles

Have at it, social media managers. // Instagram

Unlocked Huawei Mate 9 for US Receiving Oreo

Tim — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 11:29:37 +0000

While Huawei may be off to a rough start this year in terms of launching phones through US carriers, current Mate 9 owners can at least smile a little bit this week, because their phones are now receiving the official Oreo update. The new Oreo update should be for models MHA-L29 and L09, the International unlocked models capable of working on the major GSM networks here in the US. We're waiting to see an official changelog for this particular model, but we can give you a solid idea of what's new because other models of the Mate 9 apparently received the Oreo update a little bit ago. That update included EMUI 8.0 (Huawei's custom skin that runs atop Android), certain AI features inside of the camera app, as well as a Dynamic Wallpaper feature. You can also expect the typical Oreo changes, such as improved notifications and an improved settings menu. As soon as we see an official What's New list, we'll update this post. From what we can tell, the update is rolling out slowly, so if you don't see it right away, don't worry too much. If you're running a Mate 9, have you gotten the OTA notification yet?

Cheers David!

Google Took Down 700,000+ Bad Apps in 2017, Booted 100,000 Bad Developers From Google Play

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 11:13:30 +0000

The battle over clean, non-malicious apps on Google Play is a never-ending battle that Google is constantly finding new ways to address. For 2017, they not only improved on their ability to detect bad apps, they discovered new techniques that help them identify repeat offenders. In doing so, they announced today that they took down 700,000+ apps on Google Play that violated the store's policies, but also kicked out 100,000 bad developers. That seems like a lot of bad apps and bad developers. They didn't say 700 apps and 100 developers - they said 700K AND 100K. Yikes. Bad people sure do love them some Android it seems. Google did say that the 700,000-app-takedown was 70% more than they took down in 2016. Additionally, they caught bad apps sooner than ever, stating that "99% of apps with abusive contents were identified and rejected before anyone could install them." And finally, of the 100,000 developers who got the boot, Google said that they made it more difficult for them to create new accounts and go back through the process of trying to post evil apps. If you'd like to know more about the types of apps that Google takes down to protect you, hit up that link below. // Google

Report: Verizon Won't Sell Huawei Devices Either

Tim — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 11:03:34 +0000

You've undoubtedly been following Huawei's rough beginning to 2018, starting with AT&T's decision not to offer the China-based OEM's devices to its customers here in the US. That news broke during CES earlier this month and was followed by a report that detailed the decision was based on advice from US lawmakers. Yesterday, a new report from Bloomberg cited a source claiming Verizon has now also been pressured by US government officials to stay away from Huawei. Apparently, the carrier did have intentions to offer the Mate 10 Pro to customers at some point this year, but with national security in mind, that notion looks to be dead. With 5G rollout starting up in the US, and the idea that 5G will connect everything from smartphones to self-driving cars, the US government wishes to not have companies with close ties to the Chinese government involved in the US 5G infrastructure. Because Huawei's tech goes beyond smartphones, but also includes network equipment, the threat of foreign powers having direct access to American citizens is apparently too much of a risk. According to Roger Entner, an analyst with Recon Analytics, "Your phone is the ultimate Trojan horse. If someone has control of your phone, they can do a lot with it. In a nightmare scenario, they can turn on the microphone or the camera and, -- if you working for a defense contractor or chipmaker -- they can obtain sensitive info.” To wrap it up, things aren't looking well for Huawei in the US. The company still seems massively successful in other countries, so this move will likely not be the end of Huawei. // Bloomberg

Google Welcomes HTC Talent It Purchased for $1.1 Billion

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 10:01:55 +0000

Hopefully, they use them to build both phones this year.

Google announced last night that it had closed its deal with HTC, the deal that will cost them around $1.1 billion to bring on HTC talent to work on their burgeoning hardware business (as well as access HTC's IP). What happens now? A few things. Remember, these were the crew of HTC employees who have worked with Google for at least a couple of years on the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and a cancelled version of the Pixel 2 XL. This could and should mean that Google now has a dedicated group of employees who know what it takes to build a phone from the ground up. That's a big deal in the sense that Google has been hiring others to do this work, yet can now say they are doing it all from within. I'd hope that Google could now get back to launching phones made by the same company too, which they failed to do last year. And I say that because the Pixel 2 XL (made by LG) is clearly the more advanced or modern of the two they released. The HTC-made Pixel 2 lagged behind competitors with its smaller screen and outdated, bezel-heavy front. If Google wants to really knock it out of the park with the Pixel 3 line-up, we'd love to see two phones that are consistently all Google. Whether that's by having LG build them or a company that specializes in building smartphones for people (like say, Foxconn), we need a unified line. What will HTC do now? They seem to believe they'll continue on. Should they, thanks to this $1.1 billion in cash from Google, I'm excited for what they could do. HTC is a company who has slowly been building up to the ultimate smartphone experience that legitimately caught up to competitors with the U11+. They are doing good things, they just need to do a better job of telling everyone about them. // Google

VLC Beta for Android Adds Chromecast Support

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 09:16:05 +0000

VLC, the free and open source multimedia player that so many of you play your legally purchased DVD rips from, received a beta update today on Android that brought with it Chromecast support. While I'm not as up-to-speed on VLC development as I probably should be, this seems like a big deal. Previously (almost a year ago), VLC picked up Chromecast support through a nightly build that was labeled as experimental. As far as I can tell, this is the first time it's added Chromecast support to a beta. It's still labeled as "experimental" though, so keep that in mind. With Chromecast support, you will see Cast icons from the main screen, as well as in videos, with lists of available Cast locations through a tap. You should be able to stream all of the video files you have on your device to a Chromecast that way. This new beta drops in as VLC v2.9.0 and is available if you are in the beta track. You can sign-up for it at the bottom of its Google Play listing, which you'll find at the link below. WHAT'S NEW

Chromecast support (experimental)
Playlist files detection
Faster seek
SDCard files deletion
Fixed deletion on Oreo
Option to disable subs auto-loading
Fixed artists/Album classification
Chromebook & Samsung DeX support
Misc. fixes

Google Play Link

Cheers Scott!

Yep, LG is Doubling Down on 2017 Phones for 2018

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 08:08:47 +0000

We've talked a lot about the confusing narrative coming out of LG over the past month. Are they going to introduce new phones or wait a while and do so when they see the right opportunity? Will they seriously just re-release their 2017 phones to try and stop the mobile bleeding? The answer to both of those questions may be "Yes," according to the latest announcement from the company. Last night through a press release, LG announced that the LG G6 is back and prettier than ever, thanks to a bunch of new colorways. In other words, yes, LG is doubling down on last year's phones to start this year. Don't believe me? Here's the title from the press release:

LG TO BRIGHTEN CONSUMERS’ LIVES IN 2018 WITH UNIQUE AND EXCITING SMARTPHONE COLORS

LG isn't saying, "Hey, we're about to bring you the heat and continue working on what's next, so have some shiny new colors for a bit." That line says, "We're lost at the moment, so hopefully some exciting colors on our old phones that we won't name in this title because they are old, will do the trick. We have nothing else to announce, possibly for a while." The LG G6 will soon be available in Moroccan Blue, Lavender Violet and Raspberry Rose, matching the color availability of the LG V30. Those new colors will be available in Korea in February, followed by additional markets thereafter. Understand that I'm not kidding. The LG G6 is back in 2018 in new colors and nothing about the phone's internals have changed. It still has a QHD display, dual cameras, and the same design you remember from a year ago. Good morning, also. // LG

Adult Swim App Gains Chromecast Support

Tim — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:36:05 +0000

Somehow, the official Adult Swim app for Android never picked up Chromecast support. This week, that all changed. In a recent update that is now available to all users, the app supports Chromecast, meaning the streamable episodes from within the app can now be played on your big screen in the living room. Not only was Chromecast support added, but a live chat feature has also been baked in for live streams and select marathons. I'm sure the network's live chats are full of empathetic and intelligent discussion, so this is a huge bonus. To get watching, follow the link below and grab the update. Google Play Link

DEAL: Amazon's Cloud Cam is Just $89.99 Today ($30 Off)

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 13:50:45 +0000

The Amazon Cloud Cam Indoor, which already starts out at a tough-to-beat price of $119.99, has been discounted today to just $89.99. That's a $30 discount for those not into that whole math thing. It's also a heck of a deal for those ready to dive into the indoor cam arena. The Amazon Cloud Cam Indoor (Android app) is a lot like other smart home cameras in that you get a 1080p stream that you can check out 24 hours per day. It'll push notifications to you when it notices activity, can see in the dark with night vision, includes 2-way audio, and works with Alexa (you can pull the feed up on screens by voice). If you want more features, you can pay for a Cloud Cam subscription (start at $7/mo) and get person detection, motion zones, and up to 30 days of video history. $90 for a smart home camera is a good deal.

Amazon Deal Link

Trump Admin Considered Building Government-Owned 5G Network, Which the FCC Opposes

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 12:59:50 +0000

Last night, Axios uncovered a document from the Trump administration's National Security Council that floated the idea of a government-owned 5G wireless network. Their reasoning for considering such an idea was that they believe China to be evil, that China will spy on us if we allow their 5G network products in our country, and that the US doesn't want China crushing it economically by being the major provider of said equipment. That narrative shouldn't surprise you after watching the assault on Huawei we saw during and immediately after CES. Both Huawei and ZTE were mentioned numerous times throughout the document. As you can imagine, anyone interested in wireless freaked the hell out after this report dropped, wondered if the US government was serious about this, how it might affect Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, and whether or not the FCC would even be on board with such a move, you know, since this is kind of their area of expertise. To address that first point, the Trump admin told Reuters last night that this Trump 5G proposal was only being debated at low levels of the admin and that it was likely six to eight months away from ever being considered by the president. They did confirm that their reasoning for a government-owned 5G network was to stop China's threat to US cyber and economic security. They want a network where the "Chinese can't listen to your calls," a senior official said. With all of that in mind (whether realistic or baseless fear-mongering), the Trump administration said today to Recode that they currently have no plans to build any such 5G network. Their sources suggested that this proposal was merely floated by a staff member and might never be anything more than that. The FCC's chairman, Ajit Pai, weighed in this morning as well, saying that he opposes "any proposal for the federal government to build and operate a nationwide 5G network." As you probably guessed, Pai would rather the private sector handle our wireless networks and set "rules that encourage" them to developer the next-generation infrastructure, like 5G. https://twitter.com/AjitPaiFCC/status/957985619887775744 And that's about all there is to say about that. I wish I had a scorching hot take for you now, but I have none. // Axios | Reuters | Recode

Razer Phone Getting Updated With January Security Patch, Camera Improvements, and HDR Content Playback Support

Tim — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 11:52:00 +0000

At CES earlier this month, Razer announced that an upcoming update would bring access to Netflix HDR and Dolby Plus 5.1 to the Razer Phone. Well, that update is apparently rolling out right now to all owners, weighing in at 249MB. Listed under "Netflix Enhancements," you'll find the Netflix app automatically included on the device, support of HDR content playback, and support of Dolby 5.1 audio playback from within. Not only will you experience the greatness of HDR, but the camera is also getting a few improvements, too. Described in the changelog, the update fixes an issue where some images would appear yellow, tuning and image quality improvements, as well as other bug squashing. To round it off, the update includes the January security patch, which includes fixes for the Spectre and Meltdown exploits. So far so good, Razer.

// @superscientific

Android Feature Request: It's Time for Google to Bake-In Screenshot Scroll Capture

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 11:31:29 +0000

How many times have you been looking at something on your phone (an article, image, Twitter thread, etc.) and thought, "Man, I'd love to be able to capture that extra little bit that's off the screen." It happens to me all of the time, to be honest. Here's the frustrating part about that, though. If I'm using a Samsung phone (Galaxy S8, Note 8, and S7) or OnePlus device (OnePlus 5 and 5T), I can capture that off-screen bit and then same, thanks to scrolling capture screenshots. Since I've been on a Pixel 2 XL for the past couple of months, I don't have that ability. It's time Google build this in, dammit. Now, I know that Google has had a rough history when it comes to screenshots. They didn't allow us to take them without root or the SDK until Android 2.3.3 or so. They didn't include a "Share" button in screenshot notifications for years after that, plus it took even longer before a "Delete" button joined the party. I believe only recently did tapping on a screenshot notification start taking you into Google Photos with the full editing suite, rather than a half-baked, featureless system image viewer. So if there is an Android Feature Request I can make now for Android P, it's scroll capture. That cool, Google?

It could work similarly to how OnePlus and Samsung do it. From each of those companies, you get a special overlay after taking a screenshot that lets you immediately do things like share or edit or continue capturing. The OnePlus UI, largely because it's a mostly stock UI, is probably the more likely setup for someone like Google to try, but Samsung's additional crop button would be lovely too. (😉 Google) How it works is pretty simple. For Samsung phones, you take a screenshot and then tap the Scroll Capture button to have it scroll for an additional screen. If there is more to capture, you can continue hitting that same Scroll Capture button until you are done. Once done, either tap anywhere on the screen to save it, or tap one of the other buttons like Draw, Crop, or Share. With OnePlus phones, it's similar, though maybe a bit simpler. You take a screenshot, tap the rectangular scrolling screenshot button (see below) and then sit back as the screen scrolls page by page until you want it to stop. You stop it by tapping the screen. Once done, OnePlus will also show you another set of buttons to edit, share, etc.

For now, Google lets you take screenshots (Power + Volume Down) on your Pixel and Nexus phones, then quickly share, delete, or edit them. You can also do it using Google Assistant by voice using a command such as, "Hey Google, take a screenshot." So the best implementation of a scrolling capture by Google would be to not only include a OnePlus-like overlay with a scrolling capture button, but also a voice command of, "Hey Google, take a scrolling screenshot." Of course, there are third party options out there that can add this feature to Google's version of Android. But look, if Samsung and OnePlus can build this in natively, why can't Google? I'm all for 3rd party apps helping build out features, it's just that this seems like a simple system tweak that Google could allow to really ramp up the usefulness of the screenshot feature.

Verizon Galaxy Note 8 Updated With January Security Patch, Bokeh Effect for Camera

Tim — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:48:44 +0000

Verizon's Galaxy Note 8 is being updated this week (listed as software version N950USQU3BRA5), bringing the latest Android security patch to the device. The January patch specifically addresses the Meltdown and Spectre exploits, so you'll no longer need to worry about that. In addition, multiple bugs were fixed, such as bugs that froze the screen when there was an incoming call, as well as a force close issue when you unlocked the phone. All good things. Verizon also lists an added Bokeh effect for the camera app, usable from the Live Focus setting. What's New

Android Security Patch Level: 2018-01-01, including Meltdown and Spectre security patches
Fixes the issues that froze the screen during incoming calls; force closed the device when unlocking it; and force closed the device settings when the user tried to change the method of locking the device screen.
The "Bokeh" camera effect is now available while using Live Focus.

Go get that update! // Verizon Cheers Bash!

Rusty Lake Paradise, the Latest Click Spam Adventure Game, is Really Good

Tim — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:15:21 +0000

Let me start off by saying, why has no one ever told me about the developer Rusty Lake? Apparently, this developer has published multiple Rusty Lake point-and-click adventure games, but I've never been alerted to their existence. Thankfully, that all changed this weekend and I've been playing a ton of their latest game, Rusty Lake Paradise. This game, like their other titles, takes place in the Rusty Lake universe, with Paradise focusing on mysterious plagues that have infected Paradise Island. The main character is Jakob, the oldest son of the Eilander family, with the story being that he must find his recently passed mother's hidden memories and perform "strange family rituals" in order to stop the plagues. While the story itself is intriguing, I love point-and-click puzzle/adventure games and these Rusty Lake titles may be some of the best on Android. A lot of the imagery used throughout this particular universe is rather occult (I'm a fan), so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to certain things. Other than that, you'll go through many different scenes, solve puzzles and find hidden items, and hopefully eradicate the plagues. The game costs just $2.99 on Google Play, certainly worth a cup of coffee if you ask me. Google Play Link

Samsung Pay Enters Mexico, Brings Global Market Total to 20

Tim — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 09:00:17 +0000

Samsung announced availability of Samsung Pay in Mexico this morning, bringing its global market total to 20. That's right, now whether you're with your family enjoying a week in Cabo San Lucas or apart from your family in Tijuana, you can use Samsung Pay to make your payments at virtually any merchant that accepts credit, debit, or loyalty cards. Samsung lists the banks that are currently supported with Samsung Pay in Mexico, and of course, you have the big names like HSBC, Santander, Citibanamex, Banorte, and Banregio. The accepted card networks also include the big names you'd expected, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Samsung even released the below video that will likely air in Mexico, showing off the awesomeness that is Samsung Pay. // Samsung

DEAL: Verizon's Wear24 Android Watch can be had for $50 Today

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:42:23 +0000

Verizon may have killed off its Wear24 Android Wear watch only a few months after releasing it, but that doesn't mean it should be completely ignored if found for ridiculously low prices. Say for example, if a daily deals site had one for $99.99 - that'd be a pretty decent price right? What if you could cut that in half and own a Verizon Wear24 for just $49.99? Yep, that's "ridiculous" territory and you can find it for just that right now. The deal site is called TechRabbit and if you plugin code "TRWEAR50" at checkout, the price will drop from $99.99 to $49.99. You can then have it shipped for free or pay to have that process sped up some. TechRabbit even claims to be able to ship same-day, as long as you get your orders in before 12PM. NOTE: I've never ordered anything from TechRabbit before (and had never heard of them before today), but reviews around the web seem OK. Now again, I know that Verizon killed this watch pretty quickly. However, at $50, I'd still consider buying one myself. I've used the watch off and on for a couple of months since it released and actually kind of liked it. The design, size, and shape are all fantastic, as well as its specs. It apparently was terrible at that whole 4G connectivity thing and making calls, which were supposed to be its highlight features, but as an Android Wear device without that, it's pretty solid. And no, you don't have to sign-up for Verizon service to use this, you can just use it like any Android Wear watch on WiFi and over Bluetooth. The deal currently works on two ~~three~~ colors available: Gunmetal Black, ~~Rose Gold~~, and Stainless Steel.

TechRabbit Deal Link

Cheers Marc!

AT&T Quietly Announced Mobile Share Flex Plans a Couple of Weeks Ago

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:21:27 +0000

On January 12, AT&T quietly introduced a new set of mobile plans called Mobile Share Flex as a replacement to the previously available Mobile Share Advantage plans. Who knows why AT&T changed these so quietly, but possibly because not much changes and they would rather you look over there at those shiny unlimited plans they have. Either way, here are the details of Mobile Share Flex, for those who might be interested.

AT&T Mobile Share Flex

The big change is the set of data tiers you have to choose from. In Mobile Share Advantage, you had at least 7 different data buckets to choose from, but now you've got just 4: 1GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB. After that change, a lot of the rest of this situation stays the same. You'll pay $20 per smartphone as a sort of line access fee, followed by your data bucket cost. Additionally, AT&T is offering a $10 discount if you sign-up for autopay and paperless billing. With that $10 discount, you have the $20 smartphone charge next to the following data prices:

1GB - $25
5GB - $50
10GB - $75
20GB - $100

Mobile Share Flex plans also include Rollover Data, 2G data access after you use up your data bucket, unlimited texting from the US to over 120 countries, hotspot tethering with your data plan, and Mexico and Canada usage (on plans 10GB and over). The Mobile Share Flex plans were first spotted by Wave7 Research. If interested, you can sign-up for Mobile Share Flex at AT&T's site. // AT&T

Download: Galaxy S9's First Wallpaper

Kellen — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 10:29:18 +0000

Thanks to a Galaxy S9 leak on Friday, we now know almost exactly what to expect in terms of design for what should be this year's biggest Android phone release. That leak also provided us with a glimpse at the first wallpaper that Samsung will feature when the phone releases. Anyone interested in downloading that first Galaxy S9 wallpaper? Cool, we've got that for you below. The wallpaper comes via @evleaks, who went ahead and posted the full resolution file (2960x1626). It's a big enough image that it should fit almost any phone, including your Pixel 2 XL, V30, or Galaxy Note 8. You can download the file right here. (This link works too.) https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/957669209533767681

Weekly Recap: Hey, Look, It's the Galaxy S9 and S9+

Tim — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 15:12:50 +0000

For fans of leaks and unveiling date announcements, it was a solid week for you. Over the past few days, we learned Google will be hosting I/O on May 8-10 in Mountain View (Android P!), Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S9 and S9+ on February 25, and we even got a good look at the devices thanks to a new leak. Solid week, indeed. Other news centered around LG and HTC's likely quiet week at the upcoming MWC (don't expect much), audiobooks launching on Google Play, RED discussing more of its Hydrogen One smartphone (launch later this year), plus we started seeing Google Pay branding pop up on phones. Here are the stories you don't want to miss from this week.

Have a good weekend, y'all!

Samsung Galaxy S9's Variable Aperture Camera Should Look and Work Like This

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 14:13:00 +0000

Samsung's big teaser for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ event on February 25 hints at one thing: a "reimagined" camera. Since we're mostly expecting familiar designs with the new S9 line, it's clear that Samsung is going to try and set itself apart by going all out in the camera department. Thanks to a purported leaked retail box for the S9, we think that may be through a "Super Speed Dual Pixel" 12MP camera with OIS and a variable aperture. That's a significant change for smartphones, and something we haven't really seen but one time before. As it turns out, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ won't be Samsung's first phones with a variable aperture. That title actually belongs to the Samsung W2018, a ridiculously expensive flip phone that was made for China. It sports a wild set of specs for a flip phone, like an octa-core processor, dual 1080p AMOLED displays, 256GB storage, 6GB RAM, and a 12MP variable aperture camera with optical image stabilization (OIS).

What is variable aperture?

Wait, so what is a variable aperture and why should we care? There are a couple of benefits that I think we'll observe with the phone in hand. For one, at a maximum aperture like f/1.5, the camera should be able to take in more light than most smartphone cameras (V30 was f/1.6 and S8 was f/1.7) and really help in low-light situations. It could also help the Galaxy S9 capture photos with more depth and bokeh. By being able to flip to f/2.4, though, we've got added flexibility in better lighting conditions, where you don't necessarily need all of that extra light that f/1.5 is trying to pull in. Samsung is achieving this variable aperture with the help of mechanical aperture blades. To get to f/1.5, those blades open up as wide as they can, before closing back down to get to f/2.4. To see that in action, take a look at this awesome GIF.

Pretty cool, right? Your current phone certainly can't do that.

Variable aperture mean better photos?

Will it amount to better photos? Samsung has featured some of the best smartphone cameras in history, so I can't imagine this implementation won't work well or they'd probably have scrapped it. If anything, flexibility is the key here, where you'll get a better aperture depending on your lighting conditions, something no other phone can do. The GIF above was pulled from the video below, for those curious. Again, this is cool.

DEAL: Buy a Moto Z2 Force, Get a Free Smart Speaker Moto Mod With Amazon Alexa

Tim — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 13:26:34 +0000

Motorola is currently offering buyers of a Moto Z2 Force a free Smart Speaker Moto Mod with Amazon Alexa. Not only will you get the free Moto Mod, which currently has a retail value of $149, but Motorola is also offering a free 2-month Amazon Music Unlimited Family Plan subscription. Not bad, not bad. From what we can tell, regardless of where you buy the Moto Z2 Force, whether it be from AT&T, Best Buy, or basically any carrier/retailer where it's available, all you'll need to claim the free Moto Mod is a valid IMEI and a date of purchase. So long as you purchase the phone between January 21, 2018 and February 25, 2018, you'll get your gift. Click the link below to find the best retailer to purchase your device, then use the other link to claim the gift once you have your new phone's IMEI. Motorola Link | Redemption Link

Podcast: This is (Likely) the Galaxy S9

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:07:36 +0000

On this return episode of the Droid Life Show, we're reacting to our first clean shots/press renders of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. We also have a date where we'll see them officially, so you'll want to tune in, Samsung fans. After wrapping on the new Galaxy S line, we'll dive into the latest on LG and the G7, talk Motorola leaks from a week ago and RED Hydrogen One phone specs, as well as early thoughts on Google I/O. We'll be live at 11AM Pacific (2PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

First Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ Renders Show Phones That Look a Lot Like the Pixel 2 XL and V30 (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 08:27:01 +0000

Thanks to @evleaks, we've got what is likely the first official press renderings of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ to get excited about ahead of their February 25 unveiling. The images are included in full below and show the two phones side-by-side. They look very much like the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ as expected, although I'm seeing a lot of Pixel 2 XL and LG V30 in the design as well. First, here are the images.

First Galaxy S9 / S9+ Images

https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/956906111189377025 Nice, right? They show the rounded corners we got with last year's phones, that Infinity-style display, and a whole bunch of sensors up top, likely because Samsung is going to fully invest in face unlock or something similar. That's fine, since we also are expecting fingerprint readers on the back, in a proper place this time. We're getting a March 16 date on there as well, which could very well be the release date for each phone. How does it compare to the Galaxy S8? Here.

Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8

I'm seeing a lot more bezel this year. Last year, Samsung took those side bezels so close to the edge, that you have to wonder if they had feedback suggesting they dial it back some, and give hands a bit more cushion while holding the phone to avoid accidental presses or to make the experience more ergonomic (Maybe for stereo speakers?). Because look at that Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8 image and you should be able to see it immediately. And no, I don't think it's a shadow effect - I think there is more bezel on the Galaxy S9. Will that mean less curve to the display? Tough to say. As a Pixel 2 XL user, it certainly doesn't offend me.

Galaxy S9 vs. Pixel 2 XL vs. V30

Note: These are not to scale; we're just comparing designs.

Here, though, you can really see what I'm talking about when I suggested above that it looks a lot more like a Pixel 2 XL or LG V30 than a Galaxy S8. And really, that's because of that bezel. Samsung appears to have added some this year, which again, doesn't offend me as someone who uses a Pixel 2 XL on the daily and was a huge fan of the V30's design. I'd argue that when the Galaxy Note 8 came out, following the Galaxy S8, that Samsung probably did take the bezel-less trend to an extreme and might have been why the Note 8 was so unenjoyable to hold. What do you guys think? Loving the design? Think it's a step backwards? UPDATE: Evan added to the story on Friday by posting up the rear camera components, so you can see the placement of the fingerprint reader, as well as an angled shot for those worried about bezels.

Those new images change your opinion at all?

Android Wear Getting New Unread Notification Indicator

Tim — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 15:48:09 +0000

The Android Wear team has detailed an upcoming change that all users should see in the next public release of the wearable OS. According to its post, users will see a new unread notification indicator, which should integrate into any watch face you use. In the picture below, which shows off the different default and custom implementation options, you will see a small dot that will indicate there are unread notifications. The default indicator looks like a Pixel 2 home button, while the custom options that developers will need to create, show exactly how many notifications are there and should look pretty seamless with custom watch faces. What you see will come down entirely to how developers intend to implement the new indicator, so your experience may vary.

If you're a developer, this is exciting. If you're a user, you'll need to wait for it to rollout at some point soon. Anyone here still rocking Android Wear? // Android Developers

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile Give Customers Free Usage in South Korea During Winter Olympics (Updated: Sprint Too!)

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 14:27:55 +0000

The PyeongChang 2018 Olympics kick of February 9 and run through February 25. If you are planning to travel to South Korea to take in any part of the winter games, there is a good chance your carrier has gifted you free access while there. In fact, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are all letting customers use their plans in Korea without charge, though T-Mobile's is the easiest to get setup.

Verizon

For Verizon customers, if you want free usage while in South Korea, you'll have to do a couple of things. First, you'll need to sign-up for Verizon Up, a promo plan we've told you to avoid, by January 28. You'll do that by installing the My Verizon app, finding the Verizon Up section, and following the sign-up steps. Once you do that, you'll then have to sign-up for Verizon's TravelPass through the same My Verizon app you just installed (or previously had). You can also text "TRAVEL" to 4004. If you don't want to sign-up for Verizon Up and get a full month's worth of free access, Verizon is at least giving everyone a free TravelPass on February 9 in Korea. To get that, follow the same steps I laid out above. Verizon's TravelPass includes calls and texts, plus up to 512MB/day of LTE speeds, followed by 2G speeds thereafter. Verizon: Verizon Up sign-up | TravelPass sign-up

AT&T

AT&T is running a similar deal to Verizon, where they'll give you free International Day Passes for the time you are in South Korea. AT&T is opening them up for free from February 1 through March 20. All you need to do to sign-up is hit that link below and follow the steps to add the feature to your plan. AT&T's International Day Pass gives you unlimited talk and text, as well as access to the data in your plan. AT&T: International Day Pass sign-up

T-Mobile

T-Mobile, unlike those other two carriers, has made using your data plan at the PyeongChang games incredibly simple. All you have to do is just use your plan. T-Mobile says that from February 7 through March 20, you'll get free unlimited high-speed data wherever your travels in South Korea take you, as well as free unlimited calls and texting. And seriously, you don't have to sign-up for anything - this stuff is just included already in your T-Mobile postpaid plan.

Sprint

UPDATE 1/29: Sprint has announced that it will make usage in Korea free from February 1 through March 18. That includes "fast" data, voice, and text. You should be able to take advantage without doing a thing, but if you have concerns or questions, hit up Sprint's site. ~~I have no idea if Sprint will offer anything. They haven't said anything yet, but should they, we'll update this post and let you know.~~ So there you have it, world Olympics travelers. If you plan to hop on over to the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have you covered. // Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Sprint | IMAGE

Report: HTC Will Not Show Off the U12 at MWC, But That's No Surprise

Tim — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 13:56:34 +0000

According to a new report, HTC won't showcase any new phones, namely the rumored U12, at MWC this year. Considering HTC hasn't used MWC as a platform to announce new devices recently, this doesn't quite come as a surprise. In fact, when it comes to HTC at MWC, the last major announcement was in 2015 with the One M9. In 2016, they showcased a few Desire phones, but we aren't counting those as major announcements. No offense, Desire fans. Last year, HTC announced the U Ultra in January, the U11 in May, and the U11 Plus in November. For each of those devices, not a lot of emphasis was put on the US in terms of launch events, probably because HTC has been reevaluating its position here. If you question that theory, take the recently announced U11+ as an example. The phone is easily one of the company's most exciting in recent memory, but it was never even made available in the US. That seems to sum up HTC's plan for us at the moment. In this new report, it cites HTC's seeming unwillingness to go directly against Samsung and the Galaxy S9 at MWC. So, instead of competing for people's attention in Barcelona, the company will hold off and announce its next phone when it's good and ready. Funny enough, we just heard this same thing from LG, so MWC is shaping up to be quite underwhelming this year. While we wait on HTC to determine how and when to launch its next flagship, keep in mind that Kellen still seems excited for the company's 2018, but don't ask me why. I'm over here thinking we may not see a single US launch from the company this year. // Android Headlines

Google Gives Everyone New Controls Over the Ads That Follow Them Around the Web

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 13:07:41 +0000

Most of you understand that as you shop on the internet, Google follows your activity, so that they can serve ads to you based on those browsing habits. That means that if you were shopping for Tide Pods on Amazon and then leave to research why the stupid-as-hell kids on this planet think it's OK to eat them, you may be served a Tide Pods ad. Assuming you didn't really need to buy Tide Pods, you may not want to see ads for them going forward and so Google is going to let you mute them easier.

Mute Reminder Ads

These types of ads are called reminder ads, because they are essentially a reminder that you were once looking for this item and may still be interested. If you see ads like this and decide that these shouldn't be showing any longer (possibly because you aren't shopping for that item), you can head over to your Google Ads Settings page and mute them in the very near future (rolling out starting today). Google says that you'll soon be able to mute reminder ads in apps and on websites.

Google's Mute This Ad expands

Additionally, Google is making its Mute This Ad action more powerful. For those not familiar, Mute This Ad is the little "X" you see in the top right corner of ads on websites. If you tape that "X," you'll be taken to an overlay that lets you say "Stop seeing this ad" and then why it is that you no longer want to see it. (See the top of this post for an example.) Google says that they are updating this feature in two new ways. The first is that Mute This Ad is an account-level action now, so if you mute an ad on your phone it'll be muted on your desktop too. And second, you should start seeing Mute This Ad in more places, as Google expands it to work on more apps and websites. Now, go about your business, Mute God. And don't eat Tide Pods. // Google

Verizon's Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and LG G5 Get Updates Too (Updated: More Updates!)

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 12:05:05 +0000

Verizon's LG V30 isn't their only device picking up a new update today. The Verizon variants of the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and LG G5 are grabbing them as well. Unlike the V30's update, which included some new UI tweaks, these updates appear to be nothing but security patches. According to changelogs for all three devices (S7, S7 Edge, and G5), the trio is receiving January's Android security update. The Galaxy S7 will see software version G930VVRS4BRA1, the S7 Edge will grab G935VVRS4BRA1, and the G5 will get VS9872DA. UPDATE: Verizon has now posted details on even more updates, this time for the Galaxy S6 (G920VVRS4DRA1), Galaxy S6 Edge (G925VVRS4DRA1), Galaxy S6 Edge+ (G928VVRS3CRA1), and Galaxy Note 5 (N920VVRS3CRA1). Each of these phones is also receiving the January security patch. I'd imagine the updates are on the smaller side, but make sure you have plenty of battery anyway. To check for them, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Rootless Pixel Launcher V3 Brings the Best Pixel Launcher Features and Then Some to Any Phone

Tim — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 12:01:53 +0000

Google's Pixel Launcher is exclusive to Pixel devices, naturally, but 3rd-party developers are always working hard to bring these types of apps to other Android users. Thanks to a developer on XDA, Rootless Pixel Launcher is available now to all Android phones, complete with all of the features you'd expect, with no root required. According to the description of Rootless Pixel Launcher, people can use custom icon packs with this release, app shortcuts when long pressing on an app icon, complete Google Now feed, plus a whole lot more. Seriously, each version of Android you're running brings its own set of features, so I highly recommend checking out the changelog. Installation should be like any other app that you sideload. Simply download the APK (link below), install, then you're off to the races. And again, there is no root required for any of it. Here's a tidbit from the developer's announcement post on reddit.

My launcher is a close to AOSP launcher that only changes the necessary code to allow for small extensions and backporting to older Android versions. If you want a more feature packed launcher use Nova, Action or Lawnchair. I focus on simplicity and rock solid stability.

Direct Download Here // XDA

Files Go Adds Tablet Support, Expands SD Card Support, Intros 'Open With' Option

Tim — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 10:25:20 +0000

Google's Files Go storage management app is getting updated this week, bringing three new features to all users. The first major change is the expansion of SD card support. With one tap, users can now view files on their SD card in a list or grid view, leading to easier management of files stored on an SD card. Also, tablets are now supported! The other change is "Opening files in other apps." Like you'd see on a desktop computer, users can now select an "Open with" option, meaning you can choose which app you would like to open a certain file you have stored on your device. For example, you can open up that important PDF in your favorite PDF viewer, which apparently wasn't possible before this update. Here's the complete changelog.

SD cards: We’ve expanded our SD card support since many of you use SD cards to backup important files. With one tap in the list or grid view, you can easily filter to see files stored on your SD card.
Tablets: Files Go now runs on tablets so you can manage storage and transfer files between your small and big screen Android devices without using any data.
Opening files in other apps: You can also customize which apps open your files with our new “Open with” flow. This should give you greater flexibility and control when handling all types of files. For example, to open PDF files, you may want to use your favorite PDF viewing app and that’s now possible.

Go grab that update! Google Play Link // Google

Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ Oreo Beta Ends January 26 in US

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 10:16:24 +0000

If you have been testing Android Oreo in the Samsung Beta Program with your Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+, your time is almost up. Samsung started notifying users that the Oreo beta for the S8 and S8+ ends on January 26 in the US. That's tomorrow, guys. This news comes after each device received its 7th and final Oreo beta update last week as builds G950U1UEU2ZRAE (S8) and G955U1UEU2ZRAE (S8+). That update was actually the third in January, so it's pretty obvious that Samsung was squashing any final bugs with rapid releases as they approach a stable Oreo release.

When's stable Galaxy S8 Oreo update coming?

The question now becomes, when will the stable release drop? The Oreo beta program for the Galaxy S8 and S8+ featured T-Mobile, Sprint, and unlocked models. I think it's safe to assume that those devices are in the best position to get stable Oreo and the Samsung Experience 9.0 first, though Verizon's Samsung phones seem to be staying quite up-to-date these days. Samsung only said in this final notice that they "look forward to releasing the official software update as soon as [they] can."

What's new in Oreo for the Galaxy S8 and S8+? The list is actually quite lengthy, because it does bring with it the Samsung Experience 9.0. We're talking about new emoji, GIFs, and stickers, as well as an improved keyboard, fast and smarter search results within the phone, color lenses for your screen, access to Dual Messenger for using two accounts from the same messaging app, and more. We'll let you know when that stable Oreo update is ready. Cheers DimStyle!

Verizon LG V30 Updated With December Security Patch, Various UI Tweaks

Tim — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 09:00:04 +0000

Verizon's LG V30 is being updated this week, labeled as build VS99610e. Inside, owners will find the December, 2017 security patch, plus a few UI improvements. According to the changelog, a new indicator will appear for when a user is wirelessly charging the device, plus there is also an improved HD Voice call screen. To explain that, whenever you are using LTE during a video call, the UI will clearly show you are running LTE, just to ensure there's no confusion for the caller. Rounding out the update, LG is also changing the button layout for when you edit your home screen. Before this update, the buttons would go Widgets > Wallpapers > Theme > Grid > Settings. After the update, the layout will be Widgets > Wallpapers > Theme > Settings > Grid. The update's size is 926.9MB. It's rolling out now, so have at it. // Verizon

LG Confirms They'll Release the G7 When They Damn Well Feel Like It, and They Don't Know When That'll Be

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 08:47:59 +0000

LG reported Q4 earnings last night and the numbers show another loss for their mobile division. That's not a shocker, since they've been losing money in phones for some time. While reporting on those poor numbers, Engadget mentioned a report that suggested LG may delay or re-do the upcoming G7. LG reached out to them with comment to try and refute the report, while confirming a lot of what has been reported lately, and that is that they'll release a phone when they want to, dammit, but that they have no idea when that'll be. An LG representative said that "Some stories have reported that LG's mobile division is delaying the release of the G7 in order to reevaluate its performance and design. This is inaccurate. Preparations for the launch of the G6's successor are on schedule." They then followed that up with a somewhat contradictory statement of "LG intends to focus on creating products that will result in meaningful results rather than launching new products on a schedule based solely on industry expectations and traditions. The release date for G7 is currently under consideration and will be announced when the time is right." So the G7 is "on schedule" yet the release date is "currently under consideration" and will be "announced when the time is right." Man, even LG falls under our statement that no one knows what's going on with the G7. My favorite part here is the "We won't release new products based on your idea of a release schedule, guy! We'll do it when we want and no one shall stop us! You don't own us, industry!" Poor, LG. Can I have one of those sweet new refrigerators, though? // Engadget

DEAL: Essential Phone Drops to $435 on Amazon ($65 Off)

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 08:08:06 +0000

The Essential Phone is down to just $434.99 today at Amazon, a solid $65 drop in price from its normal $500 spot. This isn't the first price drop for Andy Rubin's first phone from his young company, but it is the lowest price we've seen since that ridiculous Black Friday bundle. At $435, I'd say that the phone is probably still a decent bet if you don't have a huge smartphone budget, yet need something capable. This phone won't ever have a top tier camera, and it's clear that Essential is still ironing out some performance and cellular issues, but they are one of the best so far at keep phones up to date. In fact, on most months, they push the current security patch before Google can. I re-reviewed the phone after it dropped to $499 and had seen a wave of improvements. My thoughts have changed some since then, meaning I'm not as big of a fan since Essential still seems to be struggling with a couple of long-standing issues (touch latency, for one), but at $435, it's probably worth it. You are still getting the best feeling phone on the market with a really striking design, plus stock Android that is always current. In the low $400s, you are in Moto X4 territory, and I'd take this over the X4 every day of the week.

Amazon Deal Link

Samsung's First Galaxy S9 Teaser for February 25 Says Its Camera is "Reimagined"

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 16:14:51 +0000

Samsung just sent out an official teaser and invite for its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ unveiling on February 25. For those not familiar with the date, that is indeed the start of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the expected unveiling date. The teaser doesn't reveal much, other than a giant "9" and the words "The Camera. Reimagined." Since this is not expected to be a big refresh year for Samsung's Galaxy S line, it appears that Samsung is going to put a major focus on the Galaxy S9's camera. That lines up with a previous leak from a supposed retail box for the S9 that showed a spec list including a "Super Speed Dual Pixel" camera with variable aperture (f/1.5 and f/2.4).

Galaxy S9 expectations

Other than a major camera upgrade, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will look a lot like the Galaxy S8 and S8+ with Infinity Displays. The differences will be in a vertically aligned backside for the camera, flash, and fingerprint reader, as well as an upgrade to the Snapdragon 845 and more RAM in the S9+ variant. The S9+ may have a dual camera as well, while the regular S9 will sport a single shooter. The Galaxy S9 event time is scheduled for 6PM CET on February 25. It'll be livestreamed for all to watch. What do you guys think? Is there excitement around the Galaxy S9 or are you like me and only expecting solid upgrades without the wow factor we had with the introduction of last year's design? https://twitter.com/SamsungMobile/status/956315735982157825 // Samsung

DEAL: JBL's Google Assistant Powered LINK Speakers are $50 Off Right Now

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 15:46:20 +0000

We saw more Google Assistant-powered speakers and technologies at CES 2018 than we can possibly keep track of, but JBL was one of the companies that stood out. For one, they've got new Assistant-powered headphones on the way, as well as one of the first smart display speakers. That news aside, for those not familiar with JBL, you may not know that they already have an entire line of speakers already on the market with Google Assistant on board. And right now, almost all of them are discounted by $50, bringing some down to as little as $99.99. Most of the JBL LINK series (10, 20, and 300) are discounted by $50, so you can get into a voice-activated, Google Assistant speaker from them for $99,99, $149,99, or $199.99 at the moment. The JBL 10 and JBL 20 are the two portable options here. They feature 4000mAh batteries, are multi-room audio compatible, and can be voice-actived from across a room. The JBL 300 is the beast of the three, so it's not portable. It does feature a woofer and tweet, though, as well as Google Assistant voice-activation, Cast support, multi-room audio, and more. Both Verizon and Best Buy have the same $50 off deals, though I'd imagine you can find them at other retailers too.

JBL LINK DEALS:

LINK 10: Verizon | Best Buy - $99.99 ($50 off)
LINK 20: Verizon | Best Buy - $149.99 ($50 off)
LINK 300: Verizon | Best Buy - $199.99 ($50 off)

Google I/O 2018 Registration Opens February 22

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 14:30:21 +0000

This afternoon, Google confirmed that Google I/O 2018 is indeed going down from May 8 through May 10 in Mountain View at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. Not only that, they also shared with us the registration period where you'll get your name in the hat for a chance to attend. From February 22 at 10AM PST (1PM Eastern) to February 27 at 5PM PST (8PM Eastern), you'll be able to register for Google I/O. As in years past, we're going to assume that Google will choose attendees via lottery, so this is really jut an application period. We don't yet know pricing, but will let you know once we do. Registration will happen at the Google I/O site. https://twitter.com/googledevs/status/956257434045177862

Poll: Does Your Phone Have Oreo Yet?

Tim — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 14:06:15 +0000

According to the latest Android Distribution numbers, there aren't many users in the Android ecosystem running the latest and greatest from Google. To be exact, Google says only 0.7% of all Android users are running Oreo, nearly half a year after its initial launch. This is no new problem for Android, but over the years, we thought we might see quicker OS updates. Even in 2018, though, it appears that we still have this issue. We know many devices are starting to receive Oreo updates, such as the Moto X4, Essential Phone (beta), OnePlus 5 and 5T, Moto Z2 Force, LG V30, plus Google's own lineup of Nexus and Pixel devices. Of course, Samsung is still working on its lineup of devices, but at least Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners have been allowed to run betas. Our poll question to you is, regardless of which phone you own, are you running Oreo yet? If not, do you at least have an idea of when it's coming or has your phone's maker been keeping you in the dark? [poll id="469"]

Google Pay Branding Starting to Show Itself on Android Devices

Tim — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:40:30 +0000

Earlier this month, Google announced that the new Google Pay brand would combine both Android Pay and Google Wallet. Well, the branding is starting to make its way to Android devices, but we aren't entirely sure how long it's been there. On both of our Pixel 2 XL phones in the office and on at least one of our reader's Moto X Pure, inside of the Tap & Pay settings menu where you select which default service is used when conducting NFC payments, there's a large Google Pay logo. When Google Pay was announced, Google never specifically detailed how the rollout would occur. Would the Android Pay app remain and receive a rebrand? Would a new Google Pay app take its place? We still have no idea because Google hasn't made any of the details known, but at least something is happening. To see if your Pixel or other Android phone is showing the new Google Pay option, go into your Settings, locate the Default Apps menu (you can just use the search function), then click "Tap & pay." Under Payment default you should see the G Pay logo. Are you seeing the G Pay option? If so, what phone are you using? Cheers Jacob!

You Can Now Pre-Order the First Phone With an In-Display Fingerprint Reader... In China

Tim — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 10:34:18 +0000

At CES earlier this month, we got to play with Vivo's latest smartphone (apparently unnamed at the time), complete with Synaptics' Clear ID in-display fingerprint reader tech. It was just as cool as we expected it to be, and at last, Vivo has announced availability of the X20 Plus UD. Well, at least for China. Vivo has opened pre-orders for the device today in China, but no word has been given as to whether Vivo will make this phone available in other territories. If we had to guess, though, it'd be a no. Vivo has zero presence in the US market, but on the bright side, the company's implementation of this tech should lead to other OEMs utilizing it, which means it is only a matter of time before somebody releases a phone in the US with Clear ID. If you're still interested in knowing more about the X20 Plus UD, it sports a 6.43-inch HD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 660 processor, dual cameras on the backside, 3,905mAh battery, plus hardware similar to that of a larger OnePlus 5T. When we had it in our hands, it was quite nice, which only makes us more depressed that it's not coming here. If you're in China, check it out. If you're in the US, sorry. Pre-Order Here

Unlocked Moto X4 Picks Up Oreo Update

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 10:24:32 +0000

According to a Senior MotoAgent on Lenovo's forums, the Moto X4 is now receiving its update to Android Oreo. We're talking about the unlocked or retail model here, since the Android One version of the X4 already picked up the update a few weeks back. The Motorola rep noted that the update has started, but that it won't hit all devices at the same time. Also, carriers are apparently involved, so timing of Oreo update arrival could depend on the carrier you are using your Moto X4 with. In the Oreo update, you should see new features such as Picture-in-Picture mode for apps like YouTube and Netflix, true system-embedded autofill, limits over background tasks, notification channels and better controls, and more. The full list of Android 8.0 changes is here. If you want see our thoughts on the Moto X4, be sure to read our review. After doing so, if you still want to buy one, you can grab it from Amazon (with ads) or directly from Motorola. // Lenovo

Out There Chronicles Ep. 1 Free for First Time to Tease Sequel's Launch on January 25

Tim — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 09:07:27 +0000

The Out There Chronicles, an interactive graphic novel game based on the Out There science fiction universe, is now free for a limited time to hype up the sequel's launch on January 25. To give you a bit of the story, without spoiling too much, the character you play awakes after a million year-long sleep in a world called America. However, these Americans are descendants of those who fled the original Earth, and things are very different in this new America. As you proceed through the story, your choices will directly impact how others act around you as well as outcomes in the adventure. If you played the original Out There game, a true classic for Android, then you have to check out Out There Chronicles. It's free, so, just do it. Once the sequel launches, we'll post it up. Google Play Link

Chrome 64 for Android Helps Stop Sh*tty Ads That Open New Windows

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 08:44:56 +0000

Googled push out an update to both Chrome and Chrome Beta on Android last night, an update that includes an ad blocker of sorts. With this latest version of Chrome for Android, Google will do its best to "prevent sites with abusive ad experiences from opening new windows or tabs without your permission." That sounds pretty great. Google says to expect stability and performance improvements too, so there's that. Chrome stable is getting an update to v64.0.3282.116 and Chrome Beta will apparently receive the same. Google Play Links: Chrome | Chrome Beta // Chrome Releases [2]

Plex VR for Daydream Makes Your Media Library Consumable in Virtual Reality

Tim — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 08:27:33 +0000

Plex users, ready your VR headsets. The company launched Plex VR this morning, a standalone Android application made specifically for Google's Daydream VR platform. With the app, you'll be able to watch all of your Plex content in virtual reality, whether it be movies you have stored, television shows, or anything else. To help set the mood, Plex has created various scenes you can watch your videos in. To start, there is a luxury studio apartment, complete with powered shades whenever a show is started. There's also a drive-in theater scene complete with classic car and working horn you can honk when clicking on it, as well as a Void scene that has you floating in space among the stars. While having a VR app to watch all of your Plex content is already pretty special, there's another element that brings this app to new heights and helps separate it from anything else available. For those of you with a Plex Pass, you'll be able to watch things with your Plex-using friends/partners inside of the same scene. Essentially, you'll be given your own VR screening room, with up to 4 people able to watch shows together, as well as interact with the scenes. Each user inside the room will have a customizable avatar, with the Daydream system tracking head movements so everyone can see what people are looking at. I caught a demo of this from the Plex team earlier this week and it looks quite fun. Plex VR is a standalone application, downloadable right now from Google Play. It's free to all Plex users, though, you will need a Plex Pass to watch content with your friends. However, Plex is offering this feature free of charge for the first week, so go have some fun. And make sure to honk the car's horn when you're sitting behind the wheel at the drive-in theater. Plex VR: Website Link | Google Play Link

; // Plex

Google I/O 2018 Will Go Down May 8-10 in Mountain View (Updated!)

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 07:51:22 +0000

Google dropped some clues about Google I/O 2018 last night on Twitter and nerds gathered to decipher them. Those nerds have declared that the Google I/O 2018 will take place May 8-10, once again in Mountain View at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. If history tells us anything, Google will soon confirm the dates, while also announcing a registration window. Once that registration window rolls around, you'll have a number of days to get registered, which really just means you are putting your name in the hat for a lottery or drawing that Google runs in order to decide who gets to come hangout with them for the week. Should you get chosen, you'll fork out quite a bit of money if not a student. But hey, I/O is a pretty sweet time, so if you've got the cash and want to learn all there is to know about Google's developer side of things, keep an eye out for more dates. We'll keep you posted. UPDATE: Google confirmed the dates this afternoon and also announced registration dates. https://twitter.com/googledevs/status/956074091676688384 // The Verge | Google I/O

Chrome Adding HDR Support, Starts Off With Windows 10 Devices

Tim — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 15:56:16 +0000

We've been hearing about Google adding HDR support for Chrome for Android since last year, and things are apparently starting to come together. In a post to Google's blog, the company announced Chrome will now support HDR video on Windows 10 devices, as well as other platforms in the future, hopefully including Android as has been hinted. With HDR support, whether it be on desktop or mobile, users should see more vibrant colors, darker blacks, and brighter whites. This, of course, is a good thing. Not only should users be excited about HDR support, but Google also mentions VR for the web, which would be virtual reality experiences powered solely by the web. Google spoke about this last year, too, but clarifies that we will be seeing much more of it in 2018. If you are on a Windows 10 device today and using Chrome, congratulations, you now have HDR support (so go buy a new 4K + HDR monitor!). // Google

Google is Cleaning Up the Android Beta Program Page

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 15:45:36 +0000

If you cruise over to the Android Beta Program page today, you'll more than likely have a message awaiting you that says "there are no eligible devices associated with this Google account." That's odd, right? You own a Pixel or Pixel 2 or Nexus 6P and typically see those devices listed with buttons to enroll or unenroll from the program. Don't freakout, Google is just cleaning up the program's page, we're told. The reason you aren't seeing any of your devices listed at the moment, for one, is because there aren't any betas running. We're at stable Android 8.1 at this point. And that makes sense, but again, even with no betas running, we're pretty sure this page still used to list out your devices that were eligible and would let you enroll or unenroll at any time. You also just stayed enrolled in the Android Beta from one to the next, even with stable releases in between. Either way, Google plans to update the Android Beta page and make it clearer that there are no betas running at the moment. I'd imagine that they'll add the Pixel 2 and 2 XL to the list of eligible devices too, and hopefully give you the power to enroll or unenroll again, especially since many of you needed to unenroll in order to pickup stable 8.1. // Android Beta Program

I Love the Pixel 2's Squeezy Google Assistant Sides so Much

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 14:38:14 +0000

When we first learned (thanks to the FCC) that Google's Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL would feature a squeezable side that could launch Google Assistant, I don't know that anyone considered (at the time) it to be a fanboy-creating feature. Well guess what? I'm a squeezy side, Active Edge, Google Assistant, Pixel 2 XL fanboy. I really do love me some Google Assistant squeeze action. And I do for a couple of reasons.

Simplicity is the key

For one, it's not complicated. Not that HTC's Edge Sense is overly complicated, but because there are multiple squeeze sensitivities and more than a handful of options to customize, I never could quite get into using it when I was reviewing the HTC U11. I talked about how I could see it becoming a thing, but that something about HTC's implementation just never stuck. However, Google gave you all of three settings, a pressure meter, and a single result from a squeeze - launching Google Assistant. There's no need to have it launch a selfie with a light squeeze, Chrome with a stronger squeeze, zoom when in this app, take a screenshot when in that app, and "like" something when in another app. That's just too much stuff to remember (at least for me). But I can get down with only always being able to fire up Google Assistant, which we all know keeps getting better and better and better by the day, and I seem to use constantly. Now, I'm sure that some users would love to be able to get the squeeze off of Google Assistant and might benefit from being able to customize the squeeze experience from inside every app they use. My thing, though, when it comes to smartphones these days, is to keep everything streamlined and simple. I want my phone controls to happen by muscle memory or flow through as few items as possible, so adding multiple layers into a gesture is way too much for my brain to remember. Also, Google Assistant can open my camera, take a screenshot, open apps, etc.

Anything to avoid having to say "OK Google"

The other thing I love about Active Edge on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL is the fact that I can get to Assistant whenever I want without having to shout out the awful Google command of "OK Google." I appreciate being able to say, "Hey Google" now, but there is something about both commands that my voice doesn't play well with. I have multiple Google Home devices throughout my house, as well as my phone always by my side, yet neither command works very well for me on the first try. They also aren't that fast when they do recognize my voice, something a squeeze seems to work around. When I squeeze my Pixel 2, it's ready to listen and react. I don't have to shout out "Hey Google," wait for it to fire up, or check to make sure it even heard me. Instead, I get a subtle vibrate from a squeeze and the Assistant is there to act upon my request.

What am I constantly using Active Edge for?

Man, so much stuff. I can turn off my bedroom lights with it just before bed, quickly set a timer, set the temperature in my house, remind myself to buy beer in a couple of hours, add beer to my shopping list, play my Thumbs Up playlist on my "Home Shit" speaker group, etc. You get it because you know what Google Assistant is and what it does. The thing with Active Edge is that I've found Assistant even more accessible because I just need to reach over and gentle squeeze the side of my phone as it sits on my desk rather than should commands at it in hopes that it'll hear me. Any other Pixel 2 or 2 XL owners finding that they use Assistant more than ever with Active Edge? Want to join me in the Active Edge Fan Club? Anyone hate it?

DEAL: Save $30 on a Nest Cam Outdoor Through Amazon, Down to $168

Tim — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 14:00:55 +0000

Taking place over on Amazon, buyers can pick up a Nest Cam Outdoor for just $168, down from its usual price of $199. These are Nest's 1st-generation outdoor cameras, capable of surviving the rain and other weather, while sending a video feed directly to your smartphone, tablet, or Android TV with the help of Google Assistant and other digital assistants that Nest works with (like Amazon Alexa). For specs, the camera shoots 1080p video, can see in the dark, is weatherproof at IP65, connects via WiFi, sends notifications when it notices movement or hears noise, but needs to be plugged into an outlet 24-7. The camera is also compatible with Nest Aware, Nest's subscription service that lets you store up to 10 days of video footage in the cloud for access at a later time. If you have been wanting to get into the smart home game, like we ourselves are trying to do more of in 2018, follow the link below. Amazon Link

DEAL: 4-Pack Etekcity WiFi Smart Plugs are Just $49.99 Right Now

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:43:27 +0000

As Tim noted in yesterday's QotD post, we plan to put a coverage focus on smart home products this year, as they certainly seem to be a growing industry and fun trend to follow. Who doesn't want to have a cool as hell tech house? So while we prepare a possible series of posts to get you all started on your own smart homes, we'll do our best to point out good smart home product deals along the way. Today, those of you getting started in the smart home space may want to head over to Amazon and check out the 4-pack of Voltson WiFi Smart Plugs from Etekcity that is priced at just $49.99. That's not as big of a discount as Amazon shows (they say it's $50 off, yet it's more like $5 off), but the value in a 4-pack of highly rated WiFi smart plugs for $50 is kind of off the charts. For example, I own a bunch of TP-Link smart plugs that cost $25 a piece on most days. I'm a fool, I know. What can you do with a WiFi smart plug? A lot! You can schedule plugs to be active or turned-off at certain times (for lights, coffee makers, fans, etc.), track their power usage, and control them from wherever, since they are connected to your home WiFi network and you access them through an app. They also work with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can use voice commands to turn them off and on too. I used them with Assistant during Christmas to setup commands like, "Hey Google, turn on the Christmas tree" and "Turn on the Christmas lights," for example. Smart plugs are a must-have for smart home setups.

Amazon Deal Link

Instagram Adds GIF Stickers for Stories, Teases Ability to Change Photo Sizes

Tim — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:38:51 +0000

For the people who can't post enough Stories to Instagram, the app is adding GIF stickers for usage on your photos and videos that go directly into Stories. When selecting a photo or video to add to a Story, you'll see many GIF stickers to choose from, like funny faces, a dog with sunglasses, a floating cheeseburger, plus plenty more. Not only did Instagram introduce GIF stickers, but they also teased the soon-to-be-released ability to change the size of photos inside of Stories. For example, if you have a photo that was taken in landscape, the upload of the photo should no longer cut off the sides, unless you want it to. It's like when Instagram added this ability to its main feed, bringing more variation in the images you see (not just 1x1 squares). GIF stickers are rolling out now, and once Instagram makes the photo sizing option available, we'll let you know. // Instagram

Verizon Kicks Off BOGO Deal (With Trade) for Pixel 2, 2 XL, Galaxy S8, S8+, More

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:36:42 +0000

Verizon's big BOGO (buy one, get one) deal is now live and it's quite the deal, to be honest. If you take advantage (both current and new customers), you could get a Pixel 2 or 2 XL, Galaxy S8 or S8+, V30, or Moto Z2 Force, along with another for free, as long as you trade-in another phone.

Verizon BOGO-Trade Deal

In order to get the deal, which is only here for a limited time, you pick a phone that you'll buy on a device payment plan. For the second phone, you'll do the same (another payment plan), but in order to get the deal, it has to be from the same manufacturer as the first phone. You then have to switch to an unlimited plan, if not already on one, and then trade in your old phone within 30 days. The list of phones that are acceptable for trade to Verizon include devices like the Galaxy S6/S7/S8, LG G4/5/6/V10/V20/V30, Moto Z and Z2 lines, HTC 10, and a whole bunch of iPhones. The full list can be seen below.

There are a couple of extra things to note here. For one, it's not a true BOGO depending on the phone you buy. As you may have noticed above, there are still monthly prices for some phones, though they are still steeply discounted. While it's not entirely clear why, it looks like that's because Verizon is only doing $840 in promo credit for the 2nd device and spreading it out over 24 months worth of payments. Also, the 2nd phone has to be on a new line and the trade-in will be applied as either credit towards monthly payments or as a VZW virtual gift card. The fine print says the following:

Up to $949.99 device payment purchase per device req'd. 2nd phone of equal or lesser value & of same manufacturer. Up to $840 promo credit applied to account over 24 mos; promo credit ends if trade-in requirements not met or when balance paid or line terminated/transferred; 0% APR. New line of service req'd. Trade-in must be in good working & cosmetic condition; applied as account credit or VZW virtual gift card, within 2 wks after receipt of device at Verizon. Trade-in must be submitted within 30 days of purchase or credit will be charged back to account.

I know that's kind of confusing, but if you are ready to be locked into Verizon for two years, you can get two of the best Android phones for the price of one for a short period of time.

Verizon Deal Links:

Google Play Audiobooks Section Now Live!

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 09:39:46 +0000

Over the weekend, hints of an Audiobooks section launching on Google Play surfaced, leading us to believe that Google would announce details at some point early this week. As it turns out, today is the day - Google Play Audiobooks are now official. With Audiobooks from Google Play, you can buy single audiobooks (no subscription required), add them to your Family Library, tell Google Assistant on your phone or Google Home to read your books (including setting timers), Cast them to supported devices, and pick-up where you left off from one device to another. Android Auto support is coming soon. Google is rolling out Audiobooks to 45 countries starting today and in nine languages on Android, iOS, and the web. If interested in audiobooks, Google will knock 50% off your first purchase. Just hit up that Google Play link below and look for the "50% off Your First Audiobook" banner. // Google Play | Google

More RED Hydrogen One Details Disclosed, Oddly Attempting to Sell Carrier Variants

Tim — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 09:29:20 +0000

In July of last year, high-end camera maker RED announced Hydrogen One, an Android-powered smartphone with a price tag of $1200+ and a shipping timeline of Q1 in 2018. Pre-orders went up at that same time, so people who had the money for a purchase like that have been patiently waiting to hear a lot of details concerning the device. It's now January, 2018 and the folks at RED have posted to their forums a few of the details customers have been waiting to hear. At the time of announcement, RED pushed a few unique aspects of the device, such as the 5.7″ “Hydrogen Holographic” display. In this post, RED states, "There is no way to describe this. You just have to see it. So far, everyone that has seen it gasps, swears or just grins." When not in 4V mode, though, it should look like any other smartphone display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. For the highlighted multichannel spatial sound from the external speakers and included headphone jack, "The audio demo has achieved as high of marks as the display tech. Same reactions. Again, no way to describe. You just need to hear it." Are you seeing a trend so far? I am. Basically, RED is asking potential buyers to take a leap of faith with their $1200+ purchase, while saying fancy words like multichannel spatial sound and holographic display. They can't quite describe these features, but they can tell you how cool they are. Let this go into my upcoming book, "How to Make Your Phone Sound Like a Kickstarter Scam." This is no knock at RED, but seriously, if I'm paying so much for a device, just give me the details in plain English. Moving along, RED discusses carrier support, which is apparently, "Unprecedented" and, "As good as it gets." In my mind, as good as it gets equates to what we have with the latest iPhone or Galaxy. With those devices, every carrier is lined up to support the phone and regardless of which carrier you're on, the device will have the LTE bands to support it, but you may need to find a specific carrier variant. Apparently, RED thinks hundreds of thousands of people need this phone, so they're taking the time to get carrier certification from what must be every carrier, instead of simply launching a single, Unlocked device. This, of course, takes time and money, leading RED to say, "'Official' ship date for carrier phones is going to likely be sometime in the summer. 'Unlocked' Pre-orders will however ship before that." Already we've gone from a Q1 launch to a sometime in the summer timeline, unless you want the unlocked version which still doesn't have a solid shipping timeframe. Specs outlined in this post include a 4500mAh battery, a weight of about "2 ounces more than most 5.7” cell phones," whatever that could mean, and the phone is a tad thicker than others. In RED's words, "Think SOLID." Answering whether owners will be able to share 4V content captured on the device, RED says, "Absolutely. We will be able to announce our social media partners pretty soon. You will not be disappointed who is supporting HYDROGEN 4V. Big dogs." So, yeah, big dog social media partners and as good as it gets carrier support. Things are sounding nice over there. For all of the details, follow the link to RED's forums below. // RED

T-Mobile and Layer3 TV Close Acquisition and are Ready to "Disrupt" the TV World

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 08:21:06 +0000

This morning, T-Mobile announced that it had closed its Layer3 TV acquisition, which means they can officially move forward with their plans to "disrupt" the TV industry. No specific plans were announced, in terms of how this TV service will work or what its pricing scheme will entail, but T-Mobile did say that they will have exclusive offers for those who sign-up to be notified of the service's launch. For those not familiar, Layer3 TV is a small Denver-based TV company that pushes a 4K broadcast through your house using a main hub or box that sends a signal to other modules or WiFi points in additional rooms. The box appears to be where all the magic happens. It not only supports 4K, but it includes DVR (1TB of storage, record 8 shows at once) and support for over 200 HD channels without the need to attach to a cable jack.

T-Mobile's plan for Layer3 TV

We don't know how T-Mobile plans to integrate Layer3 TV into their current line-up of services, but my guess is that not much will change outside of the color scheme of Layer3's technology and branding. In other words, expect the Layer3 experience, only in magenta and with more reach (Layer3 is currently only available in limited areas). T-Mobile is suggesting that they won't just toss out another TV bundle like others when they do start selling their streaming TV service, and will instead "look for innovative ways to deliver great services" to its customers. So, bundles then. They also have said that their goal is to get their new TV service out to everyone who has an internet connection, which means rural areas too, even if they don't have T-Mobile coverage. The time is probably right for T-Mobile to get into the TV game. All of their competitors are in the space on some level, plus we're seeing reports of the massive growth from everyone who is already involved. Look at Netflix and the insane customers they continue to add each quarter, or even YouTube TV and Hulu TV starting out by adding hundreds of thousands of subscribers in their first years. Thoughts on T-Mobile's push into TV now that it's officially begun? As someone who has tried many of the streaming options, I'm certainly interested to see where this goes. // T-Mobile

Google Posts Additional January 8.1 Images for Verizon, Softbank, Telstra Pixel and Nexus Devices

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 17:39:57 +0000

We may be 20 days removed from Google posting the initial batch of files for January's Nexus/Pixel security patch, but that hasn't stopped them from adding some new ones. Tonight, Google gave us new files for Pixel/Nexus devices on Verizon, Softbank, and Telstra. For Verizon Pixel 2 owners (not 2 XL, just the 2), you are getting a new Android 8.1 (r8) update that arrives as build OPM2.171019.016. Nexus 6P owners using the phone with Softbank, you are getting a new Android 8.1 build of OPM5.171019.014 (r9). And finally, Nexus 5X owners with Telstra or Softbank, you have that same 8.1 build of OPM5.171019.014. You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. Links:

Question of the Day: What Smart Home Tech Do You Use in Your House?

Tim — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 15:09:29 +0000

I'm rather late to the smart home game, but I'm getting there. I have an ecobee thermostat, couple Google Home units, Amazon Echo, few Philips Hue lightbulbs, and I think the next purchase for my house will be a Nest Hello doorbell. There are countless smart home products already available to consumers, with loads more launching, so it seems like a great time to start upgrading things if you haven't already. Kellen has been much better as an adopter. I know he's rocking a Nest thermostat, smart cameras all over the place, Hue lightbulbs, plus a bit more. Going into 2018, I think both of us will be emphasizing smart home tech around Droid Life much more, so if you're into improving things around your home, it should be a good year for you. How about yourself, though? What smart tech goodies are you currently utilizing and how do you like them? Is there a particular product you have your eye on or something we should check out?

DEAL: Switch to Verizon, Get Up to $450 Off Pixel 2 or 2 XL, Note 8 and More

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 13:52:21 +0000

This may be the final day of this deal, but Verizon's current "up to $450 off" promo isn't a terrible choice for those looking to switch to Big Red today. I think it might be the last day, because Verizon has told us that a new BOGO deal (plus trade-in) is kicking off tomorrow. Still, this one gets you up to $450 off a Pixel 2 (2 XL), Galaxy Note 8, iPhone X, Galaxy S8, iPhone 8, etc., with pretty decent trade-in prices for a number of phones. The deal is as follows: If you switch to Verizon, port-in your number while buying a phone on a device payment plan, and trade-in your current phone, they'll give you a $150 MasterCard prepaid card, along with up to $300 off for your trade. As with any Verizon deal, the goal is to lock you in for 2 years on a device payment plan, so that trade-in value is spread out over 2 years. Additionally, the $150 MasterCard could take up to 8 weeks to arrive. As for which phones you can trade, the full list can be seen below. Some of the values that stick out to me are the Galaxy S7, iPhone 6s, and Pixel for $300 off, plus the Moto Z, Galaxy S6, and G5 for $200 off. When you combine those trade values with the $150 MasterCard, that's not a bad discount on a new phone with your new life on Verizon.

Again, this new deal is available today for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 and S8+, iPhone X, and more.

Verizon Deals Link

Google Starts Rolling Out WiFi Speed Labels Feature to Android 8.1

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 12:37:24 +0000

With the introduction of Android 8.1, Google tossed in a feature that'll surely come in handy as you enter a public space and want to jump on an open WiFi network. It's a speed estimate or speed label that'll tell you the type of connection you should expect should you connect. Unfortunately, until today, it hasn't been included in Android 8.1, though that is changing now. Google first mentioned WiFi Speed Labels as they were announcing the rollout of Android 8.1 stable in early December. Then, they told us a week or so ago on Twitter that the feature was now ready, but quickly deleted that tweet, causing some confusion. This morning, they re-posted that tweet, which hopefully means today is the day.

What are Android 8.1 WiFi Speed Labels?

You can see how they'll look in the GIF below, but the basics are as follows. When you turn on WiFi and pull up a list of nearby WiFi networks, your phone will tell you if they are Slow, OK, Fast, or Very Fast. What do those tags mean? Let's let Google explain:

Slow: If you can use Wi-Fi calling, you can make phone calls and send texts.
OK: You can read webpages, use social media, and stream music.
Fast: You can stream most videos.
Very Fast: You can stream very high-quality videos.

I know that still doesn't tell us much, but at least we'll get to see which networks might be worth avoiding as we contemplate connecting to one in an open setting. Also, if you don't want Google to show these ratings, you can turn them off by heading into Settings>Network & Internet>Wi-Fi>Wi-Fi Preferences>Advanced>Network rating provider and choosing "None." Since this is an Android 8.1 feature, that means you'll need a Google phone with 8.1 in order to get this, so a Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Nexus 6P, or Nexus 5X. Anyone seeing them yet? https://twitter.com/Android/status/955485238859313152 // Google Support

YouTube TV Has Over 300,000 Subscribers a Year After Launch

Tim — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:56:53 +0000

According to a source of CNBC, YouTube TV is off to an impressive start. Launched last year in February, the service is reported to have over 300,000 subscribers, though, Google has not made these figures public and would not provide a comment on the report. Providing a bit of context for that number, CNBC also reports that Hulu's live TV option, launched last year in beta, has around 450,000 subscribers. Considering Google and YouTube don't appear to be making the largest effort in marketing the service, and it hasn't even been available to all Americans this entire year (we're always writing up the latest markets to gain support for the service), 300,000 subscribers is nothing to scoff at. As people likely become more comfortable with cutting the cord and ditching their regular cable/satellite provider, these numbers should continue to trend up. While I have no idea how much it costs Google to operate YouTube TV, with the licensing, tech, and all of that, the $35/month subscription price multiplied by 300,000 subscribers comes out to $10.5 million a month for Google. That doesn't seem like a lot of money (when compared to the money Comcast likely brings in a month from cable subscriptions), but at least YouTube isn't bankrolling a ton of original content like Netflix and Amazon. As a happy customer myself, my fingers are crossed for many more years of YouTube TV. Are you a YouTube TV subscriber? Are you loving it? // CNBC

Audiobooks Apparently Coming to Google Play

Tim — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 09:14:28 +0000

According to a banner ad that was spotted inside of Google Play, as well as an APK teardown of an updated Play Books app, audiobooks are coming to Google Play. We don't have any official details from Google yet, but the teardown provided by Android Police gives us essentially everything we need to know. An update for Play Books app specifically mentions "audiobooks," as well as audio playback controls like play and pause. As for where you'll find them, audiobooks will likely live right alongside their digital word counterparts on Google Play inside the Books section, with a spotted banner ad detailing a 50% off deal with the purchase of your first audiobook. As soon as Google confirms their availability, we'll let you know. // Android Police | 9to5Google

Verizon's LTE Speeds are Back, But T-Mobile Still Dominates Latest OpenSignal Report

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 08:24:13 +0000

Last week, OpenSignal teased its upcoming "State of the Mobile Networks: USA" report by announcing that T-Mobile was still king of US wireless download speeds, but that Verizon and AT&T were on the comeback. Today, they've dropped that full report and as expected, T-Mobile mostly cleaned house throughout the report's set of categories, just like they did in the previous report. This latest report is based off of almost 2.4 billion tests through almost 240,000 devices from October 1, 2017 to December 30, 2017. Out of the six major categories, T-Mobile was crowned champ of 5 of them. Those wins include overall download speed on 4G, download speed on 3G, download speed overall, 3G latency, and 4G availability. The only category they didn't win was 4G latency, which AT&T posted the best score in.

OpenSignal: Best US wireless carrier?

As was noted last week, the big takeaway in the battle over the best wireless carrier should be that T-Mobile made the most of an opportunity early in the 2017 when AT&T and Verizon networks struggled with re-introductions of unlimited, but kept pushing forward even as those two caught back up. T-Mobile not only increased speeds throughout the year, they expanded their LTE footprint too. For Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint customers, the story is a positive one too, even if they weren't "champs" in any (or many) categories. OpenSignal's numbers show big improvements on all major US carriers, including a return to pre-unlimited speeds for Verizon to end the year and a 33% jump in speeds over the year from Sprint.

Verizon vs. T-Mobile vs. AT&T. vs. Sprint

So there are the two numbers that most of you probably care about (4G availability and 4G speed), since we live in a world where accessing a network and posting your download speeds is kind of fun. The top image for 4G availability is a percentage of how "often users can access a 4G network," and shows T-Mobile users doing so 93.14% of the time, with Verizon right behind at 92.72% of the time (Sprint: 85.66%; AT&T: 87.03%). As for the 4G speeds, T-Mobile posted an average speed of 19.42Mbps on an LTE connection, with Verizon LTE connections averaging 17.77Mbps (Sprint: 12.02Mbps; AT&T: 13.27Mbps).

King of big markets

Another interesting battle can be found in the regional performance chart that OpenSignal included in this report. This section shows how the carriers held up in some of the bigger markets across the US, which is (obviously) important as it shows how well US carriers hold up under the weight of densely populated areas. For this we saw T-Mobile and Verizon essentially deadlocked. In LTE availability, Verizon actually beat out T-Mobile by winning outright in 11 markets and tying them in another 22. For speeds, T-Mobile won in 8 while tying others in another 24. Verizon won or tied in 23 markets. As an end to 2017, this is a pretty good report for all US carriers and their customers. Not only did everyone's LTE footprint increase, their speeds did too. And again, this all happened as we saw "unlimited" data return everywhere. // OpenSignal

Weekly Recap: Moto's 2018 Lineup, OnePlus Got Hacked, and No LG G7 at MWC

Tim — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 15:34:26 +0000

If you were absent this week, you missed a lot of news. For starters, we posted up what looks to be Motorola's 2018 lineup of G, Z, and X devices, OnePlus confirmed they had the information of about 40,000 credit cards stolen, and Project Fi launched an $80 unlimited plan that we should all consider. Other news happenings included the US government telling AT&T to stay away from Huawei, a report claiming LG won't show off the G7 at MWC, and plenty more. Here's the stuff you don't want to miss!

Have a good weekend, folks!

DEAL: Moto X4 Prime Exclusive Model for $279.99 is a Steal ($50 Off)

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 14:54:17 +0000

I know that I wasn't incredibly kind in my Moto X4 review, but that was partly because I felt that at $400, the phone sat in this weird mid-pricing tier and wasn't quite polished enough in the performance department to make it a worthwhile purchase. At $279.99, though, it 100% is a steal. Now, this $279.99 price is only for the Amazon Prime Exclusive model, which does have some ads here and there. But even for the Prime version, $279.99 is a $50 discount over its original price. $279.99! At that price, you get a 5.2" FHD display, Snapdragon 630 processor, 3000mAh battery, dual camera, NFC, and IP68 water and dust resistance (full specs) on a mostly clean version of Android. The phone is also quite pretty in either black or silver glass encasings. Oh, it works on all of the major US carriers too, including Verizon. Both colors are available and Prime shipping is (obviously) included.

Amazon Deal Link

Report: No LG G7 at MWC, LG V30 With Added AI Features Coming Instead

Tim — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 13:57:58 +0000

MWC is fast approaching, scheduled for the later part of February. Up to this point, we were still very uncertain as to what LG may announce, but thanks to a new report from the Korea Herald, we may have an idea about LG's 2018 game plan. According to the report, LG is holding off on the unveiling of the G7, instead opting to introduce an updated V30, the same phone they announced last year in September. This time around, though, the V30 will sport new "enhanced AI features," which is all the rage right now if you haven't been keeping up with the latest buzzwords and trends. Said by LG's CEO Jo Seong-jin during CES, "We need a strategy to maintain the existing platforms longer. The G6 and V30 smartphones are really well-made.” While right he is, the G6 and V30 are well-made, we have a hard time believing a V30 with AI features will help stop Samsung and Apple from crushing them. As it stands, we aren't sure how many people purchased a V30 last year, but if our polls are any glimpse into the mind of your typical Android fan, the answer is not many.

What about the G7?

As for the LG G7, last we heard was that LG's mobile boss decided to scrap whatever the company already had, choosing to build something new from scratch. We weren't sure if that literally meant scrapping everything or just certain pieces, but this new report makes it seem quite clear that LG really did opt for starting all over. Thanks to this decision, the Korea Herald reports we could see the G7 several months after MWC, bringing that launch to sometime around summer. By then, Samsung and the Galaxy S9 will be marketed around the globe like crazy, in usual Samsung fashion, putting LG at a serious disadvantage. If there is a silver lining here, it's that maybe LG should use this time to hone in on exactly what they want to bring to the table with the G7. I've been shouting from my soapbox for a long time that LG needs to redo its UI, possibly going for a more vanilla Android look and feature set. When you have less moving pieces, the easier it becomes to offer a potentially more fulfilling and rich experience to the user. Do you have any excitement towards an LG V30 with "enhanced" AI features? // Korea Herald

Friday Poll: Are You on an Unlimited Data Plan?

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:51:58 +0000

2017 sure seemed to be the year that unlimited data made its triumphant return to the US wireless ecosystem. While T-Mobile and Sprint may have jumped out to a head start the year prior, we saw Verizon and AT&T step back in with their own unlimited plans. At this point, I think every single major US carrier (including Google now) is offering up some form of unlimited, even if there are unfortunate throttling limits and speed caps throughout them. For today's poll, we want to know if you've jumped on one of these plans or have managed to hang on to an older unlimited plan. In the end, we just want to know if you are subscribed to any form of an unlimited plan from Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or other US carrier. And if so, after you vote in the poll, feel free to tell us which one in the comments. [poll id="468"]

Alexa App Update to Bring Actual Alexa Voice Commands

Tim — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:49:08 +0000

According to Android Police, an incoming update for the official Alexa app on Android will soon bring a feature that you may have thought should've been there for quite some time. That's right, actual Alexa voice interactions! I know, truly innovative. Until this update, which isn't even live for everyone yet, the Alexa app purely managed Alexa on your various Echo devices. However, with this addition, you'll be able to access skills for Alexa, control music playback, plus more. Sadly, it appears there will be no hotword detection while outside of the app, though, if you're in the app the hotword ("Alexa") will apparently be supported. Sweet. Keep your eye on Google Play for the update and let us know if you get it. Google Play Link // Android Police

FYI: Amazon Prime Monthly Price Raising From $10.99 to $12.99

Tim — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:33:00 +0000

If you opt for the monthly payment instead of annual plan for Amazon Prime, take note that your price is going up. In an email sent out this morning, Amazon made current Prime members aware of a change in pricing, one that will have bills going up by $2/month. Before the change took place, the price for a monthly subscription to Prime was $10.99/month, but now the price will be $12.99/month. It's $2, which may not seem like too much, but compared to what you'd save with the annual price, you may want to opt for the all-at-once option. The annual plan for Prime is just $99, meaning you'll save $55.88 over course of 12 months with the $12.99/month option. That's literally more than half the price of an annual plan, so if you think you use enough Prime to spend that $99, do it. Here's the email Amazon is sending out to customers.

Dear Prime Member: Thank you for being a valued member of Amazon Prime. We are writing to you about an upcoming change to your membership. The price of the monthly Prime membership increased from $10.99 to $12.99 on January 19, 2018. The new price, plus applicable taxes, will apply to your renewals starting March 18, 2018. Prime provides a unique combination of shipping, shopping, and entertainment benefits, and we continue to invest in making Prime even more valuable for our members. The number of items eligible for free two-day shipping increased in recent years from 20 million to more than 100 million items. We have expanded Prime Free Same-Day and Prime Free One-Day delivery to more than 8,000 cities and towns. We also continue to introduce popular and award-winning Prime Originals, like The Grand Tour, Sneaky Pete, and the Golden Globe-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – all included with Prime Video. Members also enjoy a growing list of unique benefits like Prime Music, Prime Reading, exclusive products, and much more. No further action is required. You may manage your Prime membership anytime by visiting Your Account. Sincerely, Your Amazon Prime Team

Verizon Adds Mexico and Canada Usage to Go Unlimited Plan

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 09:46:11 +0000

On January 25, Verizon will add a new feature to its Go Unlimited data plan: usage in Mexico and Canada. This addition brings it in line in terms of features with the upper-tier Beyond Unlimited plan, though there are some things to be aware of. When the Go Unlimited plan picks up Mexico and Canada usage, that means no cost to use talk, text, and data when in Mexico or Canada (as well as unlimited calling from the US to both countries). However, there is a 500MB per day cap for 4G LTE speeds on data, though data will continue to work at 2G speeds thereafter. Verizon tells us that the change is for both new and existing customers. Verizon Go Unlimited Sign-up

T-Mobile Galaxy S8 Active, S7 Edge Updated With January Security Patch

Tim — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 09:16:33 +0000

Updates are rolling out to the Galaxy S8 Active and Galaxy S7 Edge on T-Mobile, security updates to be exact. Both are detailed as the January security patch, with the S8 Active carrying a new baseband of G892USQS1ARA1, while the S7 Edge's new baseband is G935TUVS4BRA1. If you own one of these devices, start slamming that update button in the Settings menu. // T-Mobile [2]

OnePlus Confirms That Up to 40,000 Customers' Credit Card Info Stolen

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 08:16:57 +0000

At the beginning of the week, we first shared news with you about a potential security breach at OnePlus' online store, where customer credit card information was potentially stolen. After investigating the matter, OnePlus has confirmed this morning that up to 40,000 customers were affected by a breach where credit card info was indeed stolen. Here's what you need to know:

A malicious script was apparently injected into one of OnePlus' servers and was capturing credit data before sending it off to the bad guys. OnePlus says that it has now quarantined the infected server and also eliminated that script.
That script was capturing data between mid-November and January 11, 2018.
If you entered in credit card info on OnePlus' store during that time, there is a chance that your information was captured. OnePlus says they have reached out (or will soon) to customers they believe to have been affected.
If you paid with an already-saved credit card on the OnePlus store during that time, you "should not be affected."
If you paid via PayPal and used a credit card, you should be fine.
If you paid via PayPal in general, it sounds like you should be fine.

What's happening now? Again, OnePlus is contacting customers it believes were affected. If you bought anything from OnePlus during that time, though, and used a credit card, you should pay close attention to any transactions that come through. Also, if you see anything or have questions, you can contact OnePlus here. Finally, OnePlus says that they are working with providers and local authorities to "better address the incident." They are working with payment providers as well to "implement a more secure credit card payment method, as well as conducting an in-depth security audit." Have a nice Friday. // OnePlus

Android Pay Adds 80 New Banks and Credit Unions

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:08:36 +0000

We haven't been consistent in our coverage of the new banks and credit unions that are constantly added to Android Pay's (Google Pay?) supported list, but today we thought would be a great time to give you an update, since Google added another 80 of them. This brings the total to 1,196 supported banks and credit unions for Google's mobile payment platform. That's a lot! At this point, since Android Pay has been around for so long, all of the big players have been included. That means we're onto the smaller financial institutions from across the country. We've got the full list of the new guys below.

New Android Pay Banks - 1/18/2018

[table id=111 responsive=scroll /] // Google Support

Notarize App Makes Notarizing Documents so Easy

Tim — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:59:04 +0000

I've only had to find a notary once or twice in my life, but each time, it felt like such a hassle. I was younger and the process of finding a random person to watch me sign a document and then pay them for doing so felt like a very odd thing. Regardless, it's something that needs to be done from to time, and I'm happy to report that a newly launched app for Android, called Notarize, should make the process extremely simplistic. The way it works is pretty straightforward. You create an account on the app, upload or scan your documents, edit and annotate the documents, validate your identity through the app, connect with a live notary with video, pay for the service, then download your legally notarized documents. See, there's no going anywhere or meeting anyone. It's painless. For pricing, Notarize charges a fee starting at $25 for documents, with additional seals costing $7 a pop. Most documents should only need one seal, though. Considering the convenience of not having to leave the house, $25 is solid for a notary. The app is usable in all 50 US states, so if you think this app could help you out, follow the Google Play link below. Google Play Link // Notarize

T-Mobile Ramps Up the 5G Petty Wars With Verizon and AT&T

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:50:31 +0000

Verizon says they'll launch fixed residential 5G this year. AT&T suggests it'll launch mobile 5G at around the same time. And T-Mobile has made it clear that they won't deliver 5G until 2019 at the earliest, with a full nationwide rollout by 2020. Because of that more realistic prediction by T-Mobile, they aren't having any of Verizon and AT&T's attempts to sell you on earlier deliveries. Today, T-Mobile CTO Neville Ray took to T-Mobile's newsroom to blog about #Fake5G and this notion that Verizon and AT&T are distracting, distorting, confusing, and convoluting the story of 5G. Ray, of course, mentions that T-Mobile has remained consistent with its plans for 5G, including that 2020 timeframe, and that you should really only care about what they say, not these other clowns. Here's a thought: Don't take any of them too seriously until a 5G-ready phone is here that can work on one of their active 5G networks. And I say that because they are all a bit misleading in what's going on.

T-Mobile's 5G Petty Wars

Sure, T-Mobile is "STILL the ONLY wireless company committed to deploying a nationwide 5G network." As if that matters, though. Do we all think that Verizon and AT&T aren't going to deliver nationwide 5G at some point down the road? That's like any carrier saying, "Guys! We're committing to launching the iPhone 20, whenever that gets here! None of our competitors have committed to selling it yet!" The point is that 5G is the future and a wireless carrier won't be able to compete long-term if they aren't going to try and bring the latest in wireless technology to the entire nation and their wireless footprint. Like, come on, T-Mobile. Oh, but T-Mobile gave us some dates! They gave us dates for deployment of 5G in 600MHz, that's it. While still cool and technically something no one else has committed to, that's a single band. Ray said himself in today's blog post that, "You need ALL bands to really unleash the promise of 5G," which they haven't committed to for 2019 and 2020, yet. Their plan is to kick things off with 600MHz and "then re-use other spectrum bands for 5G over time." Great, so T-Mobile's initial 5G plan so far is to not unleash the promise of 5G, while laughing at others for doing similar things. Got it.

Verizon 5G, though

So Verizon has only committed so far to a fixed residential broadband pre-standard 5G solution. This isn't 5G built to the true 5G spec (remember, only the first 5G spec was just set), which is pretty weak, assuming they want it to play later with real 5G that everyone else will deploy. With that said, Verizon seems to be pretty clear that this is an early trial of sorts to help push forward 5G deployment and global standards. In fact, their CTO Hans Vestberg said as much:

“We appreciate our strong ecosystem partners for their passion and technological support in helping us drive forward with 5G industry standards, for both fixed and mobile applications. The targeted initial launches we are announcing today will provide a strong framework for accelerating 5G’s future deployment on the global standards.”

They also aren't claiming that this has anything to do with mobile 5G. So who cares then? Well, you apparently care if you are worried about someone else being first to some sort of 5G release, which T-Mobile seems oddly obsessed with.

AT&T is up to something

As for AT&T saying they'll launch mobile 5G this year, I wouldn't suggest anyone hold their breath. They revealed zero details about that other than their plan is to push it out to a dozen markets and that they've “taken a different approach” than others. Whatever that means. We really know nothing. T-Mobile laughing at AT&T over that is 100% fair and AT&T really should give us some details or back away from this "first" claim. Again, the 5G race is on and the battle over who will be first is only just beginning. My recommendation is to not take any of it too seriously. For the most part, we're years away from seeing the full "promise of 5G," which even T-Mobile has admitted to today. // T-Mobile

DEAL: Buy a Pixel 2, Get 50% Off a Pair of Pixel Buds ($79)

Tim — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:09:36 +0000

To get folks using its Google Assistant-toting earphones, Google is offering 50% off a pair of Pixel Buds whenever you purchase a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL from the Google Store. At 50% off, the price of the Buds comes down to just $79.50 from the usual $159 price. Of course, tack that onto the price of a Pixel 2 and you're looking a total expense of $728 and up. As for claiming the deal, simply add a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL to your cart, add a pair of Pixel Buds (whichever color you want), then the discount is applied automatically. If you are curious about ordering a pair, check out our Pixel Buds review. Google Store Links: Pixel 2 | Pixel Buds

Verizon to Sell NBA League Pass Subscriptions, Offer Select Games for Free Via Yahoo Sports App

Tim — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 12:02:23 +0000

Verizon and the NBA have agreed to a new partnership, one that will have Big Red selling League Pass and offering free games through its Yahoo Sports app. League Pass, if you aren't already hip to it, is good for watching basically any out-of-market NBA game, so long as the game isn't being nationally televised on ESPN or Turner stations. For example, if I want to watch my Trail Blazers play while I'm traveling for work, I could now fire up League Pass through Yahoo Sports and watch. League Pass will cost you $99, but as a way of persuading you to purchase, Verizon will offer 8 games for free to preview the subscription offering. The partnership goes way beyond just League Pass and watching games, though. According to Verizon's press release, they will be creating new content based on archived NBA footage, develop AR content, plus offer highlights and exclusive commentary via Yahoo Sports and a range of Verizon's other media platforms. Here are the takeaway highlights from the partnership.

Access to purchase NBA League Pass in the U.S. – the league’s out-of-market live game service co-managed by the NBA and Turner Sports – on Yahoo Sports and other Verizon media platforms
New daily show highlighting NBA action, storylines and commentary available exclusively on Yahoo Sports and across Verizon’s media platforms
Development of augmented reality and other new forms of content leveraging Verizon’s leading network technology in partnership with the NBA
Original sports and lifestyle programming utilizing the league’s vast archive of NBA footage across Yahoo Sports and Verizon’s media platforms
Verizon’s “It’s on Us” program, which now makes up to eight NBA League Pass games available to registered users, at no cost to the consumer, to preview the League Pass subscription offering

With the All-Star 2018 weekend coming up in February, Verizon says that it will, "Unveil a series of innovative collaborations leveraging Verizon’s leading 5G network and technology designed to deliver premium NBA content and unique fan experiences." Should you be on Verizon and want to get in on the NBA action, here's your chance. // Verizon

Android Wear 2.8 Update Appears to Introduce All-Black Theme

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 11:14:56 +0000

According to a thread in the Android Wear subreddit, a handful of owners of Android Wear devices picked up an update today that introduces Android Wear v2.8. The update may not include any new functionality from what we can tell, but there does appear to be a new all-black theme. As you'll see in the images throughout this post, the UI has gone from a grey-tone everywhere to having a black background. That means you'll see black in the quick settings shade, the app drawer, and in other pages, like the "No notifications" page. Some of the early recipients have suggested that this could be an AMOLED theme, but there isn't any indication that this black theme is only for AMOLED screens. It could just be that Google decided to make it black, since most Android Wear watches are now launching with AMOLED screens and this should help in the battery life department.

How do you get Android Wear 2.8 on your watch? The lucky early recipients noted that they received the update after receiving an update to the Android Wear app on Google Play. And that makes sense, since Google told us that that is how we'll get future incremental updates for Android Wear. This update is somewhat confusing, though, because the Android Wear app updates from Android Wear version 2.7.0.177669439 to 2.7.0.180439970, yet the software on watches is jumping to version 2.8.0.181612071. I've updated to the new version of the Android Wear app, yet I have not been able to pull in this new build to my watch. Should we get it and find anything new, we'll update this post. Anyone else see the update yet? // reddit

Verizon's 4-Year Old Galaxy S5, Note 4, Note Edge All Pick-Up KRACK and Blueborne Security Patches

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:40:29 +0000

We may hit Samsung hard when it comes to updating its phones to new versions of Android, but you've got to give them credit in the security patch department. They are one of the few companies that at least comes close to issuing monthly patches, plus they appear to be willing to update ridiculously old phones that most OEMs probably would have written off long ago. For example, this week, with the help of Verizon, Samsung pushed out updates to the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 4, and Galaxy Note Edge. Those phones are all almost 4 years old. Each phone is receiving both KRACK and Blueborne patches, along with the August Android security patch. While that may not be the current patch, hey, at least they are doing what they can to patch two of the more serious vulnerabilities we have seen in recent years. In terms of new software versions, they are as follows:

Galaxy S5 - G900VVRU2DQL1
Galaxy Note 4 - N910VVRU2CQL1
Galaxy Note Edge - N915VVRU2CQL2

To check for these updates, head into Settings>About phone>System updates. // Verizon [2] [3]

Huawei Set to Integrate Android Messages App Across Device Portfolio

Tim — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:39:04 +0000

Announced via Google's blog, Huawei is set to integrate the Android Messages app across its smartphone portfolio, not just in the US, but around the world. This will make it easier for "hundreds of millions of people" to express themselves via mobile messaging powered by RCS. With Android Messages and RCS messaging, Huawei device owners will have features such as texting over WiFi, rich media sharing, group chats, as well as typing indicators. Users will also be able to make video calls directly from Android Messages through carrier ViLTE and Google Duo. Detailed specifically by Google, "To help carriers accelerate deployment of RCS messaging across their networks, we’re collaborating with Huawei to offer the Jibe RCS cloud and hub solution to current and prospective carrier partners, as part of an integrated solution with Huawei's current infrastructure." Huawei device owners will see this new messaging app on their device within the coming months. Google Play Link // Google

Check Out These Sweet Pixel 2 XL Prototypes From Head of Design for Google Hardware, Ivy Ross

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:38:54 +0000

Google's head of design for hardware, Ivy Ross, was featured in two separate interviews today, one on Google's blog and another on Design Milk. Both dive into her background, the current line-up of Google products and their designs, differences in designing for hardware vs. software, what Google's design principles are for hardware, and even how Google is showing its "optimism" by adding bold colors to buttons (🐧). Both interviews are worth your time for the insight into Ross' design brain, but during each, a handful of prototypes of Google products were featured that I'm sure you'd love to see. Yessir, we have Pixel 2 XL prototypes to drool over. The top image, as well as the one below, both show the evolution of the Pixel 2 XL in Black & White. There are at least 8 variants, some that may just be early molds that don't have electronics inside and were used to get a proper shape, but it really shows you where Google started and where they ended up. And that's saying something, knowing that the LG-made Pixel 2 XL was developed alongside an HTC-made version of the same phone. In fact, you have to wonder if one of those earlier designs with the squarer body was that HTC model.

It's also just pretty interesting to see this inside information that is rarely shared with the public. You can see them testing textures in the black area of the phone, deciding how big to make that area from one design to the next, the placement of the camera and its flash (and other sensors?), and the overall size change of the phone as they approached the final design. Pretty cool stuff.

On a finishing note, Ross referred to the Black & White Pixel 2 XL as the "panda" and I've now lost all hope in humanity. It's a penguin, Ivy. We've been over this. If you'd like to see more imagery, hit up both the links below. You'll find other looks at Google Home products, as well as the Pixelbook in development. // Google | Design Milk

Question of the Day: How's Life With Project Fi?

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:50:55 +0000

Google announced a pretty major change to Project Fi today in the form of Bill Protection. Going forward, Project Fi is now essentially an unlimited data plan, where you only get charged for your call and texting plan ($20), along with up to 6GB of data (up to $60). If you use less, you pay less, but if you use more than 6GB, you won't pay anything extra if you don't want to. It's a pretty sweet idea for those who fluctuate on data usage each month. We've got a full write-up on the details here. Because of this big change, I went ahead and decided to finally fully dive into Project Fi and give it a proper spin. It's the one carrier I've never really spent much time with (Tim did our Fi testing back in 2015), plus my Pixel 2 XL can sign-up for it without much work, thanks to an embedded Fi SIM card. But making the switch alongside this big news has me wanting to know more. I'm sure some of you are curious now too. To get all the info we can about Project Fi, we thought we'd ask our Project Fi crew to share their thoughts. I know a number of you have been using Fi for some time. How's network connectivity been? How are your download and upload speeds? What's customer service like? How's overall life with Project Fi?

Essential Posts Oreo Beta 3, Includes Fix for Spectre and Meltdown Exploits

Tim — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 14:27:34 +0000

A new beta build has been posted by Essential, listed as Beta 3 to be exact. The changelog isn't very detailed, detailing only a few fixes from Beta 2. Essential lists the Google Security patch for Spectre and Meltdown, as well as various stability and bug fixes. Not too exciting, but hey, the final build has to be coming soon, right? To download the beta to your Essential Phone, follow the link below or simply pull the OTA from your Settings menu (Settings>System>System update) if you're already enrolled in the beta. Download Here

// @Essential

New Pictures of the Moto G6 Family Arrive

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:45:59 +0000

Yesterday, we shared with you what we believe to be a good chunk of Motorola's 2018 smartphone roadmap. The series of posts we ran featured phones like the Moto Z3 and Z3 Play, Moto X5, and Moto G6 line. We were openly hesitant to fully stand behind the details we showed you, because we were unable to find additional sources to back up the info we presented. With that said, the folks at mysmartprice have provided additional Moto G6 pictures today that essentially hammer home everything we shared. While they didn't provide any new info about each of the Moto G6 phones (all of the specs they seem to have pulled from our story), they do give us fresh images of the phones that match up to ours. Here they are:

Moto G6

Moto G6 Plus

Moto G6 Play

Any questions? // mysmartprice

Latest Essential AMA: Team Discusses Touch Latency Fix, Project Treble, aptX Support, and More

Tim — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:43:00 +0000

Continuing its model of transparency with the Android community, Essential has wrapped up yet another AMA over on reddit. This time, the team discussed potential fixes for touch latency and scrolling bugs, aptX support, how Project Treble will improve its update rollout speed, and much more. When you're doing bi-weekly AMAs, it's hard to get exciting news each time, but the fact is, no other Android OEM does this, and we think it's a breath of fresh air. The team seems very good at responding to comments, even potentially hurtful ones, which goes to show they do care about putting out a good product. That's all anyone can ask for, I suppose. Here's a few of the highlights from the AMA, and take note, the team is switching to monthly segments from now on, no more bi-weekly.

Please, talk to us about touch latency and scrolling fixes.

I know we've been saying this for weeks but we have pulled aside resources that specifically committed to improving touch and latency. There are trade offs we are testing internally and our goal is to provide something in the 8.1 release we just need to make sure by fixing the jitter issue that we are not creating another problem. Sorry this is taking so long, we just want to get it right given how vocal our audience is.

Camera attachment?

Stay tuned for new updates on accessories but we don't have anything to share right now.

Tell us more about what Essential offers on top of AOSP. Will Project Treble help with quicker updates?

When google does an AOSP release it's not like when a new version of windows releases and you can install it on your PC that day. There is a significant amount of work to go from AOSP to a release. You have to integrate to your chipset and to all the unique components that make up your electrical design. Even though Pixel 2 and PH-1 have the same Snapdragon 835, both have closed source pieces that aren't released as part of AOSP. Once you've done the integration you debug any new issues, stabilize any second order bugs like battery life and performance. At that point you are ready to put your customizations back on top. Then finally, you can make a release. We are really enthusiastic about how Treble will improve this process and we're starting to see that pay off in 8.1.

What's being done about cell reception issues?

Yes, we are looking into this more. We have a series of modem changes coming in our future 8.1 release but it is hard to quantify the direct impact improvement to the issues you are specifically having. Overall though modem stability should definitely improve in 8.1.

There are still apps that haven't been updated, where the nav bar still sits over the app. Fix?

This is certainly a challenge given that we are one of the first devices with extra screen real estate at the top. We have been reaching out to developers throughout the course of the project (similar to how you email them) and some are great at responding and fixing while others we never hear back from. To mitigate this moving forward, we are working on a switch in settings that will default all apps to run in full screen mode that the user can toggle. That way users have the option to control how their app runs until 3rd party app teams catch up. It helps us though when our customers mail developers in parallel too so thank you for that!

Plans to enable camera app to record audio from an external microphone using the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter while recording video?

This is something we can add to our backlog for the camera team to look at. I'll create a feature request ticket after the AMA for us to investigate. Good idea!

Any comments as to your plans to include some type of software implementation to actually make use of the monochrome lens to improve low light color shots?

The dual camera fusion algorithm does feature matching to correct for parallax between the two images. If it can't detect a good match it will fall back on using the RGB image. This can happen when your subject is too close as the parallax is too large, but isn't tied to low light specifically.

AptX Support finalized?

AptX is coming in the release after Beta 3! We got our contracts in place and just received the libraries today. It will be going into test for validation immediately so by next AMA we should have some good news for you.

Describe the sound of your Hi-Res earbuds. Were these designed from the ground up, or did you guys pull existing parts from a shelf?

The earphones were designed based on our specs and are made with a combination of custom and off-the-shelf parts. The sound is generally balanced and neutral, with strong, well-defined bass.

Are there any plans to implement RAW support into the camera app?

It's something we're looking into.

Reminder, Essential is switching to monthly AMAs now, no longer bi-weekly. They will host them on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, just in case you want to follow along. // reddit

T-Mobile Customers to Get $4 Tickets to Deadpool 2, Chance to Win Trips to Film Premieres

Tim — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 12:02:45 +0000

T-Mobile Tuesdays, the app T-Mobile customers open up once a week to get discounted prices to retailers and services such as PetSmart and Lyft, is going to offer a few film-focused things you may want to consider picking up. Thanks to a new deal between T-Mobile and Fox Films, any T-Mobile customer eligible to claim a T-Mobile Tuesday reward can grab a $4 movie ticket to upcoming Fox Film flicks, including Deadpool 2, Red Sparrow, Alita: Battle Angel and Dark Phoenix, and Maze Runner: The Death Cure. Considering the price of popcorn somehow continues to rise, even though it's just popcorn and you didn't even want that much butter, it's good to save money whenever you can. Not only can you get discounted movie tickets, but T-Mobile will also be hosting contests for more luxurious prizes, such as trips to film premieres and more. If you want in on this, make sure to open your T-Mobile Tuesday app starting next week on Tuesday, January 23. Google Play Link // T-Mobile

Project Fi Just Introduced a Super Flexible $80 Unlimited Plan That You Should Consider

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 11:36:24 +0000

Folks, we need to have a fresh talk about Google's Project Fi.

Today, Project Fi announced a new feature called Bill Protection. It's a mostly terrible name because it doesn't exactly sell what Google is doing here. I say that because Bill Protection is essentially an $80 unlimited plan, yet there may be months that you won't come close to paying $80, depending on your usage. It sounds pretty fantastic, so let's dive in to what this is and how your bill will work out on Project Fi.

The Project Fi Plan

Project Fi is still a pay-as-you-go type of plan where you pay a flat fee for calls and text plus a per GB fee for data. For an individual, you'll pay $20 per month for unlimited domestic calls and texts. Alongside that, you'll pay $10 per 1GB of data you consume up to 6GB. Assuming you use 6GB data in a month, your bill would be $80 per month for a single person. If you don't use 6GB, you'll pay for however much data you consumed (Ex: 3GB usage would be $30 + $20 calls/texts = $50). Here's where things get interesting. With this new Bill Protection, should you go over 6GB of data in a month, you won't pay a penny more. You could use 8GB, 10GB, or 20GB data and your bill still tops out at $80 if you want it to. But again, if you use 2.5GB, your bill never reaches $80 and would instead be $45. That make sense? So Bill Protection is a cap on your bill that allows you to use as much data as you want while your bill potentially never eclipses $80, though you can pay much less on those months where you use less data.

What's the catch? Throttle cap.

Ahhh yes, what is the catch? There is big item to be aware of. There is a throttle limit at 15GB of data usage per line in a month. That means if you use more than 15GB of data, you'll see slower speeds (there's an opt-out, though - see below). All of the other carriers do this as well, but Google's 15GB limit is the lowest of them all (see the rest here). The slowed speeds after 15GB of usage are 256kbps until the next billing cycle. With that in mind, you can pay to opt-out of the slower speeds. Once you hit 15GB used and you want to continue receiving high-speed LTE data, Google says you can begin paying $10 per 1GB over that 15GB cap. So you'll only pay $80 up to 15GB of data usage at full speeds before deciding if you want to accept slower speeds at no charge or pay more to continue on with normal speeds.

Project Fi Family plans

For those curious, there are multi-person options for those looking to a family plan. The breakdown of data buckets for multiple people is below, but don't forget the calls and texts cost as well. The breakdown of that would be $20 for the first line plus $15 per additional line. If you look below, a bill for 3 people in a month would be $50 for calls/texts plus $120 max for 12GB of shared data.

The multi-line situation is a bit confusing with Bill Protection, though. Google explains that the 15GB cap works like this for multiple lines:

When someone on your plan uses 15 GB of free data, they'll get data speeds of 256 kbps until the next cycle starts. All other members will get full data speeds until they use 15 GB of free data.

So your account only gets a 12GB, but then each person gets their own 15GB cap before being throttled? That is how that reads, right? That's not bad if that is indeed the case. Google also explains there that should a person hit 15GB usage, they'll be slowed, not everyone else on the plan. Google says that Bill Protection is rolling out today to individual and group plans and that you'll see it on your next billing cycle. I'm about to sign-up...anyone with me? (And remember, with a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, you have an embedded SIM for quick sign-ups.) Sign-up for Project Fi // Google | Project Fi Support

Google Clips Passes Through FCC, Closing In on Launch

Tim — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 10:12:38 +0000

After being introduced all the way back in October alongside Google's current Pixel lineup, Google Clips may almost be ready for launch. Having recently strolled through the FCC, release could be imminent, with the $249 GIF-making machine still making me question why it exists. Provided we've had the specs for this little device since October, let's go over them again, plus the basic concept behind it. Google Clips features a 130-degree field of view sensor with 1.55μm pixels, capable of running all by itself thanks to an always-learning "Moment IQ" feature, a machine learning algorithm that’s described as, “smart enough to recognize great expressions, lighting and framing.” The point is, you place the little camera wherever action is taking place, in the living room, kitchen, outside, or anywhere else, then Clips will automatically shoot video, take photos, then save them to your Google Photos account for sharing or enjoying. I suppose the real necessity of it is that you, possibly a parent, can spend more time interacting with your child instead of interacting with your phone to take a picture. Should Google Clips sound worthy of its $249 price, keep your eye on the Google Store link below. As soon as it launches, we'll let you know. Google Store Link // Variety | FCC

Google to Issue Fix Tomorrow for Slow WiFi-Chromecast Bug (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 10:05:48 +0000

Earlier in the week, we told you about an issue that involved Google's Cast technology (Chromecast, Google Home products, etc.) causing all sorts of connectivity issues with WiFi. The bug was causing constant drops or slowing of WiFi connections, likely because of Google Cast doing a form of DDoSing to your home network by sending large amounts of traffic. It's been frustrating many of us for a couple of weeks and has even led router makers to issue beta software updates to try and stop the problem while Google realized it needed to send its own fix. I'm happy to report that Google now thinks it has a fix and plans to issue that fix starting tomorrow, January 18. UPDATE 1/19: The update is rolling out, so far through the beta channel of Google Play services. The new build is 11.9.74 (948-182137095). If you aren't seeing the update, you may want to checkout the beta and opt-in. To do that, hit up that Google Play link below, scroll to the bottom of the app's listing and join the beta program. The slow WiFi performance fix for Android and Chromecast built-in devices will arrive as an update to Google Play services. It'll be a staged rollout, though, so if you don't notice WiFi improvement starting January 18, try and be patient if you can. In the mean time, Google recommends rebooting your Android device and making sure your router is on the most recent firmware version. Additionally, you can hit the Google Play link below to open up Google Play services on your phone and check for an update. Google Play Link // Google Home Help

Olympians are Being Treated to a Limited 2018 Winter Games Galaxy Note 8

Tim — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 08:47:08 +0000

Like we've seen in the past, Samsung announced a limited edition Galaxy Note 8 for the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics. According to Samsung, the company will, "deliver over 4,000 devices to all Olympians as well as the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic family, including IOC and POCOG staff allowing them to lean on Samsung mobile technology to enhance their experiences and connect more conveniently." Beyond a fancy and limited look, the phone is exactly the same as any other Galaxy Note 8, but does come with pre-loaded PyeongChang 2018 themed wallpapers, as well as pre-installed "useful" apps (aka Olympic bloatware). If you're an Olympian, congratulations on the free phone. If you're not an Olympian, we could potentially see this model go up for sale like we did in 2016. No promises, though. USA! USA! USA! // Samsung

Verizon and AT&T LTE Speeds Start Recovering After Taking Unlimited Hit, T-Mobile Still the Fastest

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 08:46:06 +0000

The folks at OpenSignal released new data today that updates us on the US wireless carrier LTE speed race. In the last major report, their data showed pretty steep declines in speeds from Verizon and AT&T as each had re-introduced unlimited data plans again, while T-Mobile's speeds only increased, giving them the top wireless speed crown and a sweep of OpenSignal's "State of the Mobile Networks" metrics. Today, the picture is much brighter for AT&T and Verizon, though they still stand behind T-Mobile in overall speeds. OpenSignal plotted data over an 11-month period from January 2017 to November 2017. As you'll see in the LTE download speed chart below, at the beginning of last year, Verizon and T-Mobile were neck-and-neck in terms of download speeds, but the minute Verizon introduced unlimited again, the decline began. The numbers here show Verizon bottoming out in August with a 2Mbps drop in speeds from a high in February. AT&T's decline from unlimited was similar.

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile LTE Speeds

Those declines from Verizon and AT&T gave T-Mobile bragging rights over US wireless carrier LTE speeds, which they still remain the king of, according to this report. However, After August, every US carrier's LTE download speeds increased, which is exactly what we should all want to see. Verizon and AT&T still have work to do in order to regain previous speed highs from early 2017. As an added bonus, Sprint has actually almost caught AT&T at the bottom, thanks to big jumps in speeds in recent months. I will say that after watching all US carriers brag about upgrades to their network over the past year, these numbers are pretty disappointing. Now, I know that another OpenSignal report showed the US lagging well behind other countries in terms of LTE speeds, but don't all of these average speeds seem low? What about LTE-Advanced, guys? Wasn't that supposed to be a big booster, Verizon? Eh, T-Mobile? All of supposed 5G-related advancements, with LAA and Gigabit LTE, etc. sure doesn't look like they are having a massive impact. Anyways, that's the current US wireless LTE speed situation. Not much has changed as far as the order of speed kings goes, but all are still rising. // OpenSignal

Forget NVIDIA SPOT, Use This $15 Outlet Mount for Your Google Home Mini

Tim — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:55:29 +0000

I've been waiting a solid year since CES 2017 to hear about NVIDIA SPOT availability, but at this point (one year later), I don't think it's coming. With Google Home Mini now out for just $35, it does everything a SPOT would've done, but has a full blown speaker and Google directly backing it. Let's face it, Google Home Mini rocks and is probably more practical than SPOT. The only part about SPOT that still has me wanting one is the ability to plug it directly into an outlet, without the need for a long cord. Currently, the only Home Mini I have setup is in my master bathroom with a cord going behind my sink for it to sit in the middle of a dual vanity. It's not exactly dangerous to do this, since water won't penetrate the cable, but still, it'd be nice to not have to deal with the cable. I could just wind the cable up, but then I've got a massive wad of cable sitting next to my sink. I'm just over it, folks -- I want something innovative! Enter what might be the greatest invention of the year, the Mini Back Pack, a $15 outlet mount on Amazon for the Home Mini, which essentially turns the little Google Assistant-powered device into a outlet-mounted fixture. It's genius. Simply plug the Home Mini into the mount, plug the mount into the wall, and that's it! No dangling cables and no need to worry about clearing counter space. The mount is rated at 4 1/2 stars on Amazon, priced at just $15. Prime shipping, too. I'll definitely be picking one up. Amazon Link

Question of the Day: Which Android OEM are You Most Excited for in 2018?

Tim — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:04:01 +0000

Kellen recently shared his excitement for HTC in 2018, a notion that my own views don't quite align with. But hey, who am I to crush another person's dreams? Personally, though, my focus is on LG this year. While things are looking not too hot at the moment, last year's G6 and V30 has me thinking that LG can find a way to get people to buy its phones. If I break it down in my head, all they need is way better marketing and to redo its skin. Easy enough, right? Regardless of our opinions, we want to hear yours! In the comments below, which Android OEM has you the most excited for 2018? Google and a couple new Pixel devices? Samsung with what will likely be pretty awesome phones in the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9? Maybe you have a sleeper pick? There's always OnePlus and even Huawei, though, rooting for any China-based OEM may not be a good bet at this moment. Sound off below!

DEAL: This 32GB Samsung MicroSD Card is Just $10 Today at Best Buy

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 13:52:53 +0000

Here's a heck of a deal: Samsung EVO Plus 32GB microSD for just $9.99. I know a number of you have all the microSD cards you can handle, but there's nothing wrong with having a spare or picking up one for that obscure electronic that never seems to have enough storage. The EVO Plus line from Samsung is one of their higher-end lines, so you'll see 95MB/s read speeds and write speeds at around 20MB/s. This is a Class 10 and UHS-1 card. This is a Best Buy deal of the day, so it's only good for, well, today.

Best Buy Link

More Details Revealed for Verizon's OTT Content Service, Connected Home Hub

Tim — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:06:57 +0000

In May of last year, Verizon's CEO mentioned the possibility of the carrier launching an OTT (over the top) content service. At CES last week, more details were revealed regarding this service, which would have Big Red entering the arena against the likes of Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu. For the content service, TechCrunch's source states Verizon would offer channels, with each channel hosting marquee content. For example, a sports channel could feature NFL content, thanks to Verizon's $1.5 billion deal to host such things. Other channels would be for news, entertainment, etc. Whatever this potential service is to be called, it would be distinct from Verizon's go90 service, which is a free content streaming platform with ads. It is unknown at this time whether a Verizon OTT offering would be free or utilize a paid subscription model (à la Amazon and Netflix). While we await more official details from Verizon, another tidbit of info inside this report claims the carrier is readying a connected home product (a hub, basically), one that can control a user's house lights, thermostats, and alarm systems. Verizon doesn't necessarily have a time of year when they make large announcements (CES would've been a great time), so we're playing everything by ear at the moment. As more developments occur, we'll keep you posted. // TechCrunch

And This Could be the Moto Z3, Moto Z3 Play, and Motorola's 5G Moto Mod

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:28:42 +0000

Now that you've read up on possible details of the upcoming Moto X5 and Moto G6 line, let's dive into flagship territory with the Moto Z3 family. Like those other phones, we believe we may have a first look at both the Moto Z3 and Moto Z3 Play for you today, as well as a bonus in Motorola's 5G Moto Mod. Apologies again for the tip-toeing, but like the Moto G6 and Moto X5 stories, we were unable to verify this Moto Z3 info with a second source. Take it all with that in mind while understanding that this would be quite the hoax should it not be legit.

Moto Z3 & Moto Z3 Play specs, details

Details this time around are somewhat scarce, but you can see from the Moto Z3 Play image up top and the Moto Z3 image directly below, that Motorola is going with an all-display front on these phones, similar to the Moto X5. That's an important step for Motorola, since they locked themselves into a similar shape by keeping the current crop of Moto Mods around for three years. In other words, this needed to happen if the Moto Z3 line was going to stay relevant. Information we've reviewed suggests 6" FHD+ (18:9) displays in both phones. That may seem odd, but the roadmap for Motorola appears to include a third Moto Z3 device with a Snapdragon 845 that will arrive later on that could have a higher-res display. Neither phone has the X5's iPhone X-like notch, but they do each include that bottom white software button that we're assuming is for navigating the phone. As noted previously, Motorola has allowed phone owners to switch between on-screen navigation buttons and fingerprint reader-swipe style. This could be the modern software version of that. Speaking of the notch for a second, we're getting the impression that Motorola and Lenovo are about to be fully invested in displays with iPhone-like notches. The next Moto G7, Moto E6, and Lenovo K9 lines all may rock the notch. (Yes, we're talking about the next wave of phones, following the phones we just showed you.) We aren't finding fingerprint readers on either phone, though. Like on the Moto X5, does that mean no fingerprint reader in place of something like facial recognition or has Motorola and Lenovo embedded them under the display? We just don't know at this time.

5G Moto Mod

In what may the most interesting piece to this whole story today, we've got this image of a Motorola 5G Moto Mod. Before you roll your eyes completely at this, let's not forget that just over a year ago as Motorola was doubling down on Moto Mods, they talked openly about a future Moto Mod that would add 5G capabilities to a phone. It seemed like a wild idea, but the image above suggests they may still be planning one. Either that, or Motorola was telling customers, vendors, or partners that this was a possibility and needed an image to hammer the point home. We know nothing else about it, so again, take it for what it's worth. Motorola announced the Moto Z2 Play in early July, followed by a second announced for the Moto Z2 Force a few weeks later. I think it's safe to assume these new Moto Z3 devices could arrive at a similar time.

This Could be the Moto X5, and It Appears to Have an iPhone X-Like Notch

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 10:34:51 +0000

The Moto X4 from 2017 brought back a beloved line of phones, even if it didn't impress us and couldn't match the personal feel of previous models. It wasn't all bad, though, and did feature a fresh design for Motorola, along with water resistance and space in the Android One atmosphere for the first time. So even if the Moto X4 was a phone we'd pass on today, the Moto X5 could be a phone to keep an eye on. Like with the Moto G6 family, we may have a first look at the Moto X5 for you today. The photo you are seeing above was sent to us by a single source and we were unable to verify it with additional sources. With that said, should it be the real deal, we're looking at quite an interesting package.

Moto X5 specs, other details

For one, this new Moto X5 sports minimal bezel ("Borderless," rounded corners) with a 5.9" FHD+ (18:9) display, much like other recent releases from companies like OnePlus, Google, Samsung, and LG. Look closely, though - see anything different? That appears to be a top iPhone X-like notch at the top of the phone, with status bar icons split on either side of it. Embedded in the notch is a dual camera setup, along with a speaker. How will Android notifications work with that notch? That's a good question, one we don't have an answer to. Additionally, there isn't a fingerprint reader at the bottom of the device, but we are seeing a new white software button, likely as a means of navigation in the way that Motorola's former front-facing fingerprint reader provided (swipe navigation). My guess is that you'll be able to choose from this single software button or the traditional on-screen 3-button setup of back, home, and app switcher. Speaking of fingerprint readers - is there one? Clearly, there isn't one on the front, yet the Motorola logo on the back could act as one. Is it in-display? We don't have a definitive answer on that setup. That image above claims that there are four cameras in total on the phone, the two up front and another two on the back. Something called "Moto XP" or "Moto's Smart Ai" is included too. Thoughts?

This Could be the Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, Moto G6 Play

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 10:30:17 +0000

2018 is here and it's time to talk about upcoming phones. At MWC in just over a month, we know that Samsung will show off the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, but what about the other players in the game? What about Motorola, since they often unveil the next Moto G line at that same conference? We may have a first look at the Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, and Moto G6 Play for you. Images we received (that we were unable to verify with a second source) show off all three phones, which were previously noted by Evan Blass. Additional details reveal potential Moto G6 specs and pricing.

Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, & Moto G6 Play

According to information we've seen, the Moto G6 line will take on the design language of last year's Moto X4. They'll sport familiar odd-looking camera pucks as well as Motorola's 3D glass, a change from the all-metal approach to last year's G5 line. Motorola appears ready to push forward with 18:9 displays as well, with the Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus each adopting that ratio in Full HD (1080p) formats. In terms of upgrades, the Moto G6 will jump from a Snapdragon 430 (G5s) to Snapdragon 450, while the Moto G6 Plus will shoot up from Snapdragon 625 (G5s Plus) to Snapdragon 630. The Moto G6's battery weighs in at 3000mAh, but the G6 Plus gets a bump to 3200mAh. The Moto G6 Play's battery sports a whopping 4000mAh capacity. As for displays, we've got 5.7" displays in the G6 (FHD+) and G6 Play (HD), along with a 5.93" FHD+ in the G6 Plus. Expect fingerprint readers in all phones, including a move to the back for the G6 Play. The cameras in all have changed too, which we've noted in our Moto G6 specs table below. The Moto G6 will ship in black, a silver tone, and a rose gold color (not official names), while the Moto G6 Plus should be available in Deep Indigo (black), Nimbus (silver), and Dark Lake (dark teal). The Moto G6 Play is slated to launch in a dark charcoal, gold, and deep blue (again, not official names). The Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus prices will arrive at around $240 and $330, respectively. We don't have launch details, but again, I'd put money on an MWC unveiling. UPDATE: New pictures of the Moto G6 line have arrived and they confirm what we just shared here.

Moto G6 Specs

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Report: US Government Wants AT&T to Cut All Commercial Ties With Huawei, Including 5G Development

Tim — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 09:12:05 +0000

In 2017, it was reported numerous times that Huawei would sell a flagship device through AT&T, a first for the China-based OEM. However, sometime before CES, AT&T backed out of the deal, with The Information citing political pressure from US lawmakers that view Huawei as a security threat. It is now being reported that the US government wants AT&T to cut all commercial ties with Huawei, including any work the two have made on the development of 5G standards. Reported by Reuters, "One of the commercial ties senators and House members want AT&T to cut is its collaboration with Huawei over standards for the high-speed next generation 5G network. Another is the use of Huawei handsets by AT&T’s discount subsidiary Cricket." Should AT&T, as well as any other US firms not heed this request, "It could hamper their ability to do business with the US government." Not wanting AT&T to sell Huawei's phone is one thing, but possibly hampering 5G development is another. I realize the importance for national security, and the US govt. doesn't want China tracking US citizens, but Huawei phones are currently available on basically all major carriers outside of the US (45 of the world’s top 50 carriers, to be exact) and there doesn't seem to be a major issue with that. Looking at it from a consumer standpoint, it sucks. // Reuters

DEAL: Best Buy Selling Verizon Pixel 2 at $200 Off, 2 XL at $250 Off

Tim — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 16:04:33 +0000

Best Buy is hosting a deal on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL through Verizon, so long as you purchase the phone on a monthly installment plan. With the savings, the monthly total for the Pixel 2 is brought down to $22.91, while the Pixel 2 XL is down to $24.99. While it may seem odd to buy a phone that launched last year, there's a good reason we named the Pixel 2 XL as our Favorite Android Phone of 2017. It has an amazing software experience, exceptional camera, great external speakers, plus total water and dust resistance. Follow the link below if you'd like to take advantage of the deal. Best Buy Link

Android Feature Request: Night Light Should Flip the Notification Shade to Dark

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 15:12:22 +0000

With the launch of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google updated the Pixel Launcher with a cool new trick that took you from light to dark theme depending on the lightness or darkness of the wallpaper you set. They didn't announce it, but it's there and it's pretty well done. I have a suggestion, though, that'll take this trick one step further. The dark wallpaper shade and dark app drawer should switch when you enable Night Light. Think about it. I may not always want a dark wallpaper. In fact, during the day, the last thing I want is to experience the darkness that is a dark wallpaper with dark notification shade, and dark app drawer. I like my Android experience light during daylight, but as that sun goes down and the lights in my house go off, I'd love for that shade to get darker, without me changing wallpapers.

Night Light -> dark theme

And that's where Night Light (the mode that adds an amber tone to your screen to ease the strain on your eyes) comes in. You see, I'm addicted to Night Light on all phones. I use it so frequently, that I not only have a shortcut to it in my notification shade top 6, I also have it scheduled to automatically come on at 8PM every night and turn off again at 6AM. It's also called "Night Light," which works perfectly with the idea of a darker, easier-to-read setup on your phone when it's dark. Night Light could easily also utilize the dark theme that Google created, yet seems to only want to attach to wallpapers. Allowing Night Light to toggle between dark and light themes makes absolute perfect sense.

Now, you could argue that adding a light or dark theme toggle is probably an equally-as-good solution and I wouldn't disagree. Google should allow for that to happen without a damn wallpaper switch. It's just that part of the idea behind Night Light is for usage at night in low-light situations, to reduce eye strain. A dark vs. light setup at night certainly should factor into the thinking behind Night Light. I'm telling you, even with Night Light enabled, a light notification shade will still blind you and light up a room.

Google Wallpaper schedules

Better yet, maybe there should just be more advanced controls over wallpaper in addition to Night Light, where if it controls dark vs. light themes (Google does seem adamant about not giving us a toggle and instead made it randomly happen via wallpaper), that Google allows for daily schedules to enable dark vs. light wallpapers that'll flip that UI switch. Sure, there are likely 3rd party wallpaper apps that can do this, but I'd much rather it be built in natively. You can do it, Google.

This Google Arts & Culture App Meme is Quite Good

Tim — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 14:39:25 +0000

If you've been on social media recently, maybe you've seen this bit going around where people use a selfie of themselves in the Google Arts & Culture app, which is then cross referenced with paintings inside of museums around the world. It's pretty funny, and even though I apparently look like no one who has ever been painted (maybe that's for the best), it's still a lot of fun to try. All you need to get started is the Arts & Culture app from Google Play, linked below, then scroll down until you see the new experiment where it asks, "Is your portrait in a museum?" The picture you use will be referenced against thousands of paintings, and from what I can tell, how you position yourself in the selfie doesn't quite play as big of a role as you may think. For my photos, I was trying smiles, no smiles, a tilted head, and all sorts of things. However, even with all those moves, I continued to get similar results. As is shown when the app is doing its processing, it's basically using measurements on your face (which shouldn't change regardless of how you hold your head), then using those numbers against its library of paintings. Either way, the results can be quite comical and revealing, so go have some fun. Go download the app and try it yourself. If you get a really good match percentage, feel free to share it with us down below. We're dying to see what you get. Google Play Link

Question of the Day: Why Android?

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 13:40:12 +0000

I started Droid Life over 8 years ago now. I started it because I needed an outlet to share my thoughts on my journey through smartphones, but more specifically, my journey with the original Motorola DROID, since it was the first phone to finally take on the iPhone in a realistic way. Over the years, our focus has obviously changed from that original DROID to broader Android-coverage, yet the appreciation for the platform remains. We've seen this grow from a pretty basic smartphone OS that stood out because it had Google Maps and navigation, to one that is not only a joy to look at, but also a joy to use. It's no longer the nerd's smartphone option or only built for hackers and ROM guys. It's no longer confusing to use or feature sets behind anyone else. If anything, Android is the most advanced mobile operating system out there and it continues to excel in that department by pushing for more. Android betters our lives every single day. It also provides us with choice, something we didn't have before it and that competing platforms still refuse to offer. You get different flavors in Android, flavors that might taste good to you and not to someone else. And that's fine - that's part of the beauty. Sure, the update situation outside of Google's phones isn't ideal, but that's sort of what you get from a platform built like this. Choice and customizations brings layers of complications and numerous players that all need to do their thing. Android isn't easy to do, yet it's benefits certainly outweigh the couple of negatives that its detractors will never stop pointing out.

Why Android over iOS?

And all of that brings me to today's question, that seems like it needed to be asked to kick off the new year: Why Android? Why is Android the operating system for you? I've laid out some of what keeps me around, but what about you?

I'm Excited for HTC's 2018

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:33:54 +0000

Kind of a weird take, right? Hear me out on this. As I noted in our last DL Show of 2017, the smartphone world of 2018 doesn't exactly excite me. I don't say that because there aren't new fun toys on the horizon that we'll be able to play with, review, and chat with you all about. I say that because we're kind of at an in-between year of sorts.

An off year for Samsung, Google

For one, Samsung is certainly not about to re-do all that it changed in the drastically redesigned Galaxy S8. By all means, we're expecting a slightly refreshed version of the S8 when the Galaxy S9 arrives. I'm sure it'll be just fine and a really good phone, but we get happier when big changes show up. Similarly, that could be the case for Google too. Sure, they do need to decide who they want building their phones and they also need to source better components (like displays), but it wouldn't shock me if Google pushes out similar phones again this year to the Pixel 2, only with added polish, current parts, and more consistency. And look, Motorola locked themselves into the same shape and design for three years, so we definitely know what's coming there. As for LG, who knows what's going on. The G7 is coming or it might not be or maybe it'll just have a new name. The signals coming out of Korea there are confusing, so that has us worried, rather than optimistic. And outside of some smaller, lesser-known names, that kind of leaves us with HTC. I'm excited for HTC in 2018.

HTC slowly building perfection

Why? I think the biggest reason is the fact that HTC has been quietly sneaking back into the mix with upgrades to phones that you maybe didn't notice because it's taken a while (and no one is buying their phones). That slow progress has been built on top of their already-solid foundations, so we're now getting phones from HTC that you probably shouldn't ignore. Like, the HTC U11 had one of the best cameras of 2017. I'm not kidding. I went into our HTC U11 review thinking it would be average at best in the camera department, yet as I was going back through all of my video and stills, I was pretty blown away at what I saw. It was easily up there with Samsung's phones at the time. Of course, they have now fully embraced the full-display trend through phones like the U11+ and newly announced U11 EYEs. That means on-screen buttons again too and the f*cking-finally-death of their terrible capacitive button setup with fingerprint touchpad/home button. They are improving water resistance with each release, going from IP67 in the U11 to IP68 in the U11+, and were the first to get innovative in the squeezy phone arena. But beyond those new surprises, HTC is still doing this ridiculously cool liquid metallic thing to the back of their phones (one of which is transparent!), which has only become more appealing now that their phones are modern on the front. Let's not forget that HTC still cares about audio more than anyone and continues to include DACs and BoomSound-enabled dual speakers and specially-tuned USB-C earbuds that actually sound pretty damn good. They always embrace Quick Charge, use the latest processors from Qualcomm, are one of the best at fine-tuning performance on Android, include SD slots, and seem to have found some battery magic too. Oh, and they are one of the quickest to update to the latest versions of Android. Now, we know HTC doesn't have much of a presence on US carriers these days and that they tend to just sell their flagship phones unlocked. We also know that they skipped out on selling the U11+ here, which actually made me kind of mad. And there are no guarantees that anything will change in either of those areas for 2018. But again, HTC has slowly caught up and in many ways is doing a bunch of things to smartphones that are underrated yet pretty damn important to the overall smartphone experience. I'm looking forward to what you've got in-store for 2018, HTC.

Google Cast has Been Destroying WiFi Networks Lately (Updated: Fix Incoming)

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 10:45:40 +0000

UPDATE 1/17: Google says a fix is ready and will rollout starting January 18 as an update to Google Play services on Android devices.

I think it was day 3 of CES when my wife pinged me on Hangouts to let me know that our WiFi was hot garbage and that she was struggling to continue watching all of the movies I've been refusing to watch for weeks, mostly because they star Reese Witherspoon in a rom-com scenario and feature a sub-30% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Thankfully, I have Eero and can remotely reboot our WiFi system, so that she could finish a job I just wasn't cut out for. But then I got back from the week in Vegas and noticed that my phone (Pixel 2 XL) was constantly dropping a data connection even when showing that it was connected to WiFi or cutting straight to LTE before going back. It's been frustrating, that's for sure. As it turns out, it's not our WiFi or Reese Witherspoon flicks that were the issue - it's Google. More specifically, it appears to be Google Cast, Google Home, Chromecast, and any other device that might want to have a party on a Cast connection.

What's the deal?

I've got tons of links below that attempt to dive into what's wrong, but TP-Link gave the best explanation. Their assessment suggests that recent releases of Android and those with an enabled Cast feature, are basically DDoSing your home WiFi. As explained by TP-Link, the MDNS packets that keep a live connection between your phone and Google products (like Chromecast or SHIELD with Cast built-in or Google Home) are typically sent every 20 seconds. In recent Android updates, though, that timing may have slowed as apps or devices are pushed into a sleep mode. Then, as they wake, they could send more than 100,000 packets in a burst that kills internet connectivity over WiFi, thus the drops.

Google Cast WiFi drop fix

To fix the problem of dropped WiFi connections because of Google Cast, a bunch of router companies are already pushing out updates (some in beta), so feel free to check with your router company's forums or support site (some links are below too). Others are unplugging Cast-enabled devices, removing Cast apps, turning off music controls for Cast devices in the Home app, etc. Some are also installing the latest beta of Google Play Services (opt-in here), assuming that Google may have patched this. Either way, if you have been experiencing spotty WiFi at home with a significant number of drops in recent weeks, you don't need to go buy a new router. Hopefully, Google will issue a fix that isn't just a router update work-around. // Google Home Help [2] | Linksys [2] | Netgear | TP-Link [2]

DL Q&A Sessions: Volume 51

Tim — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 10:44:06 +0000

Our first Q&A Session of 2018! How exciting. With CES over and MWC now on the way, it's a good time to get in any questions you might have. For example, should you pick up a new phone now or wait to see what we're getting in a couple months? Is it safe to say HTC is giving up on the US market? Or what the heck is going on with LG? These are all good questions. Don't feel obligated to ask only Android-related questions, though. We can talk about sports, food, video games, other tech stuff, plus anything else that might be on your mind. We're an open book, so have some fun! On Friday, we'll round up the questions you submit in the comments section below and then post our answers. Cheers!

Samsung Pay Picks Up New UI, Includes Bottom Nav Bar and Cleaner Look

Tim — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 10:12:34 +0000

Samsung Pay users, be on the lookout for a new update, labeled as build 2.8.18. Inside this update, Samsung includes an updated UI, one that users are apparently liking quite a bit. According to one user on reddit, "I opened the updated app and was like WOW! They have now ditched the on screen section menus for a more traditional bottom bar now! It looks really clean and everything is really tidy!" That's either a very excited user or a Samsung employee posing as an excited user.

A cleaner Samsung Pay UI

Either way, as they stated, Samsung has moved to a more traditional UI, opting for a bottom nav bar with options for viewing your wallet, checking on rewards, and visiting the Pay store. Overall, it should be a cleaner and more easily navigable experience. Go grab that update! Google Play Link

// reddit | @WinDroidGuy

Sure Sounds Like the OnePlus Store was Hacked and Credit Card Information Stolen (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 09:48:16 +0000

If you bought a OnePlus phone in recent weeks and paid with a credit card, you'll want to start closely monitoring that card's account. Dozens (hundreds?) of people have taken to reddit and OnePlus forums to discuss fraudulent activity that has popped up on their credit cards in recent days. In fact, so much discussion has happened around the subject that OnePlus had to issue a statement this morning to address it.

OnePlus credit card breach

So what's up with the OnePlus store and fraudulent credit card activity? To start, feel free to read through this reddit thread and this OnePlus forum thread. That's where the reports are coming from, many of which are from OnePlus customers who are seeing hundreds of dollars in unexpected charges that their banks are catching. Once you've done that, understand a couple of things:

Only those who paid for an item on OnePlus' store with a credit card appear to be affected. Those who used PayPal are OK, from what we can tell. How far back for the purchases, you ask? Most seem to suggest that they have bought stuff from OnePlus within the past couple of months. There is a poll at the top of the OnePlus thread I just linked to with voters weighing on on timeframe from purchase to when the fraudulent activity started.
OnePlus is looking into it. In the link below, OnePlus does not admit in any way to a breach, but they do point out that all credit card payments through their store are sent through a PCI-DSS-compliant payment processing partner, that their site is HTTPS encrypted, that credit card info stored on their site should be encrypted as well, and that they are working with third-party providers to see what they can find.

For now, your best bet is to keep an eye on your account and credit card transactions if you purchased anything from OnePlus within the past few months. If you have already seen fraudulent activity on a credit card that was used through the OnePlus store, you should probably share any details you can with them, possibly through the forum thread below. I'm sure they'll take any info they can get to try and figure out if it was their store that had a breach or not. We'll keep you updated as new info arrives. UPDATE 1/16: OnePlus has temporarily disabled credit card payments on the OnePlus Store as a precautionary measure. You can still buy items with PayPal until this all gets sorted out. OnePlus said today that it is "exploring alternative secure payment options." // OnePlus

No One Knows What's Going on With the LG G7

Tim — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 09:15:11 +0000

Whatever you thought you knew about the LG G7 and its possible launch in just a little while, forget it. Following CES and a press briefing that detailed a new mobile strategy for the company, LG's mobile division apparently went into full chaos mode. According to an unnamed company official, "Right after the vice chairman made the announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, a direct order was sent down to the working-level officials to start over."

Can LG really scrap the G7?

Anyone who has a grasp on how long it takes a company to create a smartphone knows that an order such as this is no laughing matter, with LG still hoping to unveil the device in March and then globally release it in April. This reported new timeline still aligns with a previous report, but there is absolutely no way that news accounted for what's reported as a scrapping and redo of the phone. This could be more along the lines of scrapping certain elements or features and I say this because the idea of scrapping an entire phone and restarting this close to launch really doesn't make any sense at all to me. The unnamed LG official said a new possible launch date would be decided around the lunar new year, which is on February 16, one month from this week. There was already very little known about LG's next, maybe to be called the G7 or something else entirely if that rebrand we've been hearing about goes through in time, but regardless, scrapping what you have a month or two before launch sounds about as crazy as it gets. However, if the LG exec who made this call feels that adamant about delivering something truly special, a phone that can compete against Samsung's Galaxy S9, then you have to admire this gamble. Again, though, scrapping what should be a nearly completed phone and starting over doesn't seem possible, right? We'll undoubtably hear more about this in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. // The Investor

TAG Heuer Introduces Connected Modular 41, a Smaller 41mm Version of Its Android Wear Watch

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:33:57 +0000

We just told you that TAG Heuer has created a $197,000 connected smartwatch and unveiled it at SIHH 2018, but that's not their only Android-related announcement. The Swiss watchmaker also announced the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41, a smaller version of the Connected 45 that it first showed off last March. The new Connected Modular 41 sports a 41mm case, making it perfect for smaller wrists or anyone who enjoys a watch that isn't an ungodly eyesore wrist tank. It still uses the modular technology of the 45, as you can see from the various setups and colors in the pictures here, and most of the same specs (like 5ATM water resistance, NFC, etc.). It does have some improvements, though.

New and improved TAG Heuer Connected 41

TAG upgraded the screen with 326ppi and improved brightness (max 350 nits). It's still an AMOLED and now has a resolution of 390x390, which is technically lower than the 45, but that's because of the smaller size that they've packed more pixels into. You've also got 8GB storage now, 1GB RAM, and what should be even better performance. The new TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41 starts at $1,200.

// TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Introduces "Most Expensive" Connected Watch in World at $197,000

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:17:29 +0000

SIHH 2018 is happening this week in Geneva, so watch enthusiasts have already come off a heck-of-a weekend full of drool-worthy announcements. SIHH is like CES or MWC, only for watches. It's the first big watch event at the beginning of the year, where most major watchmakers reveal their new watches for the coming year and beyond. Think Cartier, A. Lange & Sohne, Richard Mille, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, and Audemars Piguet, all at the same show to unveil ridiculously precious watches at ungodly prices. It's big time. Even TAG Heuer is there announcing. And boy, has TAG Heuer gone off in the smartwatch department at SIHH. They've unveiled the TAG Heuer Connected Full Diamonds, and yep, it's the "most expensive connected watch in the world." As the name suggests, this is a TAG Heuer Connected 45 that is fully paved in diamonds.

TAG Heuer's connected watch costs $197,000

The price for this TAG Heuer Connected Full Diamonds? 190’000 CHF. That amounts to around $197,000 USD, in case you were wondering. That's an Android Wear watch with some modular stuff going on that costs almost $200K. OK, then. In total, we've got 23.35 carats of baguette diamonds, all of which is surrounded by 18K polished white gold. It's freakin' nuts. And you get that on top of the same Connected 45 that was shown off last March at a starting price of $1,650. Nothing else has changed, from what I can tell, though the original was still one of the better spec'd smartwatches that included just about everything you could ask for. UPDATE: They also announced the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41, a smaller version of the Connected 45. Details here. Who wants one?

// TAG Heuer

Weeky Recap: A Lot of CES to Absorb

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:45:38 +0000

Well, that was a decent week, right? CES ran its course and we covered a ton of stuff. From Google Assistant in everything to new gaming displays and smart home goodies, there was so much to absorb. Below, since you may have missed some of the news as it went live, we've put together a recap of the biggest announcements, including our Best of CES 2018 list. Enjoy the weekend, folks! Back to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

Vegas hates rain.

This is the HTC U11 EYEs, a Mid-Ranger With a 6" Display and Snapdragon 652 (Updated)

Tim — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:16:35 +0000

According to a new tweet from @evleaks, HTC will announce its first phone of 2018 here very shortly, with launch expected to be January 15. Whether that launch includes the US, we have no idea and HTC hasn't made a peep about its 2018 plans. Shown off in the aforementioned tweet is the U11 EYEs, a mid-range smartphone with a 6" FHD+ Super LCD3 display (1080 x 2160), Snapdragon 652 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, expandable storage support, USB Type-C, large 3,930mAh battery, IP67 rating, Edge Sense (squeezy sides), and Android "Nougat." Because January 15 is right around the corner, we should be seeing something from HTC pretty soon. Once that happens, we'll be on it. Again, though, for us in the US, I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see this for a bit. Update: Apparently, the device's name is U11 EYEs, not U11 EYE. Don't ask me. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/951713555648319488

US Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ Arrive at FCC

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 13:31:50 +0000

Just before 2017 ended, Samsung dropped international models of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ off at the FCC. It certainly seemed early, but without US models there yet, we didn't expect an imminent release or announcement or anything. Things have changed a bit now, though, since the US models were passed off at the FCC yesterday and Samsung already confirmed an MWC unveiling. Here's what the new FCC documents for the US models tell us. We know that the US models will arrive as SM-G960U (Galaxy S9) and SM-G965U (Galaxy S9+). Those model numbers line-up with the Galaxy S8 (SM-G950U) and Galaxy S8+ (SM-G955U) from last year. The LTE bands here also give away the fact that these are bound for our wireless airwaves. As you'll see in the chart below, the FCC tested the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ on CDMA, GSM, UMTS, and LTE. We've got all the proper Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint networks listed here, so like last year, Samsung will likely release a single variant that all carriers can use with their own branding if they so choose. For those wondering, yep, T-Mobile's bands 66 and 71 are here.

We looked for other giveaways in the documents, but came up empty in the battery and processor departments. We do know that the FCC label will be on the outside of each phone, as can be seen below.

Should we find other goodies, we'll be sure to update this post. // FCC [2]

This Could be Our First Look at LG's 2018 Flagship

Tim — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 12:58:54 +0000

Last we heard, LG's next flagship was going to be announced during either MWC or later in March. What most of the reports do seem to agree on, though, is the phone will launch in April. Naturally, none of this has been confirmed by LG, but we're now seeing renders of the supposed device start to the hit the web. For sanity's sake, we'll go ahead and label this as the G7, even though reports have stated LG has been planning on a rebrand for the G lineup. With that said, the above image is said to be the G7's frontside, complete with an all-display front, dual front-facing cameras, and that's it. Seriously, it looks like nearly all display with hardly any bezel. Along with the image, Tiger Mobiles shared a few possible specs, including dual rear-facing cameras, Snapdragon 835 processor (which would be disappointing considering the SD845 has been made official, but wouldn't be the first time LG has used an older processor - ex: G6 came with a SD821), 6GB RAM, and Qualcomm's Quick Charge 4.0. LG, you best bring the heat this year or we'll be in for another year of Samsung dominance. // Tiger Mobiles

Is This the Galaxy S9's Retail Box With Specs?

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 12:48:08 +0000

With CES 2018 coming to a close, we're officially in Samsung Galaxy S9 hype mode. All we are going to hear about for the next several weeks leading up to MWC is going to be the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. And that all kicks off today with what may or may not be a picture of the box that'll wrap around Samsung's next phone. The image showed up at reddit over night and resembles Samsung packaging in many ways. Well, I should clarify that it resembles non-US Samsung Galaxy packaging, since this doesn't match up in almost any way to what we see on Samsung phones here. It does match-up to UK packaging, though, and so we're talking about it today. The box suggests that the regular Galaxy S9 will sport a 5.8-inch display when measured as a full rectangle or 5.6-inch when measured with rounded corners. It'll have a resolution of Quad HD+ and is a Super AMOLED display. The box also suggests a "Super Speed Dual Pixel" 12MP camera with optical image stabilization and a max aperture of f/1.5. There is a note there about "Super Slow-mo" with no reference to what that means, as well as an 8MP AF Selfie Camera. Additionally, we've got stereo speakers tuned by AKG (earphones too), IP68 water and dust resistance, Iris Scanner, 64GB storage, 4GB RAM, and wireless charging. A lot of that matches up to previous reports. What's really interesting here is the suggestion that the 12MP camera will have a variable aperture along with OIS. We won't know what "Super Speed" means, but the F1.5/F2.4 aperture suggests a camera similar to the shooter in Samsung's ridiculously expensive W2018 flip phone, which did have an F1.5/F2.4 camera. That camera was smart enough to shoot at F1.5 in bad lighting and then switch to F2.4 in good lighting. The "Super Slow-mo" section likely has to do with the camera, but the random mention of it here without reference to anything is kind of odd. It also seems odd that Samsung would separate out the stereo speakers mention without slotting it in next to the earphones line, both of which are tuned by AKG.

Something seems fishy about it all to me, but nothing sticks out as being the "Gotcha, that's fake!" mistake. If this is all legit, then the camera on the Galaxy S9 may be insane. Your thoughts? // reddit

Podcast: Best of CES 2018 Show!

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:20:47 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're recapping CES 2018 and talking about our Best of CES 2018 picks! We loved the fun stuff that Nanoleaf showed off (Remote and new touch-sensitive lights), NVIDIA's Big Format Gaming Displays (BFGD), Synaptics in-display fingerprint readers, and the fact that Google Assistant was everywhere, including new display smart speakers. We'll also just share any other fun stories from this year's show! We’ll be live at 10:00AM Pacific (1:00PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

Best of CES 2018: Nanoleaf Light Panels, Synaptics In-Display Fingerprints, NVIDIA BFGD, and More!

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:12:03 +0000

Our CES 2018 coverage has wrapped up, so it's time we talk about the stuff we liked the most, the best of CES 2018. This isn't an award show, it's just the stuff that we think you might enjoy too. And even as CES becomes less and less a focus for Android and big smartphone releases (which happens to be our focus), there are still unique and potentially purchasable goods that come out of it. CES is still fun, even as the haters hate on it.

BEST OF CES 2018

Synaptics In-Display Fingerprint Reader

You probably saw this coming after Tim's write-up on it, but Synaptics' new in-display fingerprint reader is the real deal. It seems like we've been waiting years for someone to show this on a working phone that you may one day be able to purchase and these guys delivered through a phone from Vivo. Why is this one of our best of CES products? Because this should be the future. Fingerprint readers shouldn't go away, they should find themselves embedded within our technology in ways that make them less obvious, yet still as useful. Fingerprint readers will always be better than whatever facial recognition tech someone wants to market to you. With an in-display fingerprint reader, you get phone designs without unsightly fingerprint pads dropped into places that should have never passed anyone's test. You also get the convenience of having them on the front of the phone, which is handy for those times when your phone is sitting on a desk, covering up what could be a rear-location. An in-display unit likely frees up space internally, you know, for things like a bigger battery. It also just feels like the future. Future stuff is cool.

NVIDIA BFGD

4K. 120Hz. HDR at 1000 nits. DCI-P3 color. SHIELD built-in. What's not to like? Well, maybe a price that we don't know yet, but NVIDIA's new Big Format Gaming Displays (BFGD) are nuts. They seem wild and unnecessary. You wonder who will actually buy one, yet you'll want one and probably do what you can to figure out how to pay their absurd prices. They also look ridiculous in action, especially when hooked up to a high-end gaming rig and when playing a title that supports HDR. These are the types of products that easily slide onto "best of" lists. We checked out a demo of the HP-built BFGD with Destiny 2 being played and also took a look at the Acer and ASUS coming-soon models. We got to see the SHIELD integration, with a slight brag from NVIDIA about how they can fully take advantage of Android TV since they now control the display it's built into (Ex: Android games with G-Sync). We experienced the early builds of these TVs that can't technically be called TVs because they lack a tuner. We were pretty blown away. Yes, we want one. We can't wait to hear more on release details from the companies NVIDIA has partnered with to make them.

Nanoleaf Remote and Light Panels

We've talked about Nanoleaf before and really like their Aurora lighting system. How can you not like smart lighting that oonces to music, changes colors, can be shaped into DL logos, and is controlled by voice? At CES, they showed off two products that were stupidly fun. The first is the Nanoleaf Remote, a product that you'll actually be able to buy soon. It's like a giant D&D dice (it's a dodecahedron) that changes the color and experience depending on which side you rotate it to. And it does this in the air as you hold it. Additionally, you can spin it in place to adjust brightness and you'll feel a slight haptic feedback as that happens, while your lights magically dim or brighten. It's nuts! It has 12 sides that can all be programmed, along with a side that lets you turn your lights off. It runs off a AA battery that we were told should last up to two years. Of course, it's all customized within the Nanoleaf app. It may seem like a silly accessory, but trust me, it's just straight up cool. (Pre-order here)

Now, the other product Nanoleaf was showing off might be the real next splurge tech purchase. They showed off an early hacked-together build of their new lighting product, which so far are only referred to as Light Panels (pictured above). Instead of triangular, like the original line, these are square. They are also touch sensitive. Not even kidding here. While I don't have a demo to show you, we played with them for a cool 15 minutes. All it takes is a swipe across a couple of panels and they light up in a wave action. Nanoleaf's CEO also told us that these can be expanded up to 1000 panels, unlike the current model which only supports up to 30. Again, not even kidding here. They didn't have a time frame for release because they want to "get it right" first. That's fine, because we'll be buying once they do.

Qualcomm's Smart Audio Platform

While this news from Qualcomm wasn't for a product you'll buy today, the Smart Audio Platform was created so that you'll soon have dozens and dozens of choices over smart speakers. It's a "best of" product because Qualcomm has made it incredibly simple for your favorite manufacturer to make a speaker that's powered by Google Assistant, Amazon's Alexa, or Microsoft's Cortana. It has all of the needed pieces, including a reference design, to let OEMs build it and for you to be able to buy it. If you were still holding off from buying a smart speaker powered by your favorite assistant, you'll soon have all the options you could ask for. LG is already making at least one (LG ThinQ with Google Assistant) that'll be sold later this year, but you should also expect countless others.

Lenovo Smart Display

Speaking of smart speakers, one of the big Google Assistant-related announcements at this year's CES was related to smart home speakers with a display that are powered by Google (Smart Display). Like Amazon's Echo Show and Spot, Google Home fanatics will soon get a similar touchscreen experience in their smart speakers. Companies like LG, Sony, JBL, and Lenovo already announced their plans to make them, but Lenovo's stuck out the most. The Lenovo Smart Display is featured above and we like it over the others because of its set of features and design. For one, it can sit either horizontally or upright on a surface, which gives you instant flexibility over where you place it in your home. It's also incredibly minimal and modern looking with its bamboo and white or grey finishes. Let's also not forget that it comes in 8-inch and 10-inch display sizes, so you've got choice here too. Lenovo appears to have decked it out in the specs department. You've got a product built on another of Qualcomm's platforms (Home Hub Platform) with a Snapdragon 624 processor, up to 2GB RAM and 4GB storage, a full HD (1080p) display, 5MP front camera, and dual 10W speakers. The Lenovo Smart Display should ship this summer (July) for $199.99 (8-inch model) and $249.99 (10-inch model).

Google Assistant

Look, Google Assistant isn't new and we get that. It still had one of the best CESs of any company because Google put it into everything. Google Assistant went into cars, more headphones, more speakers, speakers with displays, more TVs, and even found integration with satellite company set top boxes. You couldn't turn around at the CES 2018 show floor without seeing a "Hey, Google" sign from some obscure company no one had ever heard of. Google even opened a giant booth at CES to show off Assistant! It got rained out, but you get it, Assistant was everywhere. And that's it! Those were some of our favorites from CES 2018. What did you see that didn't make our list?

ZTE Plans to Launch 5G-Ready Device in US by Early 2019

Tim — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 08:59:55 +0000

We were expecting a bit of hubbub around 5G at CES this year, but it didn't make as quite an impact as we expected. Samsung talked about it during its keynote, Qualcomm did as well, of course, and Verizon held a panel discussion about it, too. 5G was certainly discussed, but IoT and "Google Assistant all the things" seemed to maintain a lot of the focus this year. However, speaking to Bloomberg this week, ZTE disclosed that it plans to launch a 5G-ready device in the US by early 2019. That may seem like a long time from now, but in terms of when we actually expect to see commercial 5G deployment begin, early next year should be fine. ZTE states that launching a 5G-ready smartphone is the goal, but also said that a 5G tablet or wireless-internet hub for homes are possibilities, too. As you'd expect, though, ZTE's plan relies heavily on 5G availability and components from other companies, such as Qualcomm. Everything will need to come together smoothly this year for any company, including ZTE, to launch a 5G-ready device. We'll likely be hearing a lot about 5G-readiness in 2018, so take note of that. // Bloomberg

T-Mobile LG G6 Receives December Security Update

Tim — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:56:36 +0000

LG G6 owners on T-Mobile should be on the lookout for an update this week, bringing December's security patch to the device. The update is labeled as build H87211g. T-Mobile's changelog isn't much help in terms of what's new, with it only saying, "Software stability and bug fixes." If you're a G6 owner on T-Mobile, get on that.

// T-Mobile | reddit

DEAL: Best Buy Deals of the Day - Samsung 64GB MicroSD for $19.99, Samsung U-Flex Earbuds for $39.99

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:26:03 +0000

Best Buy actually has a couple of good tech-related deals today in its Deal of the Day line-up. You can grab a 64GB Samsung EVO Plus microSD card for just $19.99 ($30 off) or Samsung's U Flex in-ear headphones for $39.99 ($40 off). EVO Plus is one of Samsung's better line of microSD cards, so you'll get the 64GB of a storage at Class 10 SD speeds, with a UHS speed class of U3. That all equates to 100MB/s read speeds and 60MB/s write speeds. That's pretty solid, especially for just $20. As for the U Flex headphones, you've got a sport pair of headphones that should sit comfortably on around your neck, thanks to their flexibility. They'll last up to 10 hours on a single charge and would be good for both casual listening and while working out. I believe $40 might be the lowest price to date.

Best Buy Links:

Samsung U Flex In-Ear Headphones - $39.99 ($40 off)
Samsung EVO Plus 64GB MicroSD Card - $19.99 ($30 off)

Smithsonian Added to YouTube TV Channel Lineup

Tim — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:39:24 +0000

YouTube TV subscribers can now watch the Smithsonian channel, thanks to it being added to the service's lineup today. I can't tell you firsthand which shows are on the Smithsonian channel, but a few do look cool after peeking at the official show list here. There appears to be a lot of nature programming, shows like Building Star Trek and Crazy Monster Spiders, plus many more quality programs. Get on it, YouTube TV folk. https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV/status/951552822788739080

We Could Soon See a Lot Fewer Phones From LG

Tim — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:34:25 +0000

In what must be an effort to stop the company's continuous loss of money, LG Electronic's Vice Chairman Cho Sung-jin announced a new approach for its mobile division. And if you're someone who enjoys seeing new phones from LG each and every year around the same time, this news could be disappointing. For the longest time, LG has announced its flagship device for any given year near the beginning of the calendar. According to Cho, that could all be changing soon. Said by Cho when speaking with press during CES, "We will unveil new smartphones when it is needed. But we will not launch it just because other rivals do. We plan to retain existing models longer by, for instance, unveiling more variant models of the G series or V series." Breaking this down, it likely means LG needs to stop its mobile division's bleeding, deciding that launching a new phone each and every year is simply not working for it at this time. Instead of new phones, we could see variations of phones already announced, like a G6 Pro or V30 Pro, just to throw out a couple examples. While it makes perfect sense if you're LG and looking to save money, as consumers it's going to be hard to lose a potential option when phone shopping. We'll just have to wait and see how LG intends to implement this change. // Korea Herald

Google Releases List of Latest Android Excellence Apps and Games

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:14:09 +0000

Back in June, Google created a new category on Google Play called Android Excellence (like an Editors' Choice) as a way to recognize the best apps and games on the platform. These weren't just top performers either. Instead, the apps and games that made the cut offer up incredible experiences, use Google's best practices, perform well, are optimized properly, and have great design. Today, they've updated the list with a bunch of newcomers. Some of the apps you probably already know, but Google is now highlighting the fact that they are great. We're talking about apps like Airbnb, Acorns, IFTTT, iReader, LinkedIn, EyeEm, Musixmatch, and Journey. For games, they've now featured Agent A, DEAD WARFARE: Zombie, Modern Combat Versus, War Wings, Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow, and more. To checkout the full lists, we've got direct links for you below. Android Excellence Links:

// Android Developers Blog

Essential Now Selling More Accessories, Including $99 Type-C Earbuds and $39 Fast Charger

Tim — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:05:07 +0000

Shared this week from the company's Twitter account, Essential will have a few new accessories for sale on its official web store. As of this moment, you can purchase a set of USB Type-C high-res earbuds for $99, non-high-res $49 USB-C earbuds, and a fast charger for $39, but other goodies are coming soon. From what's listed, Essential will soon sell a protective case for their 360 camera, as well as a docking station. No pricing has been shared yet for those items, but should be coming soon. If you're rocking an Essential device, check out the company's updated accessories page. Essential Store Link https://twitter.com/essential/status/951224003548495872

Star Wars: Rivals is a PvP Game, Pre-Registration Available on Google Play

Tim — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:00:06 +0000

There is no shortage of Star Wars things these days, especially games, and it looks like we're getting yet another one for Android very soon. Now up for pre-registration on Google Play, Star Wars: Rivals is a PvP title, all about ducking behind cover, moving to better positions, and blowing away your enemies. The idea behind the game seems to be reimagining and reliving classic Star Wars battles. For example, you'll experience Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker, Jyn Erso against Director Krennic, as well as Finn vs. Captain Phasma. Of course, these legendary characters will have to be unlocked through hours of gameplay most likely, but the gameplay trailer makes it look like a fun grind. As the description goes, players will build combat teams, join guilds, level up weapons and abilities, use faction bonuses, plus more. As soon as this game officially launches, we'll let you know. Google Play Link

Google Acquires Company With Tech That Turns Displays Into Speakers

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 08:43:22 +0000

While no one was paying attention at the end of 2017, Google swooped in and purchased a company in the UK called Redux that has a couple of pretty unique ideas around display panels. Redux has technology that can turn your phone's display into a speaker and also offer a better haptic feedback experience. Google won't say how much they paid for the company, and honestly, who cares. What we do care about is this tech that we could see used on some level in future Pixel phones or other touchscreen devices from Google. According to Redux's old website, they have two technologies, one called Panel Audio and another called Tactile Feedback. For Panel Audio, they are using special actuators that "deliver naturalistic wide-frequency-range audio from a panel or display (without micro-speakers and apertures) – providing a versatile and robust overall solution." So they are turning displays into speakers, which is pretty damn cool. One obvious benefit there is the fact that this would allow manufacturers to remove speaker modules and free up space for other components, like bigger batteries. For Tactile Feedback, they are using algorithms "to focus desired haptic effects at specific touch-points." This tech allows for "different effects" to be "delivered simultaneously to different fingers, using actuators to create bending waves rather than bulk movement." Redux claims that Tactile Feedback is "energy-efficient and scalable." So we're talking about an advanced haptic experience that can take place throughout a display, at various points, and with different effects. See, pretty cool stuff, right? // Bloomberg

OnePlus is Ready to Approach US Carriers

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 08:16:38 +0000

OnePlus may be well known around these parts as one of the unlocked darlings of Android, but they aren't exactly a household name here in the US. That's largely because they currently only sell their phones unlocked, directly, not through US carriers. There is a chance that could change, though, as OnePlus confirmed this week that it is ready to start talking to them. Pete Lau, OnePlus' CEO, spoke with CNET during CES and said that carrier talks are a next step, but that they'd only take a deal if the "right opportunity and right timing come along." In other words, OnePlus may not be rushing to attach itself to an unfavorable deal. I'd imagine they'd also like to avoid the mess that Huawei appears to have gotten themselves into with AT&T. US carriers are notoriously tough. Ask companies like Sony and HTC and Motorola how quickly you can go from having phones on all of them to one or none. US carrier deals don't necessarily guarantee big success either. OnePlus being a smallish player in this big smartphone world certainly has its work cut out for it if it is serious about fully entering the US carrier side. Lau also said to expect the next OnePlus phone (OnePlus 6?) during the second quarter of this year. That lines up with the timing of previous releases. // CNET

DISH Set Top Boxes Get Voice Control Through Google Assistant

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 14:59:20 +0000

DISH announced today that during the first half of this year, they'll give customers the option to control their TV experience using Google Assistant. The new feature will come to Hopper, Joey, and Wally boxes. The Google Assistant integration will happen when you pair your set top box with a Google Home, Android phone, or iPhone. Once you've done that, you'll be able to change channels by voice, search for shows, skip forward or rewind, and pause/resume. The specific DISH models required are Hopper DVR (all generations), Joey client (all models), and Wally single-tuner HD receiver // Dish

Samsung's Upcoming Smartphones Will Have Active FM Chips

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 11:26:09 +0000

Upcoming smartphones from Samsung (possibly the Galaxy S9 line) will have active FM chips in the US and Canada, according to NextRadio. They'll join companies like LG and Motorola, which have already made similar moves in recent months. By having an active FM chip in Samsung phones, that'll mean access to FM radio broadcasts. While that's fun from an entertainment aspect (no data needed to stream radio!), this is an important move because of the access it gives to emergency broadcasts, even if cell coverage were to go down. Think about during a natural disaster, where all wireless communications might be down - you could at least keep up on information through an FM radio. NextRadio didn't say which phones this will be in, only that "upcoming" would have an active FM chip. // NextRadio

Report: LG Pay Coming to US by June

Tim — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:54:08 +0000

After launching in South Korea last June, it sounds like LG is ready to bring its proprietary mobile payment service, LG Pay, to the US in 2018. According to Yonhap News, the launch could happen by June, meaning it should be announced alongside LG's upcoming flagship phone. Similar to Samsung Pay, LG Pay should be accepted at nearly any terminal, thanks to its usage of Wireless Magnetic Communication, which essentially duplicates the action of swiping your credit card. Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) has been the key to Samsung Pay's adoption in the US, considering not every retailer accepts NFC payments, like those from Google Pay (aka Android Pay) and Apple Pay. In this report, is specifically states LG Pay will be available in the US for the G7 and V40, even though neither of those names have been publicly mentioned by LG and it was thought LG was seriously considering a rebrand for its G lineup. Yonhap reports that LG will unveil its next flagship at MWC, even though that claim has also been contested recently. Ready for another mobile payment service? // Yonhap News

We Played With Synaptics' In-Display Fingerprint Reader and Can Confirm, It's Dope

Tim — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:36:22 +0000

We've been talking about in-display fingerprint readers for what feels like quite some time now, but at long last, the tech is starting to catch up with our imagination. Synaptics and Vivo announced that we'd see what's marketed as Clear ID inside a flagship-level device at CES, and that's exactly what happened. The attention during our briefing was not on the phone, though, solely the barely visible fingerprint reader that sat below the device's display near the bottom chin. TL;DR: It was very cool and very much felt like the future of smartphones, not a gimmick. Somewhat surprising, but not too surprising since Synaptics has talked about how fast Clear ID is, the time it takes between placing your finger on the display and the phone unlocking is just as fast as a typical fingerprint reader. Not only is it fast, but there's a pretty legit animation that happens as the scan takes place, like a neon digital circuit array that looks nerdy, in a good way, and awesome. Setup is like any normal reader on Android, too, with users able to add multiple profiles for different fingers or users. For those worried about this reader somehow interfering with what you see on the display, we didn't see any sign of that. When the display is turned on, you don't notice any sort of lighting differences across the display, which was always one of my fears when it came to placing optical components under the display's glass. The experience was very natural and integrated into the UI, with Vivo saying the animation would popup whenever a user needed to use the fingerprint reader, whether it be for mobile purchases or app logins. With shipments of bezel-less phones continuing to grow, and expected to hit over 50% of all phone shipments by 2020 in a report from UBI Research, it seems like a natural evolution for other OEMs to adopt Synaptics' Clear ID, unless Apple and its marketing has blinded people into thinking Face ID is somehow superior, even though we've seen many demonstrations of that not being the case. Either way, we are living in a time where OEMs are figuring out new ways for users to unlock their devices, which at least gives us something new to talk about. After testing out Synaptics' Clear ID, my money is on fingerprint readers not being ditched for facial recognition anytime soon, considering it remains ultimately more convenient than holding a phone up to your face. That's just my bet, though. If you want to get Clear ID into your hands, the Vivo device will be hard to come by in the US (unless you're into the import game), but we'll certainly be on the lookout for other Android OEMs to incorporate this exciting tech.

Philips Hue Announces New 3.0 App, Outdoor Light Line, Hue Sync for Computers

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:23:08 +0000

Philips unloaded a bunch of big Hue announcements on us here at CES 2018. Over the coming months, we'll not only get a brand new 3.0 version of the Philips Hue app on both Android and iOS, we'll finally be able to buy Hue outdoor-approved lights, and also get a more immersive experience with lights syncing through computers during movie, music, or game play. The new Android app will be done in early Q2 and is said to be fully redesigned. Philips says to expect improved daily use, seamless setup of lights and accessories, instant access to last used scenes, and simple grouping of lights. It'll also take advantage of Hue's new features, like Hue Entertainment, which syncs lighting to movies, games, and music content.

In the outdoor lighting department, Philips will debut an entire line. They didn't tell us the exact options we'll be able to buy, but you'll be able to set scenes and control them in the same way you do with your current Philips Hue lights. All of the press imagery sure makes it look like we'll get both white and color options too. The outdoor line will arrive this summer. And finally, along with the previously mentioned Hue Entertainment feature that is slowly rolling out through partners, Philips announced Hue Sync. It's a lot like Hue Entertainment, but you install it right onto your Windows or Mac PC. Once done, it'll create "immediate, immersive light scripts for any game, movie or music played on the computer." And that's cool, because that sure sounds like you don't need your favorite games or computers or monitor makers to adopt the technology, which is the case with Hue Entertainment (so far only Razer has signed up). With Hue Sync, you just install and then enjoy color syncing to your content. Hue Sync should be here in Q2. // Philips

T-Mobile Kicks Off 2018 With BOGO Promo, $150 Rebates, and More for New and Existing Customers

Tim — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 09:05:28 +0000

T-Mobile is looking to start 2018 off right, launching three promotions for new and existing customers. For those in need of a new phone or two, the carrier's latest BOGO deal can net you a flagship of your choice, even an iPhone X, when you switch a line to T-Mobile, trade-in your existing phone, and set up the new device on an Equipment Installment Plan (EIP). Phones available for this offer look to be the new iPhones, Galaxy S8, LG G6, LG V30, and LG V30+. T-Mobile states you'll receive up to $750 back when purchasing a Galaxy S8+, Galaxy Active or Galaxy Note 8, making this a pretty decent BOGO deal. Should you only need one new phone, T-Mobile is also offering a up to $150 rebate on top Samsung and LG smartphones. Simply trade-in your old phone, get that value added to your new phone, set up an EIP, then receive a $150 rebate. The list of approved phones for this promo include the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S8 Active, Galaxy Note 8, LG G6, LG V30 and LG V30+. Here are all three of T-Mobile's deals, as written by them.

Buy One, Get One (up to $700 or more) on TWELVE superphones from Samsung, LG and another major player (iPhone) when you switch a line to the Un-carrier;
If you just need one new smartphone, get $150 back on the latest from Samsung and LG after rebate, plus the value of your trade-in;
Get up to $650 when you tell Verizon, “it’s not me, it’s you” -- #GetOutoftheRed now also pays off your Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S8+ and another ultra-popular smartphone (iPhone).

According to T-Mobile, these three deals can be combined on the same account, but not on the same line and they’re all available for a starting now for a limited time either in-store or on the web. // T-Mobile

Samsung Confirms: Galaxy S9 Will be Announced at MWC

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 08:11:27 +0000

Samsung's mobile boss, DJ Koh, told reporters during a briefing this week at CES that his company will unveil the Galaxy S9 at MWC in February. Since MWC kicks off on February 26, you should assume that the phone will debut during a press event a day or two before that. The confirmation matches the most recent report, which suggested a February unveiling with a March launch date. Samsung did say that they would reveal a launch date when they show off the S9. It's a bit odd to think that Samsung would once again attach itself to MWC for such a major phone. In recent years, Samsung has realized how big it is, the pull it has, and that it should stand on its own, away from big trade shows while announcing major phones. Then again, the Galaxy S9 is likely only a minor improvement over the Galaxy S8. Sure, there will be upgrades across the board (Snapdragon 845, new cameras, stereo speakers, more RAM, etc.), but we won't see a design refresh and both phones will look very much like last year's Galaxy S line. Good to have the date locked down, though. On a related note, Koh also acknowledged the fact that has company will try and release a foldable phone of some sort later next year too. UX issues have apparently set Samsung's development back. Still excited about the upcoming Galaxy S9 line? // ZDnet

Pixel 2's January Security Patch Seems to be Readily Available Today

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 07:43:38 +0000

Google released the January Android security patch for Nexus and Pixel devices on January 2, yet it feels like a big over-the-air push to phones never really happened. At least for the first few days, we checked and checked and no update ever popped up. Then this morning, the update just seems to be there on our Pixel 2 XL phones, ready to applied after a reboot. Tim seems to think he picked up the update a few days ago, and I haven't checked much since being at CES, so you may already have this. Either way, we figured you should know in case you wanted to grab the latest security patch right away. Head into Settings>System>System update to check for it. The update weighs in on my Pixel 2 XL at 51MB. Let us know if you own a Pixel or Nexus and get it as well.

Motorola Announces Two New Moto Mods, Including a Slider Keyboard

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 15:57:29 +0000

After asking for help coming up with ideas for Moto Mods through a variety of programs, Motorola is ready to share two ideas that have made it to the finish line. Motorola today introduced the Lenovo Vital Moto Mod and the Livermorium Slider Keyboard Moto Mod. The Vital Moto Mod does what you think it does when slapped onto a Moto Z phone - it helps you keep track of your own health. This Moto Mod can "accurately" measure five vital signs: heart rate, respiratory rate, Pulse Ox, core body temperature, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure from your finger. How cool is that? The Slider Keyboard is a just that - a slider keyboard that attaches to your Moto Z or Moto Z2. This Mod is actually the grand prize winner from the Transform the Smartphone Challenge that Motorola ran through Indiegogo. It's a full QWERTY keyboard that also tilts your phone's screen up to 60 degrees. It could be cool, especially if you feel like throwing it back to the old days of the OG Motorola DROID. The Vital Moto Mod will arrive in April for $395 and the Slider Keyboard will show up this winter for $99. Any takers? // Motorola

Huawei Mate 10 Pro Launches February 18 in US for $799, Pre-Orders Begin Feb. 4

Tim — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 15:57:18 +0000

At long last, we have availability details for the Mate 10 Pro by Huawei in the US. The phone will launch February 18, with pre-orders starting February 4. The phone will be listed at $799. The major news this week for Huawei has been AT&T's pulling out of its reported deal to offer the device. With this announcement, Huawei lists no carrier partners for the phone, but do have a handful of retailers on board. You'll be able to purchase the phone through Best Buy, Amazon, Microsoft, Newegg and B&H. For specs, the Mate 10 Pro features a 6-inch 1080p OLED (18:9), 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, Kirin 970 octa-core processor, dual Leica-branded camera setup (20MP Mono + 12MP RGB, both f/1.6, OIS), 8MP front camera, 4000mAh battery, and Android 8.0 Oreo under EMUI 8.0. To help market the phone in the US, Huawei has announced that Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) will be the company's Chief Experience Officer. So, unlocked at $799 with no carrier partners. Are you interested in the Mate 10 Pro? // Huawei

Google's Partners With Lenovo and Yi to Make VR180 Cameras

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 13:54:22 +0000

To help push the adoption of VR180 content, Google announced today that it has teamed up with Lenovo and Yi Technology to create two new VR180 cameras. These VR180 cameras will help anyone shoot 3D, immersive photos and video without having to shell out loads and loads of cash. Think of them as an everyday kind of camera that happens to shoot in 3D. Google is really pushing VR180 content as a new way to experience and preserve memories and life that isn't just a flat photo or video. They also think that VR180's unique perspective is much easier to consume than full 360-degree footage. All you need is a VR180 camera to shoot and a viewer (like Daydream or Cardboard) to quickly check it out. Here is sample footage that you can watch right now if you have a viewer handy: So the two cameras they announced today are the Lenovo Mirage Camera with Daydream and the Yi Horizon VR180 Camera. Both are pocketable VR180 cameras that shoot 3D video and photos. The Lenovo Mirage Camera sports dual 13MP fisheye cameras with 180x180 field of view that can record video at a 4K resolution. That's powered by a Snapdragon 626 and 2GB RAM. It comes with 16GB of storage that can be expanded using a microSD card. It also is capable of shooting photos, video, and live video, with uploads happening automatically to YouTube if you want, thanks to WiFi connectivity. There is an LTE version as well. Lenovo expects the Mirage Camera to ship in Q2 and should cost less than $300.

The Yi Horizon VR180 is similar, but you can shoot at up to a resolution of 5.7K. You've also got one-button live streaming on board and a touch screen. We do not yet have pricing or availability on this one. What do you guys think? Is VR180 something you could get behind? // Google | Lenovo | Yi Technology

Mirage Solo is Lenovo's $400 Daydream VR Headset That Doesn't Require a Phone

Tim — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 13:47:31 +0000

We've been talking about standalone Daydream headsets for a few months now, and this week at CES, Lenovo made theirs official. Called the Mirage Solo, this will be the first Daydream VR headset you operate without a phone, complete with Google's advanced WorldSense technology. Think of it like any other Daydream headset Google has put out, but instead of throwing your phone into the headset to power the VR experience, the headset has all of the processing power, sensors, and display it needs.

The Mirage Solo features a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB of onboard storage, 110-degree field of view LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, up to seven hours of playing time on a single charge, headphone jack, and as I previously mentioned, WorldSense. Here's how Google explains WorldSense.

WorldSense lets you duck, dodge and lean, and step backwards, forwards or side to side, unlocking new gameplay elements that bring the virtual world to life. WorldSense tracking and Mirage Solo's high performance graphics mean that the objects you see will stay fixed in place just like in the real world, no matter which way you tilt or move your head.

Lenovo will launch the Mirage Solo in Q2 of this year, priced at $400. // Google | Lenovo

Razer Phone Gets Netflix HDR and Dolby Plus 5.1

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 10:48:26 +0000

If there was any doubt over whether or not Razer was taking smartphones seriously, I think today should clear that all up. Not only did the company show off a pretty cool Project Linda concept, they also announced at CES this morning that its Razer Phone is getting access to Netflix HDR and Dolby Plus 5.1. This is the first smartphone to support both technologies. As was noted in today's announcement by Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan, this level of Netflix support enables them to "take full measure of the Razer Phone's HDR10-enabled display and dual-firing, front-facing Dolby-optimized speakers and THX-certified headphone connectivity." Few phones are equipped like Razer's phone. An update will bring in the new goodness here and should arrive later this month. The update includes the Netflix app and a home screen widget, which is kind of obnoxious for those who don't care about this news. Going forward, this software will come preloaded on the phone. // Razer

Kate Spade and Skagen Enter the Android Wear Game

Tim — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 10:10:33 +0000

We have two new Android Wear players this week at CES, kate spade new york and Skagen. The kate spade piece doesn't have a name exactly, listed simply as the Touchscreen Smart Watch. However, it does come with Android Wear 2.0, a 1.19-inch AMOLED display (390 x 390 resolution), signature scallop top-ring on the 41.5mm display dial, Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, and Bluetooth. kate spade's press release and product listing make no mention of GPS, NFC, or a heart rate monitor. For Skagen, its first Android Wear device is called Folster, featuring an unspecified touchscreen display, Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, Android Wear 2.0, and extremely minimal design. Sadly, there is no NFC for mobile payments or heart rate functionality. The Folster is not yet for sale or pre-order, but when that time comes, it will be priced at $275-$295 depending on which setup you choose.

The kate spade piece is up for pre-order right now for $295, with shipping expected for February 1. As soon as the Skagen is available, we'll let you know. Kate Spade Link // Skagen | kate spade

Here are the Google Assistant Speakers With Smart Displays

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 09:49:32 +0000

You probably just read the announcement from Google about Assistant coming to smart displays, which is really just an awkward way of saying that there will be Google Assistant-powered smart speakers with displays. We're talking about Google Home-like units with touch displays, similar to what Amazon has with some of its Echo products (like Show and Spot). But who are we expecting products from? We know for sure that Lenovo, LG, Sony, and JBL are all making them.

Lenovo Smart Display

So far, Lenovo has dropped a device on us called the Lenovo Smart Display. It comes in two sizes (8-inch and 10-inch), should be here this summer (July), and will cost either $199.99 or $249.99. There will be bamboo or grey color options too. The Lenovo Smart Display can lay horizontally or sit upright, has a modern design with two 10W speakers on one side, 5MP front-facing camera for video calls, and a full HD display. It's built off Qualcomm's Home Hub Platform and includes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 624 with integrated CPU, GPU and DSP, 2x2 dual mics, up to 2GB RAM and 4GB storage, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

LG ThinQ Google Assistant Touch Screen Speaker (WK9)

LG's entry into the Google Assistant smart display arena is the ThinQ Google Assistant Touch Speaker and we don't know much about it in terms of pricing and availability. What we do know is that it sports an 8-inch touch display, has a front facing camera, and should sound pretty good, thanks to dual speakers that are tuned by Meridian Audio.

JBL LINK View

JBL, a Harman company that is owned by Samsung, is all-in on Google Assistant integration into its products. Not only did they announce new headphones with Assistant, but they'll be one of the first with a Google Assistant smart display device. The JBL LINK View should be here by this summer, though we don't yet know pricing. As for features, the JBL LINK View has an 8-inch HD display, two 10W speakers and a dedicated passive radiator, 5MP front camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, and is IPX4 splashproof.

Sony Smart Display

While Sony is listed by Google as one of the first partners to create a Google Assistant smart display product, they haven't announced any details. Once we know them, we'll update this post. Any of these look appealing to you? // Lenovo | LG | JBL

Razer's Project Linda is a Sweet Laptop Dock for Your Razer Phone

Tim — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 09:15:58 +0000

At this year's CES, Razer introduced Project Linda, listed as a concept, but a concept we hope to see make its way to the market quite soon. Project Linda is essentially a laptop dock for the Razer Phone, which turns the phone into your trackpad or interactive secondary display when a mouse is connected to the system. The laptop features a 13.3” Quad HD touchscreen display, Chroma-powered keyboard with custom Android keys, 200GB of internal storage, CNC aluminum body, 3.5mm headphone jack, and that appears to be about it. All of the computing power is from the Razer Phone itself, which is a Snapdragon 835 processor and 8GB RAM. Razer is showing off Project Linda here at CES as a concept, so we don't yet have pricing or a launch date. Speaking of pricing, though, how much do you think something like this would cost? The QHD touchscreen and all those LEDs can't be cheap, but Razer can't go charging full laptop pricing since the Razer Phone is already a hefty investment and it powers the whole thing. Maybe $399? $499? Thoughts? // Razer

Google's New Google Assistant Directory Tells You Everything It Can Do

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 08:50:29 +0000

Google has finally given us a proper Google Assistant directory on the web, one that allows for an easier discovery experience over all that the Assistant can do. They have also re-done the version on our phones too. On the web, you'll now find a "What it can do" section that breaks out all of Google Assistant's actions by category. You'll see trending actions, as well as those made for kids, food and drink related items, productivity actions, sports, weather, etc. It's all there, including many that have been broken out by device or brand. For example, there are Nest, LG, and Wemo sections that'll show you the actions you can take with their smart products. As for the new phone directory, you can access it by opening up Assistant and then tapping the blue icon in the right corner. Mine currently has Explore and Your Stuff tabs. The Explore tab helps you find fun actions you can take with Assistant, while the Your Stuff area is basically like an old Google Now screen, with lists of your reminders, your agenda for the day, status on orders you've placed, and more. Check out the new Google Assistant directory right here. // Google Developers Blog

Google Assistant Comes to Android Auto

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 08:17:42 +0000

Google Assistant is just coming to smart displays here at CES, Google also announced that the Assistant is ready for Android Auto, starting this week. To use Google Assistant in your car with Android Auto, you'll connect your phone to your Android Auto in-car unit or just use your phone's screen with the Android Auto app open. Google is working with car manufacturers to get it built directly into Auto, though. With Assistant active, you'll be able to say "Hey, Google" and fire up your favorite tunes, get directions in Maps or Waze, send and receive messages, and all of the other stuff you like to do. You'll be able to order up Starbucks or reserve parking spaces pretty soon too. Again, the update to allow Assistant to play with Android Auto is rolling out this week. // Google

Google Assistant Comes to Smart Displays, Like a Google Home With a Screen

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 08:00:07 +0000

Google announced its plans for Google Assistant in 2018 here at CES and the big news is that the Assistant is coming to smart displays. That means Google Home-like units with touch displays, just like Amazon's Echo Show or Echo Spot. With a Google Assistant smart display, you'll not only be able to talk to Google to get information or play music or control your smart home, but you'll be able to see all of that information too. Google will show you a snapshot of your calendar for the day, preview your morning commute, let you video call over Duo, find recipes and walk through them step-by-step, watch YouTube, see smart home camera feeds, pull up Google Photos, and more. Again, it's a lot like Amazon's Echo devices with displays, only run by Google Assistant instead of Alexa. To start, JBL, Lenovo, LG, and Sony are all making devices that fit into this new smart display category for Google Assistant. Lenovo appears to be the closest to launching one, though. (UPDATE: More details on them all here.) We got a brief look at the Lenovo Smart Display last night in early form. It'll come in both 8-inch and 10-inch display sizes that can sit horizontally or upright, and cost $199.99 or $249.99, respectively. You can see a picture of it up top. Lenovo is hoping to ship by this summer. Cool, right? // Google | Lenovo | Android Developers Blog

Qualcomm's New Bluetooth Audio SoC Likely to Power Your Next Wireless Earbuds, Include an Assistant

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:14:40 +0000

Alongside its Smart Audio Platform announcement, Qualcomm unveiled a Bluetooth audio SoC that it thinks will get the industry ready for wireless earbuds that don't suck. And when I say "don't suck," we're talking about buds that not only feature an assistant, but could last hours and hours longer on a charge. Qualcomm's Low Power Bluetooth Audio SoC QCC5100 will likely power the next generation of wireless earbuds. For one, it reduces power consumption by up to 65%, which is kind of insane when you think about it. Its architecture also supports Bluetooth 5 dual-mode radio, utilizes Qualcomm's aptX HD audio, has integrated hybrid active noise cancellation, and is ready for third party voice assistants (ex: Google Assistant. Qualcomm tossed in their TrueWireless Stereo technology too, which should eliminate wires (lookin' at you, Pixel Buds!) between buds and to and from the media source (like a phone).

Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo technology is engineered to eliminate the need for wires entirely – not only between the media source and stereo headset, but also between left and right earbuds. The QCC5100 series is designed to deliver improved low power connectivity and enhanced user experiences for truly wireless in-ear applications. For now, Qualcomm expects to have a couple of example designs made within the first part of 2018. From there, it'll start working with manufacturers to overcome their own design challenges. To learn more about this Lower Power Bluetooth Audio SoC, hit up this link. // Qualcomm

Report: LG's Next Flagship to be Announced in March, Launched in April

Tim — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 15:58:15 +0000

According to a new report out of Korea, LG will hold off on unveiling its 2018 flagship smartphone at MWC next month, and instead, will wait until March to announce it. Following the reported announcement in March would be mass production, then commercial launch in April. Stated by a ranking official at a major mobile operator who was quoted in the report, "We have agreed with LG to launch the G7 in April." Last week, we learned LG was considering a rebrand of its G series, which we think would be a good idea. The G series just hasn't caught on as much as Samsung's Galaxy brand, so a major rebrand and marketing push might be a good thing. Currently, we're under the impression that LG intends to rebrand the G series this year, meaning the "G7" moniker is not accurate and we should expect something completely different. On the downside, if this report is accurate and LG does intend to wait until April, that could put them at a serious disadvantage with regard to Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S9. Samsung's next phones have already gone through the FCC, with reports detailing commercial availability to begin in March. Can you wait that long for LG's next? // The Investor

Qualcomm's Smart Audio Platform to Help OEMs Make Smart Speakers With Alexa, Google Assistant

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 15:45:24 +0000

During Qualcomm's CES 2018 press event, the chipmaker announced its new Smart Audio Platform. The goal of this new platform is to enable the rapid acceleration and creation of smart speakers in the industry, where manufacturers have to spend less time on design and the tech inside, while also being able to choose from Alexa, Google Assistant, or Cortana. That's right, Qualcomm now has a kit and reference for smart speakers, where a smart speaker maker can easily make a smart speaker and choose which assistant they want on board. The Qualcomm Smart Audio Platform features things like a quad-core ARM A53 processor, Qualcomm's Hexagon Audio DSP, aptX support, Quick Charge, dual band 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2+, embedded Linux, 6-microphone far-field voice technology, and support for Qualcomm's multi-room AllPlay. It can even support displays at a 720p resolution (Adreno 304 or 308 GPU) and Google Cast. So the kit has everything one could need, plus Qualcomm has a reference design manufacturers could utilize. LG's previously announced ThinQ smart speaker with Google Assistant was built off this new Smart Audio Platform. Qualcomm will also showcase smart speakers at their CES booth with all major assistants in action. You'll find more on Qualcomm's Smart Audio Platform right here. // Qualcomm [2] [3] [4]

Google's Product Head of Allo and Duo Leaves for Facebook

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 14:32:42 +0000

Allo and Duo are still a part of Google's confusing messaging situation. It's tough to tell if many of you use either of them. Since they are Google products, though, we've spent plenty of hours talking about the ways they have evolved and where Google has tried to improve upon their original feature sets. Things may change some on all of those fronts going forward, as the head of product for Allo and Duo, Amit Fulay, has left the company and moved over to Facebook. I'm not saying that Allo and Duo are now in limbo with Fulay gone. By all means, Google will just put someone else in charge of these two offerings. The point is, that leadership change often means change in direction or focus. Maybe this is the change we need to finally get SMS or multi-device support on Allo? Maybe we'll get that Allo-Duo mash-up that continues to avoid us. Or maybe nothing will change and we'll continue complaining about having to use old, broken Hangouts. I don't know, but there is now a change at the top of two of Google's 257 different messaging apps and that could mean a fresh start to apps some of us would love to use, yet can't find enough reasons to make the switch to. https://twitter.com/amitfulay/status/950395635236143104

WATCH: Samsung's CES 2018 Press Event! (2PM PT, 5PM ET)

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:38:13 +0000

Samsung is up next here at CES 2018! Their press event is sure to be filled with TVs and fridges and appliances and talk of how they'll all play together with AI and other tech smarts and Bixby and all that. Think of it as LG's press event from this morning all over again, only on a bigger stage and with a handful of extra people in attendance. This is Samsung, after all. We shouldn't expect a bunch of phone announcements, as Samsung will hold off on that fun until later this year, possibly next month. We could get a shot of a new smartwatch, though, as is suggested by the teaser image for today's press event. Either way, I'm sure Bixby will be there to cheer you all up. The event starts at 2PM Pacific (5PM Eastern). You can watch it live at the top of this post.

Report: AT&T Won't Offer Huawei's Flagship After All

Tim — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:20:26 +0000

Last month, we learned that Huawei would likely be selling a flagship device through AT&T in February. However, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, AT&T has backed out of the deal and will not offer a Huawei device after all. There are no reasons provided in the report why AT&T has chosen to back out of the deal, but Huawei does intend to announce US availability for the Mate 10 Pro at its CES press event regardless. Whether we will see a different carrier partnership or just an unlocked carrier-free offering is yet to be known. Along with the launch on AT&T, Huawei also intended to spend millions of dollars in US advertising. With no launch, that plan could change, too, meaning Huawei's hopes of really penetrating the US market could be on hold. Huawei's CES event kicks off tomorrow, and hopefully, we'll get a few details there as to what's going on. // Wall Street Journal

Bixby Coming to Samsung's Family Hub Fridge, 2018 Smart TVs

Tim — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 12:51:57 +0000

Ahead of its big press event, Samsung held a preview event at CES where it announced Bixby would be coming to its Family Hub fridge and lineup of 2018 Smart TVs. As most of you should already know, Bixby is Samsung's digital assistant that launched on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, but launched a little late due to multiple reported issues. In October of last year, Samsung announced Bixby 2.0, which would take Bixby beyond phones and into its entire ecosystem of smart things. As an example of something you can do with Bixby on your fridge, users can ask, "What's new?" and get tailored responses featuring upcoming calendar events, weather information, news, and more. Not only will the 2018 lineup of Smart TVs and the Family Hub feature Bixby, they will also incorporate Samsung's SmartThings, the company's IoT platform hub. This will make connection to other smart devices in the home rather easy, with Samsung detailing, "It offers a simpler way to control the television and sync with other devices." Now, let it be known that a Family Hub fridge is not cheap, with prices ranging from around $2,000 to nearly $4,000. It all depends on where you buy it and which model you get, just like a regular fridge. If a fridge or TV with Bixby is something you've been needing, 2018 is going to be a solid year for you. // Samsung [2]

Verizon LG V20 Picks Up Update With AppFlash, Which You Should Disable

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:58:28 +0000

Verizon updated another of its phones today and included its app advertising platform, AppFlash. This time it's the LG V20 that received this unwanted, not-asked-for piece of bloatware advertising, but we're here to remind you again that you should disable it (or not enable it). What is AppFlash? It's the panel that Verizon is installing off to the left of its Android phones' home screens that includes app recommendations, which are ads. It'll probably track all sorts of your activities in order to provide those recommendations, so again, you'll want to opt-out, disable, not enable, and everything else you can do to try and rid this trash from your phone. To learn more about AppFlash, checkout this post. In addition to AppFlash, you'll now see an LTE logo when connected to an LTE network while on HD calls with video, and the December 2017 security patch is included. To check for updates, head into Settings>System updates. At least one reader has told us that the update is a whopping 930MB in size. Get on that WiFi. // Verizon Cheers Randy!

Android Distribution Updated for January 2018: Oreo Continues to Grow at Unimpressive Rate

Tim — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:56:07 +0000

Each month, Google posts up the Android Distribution numbers, and each month, we try to hold our laughter back. In December, Oreo, the latest and greatest version of Android, was on as many Android handsets as Ice Cream Sandwich. That equated to 0.5% of the total Android pie, which after a few months of being available, is pretty comical. There's absolutely nothing Google can do about it right now, but still, it's something we enjoy pointing out. Regardless of what we think, Google has posted up January's distribution numbers, so let's go over them. Oreo now sits at 0.7% (up from 0.5%), Nougat grew to 26.3% (up from 23.3%), Marshmallow fell to 28.6% (down from 29.7%), Lollipop now sits at 25.1%, KitKat is at 12.8%, Jelly Bean is at 5.6%, and Ice Cream Sandwich + Gingerbread equals to the remaining 0.9%. You can see last month’s numbers here. // Android Developers

Google Further Details Android TV Oreo Update With Redesigned UI

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:29:53 +0000

Back at Google I/O, Google showed off the next big UI update for Android TV that would arrive with Android Oreo. You probably know little about it and likely have never seen it because no Android TV has it outside of the Nexus Player, a device you can no longer buy. With that said, Google is doing big things with Android TV at CES 2018 this week and has provided a refresher, through their Google Play Dev blog, on the big changes that are coming. Our guess is that this refresher is here because the update is closer than ever to rolling out on current and new Android TV products. The biggest change here is the layout of the home screen. As you can see below, apps are now featured vertically, with their own content listed next to them horizontally (Google calls it "channel-based"). This allows you to not only see the apps you use the most, but also the available content. While the layout will take some getting used to, it should help with discovery, since content from apps are now shown without having to enter the app. These channels can be programmed by app developers to show promoted content, a specific order of programs, and branding. But there can be custom channels too, potentially by topic or user interest. That means a custom channel experience on your Android TV home screen. And finally, the new Android TV design features animated previews of programs as they are highlighted when you browse. Think of it like YouTube's live preview feature on desktop that shows you a short clip when you hover your mouse over a video thumbnail.

Today's blog post from Google didn't say when we should expect Android Oreo to arrive on more Android TV sets, but again, if they are once again pushing the message of it, I'd imagine they want to start rolling it out. Plus, new products are most definitely launching with Oreo inside. // Google Play Devs

Haier Launching Android TV-Equipped Smart TVs in Mid-2018

Tim — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:03:36 +0000

A partnership between Haier and Google has been announced this week at CES, one that will bring Android TV to Haier's new lineup of Smart TVs for 2018. We have yet to hear specs for the 2018 Smart TV models, but we do know that Haier expects to deliver all of the same Android TV features you know and love. You'll have access to Google Assistant, Android apps, Netflix, YouTube TV, and much more. Haier specifically mentions that it will be built on the latest Android Oreo OS (UI pictured above), too, which only Nexus Players are utilizing at this time. As soon as we get images of Haier's lineup, specs, and where you can buy them, we'll let you know. // Haier

Ring Announces New Stick Up Cams, Smart Lighting, and Shipping Estimate for Ring Alarm

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 10:12:24 +0000

Ring, the company you probably know because of its early entries into the smart doorbell arena, now sports a full ecosystem of smart home products that aim to keep your residence secure. To open CES 2018, Ring has announced new Stick Up cameras, outdoor smart lighting, and an estimated ship time for their Ring Alarm system, which is a rebranded Ring Security System that had some legal troubles. For the new Stick Up cameras, you have two: Stick Up Cam and Stick Up Cam Elite. What's the difference? The regular new Stick Up Cam can run on batteries, while the Elite needs to be wired in. Why does it need to be wired? Because the Elite features advanced motion sensors that likely need a lot more than battery power to run properly. Otherwise, these redesigned Stick Up Cams are mostly the same, are sold as being good for both indoors and outdoors, provide 1080p video, 2-way audio, and are weatherproof.

As for the new smart lighting, it's called Ring Beams, likely based off the company Mr Beams, which Ring just acquired. These lights integrate with the Ring app and other Ring products to intelligently light up as you need them to. They are wire-free, energy efficient lights that include pathway, flood, and step options. Finally, Ring Alarm is Ring's $199 professional monitored security system that includes a base station, keypad, contact sensor (for windows and doors), passive IR sensor, and Z-Wave extender. If you need more Ring goodies, you can add flood/freeze sensors and smoke alarms as well. Ring Alarm will being shipping in Spring 2018 and will include a monthly $10 fee. That monthly fee gets you professional monitoring and unlimited camera feeds.

We don't yet know when the new Stick Up cams or Beams will arrive or how much they'll cost. To check out the full line-up of Ring 2018 products, checkout the video below. // Ring

Sony Makes the Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra, and Xperia L2 Official at CES

Tim — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 09:57:09 +0000

Only a few days ago we got our first look at Sony's new Xperia lineup by way of a leak. All three Xperia devices shown off in that leak have now been made official at CES, the Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra, and Xperia L2. While US availability was not specifically mentioned by Sony in its press release (no surprise there), the company did provide complete specs for the devices, as well as an overview video for the Xperia XA2. The Xperia XA2 features a 5.2" FHD display, 23-megapixel rear-facing camera (4K, 120fps slow-mo, ISO 12800), Snapdragon 630 processor, and 3,300mAh battery. The Xperia XA2 Ultra sports a 6" FHD display, 16-megapixel with OIS + 8-megapixel front-facing cameras for elite selfie status, the same 23-megapixel camera on the back as the standard XA2 model, 3,580mAh battery, and Snapdragon 630 processor. Sony states that both devices will run Android 8.0 "Oreo" when they ship in February, 2018. For the Xperia L2, it features a 5.5" HD display, 3,300mAh battery, 13-megapixel rear camera, and 8-megapixel front camera. Sony says the L2 will ship with Nougat later this month. If we hear about US launches, we'll update you. // Sony Mobile

Yale x Nest Lock is Finally Coming in March

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 09:31:09 +0000

Yale and Nest teamed up at least a year ago to announce that they were creating the ultimate smart lock. For reasons will likely never know, the lock is only now arriving in 2018. The Yale x Nest Lock you'll get controls over this Yale product within the Nest app, which is a big deal. Up until now, you could only control Nest products within the Nest app and would have to rely on other apps to control other pieces of your smart home. While this isn't a sign that Nest is opening up to all - because this is a partnership - it's a pretty cool addition to the Nest line-up. The Yale x Nest Lock doesn't feature any key hole, so it's completely controlled either by app or through its outer-facing touchpad that takes codes. You can distribute codes to friends and family, it'll lock itself if needed and send you alerts, and you can remotely lock or unlock from anywhere. This new smart lock from Yale and Nest will go up for pre-order in February and arrive in March. We do not yet know pricing. // Yale | Engadget

NVIDIA Intros Big Format Gaming Displays, 65" 4K Panels With G-Sync and SHIELD Built-In

Tim — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 09:05:36 +0000

Last night, NVIDIA announced BFGD (Big Format Gaming Displays) at CES. Should you already spend many hours at your computer desk playing games and doing all sorts of other work, prepare yourself for what NVIDIA believes you should have sitting in front of you from now on, especially if you get down on gaming often. Upcoming BFGDs from select NVIDIA partners will feature a 65" 4K panel, HDR support, 120Hz refresh rate, come with G-Sync technology, as well as all SHIELD technology built-in. That's right, these massive displays will have access to all major content providers with their 4K content (Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, etc.), as well as Google Assistant and Android app support. If you're interested in all of the nitty gritty tech offered in a BFGD, the GeForce announcement page has everything you need to know. NVIDIA details that HP, Acer, and ASUS will be making their own BFGD models, but each will come with the previously outlined specs. We don't have specific timing or pricing yet, but is it safe to assume these displays will be not cheap? My guess is absolutely yes, and only the truest of true hardcore gamers are going to think about picking one of these up. What's your take on the BFGD? // NVIDIA

Google Pay Arrives to Combine Android Pay, Google Wallet

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 08:40:35 +0000

RIP, Android Pay and Google Wallet. Hello, Google Pay.

Google announced this morning that Google Pay has arrived to combine all of their payment options under a single brand. From Android Pay and Google Wallet, to your payment info stored in Chrome and paying for items on Google Play, Google Pay will now handle it all. I know, I know, you want to ask why the hell did Google separate all of these years ago? This is Google, so don't try and understand the odd decisions they often make or you'll ruin your day. Just know that this should be a good change. No one liked 3 or 4 different payment experiences from different Google products and this should eliminate that pain. We think.

Google says to expect the Google Pay rollout to stores, apps, and their own products to happen over the coming weeks. Apps like Airbnb, Dice, Fandango, HungryHouse, and Instacart have already made the switch to Google Pay. We aren't sure what will happen to the Android Pay and Google Wallet apps, though. Will they merge and become Google Pay? Will they stay separate and simply receive new branding? Will we get a new Google Pay app? We don't know! We'll let you know as this rollout begins to take shape. // Google

JBL Announces 3 New Headphones With Google Assistant

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 08:16:23 +0000

JBL, one of Harman's many audio brands, announced three new headphones today that feature Google Assistant. The JBL Everest 710GA, 310GA and 110GA bring you Assistant in over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear formats. These new JBL headphones feature JBL's "legendary Pro Audio Sound," and will last between 8 and 25 hours, depending on which model you choose. They feature quick recharging as well, should you need to top off. JBL also notes in their press release for these new headphones that these have been ergonomically-designed for "peak enjoyment." That's a fun way of saying that they feature specially-curved headbands to eliminate pressure on your ears, hopefully reducing your first world fatigue problems. With Google Assistant on board, JBL is joining Bose and what I can only imagine are dozens of others with plans to make smarter headphones. These have been optimized for Assistant too, so you'll get the full Google Assistant experience, like notification interactions, control over music, and more, all with the touch of a sensor on these headphones' ear cups. All three headphones will arrive at JBL retailers in Sprint 2018. // Harman

WATCH: LG's CES 2018 Press Event! (8AM PT, 11AM ET)

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 07:51:40 +0000

Today marks the beginning of CES for press and many of the big companies who host a big production press event at this massive electronics show. It's actually called Press Day here at CES, and LG always kicks things off with the first slot of more than a dozen that'll go down throughout the next few hours. LG's press event starts at 8AM Pacific (11AM Eastern) and should last about 45 minutes. In fact, all of today's press events during Press Day should last that long in order to give press time to shuffle between each one. What will LG announce? Probably not much in the mobile sphere. This isn't just a mobile electronics show, so they often show off their new TVs (like those with Google Assistant), new refrigerators, other home appliances, and possibly some robots. They'll definitely talk about these speakers too. They may show that new V30 in Raspberry Rose, but don't go into this expecting them to unveil the successor to the G6. LG will save the big mobile announcements for next month. With that said, if you are interested in general electronics fun, feel free to tune in! The video is embedded at the top of this post.

DJI Announces New Osmo Mobile 2 and It's Way Cheaper

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 07:45:20 +0000

We haven't talked a lot about gimbals during our days here at Droid Life, but it's clear that mobile gimbals have fully blown up. People love stable imagery and video, especially all those whacky vloggers out there. So when DJI announced the Osmo Mobile 2 yesterday, here at CES 2018, we figured at least some of you might like to know about it. It's also got a crazy low introductory price, so even if you don't know what gimbals are, you should pay attention because it might be your next tech purchase. What is a gimbal? On a basic level, Gimbals are stabilizers that allow you to shoot video without bumps and shakes and all of the other unwanted movements your unsteady hand might incorporate (think about shooting walking or pan shots). Companies like DJI make them big and small, but the popular versions at this point are those that are handheld and can be operated and setup quickly. We often use them for our cameras when shooting reviews, but the trend right now is to use them with your smartphone. And that makes sense, since our smartphones all have pretty great cameras. With the Osmo Mobile 2, you get an upgraded handheld smartphone gimbal that somehow only costs $129. I say that because the original Osmo Mobile ran somewhere close to $300, though it has seen a price drop to around $200 at this point. Yes, you are reading that correctly - the new Osmo Mobile 2 is $70 cheaper than the original.

DJI says that the Osmo Mobile 2 has up to 15 hours battery life, which is 3 times longer than the original (and I hope they are right, since it's an embedded battery). It even serves as a phone charger if you need some juice while on the go. It should be somewhat lighter than the original too, thanks to a high-strength modified nylon build. You'll also find a quick change to portrait shooting if you like that style, simpler controls, pro mode settings while shooting, and even a dolly zoom mode. As for Osmo Mobile 2 price and availability, you are looking at $129 with pre-orders opening exclusively at Apple.com on January 23. Once February hits, you should be able to find it at DJI's store, as well as other authorized retailers. More on the Osmo Mobile 2 can be found right here. // DJI

Honor Announces January 8 Overseas Release for View10, Honor 7X Red for US (Updated)

Tim — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 20:00:56 +0000

At an event for press before CES pops off this week, Honor announced that its latest smartphone the View10, will be available overseas starting January 8. If you were hoping for US availability, it's not looking good at this time. The View10 was announced in early December, and at that time, we had anticipated US availability would be detailed this week during CES. As of right now, Honor states the phone will be buyable only in India, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. While the View10 sports a good looking design and specs that make it an affordable high-end device, a partnership with Microsoft for its Microsoft Translator tech makes it even more appealing. With this AI-accelerated translator, users can get instantaneous translation without the need for an internet connection. The phone sounds nice, but again, no love for the US. Update: Posted to Honor's Twitter account, but for some reason not included in its press release, the View10 will be coming to the US, but we aren't sure when. The Tweet only reads, "V-Series is finally coming to US," but nothing more. We'll reach out to Honor to see if they can share any sort of availability timeframe. https://twitter.com/Honor_USA/status/950216904030875651?s=09

As for the Honor 7X Red, US buyers can find it for sale around Valentine's Day this February. If you need a refresh on the 7X, check out the initial announcement post we wrote from November. To quickly recap, though, it's priced at $199 and features a 5.9″ LCD display with minimal bezel, Kirin 659 processor, 4GB RAM, dual rear-facing cameras (16MP + 2MP), fingerprint reader, and 3,340mAh battery. Honor also announced that the first 100 purchasers of Honor 7X Red in each country/region will receive a pair of red co-branded Honor-Monster AM15 headphones as a special gift.

WATCH: NVIDIA's 2018 CES Press Event! (8PM PT, 11PM EST)

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 14:15:37 +0000

CES 2018 is here, and yep, we're here too. To kick off the week, NVIDIA has an opening press event tonight, at 8PM Pacific (11PM Eastern). We really have no idea what to expect from it, but the NVIDIA CES 2018 conference schedule has mentions of their automotive initiatives, including autonomous car technology. But there are mentions of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements too, which could mean anything from their computing focuses to Google Assistant in their products (like SHIELD) to gaming. Whatever it is, we'll try to recap it for you if you can't tune in live. If you want to watch the event live, we'll update this post once we have the link to it. UPDATE: Live stream is below!

OnePlus 5 Oreo Update is Back as OxygenOS 5.0.1

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 12:32:39 +0000

UPDATE 1/7/18: Alright, the Oreo update is back as OxygenOS 5.0.1. The changelog remains the same, but OnePlus has added two items to it:

Bug fixes for third party camera application
Fixed network issues for European operators

On a related note, this update apparently will not work on your OnePlus 5 is it has an unlocked bootloader. OnePlus suggests re-locking your phone to get the update, which of course, will wipe your phone. More info here.

UPDATE 1/3/18: OnePlus pulled the OnePlus 5 Oreo update saying the following--

Sorry everyone, we’ve temporarily delayed the global roll out of Oxygen 5.0, while we work to improve the user experience.

That quote originally said that OnePlus pulled it because of a bug and were working on OxygenOS 5.0.1 as a replacement. We aren't sure why they've now changed the wording, but it could be a while. We'll let you know when it comes back.

ORIGINAL - OnePlus handed out a couple of Christmas gifts yesterday to OnePlus 5 owners. The update to Android Oreo (8.0) and OxygenOS 5.0 arrived in stable form after having previously only been available as a beta for a month. Additionally, Carl Pei announced that the Face Unlock feature from the OnePlus 5T will soon come to the OnePlus 5. Since the Oreo update began rolling out yesterday, it could be some time before you all get it on your devices. OnePlus pushes these incrementally, so if you aren't one of the first few to pull it, you'll have to wait until the following day to try again. The update includes not only Android 8.0, but a new camera UI, optimizations to the launcher, a "Places" tab in the gallery, and tweaks to the Quick Settings and Lift Up Display features. The full list can be seen below.

Updated to Android O (8.0)
Launcher
- Optimizations for Shelf
- Now you can upload your photo through Shot on OnePlus

Camera
- New Camera UI design
- Optimizations for photo quality
- Added beauty effect for Portrait Mode

Gallery
- Added “Places” tab for viewing photos on a map

Calculator
- Added history feature

Clock
- Added alarm calendar feature

System
- Added Parallel Apps feature
- New design for Quick Settings
- New design for Lift up display
- Added “Adaptive model" screen calibration
- Optimizations for Wi-Fi
- Optimizations for Battery Saver
- Updated Android security patch to December

As for the Face Unlock stuff, Pei didn't say when we'd get it on the OnePlus 5, only that it's "coming." I'd call that a nice upgrade or feature addition too. While I'm not the biggest Face Unlock fan in the world, because I feel like companies are going to start cutting fingerprint readers in place of facial recognition like Apple did, OnePlus' take on it is fast and also a solid compliment to your secure setup. As we learn more about timing, we'll let you know. https://twitter.com/getpeid/status/944915403398098944 // OnePlus

Essential Phone Grabs New Update With January Security Patch, Spectre and Meltdown Fixes

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 12:15:08 +0000

On Friday, Essential began pushing another update to the Essential Phone, this time in the form of January's Android security patch. It also includes fixes for the Spectre and Meltdown security flaws that affect almost all modern processors, including Qualcomm's. The new build will roll out as NMJ88C, which is still Nougat. Essential says that it is "getting close" to having the full Oreo release out. As for the Spectre and Meltdown security patches, I'll just have to refer you to write-ups on the issue from Arstechnica and Wired. Security is not exactly what we're known for and I'd rather you get the dirty details from those who specialize in this stuff. Just know that your computers and phones are likely affected and will need patches that most companies appear to be working on. To grab the update, head into Settings>About>System updates. https://twitter.com/essential/status/949415716268077057?s=09

Verizon's Total Mobile Protection Plan Price Increases to $13 (Updated)

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 11:59:39 +0000

This weekend, Verizon announced upcoming changes to their Total Mobile Protection (TMP) plan that affects all customers enrolled in the plan, as well as new customers. The big change is a price increase, but Verizon also says they are lowering the cost of phone replacements. On January 25, new customers who sign-up for Total Mobile Protection will pay an increased price of $13 per month for coverage. That's up from the current $11 price. Current customers on TMP will be moved to $13/mo on March 6. In other words, this price change is for everyone, even if you try and sneak-in a sign-up before the increase takes effect. As for other news involving Verizon Total Mobile Protection, Verizon says that 150 devices can now be replaced if broken or lost in the program for as little as $89. Apologies, but I can't find their current rates and am not sure where that's dropping from. If I get that info, I'll be sure to update this post. UPDATE 1/9: Verizon reached out with more details on the new pricing for phone replacements. They are as follows:

Phones with deductibles previously at $199 drop to $149 Phones with deductibles previously at $149 drop to $89 Phones with deductibles previously at $99 drop to $89

Additionally, Verizon's recently-reduced $29 screen replacement option through TMP is now a nationwide offering. In 170 cities, a repair technician can come to you to fix it, plus there are 300 authorized repair locations around too. Note: Verizon is also helping with international repairs and replacements too, should you be traveling abroad and something happen to your phone. Verizon tells us that replacements will be delivered by local couriers and that they'll reimburse you should you need to pay for screen repairs. To learn more about Verizon's Total Mobile Protection, head over to this page. // Verizon

Weekly Recap: CES 2018 Kicks Off Next Week!

Tim — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 14:58:47 +0000

Kellen and I will touch down in Las Vegas this Sunday for CES 2018, which hopefully proves to be a week full of fun announcements and new products. We don't know what to expect in terms of Android announcements, but we'll be there if anything happens, don't worry. This week, Google gave us an idea at how many Google Home units have been sold since launch, January's security patch was made available for Nexus and Pixel devices, a report detailed LG's desire to rebrand the G lineup, HQ Trivia launched for Android, and AT&T declared they will be first to launch a mobile 5G network in the US. If you missed any of it, we've got the goods below!

Have a good weekend, folks!

Lightning DEAL: This AUKEY Quick Charge 3.0 Charger is Just $10.49 Right Now (Updated!)

Kellen — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 12:12:42 +0000

This deal won't be around much longer, but if you hurry over to Amazon, you can grab an AUKEY Quick Charge 3.0 wall charger for just $10.49 ($3.50 off). It won't be around long because this is a lightning deal, so be quick about it. With this charger, you'll be able to fast charge a variety of devices, including Samsung's latest (Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8), LG's G6 and V30, the HTC 10, and more. This is a Qualcomm Quick Charge certified product, so really any Quick Charge enabled phone can take advantage of its faster speeds. UPDATE: AUKEY's 2-port QC 3.0 car charger is also a lightning deal right now. The price has dropped to $14.99, a $5 drop. AMAZON LINK

Amazon Deal Link

Google Has Sold a Google Home Every Second Since October 19

Tim — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 10:33:22 +0000

Google has never been one to share specific sales numbers for its hardware devices, but in a blog post from today, the company gave us a rough idea at how many Google Home devices have shipped and the metric they used may impress you. According to Google, the company sold a Google Home every second since its launch in October. If we assume Google means October 19, which was the official launch date, that amounts to over 6.5 million units, so long as we're counting all 76 days from October 19 to today, January 5. Here's the full excerpt from Google's blog.

With Google Home Mini and Google Home Max in addition to our original Google Home, we brought you even more ways to use the Assistant in your home. So it’s no wonder we’ve sold tens of millions of all our Google devices for the home over this last year. And in fact, we sold more than one Google Home device every second since Google Home Mini started shipping in October.

6.5 million in the grand scheme may not seem like a lot, but the fact that the company was moving a unit every second since launch seems most impressive. That's a whole lot of Google Assistant action and I know for a fact that I'm responsible for at least a few of the 6.5 million. Pretty impressive, right? // Google

Upgraded Nokia 6 2nd-Gen Hits China, Hopefully Finds the US Too

Tim — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 08:56:45 +0000

The second-generation of the Nokia 6 is now up for pre-order in China, with no word quite yet on when or if it will hit the US. For being priced at around $230, the new Nokia 6 is a good looking handset, with a body made from 6000 series aluminum and improvements made throughout the phone. The new model comes with a Snapdragon 630 processor (an upgrade from last year's Snapdragon 430), 4GB RAM (up from 3GB), 5.5-inch FHD display, 16-megapixel rear-facing camera, rear-facing fingerprint reader, USB Type-C (not microUSB), and support for an upcoming Oreo update. Again, for about $230, this doesn't sound bad at all. Most importantly for us in the US, the question is whether the new Nokia 6 will ever launch here. Last year, the original Nokia 6 was announced in January for China, then made available in the US through Amazon in July. We could see the same thing this year, but nothing has been confirmed quite yet. Do we have any Nokia fans here? Thoughts? // Nokia (China)

Amazon's Alexa is Coming to Headphones, Wearables, Other Mobile Accessories

Kellen — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 08:27:43 +0000

Once Google put the Google Assistant in a pair of Bose headphones a few months back, it was only a matter of time before Amazon did the same thing with its Alexa assistant. Today, Amazon announced that they are indeed entering the mobile accessory space with their smart assistant through the Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit. This new accessory kit will allow accessory makers to add Alexa to on-the-go devices, like hearables, headphones, smartwatches, fitness products, and almost anything else you can think of that could use Alexa. Amazon says that the kit lets OEMs add the tech with little investment. To use Alexa on something like a smartwatch or pair of headphones, Bluetooth will come into play, along with Alexa Voice Service through the Amazon Alexa app that you'll find on both Android and iOS. Those items paired means control over smart homes, streaming media, all of the Alexa skills currently available, weather info, management of your calendar, etc. Think of Alexa-integration in a Bluetooth device like a portable Amazon Echo. When can you expect the first products? Amazon has already been working with partners, so don't be surprised if we see some announced next week at CES. Companies like Bose, Jabra, iHome, and Beyerdynamic will have products available later this year with Alexa on board. Excited or are you already burned out on the assistant integration into everything? // Alexa Blogs

Samsung's Exynos 9810 is Official and Ready for the Galaxy S9, Just Not in the US

Kellen — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 14:05:39 +0000

Samsung announced its latest high-end mobile application processor today, the Exynos 9810. This is Samsung's processor that will likely power the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ around the globe, just not here in the US where the Snapdragon 845 will reign supreme. This new Exynos 9 series processor is built on Samsung's 2nd-gen 10nm FinFET process, just like the Snapdragon 845 is. It'll offer up faster multi-tasking, faster app load times, and faster transition times between them, all thanks to the new 8-core CPU it's rocking. This new CPU includes four 3rd-gen custom cores that can reach up to 2.9GHz for the heavy lifting, while the other four cores take care of efficiency. Samsung says that single-core performance is enhanced two-fold, while multi-core performance has increased by around 40% over the previous-gen Exynos 9. Of course, powering apps isn't all this new Exynos 9810 will do. It'll help other components do things like recognize people and other items in photos for searching or categorization, scan faces in 3D, and deploy multiple security features including facial, iris, and fingerprint. Expect a powerful modem as well, one that'll let users hit up to 1.2Gbps speeds, thanks to its Cat.18 LTE modem (first in the industry) and 6x carrier aggregation (CA). Finally, the Exynos 9810 includes dedicated image processing to enhance stabilization of images and video, as well as UHD video at 120fps. The Exynos 9810 is now in mass production, again, because it'll be in the Galaxy S9 internationally.

// Samsung

Whoa, These New Sony Xperia Devices Look Like All Other Xperia Devices

Tim — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 13:12:59 +0000

Thanks to VentureBeat, we're getting our first good looks at Sony's upcoming devices, the Xperia XA2, Xepria XA2 Ultra (pictured above), and Xperia L2 (pictured below). According to the outlet, Sony may introduce these three new low to mid-range devices at CES next week or may hold off until MWC in February. Either way, here they are for all of us to see. For the Xperia XA2, specs are reported to include a 5.2" FHD display, Snapdragon 630 processor, 21-megapixel camera, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of storage (or 3GB RAM + 32GB storage). For the Xperia XA2 Ultra, the specs appear to be about the same , but it features a 6" FHD display and dual 15-megapixel selfie cameras. The front-facing cameras support 4K video recording, too, according to the report.

As for the more affordable Xperia L2, not too much is known yet, but it has a 5.2" HD display and will likely come with Android "Nougat" when it ships. If you ask me, these new Xperia devices look quite similar to past Xperia devices, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it has gotten rather bland over the years. I do like what Sony is doing with the rear-facing fingerprint readers, though. Very nice. CES is next week, so we'll see what happens then. // VentureBeat

Thursday Poll: How Often Do You Upgrade Phones?

Kellen — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 12:20:14 +0000

A lengthy email hit our inbox this morning (Cheers, Christopher!) that touched on the subject of upgrades. It brought up the idea that with the early introduction of device payment plans as a replacement for the two-year service contract, that carriers were almost begging you to upgrade frequently. But since, we've already seen a switch from that method to one where carriers are often offering up discounts that are spread out over two-year periods in order to lock you in to the same device and keep you around like those old service contracts did. We're also seeing phones that are more expensive than ever, leading to not-so-cheap monthly device payments. Things changed and then they changed again almost immediately. So we thought we'd ask you about upgrades. It has been a couple of years and we're curious how often you are picking up a new phone. In 2016, 51% of you were getting new phones whenever you found a new phone you like, which was up from the 45% that upgraded similarly in 2015. 30% from each year were upgrading every 2 years, though. Have things changed for you over the past couple of years? Are you hanging on to phones longer or are your upgrades habits still the same? [poll id="467"]

DEAL: This Anker Wireless Charger is Just $12.59 With Coupon Code

Kellen — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 11:54:37 +0000

Because Samsung and Apple are so into wireless charging these days, you can't go more than a day without finding a wireless charger deal. Anker, one of the more reliable accessory makers, is hosting a 30% off deal on its standard wireless charger this week. That drops the already-reasonable price of $17.99 down to just $12.59. At that price, you may as well fill up your entire house and office with wireless chargers. This isn't a fast wireless charging pad, so keep that in mind. It does have indicator lights, though, so you'll know when your phone is charging and also finished. It's also stupidly cheap, which I already mentioned. Use code "ANKE2599" at checkout to get the discount.

Amazon Link

AT&T Says It'll be the First to Launch Mobile 5G in 2018

Kellen — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 10:50:17 +0000

As Verizon continues to ramp up its 5G technology in an attempt to launch residential, 5G broadband this year, AT&T has quietly swooped in to announce that it'll be the first to launch mobile 5G over the coming months. Yep, we're talking about the mobile 5G for your phone that we've been looking forward to and talked non-stop about for the past couple of years. AT&T thinks it can launch mobile 5G in a dozen markets by late 2018, which is kind of insane. Remember, Verizon has only said that it'll launch fixed wireless 5G solutions, like home broadband internet. T-Mobile isn't expecting 5G until 2020. AT&T says it's doing it this year in a dozen locations. That's pretty exciting if they can actually accomplish that. AT&T said in a press release that they've "taken a different approach" to building out this new network, which appears to amount to them working with 3GPP, the group that puts together standards for technologies like 4G LTE and 5G. You may recall that the first 5G spec was set by 3GPP only a couple of weeks ago. AT&T seems to think that because they are a part of 3GPP's standards process, they are further ahead of schedule. OK, but doesn't everyone now have access to the 5G standards? How is AT&T ahead because they were in on the talks? I don't know, just roll with it. The dozen markets weren't provided by AT&T, so we don't even know exactly where to look for the first 5G deployment. They also didn't mention anything about devices, if any of us will even be able to connect to this network, or what a plan structure might look like involving 5G. In addition to that 5G fun, AT&T shared its other plans for the year. For one, they'll continue to expand 5G Evolution, which is their faux 5G. They've already launched 5G Evolution in 23 major metro areas, but plan to push it into hundreds more. AT&T also wants to continue turbo-charging their LTE network using LTE-LAA (Licensed Assisted Access) in another 2 dozen metros, launch more fixed wireless internet in rural areas, and continue pushing their LTE-M network to keep the world's IoT solutions powered. Sure sounds like a big year for AT&T in terms of network improvements. // AT&T

Dashlane's Project Mirror Aims to Kill Passwords in 2018

Tim — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 10:41:21 +0000

Many of you might already use a password manager, which is a great tool for keeping your digital passwords in order. Well, Dashlane introduced Project Mirror this week, with the company declaring war on the institute of passwords as a whole. Interestingly, though, Project Mirror is essentially a password manager, but also a keeper for all things digital security, including biometrics and automatic handling of multi-factor authentication steps. Project Mirror, at least the way Dashlane explains it, seems quite comprehensive. Here's what they write that sums up the project. "Through Project Mirror, the Dashlane App will be the source for your digital identity — a mirror of sorts, reflecting the personal information and credentials that you use throughout the internet so that you don’t have to worry about it." With Dashlane taking over all forms of logging into things, they're basically killing the password, which is cool. Project Mirror has a roadmap for 2018, with the first feature, Critical Account Recovery, scheduled to release soon. With this feature, users will import and secure their most important passwords in Dashlane, with the app identifying any high-risk accounts and automatically resetting and securing those credentials. You can store any ol' account information in here, but think of your bank login, Facebook, Twitter, or anything else you might label as critical. The video below details Critical Account Recovery in full. Over the course of 2018, we'll learn more about Project Mirror and its features. As soon as we hear more, we will keep you posted on it. Do you use a password manager currently? If so, which one? // Dashlane

Here's the List of Games That Support Razer Phone's 120Hz Refresh Rate

Tim — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 08:37:25 +0000

As you should know, the Razer Phone features a display capable of producing a 120Hz refresh rate, something not yet seen widespread in mobile devices. While 120Hz is something you can already spot simply by scrolling through the Android UI, it takes a game to better experience major differences in refresh rate. Thanks to Razer, we now have an official list of games that support the increased refresh rate. According to the list, gamers can play the Injustice titles, Minecraft, Asphalt 8, Runescape, Hitman Sniper, Pokemon GO, plus the series of Go titles from Square Enix, all at a max refresh of 120Hz. The entire list can be viewed below, which is a pretty solid collection of titles. [[table id=109 responsive=scroll /] Go check out these titles! // Razer Zone

Allo was Down for Many, Should be Back Up Now

Kellen — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 08:03:07 +0000

Our inbox exploded this morning (2 emails) with news that the insanely popular Google messenger app, Allo, was down. I know, you can imagine the difficulty in deciding which Google messaging platform to use in its place, since there are enough to give you a fresh experience each day of the week. But our readers endured and found a way to inform us of the problem. We confirmed the massive outage that affected many, not by trying Allo ourselves, but by finding its other 15 users in Google's Allo Help Forum who were also having connectivity issues. With that in mind, Google reps say that Allo is back up. And yeah, we did actually walk through the setup process to confirm that it's working, a setup process needed because we haven't used the app since the web version launched a few months back and have since switched phones. Allo was down. Now it's back. Probably. Try it, then get back to your other messaging app of choice. // Google Allo Help Forum Cheers Jonathan and Johnathan!

OnePlus Brings Sandstone Back, This Time in White on a Limited OnePlus 5T

Kellen — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 07:35:53 +0000

Oh man, one of the best materials/textures ever used on a smartphone is back, thanks to OnePlus. Anyone remember the iconic Sandstone that was used back on the original OnePlus One and 2? It's back on the OnePlus 5T, only this time in white and as a limited release. YES. We loved Sandstone so much because it offered a bit of texture to the original OnePlus phones that no other phone had. It wasn't matte and it wasn't polished and it wasn't glass. The Sandstone coating added grip, a bit of weirdness, and it looked pretty cool. It felt like no other phone in-hand, in a good way. OnePlus says that they have been trying to bring Sandstone back, only it has been difficult to do now that they've switched to all metal phones. Instead, they've basically just been releasing Sandstone cases alongside their phones since the OnePlus 3. For the OnePlus 5T (our review), after over 100 prototypes, they've settled on a 4-layer texture "with a comfortable grip and a natural, minimalistic appearance" that brings Sandstone back. It'll be available on January 9 at 10AM Eastern in a 128GB/8GB configuration and cost $559. OnePlus says that because of the difficulty making this Sandstone White OnePlus 5T, it will be available in very limited quantities.

OnePlus Store

// OnePlus

OnePlus 5 is Getting 5T's Face Unlock, Grabs Official Oreo for Now (Updated: Pulled Because of "Bug")

Kellen — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:13:24 +0000

UPDATE 1/3/18: OnePlus pulled the OnePlus 5 Oreo update saying the following--

Sorry everyone, we’ve temporarily delayed the global roll out of Oxygen 5.0, while we work to improve the user experience.

Updated to Android O (8.0)
Launcher
- Optimizations for Shelf
- Now you can upload your photo through Shot on OnePlus

Camera
- New Camera UI design
- Optimizations for photo quality
- Added beauty effect for Portrait Mode

Gallery
- Added “Places” tab for viewing photos on a map

Calculator
- Added history feature

Clock
- Added alarm calendar feature

System
- Added Parallel Apps feature
- New design for Quick Settings
- New design for Lift up display
- Added “Adaptive model" screen calibration
- Optimizations for Wi-Fi
- Optimizations for Battery Saver
- Updated Android security patch to December

Report: Google Looking to Sell Off Zagat

Tim — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:47:44 +0000

According to sources who spoke with Reuters, Google is seeking to sell off Zagat, the restaurant review platform it purchased in 2011. Since purchasing Zagat, Google launched an Android app, updated said app here and there, and implemented a lot Zagat's content into other Google services like Maps. As reported, Google has had a few meetings that focused on the sale of Zagat, but there's nothing concrete at the moment. There also isn't a list of potential buyers. If and when a deal is made, we're pretty sure nothing will change. It's possible Google could hold onto the information and reviews it has collected over the years and continue to provide it to users in Google Maps, but really, Google Maps is already hosting thousands upon thousands of reviews. If the Zagat content is removed, I don't think it's going to debilitate anyone's experience. We'll keep you posted as this developers. // Reuters

Samsung Will Power Verizon's First 5G Network This Year

Kellen — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:41:06 +0000

When Verizon launches its first 5G residential broadband network this year, Samsung will power the portion of it that sits in your home. With Sacramento up first at some point in the second half of 2018 (followed by up to another 4 cities), Samsung's commercial 5G home routers, 5G Radio Access Units, and 5G radio planning services will all be a part of the equation that will wirelessly push a 5G signal. For those not keeping up on Verizon's 5G, we're only talking about their in-home 5G wireless service here. Think of it like your Comcast internet, only sent wirelessly to your home. This is home broadband internet, not the wireless type you get through your phone. Still, it's worth talking about as it should eventually lead to cellular 5G. Samsung and Verizon have tested 5G in California, Georgia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, and Washington DC. So far, we still only have Sacramento as a 2018 confirmation, but I'd imagine the other 4 they plan to light up will come from this trial. // Samsung

LG's New TVs Will Feature Google Assistant

Kellen — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:20:06 +0000

LG already told us to expect their first premium Bluetooth speaker with Google Assistant onboard at CES, but they have now added TVs to the category. In 2018, LG will introduce both OLED and Super UHD TVs that are powered by LG's ThinQ AI and that feature Google Assistant. Google Assistant won't be available everywhere, though. LG stated in a press release that "certain countries" will gain the functionality, but I'd assume that'll mean the US and other countries that already have access. With Google Assistant in an LG TV, you'll be able to use the Assistant like you would through a Google Home. That'll mean controlling over smart home devices and lights, for one. Additionally, LG may rely on its own ThinQ AI for on-device searches, like searching for soundtracks to movies playing or turning off the TV by voice. Still, I'd think that Google Assistant won't be limited to just smart home control and Google likely wants it to have full capabilities, like setting reminders, checking the weather, etc. Again, these new AI smarts and Google Assistant will be featured in select LG OLED and Super UHD TVs. Some will be on hand at CES, so we'll do our best to take a look. // LG

OnePlus Switch App Makes Data Transfer to Your New OnePlus Phone Easy

Tim — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:21:00 +0000

OnePlus launched a new app to Google Play this week, called OnePlus Switch. The app is a data transfer tool, designed to make getting data from your old non-OnePlus device to your shiny new OnePlus device. It appears to work incredibly easy. All you do is install the app on both your old and new phone, scan a QR code to pair the devices, then let the data transfer begin. Here's what you can transfer with the app.

Currently, you can transfer: Contacts, Messages, Call Logs, Photos, Videos, Audio and applications (without data). We are already working on new updates for more support - such as Wi-Fi history, Camera settings, Apps data, and more.

If you plan on setting up a new OnePlus device soon, go grab the app by following the Google Play link below. Google Play Link // OnePlus

LG V30 in Raspberry Rose to Make Appearance at CES

Tim — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 08:36:55 +0000

A new color for the LG V30 is set to make its debut at CES next week, sporting the fancy name of Raspberry Rose. It's the same phone we grew to enjoy in 2017, but LG states this color is "romance inducing," perfect for Valentine's Day. While I'm all for new colors, especially ones that aren't black or white, LG's availability details have me a bit worried for anyone who may want to purchase this color in the US. Stated in the press release, the Raspberry Rose V30 will, "Roll out in Korea soon after CES with key markets in Europe and Asia to follow." Nowhere is the United States specifically mentioned. Ouch. If the V30 in this color does make its way over here, even though a whole gang of 2018 flagships will probably have been already announced, would you be tempted?

// LG

LG to Rebrand G Series of Phones, Which is Probably a Good Thing

Kellen — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 08:15:47 +0000

I hate to pat ourselves on the back, but on last week's Droid Life Show, we talked about the fact that it was time for LG to ditch the G series of phones and do something new. We brought up the idea during our 2018 predictions portion of the show as we got to the topic of LG and what it can do or whether or not there is any excitement around something like, the G7. As it turns out, LG is preparing a new brand strategy for the series, according to The Investor. LG apparently confirmed the news, suggesting that this isn't a big deal and that Samsung and Apple have made similar moves. LG is still weighing their name options, though, with two-digit number and new name ideas all on the table. That's kind of wild, if you think about it. We're only a handful of weeks out from LG potentially unveiling this new line of phones, yet they haven't settled on a name. As I mentioned on the show, this is probably the right move from LG. Not that G series phones have been bad, it's just that they don't seem to be generating any fresh buzz or excitement. We liked the G6, but we also didn't love the G6. Creating a new series is certainly a way to bring some life back to a brand that has struggled in recent years in the smartphone department. What do you think - what should LG call their new series of flagship phones? // The Investor

Ready to Try Google's Fuchsia OS? Get Your Pixelbook Ready!

Tim — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:21:37 +0000

In mid-2017, we got somewhat of a preview of Google's Fuchsia OS user interface. It was very card heavy and similar in terms of looks to Android's Material Design. If this is the first you're hearing of Fuchsia, it is Google's third OS next to Chrome OS and Android. It's developed completely in-house, using no Linux kernel and could quite possibly replace both Android and Chrome OS years down the road. If waiting for more info from Google isn't your thing, you can now flash Fuchsia and try it yourself, but there's a very expensive piece of equipment you need to have in order to use it. According to Google, owners of a Pixelbook can test out Fuchsia on their fancy Chrome OS machines, but you will need to sacrifice a USB drive in order to boot it. Detailed by Google, the media creation process is "destructive" to the USB drive, so don't use a USB stick that you're attached to. Once installed, you'll be running Fuchsia, but keep in mind that this OS is very experimental and issues will probably arise. Are you on the bleeding edge of Google tech? Then go check it out! Get Started Here // Arstechnica

Question of the Day: Anyone Seeing Verizon Gigabit LTE Speeds Yet?

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 14:10:09 +0000

We're freshly into 2018 and so some of you should be able to access Verizon's Gigabit Class LTE network. I'm saying that because a number of you own the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Moto Z2 Force, all of which have been updated with access to Verizon's upgraded LTE network. We've also provided you with a list of devices that Verizon says should be able to get in on the action now or in the near future with an update. We are still working on getting a list of the 560 markets where Verizon says Gigabit LTE technologies are available, however. Because of that, we figured we'd just straight up ask all of you if you own one of the support devices and whether or not you've noticed an upgrade in speeds in recent weeks. For example, a reader of ours sent in the screenshots of speed tests below from the Joliet, IL (left) and Detroit (right) areas while using a Galaxy S8+. The speed tests from Joliet really show a flip of the switch. Speeds after December 25 tripled in download speeds and provided 10x the upload speeds. That's a pretty solid jump. The Detroit speed tests seem to show an overall download increase that isn't typical for most of us.

I'm sure you are wondering why these speeds above aren't anywhere near 1Gbps. That's because that is a theoretic speed that will likely never be hit unless in a lab setting. For you, you'll likely see a big boost like we are showing here. That could mean "50% faster peak speeds," according to Verizon, or “peak speeds far exceeding most phones in the market today.” What about you? Seeing a noticeable speed increases? If so, where are you located? Cheers Jerry!

List of Verizon Gigabit LTE Devices (Updated!)

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 14:09:58 +0000

Verizon kept saying as we approached the end of 2017 that they'd have Gigabit Class LTE live in certain markets and on select devices. We're still trying to figure out where exactly you'll be able to crush through all those downloads at newly upgraded speeds (Verizon says in 560 markets), but we do at least have a list of Verizon Gigabit LTE devices to give you. UPDATE 1/3/18: After posting our original Gigabit LTE article, where an official Verizon contact gave us a list of supposed Gigabit LTE devices (that we were openly skeptical of), we've received a correction today from another official company contact. Ahhh, confusion on confusion - such fun. We do believe that we now have an extra-updated and should-be-correct list. Apologies for the mix-up, but as of today, this is the correct Verizon Gigabit LTE device list:

Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
LG V30
Moto Z2 Force

There will likely be other devices, like I'd imagine the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL could gain access (maybe even newer iPhones too), but those few devices above are it for now. We'll certainly keep you updated as more devices make the cut. If you are noticing an increase in speeds, be sure to let us know over at our question of the day! NOTE: We've obviously heavily edited the post from the original to clear up any confusion.

Samsung Trademarks DeX Pad, Will Likely Launch Alongside Galaxy S9

Tim — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:17:28 +0000

In late-November, we learned that Samsung may introduce a new DeX docking product for its lineup of Galaxy devices. There wasn't a confirmed name associated with this product, but it was reported that users could place their Galaxy phone flat on the dock and use their phone as a touchpad or virtual keyboard. Well, it is now reported that DeX Pad has been trademarked by Samsung, pretty much confirming the existence of this upcoming DeX product. We still don't have too many specifics in terms of usage, but our best guess is that once the phone is docked and laying flat, you could use the smartphone's display as a track pad for the monitor you have connected. It's a straightforward product, I'd say. As for when it will launch, we assume it will be around when Samsung launches the Galaxy S9, which could be relatively soon. The device, along with the Galaxy S9+, recently passed through the FCC, rather early compared to past Galaxy flagship devices. DeX users, does this new product interest you? // GSM Arena

January's Android Security Update Goes Live for Nexus and Pixel Devices (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 10:28:47 +0000

Google just dropped the January 2018 security patch for Nexus and Pixel devices on us. At this time, we already have both factory image and OTA files, so choose whichever works best for you if you don't feel like waiting for the update to show up on your device. So far, we are seeing new 8.1.0 files for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (OPM1.171019.013, OPM1.171019.014), Pixel and Pixel XL (OPM1.171019.012, OPM1.171019.014), Pixel C (OPM1.171019.015), Nexus 6P (OPM3.171019.013), and Nexus 5X (OPM3.171019.013). As for notes, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL OPM1.171019.014 build is for 02/UK only, while the OPM1.171019.013 build should be for everyone else. Same applies for the Pixel and Pixel XL, where OPM1.171019.012 is for everyone and OPM1.171019.014 is for 02/UK. UPDATE 1/22: We've got some new files for Pixel 2, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 5X. Details on which phones and carriers can be found here. For Pixel and Nexus devices, you'll get security patch level 2018-01-05. For non-Google devices, there will be either 2018-01-01 or 2018-01-05 security patch levels. NOTE: This January security patch includes Spectre and Meltdown fixes. Google says to expect two functional updates with Nexus and Pixel phones: [table id=103 responsive=scroll /] You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. As more files arrive, we’ll update this post. Links:

Pixel 2's Portrait Mode Gets Ported to Older Google Phones, Non-Google Phones Running Oreo

Tim — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 09:30:36 +0000

One of the better features on the Pixel 2's outstanding camera is Portrait Mode, which focuses on a single subject (human or not) and provides a lovely bokeh effect around said subject. This feature, of course, has been exclusive to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, but thanks to the hard work of developers, a modded version of the Google Camera apk, called Camera NX, enables Google's Portrait Mode on older Google devices, as well as non-Google devices running Oreo. The original version of Camera NX works on Google devices such as the original Pixel, Pixel XL, and Nexus 5X, but another version labeled as Camera NX enhanced, delivers the same portrait experience to non-Google devices running Oreo. It has been tested and confirmed to work on phones such as the OnePlus 3/3T, Galaxy Note 8 (so long as its running a leaked Oreo ROM), and others. Basically, if the phone you're using runs 64-bit Oreo, it should work. If giving Google's Portrait Mode a spin on your non-Google phone or older Google phone sounds enticing, follow the link below and sideload the apk. Don't worry about rooting your phone either, it's not required. Download Here // XDA | Chromloop

You Can Now Download HQ Trivia on Android

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 07:46:30 +0000

The folks behind the popular iOS game HQ Trivia told us to expect wide Android release on January 1. They followed through on that promise (maybe even a day early) and the game is now available for all to download, as long as you have a phone running Android 5.1+. The HQ Trivia Android app is currently listed as "unreleased" and as a beta that "maybe be unstable," so keep that in mind as you use it. In other words, there are likely to be bugs that you'll have to deal with as you try and answer questions for cash. HQ Trivia is a live trivia game (every day at 9PM EST, also at 3PM EST on weekdays), with a live host, that gives you only a few seconds to answer multiple choice questions. If you answer all of the questions during a game, you could win real cash (and cashout with PayPal). The day's prize varies from day to day, but there is almost always cash there from what I can tell. You also have a leaderboard to rank-up on, a way to invite your friends, and a live chat during games. People love it and hate, but now it's your turn to check it out on Android. For those who have jumped in early, how has the experience been? I've had it installed for two days and have yet to get into a game. Sadface. Google Play Link

OnePlus 5T Gets First Android Oreo Beta

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 07:15:01 +0000

As a last surprise before 2017 ended, OnePlus snuck out the first Android Oreo beta for the OnePlus 5T. This is/was an "open" beta, so it won't be rolling out to your phone. Instead, you would have to manually flash it while understanding that this will take you off the official over-the-air update path. As of this morning, it appears that OnePlus pulled the Oreo beta file. The thread for this update is filled with quite a few bug complaints, which makes sense for a first beta, so it's tough to tell if that's related or not. Did they find something critical or are they simply done accepting beta participants? Either way, these open beta releases do take you off the OTA path. That means if you do flash an open beta file, you won't receive the official update when it's ready. Instead, you'll have to manually flash your phone back to a stable build to get back on the correct software and update line. For those not familiar with that jargon, just know that you'll have to fully wipe your phone clean as if you were factory resetting it during that process. So yeah, move forward only if you know what's going on. For those interested, here is the full changelog for the update:

Updated to Android O (8.0)
Launcher
- Optimized the app shortcut style
- Combine icon options with app shortcuts
- Now able to upload photos to Shot on OnePlus
System
- Added Picture in Picture
- Added Auto-Fill
- Added Smart Text Selection
- New Quick Settings design
- Updated Android security patch to December

If the update file goes live again, we'll update this post. You'll be able to find it here. // OnePlus

Weekly Recap: 2017, We Out!

Kellen — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:08:40 +0000

2017 is ready to end, so to send it off like we know how, we hosted a special Droid Life Show today that recapped most of the year. We also shared our favorite Android phone of 2017, answered your questions for the 50th time, saw the Galaxy S9 take a major step closer to release, and might be able to truly wireless charge a phone soon. While a slow week, it was still packed with some major Android happenings. Feel free to catch up through the handy list below and then be off to have a safe end of 2017.

2017, good in tech, not so much in everything else.

The Droid Life Show: Episode 161 - PEACE, 2017.

Kellen — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:13:16 +0000

On this final Droid Life Show of 2017, we're running through another great year in Android. This may not be a day-by-day recap, but we'd love to talk about the big stories that stood out, preview CES a bit more, and even attempt to make a couple of 2018 predictions. If that sounds like a good time, be on the lookout for topics like our discussion over Android phone of the year, Google and its major focus on hardware, Essential swinging and missing pretty massively, how Samsung still managed to dominate after the Note 7 recall, and of course, the Droid Life redesign. We'll touch on it all! We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

T-Mobile Moto Z2 Force Receives Oreo Update

Tim — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 09:58:16 +0000

It was only earlier this week when Oreo started rolling out to the Moto Z2 Force on Verizon. Now, it appears that the update is shipping out to owners of the device on T-Mobile, which is a great way to ring in the New Year. The update includes picture-in-picture mode, native autofill, smart text selection, Bluetooth enhancements, faster and smoother running apps, more powerful background restrictions to help battery life, notification badges and channels, redesigned settings menu, a new calling experience, and more. According to users on reddit, the update weighs in at 937.5MB, so make sure you're on WiFi if the update arrives for you. Be on the lookout, folks. // T-Mobile Forums | reddit

OnePlus 5T Update Brings More Camera Improvements, December Security Patch

Tim — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 08:54:00 +0000

OnePlus announced the pushing out of OxygenOS 4.7.6 for the OnePlus 5T this week, bringing a few camera improvements as well as December's security patch. More specifically, OnePlus notes camera stability improvements, clarity improvements for selfie shooters in low light, as well as performance improvements for those using the camera through a 3rd-party app. Other changes include assistive lighting for face unlock and improvements for expanded screenshot. Here's the complete changelog.

Changelog

Camera
- Stability improvements
- Clarity improvements for selfie in low light
- Performance improvements for 3rd party camera apps
System
- Added assistive lighting for face unlock
- Improvements for expanded screenshot
- Improvements for Wi-Fi display
- Updated Android security patch to December

// OnePlus

Samsung and LG Also Say They Don't Throttle Old Phone Performance Like Apple

Kellen — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 08:32:11 +0000

Yesterday, Motorola and HTC told us that they aren't throttling old phone performance like Apple was caught doing to the iPhone 6, 6s and 7. Today, Samsung and LG said similar things in statements to Phone Arena. LG was a bit more enthusiastic in its statement, saying, "Never have, never will! We care what our customers think." OK, then. Samsung was a bit more collected, noting that they use software tricks to adjust battery charging current and duration, but that they "do not reduce CPU performance through software updates over the lifecycles" of phones. Here is Samsung's full statement:

Samsung Electronics Co.,LTD.: Product quality has been and will always be Samsung Mobile's top priority. We ensure extended battery life of Samsung mobile devices through multi-layer safety measures, which include software algorithms that govern the battery charging current and charging duration. We do not reduce CPU performance through software updates over the lifecycles of the phone.

So that's four of the big dogs weighing in with confirmation that they don't downgrade the performance of older phones in the way that Apple did because of aging batteries. Now we just need to hear from Google. // Phone Arena

Thursday Poll: What's Your Favorite Android Phone From 2017?

Tim — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 14:33:09 +0000

We just crowned the Pixel 2 XL as Phone of the Year for 2017. but now it's your turn! With this poll, simply choose the phone you think earns the highest honors for this year, but beware, there are a lot of great options to choose from. Choosing which phone you think is best is purely subjective, so don't think there is ever a wrong answer. What works for some may not work for others, so it's all about personal preference. Maybe you don't need a massive screen and S Pen or you're simply not a fan of the Pixel's software experience? It's all good, this is your vote! So, which phone is getting your vote this year and why? [poll id="466"]

Chromebooks Could Get a Huge Boost to Multi-Tasking in Android Apps With Chrome 64 Update

Kellen — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 13:51:47 +0000

After declaring the death of Android tablets following the release of Android apps to Chromebooks, I think it's safe to say that the Android app experience hasn't gotten off to the blazing start we hoped. While Android tablets are most certainly not in demand and with few makers today, Google's push to get Android apps up and working well on Chromebooks is still a work in progress. With the next update for Chrome OS, we could see a major boost to that experience, though. As discovered by the crew at Chrome Unboxed, it appears as if Chrome Beta 64 will usher in Android Parallel Tasks. The name explains a bit of what we'll get, but the basics here are that you'll soon be able to run Android apps simultaneously without each pausing as you jump from one to the next. Currently, should you open multiple Android apps on a Chromebook, those not in the active window will pause from working. As you tap back into them, they'll resume where you left off, but you can probably already understand why the pause needs to go away on a device like this. For a phone, it makes sense to pause some apps as you switch between them, since you can mostly only see a single app at a time. But with a Chromebook, which attempts to bring you a desktop-like computing experience, true multi-tasking doesn't involve an app pausing, especially if an app still in view has potentially live info you would like to see even if the app isn't the active window at the moment. Again, Chrome 64 could bring this functionality, assuming Google keeps it through Chrome Beta 64. Google doesn't always bring everything from its beta builds to stable, but it often does. If a feature is dismissed, we tend to see that happen between dev and beta channels. For Chromebook owners, be on the lookout for Chrome 64 and then start playing with this new multi-tasking functionality. And for those of you already running the Chrome 64 Beta, give it a shot and tell us what you think. To see this in action, checkout the video below. // Chrome Unboxed

Motorola and HTC Say They Don't Throttle Old Phones Like Apple

Kellen — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:00:44 +0000

Remember when Apple got caught throttling old iPhones without telling anyone and called it a "feature" as if they were doing old iPhone owners a favor and not subtly pushing them to upgrade? Yeah, we haven't forgot. With that said, we openly wondered at the time that story broke if any Android phone manufacturers were doing similar sneaky things. Because look, even as followers of the Android beat, we can admit that it would be equally as awful for Android phone makers to do something similar without letting us know. The Verge reached out to just about everyone they could for comment and are now starting to hear back. HTC and Motorola were the first to provide statements, both of which denied that they do anything similar to what Apple was caught doing to older iPhones. HTC said that throttling performance "is not something we do," while Motorola said "We do not throttle CPU performance based on older batteries." Well, that's good! Google, Samsung, LG, and Sony, were asked for comment as well. Sony couldn't provide an immediate response because of the holidays, and Samsung said it was looking into it. It doesn't sound like Google or LG have commented at all. So we'll keep you updated on Android manufacturer responses to Apple's throttling and whether or not they perform similar actions to their older phones. At this point, we haven't seen evidence suggesting that any of them do and it could turn out that this is just an Apple thing. Bad, Apple. // The Verge

Our Favorite Android Phone of 2017

Tim — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:46:15 +0000

2017 has been one of the best years in memory with regard to the many different options out there for Android smartphone buyers. In fact, the competition was so good that we had to publicly address it in a post where we admit that we didn't know which phone you should buy. It seemed that each major OEM had a winner, and from a consumer standpoint, it doesn't get much better than that. Google brought the heat with the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL lineup, Samsung continued its trend of hardware amazingness, and LG seriously upped its game in 2017 with the G6 and truly great V30. Honestly, folks, I don't know if we'll have another year like this in smartphones, so let's take a moment to reflect on the fun we've had. While we wish we could give awards to every phone we enjoyed, let's cut to the chase and name our Favorite Android Phone of 2017!

Favorite: Pixel 2 XL

The original Pixel and Pixel XL were runner ups in 2016, but this year, Google improved upon the Pixel lineup enough to earn them the highest honors. While the Pixel 2 is also a very good phone, we're giving Phone of the Year (POTY) to the Pixel 2 XL specifically, with its larger battery, larger QHD display, and lovely industrial design. When asked why I enjoy using the Pixel 2 XL so much, it's pretty easy for me to sum up the experience. The 2 XL offers one of the best mobile photography experiences available, capable of delivering shots with a single sensor that some phones can't provide with two, software so uncluttered yet feature rich that you never feel as if you're missing out on something, plus timely updates and the possibility to test the latest versions of Android and the features they bring before any other device. Overblown display drama aside, as an Android lover, you just can't ask for much else. What helped push the Pixel 2 XL into POTY territory is a few changes that I should highlight, because they do add to the overall positive ownership experience. If you didn't check out our written review, Google improved the device's water resistance to a rating of IP67 and also gave us dual front-facing speakers that get quite loud. Recalling our original Pixel and Pixel XL review, both of those things were addressed as something we'd like to have, so the company delivered on each negative thing we had to say last year. What can we say, we're suckers for the Pixel.

Runner Ups

Galaxy S8+ Samsung gave us three solid devices this year, the Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8. When choosing which to highlight, the S8+ seems to combine the best of the S8 and Note 8 into a single package. You're getting Samsung's latest iteration of its software, larger battery and display over the standard S8, but the phone also proves to be rather easily handled in most cases thanks to its excellent design, unlike the Note 8. In our review of the Galaxy S8+, we loved its 6.2" Infinity display, better-than-average battery life, superb camera, Samsung's non ditching of the headphone jack, and of course, Samsung Pay (it's still the best mobile payment service). While Samsung's hardware is already top notch, Samsung has also been working on its software in 2017 and as someone who has been using Samsung devices for years, the improvements are very noticeable. Where there used to be serious lag and jank, things are getting quite smooth and multitasking is rather pleasant. We hope Samsung continues this trend because software is such an important aspect of the overall experience. Honestly, we're pretty excited for 2018's Galaxy S9 and we think you should be, too. Tie: OnePlus 5T / Galaxy Note 8 Trying to round out this post wasn't so easy, so we had to give this position to two devices, the OnePlus 5T and Galaxy Note 8. Both devices earned high honors, but for different reasons. Let's go over the OnePlus 5T first. The latest offering from OnePlus brings a much-enjoyed hardware redesign, with very minimal bezel and the fingerprint reader moved to the backside of the phone. On top of a sweet look, the phone's software is still just as good as you'd expect, featuring many customization options and good performance. On top of that, the battery life was very noteworthy, the dual camera setup on the backside is solid, and OnePlus' pricing structure is still something you can't argue against. It's a great phone for any Android buyer. As for the Galaxy Note 8, what a nice phone (written review here). After last year's recall fiasco, we're happy to report that no issues have been reported with the Note 8, already making this a major improvement for the Note series. Samsung included the Infinity display design, a very good dual camera setup on the back, as well as battery life that went above and beyond for me during the review process. If you were looking for a negative, it'd have to be the price. At over $900, the Note 8 isn't exactly accessible by everyone, making it a phone best left to only those who will really get usage out of everything it offers -- S Pen, water resistance, dual cameras, and everything else that adds up to such a steep price. Here's our OnePlus 5T video review in case you missed it.

Honorable Mention

Razer Phone - For Razer's first attempt at a flagship Android smartphone, the Razer Phone is pretty slick (review here). While the battery life is great and software is good, what gets the Razer Phone an honorable mention is its display tech. Unlike any other device, Razer provided a panel capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, which you can actually see in action when compared to any other phone with 60Hz (basically all other Android phones). There's something about scrolling through the phone's UI or playing a game that supports the upped refresh rate that is extremely satisfying. Fingers crossed we see more of this from other device makers in the future.
LG V30 - Considering the terrible offering LG provided in 2016 (*cough G5 cough*), the company sought serious redemption this year. In the first half of the year, we got the G6, which was a fantastic step forward from the G5 and its take on modularity, but then in the second half the company launched the V30. What a crazy improvement over anything else LG has ever released (review here). The phone sports a gorgeous industrial design, great camera, software that doesn't want me to hammer my head in, and good battery life. If it wasn't for such stiff competition this year, LG could have easily pulled off a top 3 spot this year.

Think we made a mistake? It wouldn't be the first time. What's your vote for 2017 Phone of the Year?

Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ Show Up at FCC Already

Kellen — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 10:24:43 +0000

In a completely unexpected (because it seems insanely early) move, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ both stopped off at the FCC this week. I'm not kidding, we have listings for both phones under model numbers SM-G960F (S9) and SM-G965F (S9+). While these listings don't necessarily mean that the new S9 line-up will arrive early, it at least has us considering that they might. Let's talk about it. Two FCC listings popped up yesterday as A3LSMG960F and A3LSMG965F. The A3L portion is Samsung's grantee code at the FCC where all their smartphones will be filed under. The second portion - the SMG960F and SMG965F - is for the product code, which Samsung uses based off the model number of their phones. For example, we saw SMG950U, SMG955U, and SMN950U for last year's unlocked Galaxy S8, S8+, and Galaxy Note 8. In terms of timing, this seems incredibly early when you look back at the S8, Note 8, and even the S7 and Note 7 FCC certifications. The S8 showed up at the FCC in March 2017 and then went on sale in April. The Note 8 showed up at the FCC in July 2017 and then went up for sale at the end of August. The Galaxy S7 showed up in February 2016 and then went up for sale in March. And finally, the Galaxy Note 7 showed up in July 2016 and then went up for sale in August. Seeing a pattern here? Samsung sends its phones for FCC approval and then begins selling them a month later. Will they do that this time? Again, that's tough to say. We're talking about months and months early for FCC certifications. Should Samsung follow the past couple of years worth of timelines, that would mean the release of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in January. That would be nuts, and so far, we have no indication that that will happen other than a single report about a CES tease. Other reports suggest a February unveiling. No matter what happens, this early FCC arrival sure has confused us. But let's talk about what's in the FCC filings, as they do reveal some details. For one, the model numbers match up to what we expect for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. The G960 and G965 will follow the G950 (S8), G955 (S8+), G930 (S7), G935 (S7+), G920 (S6), and G925 (S6 Edge). Specifically, though, these are G960F and G965F, with the "F" here previously indicating an international unlocked model. For the past few releases, Samsung has used a "U" for US models, including the US unlocked versions. So this could just be a really early international unlocked model at the FCC for whatever reason. It does show support for all of the major US LTE bands, including those from Verizon. Take a look.

As you can see there, CDMA support isn't included, but again, all of Verizon's LTE bands are there (Sprint's too). Plus, we have full LTE support on AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as T-Mobile's Band 66. These look like phones that will work universally in the US, as long as you won't need to connect to Big Red's CDMA network, which is now less and less a requirement. The docs don't reveal much else, although we do know the battery model number on the Galaxy S9+ is EB-BG965ABE. Someone with a parts catalogue who works in the smartphone repair business, feel free to look that up. We'll let you know if we find anything else. Anyone think there is a chance we see the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ release earlier than usual? // FCC [2] | Galaxy Club

LG to Introduce Its First Smart Speaker With Google Assistant at CES

Kellen — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:28:00 +0000

During our Q&A session yesterday, we were asked about our expectations for CES this year. I said that I just assume that everyone will introduce Alexa and Google Assistant powered whatevers, because this is the new wave of tech fun that's easy to jump on, sort of like tablets and smartwatches once were. So far, LG is helping with that prediction, thanks to the introduction of their first "premium sounding speaker with Google Assistant" on board. This is the LG ThinQ and it'll arrive at CES. LG didn't talk much on details, only suggesting that they "teamed up" with Google to make this the ultimate speaker assistant with Google Assistant. It should produce "high-quality sound" too, using Meridian Audio technology, and can even play High Resolution Audio from high quality lossless files. Of course, it'll fire up with "OK, Google" and control your smart home or set reminders or get you the weather, just like other Assistant-equipped speakers. It has top controls, comes in a circular/cylindrical form factor, and appears to show LED lights to let you know that magic is happening as you use it. Pricing and availability hasn't been announced yet. // LG

Google Eyes Retail Stores in India, Makes Me Jealous

Tim — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 15:00:06 +0000

According to a new report out of India, Google could soon launch brick-and-mortar stores in the country to push its hardware offerings, namely the Pixel brand. Speaking to three sources who are familiar with Google's plan, the India Times reports that the shops and possibly a few "experience centers" will launch some time in 2018 at large malls. Fueling this concept is the popularity of pop-up shops Google hosted in Indian malls recently. The pop-up shops must've done quite well, as it is reported Google has hired an ex-Apple senior executive as part of the retail plan and requests for store space have already been received by two large malls. For us in the US, the best we can do to get hands-on with Google hardware at launch is through Best Buy, other select retailers, and carrier stores. As far as I know, Best Buy is one of the only places you can actually spend some time with a Pixelbook before dropping over $1,000 on one, so the idea of an actual Google store is incredibly tantalizing to someone like me. What say you? If Google were to open up physical retail locations in the US, would you check them out? // India Times

HUGE: True Over-The-Air "Wireless" Charging Gets First FCC Certification

Kellen — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 14:25:23 +0000

Wireless charging as we know it has never really been very wireless. Sure, it hasn't required us to plug-in our phone to charge, but it has required contact between two devices (one of which is plugged in) in order to push current. What if that wasn't the future, though? What if the future of wireless charging just asked that you be within a range of a transmitter that could top off your battery or keep it charged at all times? That future reached a major milestone today. A company called Energous has created a product called WattUp. WattUp is what I would call a true wireless charging solution that works at a distance, without contact. We're talking about them today because Energous received the industry's first FCC certification for their over-the-air, power-at-a-distance wireless charging tech. This is huge! How does WattUp work? It's pretty simple really. My best example would be to tell you to think about your current WiFi router. WattUp works similarly, in that you would have a WattUp transmitter in your house that would send an RF (radio frequency) signal to a receiver in your phone, tablet, wireless earbuds, smartwatch, keyboards, mice, etc. That signal is capable of powering up your battery using "energy packets" within varying distances depending on the transmitter. Today, Energous specifically received FCC certification on their WattUp Mid Field transmitter that can charge devices at up to 3 feet. Energous says that with their technology, you could control charging through an app, see the connection strength of each device, set a preference over which devices are charged first, stop charging when your devices reach 100%, set charging times, and even have something charge automatically when it's nearby. This wireless charging tech, which they are calling Wireless Charging 2.0, can do both power-at-a-distance and contact wireless charging. The goal going forward from Energous is to get WattUp built into technology. We'll need transmitters and receivers in everything if we want this to become a big part of our lives. They'll aim to get transmitters in the bezels of computer monitors, soundbars, smart speakers, TVs, smart lighting, and other electronics. What do you think? Does this sound like the wireless charging future you always dreamed of? // Energous

Expect the Huawei Mate 10 to Launch on AT&T This February With a Whole Lot of Advertising

Tim — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 13:14:47 +0000

According to the latest report from The Information, Huawei will look to launch the Mate 10 in February, 2018, aligning with comments made earlier this month from Huawei's president of consumer electronics. Not only does this new report back up those previous comments by Huawei, but it also mentions that the China-based company will spend around $100 million in advertising to make its brand more known in the US. Considering you're reading an Android blog, you likely already know that Huawei's devices have been on sale in the US through unlocked avenues, but this would be the first time a flagship launch would take place via a US carrier. It's a major step for Huawei, one that will surely cost the company a pretty penny in terms of name recognition. If you aren't familiar with the Mate 10, it features a 5.9-inch QHD LCD display, Kirin 970 processor, dual Leica-branded cameras, 4,000mAh battery, and comes with Androids 8.0 Oreo out of the box. As more details are made available, likely at CES, we'll keep you posted. // The Information (Subscription)

Verizon and Qualcomm Perform Another 4G LTE Advanced Trial, This Time With the Snapdragon 845

Kellen — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 11:09:24 +0000

We still don't know if Verizon is going to launch Gigabit LTE this year as they've told us they will, but they certainly haven't slowed on testing out technologies that'll get us closer to 5G. This week, during a trial with Qualcomm and Ericsson, they completed the "first successful FDD Massive MIMO" connection on a "fully compatible customer device." I know, that sounds like weird engineer speak for something we think is supposed to be cool. And it is cool! This is still 4G LTE technology here, but it'll work as a nice upgrade and key component as we wait for 5G to get here. With Massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output), we get an upgrade over MIMO, which is likely a core technology of your current at-home WiFi system. We're talking huge improvements in throughput and efficiency to help increase network capacity and deliver more speed to your phone. That's the most simple explanation ever, by the way, and yes, it is much more complicated than that. Just know that Massive MIMO will likely be availability to you before 5G, especially as phones start supporting it. That support may come first with phones running Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845. The trial we referenced above happened on a test device with a Snapdragon 845 and Qualcomm's X20 LTE modem. The X20 modem supports a technology called TM9 (Transmission Mode 9) that makes it fully compatible with Massive MIMO. So again, with Massive MIMO and TM9 working together, you'll see greater speeds to your phone. For now, Verizon has only tested Massive MIMO on a phone in Irvine, CA. With that said, as the Snapdragon 845 (and TM9) hits phones in the first half of 2018, expect its reach to expand. // Verizon

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 50 Answers!

Tim — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 10:17:59 +0000

It took us a while, only because of the holiday, but Volume 50 of the DL Q&A Sessions is now complete! This time around, folks wanted to know our take on cryptocurrency, what we expect from CES next month, how Google can improve its next Pixel device, and what our biggest surprise has been over the years we have been blogging about Android. Thank you to everyone who got a question in for this historic post! Let's get to it, shall we?

Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim.

What are your thoughts on cryptocurrency?

K: I have almost zero take on cryptocurrency. I don't follow it enough and only learn anything about it when its value spikes and nerds freak out as if they are going to be rich forever, only to learn a week later that all their supposed cryptoworth is gone because its volatile as hell and life sucks. I own no Bitcoin. T: When Bitcoin was on that massive rise, I bought $5 USD worth. As of right now, I'm down $0.41. It's fun, but I'm not about to dump any real money into alt coins or anything of the sort. I'm just not a risk taker.

What is your favorite beer that is not from Oregon.

K: So tough. I always drink Bongwater from Kettlehouse when in Montana, or Dancing Trout from Bayern. Big fan of Modern Times' beer, specifically Critical Band. Super excited too, because they are opening a taproom in Portland in a couple of months. But that's a hard question to answer, because the beer here is so good and there are always new breweries doing new and awesome stuff, that we don't have to drink anything but Oregon beer. T: My favorite beer ever is a witbier from Lost Coast Brewery (Humboldt County, CA) called Great White. It's not the greatest beer ever brewed or anything like that, but it's perfect for the summer time and always reminds me of home no matter where I go.

Thoughts on the new Star Wars?

K: It was fine. It wasn't the best Star Wars, yet it was far from the worst. Too much comedy. Still entertaining. Lots of scenes that should have been left out of the movie, as they were a waste and nothing but filler (ex: almost anything Finn did). Some sweet lightsaber action scenes that we don't get enough of in Star Wars movies. It's probably a decent middle flick leading up to what should be a great end. Everyone should stop wanting it to be another Empire just because it's the 2nd in a 3-part series. That's dumb. T: SPOILER ALERT: Luke Skywalker, who finds out his father was killed by Darth Vader, then learns his father is Darth Vader, makes it his mission in life to bring his father back to the Light. Many years later, his nephew Ben Solo is having some bad dreams and Luke determines for a brief moment that it would be best to murder him in his sleep? Nope. Nope. NOPE. I have a fundamental issue with Skywalker's character in this movie, but speaking purely about the movie itself, it was very entertaining and I absolutely loved the Throne Room scene with the Praetorian Guards. Oh, and Snoke isn't done yet!

Is there anything you actually like about the iPhones more than androids?

K: No. Not a fan of iPhone design, and certainly cannot stand the software. If you really need something, I'd say that because Apple has only a couple of phones that sell in the millions upon millions, companies often adopt their ideas first and target iPhones, which means Android phones get left out. That sucks. T: iPhones still have a better app experience over Android, I think. Many apps and experience seem tailor made for iPhones, and as an Android fanboy, that can still be frustrating that we aren't getting that kinda love. I like that walled garden aspect sometimes, too, but Android has gotten so good over the years that I'm not too concerned anymore.

Over the time you've blogged about Android, what's been your biggest surprise?

K: I think it was shocking early on when Android kept getting crapped on by Apple fanboys and then all of a sudden Android market share had jumped on past the iPhone and never looked back. It came so quickly, that I don't think a lot of people realized that Android was even close to becoming #1 and then it just was. Another surprise would be the fact that no one can compete with Samsung. I know they have a marketing budget like none other, but it still confuses me that no one else can figure out a way to compete and sell many phones. We've got smart people working for these other companies (Google, HTC, Motorola, etc.), yet no one can dent Samsung's wall. And it has been this way for years. T: I suppose the biggest surprise is how nice many people in this industry are. There are a lot of Android bloggers, believe it or not, and I've had the pleasure of meeting many of them over the course of my time at DL. We've hung out with the good people from Phandroid, Android Police, Android Spin, plus many others. We all have a love for tech goodies in common, so it's always fun to discuss the latest trends or announcements with them whether it be in person or through social media. Props to everyone who works year round to bring Android news to the masses!

What do you hope to see in the Pixel 3?

K: I want Google to add that extra bit of hardware polish that Samsung and Apple do. I love the Pixel phones, but we shouldn't spend three weeks talking about the low-quality display they have. We shouldn't be talking about clicking speakers and dongles that don't work out of the box and other quality control issues and a terrible trade-in program. We should be talking about their cameras and software experience and designs. But because Google doesn't seem to be able to dial it in fully, it's nothing but overhyped drama. T: To me, the Pixel 2 XL is the perfect Android phone. It has an amazing camera, great design, and fantastic software. It's unfortunate that people could only talk about blue tint and other misc. issues, though, all of which I think was tech-journo nonsense. I'm not saying those issues didn't exist, I just think it was overblown by folks who wanted to get clicks on their website. If Google wants to improve on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, I suppose focusing on these few issues will help potential buyers look past them, but even with those "issues," I don't think there's much to change. If you're still on the fence, just do it already!

Who are your AFC & NFC picks for the Super Bowl?

K: I don't think I've watched an NFL game all year. Sooooo, I'll just assume that the Patriots will probably roll everyone as usual in the AFC. In the NFC, I'm surprised that all these garbage teams are good, like the Vikings and Saints and Rams. So who knows! I just hope whichever team it is, they beat the god damn Patriots in the Super Bowl. T: Patriots seem like a safe bet for the AFC, while the NFC is a bit more complicated. I'll go with the Eagles, though. And for extra bonus points, the Patriots will beat the Eagles with a score of 27 to 24.

What do you think your takeaway will be from CES in 2018?

K: That Google Assistant and Alexa are going to be in everything on top of everything they are already in, that VR is still a gimmick that people have figured out ways to produce even cheaper, that because VR is a gimmick they'll all have sights on AR too, and that CES is actually pretty fun still, even if crusty tech journos can't stop complaining about it because they are likely boring people. T: The big takeaway will be how many dumb things can have Assistant and Alexa built-in. There are some good implementations out there, sure, but I see many as being very silly and not worth the effort or price.

Check out previous Q&A Sessions!

Verizon Posts Updates for Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, Note 5, LG G5 Too

Kellen — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 08:11:49 +0000

Along with the Moto Z2 Force's Oreo update, plus a handful of security patches for this year's Samsung releases, Verizon is also updating the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy Note 5, and LG G5 today. For the Samsung devices (S6 line + Note 5), all we're getting is the December security patch. I hate to sound so bored by that, because Samsung and Verizon should get credit for delivering the December patch in December to phones that are almost 3 years old, but you get it. For the LG G5, Verizon has bumped the security version up to the November security patch and also included AppFlash, their super awful advertising panel that attempts to act like Google now. You should disable it the minute it is installed following this update. Here are all of the new software versions:

Galaxy Note 5 (N920VVRU3CQL4)
Galaxy S6 (G920VVRU4DQL1)
Galaxy S6 Edge (G925VVRU4DQL1)
Galaxy S6 Edge+ (G928VVRU3CQL4)
LG G5 (VS9872CA)

Depending on the phone, you should be able to check for the update by heading into Settings>System updates or Settings>About phone>Check for updates. // Verizon [2] [3] [4] [5]

Verizon's Posts Moto Z2 Force Oreo Update Changelog, Should Arrive Today

Kellen — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 07:54:55 +0000

A couple of lucky Moto Z2 Force owners received an update to Android Oreo back on December 22. The news was surprising because Verizon hadn't posted a changelog for the update or told us that one was coming. After a few days of silence, we now have update details and are expecting a wider rollout of the update to begin today. The update is software version ODX27.109-34 and is indeed Android 8.0 "Oreo." It officially includes picture-in-picture mode, native autofill, smart text selection, adaptive icons in the launcher, Bluetooth enhancements, faster and smoother running apps, more powerful background restrictions to help battery life, notification badges and channels, redesigned settings menu, a new calling experience, and more. The full list of changes can be found at the link below. To check for this update, which is one of the first Oreo updates (it might be the first) to be pushed to a carrier-tied phone, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon Cheers roseman!

Question of the Day: Get Any Cool Tech for Christmas?

Kellen — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 14:39:38 +0000

As a person who works in the tech industry, people never buy me tech items for Xmas. It's kind of sad, but I also get why, since there is a chance I have everything I need in this category of present. I do like to handout tech over the holidays, though. In fact, this was the year of the Google Home Mini. Not only were all retailers running a heck of a deal on the Mini, making it an easy grab, I got everyone regular Google Home units last year and so the Mini was the perfect complement for them to expand their smart home ecosystem. What about you? Did you get any cool tech items over the weekend? New smartphones? Google Home units? Amazon Echo products? A mesh WiFi system? Cases? Fast chargers? Let us know in the comments!

HQ Trivia Arrives on Android in Limited Beta, Full Availability by January 1

Kellen — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 13:01:47 +0000

HQ Trivia, the iOS-only trivia game with prizes that became so popular it spawned immediate knock-offs, arrived on Android this weekend. Unfortunately, it's only available as a limited beta and pre-registration, so the chances of you being able to test it today are not good. Its creators said via Tweet that they are working on patches to this first release and will continue to give more testers access throughout the rest of this week. At the end of this week, which also happens to be the beginning of 2018, their goal is to have it ready for everyone. In other words, by January 1, you could be playing HQ Trivia with all of your iOS and Android friends. If you are interested in playing (it's live trivia with a host that includes cash prizes), hit up that link below and pre-register. You never know, you might just be one of the lucky beta testers. Google Play Link https://twitter.com/hqtrivia/status/945741914501992448

Verizon Galaxy S8, S8+, Galaxy Note 8 All Pick-Up Update Today

Kellen — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 12:26:30 +0000

As a late Xmas present, Samsung and Verizon are pushing updates to the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Galaxy Note 8 today. Each includes the December security patch and not much else, but we'll take it. The Galaxy S8 will see software version G950USQS2BQL1, the Galaxy S8+ will see G955USQS2BQL1, and the Galaxy Note 8 will get N950USQS2BQL5. Again, that's all we know, outside of the December 1 security patch being included. We're under the impression that the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will gain access to Verizon's Gigabit LTE network before the end of the year as well, though they won't comment to us on if that's still going to happen or not. Either way, the last set of updates for those two phones prepared them for Gigabit LTE launch. To check for each update, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon [2] [3]

DEAL: Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Still $300 Off at Verizon, Best Buy, and Target

Kellen — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 10:33:22 +0000

It's the day after Christmas, so I'd imagine that a few of you have some cash to spend. If you were holding out until this moment to pickup a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, you are still in luck, as Verizon, Best Buy, and Target have kept up their $300-off Pixel 2 deal. I think the deal ends soon, though. How does this deal work? You get $300 off either the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL (no trade required), but that's not upfront. Instead, Verizon, Best Buy, and Target are locking you into a 2-year contract by spreading out that $300 over a 24-month period. So yes, you'll have to sign-up for a device payment plan that'll last 24 months in order to see the full $300 Pixel 2 discount. As an added bonus, Target is also giving out $250 gift cards when you buy a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL. To get that, you'll need to upgrade or add a new line of service. If you are cool with that and plan to stay with Verizon for the next couple of years, your prices would be:

Pixel 2 (64GB): $14.58/mo
Pixel 2 (128GB): $18.75/mo
Pixel 2 XL (64GB): $22.91/mo
Pixel 2 XL (128GB): $27.08/mo

Overall, it's a pretty good Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL deal, again, if you plan to hang with Verizon. If you don't, then yeah, this isn't a great deal. If you want a Pixel 2 deal and also want nothing to do with Verizon, you should go to the Google Store where the Pixel 2 is $50 off and the Pixel 2 XL is still $75 off. Don't forget that Google will take trade-ins too, which means an even cheaper Pixel 2.

Pixel 2 Deal Links:

Verizon: Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL
Best Buy: Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL
Target: Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL

Moto X4 Android One Gets Oreo Update Too!

Kellen — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 09:37:14 +0000

I'd love to tell you that I have more news to share on this post-holiday Tuesday outside of Oreo updates for phones, but that's what we're working with. And hey, Oreo updates are awesome, especially since it's not yet 2018 and companies are coming through. The latest Android Oreo update we can share involves the Moto X4 Android One (our review). Since this is mostly a Google-controlled phone, this isn't the most shocking of arrivals. The update is software version OP217.1 and is Android 8.0, not Android 8.1.

What's new in Android 8.0? The screenshot above doesn't say, but in general, Android 8.0 brought picture-in-picture mode, notification channels, notification dots to the launcher, native autofill support for password lockers, fresh emoji, and more. You can see the full list here. To check for the update, head into Settings>About phone>System updates. // reddit

LG V30 Picks Up Android 8.0 "Oreo" Update

Kellen — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 08:03:08 +0000

In Korea.

After going into beta back in early November through the "LG OS Preview" program, LG released stable Android Oreo to the V30 in Korea this morning. That preview build let only 500 people get in on the early Oreo action, but LG is ready to send it out now to everyone. The update includes improved speed, battery, and "basic" performance improvements, picture-in-picture mode, and enhanced screen configuration, graphics, and other "convenience" features. That's all from a Google translation, since the news was delivered from LG's social blog out of Korea. But that all lines up with what they previously told us to expect. We still don't have word on when the LG V30 in the US will see the update to Oreo. There is an unlocked model that could get it sooner than later, but the rest will have to go through carrier channels for approval. We all know what that means. // LG

OnePlus 5 is Getting 5T's Face Unlock, Grabs Official Oreo for Now (Updated x2: Back as 5.0.1)

Kellen — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 07:27:28 +0000

UPDATE 1/7/18: Alright, the Oreo update is back as OxygenOS 5.0.1. The changelog remains the same, but OnePlus has added two items to it:

Bug fixes for third party camera application
Fixed network issues for European operators

UPDATE 1/3/18: OnePlus pulled the OnePlus 5 Oreo update saying the following--

Sorry everyone, we’ve temporarily delayed the global roll out of Oxygen 5.0, while we work to improve the user experience.

Updated to Android O (8.0)
Launcher
- Optimizations for Shelf
- Now you can upload your photo through Shot on OnePlus

Camera
- New Camera UI design
- Optimizations for photo quality
- Added beauty effect for Portrait Mode

Gallery
- Added “Places” tab for viewing photos on a map

Calculator
- Added history feature

Clock
- Added alarm calendar feature

System
- Added Parallel Apps feature
- New design for Quick Settings
- New design for Lift up display
- Added “Adaptive model" screen calibration
- Optimizations for Wi-Fi
- Optimizations for Battery Saver
- Updated Android security patch to December

Weekly Recap: Merry X-Mas, Happy Holidays!

Kellen — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:16:47 +0000

X-Mas weekend is here, so Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it. For the rest of you, happy holidays! For the week in Android, it was typically slow as is always the case around this time, but we finished off our OnePlus 5T coverage by giving you reasons to buy one, laughed at Apple for throttling phones, and downloaded Liam Neeson's voice. We also saw the Pixel 2 dominate the iPhone X in an LTE speed test battle and got busy in the Google Play holiday sale. You'll find all the goodies in the list below!

There never was a f*cking "war on Christmas."

Pixel 2 Beats iPhone X, Galaxy Note 8, and LG V30 in LTE Speed Test Battle

Kellen — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:58:41 +0000

Ever since the first 4G LTE markets lit up in the US, we've talked about speeds. We talk about speeds because we're technology nerds who are always in a constant competition with one another. We like to brag about the products we've invested in. We like to know that we've got the best of the best. We also want you to know it. And again, one way we do that is by showing off speed test results on the regular. Today, test results provided by Cellular Insights to PCMag should give Pixel 2 owners some new bragging rights, but also Android owners in general over the fancy new, future phone, the iPhone X. The folks at Cellular Insights setup tests on LTE Band 4 in 2x2 MIMO mode, since Band 4 is pretty common here in the US on carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. They ran the tests starting with a -85dBm and went until they lost connection or could no longer perform. The tests included the Pixel 2, Galaxy Note 8, LG V30, and the iPhone X in two models. For those not familiar, there are two iPhone X models, one with a Qualcomm modem and another with an Intel modem. All of the Qualcomm phones tested used the company's X16 modem.

According to the results, when using the same band, channel size, and number of antennas, the Pixel 2 pushed 36% better download speeds than the iPhone X. And that would be the Qualcomm version of the iPhone X, since the Intel model version really can't compete with any of the phones tested. The Galaxy Note 8 and LG V30 were right there with the Pixel 2, though. Even as the Pixel 2 excelled with a strong connection over everyone, the Note 8 and V30 held a better connection longer. In addition to showing Android phones wipe the floor with the iPhone X, Cellular Insights also tested the three Android devices on LTE Band 4 in 4x4 MIMO mode. They didn't include the iPhone X in this test because, well, the Intel version can't do 4x4 MIMO (lolz). The three Android devices all provided similar results with a good connection in this scenario, but the Pixel 2 did show better with a poor signal. Why is it that these Android phones, the Pixel 2 in particular, crushed the iPhone X so substantially? It could be that because there is an iPhone X model with an Intel modem that can't compete with Qualcomm's modem, that Apple slowed the Qualcomm model. That's unconfirmed, but PCMag notes in their write-up that "industry sources" assume that to be the case. If true, you've got to give it up to Apple - they love slowing sh*t. Brag it up, boys and girls. // PCMag

Google Play Kicks Off "12 Days of Play" Holiday Sale With Discounts Like $0.99 Movie Rentals

Kellen — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 08:46:11 +0000

For the next 12 days, Google Play is hosting a series of fresh deals on everything from apps and games to movies, TV shows, and books. The promo is called "12 Days of Play" and the first round of deals includes things like $0.99 movie rentals or that same $0.99 price for three TV shows. On top of the cheap rentals, Google Play will also give you a $5 credit towards any book that costs more than $5, 50% off subscriptions to HBO Now for three months, four months free Google Play Music subscriptions (new subscribers only), and up to 80% off premium games like Minecraft Story Mode Season 2, Need for Speed Most Wanted, and more. Even apps like Clash of Clans and Pokemon GO are getting in on the action with special bundles, like Star Wars pieces and an Xmas Pikachu. You can find all of the deals at the link below!

Google Play Holiday Sale Link

Verizon Moto Z2 Force Owners are Receiving Update to Oreo

Kellen — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 08:24:10 +0000

Verizon hasn't mentioned it yet on any of its support pages, but the Moto Z2 Force sure appears to be getting updated to Android Oreo today. A reddit thread is filled with a handful of Z2 owners who were all able to pull the big update, all within a multi-hour stretch. The screenshot below shows the update arriving as software version ODX27.109-34. We don't know the size from this shot, but it should be on the bigger side as a full OS upgrade. In the update, Android 8.0 Oreo will bring access to the new Autofill API for password lockers, notification channels, adaptive icons, better management of background tasks, new emoji, and more. At least, that's what we know comes in Android 8.0, though we can't yet confirm that Motorola has included everything, like Picture-in-Picture. The screenshot here also notes that apps will run faster and smoother, icons on home screens will have unread badges, and you'll be able to "launch apps or take action based on highlighted text." Not many apps support that, so don't go in expecting a lot there. To grab the update, head into Settings>System updates. Should Verizon provide details, we'll update this post.

// reddit

Eric Schmidt Steps Down as Executive Chairman of Alphabet

Kellen — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 15:06:02 +0000

This afternoon, Alphabet (Google's parent company) announced that Eric Schmidt would be leaving his post as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and slide into a technical advisor roll. As the former CEO of Google, Schmidt will now focus his time on science and technology issues, while remaining on the board. The statement released by Alphabet includes a quote from Schmidt, who said, "In recent years, I’ve been spending a lot of my time on science and technology issues, and philanthropy, and I plan to expand that work." Alphabet CEO Larry Page added that while "Eric has provided us with business and engineering expertise and a clear vision about the future of technology," he is "excited about the progress [Alphabet's] companies are making, and about the strong leaders who are driving that innovation." So Schmidt isn't leaving, but we're talking about a guy who has been with Alphabet/Google since 2001 and was once the CEO, is now just a "technical advisor." Huh. // Alphabet

You Can Now Send Live Videos on Instagram in Direct

Kellen — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 14:29:00 +0000

As the title suggests, sending live videos through Direct on Instagram is now a thing. You can send your own live videos by hitting the Direct button once your live video has started or send someone else's live video using the same button. As a viewer of a live video that has been received over Direct, you'll be able to watch the video if it's live or you'll see a "video has ended" message if it has indeed ended. If you aren't interested in any of that, Instagram says you can "disable the option to send your live videos in Direct in your stories settings." I've got nothing else to share other than you'll see this new option in v26 of the Instagram app. Google Play Link // Instagram

Question of the Day: Pixel 2 Crew, How's Life Without a Headphone Jack?

Kellen — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 12:26:26 +0000

I guess this doesn't necessarily have to be a Pixel 2 owner-directed question, but yeah, let's talk about missing headphone jacks for a minute. As you guys know, I'm not one who cares much about the disappearance of the 3.5mm port in phones. Headphones attached to my smartphone are not a major piece to my daily grind and I often go days without needing to use them together. Having to reach for a dongle on the days that I do need headphones, while an extra step and thingy that I have to keep track of, isn't about to deter me from choosing a phone that might be excellent in all other areas. That might not be the case for you, though. So as phones like the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Essential Phone, and those from HTC this year, continue to remove 3.5mm ports in place of audio through USB-C, I'm curious how life has been for all of you who now join me in living with a dongle. It's obvious that a number of you picked up the Pixel 2 and 2 XL this year, as well as the Essential Phone (thanks to massive discounts). How have things been? Have you lost dongles? Are dongles ruining your life? Are things not as bad as you thought? Why'd you end going with a phone that doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jack over a phone that does?

Google Opinion Rewards Survey Asks for My Thoughts on Google Feed...

Kellen — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 11:00:15 +0000

Most Google Opinion Rewards surveys I get are all based on previous businesses or locations it thinks I've stopped at in recent days and whether or not I made a purchase at them. Rarely do I get anything fun to answer that could involve a product or service or something else Google might value my opinion on. Today, though, I got one that brought one heck of a sh*t-eating grin to my face. Google asked for my thoughts on the Google Feed. 😈 As you may have guessed, because I'm an opinionated a-hole at times and have already told you how terrible I think the Google Feed is, I took great pleasure it letting Google know just that. I don't know that my answers will help Google in giving me more control over the Feed and what it shows, but look, sometimes all that matters is that you get to officially tee-off on a big corporation's product as if you owned the man for a minute. Here were the questions, by the way.

As you can see here, Google asked if I knew what the Feed was, which I do. The survey then went through a series of questions, the first of which asked if I was satisfied (Q2). Hah...haha, no, I'm not. I also don't find much of the content very interesting (Q3), because I've likely already read it somewhere else, which would mean I don't think it belongs (Q4). Unfortunately, the Feed survey didn't ask if I thought that Google should kill it with kindness and give us back the old Google Now, but I went ahead and told them in the final comment box. Because of course I did. I hope you also all receive this same survey and do the work you were put on this Earth for. Note: Also, don't forget to sign-up for Google Opinion Rewards for that fresh, free cash.

We're a Big Step Closer to 5G

Kellen — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 09:30:54 +0000

That's right, 5G is coming and the first 5G spec has been set. The players involved in building out 5G networks now have the details they need to make 5G a reality for you and I. 3GPP, the group of telecommunications organizations that meet to define standards, met yesterday and approved the first 5G spec. It's a whole bunch of technical stuff that I'd imagine only network engineers will ever understand, but know this - we don't get to 5G without this happening. By setting this first 5G spec, the 5G system architecture has now been defined, which means features, functionality, and services are understood by the players surrounding 5G. We're talking about network slicing, interworking and migration from 4G, etc. Again, this is the super technical system stuff that you and I don't really need to know, but companies like Samsung and Qualcomm and Verizon need to know well in order to bring 5G to our future smartphones. For example, this is what AT&T said about this 5G spec being set:

“We’re proud to see the completion of this set of standards. Reaching this milestone enables the next phase of equipment availability and movement to interoperability testing and early 5G availability,” said Hank Kafka, VP Access Architecture and Analytics at AT&T. “It showcases the dedication and leadership of the industry participants in 3GPP to follow through on accelerating standards to allow for faster technology deployments.”

Samsung said this:

DJ Koh, President and Head of IT and Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics, said: “As a global leader in the mobile industry, Samsung has been collaborating with the whole industry to achieve this milestone in 5G standards. With the completion of 5G NSA NR standard, we will be able to expedite 5G commercial deployments including chipsets, devices and network equipment. Samsung will continue making every effort to deliver complete Rel-15 NR standards. Rel-15 NR and its further evolution will be a key milestone for the industry to meet the increasing global demand for enhanced mobile broadband services and exploring new business opportunities and services inspired by 5G.”

Qualcomm:

“We are excited to be part of this significant milestone, and to once again be at the forefront making the 5G vision a reality in 2019,” said Cristiano Amon, executive vice president, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and president, QCT. “We look forward to continue working with our mobile industry peers to bring 5G NR commercial networks and devices in 2019 in smartphone and other form factors, for both sub-6Ghz and mmWave frequency bands, and to continue developing 5G technologies to connect new industries and enable new services and user experiences in the years to come.”

T-Mobile:

“This is an important moment and a crucial development toward making 5G NR happen,” said Neville Ray, Chief Technology Officer for T-Mobile US. “At T-Mobile, we’re committed to drive a 5G rollout across the US in 2020, and the efforts of 3GPP will help us to realize this great win for our customers.”

And Verizon:

“Verizon is delighted that the 3GPP is moving quickly to release a global standard for mobile 5G,” said Ed Chan, Chief Technology Architect and Network Planning. “With this important 3GPP milestone, Verizon is once again well positioned to deliver next-generation technology to customers just as we did with 4G LTE.”

We're still looking at carriers to tell us when they'll have 5G available. T-Mobile, for example, is expecting 5G rollout in 2020. Verizon thinks they'll launch some 5G broadband as early as next year. So we're getting there, but it'll still be a while. // 3GPP | Qualcomm

Amazon Releases Prime Video Android TV App!

Kellen — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 07:58:41 +0000

Whoa, Amazon published an official Prime Video app for Android TV yesterday to Google Play and I'm kind of speechless about it. This is an app that most would have assumed was available for years, yet Amazon's reluctance to release apps to Google Play is well-known and so we've been without it. So yeah, there is now a Prime Video app for Android TV that should let you access all of the Prime content your Prime subscription makes available to you. Of course, I said "should" there because the app can't be installed on anything just yet. Amazon may have posted the app, but from what I can tell, no one can actually install it. I'd imagine that'll change pretty quickly or this would be a big wast of Amazon's time. Keep in mind that NVIDIA SHIELD TV owners have had Prime Video for as long as I can remember. Amazon and NVIDIA must have worked out some sort of deal to bundle the app with their SHIELD units, so if you own a SHIELD, you can probably ignore this. This news is relevant for those who own another of the many Android TV boxes who may have always wanted Prime Video and have wondered why they couldn't. Should it go live for devices, we'll let you know. Google Play Link // Android Police

Apple Caught Throttling Old iPhone Performance, Calls It a "Feature"

Kellen — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:16:51 +0000

So Apple got caught slowing down the performance of older iPhones, including the iPhone 7. They admitted to doing so today, but in the most Apple of ways, called it a "feature." There are already plenty of scorching hot takes defending Apple and those people should be mocked. This isn't a feature when you aren't telling your customers that you are doing it until you get called out for it. What's the story? Last week, a reddit post from iPhone owners (particularly those on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s) sparked a conversation about performance decrease as their phones aged and the batteries inside followed along. The original poster pointed out that swapping out the old battery in his 6s for a fresh one sure seemed to increase his phone's performance which had become "slow these past few weeks." That story inspired Geekbench developer John Poole to look through benchmark data from the iPhone 6, 6s, and iPhone 7 to see if he could confirm this battery theory or find any trends. Of course, he did just that. For all three iPhone models, depending on their version of iOS, it appears that Apple had implemented some sort of performance limit when the batteries of these phones had begun to decrease in capacity as they age. When asked by media, Apple had the following response:

Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers, which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their devices. Lithium-ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components. Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. We’ve now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2, and plan to add support for other products in the future.

Here's my issue with all of this. While Apple taking some sort of proactive measure to stabilize the performance of an older phone is fine, the problem here is the fact that they haven't told anyone that they are doing this. You see, by not telling anyone that Apple is purposely slowing their phone, one might consider the fact that maybe their phone is just old and it's time to replace it. This info shows that that's not necessarily the case and instead, a battery swap might save someone from thinking an upgrade will solve their problems. Of course, Apple would rather you upgrade, even though they would never admit that their performance throttle is aimed at nudging you towards doing that. Maybe if Apple wants to slide in a "feature" that decreases the performance of a phone without permission, they should include a notification that also informs the user that their battery capacity has declined and they can either live with the new slowness or fix it with a battery swap. A battery swap from Apple costs $79. I don't think I need to tell you how much it costs to upgrade your phone to a new one. And now we wait and see if there are similar findings for Android phones. Any bets on if there are? // TechCrunch | Geekbench

This Icon Pack is Hot: Pireo

Tim — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:56:39 +0000

Always on the hunt for the next "hot" icon pack, we have come across a new addition called Pireo from known icon maker Vertumus on Google Play. The pack just launched, priced at $0.99, providing over 3,800 high quality icons and 50 QHD wallpapers that make my Pixel 2 XL really stand out. The icons are extremely similar to what Pixel 2 owners already have (Material Design, circles, etc.), but it does help with uniformity for other applications that don't offer that circular icon look. As the developer describes, the pack offers, "amazingly clean and crisp" icons with Oreo/Pixel design language. For some apps, there are multiple options you can choose from, granting you more flexibility in the customization department. To showcase just a couple, I'm a big fan of the Simple app icon, Coinbase, as well as the many different options for the app drawer button (shown below). If the 3,800+ icons aren't enough to convince you that this pack is worth a single dollar, there are the wallpapers, too. There are a few gradient options to choose from, texture choices, plus many more. However, as I mentioned they are QHD and cloud-based, meaning that loading them can sometimes take a second or two. If you're in need of a hot new icon pack, check it out by following the Google Play link below. Google Play Link ($0.99)

Essential Rolls Out Oreo Beta 2 to Current Beta Users

Tim — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 12:02:14 +0000

If you're already using the Oreo beta on your Essential Phone, beta build number 2 is now available. The build is labeled as OPM1.170911.213, bringing a few new Oreo features that Essential users may have been surprised to see absent in the first build. According to Essential, you will find smart text selection, picture-in-picture mode, faster startups, further Treble support, battery life improvements, Android Auto and Bluetooth improvements, and more. The full changelog can be viewed in the screenshot below. For those looking to get into the beta action, sideloading still looks to be an option via Essential's website, but if you're already enrolled in the beta, the OTA is shipping out right now. It may not be a totes official Oreo build yet, but Oreo is Oreo, so we can't complain. Get on it!

// Essential

5 Reasons the OnePlus 5T is Worth Buying

Kellen — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:23:24 +0000

Now that it has been almost three weeks since we shared our final thoughts on the OnePlus 5T in our review, we thought this would be a good time to loop back and finish out our content series for it. We'll do that by offering up the 5 reasons we think this is a worthy phone buy. Long-time readers of the site know that our 5 Reasons series is a simplified review of sorts, where we give you the basics on why a phone checks off some of the important boxes and is worth considering. We don't do this for all phones because not all phones have enough reasons for you to buy, but the OnePlus 5T certainly does. For the OnePlus 5T, there are a number of highlights even over its slightly younger brother, the OnePlus 5. You've got an upgraded display and upgraded dual camera for one, but you get equally impressive battery life, software and performance that are tough for anyone to beat, and a price that is no joke, even if OnePlus does seem to keep raising them. Here are 5 reasons the OnePlus 5T is worth buying.

1. Modern display arrives.

With the OnePlus 5, there was no denying the fact that OnePlus missed a big opportunity to get in early on the all-display, little bezel trend. Instead, the OnePlus 5 lagged behind its rivals and pushed out a design that looked straight out of 2016, even if it still had some redeeming qualities. With the OnePlus 5T, OnePlus gets it right and gives us a 6-inch FHD AMOLED display that takes up almost all of the front while moving the fingerprint reader to the back. This phone feels like it belongs in 2017. Not only does it provide an all-display front, it does so with the trendy 2:1 aspect ratio and tons of extra bells and whistles, like night and reading modes, color profiles, and on-screen buttons. I think the brightness levels are good on both ends and the 1080p resolution probably helps with phone's stellar battery life. Let's also not forget that it does all of this without increasing the phone's overall size by much when compared to the regular OnePlus 5. I'm not sure OnePlus did anything wrong with this upgrade.

2. I love this software experience.

OnePlus continues to nail the software experience on its phones. For one, they keep giving us a stock or pure Android experience, but then they add on their own upgrades. So you get Google's version of Android along with subtle tweaks that introduce value, fun, and improvements. I always like to point out the various gestures that OnePlus includes, like those that allow you to turn on the camera or open an app from the lock screen. I also like the included 3-finger swipe for taking screenshots, double tap to wake, and the new long-press on the fingerprint reader that lets you take a quick selfie. But outside of gestures, OnePlus lets you use custom icon packs, change up the theme of the phone, customize the on-screen software buttons to do all sorts of stuff (like sleep the phone, open notifications, etc.), schedule times for your phone to turn off and on, and even hide icons from the status bar. So OnePlus doesn't overwhelm you with customizations, but they are giving you just the right amount to make the phone a really powerful tool. I should mention software updates, though. For now, it's looking like OnePlus is getting better or quicker with updates for its current phone of the year. That means phones like the 5 and 3/3T already have Oreo updates on some level and the 5T should get it before long. Just keep in mind that OnePlus isn't great about updating phones over the long haul.

3. Welcome to the party, camera!

The dual camera setup in the OnePlus 5 was a pretty average one. In fact, it was the reason I told you to pass on the phone. We're living in a time where your camera needs to be really good because everyone else's cameras are already really good. This is a dealbreaker area that, as a phone maker, you have to get right. OnePlus didn't with the 5. With the OnePlus 5T I think they did. They still went dual camera (16MP + 20MP, both f/1.7), but instead of a secondary shooter that zoomed, they added a special low-light camera (the 20MP shooter) that attempts to combine pixels in order to capture more light and enhance them properly when in dark situations. I think both shooters capture solid photos that you'll be proud to share or look back on years from now. The Pixel 2 cameras still reign supreme, but OnePlus is starting to show that it can get better in this area.

4. Battery life + Dash Charge = 🔥

During my first few days of testing the OnePlus 5T, I wasn't overly impressed with its battery life (3300mAh). And then during the final few days of testing, something seemed to change and it became a battery god. We're talking 4-5 hours of screen on time before going to bed, only to wake up with 25% battery left. Initially, I felt like I needed to look for a charger before bed, but then that all changed and I was not having to until the next day after heavy usage. On top of the stellar battery life, don't forget that the phone sports OnePlus' Dash Charge, which I still think is the best battery charging tech in the game. You get ultra fast charges whether you are using your phone or it's sitting idle, plus it never heats up, because OnePlus pulls the heat from the phone as it's juicing up. It's a phenomenal charging experience that you almost wish you could use more often even if you won't need to.

5. Yep, the price is still killer.

I know that I've railed against the OnePlus price creep that we've witnessed with each new model, but I can still admit that the OnePlus 5T is a heck of a value. Even as we were once buying OnePlus phones at $299 and now only a handful of years later paying close to double, they still undercut rivals by hundreds of dollars in some situations while offering an equally good experience. At $499 (6GB/64GB) and $559 (8GB/128GB), we've got a set of specs and software experience that I'd take over some of the phones from LG and HTC. And if my budget topped out at around $500, then I wouldn't even hesitate to pull the trigger.

Buy OnePlus 5T:

OnePlus Store

Pixelbook With 512GB Storage + 16GB RAM Now Available at Google Store for $100 Off

Tim — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 10:29:47 +0000

Before this week, the Pixelbook on the Google Store was only available in 128GB and 256GB + 8GB RAM configurations. Now, Google's top-tier Chrome OS machine is purchasable with 512GB storage and 16GB RAM. If you want this specced out machine, you'll be paying a hefty price. Google is selling this model of the Pixelbook for $1549 and that's with Google's discount of $100. Not only are you saving $100, but Google is providing a free Google Home to anyone who purchases a Pixelbook through December 31. Let the Bitcoin mining commence. Google Store Link

Razer Phone Update Brings the Camera Improvements It Desperately Needs

Tim — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:53:10 +0000

Just as Razer's CEO spoke of not too long ago, the Razer Phone is receiving an update this week, aimed directly at improving the camera experience. Listed in the changelog, users should see improved shutter speed in low light environments and when using HDR, should see reduced noise and clearer shadows, as well as improved picture quality with better color cast. As we noted in our review, the camera was one major drawback for the Razer Phone, so we'll have to see if this update truly does make a difference. Fingers crossed, because it was real bad before. Check out the full changelog below, then download that update!

// Razer Forums

T-Mobile Galaxy S8 and S8+ Pick-Up December Security Patch

Kellen — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:47:24 +0000

T-Mobile is updating its versions of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ today. The updates are minor, but do include the December security patch. If you own a regular T-Mobile Galaxy S8, you'll get software version G950USQS2BQL1, while Galaxy S8+ owners will see G955USQS2BQL1. The updates weigh in at 130MB and 127MB, respectively. And that's it. I wish I had more fun news to share with you like that this was Android Oreo or something. It's not, though. To check for updates, head into Settings>Software updates. // T-Mobile [2]

Liam Neeson's Voice Now Available on Waze

Kellen — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:27:13 +0000

One of the best features of Waze, the Google-owned, community-driven traffic and maps app, is the fact that you can regularly change the voice to something fresh. That could be a switch from female to male or to someone with an accent or even a celebrity. And starting today, Liam Neeson is the latest voice addition for a limited time that you may as well take advantage of. To promote his new movie, "The Commuter," which is some kind of combination of "Speed," "Phone Booth," and "Taken," you can access that unmistakable voice starting today through January 14, two days after the movie comes out. In order to turn on Liam Neeson, you'll need to use a particular set of skills, skills that you have acquired over a very long Android career, to head into Settings>Sound & Voice>Voice Directions and then tap on his name. Google Play Link // Waze

Oddball Deal: Buy 14-Cup Bella Coffeemaker for $30, Get $99 Insignia Smart Speaker With Google Assistant for Free (Updated)

Tim — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:06:03 +0000

We don't typically showcase items that aren't directly Android related, but the following deal is just too cool not to share and it is technically related to Android in a roundabout way. Listed as a Best Buy doorbuster deal, anyone who purchases a 14-cup Bella Pro coffeemaker for $30, down from its usual price of $60, will receive a free Insignia Voice Smart Bluetooth speaker with Google Assistant built-in. What makes this is a super bonus deal is the fact that this Insignia speaker is typically $99 (rated quite well, too!), currently on sale for $50, but comes free with the purchase of the Bella coffeemaker. It's one of the oddest, but intriguing deals I think we've ever come across. Do note, though, that while this Insignia speaker acts the same way as a Google Home, like answer to "Ok Google" and control your other smart home products, it does not support voice calls. That could be a deal breaker for some. On the bright side, it does have a digital clock, so if having Google Assistant next to your bed to act as an alarm clock and on-demand weatherman sounds cool, then there you go. As for the coffeemaker, according to Best Buy's listing, "It lets you schedule brewing up to 24 hours in advance, and its strength selector has regular, gourmet and bold options to suit your taste." To sum it up, it makes coffee, but doesn't have any real smarts that makes it a better pairing with the Insignia speaker. If getting this Insignia speaker for just $30 intrigues you, plus the free coffeemaker, check it out by following the link below. Update: It appears Best Buy has pulled the free Insignia speaker with the coffeemaker purchase at this time, but you can keep checking the page periodically to see if they add it back. Sorry for any inconvenience. Best Buy Link Cheers Mark!

DEAL: Best Buy's Doorbuster on SanDisk SD Cards has 128GB Cards $118 Off

Kellen — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:08:31 +0000

Best Buy's series of doorbuster deals are still flowing even as we are just days away from X-mas. Today's features big discounts on SanDisk Ultra Plus microSD cards in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities. The 32GB Ultra Plus card has been discounted to $14.99 ($40 off), the 64GB card dropped to $24.99 ($65 off), and the 128GB card to $41.99 ($118 off). Solid discounts for sure, especially for UHS-1 cards with 80MB/s read speeds. Again, this is a doorbuster deal, so it's only good today. Best Buy says that orders will still arrive by Christmas.

Best Buy Deal Link

Android Team Outlines Changes for App Developers to Increase Platform Security, Performance

Tim — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:07:44 +0000

In a blog post this week, the Android Developers team has outlined upcoming security changes that will affect not only those who create and publish applications, but those that use them on the Android OS. As the Android team explains, "We relentlessly focus on security and performance to ensure everyone has a positive experience discovering and installing apps and games." The below listed changes are aimed directly at continuing that goal of focusing on "security and performance." While users won't specifically see these changes with their own eyes, just know that things on the back end of Android are getting handled with care. So, without further ado, here are the changes. Upcoming Changes

In the second half of 2018, Play will require that new apps and app updates target a recent Android API level. This will be required for new apps in August 2018, and for updates to existing apps in November 2018. This is to ensure apps are built on the latest APIs optimized for security and performance.
In August 2019, Play will require that new apps and app updates with native libraries provide 64-bit versions in addition to their 32-bit versions.
Additionally, in early 2018, Play will start adding a small amount of security metadata on top of each APK to further verify app authenticity. You do not need to take any action for this change.

Like I said, general users won't need to worry about any of this. If you're an app developer, though, make sure to follow these new requirements to ensure your app continues to be offered on Google Play for everyone to download. // Android Developers

Chrome is Going to Start Blocking Bad Ads on February 15

Kellen — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 10:23:02 +0000

After announcing in June that Google planned to start blocking ads in Chrome at some point in early 2018, ads that violate the Better Ads Standards, Google has updated us today with an official date. Come February 15, if your website has been flagged with a "failing" status in Google's Ad Experience Report for more than 30 days, they'll remove all ads from it. As Google explained in June, bad ads (full-page interstitials, ads with unexpected sound, and flashing ads) have had a negative impact on almost everyone's experience on the web. Because of poorly designed or malicious ads, people are installing ad blockers at an increasing rate and making it harder and harder for free content to exist. Google even went as far as to say that ad blocker use because of bad ads is threatening the sustainability of the web ecosystem. So again, on February 15, if your website is failing with ad standards, it won't show ads any longer in Chrome on both desktop and mobile. If you receive a failing score or want to check your score, you can do so in Google's Webmaster Tools and the Ad Experience Report. Google can also help you in their Ad Experience Report Help Forum. For those of you who don't own a website, well, this is good news for you. As long as you use Chrome, Google will make sure you see fewer and fewer obnoxious ads, which will hopefully mean less reliance on an ad blocker to help support the content providers you read the most. // Google Developers

Buy Moto Mods Directly From Your Phone With the Moto Z Market App

Tim — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 09:14:05 +0000

If you're having troubles discovering a fancy new Moto Mod for your compatible Motorola device, Moto has a new app for you. Located in Google Play, the app is called Moto Z Market, designed specifically for helping owners discover and purchase new Moto Mods. When you open the app, you can look through the various categories of mods, such as batteries, projectors, speakers, and cameras. As you may already know, there are many different types of Moto Mods, so if you haven't yet dove into the continually growing world of mods, it's possible you've missed something neat. Purely as an example, the Polaroid Insta-Share printer would be a good one for the holidays when you have the whole family around and everyone is enjoying themselves. If you have the necessary hardware (a Moto device that supports Moto Mods), check out the app and discover something useful. Google Play Link

Samsung Starts Bringing Infinity Displays to Its Mid-Range Phones Too

Kellen — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 08:47:00 +0000

Samsung announced the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018) last night, two mid-range phones that are noteworthy because they show Samsung's interest in bringing their newest high-end Galaxy S and Note experience to the mid-range tier. That experience is the Infinity Display that made last year's Galaxy phones so appealing, only now you can get it without breaking the budget. These new Galaxy A8 phones sport 5.6-inch (A8) and 6.0-inch (A8+) FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Displays with an 18.5:9 ratio and resolutions of 2220x1080. Everything there lines up with the Galaxy S and Note range, outside of the resolution. That's a big deal for folks who want the newest from Samsung, yet may not have the cash for their most premium phones. The addition of an Infinity Display also means a move to on-screen navigation buttons and a fingerprint reader swap to the backside. In addition to the display, the A8 and A8+ feature octa-core processors, dual front cameras (16MP+8MP, f/1.9), 16MP rear camera at f/1.7, decent sized batteries (3000mAh and 3500mAh) with Fast Charging, 4GB or 6GB RAM, 32GB or 64GB storage (with microSD expansion), USB Type-C ports, NFC and MST (Samsung Pay), 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and IP68 water and dust resistance. We're talking pretty serious specs here, yet in a budget line of phones.

You are only getting Android 7.1.1, but things like Samsung Pay are here, as well as Live Focus for your selfie bokeh action. While these aren't attempting to compete with the upcoming Galaxy S9 or Galaxy Note 9, Samsung sure is giving you a nice new choice in a tier that hasn't typically offered a matching experience to flagship phones. Samsung said to expect the Galaxy A8 and A8+ to launch in January of next year in four colors, black, orchid grey, gold, and blue. We don't yet know how much either phone will cost or which markets will carry them. // Samsung

Huawei President: We Will Sell Our Flagship Phone in the US Through Carriers Next Year

Tim — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:36:21 +0000

In early August of this year, a report surfaced that claimed Huawei would sell a flagship device through AT&T. That would be a major step for the China-based company that has been tiptoeing here for some time, but this week when speaking to ABC News, Huawei's president, Richard Yu confirmed the company's plan. During this conversation, Yu said, "We will sell our flagship phone, our product, in the U.S. market through carriers next year. I think that we can bring value to the carriers and to consumers. Better product, better innovation, better user experience." While the news in general is exciting, we still don't know exactly which carrier(s) will carry the Huawei device. As for which device Yu is referring to, that'd be the Mate 10, one of Huawei's latest smartphones announced back in October. We expect to hear much more about this during CES next month, so stay tuned. // ABC

DEAL: Save $300 on a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL at Target, Get Free $250 Gift Card

Tim — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:18:41 +0000

Set to expire later this month, Target is hosting a promo for anyone who gets a new Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL via adding a line of service or upgrading devices on a device payment plan. To put it in as simple of terms as possible, if you purchase a new Pixel on a device payment plan through Verizon, you will save $300 over the course of 24 months. This is no different from similar $300-off promos we've seen from Verizon already. However, to sweeten the deal at Target, anyone who gets a new Pixel phone, whether through a Verizon payment plan or simply adding a new line of service, will receive a $250 gift card. To further clarify, while the $300-off promotion is limited to Verizon customers, anyone can take advantage of the free $250 gift card, so keep that in mind. For more details, check out Target's Pixel listings linked below. Target Links: Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL

DEAL: Save $100 on a Pixelbook at Best Buy, Get a Free Google Home

Tim — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 12:13:37 +0000

For a limited time at Best Buy, folks can purchase a Pixelbook at $100 off, plus get a free Google Home with the purchase. At $100 off, the 128GB model comes down to $899, while the 256GB model comes down to $1099. Not only are you saving money on Google's fanciest Chrome OS laptop yet, but you're getting a free Google Home (full size, not the Mini). This deal is findable online, as well as in-store. This is helpful if you want to check out the Pixelbook in person before dropping nearly a grand on it. Do we have any Pixelbook owners here? How do you like it? Best Buy Links: 128GB | 256GB

T-Mobile HTC U11 Life Receiving Oreo Update

Tim — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 11:26:44 +0000

HTC announced that the U11 Life on T-Mobile will begin receiving its Oreo update today. Inside, U11 Life owners can expect all of the same Oreo features we've been discussing for months now, including enhanced notifications, Picture-in-Picture, Autofill awesomeness, and much more. HTC says the update is rather large, so be prepared to connect to WiFi to download and install the update. Enjoy! https://twitter.com/HTCUSA/status/942826467074875392

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 50!

Tim — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:30:37 +0000

We've reached Volume 50 of the Droid Life Q&A Sessions. Intense. We started this segment back in 2012, and if you're interested in reminiscing with us briefly, check out the first entry here. With the Q&A Sessions, you're able to pick our brains on any topic that concerns you. It can be about Android, what we expect from 2018 and CES, sports, the best burgers in any city we've traveled to, or anything else that might be on your mind. It's like an AMA, but way more cool. Later this week, we'll round up your questions, then publish our answers in a separate post. Volume 50, let's do it!

Google Investigating Decreased Pixel 2 XL Fingerprint Reader Speed After Android 8.1 Update

Tim — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:57:21 +0000

Users on the Google Support forum are claiming the speed of their fingerprint reader on the Pixel 2 XL has been slowed down, following an update to Android 8.1. Before the update, the Pixel 2 XL's fingerprint reader is pretty fast, unlocking the display almost immediately after recognizing a user's fingerprint. Apparently, once this update is applied, there's a considerable pause for some users between placing your finger on the reader and the device unlocking. Thankfully, the Google team has acknowledged the issue, but hasn't yet announced a fix. According to one of Google's contributors, "All the team is aware of this and are looking into it." Over the weekend, the Google Support forum's community manager stated they would be reaching out for bug reports, logs, and other information as Google works to correct the issue. Whatever the issue is, it may require a fix to be sent out via OTA, but we will keep our eye on this and let you know if Google announces anything official. Meanwhile, my Pixel 2 XL still hasn't received Android 8.1, and I'm beginning to think this could be one of the reasons why. Has your Pixel 2 XL received Android 8.1? Are you experiencing this issue? // Google Support

DEAL: Nova Launcher Prime Down to Just $1 on Google Play

Tim — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 08:47:53 +0000

This time of year is always about gift giving to those you love, but have you taken the time to spoil yourself a little bit? For a limited time, you can get Nova Launcher Prime for just $1, which is a perfect, inexpensive treat for your Android device. If you've somehow never heard us talk about Nova Launcher, it's the 3rd-party launcher we use the most. With it, you can use custom icon packs from Google Play, customize every inch of your home screen and app drawer, plus set gestures to help you navigate and control your phone more quickly. Basically, we love this app and we're pretty sure you will, too. As I mentioned, it's listed at just $1, down from its usual price of $5. Google Play Link

DEAL: Pixel 2 is $50 Off and Pixel 2 XL is $75 Off at Google Store (Plus Trade-In Offers Still Available)

Kellen — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 07:35:25 +0000

Over the weekend, Google kicked off its best deal yet on Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The regular Pixel 2 now starts at $599, thanks to a $50 discount, while the Pixel 2 XL now starts at $774, thanks to a $75 discount. Those are straight-up discounts too, not weird promotional credits that you don't see for months. Now, if you couple those price drops with Google's trade-in discounts, you could get up to $500 off something like the Pixel 2 XL. Google is still offering up to $435 off a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL with trade-in, though your options to get that much back are limited. The iPhone 8 Plus is currently the only phone worth that much to Google. However, the Pixel XL from last year will still get you up to $405 off. This deal last until December 31, so it'll be good even after you pick-up all that Christmas cash this weekend. On a related note, if you plan to stick with someone like Verizon for the next two years, both Verizon and Best Buy are offering $300 off discounts and no trade is required. All you have to do is sign-up for a device payment plan and they'll spread that discount out over 24 months.

Google Store Link

Weekly Recap: Net Neutrality Vote, Galaxy S9 Renders, and The Last Jedi

Tim — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 15:48:18 +0000

This week was one for the books. We had the FCC's vote to kill neutrality, got our first potential look at the Galaxy S9, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi hit theaters. Yup, a whole lot happened. If you missed this week's coverage, allow me to briefly recap. Earlier this week, we posted up our review of Google's Pixel Buds, we unboxed and listened to Google Home Max, and learned Vivo will be the OEM to incorporate Synpatics' Clear ID under-display fingerprint reading technology in a 2018 device. If you missed anything, here's your full recap!

Watch: The Droid Life Show - "RIP, Net Neutrality" [Subscribe]
Review: Google Pixel Buds.
Unboxing: Google Home Max.
FCC votes to kill net neutrality.
Galaxy S9: Our first potential look at the Galaxy S9.
Report claims unveiling of Galaxy S9 scheduled for February, launch in March.
Clear ID: Vivo is the OEM that will use Synaptics' Clear ID.
Chromecast returns to Amazon!
Google Assistant arrives for Android tablets.
These are the Android Wear devices that will receive Oreo.
Andy Rubin makes his return to Essential.
Download: Star Wars wallpapers from special edition OnePlus 5T.

Have a great weekend, folks!

DEAL: Misfit Vapor Down to Just $140 on Amazon, $60 Off

Tim — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:30:03 +0000

Misfit Vapor, the Android Wear-powered smartwatch that everyone was chirping about months ago, but got less excited with as delays took place and specs were changed, is up on sale through Amazon. The retail price for Vapor is $200, but for a limited time, you can get it for $60 off, bringing the price to just $140. That's quite the price for this good-looking smartwatch, and considering it's Prime eligible, you can have it in time for the holidays. For specs, the Vapor sports a a 44mm case with touch bezel, 1.39-inch round AMOLED display (326ppi), Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 5ATM water resistance, 4GB storage, connected GPS (not standalone), heart rate sensor, microphone, fitness tracking, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Android Wear 2.0. If the Vapor has been on your list, now is the time, folks! Amazon Link

Report: Samsung Galaxy S9 Unveiling Set for February, Retail Launch in March

Tim — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 13:18:20 +0000

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Samsung's plan for 2018 is to unveil the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in February, then launch it globally in March. If this is indeed what happens, it would be one of the earliest launches we've seen from Samsung. Along with the timing, which comes from sources who are familiar with Samsung's plan, the phones will be more of an iterative update, aligning well with the CAD renders we posted up earlier this week. Besides a moving of the fingerprint reader, potential buyers can expect an updated camera system, as well as Snapdragon 845 processor. Naturally, the source of this information that Samsung's plan is always quite fluid and subject to change. As for that CES tease report, it's not looking likely, but at least we may not have to wait too long after to see what Samsung's has in store for 2018 in the mobile department. // Bloomberg

The Last Jedi's Rey (Jedi Training) Arrives in Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes

Tim — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 11:33:46 +0000

The game I won't shut up about, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, just received a new character that all Resistance squads will want to have. Rey (Jedi Training), is now in the game, synergizing ridiculously well with BB-8, Resistance characters, and many other squads in general. Rey (Jedi Training) can be unlocked through a limited time Hero's Journey event, meaning unlocking her is no easy task. Much like Commander Luke Skywalker's Hero's Journey, you'll need a specific 7-starred team to unlock her. You will need a 7-star BB-8 (which requires a 7-star First Order squad), Finn, Veteran Smuggler Han Solo, Veteran Smuggler Chewbacca, and Rey (Scavenger). As for her abilities, she is labeled as a tank, capable of applying debuffs, afflicting big damage, gaining Foresight, and much more. From the gameplay I've seen and discussions I've had with my own guild, the only downside to her tank label is that she does not taunt. Additionally, her kit is somewhat underpowered, unless she is strategically placed in a Resistance squad that is consistently applying Expose and receiving Secret Intel from BB-8. If you have the necessary characters, go try your hand at unlocking her! If you ever need help on your cantina table quest, feel free to hit me up and I can offer suggestions and insight the best I can. May the Force be with you! Google Play Link // EA

These US Cities Lean on WiFi Usage the Most, According to OpenSignal

Tim — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 10:54:38 +0000

We tend to discuss mobile technologies like 4G LTE and 5G the most around here, so we don't often take the time to talk about another important aspect of our daily smartphone usage, which happens to be WiFi usage. I don't know about you, but I'm on WiFi a ton throughout my day, whether I'm at home, at a bar, or even at a restaurant that offers it. I even have my phone set to automatically connect to my grocery store's WiFi, but only because it's a black hole for cell signal. In a new report from OpenSignal, the analysts there have ranked the large US cities that lean on WiFi usage the most during a test period of July through September, with the results being somewhat of a surprise. According to its findings, Phoenix, AZ ranks the highest among US cities, averaging 37.8% of their time on WiFi. Following Phoenix is New York City, Boston, Seattle, and Miami. What surprised me is San Francisco, CA. When I lived there, you could find public WiFi basically everywhere, but this major city just north of Silicon Valley comes in at just 32.1%, putting it in the middle of the pack. Coming in at the bottom of the largest cities that depend on WiFi are Nashville at 24.4%, Indianapolis, Cincinnati* (they misspelled it in their graph), San Antonio, and Las Vegas. What about you, though? What percentage of your day are you connected to WiFi? 25%? More than 50%?

// OpenSignal

RIP: BlackBerry Priv Will No Longer Receive Monthly Security Updates

Tim — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 09:52:17 +0000

In September of this year, BlackBerry announced that the Priv would not receive an update to Nougat. This week, it announced the Priv will no longer receive monthly security updates, essentially telling its current users that it's time to move on to something new. This isn't unexpected news, BlackBerry points out, as the company committed to 24 months of updates when the device launched. Provided the phone launched in November, 2015, BlackBerry stuck to its word and delivered a secure experience to its users, although, an update to Nougat sure would have been nice. Here's the important part of BlackBerry's blog post.

Having now stepped outside the original 2-year window, we will no longer be delivering monthly updates for the PRIV moving forward. That said, we continue to support our loyal users as follows: First, we will of course fulfill all warranty obligations for the PRIV. Second, as outlined above we believe our phones are inherently more secure because of the way they’ve been designed with security features from the inside out. Third, should a critical vulnerability be exposed we will engage our partners as needed to develop and deliver necessary patches. Fourth, we are thrilled to announce that with our partners at BlackBerry Mobile we will soon be introducing a trade-up program for current BlackBerry customers who are still using the PRIV as well as those holding onto BB10 and BBOS devices. Stay tuned for details and get ready to upgrade to a BlackBerry KeyOne or Motion, the most secure Android smartphones on the planet.

With word of this trade-up program now available, it could be a good move for current Priv owners to hold onto the device until they're ready to upgrade to a KeyOne or Motion smartphone. We'll let you know when BlackBerry announces the details. Pour one out for the Priv, folks! // BlackBerry

Vivo is the OEM That Utilizes Synaptics' Clear ID Fingerprint Reader

Tim — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 08:54:21 +0000

Earlier this week, Synpatics announced that a top 5 OEM would showcase its Clear ID fingerprint technology in a Tier 1 smartphone. Well, we don't have to wait for next month's CES to find out who that top 5 OEM is, as we now know it is Vivo that will showcase the under-display technology, with Forbes going hands-on with a pre-production unit with Clear ID onboard. Thanks to the photo above, we can see that the experience is much like you'd expect. Whether your finger is dry, wet, hot, cold, etc., the under-display CMOS image sensor utilizes the display to light up your fingerprint, capture an image of it, then unlocks your device. According to Synpatics, Clear ID is not just twice as fast as 3D facial recognition technology like that seen in the iPhone X, but it's a lot cheaper to incorporate, too.

As told by Forbes, the process of unlocking the device was simple enough, but could be streamlined a bit. Apparently, the display has to be woken from the power button, then the finger goes on the display to be unlocked. Written in the report, "I am expecting Vivo to modify the experience, so I just have to 'hold to wake' so I do not even have to use the button." At least from our perspective, that would be much better. Because this is Vivo, we aren't exactly sure if we'll see this technology hit the US too soon. We may have to wait for another OEM that has an actual US presence to utilize Clear ID. The tech itself is looking quite promising, though. Thoughts? // Forbes

Party Chat Support Arrives for Xbox Beta App

Tim — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 15:51:21 +0000

If for some reason you must put down the headset and walk away from your Xbox console, you no longer have to leave your party chat hanging. Rolling out through the Xbox beta app on Google Play, Android users can now maintain their conversation through their smartphone, instead of the feature being tied solely to your console. The feature is listed as beta, so you can expect a few hiccups here and there, but it should function just as it does from the Xbox console. Should you receive a party invite, you can join it, then speak via your phone's mic directly to the party members. I use the beta app myself, and while the chat bubble feature still needs a whole lot of optimizing, I'm pretty excited about this new party chat functionality. I'll definitely be giving it a shot. Follow the link below to download the beta app for yourself. Play Link

Samsung's Bixby Speaker Could Arrive in First Half of 2018 for Around $200

Kellen — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 15:42:59 +0000

Samsung still plans to release some sort of smart speaker that is powered by their Bixby assistant, according to a report from Bloomberg. Their sources are under the impression that the speaker should be here within the first half of 2018 and may drop in at around $200. According to Bloomberg, the Samsung speaker will have an audio focus, but will do the smart home thing as well, by controlling appliances and smart home goods and your TV. I don't know about you, but Samsung sure seems to be dragging their feet on this Bixby speaker. Maybe that's because Bixby 2.0 is a completely revamped version of their assistant that has set them back. Either way, I say that because we started talking about a Samsung-made smart speaker back in July, before Samsung confirmed their interest in the space at the end of August, yet here we are at the end of 2018 talking about a launch that could be another six months out. At $200, it's going to find itself somewhere in between the price points of Amazon, Google, and Apple's own smart speaker products. Amazon sells Echo units from $50 to $150, while Google's range goes from $50 up to $400. The Apple HomePod is expected to retail for $350. At $200, Samsung could find a nice middle ground, assuming the audio quality can justify the price. The other important piece of this product will be Bixby. Google has its Assistant that seems to be getting better by the day for its Home products, as does Amazon's Alexa with Echo. Apple will use Siri for HomePod. Those three assistant technologies are all pretty polished, yet Bixby, at least the first version, felt very much like a beta product that is over-complicated and in need of direction or focus. For Samsung's sake, I hope Bixby 2.0 can do that. Any interest in a Samsung smart speaker? // Bloomberg

RIP, Net Neutrality

Kellen — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:27:11 +0000

On this Thursday edition of the Droid Life Show, we're back to cover this week's net neutrality repeal, our OnePlus 5T and Pixel Buds reviews, as well as the Google Home Max that we now have in house. Once we're done there, it's on to Android 8.1 updates, Galaxy S9 renders, T-Mobile's upcoming TV service, and the Snapdragon 845, which is official and detailed. We’ll be live at 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

FCC Votes to Kill Net Neutrality

Kellen — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:37:10 +0000

The FCC voted 3-2 today to kill net neutrality rules and reverse Title II framework that had previously been installed just under three years ago. This isn't the end of the internet (yet), but things could potentially get bad for consumers over the long haul as wireless and broadband internet providers decide that they'll put up with public shaming and outcry in order to further pad their pockets with wads and wads of cash. During today's rushed vote that probably shouldn't have happened for a number of reasons, FCC chairman Ajit Pai argued that the previous Title II framework stopped investment in networks by ISPs and hampered innovation. And that's pretty comical, since we report on a weekly basis how T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint are constantly upgrading their network with Gigabit speed technologies in a race to get to 5G, all while expanding into new markets and competing on price and through a re-emergence of things like unlimited data. But that's Pai, a former Verizon lawyer who laughs at the seriousness of net neutrality as if its supporters are fools and overreacting to fear mongering from celebrities. Yeah, that's the opinion of a guy who thinks its a good idea to participate in net neutrality spoof videos with Pizzagaters from the Daily Caller and joke about being Verizon's "puppet" (he probably is). He's a f*cking clown. OK, with that out of the way let's talk! Going forward, because you as the consumer no longer have much protection (the FCC is shifting consumer protection to the FTC, which has little authority) from your ISP blocking access to legal content, throttling lawful internet traffic, or offering paid prioritization, your internet experience could change for the worse. Pai and his telecom friends and lobbyist bros think that without those protections, you now have true internet freedom. What he means is that his telecom friends and lobbyist bros are now free to do as they please in order to squeeze the shit out of your wallet, which you'll have no choice but to comply with because you have almost no choice in who your provider is. They have continued to argue that there has been no foul play in paid prioritization or blocking or throttling in years and years of internet use. They want you to know that ISPs won't dare do something as stupid as any of that because you'll hold them accountable with your wallet. Lol. Lol. Lol. It might take some time before this all shakes out, but there's one thing to always keep in mind when internet providers want something or a hurdle removed - it's because they see even more opportunities to make money off of you. Maybe that'll lead to more innovation and better networks, but it could also lead to the exact opposite. It could lead to a world where the few mega players we already have tighten their grip and make it harder and harder for new ideas to emerge and for your experience through the internet to improve. Want to read more in-depth coverage of net neutrality's end? Check out Engadget, Tom Wheeler's piece, Gizmodo, and The Verge. Is it beer o'clock yet? // FCC

Chromecast Returning to Amazon After 2-Year Ban

Tim — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:30:35 +0000

Since late October, 2015, you couldn't purchase a Chromecast through Amazon. Amazon's reasoning for its ban was subjectively just, as the company didn't want consumers to be confused as to which products could access Amazon's library of digital media. Amid a current feud between Amazon and Google, one that has YouTube access removed from select Amazon devices, listings for both the Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra have reappeared on Amazon's website. In a brief statement provided to The Verge, Amazon confirmed that it is indeed re-listing the Chromecast, as well as select Apple TV models to the website. "I can confirm that we are assorting Apple TV and Chromecast," an Amazon spokesperson said via email. When companies as large as Amazon and Google are feuding, it's hardly ever the consumer that ends up the victor. This move could lead to better times, not just for the companies, but for all of us looking to save money on our favorite dongles. The items are back on Amazon, but not yet for sale. We'll let you know when they are available for purchase. Amazon Links

// CNET | The Verge

DEAL: Samsung's Newest Fast Wireless Charger is 50% Off Today

Kellen — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 09:57:58 +0000

Samsung's "12 days of joy" continue today and the highlight deal in mobile is a 50% discount on their newest fast wireless charger. Normally $90, you can grab one for just $45. With this stand, your Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, or Galaxy S7 can charge wirelessly at faster-than-usual speeds, sit upright for use while charging, or lie flat if you prefer. It should work just fine with your iPhone X or iPhone 8 too. This particular charger sports a "leather-like" design, uses the Qi wireless standard, and has a charging LED indicator. Let's also not forget that Samsung's $400-off Note 8 and S8 deal is still going strong. Don't let it expire before taking advantage.

Samsung Deal Link

Galaxy S9 Render Fixes Our Biggest Gripe With 2017's Galaxy Lineup

Tim — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 09:23:20 +0000

We aren't sure when Samsung intends to unveil next year's Galaxy S9, and reports that it will make an appearance at next month's CES still don't quite jive with us, but what we do know is that it is coming. As we see year over year, leaks get more frequent as we draw closer to something official, with the latest leak offering unofficial renders detailing the hardware design as well as a few specs. On the Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8, one of our biggest gripes was the placement of the rear-facing fingerprint reader. To us, it just didn't work, being off to the side of the camera instead of in the middle like on many other devices. According to these factory CAD-based renders, though, Samsung has heard our cries and will place the reader underneath the rear camera, aligning with reports that claimed this would be the case.

Besides the fingerprint reader movement, the overall design looks very similar to 2017's Galaxy lineup. On the front there is a reported 5.65" Infinity display, Type-C port on the bottom, bottom-facing speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack (yes!), and obviously, a single rear-facing camera. Keep in mind, it is reported that the Galaxy S9+ could have a dual rear-facing camera setup, ending Samsung's approach of having the Plus device being just a larger option to the base Galaxy S device. We have the renders above, plus the complete 360-degree video, too. What do you think? // 91mobiles

Download: Wallpapers From the OnePlus 5T Star Wars Edition

Kellen — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 08:35:04 +0000

This morning, OnePlus announced a limited edition of the OnePlus 5T for India in celebration of the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It's the OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition! Since we don't live in India, we'll miss out on any chance to buy one, but that doesn't mean we can still enjoy some of its limitedness. The folks over at XDA ripped the wallpapers from it and have shared them for all to download. There are 10 wallpapers in total, featuring storm troopers, Kylo Ren's soft-curl perm, Praetorian Guard, and First Order or Rebel logos. All wallpapers are built to fit the OnePlus 5T's display at 2160x1080. You can download the full set through this link.

As for the device itself, it's exactly like the regular OnePlus 5T in terms of specs (this is the 8GB RAM, 128GB storage model), only it has been given special branding with a sandstone white paint job and red Alert Slider. It also comes in a fancy box with a Kylo Ren case. It's stupidly hot and very well done. Look at this bad boy.

// OnePlus | XDA

Verizon Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Pick-Up December Security Patch

Kellen — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:59:38 +0000

Just when it seemed as if Samsung was fully slipping on keeping its phones up-to-date, they team up with Verizon to push the December security patch to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. I say that not only because of the slow update rollout to their unlocked Galaxy S8 phones, but because their monthly security patches are creeping closer and closer to the end of each month. According to each phone's changelog, that is all we're getting this month too. The Galaxy S7 will see new software version G930VVRU4BQK4, while the Galaxy S7 Edge will update to G935VVRU4BQK4. The 2017-12-01 patch is included. I'd imagine other Samsung phones, like the Galaxy S8 line and Note 8 will see this update as well. To check for it, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon [2]

DEAL: All Moto Mods on Sale at Best Buy, Save Up to $75

Tim — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 13:51:40 +0000

Best Buy is currently hosting a sale on all of its Moto Mods accessories, perfect for anyone currently using a compatible Motorola smartphone. That could be the Moto Z, Z2, Z2 Force, or anything that takes Moto Mods. As for what's on sale, you can grab a new SoundBoost 2 speaker for $60, GamePad for $60, offGRID battery charger for $56, Alexa Smart Speaker for $112, Hasselblad True Zoom camera for $225, or choose from a number of other Moto Mods. Below is each Moto Mod currently on sale through Best Buy, so go over the list and see what suits your needs. I will say, the Polaroid Printer mod is already sold out, but you can set yourself up to be notified as soon as it returns. That's a fun looking mod. Have at it. Moto Mods on Sale

JBL SoundBoost 2 - $60 ($20 off)
360 Camera - $225 ($75 off)
Insta Share Projector - $225 ($75 off)
Hasselblad True Zoom Camera - $225 ($75 off)
JBL SoundBoost - $60 ($20 off)
Incipio offGRID Battery Charger - $56 ($24 off)
Moto GamePad - $60 ($20 off)
Mophie Juice Pack - $75 ($25 off)
Polaroid Insta-Share Printer - $150 ($50 off)
Amazon Alexa Smart Speaker - $112 ($37 off)

DEAL: Best Buy's Doorbuster Drops Moto X4 to $339 ($60 Off)

Kellen — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 13:36:40 +0000

The latest noteworthy holiday doorbuster from Best Buy is a mega-discount on the unlocked Moto X4. Normally priced at $399.99, you can buy one today at $339.99 ($60 off). Now, I know in my Moto X4 review I didn't exactly tell anyone to run out and buy one, but when you get to prices this low, things can change. I knocked it for an average camera and poor performance. Performance is something that can improve with software updates, and I'd hope Motorola could do just that since all of their other phones are some of the best performing in the business. The camera not being one of the best was expected at the price point, so if you look at it that way, $339.99 is a pretty good deal. Let's also not forget that the Moto X4 is water resistant, works on all major US carriers, and looks pretty, assuming you can get along with that not-so-pretty camera hump. Again as a doorbuster, this Moto X4 deal is good for today only.

Best Buy Deal Link

Google Home Max Unboxing, Setup, and First Listen!

Kellen — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:41:40 +0000

Google Home Max is in the building! Ours actually arrived last night, but we hadn't found the time to set it up until this morning, so we did that by unboxing and giving it a first listen on camera. To recap, Google Home Max is Google's first Hi-Fi speaker that costs $399. You can buy it today at the Google Store, Best Buy, Verizon and Walmart. This premium version of Google Home features dual 4.5" woofers, a couple of tweeters, far field microphones to access Google Assistant (mute switch included too), USB-C port, 3.5mm jack, touch panel for controlling volume and playback, and Google's Smart Sound, that adapts to your room and speaker's placement to offer the best soundstage. You can place it horizontally or vertically, pair it with other Google Home products for multi-room audio, and stream a variety of music services, including Google Play Music, Pandora, YouTube Music, and Spotify. We just started testing, so I don't have much to report back on the audio quality front. I will say after the first couple of listens that it gets incredibly loud and possibly already sounds better than my original SONOS PLAY:5. We'll see if that holds up. Let's do this!

Google Home Max Unboxing

Buy Google Home Max:

Google Assistant Now Available for Android Tablets, Phones Running Lollipop

Tim — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 10:53:58 +0000

For those who have been waiting to see Google Assistant make its ways to Android tablets or if you're somehow using a phone that is still using Lollipop, today's a big day for you. Announced by Google, Google Assistant is now available to Android tablets (Android 6.0+), and on top of that, Google Assistant will now work on smartphones running Lollipop. While supporting Android 5.0 may not seem too high priority, it's still a large base of Android users, according to the distribution numbers. As for when you will see Assistant hit your Android tablet or Lollipop-running smartphone, Google says tablets should see it in the coming weeks and Lollipop users should start seeing it immediately in select markets (US included). Tablet owners and Lollipop users, does this make you happy? // Google

DEAL: Huawei Hosting Holiday Sale on Phones, Wearables, and Tablets

Tim — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 09:22:22 +0000

Huawei is hosting deals across the web this week, making it easy to get a bit of last minute holiday shopping done. Deals can be found for Huawei's smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. To give you an idea of what's out there, you can save $100 on a Mate 9, $50 off on an Honor 6X, $150 off a Huawei Watch 2 Classic or $120 off a Watch 2 Sport. Check out the full list of deals and links to find them below.

Phones

HUAWEI Mate 9 - $399 ($100 off)

Amazon
Best Buy
Newegg

Honor 6X - $149 ($50 off)

Amazon
Best Buy
Newegg

Wearables

HUAWEI Watch 2 Classic - $219 ($150 off)

Amazon
Best Buy

HUAWEI Watch 2 Sport - $179 ($120 off)

Best Buy

HUAWEI Band 2 Pro - $49 ($20 off)

Amazon

Tablets

HUAWEI MediaPad T3 8-inch - $119 ($20 off)

HUAWEI MediaPad M3 Lite 8-inch - $169 ($30 off)

Have at it, folks!

T-Mobile Acquires Layer3 TV, Will Launch Its Own TV Service in 2018

Kellen — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 08:24:07 +0000

The next Uncarrier move for T-Mobile is a move into the streaming TV space. This morning, the fiery wireless carrier announced that they have acquired Layer3 TV and plan to use its technology to launch a TV service in 2018. As you can imagine, today's announcement was filled with talk of the TV industry being horrible and how traditional cable companies are awful to their customers. T-Mobile CEO John Legere railed against bundles, "clunky" technologies, closed systems, and terrible customer service. T-Mobile isn't wrong in pointing all of that out, as the TV industry is indeed the worst. Yes, we're talking about you, Comcast. So T-Mobile, like it said during its early Uncarrier push to change the wireless industry, is talking big about TV and what they can do to change things up. With Layer3 TV by their side, they think they can also leverage their retail presence to expand a TV offering that disrupts cable TV. That's a hell of a task, but yeah, T-Mobile did it with wireless for a while and might be able to help in cable.

I'm new to Layer3 TV, but it appears to be a cable box of sorts that connects throughout your house using additional wireless points. It shoots a 4K-capable signal throughout your house, gives you tons of DVR space, and more. It's only available in a handful of markets (I'm not in one), but T-Mobile can help it reach more customers, obviously. Their channel line-up at the moment includes those that you want to see, like ABC, ESPN, HBO, Disney, TNT, Food, CNN, Bravo, MTV, E, etc. We don't know how much T-Mobile will charge, how many channels they'll have, if they plan to utilize this Layer3 TV box technology or not, and if they'll force you into a bundle, even though they just joked about cable bundles. It's all quite the mystery at the moment, but it's something to pay attention to as we head into the next year. You can hear more about the news in the video below. I'm also listening in to their press call and will update this post as I learn more. // T-Mobile

Question of the Day: How Much is Too Much for a Smartphone?

Tim — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:52:20 +0000

We're still seeing smartphone prices tick up at a consistent rate. If it continues, the Galaxy Note 9 (not a confirmed name) could easily cost $1,000+, making it one hell of an expensive Android device. For iPhone buyers, Apple's next iPhone lineup might also eclipse $1,000, with only the iPhone X in 256GB already priced at $1,150. Thankfully, Android users aren't being charged that much... yet! Our question today to you is, how much is too much for a smartphone? Is there an imaginary line that you refuse to cross, only because you don't deem a phone, something very fragile and that will undoubtedly be replaced at some point, not worthy of such a price tag? Sure, the more expensive of a phone you buy the likely its specs and features will justify the price, but we've seen makers such as OnePlus deliver a solid product at much more affordable pricing when compared to other high-end brands. It's a very delicate situation, pricing is, so we're curious to hear your take. How much is too much for you?

DEAL: LG Watch Style Drops to $99.99 at B&H ($150 Off)

Kellen — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 14:47:06 +0000

Time to get yourself a fresh Android Wear watch as a reward for being awesome this holiday season. B&H Photo has the LG Watch Style in titanium dropped to just $99.99. That's a $150 discount from its original retail price. Do I think the LG Watch Style is a bargain at $100? Hell yes I do. I reviewed this watch months ago and actually liked it outside of the missing NFC and GPS, as well as the high $250 price. But it runs like a champ, has solid battery life, is simple enough in design that you could wear it all day, everyday, and it was made in partnership with Google, so it should continue to get quick updates from LG. Go get one.

B&H Photo Deal Link

AT&T Passport Shrinks to Two Plans, Gets More Data

Kellen — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 14:19:25 +0000

AT&T tweaked its Passport plans this week by dropping the choices to just two options for international travelers, but they also added more data to those two choices without raising prices. You've now got $60 and $120 plans only (the $40 option is gone), with 1GB and 3GB of data, respectively. Before today, those plans each only had 300MB and 800MB of data to use. In addition to the data buckets, you've still got unlimited text and WiFi access through AT&T's Global WiFi app that connects you to participating WiFi hotspots. Outside of the data change, the only other difference is the $60 plan's $0.35 per minute talk pricing. It used to be $0.50 per minute. You can pay for Passport packages one time or sign-up for recurring charges, depending on how much you travel.

New AT&T Passport Plans

// AT&T