Droid Life

US Cellular is Raising Prices on Unlimited, Offering $10 Payback for Little Data Usage (Updated: Official)

Kellen — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 09:20:21 +0000

On August 23, US Cellular will tweak their Total Plans line-up by dropping one plan, raising prices on unlimited, and offering a cashback incentive for those who use little data. The plan change info comes to us via reliable source.

UPDATE August 23: US Cellular has now announced these new Unlimited With Payback plans. You can sign-up or get more info about them here.

According to information we've reviewed, US Cellular will reduce their data plan offerings to three that include Unlimited, Unlimited Plus, and 2GB. They are removing the 6GB data option that is currently offered. When they do that, Total Plans pricing for Unlimited and Unlimited Plus will each rise by $5 per month to $65 and $75, respectively. Those prices are only good if you sign-up for autopay.

New US Cellular Total Plans

That $5 price increase is likely because of a new "All Unlimited with Payback" feature that US Cellular is introducing. Payback will give customers a $10 credit when they have one of the two unlimited plans and use less than 3GB of data in a bill cycle. Those credits will show in the "Other credits and Charges" on your bill each month. US Cellular is telling associates that customers can stay on current plans if they so choose, but the 6GB plan won't be an option on August 23. Their data shows that only 8% of customers were choosing it anyway. We'll let you know when these go official.

Google's Datally Picks Up Two New Data Saving Features

Kellen — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 08:59:13 +0000

Google's Datally, app that wants to help you better match your data plan, grabbed an update today with two new features. The new additions help stop unwanted night time data usage and also store a little bit of your bucket on the side in case of emergencies. That first feature I mentioned above is called Bedtime Mode. With Bedtime Mode, you can tell your phone to turn off all data usage at night. That way, you won't have apps quietly using up your data bucket as you snooze the night away. You can set bedtimes and wake up times to automatically make this happen. The second feature is called Emergency Bank. As the name suggests, Datally will attempt to block access to your data bucket, once you hit an allowance, only leaving it there in case of emergencies. That sounds like something most would force their way past, but it still could help you manage your data plan better. Or maybe you all have the ultimate unlimited plan and don't need Datally. Google Play Link // Google

HTC has Another "U" Product Ready to Reveal on August 30

Kellen — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 08:39:52 +0000

What's that, you thought HTC was done announcing products ~~forever~~ this year? According to a new Tweet from the company, you would be wrong. On August 30, "Something new for U" is coming and it will force "beauty and power" to meet. Is this a new color or variant of the poorly-reviewed HTC U12+? Is this a new U Life phone? Honestly, I have no idea what could be on the way, but the "U" has been part of the branding for HTC phones in recent years. I should point out that the Tweet only came from HTC's global account. The HTC USA Twitter account has been silent so far this morning. If we do get a new phone, it could be something that won't arrive in the States. Any guesses? https://twitter.com/htc/status/1032538084372406272

We're at the Point Now Where Full Pixel 3 XL Reviews are Popping Up

Kellen — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 08:28:04 +0000

We're still pretty sure that Google will announce the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL at an event that is scheduled for October 4. We hope they have plenty of other products to show off at that time, because the Pixel 3 XL story is here, done, and old. I hate to say that, but look, there are numerous samples of the phone in the wild at this point and there isn't much left to know. We're at the stage of leaks where full reviews are popping up, yet the phone won't even be announced for over a month. Today, Eldar Murtazin of Mobile Review posted up an unboxing, hardware tour, software overview, showed off the new USB-C earbuds with Google Assistant controls, compared it to the Note 9 and P20 Pro, ran a photo comparison, talked about battery life, and then still had time to rant about why there are this many production devices already out in the wild. This shit is ridiculous. In his Pixel 3 XL review, we don't necessarily learn all that much. The software is the Android Pie that your Pixel or Pixel 2 is already running. The hardware is new, but we've seen it a dozen times by now. In terms of new stuff, he did show off that Google Assistant button for the included USB-C earbuds that are included. He also showed off the currently-being-dogfooded Camera app with its new UI. Otherwise, yeah, this is the Pixel 3 XL. Here are shots of those two things, both of which don't need much of an explanation:

I'm just sort of baffled at this point at the level of f*ck-up here by Google. These devices are rumored to have been shopped by a Ukranian black market dealer, who is selling them for $2,000 a piece. That story sort of makes some sense, because there are indeed reports of these devices being up for sale and the only ones with them so far are in either the Ukraine or Russia. But, seriously, what in the hell, Google? Your flagship phone for 2018 is done already and you let a handful (dozen?) slip out of the factory for a full reveal 2 months before you plan to even announce it? This is some wild incompetence. If there is any positive in this, it's that the regular non-notched Pixel 3 hasn't really leaked much. That's the phone I was leaning towards anyway, so yay for me. Maybe the rumored Pixel Watch will be a show-stopper? We know the Pixel 3 XL won't be because the story has been told before Google could even acknowledge it.

fuboTV Adds Turner Networks to Channel Line-Up

Kellen — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 15:41:38 +0000

fuboTV, the streaming TV service that has been the go-to for soccer fans, just added the entire Turner line-up of channels. Starting today, fuboTV packages include TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, truTV, TCM, Boomerang, and CNN en Español, to name a few. Those channels join all of the beIN networks, as well as FS1 and FS2 and the rest of the fuboTV sports line-up. Outside of not having ESPN, fuboTV is one of the best services for sports watching. The total channel list for fuboTV's "fubo" tier now sits at 75+ and costs $45 per month (first month is $40). The "fubo Extra" tier has 90+ channels and costs $50 per month (first month is $45). Here is a sample of the channels you'll see, which of course will differ by market: Anyone a fuboTV subscriber? Would you recommend?

Qualcomm Sends New 7nm Chip to Partners to Build the First 5G Phones

Kellen — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:56:44 +0000

The first truly 5G-equipped phones won't be here until next year. Even if Motorola and Verizon want you to believe that a Moto Mod is the 5G answer you were looking for (it isn't), Qualcomm has bigger plans. The San Diego based chipmaker started sampling its next generation mobile chipset this week to partners, a chipset that will be paired with their X50 5G modem in the next wave of top tier phones. This new system-on-chip that was not named today, will be fully revealed in Q4 of this year, likely in December where Qualcomm has announced new flagship Snapdragon processors in recent years. It could be the Snapdragon 855. It could be something else too. Whatever it is, let's just hope it's not announced through a drawn-out, week-long beach boondongle in Hawaii that we saw from them last year. This new chip is worth mentioning this early because it's built on 7nm process. You may recall that the Snapdragon 835 and 845 made headlines for being built on 10nm process. At 7nm, this should mean smaller chips, better performance, and better power efficiency ("super battery life"). And that will all be key, since the chip will be paired with the X50 5G modem in the first wave of 5G phones, which has led to an unfortunate new wave of nightmares of the early days of 4G LTE. Qualcomm says that "multiple" OEMs have this new chipset. That could mean everyone from Samsung and LG to Google and OnePlus. // Qualcomm

LG V40 Renders Detail Display Notch, Triple Rear-Camera Setup

Tim — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:00:21 +0000

A few official looking renders of the upcoming V40 from LG have hit the web, hinting at more of the same for flagship Android devices in 2018, with same referring to display notches and more cameras onboard than you can shake a stick at. For specs, the V40 is reported to feature a P-OLED display with top notch, 3D facial recognition thanks to dual front-facing cameras, the latest Snapdragon processor, a triple rear-facing camera setup, fingerprint reader on the back, and dedicated Google Assistant button. While we hope it launches with Android Pie, we don't yet have that information. According to the source of these renders, it's expected that LG will unveil V40 around November, which aligns with past V-series launches. As we can see in the image of the front, it appears LG is showcasing its notch remedy, which is just a row of black pixels that helps mask it. This same feature is available on other devices, including LG's G7 ThinQ. Well, at least it doesn't have an overly thick bottom chin.

// MySmartPrice

T-Mobile Really Wants You to Believe That They'll Lower Prices With 5G If They've Merged With Sprint

Kellen — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:34:30 +0000

"With that kind of capacity, we'll be able to afford to give Americans network service and wireless service at lower prices than we've ever seen before." - Mike Sievert, T-Mobile COO

Remember that quote from T-Mobile COO Mike Sievert. Make sure it sticks in your mind for at least the next couple of years as US wireless carriers prepare to launch 5G. You need to remember it, as well as the price that T-Mobile is currently charging for their data plans. And you need to remember those because if T-Mobile doesn't stick to that idea, the idea that prices will be lower, we need to remind them of their promise. Sievert made the comment to CNET today in a sitdown where he and T-Mobile CEO John Legere talked about their 5G plans that heavily hinge on their merger with Sprint. If they are able to combine with Sprint and utilize the spectrum that Sprint holds, they should be able to create a hell of a 5G network and possibly blanket the country before AT&T and Verizon. They'll push 5G without Sprint too, as early as 2019, but this idea that prices will be lower is part of the sell to get merger approval. By merging with Sprint, T-Mobile believes that they'll not only inherit a bunch of capacity, but the two together should be able to reduce operating costs. As of today, T-Mobile ONE plans start at $70 for a single line. If T-Mobile sticks to its word and delivers "wireless service at lower prices than we've ever seen before," then that number I just gave you is the one to look back and compare to once 5G is here. And that's important to remember, because Sprint was certainly preparing to raise their prices with 5G. Make it happen T-Mobile or we'll be here with the receipts. // CNET

From Russia With Notch: Pixel 3 XL Left in Taxi, Gets High Quality Photoshoot

Tim — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 11:33:26 +0000

Google, what's going on? Pixel 3 XL leaks are happening left and right, with seemingly everyone but me already having the phone in-hand. That is weak sauce! The latest leak comes from Russia, where this particular Pixel 3 XL unit is said to have been left in a taxi cab. Un-freakin'-believable. Whoever found the device, thankfully, also had a good camera and steady hands. We have great photos of the front and back, as well as a shot of the System screen from inside the Settings menu.

There's not much to say that we already haven't. Yes, it has a massive notch (which is oddly growing on me), a two-tone backside, dual front-facing cameras, single rear-facing shooter, and what appears to be front stereo speakers. Meanwhile, we haven't seen a single shot of the smaller Pixel 3, which is probably bothering you more than it should. Start loving that notch, folks!

// @wylsacom

Verizon Wildfire Screw-Up Proves That Throttling "Unlimited" is Bad (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 10:59:34 +0000

UPDATE August 27: Verizon has released a new statement that details changes they've already made, as well as ones they plan to introduce to better support first responders. They've already lifted restrictions for some customers and will introduce a new truly unlimited plan. More here.

I'd imagine that a few of you have seen the big Verizon story this week, the one where they throttled the data connection of a fire department who was fighting California wildfires? If not, we should catch you up on it because it's a heck of a topic. The story, which was first reported by Ars Technica, goes something like this. The Santa Clara County Fire Department was subscribed to a Verizon "unlimited" data plan that was used in one of their emergency response vehicles to distribute internet as they fought fires. In July, because of the heavy data usage, they hit a 25GB cap on high-speed data on their plan and were throttled to slow speeds around 30kbps. When Santa Clara County Fire contacted Verizon after realizing they were being throttled and their ability to provide emergency services was being significantly impacted, Verizon offered them a more expensive plan to stop the throttling. The initial offer raised their monthly plan price from $37.99 to $39.99 per month, but a later suggestion more than doubled the cost to $99.99 per month. While the Santa Clara County Fire worked to get an approval to upgrade the plan, their fire fighters were forced to use their own devices' internet, as well as other emergency services' internet connections to continue doing their jobs. This was apparently not the first time that they've encountered throttling like this. The same fire department ran into issues in December of last year and June of this year. After an IT executive worked with Verizon, they were under the impression that they had figured out some way to get on a "truly" unlimited data plan, yet it's obvious now that that never happened. It's also worth pointing out that Verizon has been adamant for years that they only throttle when users over their unlimited cap are on a congested site and that speeds return to normal when they aren't. Except the problem here is that this fire department account was throttled at all times, no matter where they were, once they topped 25GB of usage. Verizon, in response to Ars' article, said the following:

We made a mistake in how we communicated with our customer about the terms of its plan. Like all customers, fire departments choose service plans that are best for them. This customer purchased a government contract plan for a high-speed wireless data allotment at a set monthly cost. Under this plan, users get an unlimited amount of data but speeds are reduced when they exceed their allotment until the next billing cycle. Regardless of the plan emergency responders choose, we have a practice to remove data speed restrictions when contacted in emergency situations. We have done that many times, including for emergency personnel responding to these tragic fires. In this situation, we should have lifted the speed restriction when our customer reached out to us. This was a customer support mistake. We are reviewing the situation and will fix any issues going forward.

The article surfaced as a part of a lawsuit from government agencies who are looking to overturn the recent repeal of net neutrality. I'm not sure this is a net neutrality issue, but it does point out one particular thing - these fake unlimited plans from carriers are a pretty bad thing. As Verizon noted above, this shouldn't have happened. They are supposed to have measures in place that allow them to remove data throttle caps when emergency responders need data in emergency situations. But here's the thing - it didn't just happen this once. This particular fire department has been throttled a couple of times now, and not just temporarily, according to their account. And I get that Verizon will do whatever they can to fix that, since this is now public information and making headlines. It's also likely that Santa Clara County Fire is going to have to upgrade their plan to something that won't be throttled as quickly. But I'd also argue that this just proves how stupid and potentially dangerous this whole new wave of "unlimited" plan structuring is. I've already argued that "unlimited" is the most meaningless word in wireless, yet this ups the seriousness of the way these plans are sold. Think about this. If a fire department fighting life-threatening wildfires is running into data throttling issues and can't get Verizon to remove that cap during times of an emergency other than by getting an approval from a supervisor who needs to contact Big Red's billing department, how do you think it'll go if you need help in an emergency? What if you are a heavy data user who hits the throttle cap, finds yourself in an emergency situation, and needs more data? Will it be easy to make that happen for you, as an individual, without a government or business account? But the basic idea here is also beyond frustrating. Here we have a fire department risking their lives to fight fires. The last thing they should ever have to deal with is their wireless data provider nickel-and-diming them over how much data they use in a month. They have much more important sh*t to do than try and figure out which Verizon plan might be best for their usage, a plan that is sold to them as "unlimited" yet is clearly not even close to being unlimited. Because again, nothing is unlimited anymore. All of these new "unlimited" plans have limits upon limits upon limits. You shouldn't have to choose between three unlimited plans, none of which are actually unlimited. Unlimited should mean no limits. It should mean that you can use your data plan as you see fit. It shouldn't mean that you have to worry about reaching a cap, that your plan may be dropped to a 2G or 3G connection at times of congestion, or that you have to question whether or not you are really in a congested area.

We're Still Waiting for LG's Global Update Center to Make a Difference

Tim — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 09:40:01 +0000

In April of this year, we wrote a story with the headline, "LG is Taking Software Updates Seriously Now, Opens Software Upgrade Center." News that LG was opening a center dedicated to software updates had us excited, due to the act that LG has been rather slow with regard to software updates. If it was going to take an entire center filled with engineers to quicken its software update pace, so be it. Unfortunately, as we creep closer to September, 2018 we're coming upon a realization that this Global Update Center may not be improving much at all. Announced this week, LG has a few updates in the works, specifically for V20, G6, G7, and Q6 owners. The most important of these announced updates is Oreo for V20. Yes, we said Oreo. Oreo was released in August, 2017, while V20 was released in October, 2016. The phone is not even two years old, yet it's still on Nougat. If I was a V20 owner, I'd be livid. Let's use a phone from another OEM as an example. Moto Z DROID from Motorola was released in 2016, too, but it received Oreo in June. We're using Motorola as the example because they have also become somewhat slow when it comes to major OS Updates.

Announced, but not coming soon

The kicker is, LG announced these updates, but they are scheduled to release in South Korea first, then make their way to other markets (including the US) in "the coming months." As a reminder, Android Pie is now official and already running on some phones. By the time Pie is on enough phones to be listed on Google's Android distribution charts, maybe V20 owners will have Oreo. While we know this is life as an Android user, doesn't that sound unreasonable to you, too? Of note, while many OEMs have announced which of their devices will receive Android Pie, LG has yet to do that. The company hasn't even mentioned it as far as we know. Looking back through our records, even LG's new phones hardly get much update love. The G7 ThinQ has picked up just one update from what we can tell, the July security patch and a couple new features. How about the V30? It received Oreo in a much more timely fashion, getting it back in March, followed by the ThinQ update in April. Since then, it's seen one security patch update. We understand updates take time and LG has a lot of phones to manage all over the world, but when we first heard of this update center, maybe we expected too much too quickly. We'll be sure to adjust our expectations moving forward, yet we're still going to light a fire under their behinds to push those updates quickly.

Pixel 3 XL Leaks in Fresh Hands-on, Photo Samples and Wireless Charging Too (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 08:15:37 +0000

October 4 still seems so far away, yet here we are with another massive Pixel 3 XL leak to share with you. At the current rate of these Pixel 3 XL leaks, I'm not sure Google is going to need to do much of an on-stage song and dance, except to show off their other products.

UPDATE: We've got more high-res photos here!

In today's leak, which arrives via Rozetked, we get a fresh unboxing experience that shows the white Pixel 3 XL and what you'll see in the box. It's just like this previous leak. We also get our first photo samples from the camera, a camera that is clearly still in testing through an internal dogfooded Google Camera app. And finally, this leak shows what appears to be wireless charging, a feature we were expecting to be there with all of that glass on the backside. First things first, here is the phone again. This is the white version of the Pixel 3 XL with notch and green power button. Again, this is the phone we saw a couple of weeks back. There isn't anything new to learn here.

But in this Tweet below there certainly is. The clip here shows the same white Pixel 3 XL getting dropped onto a wireless charging pad with animation as the phone begins to charge. The animation shows the percentage before disappearing and letting the wireless charging pad do its thing. And finally, below are a couple of the photo samples taken from the phone (more at source links). It's not really fair to try and judge these, since as I mentioned above, the camera being used is an unreleased version and this is obviously an unreleased phone. Most of the pictures look fine to my eye, though. There is a solid amount of contrast being added in processing, but that's kind of how Google rolls with the current Pixel 2 phones.

Well, thoughts? // Rozetked [2]

Tuesday Poll: How Much Data Did You Use Last Month?

Kellen — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:54:29 +0000

It has been years since we last asked everyone at Droid Life about their data consumption. We stopped asking because the carriers turned the greed up a notch shortly after that last poll and started charging ridiculous prices for buckets of data as little as 2GB once LTE first arrived. But here we are in 2018 and every single one of them is back to offering up "unlimited" data on some level. The plans are all faux unlimited, of course, because they have limits on almost everything you do. The data bucket is technically unlimited though, in that you can use all of the data your little phone can muster, you just may not do so at the speeds you thought you were paying for.

RELATED: US wireless carrier unlimited data comparison

Anyways, let's do this - I'm curious, now that unlimited data is back, if you are all still crushing the data game? How much data did you use last month? See any throttling? [poll id="493"]

DEAL: Get a New Google Home for Just $59 (Updated)

Tim — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:23:09 +0000

Should you still need to outfit your home with Google Assistant, or maybe you need to get it into an additional room, Sierra Trading Post is currently selling Google Home units for just $59, down from the current $99 on Google Store. These units are brand new, not reconditioned or used. It's a great deal for anyone looking to up their smart home game. Follow the link below to pick one up. UPDATE: Soldout! But this is another good deal on Google Home. Purchase Link

Gmail for Android Picks Up "Undo" Send Button, 3 Years After Inbox

Kellen — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 14:17:26 +0000

In 2015, Google's Inbox, which was still a very new app at the time, picked up an update that included an "Undo" send button for those who had just sent an email and wanted it back. A couple of weeks after that, Gmail for the web grabbed the ability too. This week, some 3 years later, the Gmail for Android app finally received that same "undo" feature. I have the feature in my Gmail app as of today and do not believe that an update triggered it. I am running Gmail v8.7.15 and can tap "undo" immediately after sending an email. What I'm trying to say is that you may have the feature without needing a Gmail and should give it a try. Why is this important? Because there really are times where you might hit that "send" button on an email and then instantly realize there was a mistake or additional info you'd wish you had included. Now, you can save yourself some embarrassment or that second follow-up email. Google Play Link

Galaxy Note 9: S Pen Tips and Tricks!

Kellen — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:51:04 +0000

We're days away from many of you having your $1,000+ Galaxy Note 9 phones! Well, for some of you, devices could show up as early as tomorrow, assuming your pre-order shipped like Tim's did. Since you know our goal with all major phones is to give you the ultimate set of tips and tricks on day 1, we've got a special edition video for Note 9 folks. It's S Pen tips and tricks time! That's right, we put together our classic tips and tricks video, only with a specific focus on what the S Pen can do for you.

DEAL: Pre-order Galaxy Note 9 and save up to $450 off with trade

In this video, we'll show you things like how to write notes on your S Pen in the quickest way possible and all of the sweet new Bluetooth-powered S Pen Remote features. We'll also talk about general S Pen use, setting an S Pen left-behind alarm, and which special S Pen apps are the most fun to use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veu3pth-2oU RELATED:

Galaxy Watch With LTE Starts at $379, Launches Early September

Tim — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:29:50 +0000

When Samsung unveiled Galaxy Watch at the Galaxy Note 9 event, no pricing information was shared for the LTE-equipped models. Thanks to pre-orders going live on Samsung's website, we can now share that info. For the 42mm model, LTE access will cost you $379.99. It's the same price whether you opt for the Rose Gold or Midnight Black color. For 46mm with LTE, the price is $399. The 46mm is the only model that can come with LTE in the Silver color. According to Samsung's website, these LTE smartwatches were designed with T-Mobile's network in mind and there are no listings for AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint variants. Our belief is that a couple of those carriers will offer a version, but they must not be ready. As shown, LTE pre-orders are expected to ship the week of September 2. Samsung Links: 46mm | 42mm Cheers Dan!

LG Announces TONE Headphones With Dedicated Google Assistant Button

Tim — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 11:45:14 +0000

LG will be showcasing the new TONE Platinum SE audio wearable at IFA this year, complete with a dedicated Google Assistant button. With Google Assistant onboard, those who wear TONE Platinum SE will be able to quickly access Google Translate, as well as all of the other typical Assistant features. LG notes that users won't need to say the "OK, Google" trigger phrase to fire up the feature, just tap the Assistant button. LG will announce official availability and pricing at IFA in September for TONE Platinum SE. Props to LG for going all in with Assistant, even adding dedicated buttons for it on G7 ThinQ and others. Very nice. // LG

3rd-Party Renders Detail Huawei Mate 20 With Quad Camera System

Tim — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:21:10 +0000

While Huawei is preparing its launch of Mate 20, XDA has obtained firmware and specifications for the device, as well as worked with a 3rd-party artist to create renders of what we can expect to see later this year from the company. The renders are based on photographs of Mate 20, and because of this, things are subject to change. Here's what we think we know as of right now. Mate 20 will feature a 6.3" AMOLED display complete with display notch (Resolution: 2244×1080), HiSilicon Kirin 980 processor, 4200mAh battery, wireless charging, 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, USB-C, 3.5mm jack, as well as EMUI 9 built on top of Android 9.0 Pie. A tad bit more interesting than all of that is the quadruple camera setup the phone is detailed to feature. On the back you'll see 3 cameras along with an LED flash, plus a front-facing camera -- that's 4 cameras in total. If it's identical to Huawei's P20 Pro setup, the triple camera system on back will consist of a 40MP RGB sensor, 20MP Monochrome sensor, plus an 8MP Telephoto sensor. We still don't have a timeframe for launch, or pricing details, but we should know all of that a little later this year. Are you interested? // XDA

JBL's Android TV-Powered Sound Bar Costs $399, Expected Mid-October

Tim — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 08:44:05 +0000

A day before Google I/O this year, JBL unveiled Link Bar, an Android TV-powered sound bar equipped with 100W of speaker power and Google Assistant. At that time, no pricing or exact availability info was known, but thanks to an early pre-order listing on B&H Photo, we now know that the sound bar will cost $399.95 and is expected to launch October 16. As we discussed when it was first unveiled, Link Bar is essentially like any other Android TV set-top box, but in the body of a fancy sound bar. It features 4 HDMI ports, ethernet, 3.5mm port, as well as a microphone for hands-free control. With that mic, you'll be able to control all aspects of your smart home, thanks to the Google Assistant integration with Android TV. We still have a bit to go before October rolls around, but there you go. B&H Photo Link

Google Fit Gets a Big UI Update With Two Health Focuses

Kellen — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 08:16:57 +0000

Google Fit is getting a brand new UI this week as well as a new focus on how you can stay healthy. Well, two new focuses. According to a Google announcement for the "new" Google Fit, your fitness goals will now be measured by your Move Minutes and Heart Points. These two metrics are based on activity recommendations from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). They'll try to motivate you by tracking how often you are moving (Move Minutes) and by the activities that get your heart pumping (Heart Points). In other words, you should not just get up and walk every day, but consider more intense activities too, to really earn extra points and keep that heart ticking. The new Google Fit is also seeing a refresh in its UI, with a big tracker up top with those two metrics, followed by a breakdown of the rest of your health stats, including your history for the past week. I'd imagine there is even more baked in, but this is all Google has shared in a blog post. Once the update rolls out, which it should start doing on Android and Wear OS this week, we'll let you know if any other big benefits are there. You can see more at the Google Fit site too. Google Play Link // Google

Twitch Prime Will No Longer be Ad-Free

Kellen — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 16:28:54 +0000

Twitch announced a couple of major changes to the Twitch Prime program today that you are going to want to sit down for. Twitch Prime, for those not familiar, is a program that allows Amazon Prime members to attach their accounts to Twitch in order to receive special benefits as they consume content. For one, you get a free subscription to a channel each month, free games, in-game loot, etc. But one of the biggest features was the ad-free experience across Twitch. One of the big changes announced today is the end of that universal ad-free Twitch Prime. For new Twitch Prime members, the universal ad-free experience ends September 14. If you are already a monthly subscription member, you'll still have ad-free viewing, but only until October 15. If you have an annual subscription or if you upgrade to one before September 14, you will get ad-free viewing until your next renewal date. Of course, you can always sign-up for Twitch Turbo to gain ad-free viewing. You'll also still see no ads when you use your free Twitch Prime subscription on individual channels who allow ad-free viewing. If you want some good news, Twitch announced today that starting August 28, Prime members will get a $10 Amazon credit when pre-ordering select games. Once you get that credit, you can use it on almost anything that Amazon sells, not just games. // Twitch

Pixel 3 XL Now Rides the Subway!

Kellen — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:08:32 +0000

Remember last week when a Pixel 3 XL took a ride on a Toronto streetcar making this face O_O? It's back, only this time on the subway! The Pixel 3 XL loves it some Toronto public transportation. Once again shared by the folks at Mobile Syrup, this Pixel 3 XL could very well be the same one from last week sans case (same backpack). Or maybe it's just a popular destination for Googlers with access to early devices. Whatever the case, this looks like our friend.

Enhance!

There are a couple of giveaways here. First, that familiar notch is present with our favorite robot face. The phone is running Android Pie, which only a few devices are at this point, none of which look like this phone. On the back, we can see the new design for the two-tone all-glass back that was first revealed in early June. This is the Pixel 3 XL. We aren't really learning anything else new here, unfortunately. But hey, any new thoughts to share? // Mobile Syrup

OnePlus Seeking Closed Beta Testers Who Own a OnePlus 6

Tim — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:24:52 +0000

OnePlus is seeking closed beta testers! Should you own a OnePlus 6 and be cool with flashing experimental builds and working directly with OnePlus staff and engineers, you can apply to be a part of OnePlus' closed beta group. If selected, you'll be testing new features and OS builds weeks and even months ahead of public launch. Due to the confidential nature of this group, OnePlus has members sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement), meaning you won't share any of the details regarding what you're testing with the public or media. If you don't mind wiping your OP6 to flash new builds likely every other day, follow the link below to apply. Apply Here // OnePlus

Show Off Your Home Screens Day!

Tim — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 11:20:04 +0000

It's been way too long since we had folks share what their home screens are looking like, so let's fix that right now! During this time, we invite you to upload a screenshot of your current phone's home screen. We don't care if you're using Android or iOS -- the main goal is to see how all of us use our phones differently and maybe to get inspired by others to change up our own phones. Do you keep it minimal or do you litter your home with a ton of app icons? There's no wrong way of doing it! So, it’s time to show them off! Set up your best home screen, screenshot them, and then upload as many as you’d like through the comments.

For our setups, I'm using Nova Launcher on a OnePlus 6 with the Moonshine Icon Pack (shown above). The wallpaper is from inside that icon pack. For my widget, I use Google's Clock app. Very straightforward. Kellen is using an Essential Phone with no custom launcher or icons. The wallpaper he's using comes from the Resplash app that contains lots of great wallpapers. Again, very straightforward and clean, but with all of those folders, he has quick access to his library of apps.

Galaxy Note 9 Pre-Orders From Samsung are Shipping Out!

Tim — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 09:35:59 +0000

If you pre-ordered your Galaxy Note 9 through Samsung, it looks like orders are beginning to exit the shipping facility en route to their new homes, in plenty of time for the device's official launch date of August 24. It appears FedEx is handling the shipments by way of Brightpoint North America, based in Indianapolis, IN. If you received an email or text from FedEx this morning with that as the origin, don't be alarmed, it's your new phone. While myself and at least one of our readers have confirmation that FedEx is in possession of our new phones, how about you? Has your Note 9 shipped yet? Cheers Mike!

Verizon Galaxy S9, S9+ Pick Up August Security Patch (Update: T-Mobile Models, Too)

Tim — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 08:59:20 +0000

Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ owners on Verizon should be seeing August's security patch rolling out this week. A week ago, both devices received updates that brought July's security patch along with bug fixes, so now S9 and S9+ are probably feeling spoiled. I wouldn't get used to that. According to the changelogs that Verizon posted, Galaxy S9 owners will receive software version R16NW.G960USQS3ARG8, while S9+ owners will see R16NW.G965USQS3ARG8. If you own one of these devices, be on the lookout. Update: T-Mobile is also rolling out August's security patch to Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners. For S9, look to see build version G960USQS3ARG8, while S9+ will see G965USQS3ARG8. Update #2: T-Mobile is pushing July's security patch to Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ owners. Once updated, S8 owners will see G950USQU5CRG3 and S8+ owners will see G955USQU5CRG3. Update #3: T-Mobile's Galaxy Note 8 is also getting updated with July's security. Don't mind that we're more than halfway through August, though. Once updated, you'll see N950USQU5CRG7. // Verizon [2]

DEAL: Unlocked Galaxy S9, S9+ Each $100 Off at Amazon

Kellen — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 08:11:32 +0000

Apologies if you missed out on that crazy Essential Phone deal earlier today, but we've got another good one. Amazon has dropped the price of the US unlocked Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ by $100 each. With that discount, you can get into a Samsung Galaxy S9 for $619.99 or the larger Galaxy S9+ for $739.99. Those are prices for the 64GB version. If you want more storage, like 128GB or 256GB, those are down $100 too. Amazon has all colors (purple, blue, and black) for both phones dropped by $100.

Amazon Links:

DEAL: Essential Phone is Just $224 Right Now at Amazon (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:23:25 +0000

The Essential Phone might have been priced at an insanely low $250 for Amazon Prime Day, a price we never thought would be matched, but oh how quickly things can change. If still interested in this year-old phone, the Essential Phone can be had in Amazon's exclusive Halo Gray colorway for $223.99.

UPDATE: Deal is done. Here is a good Galaxy S9 deal, though.

The phone is brand new and still works on all of the major US carriers. It has the same specs as all other Essential Phone models, which includes the 128GB of storage. But yes, it only costs $223.99 today. That's nuts! We aren't sure why Amazon is doing this wild of a flash sale on the Essential Phone. It could be that the end is really near and its time for Essential to fully disappear from the phone sales scene. Or maybe Amazon just has a few thousand too many and wants you to save some money. Either way, this deal is probably worth some serious consideration. Amazon Link

DEAL: Save $40 on NVIDIA SHIELD TV 16GB, Down to $139

Tim — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 14:42:35 +0000

If you still don't have what's arguably the best Android TV box in your home, Best Buy is currently hosting a sale on SHIELD TV from NVIDIA. With the sale, Best Buy is marking $40 off the usual $179.99 price of SHIELD TV, bringing it down to just $139.99. This is the 16GB model that comes with a SHIELD Remote. If you want the SHIELD Controller for gaming, that'll be a separate purchase of $59, or you can get that SHIELD TV + Controller bundle for $20 off its usual price at $179. Follow the below links to take advantage. Best Buy Links: 16GB ($139) | 16GB + Controller ($179)

DEAL: Amazon is Hosting Huge Discounts on Fire TV, Echo Products Today

Kellen — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 13:54:34 +0000

In a back to school sale, Amazon has dropped the prices on a bunch of their Fire TV and Echo products. The discounts range from $10 off to $100 off, depending on the device. The best deal is probably the $50 off the Echo Plus, because Amazon is also tossing in a free Philips smart bulb with it. The Echo Show is $100 off too, while the Echo (2nd gen) is $15 off. As for Fire TV devices, the brand new Fire TV Cube is $30 off and the Fire TV with 4K is a whopping $30 off from $70. There are other deals too, including bundles and discounts on some of Amazon tablets.

Amazon Deal Links:

All Fire TV and Echo deals
Echo Plus - $99.99 ($50 off)
Echo Show - $129.99 ($100 off)
Echo (2nd gen) - $84.99 ($15 off)
Echo Dot (2nd gen) - $39.99 ($10 off)
Fire TV Cube - $89.99 ($30 off)
Fire TV with 4K - $39.99 ($30 off)

Report: Google to Release Own Smart Display Later This Year

Tim — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 13:48:41 +0000

According to a report out of Taiwan, Google is readying suppliers to manufacturer its very own Smart Display, similar to the ones we've already seen hit the market from Lenovo and JBL. We recently reviewed Lenovo's Smart Display and came away very impressed, loving the idea of having Google Assistant on its own screen in the office or kitchen. Google's Smart Display is reported to launch this holiday season, rounding out its holiday hardware offering along new Pixel phones and maybe even a Google-produced Wear OS smartwatch. From the report, it's indicated that Google intends to ship around 3 million Smart Display units, which actually comes off as rather aggressive. According to research company Canalys, Amazon was only able to ship around 315,000 Echo Show units in the year of 2017. At 3 million, Google appears to have massive hopes for a Smart Display. We assume a Google Smart Display would be extremely similar to Lenovo's. It will provide access to Google Assistant, let you access streaming video services like YouTube and YouTube TV, as well as control other smart home products. This fall is starting to get very exciting if you're a Google fan. // Nikkei

Verizon Galaxy Note 9 Will Get Its First Update on Launch Day

Tim — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 11:01:51 +0000

Most folks who pre-ordered don't have a Galaxy Note 9 in their hands yet, but as soon as you pull your new phone out of the box from Verizon, you'll likely see a Day 1 update that brings the latest Android security patch to the device. The August patch update is labeled as build M1AJQ.N960USQU1ARH2. Nothing else is listed in the changelog on Verizon's website. If you aren't getting a Verizon Note 9, and instead opted for another carrier or even unlocked, we suspect the same patch will be coming to your device as well. Are you patiently awaiting your new Note 9? // Verizon

Podcast: Galaxy Note 9 is Here

Kellen — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 11:00:18 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're looking again at the two newest phones on the block, the Galaxy Note 9 and Moto Z3. We've had a Note 9 in house for most of the week and want to talk about the good and bad, plus our Moto Z3 review is here. After diving into those hot conversations, it's onto another Pixel 3 XL sighting, major OnePlus 6T news, Android Pie phones, and the latest on 5G, including a big announcement from LG and Sprint. Trivia is back today, with fabulous prizes provided by our friends at iFixit! 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.

Galaxy Note 9: First 10 Things to Do!

Kellen — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 09:15:34 +0000

The Galaxy Note 9 and its $1,000 self is up for pre-order and arriving soon (August 24), which means many of you are about to have a really expensive, do-everything phone in hand. When you do open the box within minutes of the delivery truck dropping it at your door, we've got the first 10 things that you may want to consider doing. Well, to be fair, this is more like a first 20 things, since the Note 9 is packed with so many damn things you'll want to tweak. In this ridiculously lengthy Note 9 tips and tricks video, we'll walk through various security options (biometrics, fingerprints, iris scanning, etc.), the best ways to setup your home screen (if you use Samsung's launcher), how to use the S Pen's new Bluetooth features, the ways you can tweak Bixby, which Note 9 advanced features are important, and the settings to adjust in the Note 9's camera. Again, it's a long one, but there are that many important features here you should think about setting up right away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KFY3WgxgM

HTC U12+ in Flame Red Available for Pre-Order in North America, Still Costs $799

Tim — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 08:55:06 +0000

In June during our full review, we determined that U12+ from HTC is a no go. It costs $800, had poor battery performance, janky buttons, and we aren't completely convinced that HTC is dedicated to still delivering timely updates to devices. Thanks to at least one update the phone has received, the buttons should at least be better, but one update wasn't able to fix all of the issues. To get U12+ back into headlines this morning, HTC introduced a new color for U12+ -- Flame Red. The phone is now available for pre-order on HTC's website with shipments scheduled to begin in September. This color costs the same as the other U12+ options, coming in at $799.99 unlocked with 64GB of storage, but do note, there is no 128GB model available like there is for the Blue model. And because this phone is not sold through carriers, if you're not able to drop that kinda dough for a phone, you'll have to go through HTC Financing, starting at $34/month for 24 months. While we're suckers for Red, we still have to say, "Nope." HTC Store Link

OnePlus Finds First US Carrier Partner for Launch of OnePlus 6T

Kellen — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 08:34:19 +0000

When OnePlus told us earlier this year that they were ready to approach carriers, and most recently that they would do so in a bloatware-free way, they weren't joking. According to a report out of CNET this morning, T-Mobile will get to sell the new OnePlus phone, the OnePlus 6T. The report states that T-Mobile is the exclusive US carrier for this next phone from OnePlus and that they'll sell an optimized version for T-Mobile's network that will be able to take advantage of their 600MHz spectrum. The OnePlus 6T will cost around $550 and be available in October. Those are early numbers that could still change, but they line up with OnePlus' previous releases. CNET is under the impression that OnePlus will still ship a regular unlocked version that will work on AT&T too. This is really just OnePlus getting into a US carrier store more than anything, so if you are a OnePlus fan who likes buying their phones directly, that shouldn't change at all. And on that note, this is a huge move for OnePlus. While they continue to tell us that they are having massive success, being in a US carrier store is how you really move phones in this country. Most in the US are still trained to head into carrier stores to buy new phones and to be sold on features and benefits by sales associates. But that's good news for OnePlus as it aims to compete on a bigger scale with the rest of the mobile industry. // CNET

Your Google Voice Might Look a Little Different Today

Kellen — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 08:02:23 +0000

Google Voice picked up a new update yesterday that does a couple of things of note. First, it changes the accent color everywhere to a greenish tone instead of the blue that has been associated with it for years. With that color change comes a new icon as well, so be on the lookout for something new in your app drawer or on your home screen. You can see the new icon above. In addition to the new color scheme and icon, the update seems to have helped push through a new column for "Contacts" within the app. I know that some have had this column since last week, but the update to the new color scheme finally gave me the layout you'll see below. The Google Voice web portal has been refreshed with these new colors too. And I think that's pretty much it. I'd clown all of the white that is now included in the app like I have been other Google apps, but Voice went all-white a while ago. Google Play Link

Giant Notch in the Wild Accompanies Pixel 3 XL (Updated!)

Kellen — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:58:19 +0000

The Pixel 3 XL is still a good month and a half away from being revealed officially by Google, but its notch has already reached legendary status, and not necessarily in a good way, unfortunately. If this in-the-wild picture of the device is the real deal, that legend will only grow.

UPDATE August 20: We've got more pictures!

The folks at Mobile Syrup posted the below image to Twitter, where someone was caught using the Pixel 3 XL while on a Toronto streetcar. It looks like the real deal to me, particularly because of that forehead with dual cameras, which is accompanied by a bottom chin with speaker and that new Android Pie pill navigation. All of those items match up to previous leaks.

What do you think? Also, LOL. 👇

😂😂😂

Report: Google Opening First Retail Store in Chicago

Kellen — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 13:36:48 +0000

According to a report out of Chicago, Google is currently planning to open its first flagship retail store, a two-level building with almost 14,000 square feet of space. This first store, located in Chicago's Fulton Market district, will be used to showcase all of the hardware products they currently make, like Pixel phones, smart home goodies, Chromebooks, and Google Home units. The Chicago Tribune has the scoop on this story and is reporting that Google is finalizing the lease for this building. A Google spokesperson would not comment because the story is technically rumor or speculation. In the past, Google has chosen to open temporary pop-up shops to showcase upcoming or new products. For example, they did it last year with the launch of the Google Home Mini by opening temporary donut shops. The area that Google is hoping to open this retail shop is blocks from their midwest headquarters, where they plan to add more than 100,000 square feet of office space. The move into retail makes a lot of sense for Google at this point. They not only have phones for you to buy these days, but they also have various smart home speakers, headphones, VR equipment, their own high-end Chromebook product, and all of Nest's products. You may recall that Google kicked almost all 3rd party devices out of their online store last year because they had enough of their own goodies to fill it up. A true retail space would probably be a great way to show off the seriousness of their hardware endeavors. // Chicago Tribune

Gmail Confidential Mode Rolling Out, Password Protect Attachments and Set Expirations

Tim — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 13:13:23 +0000

Even though being cautious can help keep your sensitive information out of harm's way, Google announced Confidential Mode at this year's Google I/O for Gmail. According to Gmail's official Google+ page, the feature is now rolling out to Gmail users on mobile. With this, let's say you're having to email a bunch of sensitive documents for a home purchase or a photo of a driver's license for some reason. When enabling Confidential Mode, Gmail will allow you to set an expiration timer on the attachments, as well as block the receiver's ability to forward, download, and copy the document. In addition, Confidential Mode will let you set a password for viewing documents, that way only those with the password can view them. Once this feature is live for you, you will find it by clicking on the 3-dot settings button in the top right corner of the Compose UI. Once you click it, you'll see the various settings you can enable. // +Gmail

See Where Your City Ranks in RootMetrics' Latest Reliability and Speed Tests

Tim — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 11:32:53 +0000

RootMetrics has posted its H1 2018 report for metro areas in the US, giving folks a good idea at what type of cell service they can expect to find from city to city. In this report, RootMetrics looks at network reliability, average speed, call and text data, then compiles everything into an overall score and ranks it against other metro areas. Detailed in the report, "Rankings are based on an average of the RootScores for the four major US networks - AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon - in a given metropolitan area, weighted by the estimated national percentage of subscribers for each network. This means that performance scores from networks that have more customers are weighted heavier than scores from networks with fewer subscribers." I'm sure it's a very scientific process, but all anyone probably cares about is where their city ranks. To start, let's look at how the top 5 US cities, population wise, rank in terms of performance.

New York, Tri-State Area - Rank #44
Los Angeles - Rank #60
Chicago - Rank #8
Miami - Rank #81
Philadelphia - Rank #18

As we can see, just because you live in a very large city, that doesn't mean you can expect the best cell experience. Each of these cities have very different geological factors, but besides from Chicago, the big cities in the US did not fair well, according to RootMetrics. At least from what this report shows, middle America basically dominated the ranks. Based on overall score, here's how the Top 10 looks.

Knoxville, TN
St. Louis, MO
Minneapolis, MN
Allentown, PA
Fort Wayne, IN
Wichita, KS
Youngstown, OH
Columbus, OH
Cleveland, OH
Indianapolis, IN

Now that we know the best, let's take a moment to see the worst.

121. Springfield, MA 122. Bridgeport and Stamford, CT 123. El Paso, TX 124. Hudson Valley, NY 125. Santa Rosa, CA

As RootMetrics says to keep in mind, "Even though a market may have a low ranking in a given category, this doesn't necessarily mean that every carrier's performance in that market was poor. Because our rankings consider performance across all carriers in a market, a strong performance from one carrier can be canceled out by lagging performance from one or more other carriers." And because we're homers, Portland, OR came in overall with a rank of #50 out of 125 cities. Not great, but not too bad. // RootMetrics

Sony Details Which Xperia Devices Will Receive Android Pie Update

Tim — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 08:45:10 +0000

This week, Sony detailed which devices will receive the Android Pie update. The list is solid, with Sony saying the majority of compatible devices should expect to see the update in November. Shooting for November, the phones to receive Pie are as follows:

Xperia XZ2
XZ2 Premium
XZ2 Compact
Xperia XZ Premium
XZ1
XZ1 Compact

Sony provided a second list of phones that should expect to see the update in early 2019, too. Those phones are listed below.

XA2
XA2 Ultra
XA2 Plus

So long as you have one of the listed Xperia devices, you should see Pie relatively soon. // Sony

Moto Z3 Now Available From Verizon, No 5G Included

Kellen — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 08:25:01 +0000

The Moto Z3, a phone that only exists so that it can be sold to you today as one of the first to get access to 5G, is now available from Verizon. It costs $20/mo or $480 if you straight-up buy it. We reviewed the Moto Z3 earlier in the week and actually find it to be a solid phone. There isn't necessarily anything particularly wrong with this new Moto Z phone, it's just that it really only does exists as a way for Motorola and Verizon to say, "5G first, y'all!" And that's kind of a problem, since 5G from Verizon won't arrive until "early 2019" and you'll need a big ass Moto Mod attachment in order to access it. We don't know how much that Moto Mod will cost, what Verizon plans to charge for 5G, or where Verizon's 5G will be available. In other words, Verizon and Motorola want you to buy a phone with a whole bunch of questions related to its future that they don't want to provide answers to. You down with that? If so, you can buy it at the link below. Buy Moto Z3 from Verizon

Verizon Unlimited Customers, You Get 6 Months Free Apple Music Today

Kellen — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 07:57:30 +0000

As a Verizon customer on one of their unlimited plans, you get 6 months of free Apple Music starting today. Assuming you are interested in that, all you need to do is visit Verizon's site, enroll, and then enjoy. This is not just an iPhone thing either - remember that Apple Music is also on Android. If you aren't on another music streaming platform or have always been curious if Apple Music is any good, this is a heck of a freebie. Apple Music normally costs $9.99 per month and you are getting 6 months of it for free. To get signed-up, Verizon provided the following instructions:

Visit vzw.com/applemusic on your desktop or mobile browser, or “Add-ons” in the My Verizon app under “Account."
Select the lines you want to enroll in the free premium Apple Music trial and accept the Terms and Conditions.
Each line will get a text message with a link to download or open the Apple Music app.
Once your trial is activated, you can manage or cancel your subscription through vzw.com/applemusic or in the “Add-ons” section of the My Verizon app under “Account.”

Once the 6 months of free service ends, you will be charged the $9.99 per month fee unless you cancel. You can cancel at any time too, in case you decide the free usage just isn't worth it. Google Play Link

Motorola P30 for China Sports Refreshingly Unique Design

Tim — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:49:50 +0000

Motorola has a new handset headed to China, the Motorola P30. You're probably thinking you've seen this phone before, either in the iPhone X or the Huawei P20 Pro, but this is Motorola P30. Very different phones, believe me. Motorola's P30 features a 6.2" display with a max resolution of 2246 x 1080, Snapdragon 636, 6GB RAM, 64GB built-in storage, 3,000mAh battery, dual rear-facing cameras (16MP + 5MP), USB-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It's a solid spec list for what's reported to be a mid-range handset.

Obviously, the front side does have a display notch and the backside cameras are aligned eerily similar to how they are on the aforementioned devices. And Motorola's choice of colors bears a striking resemblance to Huawei's P20 Pro. There's not much to say besides, yeah, they look about the same. It's not even worth the effort to crack a few jokes. At this time, we have no word from Motorola regarding a US launch. // Motorola

You Can Now Sign Yourself Up for A Google One Storage Plan, Starting at $2/Month for 100GB

Tim — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 12:51:40 +0000

In May, Google introduced Google One, a paid storage service that replaced paid Google Drive storage plans. Google Drive as we know it won't cease to exist at this time, but to sum it up, if you were paying Google for cloud storage, your Drive account was transformed into a One account. To explain, the One in the name represents the single amount of storage you have across Google's services, including Drive, Photos, and Gmail. This week, Google says that anyone wanting a Google One account can sign up for one, with plans starting as low as $2/month for 100GB of online storage. Plans go all the way up to 2TB for $10/month. Let's say you sign up for the $2/month option. With that, you'll see 100GB of storage added to your Google account for usage in Google Photos and Gmail. Additionally, Google One offers a Family Plan, allowing up to 5 members access to cloud storage under one bill. Google has setup a dedicated team of customer service reps specifically for One members. According to Google, "You can easily get in touch with a team of Google experts 24/7 to answer your questions—whether you need help recovering a file you accidentally deleted or want to learn how to use Gmail when you're offline." Follow the link below to sign yourself up. Google One Link

Android 9 Pie (Go Edition) is Coming This Fall

Kellen — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 12:36:48 +0000

Android (Go edition), Google's version of Android for low-tier, ultra-affordable devices, will jump from Android Oreo to Android Pie later this fall. Google announced the update this morning, while also introducing new features. As you might recall, Android (Go edition) is supposed to make entry level phones not suck. It has a focus on leaner apps, more efficient use of storage space, and better overall performance. With Android Pie for Android Go, Google pushes those ideas further by freeing up an additional 500MB of space with the OS installed, speeding up boot times, adding more security through a verified boot, and a dashboard for tracking data consumption. I'd imagine these new features will only increase the adoption of Android (Go edition) devices, which Google seems to believe have already been an early success. There are more than 200 Android (Go edition) devices on the market in 120+ countries. After having only introduced the first in February that arrived in April, that does indeed seem good. Anyone own an Android (Go edition) phone? Just curious what you think about it. // Google

Report: Google Coach Will be Company's AI-Powered Health and Fitness Platform

Tim — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 11:25:01 +0000

According to a report from Android Police, Google is planning to launch an AI-powered fitness and health platform, called Google Coach. The name is subject to change. Said to be catered towards those who wear a Wear OS device, Coach is capable of not just tracking and detailing workouts, but it's said to be more proactive when recommending workout routines and healthy eating habits. Naturally, it's reported that Google will use its existing abundance of information it has on users to define the recommendations it provides. Interestingly, Coach is reported to monitor your nutrition and even plan meals for you, regardless if you cook at home or go out. It can recommend meal plans on a weekly basis or also suggest healthy restaurants based on your location and whereabout patterns. Basically, think Google Fit, but AI-powered and going way beyond the basic fitness tracking. Coach could be a heavily integrated fitness and wellbeing assistant that lives on your smartwatch and smartphone. With all of this information coming at you from Coach, the report states that Google is working on a way to include a lot of the information in a single notification, instead of spamming you through the day. There is no word on when Google intends to announce and release Coach, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for more details. // Android Police

DEAL: SanDisk's 400GB A1 MicroSD Just Dropped to $150

Kellen — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000

I know that Samsung is going to drop a big ol' 512GB microSD card on us, but SanDisk's already-available 400GB card just dropped to its lowest price yet (well, outside of Prime Day). Originally $250, Amazon dropped their price on it to $150 today. This particular card is a SanDisk Ultra 400GB with an A1 rating for Android apps, 100MB/s transfer speeds, and all the class ratings you expect in a high-end card. This is the big boy you need if you need massive amounts of storage. Amazon Deal Link

Uncarrier: T-Mobile Refocuses on Customer Service, Rockstar Experience for Customers

Tim — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 09:34:34 +0000

T-Mobile hosted another Uncarrier event this morning, telling everyone its plan to improve the way it approaches the wireless industry and turn all of its customers into rockstars. There were three announcements made, one of them much larger than the other two and potentially large enough to get even more people headed over to T-Mobile's network.

Team of Experts

The entire event was focused on the customer and the way they experience service from the company. T-Mobile introduced Team of Experts, which is a small, dedicated team of customer service reps who serve a particular area of the country. These Experts will be focused entirely on that community alone, with no more random routing to mega call centers and a more personalized approach to customer service.

Additionally, T-Mobile says there will be no more robots and no more automated phone menus. That's right, no more shouting "Representative!" into the abyss.

Team of Experts is on your terms – you can call 24/7, schedule a call-back and soon, just ask Alexa or Google to have your Team of Experts call you. Plus, the Un-carrier has launched asynchronous messaging for all T-Mobile customers in the T-Mobile App and iMessage. Instead of waiting for a rep, you are in control.

Important to note, Team of Experts is only available to postpaid customers at this time. T-Mobile gives no indication that it will open it up to prepaid customers, but there's always a possibility. Team of Experts is live starting today. If you want to see a picture of the team servicing your area, head into the T-Mobile app on your iOS or Android device.

LiveNation Partnership

To go along with its rockstar customer service approach, T-Mobile announced a partnership with LiveNation, which will offer exclusive tickets to T-Mobile customers, as well as legit perks at select venues across the nation. With this deal in place, T-Mobile customers can expect discounted $25 lawn tickets (taxes and fees included in price), access to sold out tickets and sold out sections of the show, plus more.

Thanks to an agreement with select amphitheaters across the country, T-Mobile customers will enjoy perks like expedited entry into venues, exclusive concession lines, and even T-Mobile branded lawn chairs for you to sit on while enjoying the show (while supplies last). T-Mobile states even more perks will be available at select venues starting next year.

Pandora Plus for Free

On August 28, T-Mobile is offering a year-long subscription to Pandora Plus for free. Customers can claim this offer by opening the T-Mobile Tuesdays app on that date. Pandora Plus is the premium version of Pandora's service, which includes ad-free, high quality tunes. With Plus, you can also enjoy unlimited skips, replays, personalized stations, and offline listening. // T-Mobile [2]

These are the Motorola Phones Getting Android Pie Updates

Kellen — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:45:07 +0000

This morning, Motorola provided a list of phones that they plan to update to Android Pie. The list includes several phones released this year and last year, but nothing prior to that. If you own one of the following, prepare for an Android 9.0 update at some point:

moto z3 (review)
moto z3 play (review)
moto z2 force edition
moto z2 play
moto x4
moto g6 plus
moto g6
moto g6 play

Motorola gave no precise timeline for when Android Pie updates may arrive outside of "this fall," adding that you should check their software support pages regularly. They also acknowledged the fact that carriers are involved and that could mean longer wait times. If we look to last year, well, the Moto Z2 Force on Verizon picked up an Oreo update in December. That's a four month wait from when Oreo was first released and one of the quicker releases of any manufacturer. The older Moto Z wasn't as lucky. We'll let you know once Motorola starts attaching dates to phones. // Motorola

A Galaxy Note 9 Unboxing!

Kellen — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:15:35 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 arrives in stores at the end of next week and we've got so much work to do to get you ready for that moment. We'd love to be able to share some thoughts on it after testing as you decide whether or not to fork out up to $1,250. So, to get started on this review process, it's time for our Galaxy Note 9 unboxing! In this clip, you won't necessarily see anything new, but you will get another overview of the device, what you can expect to see in the box (headphones, USB-C fast charger, and all the S Pen tips), and how old its software already is. Yes, the Samsung snark is heavy in this one. Who pre-ordered? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2oGx1kYmpc

Verizon Announces 4th 5G Broadband City, Partnership With YouTube TV and Apple TV (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 15:42:45 +0000

Verizon announced the fourth 5G broadband market that is scheduled to go live before the end of 2018 and it's Indianapolis. In addition to that news, Verizon also announced a partnership with both YouTube TV and Apple TV that will land early 5G customers the option to package either when signing up for 5G later this year. Indianapolis joins Houston, Los Angeles, and Sacramento as the first four markets from Verizon to see 5G broadband internet. As a reminder, this is 5G home internet, not the mobile kind that Big Red will launch early 2019 that your phone or a Moto Mod might connect to. It still should be ridiculously fast, though. When Verizon 5G launches in those four markets, customers will have access to YouTube TV and Apple TV 4K as a part of a bundle. Details of that bundle were not yet announced and will be provided once 5G is actually available for customers to sign-up. Verizon mentions that YouTube TV currently costs $40/mo in its press release for this news, but if it's going to be available as a bundled package of TV and internet, we can hope that they'll give you some sort of a discount.U UPDATE: Bloomberg reports that the 5G bundle is indeed going to be a choice between a free Apple TV 4K or a free subscription to YouTube TV. They are also under the impression that Verizon will offer some form of live NFL and NBA games too. With mid-August approaching, Verizon still hasn't given us a firm 5G launch date. The only additional detail we've got today is a note about the company expecting to begin home installations (here is the equipment they'll install) in the second half of this year, followed by plans to "quickly move to be first in 5G mobile." // Verizon [2]

DEAL: Pre-Order Galaxy Note 9 From Amazon, Get Free Wireless Charger Duo and DeX Pad

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:28:28 +0000

There are plenty of Galaxy Note 9 pre-order incentives to take advantage of if you don't mind attaching yourself to a carrier for multiple years. If you'd rather go the unlocked route for your Note 9, Amazon has a special pre-order deal worth looking at too. By pre-ordering the US unlocked Galaxy Note 9 from Amazon (which works on all major US carriers), you'll not only get the phone, but they are tossing in a bundle that includes Samsung's new Wireless Charger Duo and a DeX Pad as well. That's a value of $190 to $205 should you buy each of those items separately. The Wireless Charger Duo, for those not familiar, is a fast wireless charging stand that lets you charge two phones at once, or a phone and one of Samsung's smartwatches. It's a $120 accessory. The DeX Pad isn't exactly a needed accessory for the Note 9, but it could come in handy since it has all of the proper ports and such to help turn your Note 9 into a PC-like experience. Amazon has both 128GB and 512GB versions up for pre-order, as well as both Lavender Purple and Ocean Blue colors. If you do hit that pre-order link below, you should be able to grab the other Note 9 freebies. Those options are a $300 pair of AKG headphones or the Fortnite V-bucks pack. Amazon Note 9 Link

RELATED: This is still probably the best Galaxy Note 9 deal

Tuesday Poll: Your Phone is at Least Running Oreo by Now, Right?

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 13:32:32 +0000

We hate that we even have to ask, but to follow up on a poll we ran back in January, where the majority of people said their Android phone still wasn't running Android 8.0 Oreo, we're back to see if the update has hit your phone by now. It's August and Android 9.0 Pie has been made official, with Pixel devices already running the update and Essential Phone also receiving it. Naturally, we expect some time to go by before many are running Pie, but to even get excited about 9.0 while others may still be stuck on Nougat is mildly depressing. So, has your phone been updated to Oreo by now? [poll id="492"]

Slow Charging on Your Pixel After Android Pie? Google is Working on a Fix

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 11:30:21 +0000

Shortly after Pixel and Pixel XL owners updated to Android Pie, some began to notice a lack of rapid charging. Google says that they are aware of the issue and working on a fix.

UPDATE October 1: Google says they've fixed this issue with the October security patch

The issue appears to be related to 3rd party chargers that are non-Power Delivery (PD) that used to deliver fast charging speeds, according to a statement sent to The Verge from Google. If you use a Power Delivery charger, like the one that comes in the box with the Pixel or Pixel XL, rapid charging still works. Google didn't say why a non-PD charger would stop rapid charging, only that they are verifying a fix that should be ready "in the coming weeks." If you own a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, your charging experience should be normal, even with Pie. We'll let you know once that update is ready.

YouTube TV Adds 100th Service Area

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 10:20:41 +0000

YouTube TV added three new markets today to reach its 100th service area. Those new markets are Kingsport, TN, Johnson City, TN, and Bristol, TN/VA. Cool. In case you were wondering, both Tim and I are still using YouTube TV and also still think it's awesome. Assuming you have a decent internet connection and don't need Food Network, HGTV, or Travel Channel, it's kind of a no-brainer TV option. The hell with Comcast.

Google Home Gets Streaming Support for Pandora Premium and Deezer

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 10:17:33 +0000

All Google Assistant-powered devices from Google, as well as Assistant-powered Smart Display models are getting support for two new music streaming services this week, Pandora Premium and Deezer. To get started, all you'll need to do is add your respective service account to your Google account inside the Google Home app, then you're off to the races. Once your account is linked, all you have to say is, “Hey Google, play my Chill Vibes playlist on Deezer,” or “Hey Google, play my Chill playlist on Pandora.” Very chill. To celebrate, it appears that Google has partnered with these services to offer 90-day trials. To try out Pandora Premium for free, look here. To listen to Deezer for 90 days at the price of only $1, go here. // Google

LG and Sprint Say They'll Have the First 5G Phone in the US in Early 2019

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 09:35:19 +0000

Motorola and Verizon might try and be first to 5G in the US with a sold-separately attachment for a disappointing phone, but Sprint and LG say they'll do it first within an actual smartphone - no Mod required. The two announced this morning that in the first half of 2019, they will release the "first mobile 5G smartphone in the US." Neither were willing to say what exactly this phone would be called, what its specs are, or the date that they'll deliver it. They did say that they have "confirmed a significant wireless milestone" that will allow for them to release this first 5G phone with LG. I'd imagine that has to do with all of Qualcomm's 5G breakthroughs and use of their X50 5G modem, as well as network advances in Sprint's 5G markets. Remember, LG and Sprint were both listed as some of Qualcomm's early 5G partners. My favorite part about this announcement is the quote about the phone being "a beautifully-designed advanced 5G smartphone." While likely unintentional, I can't help but take that as a shot at Motorola and the tank Moto Mod they want people to actual use in a real-world setting, just to say they have 5G. Yeah I'll pass on that and wait for the phones that don't need help from external bricks. Sprint and LG could be talking about an LG G8 ThinQ, which will probably launch in the first half of 2019. They could also be talking about something less top-tier. Since it's only August 2018, speculate away. // Sprint

DEAL: NVIDIA's New SHIELD TV "Smart Home Edition" Bundle With SmartThings Link Costs $199 for Limited Time

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 09:04:27 +0000

NVIDIA introduced a new SHIELD TV bundle this morning, the Smart Home Edition. Inside, buyers will receive a standard SHIELD TV unit with SHIELD Remote, but also get a SmartThings Link. With a Link, you’ll be able to start setting up your smart home via SHIELD to control things like lights, door locks, and thermostats. You’ll also be able to receive alerts for motion in your house, set up routines, and connect who knows how many SmartThings-capable devices. Naturally, you’ll need to buy all of the products that allow for smart home control and the full list of them can be found here. For pricing, the usual price for this Smart Home Edition is $219.99, but thanks to Best Buy's anniversary sale, you can get it for $199. If you're interested, now is the best time to snag it. At its usual $219.99 price, you aren't really seeing any savings at all, considering a Link costs $39.99 by itself and a SHIELD TV starts at $179.99. Not only that, but Link seems to go on sale every now and then, so at $199 through Best Buy, that's $20 in savings. If you're ready to SmartThings all the things, follow the links below. Purchase Links: Best Buy ($199) | Amazon ($219) | NVIDIA ($219)

Samsung Gear Updated to Work With Galaxy Watch, Android Pie - Now Called "Galaxy Wearable"

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 08:43:56 +0000

Samsung updated their Samsung Gear app this morning to prepare it for a couple of major happenings. For one, it now works with the Galaxy Watch, Samsung's new wearable that was announced alongside the Note 9. And with that support comes a new name of "Galaxy Wearable," since the "Gear" part of the old name doesn't exactly fit with the new product line. The app does still work with all the old Gear products, though. Maybe more importantly for those who don't own a Samsung phone, the app update fixes a bug that wouldn't allow Gear watches to work properly with devices running Android Pie. That appears to be resolved with this name change. Google Play Link

RELATED: Do not buy a smartwatch right now

DEAL: Best Buy Drops $300 Off the Pixel 2 XL Again

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:58:34 +0000

Best Buy is hosting a fresh $300-off Pixel 2 XL deal to celebrate another anniversary. In addition to that price drop, the regular Pixel 2 is $150 off. This deal, like all of Best Buy's previous Pixel 2 XL deals, is dependent on you signing up for a Verizon monthly device payment plan. I know that will scare many of you off, but that's just how these things work in 2018. If you want to get phones cheaply, carriers want you to sign-up for 2 years worth of service and have decided the best way to do that is to lock you into a payment plan for 24 months. I have some thoughts on it here. At $300 off, you could own a Pixel 2 XL with 64GB storage for as little as $22.91 per month or the 128GB model for $27.07 per month. The Pixel 2 at $150 off starts at $20.83 per month. Is the Pixel 2 XL still worth it even though the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are arriving in 2 months? At $300 off, yeah. The Pixel 2 XL is still a really good phone and is the phone I still use when not reviewing something else. It'll be in my pocket until the Pixel 3 shows up. Best Buy Link

Fortnite Just Opened the Android Beta to Plenty Non-Samsung Devices

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 13:19:00 +0000

If you don't own a Samsung Galaxy device, you longer need to worry about getting one to play the Fortnite beta for Android. In a tweet, Fortnite announced that it is opening the beta to plenty of non-Samsung devices, including Essential Phone, Huawei phones, Pixel devices, and plenty more. This is good timing, too, considering we just posted up our initial thoughts on the game for Android. Here is the full list of devices now eligible for Fortnite on Android.

Samsung Galaxy: S7 / S7 Edge , S8 / S8+, S9 / S9+, Note 8, Note 9, Tab S3, Tab S4
Google: Pixel / Pixel XL, Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL
Asus: ROG Phone, Zenfone 4 Pro, 5Z, V
Essential: PH-1
Huawei: Honor 10, Honor Play, Mate 10 / Pro, Mate RS, Nova 3, P20 / Pro, V10
LG: G5, G6, G7 ThinQ, V20, V30 / V30+
Nokia: 8
OnePlus: 5 / 5T, 6
Razer: Phone
Xiaomi: Blackshark, Mi 5 / 5S / 5S Plus, 6 / 6 Plus, Mi 8 / 8 Explorer / 8SE, Mi Mix, Mi Mix 2, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Note 2
ZTE: Axon 7 / 7s, Axon M, Nubia / Z17 / Z17s, Nubia Z11

To get yourself a beta invite, follow this link to sign yourself up. If you own a supported Galaxy device, you can skip that step and head straight to the Galaxy Apps store and download the Fortnite Installer app. https://twitter.com/FortniteGame/status/1029095291427991555

Fortnite on Android: Frustrating Controls, but Still Promising

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 11:52:18 +0000

Earlier this year, Epic Games announced it was bringing Fortnite to mobile devices. It was launched for iOS some time ago, but is now out for select Samsung Galaxy devices for Android players. Thankfully, I have a Galaxy S9+ sitting on my desk, so I downloaded the game straight from Epic (it's not available via Google Play and probably never will be), then jumped onto the Battle Bus and into a friendly match. To let you know about my Fortnite credentials, I've been playing the game daily since it was launched for Xbox. I've reached Tier 100 in all Seasons and according to Fortnite Master's stats, my Duos partner and I, as well as my full 4-player squad are in the top 1% of players based on wins and kills alone. To sum it up, we crush and we enjoy crushing very much. What follows is a breakdown of my experience after a few Fortnite for Android matches. After loading into the home screen, I was very pleased at the menu system and overall UI. It looks extremely similar to how it does on console and PC, so if you've ever played the game, you'll be familiar with it and can navigate it easily. As far as the in-game UI, it looks like any other mobile shooter, complete with buttons for all of the different actions in the game. Of note, Fortnite offers mobile players 3 different configurations for shooting weapons -- Auto Fire, Tap Anywhere, and Dedicated Button. The game recommends Auto Fire, but I found that the game wasn't firing when I needed it to, so I opted for the Dedicated Button option. Also, and very importantly, each aspect of the HUD can be customized inside of the Settings menu. For example, you can place the buttons wherever you want on the display, as well as change the size of the buttons. This is a nice touch from Epic Games and not something you often see in other mobile shooter games.

However, even with all of the control over how you interact with the game, the process of shooting a player to building cover left me feeling very irritated. On console and PC, everything is very fluid with regard to shooting an enemy and then building yourself a little 1x1 for protection or even rushing the enemy and building cover on the way. On mobile, I was standing out in the open, fidgeting with building and paid the price a couple of times. When building, you tap on a dedicated build button, then you have to select what piece of structure you want to place. Once selected, you have to tap on the build button. Of course, this is the same protocol on console and PC, so it seems entirely possible that this game doesn't translate well to touch controls. I applaud Epic Games for making the effort, but the pace of my play style has been hampered too much while learning the controls. While building is difficult and basically changes how Fortnite is played when on mobile, I wasn't doing so hot in combat either. Again, this is me trying to get used to touch controls, but whenever I would go to ADS (aim down sight), I'd then have issues swiping on the screen to aim and hit the dedicated fire button at the same time. This is likely why Fortnite suggests Auto Fire, but again, that control wasn't firing every time I wanted it to, so to me, it's a give and take with whatever setting you choose. Let's say you do eliminate an enemy and want to run over their loot. The game has a setting for automatically picking up materials and guns, and when doing so, you can then swipe on guns and utility items in your inventory to organize them. If you want to change out an item, select that item in your inventory, then tap on whatever you want to change it with from the environment around you. Remember, Green items are Good, but Gold items are God. If instead you want to tap on each item individually, you can do that, too. I have a feeling that if I plug away at Fortnite for mobile as much as I do on console, I'll have no problem getting the hang of it and have lots of fun, but it's a real steep learning curve. The way I see it right now, everything from building to gun fights just take a very long time to do as you're hitting buttons on your display. Hopefully, everyone in the lobby should be just as bad as me, so we can all suck together. I don't mind that. As for how the game looks and feels, it's perfectly acceptable, considering what Epic had to do to get its massive map and all of its content onto your smartphone. There was no lag or jank, which is insanely impressive. There are also little UI indicators if you're having troubles finding that hidden loot chest. Whenever you're near a chest, a little gold icon pops up on your screen and points you in the direction of where the chest is. This is not available on console or PC, at least that I'm aware of. On mobile, it's very helpful because if you aren't playing with a headset, it's hard to determine where sounds are coming from on external speakers, even if they're stereo. So, will I actually keep playing this game on mobile? I could see myself trying to get in a game or two if I was waiting at the doctor's office, airport, or something along those lines. It's as fun of a game as it is on console or PC, it's just a real pain getting used to the controls. However, when/if controller support is built in, you might catch me on there often.

If you want to try out Fortnite on your support Samsung Galaxy device, head into the Galaxy Apps store on your phone and download the Installer app. From there, install the game and log in with your existing Epic Games account or create a new account to start playing.

Verizon Galaxy S9, S9+ Pick-Up New Update (Updated: T-Mobile Too)

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 11:00:47 +0000

The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ on Verizon are grabbing new updates as we head into the weekend, their first since June. The two updates will arrive as software version G960USQU3ARG7 for the Galaxy S9 and build G965USQU3ARG7 for the Galaxy S9+. Neither update is huge, but does fix some bugs and include a new security patch. For bug fixes, these updates fix an inter carrier video call bug, an outgoing call failure bug, and one that caused the phones to reboot when unlocking with the iris scanner. For improvements, voice call quality should be better. These S9 updates also include the July Android security patch. Yes, we're already a third of the way into August. As a reminder, Samsung is doing a pretty awful job at keeping the S9 and S9+ up-to-date. To check for the update, head into Settings>System update. UPDATE AUGUST 13: T-Mobile Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ units are now grabbing the same update with July's security patch. The updates also introduce super slow-mo and AR Emoji enhancements, as well as a "black screen fix." The updates arrive as software version G960USQU3ARG7 for the S9 and G965USQU3ARG7 for the S9+. // Verizon [2] | T-Mobile [2]

Do Not Buy a Smartwatch Right Now

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 09:54:38 +0000

For some reason that I still cannot figure, all of the brands that are keeping Google's Wear OS alive, keep announcing new smartwatches. Typically, announcing new products is a good thing, but you have to understand that Wear OS is about to get a brand new chipset to power its devices that could dramatically change the platform and revive it from years of sleep. In other words, you shouldn't buy any of these recently announced Wear OS watches. I'd even go as far as to suggest you skip the Samsung Galaxy Watch for now too if that was on your radar. On September 10, Qualcomm is hosting an event in San Francisco where they will announce a new wearable chipset that will more than likely be in all future Wear OS watches. This new chipset is said to be built from the ground up, will allow watches to look pretty when you aren't using them (like a normal watch sitting idly by your side), and extend battery life." More importantly, Qualcomm is betting that this Snapdragon Wear chip will "significantly change the Wear OS ecosystem, what you expect from a smartwatch.” If you buy a smartwatch today, before Qualcomm announces this chip, you will be stuck with a 2+ year old Snapdragon Wear 2100 chip. All of the new Wear OS watches that have been announced recently, use that chip. It's old. It's never been great. And it's about to be replaced by something potentially game-changing for smartwatches. We think that LG will be one of the first with a watch running this new Qualcomm processor. Back prior to Google I/O, a report surfaced suggesting that LG had some sort of hybrid watch in the works. This watch sounds exactly like what Qualcomm described when it teased its new processor and said a "lead" watch was coming in the fall. This LG watch is said to have physical watch hands, as well as the smarts of Wear OS and a touch display. My guess is that we will see it on September 10. After that watch shows up, all other major Wear OS watches will run the new Snapdragon Wear. Google's rumored Pixel Watch is almost guaranteed to, as are others that show up into the holiday season. While there is no sure bet when it comes to a Wear OS revival, this is the most exciting watch-related happening we've had on Android in years. Do not buy a smartwatch today or next week or the following week. Wait until we see what Qualcomm has in store.

Wait, Motorola Only Now Started Working on Android Pie Update for Devices?

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 08:45:05 +0000

According to an extremely brief support page on Motorola's website, the company states that Android 9.0 Pie is fully released (as of last Monday), and because of this, "we will begin working on the new code for our devices." Is it just me or does that make it sound like Motorola hasn't even touched any of the Developer Previews for Android P? If the company hasn't, that's pretty sad, considering finalized APIs have been readily available since July. This whole time Motorola could have been working towards a timely update for owners, but instead, it waited for Pie to be fully released? That's odd behavior. The page goes to say, "As always, we know upgrades are about getting it right and making sure the phone performance remains the best it can be. We'll share upgrade plans for our products and more specific timing later, and will keep everyone posted on our software upgrade page." I will say one thing, I appreciate that Motorola acknowledges that an update should make a phone better or at least the best it can be. Many times, major software updates are pushed out, only to cause bugs and issues for users. Let's hope Motorola's patience will pay off for customers once they receive Android Pie. We'll keep you posted on any developments, Motorola owners. // Motorola

If It Looks Like This, the OnePlus 6T's Notch Might Not Offend You

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 07:58:56 +0000

OPPO, a sister company to OnePlus that often previews the new features or design language we may see in the next OnePlus phone, announced the R17 today. If the OnePlus 6T looks anything like this, the notch on the phone probably won't offend you. That's the phone above. What do you think? Overall design aside, that notch is about the least offensive we have seen from a manufacturer. There may be others (including OPPO) doing pop-up cameras to fully remove notches, but this approach is probably the most realistic for where most manufacturers will go. This notch is nothing but a subtle dip in the display to allow OPPO to feature a front facing camera. We aren't sure if they are hiding additional sensors somewhere or if they also managed to pack those in too, but this is very minimal. Even the bottom chin is reduced over recent phones. I can't help but laugh at this, though, since this is essentially what Essential did out of the gate a year ago. The original Essential Phone only had a minor dip in the display for the front camera and a slit in the top bezel for the earpiece. Essential's was slightly less elegant than this swooping wave design, but they really did do this first.

This particular phone also features up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, dual cameras, and a light sensing in-display fingerprint reader. It actually looks a lot like the OnePlus 6, which is why this could be our preview of the OnePlus 6T. If the OnePlus 6T shows up in November with this type of notch, you cool with that? Or are you anti-notch for life?

Samsung Introduces New SmartThings Hub, New SmartThings WiFi System

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 07:13:18 +0000

After announcing the Galaxy Note 9 last week, Samsung is back with another new product, this time in the smart home space. Starting today, you can buy a bunch of new SmartThings-related products, including a new SmartThings Mesh WiFi System, a new SmartThings Hub, and a bunch of sensors to go with it. If you haven't been paying attention to Samsung's SmartThings brand, then let me just tell you that this is pretty great news. The old SmartThings Hub is a handful of years old at this point and the previous Samsung Connect mesh WiFi systems weren't exactly loved out of the gate (probably why we got this flash sale). Two new products in each of those categories is a major move in smart home. For the new SmartThings Hub, Samsung is upgrading performance for both it and its SmartThings Water Leak Sensor, Motion Sensor, and Smart Outlets. They've also upgraded to the latest Zigbee, Z-wave, and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity protocols, and will allow the Hub to connect over WiFi to get on your network, rather than through a hard-wired connection. The new SmartThings Hub is available right now and costs $69.99. You can buy the new sensors too. Shop Samsung SmartThings

When it comes to mesh WiFi, the new Samsung SmartThings WiFi is looking like a really nice choice, assuming you haven't already adopted another mesh system. It starts at $279.99 for a 3-pack or $119.99 for a single unit. That's right there with Google WiFi, though it's packed with more goodies. Like other mesh WiFi systems, SmartThings WiFi wants to blanket your entire household with fast WiFi. Where this differs is in the Plume integration, since Samsung is using Plume's technology to better manage your home's space and push that signal. That means better optimization as it learns how you use your internet, allocation of bandwidth to the devices that need it, interference mitigation, and optimal band selection. Thankfully, there is no subscription here, like there would be if you signed up for Plume on its own. Where it also differs is in smart home connectivity. SmartThings WiFi includes a SmartThings Hub. So not only do you get a smart mesh WiFi system, you get a smart home control setup too. The new SmartThings WiFi system is powered by a Qualcomm quad-core chip, 512MB RAM, 8GB storage, 2x2 MIMO and 802.11ac WiFi, and AC1300 speeds (max 866Mbps on 5GHz, 400Mbps on 2.4GHz). Shop SmartThings WiFi System

Moto Z3 Review: We Wanted More

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 07:00:26 +0000

When Motorola hosted a bunch of press at an event at their Chicago headquarters on August 2, the collective "Wait, what?" faces from those in attendance as a new phone was announced spoke volumes. We were all reacting to the Moto Z3, a phone we expected to be Motorola's take on a 2018 flagship phone, yet there we were, staring at the specs and price, wondering what in the hell Motorola was up to.

UPDATE August 16: The Moto Z3 is now available from Verizon

Of course, we quickly learned. The Moto Z3 exists for one reason and one reason only - so that Motorola and Verizon can say that they made the first 5G-ready phone. That's it. That is the point of existence for this phone. It will be sold as such without hardly a mention of its specs, camera, software, performance, or design. All Verizon and Motorola are going to tell you about this phone, is that it will one day more than likely be the first 5G phone in early 2019. And that idea, that this phone is a "We did it first!" device, makes for an awkward review. You see, I just reviewed the Moto Z3 Play on July 6 and this is the exact same phone save for a couple of component tweaks. Instead of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, it has last year's top tier Snapdragon 835. It also ditches the secondary rear 5MP camera from the Play and replaces it with another 12MP monochrome shooter. It's a different color too. Those are the differences.

NOTE: The original story said that the Moto Z3 has Qualcomm's new X50 5G modem inside, but that's actually in the 5G Moto Mod.

It has the same 6.01" Super AMOLED FHD display, 64GB storage, 4GB RAM, 3000mAh battery with fast charging, same dimensions, same design, same splash resistance, and same version of Android (8.1). This is a Moto Z3 Play with a different processor and modem in a frame that's black instead of indigo. Why does all of that matter? Because I'm not going to write up another 2,000 words about a phone I just reviewed and like quite a bit. Instead, we're just going to jump right into whether or not this should be a phone you should consider buying. For the dirty details on what the Moto Z3 is, read our Moto Z3 Play review. I feel exactly about this phone as I did that one. That sound good?

Who should buy the Moto Z3?

Well, if your budget is $480 and you are on Verizon and love Motorola, then this is not a bad buy. By all means, the hardware, performance, display, software, access to Moto Mods, fingerprint reader, and dual camera, make for a phone that is actually pretty good. And at $480, which breaks down to $20 per month, there aren't many phones on Verizon that top it for the price. I love the simple Android software that Motorola keeps including, battery life has been full-day at a minimum, the side-mounted fingerprint reader is still one of my favorites, and this phone does have access to all of the Moto Mods that have been released so far. There is a lot of good stuff here. Is the Moto Z3 a better phone than the Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or LG G7? No, no it isn't. It's camera isn't even in the conversation with any of those phones. I'm not sure it's a better designed phone than any of those either. But at $480, it's not really trying to compete there and is instead sitting in that Moto X4 range from last year, which is this rarely-touched middle ground between the highest end phones and those lower-tier $200 phones. This phone is probably priced just right. Again, the Moto Z3 is for those without a big budget, who love Moto and their Moto Mods system, are on Verizon (it's their exclusive), and want a generally all-around good performing and looking phone. I've got no real complaints about the Moto Z3.

Why shouldn't you buy the Moto Z3?

You certainly shouldn't buy this phone just to be one of the first to 5G. That's right, I'm telling you to ignore the entire sales pitch from Verizon and Motorola. The 5G Moto Mod that Motorola is going to try and push 5G with is a tank that not only looks silly, but probably will be ridiculously limited in terms of network reach. It'll probably be stupidly expensive too. When Verizon launches 5G in early 2019 using mmW spectrum, there is a really, really good chance that the network will be limited to major cities and major cities alone. MmW isn't exactly built for range and is instead more of a hotspot type of network connection that is built to handle a lot of people in a dense area and deliver them really fast speeds. My guess is that your house in the suburbs won't have mmW access. I'm also going to guess that we might see a handful of cities with Verizon 5G, rather than a nationwide immediate rollout. What I'm trying to get you away from is this idea that if you buy the Moto Z3 and plan to buy the 5G Moto Mod to go with it, that you will be guaranteed to live a life filled with 5G. That's just not that realistic, unless Verizon is doing a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes magic in every major city that no one is aware of. Otherwise, finding Verizon 5G may not be that simple out of the gate, just like when we first had 4G LTE. And of course, if you aren't on Verizon, you shouldn't buy this phone because it's a Verizon exclusive.

Confused?

That's fair if you are. This is one of the weirdest phone launches in years. This may be the last of the Moto Z line with Moto Mods, and instead of going all out, Motorola used some old parts in the body they created for another phone, so that they could try and be first to 5G. They didn't push any boundaries here or try anything new or take one last risk to try and make the Moto Z line a success. Nope, they took the cheap way out to try and add another "first" to their list. Now, they created a budget phone that isn't bad, but we sort of already had that with the Moto Z3 Play, a phone that costs between $450 and $500 depending on where you buy it. Motorola made two different phones at the same price, added a couple of better specs to one and then let Verizon keep it as their own. It's beyond silly. Some of us would have liked to get a Moto Z3 Force (they aren't making one) with shatterproof display and current Snapdragon processor and more RAM and a real high-end camera and a big ass battery. We didn't get that, though. We got a phone that won't be remembered six months into 2019 when other phones release that have 5G built-in and don't need a thick-as-hell Moto Mod attached to their backs. The Moto Z3 arrives at Verizon on August 16. You can buy it here.

HTC Says U12+, U11+, U11, U11 Life Will Receive Android P at Some Point

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 14:58:46 +0000

In a tweet today, HTC confirmed which of its devices will receive an update to Android 9.0 Pie. Officially as of today, HTC plans to launch the update for U12+, U11+, U11, and U11 Life (Android One). Four devices in total. Sadly, the company did not provide a timetable and instead, states that availability will be announced "in due course." If you own one of those devices, be happy! However, be a little sad, too, that you have no idea when it's coming. https://twitter.com/htc/status/1028000627794706432

Fortnite Isn't on Google Play

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 13:49:10 +0000

I know that most of you know that Fortnite isn't on Google Play, but for those who don't and go search for it there, Google will indeed let you know. That's nice of Google, since there are bound to be apps that want to trick you into believing they might be Fortnite for Android on Google Play. When searching for Fortnite, Google is currently displaying a message at the top of Google Play that says, "Fortnite Battle Royale by Epic Games, Inc is not available on Google Play." When you quickly scroll past that and find FortBrite Battle Boil, install it, and get scammed out of hundreds of dollars, don't say Google didn't warn you. Fortnite isn't on Google Play because Epic Games decided to keep it off and rake in all the cash, which you already know. Instead, Epic is distributing Fortnite directly to you from their own site. You can download it right here. Just know that if you try and get the game from there, you may be given confirmation of a beta sign-up without actually being able to play it immediately. Epic says that that's because they are slowly rolling the game out in waves to people. We actually think it's because there is a Samsung exclusive deal put in place, but no one seems to want to confirm that. And I say that since Samsung Galaxy phones, like the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, and Galaxy Note 9, have no issue getting the game up and running when downloading from the Galaxy Apps store. When the slow rollout of invites is finished and you get invited, you will need a supported device for Fortnite. You can view the full list here, but phones like the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Essential phone, LG G5/G6/G7, LG V20/V30, OnePlus 5/5T/6, and Razer Phone are all supported.

PRO TIP: To try and jump the line, don't install Fortnite .apk files from anywhere else outside of Epic's site and the Galaxy Apps store. It's not going to be worth it. Just be patient and get it legitimately.

Everyone playing? How's the Fortnite Android experience?

Google Phone App Update Brings the All-White Treatment

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 13:27:43 +0000

Earlier this week, Google updated the Contacts app, ridding it of almost all color by dunking it into a tub of white paint. Today, they've done the same for the Google Phone app. When you update, you'll see version 23.0 and like the Contacts app, will only get color in accents. The Google Phone app is now as white as it gets, with hints of blue. It's not amazing if you like a little bit of color in your life. This update could be in the Google Phone beta, just FYI. So if you aren't seeing it right away, feel free to opt-in to the beta at the bottom of the app's listing on Google Play. Google Play Link

Download: Galaxy Note 9 Wallpapers

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 12:57:58 +0000

For anyone looking to get that Galaxy Note 9 aesthetic on their device, the official wallpapers from Samsung's latest smartphone are now available for download. In total there are 12 wallpapers to deck your own device out in, and yes, they're all QHD+ quality and ready for your high-res display. You'll notice that many of the wallpapers play off of the colors Samsung announced for its device, including many blues and purples. Follow the imgur link below to download them directly to your phone or desktop computer. Imgur Link Sample Gallery

// XDA

Podcast: Android Pie!

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 09:19:14 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, it's time for some Android Pie! Android 9.0 is officially Android Pie and it has been released to Pixel and Essential phones already, so we'll recap the new Android versions best features and how you can get it. After that, it's on to the latest massive Pixel 3 XL leaks, followed by the Galaxy Note 9 and Moto Z3 launches, Fortnite for Android, and more. It's a packed show! Since it's a packed show, we're dropping trivia this week. Apologies for that, but this might be a long one and we don't want to keep you all around for 3 hours. We'll be live at 11:00AM Pacific (2:00PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

YouTube Signature Devices Are Now a Thing, Plenty of Phones Already Labeled as One

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:48:35 +0000

Yesterday at Samsung's Unpacked event, the Galaxy Note 9 was introduced as a YouTube Signature Device. That was the first time we have ever heard that term, but recently, YouTube fully explained what that means and we've learned it's not only Galaxy Note 9 that is labeled as Signature Device. To be a Signature Device, a phone must support high dynamic range, high frame rate, reliable DRM performance, 4K decoding, and use next generation video codecs. Essentially, if it's a high-end phone, it's a YouTube Signature Device. The list of Signature Devices is as follows.

Galaxy Note 9
Xperia XZ2
Xperia XZ2 Premium
Xperia XZ2 Compact
HTC U12+
OnePlus 6
LG G7 ThinQ
Xiaomi Mi 8
Miaomi Mi Mix 2S
Nokia 8 Sirocco
Galaxy Note 8
Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9+
Pixel 2
Pixel 2 XL
Huawei Mate 10 Pro
LG V30
Galaxy S8
Galaxy S8+

We can't help but notice no iPhone models are listed, but that's likely because Apple doesn't care to be listed as one. As YouTube explains, "We’ve worked with manufacturers to verify these devices meet or exceed our performance expectations." Do you already have a YouTube Signature Device in your pocket? // YouTube

Pixel 3 XL Shows Up in a Fresh 5-Minute Hands-On Video

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:39:43 +0000

The blog bro who went full-unboxing the other day with a Pixel 3 XL in white is back again with some fresh action. This time, we have a 5-minute video of the phone doing the least-exciting thing on the planet - running benchmarks. Still, it's the Pixel 3 XL doing things months before it will be released! In this video, which is painful to watch because of the portrait setup, blurring, and benchmark running, we basically just see the UI from a Pixel 2 XL running on a phone with a giant f*cking notch. There is an exterior tour of the Pixel 3 XL at the end of the video (3:15 mark), which will bring you some joy, should you care about phone design. The green button is back. That glossy white finish is too. We do get to see 64GB storage again and Snapdragon 845 processor again. As for new info, the benchmarks reveal a 6.7-inch display size (that's new!), 12.2MP rear camera, 8.1MP dual front camera setup, and 3430mAh battery. The phone also appears to have image or wallpaper support on its always-on display. And that's pretty much it. // Канал Лучкова (Telegram)

Best Galaxy Note 9 Deal: Samsung's Instant Trade-In Discount is Up to $450 Off

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:07:14 +0000

For the past several Samsung Galaxy phone releases, the Korean giant has often offered the best deal on its newest phone through its own store. That doesn't change with the Galaxy Note 9, as they once again offer the best up-front discount you'll find. The Samsung Store Galaxy Note 9 deal works like this. You choose which version you want (unlocked, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint), then how much storage you want (128GB or 512GB), and then pick your trade-in device. Samsung lists a number of phones from Samsung, LG, Apple, and Google that they'll accept for hundreds of dollars off. Because this is a new phone that they are really trying to push, they have increased the instant discounts over what you'll likely find in a month or so after the Note 9 launches. For example, they'll give you $450 off today if you trade-in a Galaxy S9 or S9+. Since there is a chance you've barely owned that phone and don't want to, what about a Galaxy S8? That's $400 off, instantly. They'll even give you $300 off for trading in the well-over-2-year-old Galaxy S7 Edge. As you can see below, the big discounts aren't just for Samsung devices. A Pixel 2 XL will still fetch you $450 off, as will an iPhone X. You could pay just $550, 600, $650, etc. for a brand new $1,000 Note 9.

Once you've picked a trade-in, you will notice that the price in your cart for your Galaxy Note 9 has dropped to reflect the trade-in. That's right, this is why Samsung's deal is the best. They give you an instant discount on your purchase before you ever trade-in your phone, unlike almost everyone else who does this. Samsung gives you a discount today and then forces you to prove it later by sending your phone in after your new Note 9 arrives. Pretty sweet right? Samsung also offers their own financing, financing through carriers, and an option to pay in full. Let's also not forget that Samsung is tossing out freebies, which could mean a bunch of V-bucks for Fortnite or a pair of $300 AKG N60 noise cancelling headphones. Depending on the phone, you could pay as little as $550 for a Galaxy Note 9 and grab a free pair of $300 headphones.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Link

How to Pre-Order the Galaxy Note 9

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 20:00:26 +0000

I'm assuming you've read all there is to read about the Galaxy Note 9 and are ready to pre-order? If so, and your bank account is stacked and ready to pay either $1,000 or $1,250 for one, we've got pre-order details for you here.

When is the Galaxy Note 9 pre-order?

The Galaxy Note 9 pre-order opens up August 10 at 12:01PM Eastern, which is August 9 at 9:01PM Pacific. The pre-order period lasts for two weeks before the phone hits stores on August 24. You should know that pre-orders for Samsung devices tend to ship early these days, so if you do pre-order, there is a chance you will have one before the 24th. In past years, we have seen them arrive a full week or so early.

Where can you pre-order the Galaxy Note 9?

Everyone will have it tonight. For carriers, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Xfinity will all have it. Additionally, Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Sam’s Club, Straight Talk Wireless, Target and Walmart will make some models available, including the unlocked version. Samsung's own store will have it too.

What about Note 9 pricing?

Everyone appears to be on the same page as Samsung this year, so pricing is pretty standard no matter where you get it. That's a good thing even if the phone is crazy expensive. The 128GB/6GB version will be $999.99 everywhere and the 512GB/8GB model will be $1249.99.

Samsung Store

You can reserve the Galaxy Note 9 from Samsung in both 128GB and 512GB configurations. Samsung's store has the unlocked version as well as those from Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and US Cellular. It's probably the best place to buy the phone, since you can buy it at full retail without question, pick a monthly payment plan, and also trade-in a phone with an instant discount up to $450. Samsung Store Link

Carrier Stores

AT&T AT&T will charge $33.34/mo for 30 months on AT&T Next for the 128GB model. They'll likely have a 24 month option as well under AT&T Next Every Year, which we'll add once we have it. But assuming the price of the 128GB model is $1000, that works out to $41.67/mo. AT&T will charge $41.67/mo for 30 months on AT&T Next for the 512GB model. If they offer it on AT&T Next Every Year, it would cost roughly $52.08/mo for 24 months. BONUS: If you buy a Note 9 from AT&T, they'll give you another Note 9, Galaxy S9, or S9+ for free. Verizon Verizon will charge $41.66/mo on a 24 month device payment plan for the 128GB model. The 512GB model will cost $52.08/mo for 24 months. BONUS: If you buy a Note 9 from Verizon, they'll give you another 128GB Note 9, S9, or S9+ for free with device payment plan. They'll also give you $10 off Samsung accessories if you belong to their Verizon Up program. T-Mobile T-Mobile will charge you $30/mo for the 128GB model, but you have to pay $279.99 down. The 512GB model will also cost $30/mo, but your down payment jumps to $529.99. BONUS: T-Mobile will shave off $500 if you trade-in a Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 Edge, S7 Edge Active, Note 8, or Note 5. They'll give you $250 off if you trade-in anything from the Galaxy S6 down to the Galaxy S5. Sprint Sprint is charging $20.83/mo for 18 months if you get a Note 9 on the Sprint Flex Lease plan. With Sprint's Galaxy Forever program, you also get to upgrade to another phone in a year.

Pre-order Freebies

If you pre-order the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung has some freebies lined up for you. You get to choose from either 15,000 V-bucks ($149 value) to spend on Fortnite, along with a special Fortnite Galaxy Skin or a pair of AKG N60 noise cancelling headphones ($299 value). You can get both of those combined in a package too, and it will cost you just $99.

Note 9 Pre-order Links

Palm is Apparently Working on a Tiny Android Phone With a 3.3" Screen

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 15:59:11 +0000

In 2018, a phone with Palm branding might be released running Android. Yes, that Palm. Now owned by TCL, the company that releases phones under brand names like Blackberry and Alcatel, Palm's first Android phone might have made its debut appearance, thanks to the folks at Android Police. They showed off an image of a device supposedly codenamed the Palm "Pepito." The phone is somewhat unremarkable to look at, but it's at least interesting in the sense that Palm may try and do something that doesn't exactly match current smartphone trends. While everyone else keeps going as big as they possibly can, this Palm device only features a 3.3-inch 720p display and a tiny 800mAh battery. It's a cute little bugger, although the mockups here just look like an Apple Watch made into a bad Android mini-phone.

The device will also run a low-tier Snapdragon 435 processor, 3GB RAM, and feature 32GB of storage. Verizon is said to be interested in carrying it. Why are we talking about it with those specs? Because of the form factor and the fact that a Palm device might show up again for the first time since 2011. Otherwise, I have no idea. Any interest here? // Android Police

Thursday Poll: Are You Buying a Galaxy Note 9?

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 13:52:07 +0000

Today we've written up the Galaxy Note 9 announcement, all of the official specs, gasped at its price, provided a First Look video, but still a question remains.

Are you going to buy one?

Starting at $999, Galaxy Note 9 is not an inexpensive device by any means, but it sure does offer quite a bit for that price. As Kellen already stated in a post from earlier today, "It has what is more than likely the best display on the planet, dual cameras with OIS and a variable aperture, 4000mAh battery, IP68 water and dust resistance, headphone jack, Snapdragon 845, an S Pen, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as up to 8GB RAM." But yeah, it costs $999+. [poll id="491"]

At T-Mobile, Galaxy Note 9 Down Payment Costs as Much as a OnePlus 6

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 12:24:02 +0000

I was in the middle of putting together our ultimate Galaxy Note 9 pre-order guide when I came across the section for the T-Mobile's version and poked around their news site for pricing. The minute I found it, my jaw dropped. T-Mobile, because they do this weird pricing deal where they can only finance so much of a phone to customers, have added on a down payment to their Note 9 payment plan. For the 128GB model, the down payment is $279.99 before you ever get to the $30/mo payments. That's a big number, no doubt, but the down payment for the 512GB model is...wait for it...$529.99. You have to give T-Mobile $530 before you ever pay one of the 24 $30/mo payments. You know what else costs $530? The OnePlus 6! The base model OnePlus 6 that comes with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage is $529.00. Now, I know that the Galaxy Note 9 features just about every popular specification you could imagine. It has what is more than likely the best display on the planet, dual cameras with OIS and a variable aperture, 4000mAh battery, IP68 water and dust resistance, headphone jack, Snapdragon 845, an S Pen, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as up to 8GB RAM, but holy sh*t. $530! Down payment! I don't know that my wallet is built for this.

VIDEO: Galaxy Note 9 First Look

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 11:01:44 +0000

As you likely know by now, Samsung hosted Unpacked 2018 this morning in Brooklyn, NY. While the heat and humidity was intense outside, Samsung kept it very cool inside Barclay's Center with the introduction of Galaxy Note 9. The phone features a 6.4" QHD+ Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (512GB model available), expandable storage support, NFC, MST, dual rear-facing cameras (wide angle + telephoto), 4,000mAh battery, S Pen with new features, stereo speakers, plus plenty more. For full spec details, look here. As soon as we get our unit in the office, we'll be posting up all of the usual First Thing to Do, Tips & Tricks, as well as a full review. In the meantime, check out our hands-on with Galaxy Note 9. Hands-On

Samsung Galaxy Home, Powered by Bixby and AKG Speakers, Now Official

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:04:52 +0000

Samsung made its Bixby-powered smart speaker, Galaxy Home, official this morning at its Unpacked event. Featuring 6 AKG-tuned speakers in a circular shape on top of a tripod design, Galaxy Home is quite a bit larger than your standard Google Home, even capable of being placed on the floor thanks to its design. It has a subwoofer too and 8 far-field microphones for picking up your voice, since Bixby is here as well. Thanks to natural sound processing, it tries to do its best at surround sound, as well as a Soundsteer feature that can direct audio to you. For Galaxy Home pricing and availability, Samsung didn't announce either. They aren't expected to really dive into that until their Samsung Developer Conference in November.

Galaxy Watch Official in Two Sizes Starting at $329.99

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:21:54 +0000

Alongside the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung today announced their next smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch. No, it doesn't run Wear OS and does indeed just run Samsung's own Tizen operating system. It does come in two sizes, though, and arrives at the same time as the Note 9. The Galaxy Watch will go up for pre-order tomorrow, August 10, and then arrive in stores on August 24. It comes in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm, and costs $329.99 or $349.99, respectively. You'll be able to buy this Bluetooth-only model from Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung's store. An LTE variant will arrive later this year from carriers. The 42mm Galaxy Watch comes in either Midnight Black or Rose Gold, while the larger 46mm model comes only in Silver.

RELATED: Galaxy Note 9 full specs list

Other than size, what's the difference between the two? You can see the full Galaxy Watch specs list below, but the basics are this. The larger 46mm model has a 1.3" screen and the 42mm model has a 1.2" screen. The 46mm model supports bigger 22m straps, weighs more, and has a bigger 472mAh battery. The 42mm option supports 20mm straps and has a 270mAh battery. Both feature dual-core processors, Tizen OS 4.0, heart rate sensors, wireless charging, 5ATM + IP68 durability, NFC, GPS, and always-on full color displays. The Bluetooth model has 768MB of RAM and 4GB storage, whereas the LTE model has 1.5GB RAM. [table responsive=scroll id=142 /] // Samsung

Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 is Official and Starts at $1000

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 08:56:02 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was announced this morning at a massive Unpacked event in New York. There weren't any real surprises, but the details are official. The Galaxy Note 9 will go up for pre-order tomorrow, August 10 at 12:01AM EDT, and then arrives in stores on August 24. It will cost $999.99 for the model with 128GB storage and 6GB RAM before jumping to $1,249.99 when configured with 512GB storage and 8GB RAM. In the US, the Galaxy Note 9 will be available in Ocean Blue and Lavender Purple. There are Midnight Black and Metallic Copper variants too, just not in the US (yet). Samsung plans to sell fully unlocked Galaxy Note 9 models as well as through every carrier you can imagine. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular will all carry the Note 9. Unlocked versions will be sold at Samsung's store, Best Buy, Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart, and more.

What's new in the Galaxy Note 9?

It looks a hell of a lot like the Galaxy Note 8, but it has upgraded internals and a fancy new S Pen. The phone will feature a 6.4-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB or 8GB RAM, 128GB or 512GB storage (with SD slot), 4000mAh battery, dual rear cameras with all the OIS you can handle, and Android 8.1 under their Samsung Experience skin. The Note 9's S Pen now has Bluetooth, so you can click its button to take selfies, present slides, pause and play music, and more. It charges in under a minute too, because yes, there is a battery inside. If you care, it also turns into a desktop-like experience through Samsung DeX. All you need is an HDMI adapter to plug from the phone to a monitor. That differs from previous Samsung phones that required a dock. And that's pretty much it. The full specs list is here.

RELATED: Galaxy Watch official in two sizes!

// Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Specs (Official)

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 08:40:53 +0000

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Note 9, a phone that has surpassed LG's V line with the amount of stuff and things inside. The Note 9 will be available starting August 24, but that's not what this post is about. This post is simply for those of you who care about the Galaxy Note 9 specs.

RELATED: Here are all the launch details on the Galaxy Note 9

Packed inside, you have a big 6.4-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB or 8GB RAM, up to 512GB storage (with SD support), 4000mAH battery with fast wired and wireless charging, dual rear camera with dual OIS, and Android 8.1 (lol). The full Note 9 specs list is below.

RELATED: Galaxy Watch official in two sizes!

[table id=141 /]

Fortnite Now Available on Android! (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 08:29:30 +0000

At the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 event, Epic Games took the stage to announce that Fortnite is now available on Android. Seriously, you can download Fortnite for Android right now. There is something to be noted here, though - Fortnite is only on Samsung phones at the moment. And to get it, it sure looks like you'll need to go into the Galaxy Apps store. In fact, it's live there right now.

REMINDER: Fortnite for Android isn't on Google Play

Supported Samsung devices include the Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy Tab S3, and Galaxy Tab S4. What if you don't own a Samsung phone? Other Fortnite Android devices are as follows:

Google: Pixel / Pixel XL, Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL
Asus: ROG Phone, Zenfone 4 Pro, 5Z, V
Essential: PH-1
Huawei: Honor 10, Honor Play, Mate 10 / Pro, Mate RS, Nova 3, P20 / Pro, V10
LG: G5, G6, G7 ThinQ, V20, V30 / V30+
Nokia: 8
OnePlus: 5 / 5T, 6
Razer: Phone
Xiaomi: Blackshark, Mi 5 / 5S / 5S Plus, 6 / 6 Plus, Mi 8 / 8 Explorer / 8SE, Mi Mix, Mi Mix 2, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Note 2
ZTE: Axon 7 / 7s, Axon M, Nubia / Z17 / Z17s, Nubia Z11

The basic minimum specs list needed, in case your phone isn't listed are:

OS: 64 bit Android, 5.0 or higher
RAM: 3GB or higher
GPU: Adreno 530 or higher, Mali-G71 MP20, Mali-G72 MP12 or higher

When can non-Samsung phones get Fortnite? That's not exactly clear. Epic games is saying that you can sign-up for the Android beta, and that they are inviting players in waves to play it. If you sign-up, you should get an email once you are invited. You can sign-up here.

Watch Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 Event Live at 8AM Pacific (11AM Eastern)!

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 06:58:09 +0000

Samsung will make the Galaxy Note 9 official this morning at an event in New York. I know you probably think that already happened, since every single detail for this phone has leaked at this point and there won't be much in the way of news out of the event, but here we are. In addition to the Note 9, we are expecting a Samsung Galaxy Watch to be on-display as well. Not a ton is known about this new watch from Samsung, other than that it will come in a couple of sizes, a few colors (like rose gold), and run Samsung's Tizen, not Google's Wear OS. The Galaxy Note 9 Unpacked showcase will kick off at 8AM Pacific (11AM Eastern) and you can watch it in a variety of ways. We've got the YouTube embed at the top of this post, but Samsung will stream it to Twitter and Facebook too. Any last thoughts before it becomes official?

Nova Launcher Grabs Update to V6.0 in Beta With a Bunch of Tweaks

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:31:30 +0000

Nova Launcher 6.0 is on the way and you can test out its new features if you opt-in to the Nova Launcher beta today. This first 6.0 beta includes changes to everything from adaptive icons to folder background shapes and general app settings. I wouldn't necessarily say that there are any standout features here, but the improvements listed below all add polish and additional customizations to the 3rd party launcher that remains the best around. Your folders in Nova 6.0 have more options, there are new customizable shapes in adaptive icons, icon resizing is no longer a Prime add-on, and you can search throughout settings.

What's new

Improved Settings menu layout: Dock options are now part of Desktop, more intuitive settings hierarchy, etc.
Nova Settings are now searchable for faster parsing.
More Adaptive Icon options available, including a new customizable shape.
Option to automatically match folder and app drawer icon size to desktop.
New window styles in folders: choose from windowed or immersive modes.
Folder background shapes now share the same options as adaptive icons: Round, Squircle, etc.
App drawer search bar can now be stylized like on the desktop.
Search bar provider can now be set to Google or Nova Settings by default.
Added vertical or horizontal scrolling options for folders.
Icon resizing no longer requires Nova Prime (but you should probably buy it anyway).

If you want to checkout the Nova Launcher beta, hit up this link. // +Kevin Barry

Google Contacts Gets a Fresh Coat of White Paint

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:22:06 +0000

On the early end of a Google slow rollout? You might see a freshly painted Google Contacts app in your app drawer! Version 3.0 of the app is rolling out today and it's white af. I wish I could tell you that there were a bunch of other new features, but there aren't. This is an update that brings in Google's favorite color of 2018 - white. Seriously, everything is now white and even more minimal, with a touch of blue accent. Prepare your night light filters. Google Play Link

eBay has a Fresh 15% Off Everything Deal (Max $100 Off)

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 13:11:33 +0000

Now that Prime Day season has calmed, eBay is back with another 15% off everything sale. They do these regularly and the discount varies, but the basics are this. eBay will slash 15% off almost anything as long as you spend $25. The discount does max out at $100 off, though, so don't go buying a car off eBay and expecting $4,500 off or something. To get the deal, all you do is shop through eBay and then plug-in code "PRONTO15" at checkout. That's it. The deal lasts until 10PM Pacific (1AM Eastern) today.

Shop eBay 15% off

Question of the Day: How has Battery Life Been on Android Pie?

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:08:11 +0000

All Pixel, Pixel 2, and Essential owners have now had Android Pie for a good couple of days. We've seen some reports from a few that battery life might not be so great so far, though. We're not sure why that is, but we figured a good comment thread could help us sort through anything you are struggling with. One thing you should keep in mind is the fact that Adaptive Battery in Android 9.0 is probably still learning your phone. If you weren't running any of the Android P beta builds and are instead coming from Oreo, it may take a couple of days to get up to speed. Android Pie should be looking at your usage patterns to decide which apps it could tuck in the background for a bit, so as to extend battery life. So let us know. Battery life on Android Pie been good, fine, or not-so-good so far?

T-Mobile's Next Uncarrier Event Scheduled for August 15

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 09:48:28 +0000

T-Mobile's CEO John Legere tweeted out a teaser for its next Uncarrier event, scheduled to take place August 15. If you're not in the know, these Uncarrier events typically have Legere and company announce something that is against the grain with regard to the wireless industry. For example, the last Uncarrier events gave us KickBack, ONE plans, plus plenty more. The teaser doesn't give us much in terms of details, but what we do see is a sort of Indiana Jones-esque scene where some type of relic from the wireless industry is getting locked away. What could the relic be? Speed throttled unlimited plans? An end to 480p video streaming over mobile data? LOL, of course not, that's T-Mobile's bread and butter. August 15, how exciting. https://twitter.com/JohnLegere/status/1027178015485116418

Oh Boy: Pixel 3 XL Leaks in Retail Packaging With Included USB-C Earbuds

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 08:24:37 +0000

Hey, it's Pixel 3 XL ultra leak day!

Thanks to a Ukranian tech blogger, we just got our first Pixel 3 XL unboxing and it sure does reveal a whole heck of a lot of details. Keep in mind that we are still 2 months away from Google announcing this phone, so some things could change...maybe...probably not much. The unboxing was uploaded through a Telegram channel and it shows off still images of the white Pixel 3 XL, as well as the a video of the phone in hand. This post has it all, my friends. Ready?

Pixel 3 XL Unboxing Video

Absorb all of that? That unboxing shows what looks to be mostly final retail packaging of the Pixel 3 XL. It certainly shows packaging we are familiar with, but a couple of the guides were blank. And that makes some sense, since we really are two months from Google even announcing this phone. However, that unboxing revealed one huge addition to Pixel 3 XL purchases - included USB-C earbuds! Google should have included USB-C earbuds with last year's Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL after killing the headphone jack, but if this leak is the real deal, we might be getting them this year. Outside of that revelation, nothing else is necessarily new from the video. The USB-C rapid charger is in there, as is the USB-A-to-C adapter for transferring info from one phone to the next. The rest of the pictures this person uploaded reveal more, though.

As far as some newness goes, take a look at these shots.

Here, we not only have a look at the white back and the name "Pixel 3 XL," but there are some specs showing, like 4GB RAM, confirmation of an Adreno 630 GPU on board (which means Snapdragon 845), and a display resolution of 2960x1440 (494ppi). Yes, there is the big ol' notch too. And finally, here are a couple of shots of the phone in hand. The rear picture shows off that full-glass back with shiny and matte finishes. It also gives some perspective on how big it might be. Oh, and take a look at that green power button!

Thoughts, notch haters? // Канал Лучкова (Telegram) | Android Police

Android Pie Release Makes Me Want to Beg Essential for a New Phone

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 16:30:08 +0000

Back in April, I laid out the case for the Essential Phone 2 not needing to do much in order to be the best Android phone of 2018. Everything I said there, still stands too, we're just now operating under the assumption that Essential has given up on new phones and the accessories for them that they once promised. And that really is too bad when you look at what happened yesterday. At 10AM yesterday morning, Google released Android 9.0 "Pie" to its Pixel line of phones. Owners of a Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, or Pixel 2 XL, should already be running Android Pie if they so desire. You know what also happened within minutes of Google making the update available to its phones? Essential did the same for the Essential Phone. Minutes later. Not a week later. Not months later. Not next year when they've timed it around the release of another phone they wanted to sell you first with newer software. Essential gave Essential Phone owners Android Pie at the same time Google did. They were so quick, we were writing up Pixel and Essential update posts at the same time. This whole situation makes me sad for a couple of reasons. On one hand, it's still supremely pathetic that all of the massive Android phone makers on the block - like Samsung and LG - with countless employees working on mobile, can't release a major software update with any sort of speed. It'll be months before LG or Samsung give us Android Pie on a phone that has already been released. Hell, Samsung is going to release the Galaxy Note 9 later this week and there is almost a 0% chance it'll have anything but their awfully skinned Android 8.1 on it, a version of Android that is almost a year old. Yet here is tiny little Essential, shipping not a beta, but a stable version of Android Pie at the same time as the company making it. They mostly matched Google with separate Android P betas and previews too, you know, since Google now allows others to get in on their Android beta program.

It's sad for another reason, though. It's sad because we really don't think Essential is making another phone. A month after I listed out the few ways that Andy Rubin's company could make the best smartphone of 2018, and with Essential confirming they would do better the second time around, a report surfaced suggesting that they had already thrown in the towel on phones, might instead put all company focus on a too-late-to-the-party and almost-guaranteed-to-fail smart home hub, and could also be exploring a sale of the entire company. Andy Rubin basically confirmed the news in a Tweet. This is pretty devastating news in the world of smartphones. It makes me want to beg Essential for a new phone. I want an Essential Phone 2. The original Essential Phone, even with its awful camera and weird touch issues, is still the best built phone I've probably ever used. It feels premium like no other phones on the market. Its combination of ceramic and titanium are noticed in hand, plus it looks unique enough to standout or catch someone's attention when on a table. It has a large 5.7-inch screen in a body that feels more like the "small" phones from years ago. Essential really didn't need to fix much in order for this phone to be great. But besides the hardware, that I'd take without change other than the camera and display issues, this is a company that proved that timely software can be done. Every single month, when Google drops security patches, Essential pushes them the same day. They've spent numerous updates improving the camera and fixing this bug and that performance quirk and that cellular issue. They care about software, they care about security patches, and they care about giving you the newest versions of Android as quickly as possible. Essential has committed to supporting the Essential Phone for three years, the first two of which will give it big Android releases. After that, assuming they haven't released another phone, that will be the end of it. At that point, we'll be back to only Google giving us Android when we should get it, while everyone else is OK taking their sweet time, not listening to their customers. That's a sad reality and because no one else seems to care like Essential has, we should probably all beg them to take a 2nd chance.

Video: Google's Digital Wellbeing First Look!

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 13:32:52 +0000

If you own a Pixel or Pixel 2 and it's already running Android Pie, you can test out Google's Digital Wellbeing software. It's currently in beta and you have to sign-up for it before being able to install, but yeah, it is ready for the first time.

RELATED: Google added an app shortcut and Quick Settings toggle!

What is Digital Wellbeing?

It's a new software suite from Google that does a couple of things. First, it shows you just how much you use your phone and which apps you use the most on a daily and hourly basis. From there, after being shocked and disgusted at your life choices, it'll help you disconnect more by setting timers on apps and forcing you to put your phone down at night with a Wind Down feature. It'll also give you quick access to Android's Do Not Disturb and notification controls to better limit your life interruptions. It's actually a pretty slick set of options that you can adjust on your phone to help you unplug a little bit more. I'm certainly going to keep some of it active going forward. We took it for a spin after getting it installed on a Pixel 2 XL last night and then recorded this video to show you just how it works and some of the features you'll want to adjust.

Qualcomm Hosting Wearable-Related Event September 10, Likely All About New Chip

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:40:22 +0000

We've been discussing Qualcomm's upcoming and super hyped wearable silicon since May. It's supposed to breathe new life into Wear OS, and frankly, the timing couldn't be better. With the Snapdragon 2100 platform sitting at over two years old, it's hard to get excited about any of the new smartwatches we see hitting the market. According to a few teaser images that have hit Twitter today, it looks like the date has been set for this grand unveiling on September 10 in San Francisco. Here's a taste of what we expect, taken from our initial writeup in May.

Qualcomm has built a brand new, from “ground up” chipset to be used in wearables that are coming later this year. This chipset isn’t just a modified other Snapdragon product that has been tweaked for wearables – it’s actually a wearable chip.
This new chipset will allow for “dedicated chips that make your watch look pretty when you’re not looking at it, that brings the best fitness and watch experience, and extends battery life."
There will be a focus on watches both looking good and having smartwatch functionality. We’ve heard about a hybrid LG watch with mechanical hands and a touchscreen, which could be exactly what is being hinted at here.
Battery life will see a “significant” boost and there will be better health features, like longer heart rate monitoring.

With this new chip, we expect to see a "lead" device to showcase it. We have zero idea if that reported device is to be showcased at this event or later, but if I was a betting man, my money would be LG's reported Watch Timepiece hybrid or maybe even Google's long rumored Pixel Watch, but that's more likely at the October 4 event. September 10, here we come. https://twitter.com/booredatwork/status/1026883459107758080

Google Assistant on Phones Picks Up Smart Display Styled Smart Home Controls

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:37:13 +0000

With the arrival of the first Google smart display devices, we got to see a new visual control style when you requested that the Google Assistant adjust smart home settings. That meant a slider to manual set temperature, adjust lighting brightness, or turn something on or off. At least one of our readers is now seeing these new visual controls on his phone too. As you'll see in the screenshots below, asking the Google Assistant to set temperature on a smart thermostat or adjust smart light brightness popped up the visual controls that we saw during testing of the Lenovo Smart Display. Not only that, but the cards that appear show current temperature, on/off switches, and "+" or "-" buttons for adjustment. The cards also label the devices being accessed.

Tim and I both checked our own Google Assistants and did not find these controls just yet. It's likely that Google is slowing rolling out this new visual styling slowly, as they do with every new feature. Either way, these are a welcomed improvement, as sometimes a good visual representation of an action is better than an Assistant simply speaking back to you. Anyone else seeing these? Cheers Ramon!

Get Ready, Pixel 3 Will Default to Android Pie's Gesture Navigation

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 09:28:23 +0000

When you pick-up that fresh, fresh Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL in October, you should expect the new Android Pie gesture navigation to be on, by default, out of the box. Gesture navigation is the future for Google, according to Android and Pixel's UX manager, EK Chung. Chung spoke with Android Central for the launch of Android Pie and shared some thoughts on the new navigation, how people have reacted to it, and what the plans are for it going forward. Chung said that part of the reason they decided to introduce this new style of navigation for the first time in years is because people not on Android who switch, are "puzzled by it," while also acknowledging that current Android users totally get it. I honestly hope that isn't the reason they made this change, because this is Android, not iOS. Of course it'll take some getting used to for switchers, but that's just part of the deal with switching from one OS to a new one. There are going to be differences. Things won't be like iOS, which is probably partly why people are switching - because they want to be done with iOS. That's a very odd take on making such a radical change to Android. Either way, Chung noted that they were surprised by early reactions from "normal" consumers who tested the new navigation. Google's data showed that the older 3-button nav's app switcher button was rarely used (which I believe), but that these testers quickly picked up the new sliding app switcher gesture. And going forward, the plan is for phones running Android Pie out of the box, like the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, to default to this new gesture navigation. That won't necessarily mean the old 3-button style will be completely gone, but you also shouldn't be surprised if it is on the new Pixel phones. Chung wouldn't confirm that gestures will be the only option there and also acknowledged that they'll let other manufacturers decide what they want to use, even if that means their own gestures, as you'll see in the video below from companies like OnePlus and Motorola. So to recap, Google completely switched up Android's navigation to a gesture approach that matches up to Apple's on iOS because they didn't want there to be confusion when people switched over. However, they aren't going to enforce this new gesture navigation onto partners, so every single phone maker will have their own version. Talk about confusion. // Android Central

RED Updates Launch Schedule for Hydrogen One, November 2 Now Marked as Carrier Launch Date

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 09:19:32 +0000

Not even a full week after Hydrogen One from RED stopped by the FCC, we're already getting an updated launch schedule for the device. For those who had faith and pre-ordered this device, you'll probably like what RED has to say. If you were waiting to see if this product was legit and available through carriers, you'll likely also enjoy this. According to RED's update, the US carrier launch (AT&T, Verizon) is scheduled for November 2. While that's later than the summer timeframe that was initially targeted, we all know the struggles behind getting a device certified to work on networks and the massive undertaking it most definitely is to a launch a cellphone. For pricing and color availability, RED details, "Shipping only aluminum and colors are Black and Shadow. Titanium will not be available from the carriers until 2019 and then in very limited quantities. Price will be $1295 for aluminum Black and Shadow." If you pre-ordered Hydrogen One, your release date is October 9, which isn't too far away. According to RED, "Black aluminum will ship 1st and Titanium models will follow shortly after. The Ti version has proven to be very challenging in production. My bet is that these will be highly desirable and extremely hard to get for several months even after the official launch. If you were brave on this one, you will be rewarded with scarcity." RED also talks about a Houdini version, which is a developer model. If you already have a pre-order in place and want experimental hardware and software, that's the version you'll want. You have to agree not to bash RED online for any jank you stumble across and/or broken things, but that's to be expected when we're talking early hardware. More details for Houdini can be found in the post from RED linked below. TL;DR: If you pre-ordered, October 9 is launch. If you want it through a carrier, November 2 is launch. // RED

Here is the Android Pie Statue

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 08:06:44 +0000

Google is still doing the statue thing whenever they reveal a new version of Android. And since Android Pie went official yesterday, the Android Pie statue arrived on Google's campus. It's, umm, a Bugdroid standing in-between a piece of pie that has been pulled from a full pie. Its hand is in the air like it just doesn't care. It's...OK for an Android statue. It's no KitKat statue. Or Jelly Bean. Or Ice Cream Sandwich. Even the Oreo statue was more inspired than this guy. But I guess it'll do the job until we get to Android Q.

// @googledevs

Video: Android Pie Best Features!

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:13:17 +0000

With the full release of Android 9.0 "Pie" dropping today, it only makes sense that we do a big recap of the biggest Android P features. Even though we've covered every single preview as deeply as we could, there are a number of you who probably want to catch-up now that we're stable. In this Android Pie video, we dive into the biggest features you need to know about as you grab that update. We'll show you the new Android gesture navigation and the big changes that it introduces, plus we'll look at various tweaks to the UI. We'll also explain adaptive battery and brightness, point out new volume controls, make sure you know about the new screenshot editor and new auto-rotate shortcut, and tell you how to change from light to dark theme. Android Pie is a decent-sized update, that's for sure.

Verizon Will Host a Galaxy Note 9 BOGO Deal When Pre-Orders Open

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 13:06:04 +0000

Thanks to a vigilant reader of ours who was looking through the My Verizon app today, it appears Verizon is set to host a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) promotion for the Galaxy Note 9 once pre-orders go live, presumably later this week. Sadly, this slip up from Verizon does not include any pricing or exact availability details, but that's sure to come later this week at Samsung's event. What we can also presume is that this BOGO deal will come by way of monthly bill credits, equalling the total MSRP of the device over the span of a couple years. Again, that's our educated presumption, for those wondering. If you're anticipating picking up a Galaxy Note 9 through Verizon, this is good news. Cheers John!

Google's Digital Wellbeing Dashboard Beta Signup Available to Android Pie Users

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:13:29 +0000

If you own a Pixel device from Google running Android 9 Pie, you can now sign up for a beta to download and try out the company's Digital Wellbeing dashboard. If you don't recall, Google announced during this year's Google I/O that as part of an initiative surrounding digital wellbeing, it made a new platform that would be available inside of its next version of Android. This dashboard lives inside of your phone and focuses on quite a few things, but to put it plainly, you'll have access to new phone usage statistics, new features like Wind Down and App Timers, plus more. Here is a complete breakdown of Digital Wellbeing from Google.

The new Dashboard helps you understand how you’re spending time on your phone, with a daily overview, a graphic of how frequently you use different apps, how many times you unlock your phone, and how many notifications you receive.
App Timers let you limit the amount of time you spend using your favorite apps.
Do Not Disturb helps eliminate the anxiety you may feel as notifications pile up. When you’re in a “devices down” meeting or at dinner with friends, Do Not Disturb can be set to keep all visual interruptions from appearing on your screen, including notifications, as well as the sounds.
You can activate the Wind Down feature so that at night, as you get close to bedtime, your device goes into Do Not Disturb mode and your screen fades to grayscale to help you disconnect.

To get started, follow the link below to sign up for the beta. The only requirement is that you have a Pixel device running Android 9 Pie. Beta Signup Link // Google

Essential Begins Pushing Android 9 Pie Update to Essential Phone

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:23:02 +0000

Moments after Google made the announcement that Android 9 is called Pie and that it's shipping out to Pixel owners today, Essential announced that it too is making Pie available to owners of Essential Phone today. In a tweet, Essential says it is proud to bring Android 9 Pie to Essential Phone the same day it's released. We're also quite proud of this, but it reminds us that Essential isn't planning a new phone and that continues to bum us out. If you own an Essential Phone, be on the lookout for Pie today! https://twitter.com/essential/status/1026516461907369984

Android Pie Update Now Available for Pixel and Pixel 2, August Security Patch for Nexus (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:11:41 +0000

Google just dropped the first Android 9.0 "Pie" build on us after making the name official. They've also now released the August 2018 security patch for devices they are still updating, including Nexus. 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.

RELATED: Sign-up for Google's Digital Wellbeing beta!

So far, we are seeing new Android 9.0.0 files for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (PPR1.180610.009, PPR1.180610.011), as well as the Pixel and Pixel XL (PPR1.180610.009, PPR1.180610.010). For the rest of Google's devices still seeing updates, we have new Oreo (8.1) files for Nexus 6P (OPM6.171019.030.H1), Nexus 5X (OPM6.171019.030.H1), and Pixel C (OPM4.171019.021.Y1). Google’s phones are getting the August 5 security patch level. Notes:

The PPR1.180610.011 builds for Pixel 2 and 2 XL are specific to Telstra users.
The PPR1.180610.010 builds for Pixel and Pixel XL are specific to Telus users.

Updates:

The over-the-air (OTA) update is rolling out too, in case you didn't want to deal with sideloading files.

To check to see if the update is live, head into Settings>System>System Update. 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:

Android 9.0 is Android PIE!

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:00:12 +0000

Google made it official!l Android 9.0 is Android PIE! That also means we're at stable Android Pie and the developer preview program has come to an end. Downloads for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL will be available shortly, including through the Android Beta program, where you'll be updated to the newest release. Yay!

UPDATE: Android Pie (9.0) files now available for Pixel and Pixel 2!

Now we await the arrival of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

RELATED: Sign-up for Google's Digital Wellbeing beta!

Fossil's Latest Wear OS Watches Feature NFC, Untethered GPS, and Heart Rate Monitors

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:55:16 +0000

Fossil announced its fourth generation Wear OS lineup this morning, comprised of new Q Explorist and Q Venture iterations. According to Fossil, these are its most tech-packed wearables to date, featuring almost everything you'd ever need on your wrist, yet still missing what we'd call an important detail. The Q Venture HR and Fossil Q Explorist HR feature NFC for mobile payment support, untethered (aka standalone) GPS for tracking your movements, heart rate monitor (hence HR in the name), as well as an optimized charging time to ensure your wearable isn't plugged into the wall all day long.

Q Venture HR

Both devices are up for pre-order today on Fossil's website, with shipping set for August 26. Both the Q Explorist HR and Q Venture HR cost $255 or $275, depending on which materials option you select. While it's great to see new Wear OS devices hit the market, our concern is Fossil's use of the aging Snapdragon 2100 platform. Back in May, we learned Qualcomm has a new chip that will be seen later this year inside lots of devices, so already the latest Q wearables from Fossil seem dated. If I'm spending my money on a wearable, I don't want it to be blown away by something that should hit the market in only a month or two. Fossil Store Link // Fossil

Verizon Seems to Think Android 9.0 "P" is Coming to Pixel Phones Today (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:08:31 +0000

Since it's the first Monday of the month, Google should be releasing the August security patch to its Pixel and Nexus phones. But being the month that we also expect Android P to arrive in stable form, we were curious if Google would push an initial security patch to Oreo today before releasing stable Android P in a couple of weeks. Verizon, at least according to support pages, appears to believe that Android P or Android 9.0 might be ready as early as today.

UPDATE: Verizon has now added a release date of August 6, so yeah, they really do think it's coming today. They've also now posted changelogs for all four Pixel phones.
UPDATE 2: It's official! Android 9.0 is Android Pie!
UPDATE 3: You can download Android Pie for Pixel and Pixel 2 right here.
UPDATE 4: Sign-up for Google's Digital Wellbeing beta!

This morning, Verizon updated the Google Pixel software support page to show that Android P is ready for customers. The update says that Big Red is "pleased to announce a new software update for your Google Pixel" that is "Android 9.0 P." The software build for this release is PPR1.180610.009. The details of update mention Google Slices, app actions within the app drawer, and a simpler UX with the pill and gesture navigation. These are Android P features and the screenshots included are also of Android P, including one of P on a Pixel 2 XL.

RELATED: We know when the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are coming

But here's the thing - we thought August 20 might actually be the day for stable Android P. Also, Verizon doesn't seem to know the name of Android P, which is kind of a big part of the stable version's reveal. They simply refer to it as "Android 9.0 P." If the update were dropping today, I'd imagine they would refer to it as Android 9.0 "Peppermint" or whatever it could be. Additionally, Verizon didn't yet include a rollout date for this update. They almost always include a date with these support pages to let customers know when to get ready, which could mean there is confusion on their end. Perhaps they posted the wrong changelog instead of the just the security patch we expect here in a couple of hours? We'll be on the lookout for any changes. // Verizon

T-Mobile Introduces New "Essentials" Plan, Starting at $60

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 07:26:13 +0000

T-Mobile may have said last week that they had no current plans to increase pricing on their unlimited offerings, but that doesn't mean they won't continue to make changes. This morning, the UnCarrier announced T-Mobile Essentials, a new budget plan that features only the...essentials. T-Mobile revealed most of the details of Essentials, but the basics are that it's supposed to be a plan that only includes unlimited talk, text, and data. With that said, it does include hotspot data at 3G speeds, 2G data use in Canada and Mexico, and 480p (DVD) quality video streaming. If you use over 50GB of data per month, you may get throttled during times of congestion too. On August 10, T-Mobile will released the T-Mobile Essentials plans with a starting price of $60/mo for a single line. If you add a 2nd line, that'll be an extra $30/mo. For lines 3-6, you can add on $15/mo per line. For a family of 4, that would be $120/mo or $30 per line. To get those prices, don't forget that you'll need to sign-up for autopay, otherwise the price is $5 higher per line. Taxes and fees are not included like they are on other plans. How does this differ from T-Mobile ONE? It's almost identical, except T-Mobile ONE costs $10 more per month per line and features free Netflix with 2+ lines, Gogo in-flight WiFi access, unlimited 2G speed data in 210+ countries, and 5GB of LTE data in Canada and Mexico. Essentials' price also does not include taxes and fees, as I mentioned above. If you are a heavy Netflix user, then T-Mobile ONE might be worth the $10/mo upgrade. If not, and you don't ever go to Canada or Mexico, then I'm not sure why you wouldn't downgrade to this new Essentials plan. T-Mobile basically has 4 plans now In case you were having trouble keeping track, T-Mobile now has 4 different unlimited plans. That's worth pointing out because they spent a portion of today's announcement clowning the other carriers for all of their options that cause confusion. But if you look at T-Mobile, they now have T-Mobile Essentials, T-Mobile ONE, ONE Plus, and ONE Plus International. That's four. Verizon has three plans. AT&T and Sprint each have two. I get it, T-Mobile, the trash talking is part of the schtick, but at least pick areas of concern you aren't the worst at to try and spin. Sign-up for T-Mobile Essentials // T-Mobile

So, We Know When the Pixel 3 is Coming

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 07:05:53 +0000

Google spilled the beans on when we can expect them to announce the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. According to a listing on Famebit, a YouTube-owned website that pays YouTubers to be influencers, a listing from Google has shared the exact launch date of their next Pixel phones. October 4 is the day. That sound familiar? That's because they launched the original Pixel and Pixel XL, as well as the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, on October 4 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Google seems to be fond of October 4, for whatever reason.

RELATED: Is Android P rolling out early? Verizon thinks so.

There was a listing (seen below, which we've confirmed to exist) on Famebit that was spotted by YouTuber This Is Tech Today that said specifically, "The Pixel 3 phone is launching October 4, 2018," and that Google was "Looking for Canadian creators ONLY" to talk about it or help hype it up in some way. They wanted Canadian creators who were not currently Pixel users to switch to the Pixel 3 and share that story. They want those sponsored videos to go live on October 4, 2018.

So there you have it - the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will arrive on a familiar date. You excited or still mad at the notch, bro? // This Is Tech Today

DEAL: Essential Phone Drops to $329 at Amazon, $399 From Essential With Freebies

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:20:09 +0000

Amazon Prime Day is well behind us at this point, so the $250 price on the Essential Phone is long gone. But if you are still interested, Amazon is listing the device at $329.99 and Essential is running a summer bundle deal that gets you the phone for $399 ($100 off) and includes a bunch of free goodies. Essential's store currently lists the Black Moon or Pure White Essential Phone models for $399 with free Earphones HD ($49 value), 360 Cam ($49 value), and 360 Cam Case ($9 value). That's a pretty solid deal for a phone that is keeping up with Google in Android P releases. Amazon, on the other hand, has its exclusive Halo Gray color dropped to just $329.99. Amazon Link | Essential Store Link

You'll be Fine Downloading Fortnite for Android Outside of Google Play (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 15:29:43 +0000

The media hysteria over today's news that Epic Games will release Fortnite for Android outside of Google Play is a bit much. It's really not that big of a deal. It's certainly not worth proclaiming that malware will take over the world, that you'll instead give your money to some other game, and that everyone's Android phones will now forever be insecure. People will download and update Fortnite for Android from Epic and we'll all be fine.

UPDATE: Fortnite is now available on Android!

The security concern

The basic argument against this distribution method is that this is opening up everyone to installing bad apps and that once you allow your phone to install an app outside of Google Play, that you open your phone up to future bad happenings. That is partly true, yes. You also have to remember that Google is still protecting your Android phone should you install Fortnite for Android. In order to install Fortnite on Android when it's released, you will have to download it to your phone and allow an app (an APK file) to be installed from Chrome, which you'll do through a pop-up and a Settings change. Once that happens, Fortnite installation will commence. And once you are done, you should probably head back into Apps>Chrome>Install unknown apps and take away the permission you just gave it. If a user were to forget to turn that permission back off, they could potentially install another app outside of Google Play and through Chrome that could contain malware or other harmful code. That's assuming the person is actively out looking for apps outside of Google Play after Fortnite.

Google Play Protect is still here

But look, if you have a phone with Google Play Services (and there is like a 99.7% chance you do), your phone has Google Play Protect. Google Play Protect is Google's secure service that monitors Android phones to make sure they aren't running bad apps. It's not exclusive to monitoring Google Play apps either. In fact, Google says specifically that "Play Protect warns you about bad apps that are downloaded from other sources too." To be fair, Android has actually scanned sideloaded apps since 2012, but it's now doing so in this fancy package known as Google Play Protect. Google Play Protect will scan Fortnite when you download it and try to warn you if it's bad or not. If you download it from Epic, it should be just fine. If you are a weirdo and install it from some shady-ass trickster site, then there is a good chance that Google will scan the app and warn you about it.

Google could stop this

Let's consider the fact that Google is the one allowing Android apps to be sideloaded onto Android phones. Apple doesn't let that happen and that's why Epic is forced to distribute Fortnite on iOS through the App Store. But Google is over here openly welcoming in the distribution of apps throughout its mobile operating system. That should not be overlooked. I know this isn't a popular opinion around Android parts, but Google really should stop this practice. Distribution of APK files is a security issue for Android. It's a part of the reason that Android has security and malware worries that security firms like to write misleading reports about. There are countless sites that let users download apps outside of Google Play and install at their own risk. Sure, Google has put in extra measures to make it more difficult to install APK files, but it's not really that tough. And when you allow people to install applications on phones that haven't been checked through the secure systems in something like Google Play, you are asking for trouble. You are hoping that your Google Play Protect service will catch bad actors after the fact.

A business decision you'd make

From a financial perspective, as I just said, Epic can do this with Fortnite for Android because Google is allowing it to happen. By controlling the release of their popular game, Epic won't have to give Google the 30% cut that it would get should the app be distributed through Google Play. That's Google's problem. This isn't a "Epic is greedy" thing. If you owned a business and had two options in front of you, one of which might ask your customers to jump through an extra hoop, but would let you take all the profits instead of giving 30% to a 3rd party, wouldn't you do that? Yes, you would. And as Epic told The Verge today, they expect their users to be able to handle this task without getting owned by malware. They distribute PC and Mac versions this same way - through their own site - and don't have rampant malware problems.

Google Play wouldn't stop the scam apps anyway

Keep in mind that the minute that Fortnite was announced for Android, scammers got to work. And they got to work trying to game Google search results into convincing you that you could download the app today, even through it wasn't available on Google Play yet. That's funny since we just found out today that it won't be on Google Play. Even if Fortnite made it's way to Google Play, like most games, it would have been pirated and distributed outside of Google Play. That's how Android (unfortunately) works. I'm assuming that Epic might have limited the release of it too, making it only available to select regions or devices, so yeah, you'd have it uploaded to APK sites for extra distribution. In other words, Google Play distribution versus what Epic is about to do won't change anything. Again, all of this is Google allowing the sideloading of applications.

It's somewhat of an inconvenience

I do have somewhat of an issue with the inconvenience of having to install Fortnite outside of Google Play. The security concerns don't bother me, but it really is easier to hop into Google Play, search for the app or game you want, and then find it there to install. Should I want to play Fortnite on Android (and I won't and don't want to), I won't find it there. Instead, I'll have to go to Epic's site and get it. When an update is released, I'll have to get it from them, rather than in the Google Play store with the rest of my app updates.

Fortnite players will find and play Fortnite

In the end, as Epic suggested, Fortnite players are going to find Fortnite from them and they'll play a safe version of the game. Just because an app is being distributed from a reliable and trusted source, outside of Google Play, doesn't mean the world of security on Android is ending. There are already some secure measures put in place to generally protect Android users and with distribution direct from Epic, it won't be difficult to find the proper version. Chill. If you want something to complain about, complain about the exclusivity that's likely coming to Samsung phones.

Google Home Will Now be More Contextually Aware When Turning Lights On/Off in Rooms

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 13:08:12 +0000

Thanks to good spotting by users on reddit, then confirmed by Google to Android Police, your Google Home unit will be more contextually aware when turning on and off the lights moving forward. To explain, after this change, users can simply tell Google Home to turn off the lights, without the need to dictate which room. With that command, Google Home will recognize that you mean the lights in the room the Google Home is located. So, for example, you're in the bedroom and tell Google Home to turn off the lights. Google Home will then turn off the lights in the bedroom, without asking which room you're referring to. Google Home, you so smart. This is all thanks to the initial setup the user does for Google Home. During that process, you indicate where the Google Home is located, and the same thing goes for all of the smart home accessories you have connected. Inside the Google Home app, everything should be labeled and assigned to rooms, making this implementation pretty straightforward from Google's perspective. This change is said to be rolling out now. // reddit | Android Police

Verizon's Mobile 5G is Launching in Early 2019, In Case That Wasn't Obvious

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:35:54 +0000

Up until yesterday, we had no solid knowledge of Verizon's mobile 5G plans. We knew that they were launching 5G home broadband internet in four markets this year, but they had not yet said when they'd push out something that would work with phones. With yesterday's announcement for the Moto Z3 and 5G Moto Mod, early 2019 is a good bet. As you know, the Moto Z3 will arrive on August 16. The 5G Moto Mod for it won't arrive until "early 2019." That's the official timeframe from Motorola. Verizon has now said publicly that their mobile 5G will launch in 2019. But look, if we're selling a 5G Moto Mod, who is going to buy it without the ability to connect to 5G? If there is a 5G Moto Mod in "early 2019," it better have a network to connect to. Verizon wouldn't divulge any markets to us, but early 2019 isn't that far away. You also have to realize that Verizon often upgrades their network behind-the-scenes and only shares plans when they are almost complete and ready for you to experience. What I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't be surprised if Verizon drops a, "5G is in these few dozen cities and you can experience it now," at the beginning of 2019. Now, there are some things to keep in mind. Verizon is saying that their mobile 5G network is different than their fixed 5G for homes. They are both using Millimeter Wave (mmW), though. The 5G Moto Mod is built for use with mmW 5G. And with that knowledge, my guess is that Verizon is going to announce 5G in cities where they've outfitted areas with mmW. Millimeter Wave doesn't travel that far and is really only supposed to be used in dense areas, like the middle of a major city. That could mean rare 5G connectivity when out in the burbs, but the 5G speeds you want when you head downtown. And with that news, the battle is officially on. AT&T still thinks it'll launch mobile 5G this year (likely only for hotspot devices), while T-Mobile hasn't backed away from 2019 too. Hopefully, someone makes a phone that'll work that doesn't require an inch-thick accessory with a fin on top.

Sonos May Finally Get Google Assistant for a Holiday Push

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 11:06:15 +0000

Sonos speakers are pretty awesome speakers. While the early models lacked the smarts of an Amazon Echo or Google Home, they were some of the first in the industry to do multi-room audio and support a variety of music services. Some newer Sonos models now have Amazon Alexa and Apple's AirPlay 2 integration, but for Google fans, the lack of Google Assistant support has been frustrating. That could change over the next couple of months as the company prepares for holiday shopping season. According to Sonos CEO Patrick Spence who spoke with The Verge, they certainly want to have Google Assistant in Sonos speakers before the end of year, but really are targeting the holiday. He noted during a call that they are "working as hard as we can and so is Google to get it ready for that time." Should that happen - and it better because we've been talking about it for a year - that's more than likely going to mean Google Assistant in newer models like the Sonos One or new Beam soundbar. Both of those feature Alexa and likely have the hardware to support Google Assistant. In other words, your old Sonos speakers are probably out of luck. Once we know more, we'll be sure to let you know. // The Verge

When Fortnite for Android Launches, You Won't Find It on Google Play

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 09:14:00 +0000

There typically isn't so much news surrounding a game's launch for Android, but this is Fortnite, currently the world's most popular game. It also helps that I play Fortnite on a daily basis, so this news hits close to home for me. According to The Verge, who has received word from Epic Games' CEO, Tim Sweeney, when the title is launched for Android, it will not be available inside of Google Play for easy access by millions of potential players. Instead, Fortnite will release its own installer software via the Fortnite website, then allow people to download the game from there.

RELATED: You'll be fine downloading Fortnite outside of Google Play

There are two reasons for this, according to Sweeney. The first reason being Fortnite wants to maintain its direct to consumer relationship. On PC, for example, users download a Fortnite installer to play the game, opting not to make it available on services such as Steam. The only time Fortnite relies on a 3rd-party channel for availability is when it's absolutely required, such as it is on iOS. The second reason, at least according to Sweeney, but it's likely the first reason and they don't want to potentially offend anyone with their extreme capitalism, is money. While the game would be free to download on Android if it went through Google Play, Google takes a 30% cut on all in-app purchases. With a game like Fortnite, that makes all of its money by way of microtransactions, 30% is a lot of money lost when it essentially has an opportunity to keep 100% of the revenue if it launches the game outside of Google Play. Here is Sweeney's take on the 30% cut.

30 percent is disproportionate to the cost of the services these stores perform, such as payment processing, download bandwidth, and customer service.

To us, this makes perfect sense, but it does open up players to a world of fake APKs that could potentially harm devices. By releasing its own installer application, we're basically crossing our fingers that every person who downloads it can tell the difference between legitimate software and software that could hold their device ransom. While I have faith in my fellow humans, there's no denying that there is risk involved. Couple this with the news of Samsung potentially getting a 30-day exclusive for Fortnite on Android and this is what I foresee. Each Galaxy Note 9 will come preloaded or have incredibly easy access to the Fortnite installer software. Once Galaxy Note 9 is available, it will be 30 days after that that any Android user can have access to the installer to play the game. While we'll surely be able to sideload any installer app Fortnite releases, any phone besides Galaxy Note 9 won't be granted access to Fortnite's servers. It will suck, but hey, that's the joy of being on an open platform like Android! // The Verge

Benchmark Shows Pixel 3 XL With 4GB RAM

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 08:13:13 +0000

A Geekbench benchmark showed up yesterday for the Pixel 3 XL and it once again suggests that Google's new phone will have 4GB RAM. This isn't the first time we have seen evidence of 4GB RAM in this phone. Both prototype Pixel 3 XL device leaks showed the same on their boot screens. Those previous leaks also showed the phone running a Snapdragon 845. Is 4GB RAM a bad thing? Ehhhh, it seems on the lower-end. Last year's Pixel 2 XL had 4GB RAM and people complained then that it should have had 6GB. The Galaxy S9+ now has 6GB and we're expecting the Galaxy Note 9 to have 6GB and 8GB variants. The OnePus 6 comes in both 6GB and 8GB configurations too. Most top tier phones these days have more than 4GB RAM, outside of the LG G7 and newly announced Moto Z3. The additional RAM would certainly help with keeping apps in history and performance at optimal levels. But this is Google, so you would hope that they'd be able to get the most out of 4GB. Right? Maybe? // Geekbench

There Won't be a Moto Z3 Force

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 06:40:16 +0000

Following Motorola's reveal of the Moto Z3 yesterday, a number of people wanted to know when the Moto Z3 Force would drop. I have bad news for you - it's never coming. According to Motorola's US Twitter account, this is it for the Moto Z3 line. They aren't planning to launch any more Moto Z phones in 2018. https://twitter.com/MotorolaUS/status/1025121824550662149 In previous years, we've had both Moto Z and Moto Z Force phones. The Force line was often the slightly upgraded version of the regular Z, plus it included a shatterproof display. With no Moto Z3 Force coming, this is the option for users wanting a high-end Moto Z3 experience. Of course, that's somewhat disappointing if you wanted 2018 specs in your 2018 phone. The Moto Z3 is a lot like a 2017 phone in a 2018 Moto phone body. It does cost just $480, though.

Samsung Posts Galaxy Note 9 Intro a Bit Early, Quickly Pulls It

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 06:02:25 +0000

Someone hasn't quite figured out how YouTube works down in New Zealand. Hours ago, Samsung's New Zealand channel posted the Galaxy Note 9 intro video that reveals key details as well as the device and we're still a week from its reveal. The video runs through some of the Galaxy Note 9 highlights, like its all new and powerful S Pen, dual camera setup with re-situated fingerprint reader, and all day battery life. The phone will be able to hold up to 1TB of storage, thanks to a microSD slot. To get there, Samsung will introduce 128GB and 512GB storage models (there may be a 256GB model too). And of course, the design is super-confirmed now. Here is the phone:

Excited still? Will there be any surprises come next Thursday? // SamMobile

Moto Z3 Unboxing and First Look!

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 16:41:51 +0000

Back from the Motorola event today in Chicago and we've got your first unboxing of the Moto Z3! The device is now official, will cost $480 at Verizon, and should find itself 5G connectivity at some point via Moto Mod. The Moto Z3 is an odd little fellow. We thought for sure that this would be the Motorola flagship of 2018, yet it's very much got 2017's specs (like a Snapdragon 835 and 4GB RAM). Sure, it matches up nicely with high-end phones from last year, but it's almost late 2018. Of course, the price tag is where it's at because of those somewhat older specs. And honestly, this phone seems like kind of a steal at $480, I'm just not sure people will flock to buy a phone with year-old parts. Or maybe they will? I have no idea. Either way, we've spent a bit of time with it, but thought we'd share this unboxing first before getting to our Moto Z3 review.

DEAL: Save $8 on an Anker PowerWave Wireless Charger, Down to $32

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:12:22 +0000

For a limited time and thanks to a coupon code, you can save 20% on a PowerWave Wireless Charger from Anker on Amazon, bringing the total price down to just $31.99. That's with Prime shipping, too. This wireless charger is capable of juicing up any compatible smartphone, which includes iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy phones, LG phones, and plenty more. To score the savings, enter the below code at checkout. Amazon Link (Code: POWERAAA)

Moto Z3 Specs (Official)

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 13:01:48 +0000

Motorola unveiled the Moto Z3 this afternoon, so we've got all of the specs you need to know about. The highlights include a 6" Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 835 processor, dual 12-megapixel cameras, as well as a 3,000mAh battery. Maybe most importantly, Motorola announced a 5G Moto Mod for the device that will launch at a later time. In the meantime, The Moto Z3 arrives August 16 and will cost $480 at full retail or $20/mo with a device payment plan.

Moto Z3 Specs

[table id=140 /]

Motorola Announces Moto Z3 Exclusive for Verizon With 5G Moto Mod

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 12:45:03 +0000

At a press event in Chicago at Motorola's headquarters, the company announced its 2018 flagship phone, the Moto Z3. They also introduced a 5G Moto Mod to go along with it. Motorola is partnering with Verizon on this device, so as the title suggest, it is an exclusive in the US to Big Red. The Moto Z3 arrives August 16 and will cost $480 at full retail or $20/mo with a device payment plan. The Moto Z3 will sport a 6-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, Snapdragon 835, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (with SD support), fingerprint reader, dual 12MP rear camera (f/2.0), 8MP front camera, 3000mAh battery, fast charging with Moto's TurboPower solution, and work with Moto Mods. It'll be sold in a ceramic black color.

Speaking of those Moto Mods, here is a look at the 5G Moto Mod, a device we first revealed back in January.

As you can see from the pictures, this thing is a tank. It'll connect to Verizon's 5G network that is powered by millimeter wave (mmW) technology, the same that is used in their home 5G broadband internet. Of course, this 5G Moto Mod will only work in cities that have Verizon's 5G internet, which will be Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Houston later this year, as well as a yet-to-be-announced 4th market. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but should be later this year. Motorola says to expect the device in 2019. You'll be able to buy the Moto Z3 at Verizon right here.

Verizon Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, Moto E5 Play, and LG K20 V Updated With July Security Patch

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 11:17:22 +0000

Verizon is shipping out updates this week to owners of Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Moto E5 Play, and LG's K20 V. Each update contains July's security patch. For build numbers you'll see following the updates, Galaxy S7 will have R16NW.G930VVRS4CRG2, S7 Edge will be R16NW.G935VVRS4CRG2, Moto E5 Play will get ODPS27.91-24-2-3, and K20 V owners will see VS50118A. If you own one of these phones, check for those updates. // Verizon [2] [3] [4]

PUBG Mobile Gets Mission Impossible: Fallout Makeover With New Music and In-Game Challenges

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 10:00:22 +0000

PUBG Mobile is teaming up with Mission Impossible: Fallout this week, offering players a new in-game experience. Starting today, players will be introduced to new background music (think Mission Impossible theme song), as well as customizable parachutes to drop into the map with. In addition to new music and 'chutes, special in-game rewards are present in this update, which can be acquired during the promotional period. Here's the full rundown from PUBG Mobile. What's Happening

Mission: Impossible – Fallout Takeover - Players will experience all-new background music and customizable parachutes themed to the film.
Special In-Game Rewards - Players can exchange themed items for “Mission: Impossible - Fallout” outfits to use during the promotional campaign.
All-New Challenges - Players can compete in themed challenges for Team Rush, Survival and First-Person Perspective modes to earn various rewards.

Download the latest update of PUBG Mobile from Google Play to get in on the action. On a side note, Fortnite + Thanos > PUBG Mobile + Mission Impossible. Google Play Link

The Never-Ending Story of Android

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 09:00:48 +0000

Think this Tweet and reply sums up a big part of Android's history pretty nicely. https://twitter.com/mLive2018/status/1025044708203159552

Android P Launch Date Set for August 20, According to evleaks

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 08:43:50 +0000

According to @evleaks, Android P has an official launch date set for this month, August 20 to be exact. How exciting. Due to this news, allow me to give you a quick history of Android P. Google launched the first Developer Preview for Android 9.0 in early March. Shortly after, Google confirmed we would see the official release happen in Q3. The first public beta through the Android Beta Program happened during Google I/O in May. Since then, we've seen several updates to Android P, all leading up to what should be the public release of Android 9.0 later this month. Android P's beta has been one for the books, considering we had other OEMs besides Google allowing select device owners to flash the developmental software. Android P builds have been available from Essential, OnePlus, and other phone makers. Ultimately, we hope this means quicker saturation of Android P in the Android ecosystem, but we'll have to wait and see if that happens. If this August 20 date is accurate, expect the announcement of Android P and what "P" stands for, then after that, we'll see the launch of Google's 2018 hardware lineup. #Hype. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/1024997877209333762

Moment Pro Camera Adds Pixel Visual Core Support

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 08:41:02 +0000

The Moment Pro camera app picked up an update this week that introduced HDR+ action on Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices, thanks to new support for the Pixel Visual Core chip inside each. This should lead to HDR photos taken in a way that you might find in the regular Pixel 2 camera app, only with additional controls that Moment provides. The rest of the update includes a setting to make Moment Pro your default camera, performance improvements, and plenty of bug fixes. The app still costs $2, but the addition of Pixel Visual Core support should make this a new app for Pixel 2 owners to consider. The regular Pixel 2 camera app is quite bare-bones, so this is an app that gives you use of your phone's camera, yet with some pro tools to really improve photos.

What's New

HDR+ for Pixel devices! Tap on the format button (JPEG/RAW) to select the new format HDR+ that will use Pixel Visual Core
Moment Pro Camera as your default camera
Camera Roll photo detailed view now shows a map with a marker pointing to the location if available
Performance: Viewfinder grid drawing frequency improvement
Bugfix: Minor camera roll improvements
Bugfix: Latest versions major crash reports and improvements to generate better reports

Google Play Link

T-Mobile Doesn't Plan to Raise Prices of Its Unlimited Plan

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 07:36:39 +0000

After delivering its "best Q2 ever" and adding more postpaid phone customers than rivals, T-Mobile says that it has no plans to start charging you more for service. Unlike Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint, who have all tweaked, added to, or increased pricing of their unlimited plan line-ups in recent weeks, T-Mobile doesn't see a need to. Speaking with CNET following their Q2 earnings report, T-Mobile CFO Braxton Carter said that the company is "not pursuing a monetization path" and that the "benefits of creating more subscribers outweigh the shorter term benefit of tweaking (average revenue per user)." That means T-Mobile ONE likely won't change much in the near future. That's fine, since it's one of the better values in unlimited, but Verizon and AT&T have come close to matching T-Mobile with their current offers. Does T-Mobile still standout like has in recent years? It must be since they keep adding more customers than their competitors. Anything about T-Mobile's plans you'd like to see change?

That Turing Scam Company Has Another Scam Phone You Should Avoid

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 14:26:57 +0000

In August of 2015, pre-orders opened for Turing Phone, a phone with a frame said to be made of Liquidmorphium (some new liquid metal that's stronger than steel and titanium). Long after delays and buzz from the media, including us because we were once naive about such things, the company behind Turing Phone, Turing Robotic Industries (TRI), filed for bankruptcy after taking plenty of money from customers who only wanted a really awesome phone. From what we can tell, not a single phone reached the hands of those who gave TRI actual money. Well, if you didn't fall victim to Turing Phone, it appears the same folks, this time going under the name of Turing Space Industries, are at it again!

This week, a website for HubblePhone appeared, promising what looks like one of coolest, yet ridiculously designed smartphones ever conceived. Listed specs include every 4G LTE band ever, 5G NR (New Radio) bands, a 4K UHD display with other displays that can fold, Turing Keplerian OS on top of Android P, 60-megapixel camera, and plenty of other nonsense that I won't waste my time listing because it's never happening. From the renders provided on the HubblePhone website, the phone does look cool. According to the spec list, Turing Space Industries expects it to launch in Q1 of 2020. The next part is where we have issues.

Under a Participate banner on the site, the company asks, "Would you like to partake in a vey special offer and be a part of something spectacular?" Naturally, TSI needs money to make this phone happen!

If you would like to own a HubblePhone, we're creating a channel for you to participate in that will put you directly into the future. In the coming days we will provide details for you to join a unique fundraising campaign whereby you will ultimately have your very own HubblePhone. Be sure to add your name to our mailing list by submitting your email address below and we'll keep you informed on how you can be a part of our crypto token fundraising campaign for the HubblePhone.

Knowing the past of these people, we implore you to not give them any of your money, regardless of how cool you think HubblePhone may be. We've seen many people burned by crowdfunding smartphones, and frankly, we don't want to see it anymore. Even more sketchy is the concept of a cryto token fundraiser, which could potentially allow this TSI company to bypass some type of regulations with regard to consumer safety. At the end of the day, this HubblePhone and fundraising campaign reeks and we urge you to stay far, far away from it!

JBL's Link View Smart Display Up for Pre-Order

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 13:26:46 +0000

If you weren't a fan of the Lenovo Smart Display that released last week and were interested in other offerings, like the one that JBL showed off back at CES, your time has come (almost). The JBL Link View is now up for pre-order! JBL's version of a smart display will cost $249.95 and they plan to ship it by September 3. I know, that seems like a long pre-order window, but that's where we are. How does the JBL Link View compare to the Lenovo Smart Display? Being a company who cares about sound, JBL has upped the speaker game over Lenovo's option. The Link View has "legendary sound" with a 2x2" drive setup at 2x10W. The Lenovo Smart Display has a single 2" 10W speaker (with passive tweeters). The JBL Link View has an 8" "HD" display, which JBL hasn't specified the resolution on. We're going to assume it's 720p. It also has a 5MP camera, WiFi, and Bluetooth, like Lenovo's devices. JBL's Link View does have one important edge, though - splash resistance. It's rated IPX4, so it should stop water in the kitchen, plus JBL says it'll be easy to clean. Again, you can pre-order now and see your device in a month, Pre-order JBL Link View

YouTube Music Set to Get Improvements Every Two Weeks

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:56:46 +0000

YouTube Music has been widely available since June, with the initial launch happening back in May. Since then, the service has received quite a bit of criticism, especially from those who are already subscribed to Google's Play Music service. To sum up only a few of the issues, the music migration has yet to take place between Play Music and YouTube Music, users can't sort anything alphabetically in the app, and another pain point is the idea of subscribing to an artist's YouTube channel when all you wanted to do is add their music to your library. All of these things, and then some, are being addressed by YouTube Music. Speaking to Engadget, YouTube Music's product manager states that the service will begin receiving improvement updates every two weeks. In these updates, users can expect changes such as sorting methods, UI improvements, as well as changes for following artists versus subscribing to them on YouTube. One feature that is now rolling out to users is the ability to download music to your device. When doing so, users will be able to choose what quality they want stored (Low, Medium, or High settings). Elias Roman, product manager, said this to Engadget.

We basically got to a point where we felt like what we had was good, ready to see the light of day. But there is still a ton of work to do... it's a constant iteration.

After playing with the app for a day when it first got updated to the new experience, I couldn't stand it and immediately went back to Play Music. My fingers are crossed that it's a much better app by the time Google shuts down Play Music for good. // Engadget

DEAL: Verizon Selling Google's Daydream View VR Headset for Just $29

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 10:44:55 +0000

Verizon is currently selling the 2nd-generation Daydream View headset on its website for just $29.99, down from the usual price of $99.99. For those concerned about not being a Verizon customer, don't fret, you won't need a Verizon account to score the savings. To claim, simply add the VR headset to your cart, then checkout as a Guest. Of note, only the Charcoal color is eligible for the savings. All other colors are marked at the usual $99.99 price. Keep in mind, you will need a compatible smartphone to utilize a Daydream View. Thankfully, current Pixel phones, Galaxy S9 models, Galaxy S8 models, LG V30, plus plenty more are supported. You can see the full list of supported phones here. Verizon Link

RED Hydrogen One Fully Revealed at FCC as the Phone Hits Another Delay (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 09:38:15 +0000

It's looking less and less likely that the RED Hydrogen One phone arrives this summer. After already experieincing one delay, the camera company's first phone with 3D holographic display has apparently hit another snag that could push its release out further. That news drops as the phone arrived at the FCC with all sorts of pictures and fun details. According to RED founder Jim Jannard, the Hydrogen phone hasn't had a very good couple of weeks and launch has "been pushed back in certification and the carriers are allocating a new launch window." The certification setback is apparently a "bad one" that "completely screwed up timing for everything." At this point, Jannard says that the phone is in the "hands of the certification Gods and the carriers" and that he feels "pretty helpless" at the moment. Jannard made all of these comments through the H4V forum (via Studio Daily), an online community for all things Hydrogen One.

UPDATE August 3: RED founder Jim Jannard returned yesterday with a "clarification" on the delay of the phone, specifying that no carriers are at fault for the current issue and that RED is to blame. That sure sounds like the carriers weren't happy with his mention of them possibly being par of this latest setback. Here is his statement:

To be clear, the delay is being caused by HYDROGEN failing one part of certification. To fix we needed to redo a piece of tooling. That has been completed but set us back in certification which is the sole cause of the delay. Both carriers have been very supportive throughout the process including this setback. They are NOT the cause of a delayed launch. We are. I am currently at the ODM working through the fix and hope to have updates as soon as I return. That will include a new launch date with the carriers, the pre-order delivery and Houdini project. Thanks for your patience and support. The project is awesome… but it has been very challenging. We will get there.

While no firm release date has ever been established, we do know that Verizon and AT&T planned to sell the phone this summer at some point. As we all know, dealing with certification from carriers can be a slow and expensive process, so hopefully this all gets worked out shortly. And speaking of certification, we've got an FCC listing for the Hydrogen One! I'm not sure we have a ton of new info, but we do get a bunch of pictures from all angles of the phone. Typically, these things are hidden from view for months until a phone is launched. Either RED doesn't care or someone forgot to check a box. Either way, check it out!

These are some of our best views of the front, with all of those cameras and sensors, some internal components, including the 4510mAh battery, and that wild industrial design. We also got confirmation on the LTE bands that were tested for the phone. We were told out of the gate that RED wanted this phone to work on all carriers and they are indeed preparing for just that. In the table below, you can see band support for everyone - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

We at all still interested here or are we starting to get worried about these delays? // FCC

You Can Already Reserve Your Galaxy Note 9 Ahead of Next Week's Unveiling

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 09:09:07 +0000

Samsung isn't unveiling its next flagship until August 9, but inside of the company's Shop Samsung app, you can already reserve your Galaxy Note 9. Because this is a reservation and not a pre-order, there is no obligation to purchase the device once it is available for pre-order. However, by reserving through this app, you can get a better spot in line and will have guaranteed delivery of your new phone by August 24. Additionally, Samsung is allowing folks to use its trade-in program through this app, getting eligible buyers up to $450 off the purchase of Galaxy Note 9. When you go to reserve, you can select which carrier you want your phone to be with or you can select unlocked. There is no choosing colors or storage options yet, as that will come when actual pre-orders begin. If you're hyped on Galaxy Note 9 and want to ensure you'll have it by August 24, download the app by following the link below and get the process started. Google Play Link

Cheers Michael!

Samsung Announces Galaxy Tab S4, Starting at $649

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 08:27:40 +0000

We thought that Samsung would unveil the Galaxy Tab S4 alongside the Galaxy Note 9 next week, but the Korean company went ahead and gave us the goods early. The Galaxy Tab S4 is official and it starts at $649.99. What should you know about Samsung's newest high-end tablet? Well, it comes with a big 10.5" AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560×1600. It has an S Pen too, DeX integration, 64GB or 256GB storage options (with SD slot), 4GB RAM, Snapdragon 835 processor, 7300mAh battery (with fast charging), USB-C port, 4 AKG-tuned speakers, 13MP camera, and Android 8.1 (with on-screen navigation buttons). It will be sold with WiFi at most retailers, but there will be LTE options too. It's got solid specs, for sure. With DeX on the Tab S4, you can launch into the DeX experience for the first time on a tablet. So if you feel like you need more of a desktop setup than an Android one, this tablet does just that. It'll also connect to a monitor for DeX. And that's sort of the story. It's a new tablet in a world where tablets are becoming more rare by the day. What thing I found somewhat odd in the press release is the lack of a Bixby mention. We know that Bixby is still alive and that Samsung wants to launch Bixby 2.0 at some point soon, but they don't seem to want to push it here. There is no Bixby button either. The 64GB model with WiFi-only costs $649.99 and the 256GB model jumps to $749.99. You'll find both black and gray colorways at places like Best Buy. Samsung didn't announce a release date, but Best Buy shows a release date of August 10, for those interested.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Specs

[table id=139 /] // Samsung

DEAL: Best Buy is Dropping $350 Off Galaxy S9, S9+, and Note 8

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 16:09:36 +0000

The Galaxy Note 9 will be here in a couple of weeks, but because Samsung desperately needs to sell some phones after a lackluster quarter, Best Buy has got some heavy discounts for you on the Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 8 through Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. If you are a Verizon customer and want to add a new line or aren't a Verizon customer but want to become one, you can save up to $350 off any of those three phones. If you are a current customer looking to upgrade, you'll get $200 off. AT&T and Sprint customers can also pick-up $200-off discounts. With $350 discounts, prices per month would be:

Galaxy S9 (64GB): $18.41/mo
Galaxy S9+ (64GB): $23.41/mo
Galaxy Note 8 (64GB): $24.41/mo

Again, the Note 9 will be here soon, but those are pretty nice discounts if you plan on sticking with your carrier for a while. Best Buy Deal Links:

Verizon Galaxy S9, S9+
Verizon Galaxy Note 8

Tuesday Poll: How Many Apps Are Currently Installed on Your Phone?

Tim — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 13:49:39 +0000

Back in the day when I wasn't jumping from phone to phone, I installed a ton of apps on my device, easily sitting at around 100 apps or more on any given day. These days, since I'm using a new phone almost once a month and constantly switching, I find that I stick to a set number of apps that I'd call my essential must-have apps, plus a few more added on for new app and game releases as they come. Right now on my OnePlus 6, I have a total of 73 applications installed. That includes the pre-loaded apps like Calculator and Gallery, plus everything I've downloaded from Google Play. I wasn't expecting to see such a large number, but after looking over each app, I have a usage for each one and while I could certainly tone it down by uninstalling a few, my device's storage is doing just fine. How about your phone? Are you close to running out of storage or do you keep it pretty minimal? [poll id="489"]

Google to Manufacturers: No More Than Two Notches Per Device, Please

Tim — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 10:43:35 +0000

In a blog post penned to application developers this week, Google laid down a few rules that Android phone manufacturers will need to take into account when designing devices. Most importantly, Google states that there can be no more than two display cutouts (notches) on one device. While many are seemingly already upset over one (get a load of the comments section), it appears we should be more worried about the possibility of two notches. 😬 As for where Google says these notches can be located, so long as there aren't multiple cutouts on a single edge (top or bottom sides) or cutouts on the left or right long edge of phones, it's all fair game for manufacturers. While essentially saying this with these words, but without saying it plainly, this mean it's OK to have one cutout at the top of the display and one at the bottom. Eww. Here is how Google officially words its constraints.

Devices may only have up to one cutout on each short edge of the device. This means that:

You won't see multiple cutouts on a single edge, or more than two cutouts on a device.

You won't see a cutout on the left or right long edge of the device.

Within these constraints, devices can place cutouts wherever they want.

Even with Google outlining the limits, there is no saying whether any OEM has the cojones to release a phone with two notches. If any OEM were to do, I could see many Android fans blowing a gasket and that doesn't sound like much fun at all. // Google

DEAL: Moto X4 Drops to $199 With Code at Newegg

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 09:54:42 +0000

For a limited time, and likely until stock runs out because of this great price, you can pick-up a Moto X4 for just $199.99 at Newegg. This phone was originally priced at $400, so it's half off at the moment. While a full year-old, the Moto X4 at $200 is still a phone to consider. It's unlocked to work on all carriers, looks pretty, has clean Android, and has seen a decent set of updates. It has a fingerprint reader, 5.2-inch full HD display, IP68 water and dust resistance, dual cameras, and decent-sized 3000mAh battery for this small of a phone. While I didn't initially love the phone in my Moto X4 review, it has seen updates since then that should have improved it. Also, it's $200 now. To get the Moto X4 for $199.99, use code "EMCPWSE22" at checkout. The black model is the only model discounted. Newegg Deal Link

Let It Go: Samsung, Disney Release 'Frozen' AR Emoji Pack

Tim — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 09:00:16 +0000

Samsung and Disney announced yet another AR Emoji pack this week, centered entirely around the movie Frozen. From what Samsung shows, it looks like there are four characters from Frozen that you can transform yourself into. There is Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff. To access them, simply open up your Camera app on the Galaxy S9 or S9+, switch to AR Emoji, then add the new sticker pack from Galaxy Apps Store. Samsung says it has even more collaborations with Disney in the works for AR Emoji, so be on the lookout for those. The Frozen pack is now live. Have at it. // Samsung

Google Clock App Adds Spotify Integration for Music Alarms

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 07:16:09 +0000

Huh, better late than never I guess, but this is a bit shocking to see. Google, after all these years, added musical alarms to the Google Clock app this morning. Musical alarms, as in, you can choose a song from Spotify to wake up to. In a Google Clock update that is rolling out globally this week, you'll be able to choose from Spotify songs in addition to regular alarm sounds. And this is for free and premium Spotify users too. Crazy, right? The new experience will look just like the screenshot below, with one tab for "Sounds" and another for "Spotify." This new update will be available to those running Android 5.0 "Lollipop" and above. Google Play Link

DEAL: 256GB Samsung EVO+ MicroSD Card Drops to $86.95

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 16:16:51 +0000

When you see the Galaxy Note 9 on August 9 and then decide to pre-order one a couple of days later, you should consider a microSD card for it, since you can never have enough storage. Right now, if you head over to B&H Photo, you can grab a 256GB Samsung EVO+ microSD for the silly-low price of $86.95. The price varies depending on where you look, but I'm not sure we've seen a price lower than this on this particular card, which happens to be about as good as it gets for microSD. This particular 256GB EVO+ card sports 95MB/s read speeds, as well as 90MB/s write speeds. It's UHS-1, U3, and Class 10, which means it is fast as hell. The deal ends tomorrow, so yeah, you should hurry. B&H Photo Deal Link

Sony's $1000 Xperia XZ2 Premium Now Available for Purchase

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:41:51 +0000

Xperia XZ2 Premium from Sony went up for pre-order on July 9. At that time, we knew general availability would begin July 30. Well, that day has come and anyone who didn't pre-order the phone can now order it directly off Amazon and receive it within 2 days with Prime shipping. For that $999.99 unlocked price, the XZ2 Premium comes with a 5.8" 4K HDR Triluminos display, Snapdragon 845 processor, 3540mAh battery, 6GB RAM, fingerprint reader, dual rear-facing cameras, Sony’s Dynamic Vibration System, plus Qi wireless charging support. I don't know if I'd recommend this device to anyone with the Galaxy Note 9 and Pixel 3/3 XL on the way, but if you really love Sony, then this is probably the phone you've been waiting for. Follow the link below to pick one up. Amazon Link

Verizon Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+ Grab New Update

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 13:55:26 +0000

Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+, two phones that have been around for almost three years, are receiving a new update this week. The update is only a security patch and will arrive as software version N920VVRS3CRG1 for the Galaxy Note 5 and G928VVRS3CRG1 for the Galaxy S6 Edge+. This is the July Android security patch. To check for it, head into Settings>System update. // Verizon [2]

You Can Now Browse the Web in VR Thanks to Daydream Support for Chrome

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 12:05:15 +0000

Maybe it's because I'm not completely engulfed in VR news these days, but I didn't realize Chrome wasn't already supported by Google's Daydream VR platform. This week, that changes, with Google making the announcement this morning that those with a Daydream View headset can now browse the Interwebz in full virtual reality. And yes, that includes Droid Life! Google details that anyone with a Daydream View and the Lenovo Mirage Solo with Daydream will have access to Chrome for VR, with the ability to browse any web page while in virtual reality. Furthermore, all of the same Chrome features you know and love are inside, including Incognito Mode, saved bookmarks, and voice search. Additionally, the Chrome team have added in a few Daydream-specific features, such as Cinema Mode. When enabled, this will optimize web video viewing. I foresee Cinema Mode and Incognito Mode getting used heavily together with the VR crowd. Update to the latest version of Chrome on your mobile device to get started. Google Play Link // Google

LG's Latest 'Signature Edition' is a $1800 V35 ThinQ With Ceramic Body

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 10:23:19 +0000

LG unveiled its latest Signature Edition handset, what's essentially the most premium smartphone the company offers in any given year. Last year, LG's Signature Edition was a beefed up V30, priced at about $1,800. This year, LG's new top of the line special edition phone is a V35 ThinQ, but comes with a ceramic body that probably feels incredible to hold. Set to publicly launch August 13 (some type of pre-order will be available starting today), the price for this Signature Edition is 1,999,800 won, which again converts to just under $1,800. That's a high price, but LG does give you quite the package here. Not only are you getting the ceramic phone with 6GB RAM, Snapdragon 845 processor, and 256GB of storage, but LG is also including $600+ worth of headphone goodness in the B&O Beoplay H9i. Full transparency, this headset is priced at $499.99 right now in the US, but when we're talking this amount of money for a phone, who will bother splitting hairs on what the actual retail value of the headset is. LG is limiting the device to just 300 units, which makes it extremely rare. I know I'll never own one, but I sure would like to hold one in my hand. Nothing quite compares to the feel of ceramic, and we know that to be true thanks to companies like Essential and OnePlus who have both released smartphones with ceramic bodies. It feels so good. $1,800 V35 ThinQ, anyone? // LG

I Think I'm Passing on the Pixel 3 XL

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 09:04:29 +0000

After seeing the latest Pixel 3 XL prototype pictures that popped up over the weekend, I think I'm going to pass on it. Instead, my money will be going towards the regular Pixel 3, assuming Google doesn't leave out some critical feature to try and differentiate the two. If history repeats itself, they aren't likely to do that. As silly as this may sound, it's that damn notch that's killing it. As someone who has pointed out the embarrassing adoption of the smartphone notch by Android OEMs after Apple, but who also realizes it's a part of the excuse from manufacturers who are trying to get to a true all-display front, this one just takes things a step too far. Look at that sad robot face begging for change, hoping this isn't his life, and praying that Google engineers didn't really do this to him. Also, look how deep that damn thing runs! The XDA member who posted the pictures said he thinks its about double the size of a typical Android statusbar, which means Google is either going to post up a double-ass, ridiculously-thick status bar on the phone to match the notch width or genuinely f*ck up any last hope of design cohesion with the phone by cutting the statusbar through the middle of it. Either option is not a good one. Now, I'm assuming Google is doing double deep notch duty here because they want stereo front speakers and are going to attempt to pull off some facial recognition magic by including dual cameras. They probably also want to match the thickness of the bottom bar, which houses the second of the two speakers. But man, the industry is trending towards the highest display percentage around while giving us that all-display excuse I just mentioned. Google doesn't seem to be trying to achieve either, but may instead be just doing a notch to do a notch. The good news is that the Pixel 3 is more than likely going to look just like a Pixel 2 XL. So if you like(d) last year's top tier Pixel phone, you should like this one. Not only that, but it'll be almost identical in size to last year's Pixel 2, yet with a larger display and smaller bezels. That could mean a 5.5-inch or so display in that same smallish body from 2017. Plus, you'll get the upgraded 2018 specs you want, high probability that wireless charging will be included, and a non-$900 price tag. This may seem ridiculous to already be writing off the larger 3 XL before it's announced, but we've pretty much seen what we need to see in terms of design, haven't we? These CAD renders are almost never wrong. These prototype devices look quite polished. Give me the Pixel 3. Thank your lord for choice.

OnePlus Confirms OnePlus 3, 3T Will See Android P Update

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 08:46:20 +0000

Only back in June of this year, we learned that OnePlus would provide regular software OTA updates to OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T through November, though, it wasn't exactly known if that meant total Android P support, considering the timing. This morning, the company has clarified its position, stating unequivocally, "We have decided to focus our development resources on the Android P project instead of upgrading the device to Android 8.1." For those who have yet to upgrade from a OnePlus 3 or OnePlus 3T, this is major news. Here's how OnePlus broke the news in its forum.

Over the past few months, we have been working closely with Google on the Android P Beta program. Thanks to everyone’s participation and continued feedback, the progress we have made together has been greatly accelerated. The Android P update will be available on the OnePlus 6, OnePlus 5/T and OnePlus 3/3T, in this order. We will keep you all updated in the coming months.

Now, not only will the OnePlus 3 and 3T receive Android P, but it's still scheduled to receive an additional year of security updates following November, 2018. Basically, these phones will have support until November, 2019, which is great for current owners. Props, OnePlus. // OnePlus

Google's "Pixel Stand" Could be a Wireless Charging Stand for Pixel 3

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 07:28:31 +0000

It's safe to say that we all sort of expect Google to re-introduce wireless charging to its phones when the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (newest pictures) arrive later this year. After deciding against the feature in late Nexus models by going with metal phone bodies and sticking to that decision in the first two years of Pixel, the next round of Pixel phones will be more wireless charge-friendly, thanks to glass backsides.

UPDATE: Check it out, this is the Pixel Stand

Thanks to a hint left in a new release of the Google App that the folks at 9to5Google dug into, we think that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL will not only have wireless charging, but that Google will release a special "Pixel Stand" to go with them. The mentions within the app specifically point out that your phone will get "Personalized help" when "on your Pixel Stand." That's referring to an integration with Pixel 3 phones that will be able to pull up "personal info to make suggestions, answer questions, and take actions for you when your phone is locked and on" the Pixel Stand. Our assumption there is that the lock screen could show you useful information, possibly through Google's At a Glance widget that already shows you commute times, upcoming meetings, and the time and weather. It's a bit like a smart lock option in that Google is recognizing the Pixel Stand as a trusted device that is allowed to show you info. For those not fully following, this is all new info. There is currently no product on the market called "Pixel Stand." Sure, Google could release a charging dock of sorts called that, but XDA has also found hints in Android P to a stand that wirelessly charges a device. I know you all hate the Pixel 3 XL's notch, but does wireless charging make you happy?

And Here is the Pixel 3 XL in White

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 07:00:47 +0000

Over the weekend, another brave soul took to the internet, looking for Pixel 3 XL-related glory and found just that. We now have our first look at the Google Pixel 3 XL in white, as well as a shot of some of the specs. Now, this device is clearly another prototype like the last one that leaked back in early June. But it sure does look exactly like that all-black prototype, plus the specs match-up, as does the design. What we've got is a series of photos of a supposedly remotely locked Pixel 3 XL that a member of XDA happened upon. The images give us a clear look at the back, a shot of the boot screen, and another of the front that really shows off the notch and bottom chin areas.

OPINION: Think I'm passing on the Pixel 3 XL this year

For differences over the black model, this picture of the white version doesn't show off the two-tone or two-finish rear and instead looks like a pure white backside. It's more than likely still glass, though that's not as easy to see as it was on the black finish (XDA member who posted the pics said it is glass and that it does have shiny and matte finishes underneath). We do have a fingerprint reader in the same spot as the other device, as well as the same single-camera setup with flash. You can see that odd Google prototype logo too.

As for specs, this boot screen again shows a Snapdragon 845 processor, 64GB storage, 4GB RAM, and the codename of "crosshatch" that we outed way back in October of last year. So yeah, Pixel 3 XL is "crosshatch," assuming this device is legit. That means the regular Pixel 3 is "blueline."

In this final image, we really just wanted to show you the prominent notch at the top of the phone, as well as the bottom area, which is by no means on the slender side of designs. Since this phone will feature dual front-facing speakers, I get why Google has that big of a chin, but we also understand why people will complain heavily about it. As for that notch, well, it seems extra deep with that double camera setup and speaker. I think it would be tough for anyone to defend it as looking good here, but as you all know, this is the current state of Android phone design. Would love to hear those fresh thoughts on this leak. Any enjoyment for you in this design? Do we think it will change at all before launch? Black or white?

RELATED: Google likely to release "Pixel Stand" wireless charger with Pixel 3 and 3 XL

DEAL: Lenovo Smart Display Arrives Best Buy With Free $20 Gift Card

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 15:03:17 +0000

The Lenovo Smart Display (our review) just went up for purchase today and there are already deals to be had. Costco was serving up the 10-inch model earlier with a $50 discount, but it quickly sold out and was for members only. If you aren't a Costco member, Best Buy has the next best deal. If you buy either the 8-inch or 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display, they'll send you a $20 gift card. The devices are still $199.99 (8-inch) and $249.99 (10-inch), so there isn't a deal on the price. However, the $20 gift card is emailed to you once your order is fulfilled. It's least something, right? Best Buy Link

You Can Now Link Your Chase Pay Account to Samsung Pay

Tim — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 13:05:17 +0000

Starting today, Chase bank customers with a supported Samsung device can link their Chase Pay account to Samsung Pay, allowing them make purchases with their Chase account virtually anywhere. Importantly, Samsung details that those with eligible Chase cards can still redeem their earned Chase Ultimate Rewards points even when using Samsung Pay.

Consumers that link Chase Pay to Samsung Pay will be able to earn both Samsung Rewards points and for eligible Chase cards, Chase Ultimate Rewards points, for the purchases they make. In addition, both consumers and businesses will benefit from the Chase Pay app’s pay with points feature, which allows customers to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points at checkout for a statement credit.

This support is rolling out today, so if you're a Chase card holder and own a compatible Samsung device, check it out. // Samsung

Verizon Introduces Safe WiFi, a VPN App to Protect Your Public WiFi Usage

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 12:56:40 +0000

Verizon is getting into the VPN game this week with the introduction of Safe WiFi, its own VPN service that aims to protect your WiFi usage when on public networks. What does it do? It has two main features: WiFi security and ad tracker blocking. When connected to a public WiFi network (like at a coffee shop or the airport), Smart WiFi encrypts your session (with "bank-grade encryption") and blocks or hides your IP in order to cover your tracks and not give up your private information. For ad tracker blocking, Safe WiFi simply tries to block the trackers that ads leave around on your devices, giving you more privacy as you browse the web. To get Smart WiFi, you'll need to add it to your account. Once done, you'll install the Smart WiFi app, which then lets you toggle on a VPN or the ad tracker. It will also show you how many trackers that have been blocked, data that's incoming and outgoing, and other activity. Safe WiFi costs $3.99/mo and covers up to 10 devices on your account. To sign-up, you have to be the account owner or account manager. Google Play Link | Sign-up for Safe WiFi

Podcast: Smart Displays, Pretty Smart

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 09:29:49 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're diving into Google Assistant-powered smart displays, since Lenovo's is now available and we have had a chance to review it. These things are pretty cool. We'll also talk final Android P preview, the latest on Samsung's Note 9 and Galaxy Watch, Fortnite for Android, and which cities are now scheduled to receive 5G at some point this year. Oh, Alto's Odyssey is available too and you should probably have already downloaded it. We have trivia this week and it's sponsored by Honor! As you probably guessed, that means super sweet prizes, including an Honor 7X phone to one winner, as well as 4 of the Honor Band 3 smartbands. Be sure to follow Honor on Twitter for the latest on their products and check out its current Summer Sun promotion that has big savings on the company's latest devices. We'll be live 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.

Verizon LG G7 Picks Up First Update With Google AR Stickers, Manual AI Cam Action (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 08:15:36 +0000

The LG G7 on Verizon is scheduled to receive its first update today since launch. The update, while still labeled as only being the February security patch (that can't be true, right?), does include some new features to be aware of. UPDATE: Verizon updated the support page for the update with correct info. The update will arrive as software version G710VM10e and with the July security patch. The G7 update will rollout as software version VS98816A, which doesn't seem right. I say that because that's the same build that the LG G6 received back in March, with the February security patch. Let's just ignore that number and the security patch level for now, as I'm sure it was just a bad copy and paste job here from Verizon. As for what's new, Verizon says to expect a change to the AI CAM in the phone, where you can now tap on the AI CAM button to manually select filters or shooting modes, rather than wait for it to analyze a situation. LG also changed the home screen font size for "easier readability," added a custom setting in the music equalizer, changed the time format in the weather app, added the option to include a photo, file, or task in calendar events, and is making Google AR Stickers available. To grab the update, head into Settings>System update. // Verizon

Google Home Scheduled Routines are Now Available

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 15:28:21 +0000

When Google Home picked up routines a few months back, followed by custom routines a couple of months later, it sure added a new level of power to the smart home system. Instead of having to fire off commands 1-by-1 to complete a series of tasks, you could do many with just one series of words. Today, custom routines are getting another massive upgrade, thanks to the rollout of scheduling. Starting today, if you head into your Google Home app, then Settings>Routines and tap the "+" button to create a new routine, you should see an option within for "Set a time and day (optional)." That's the new magic scheduling! Now, you can setup a custom routine to run at a specific time. For example, I just created one that will turn off all of the Philips Hue lights in my house by 12:30AM, just in case I forgot to when I passed out. You could also have a scheduled routine that adjusts your house temperature at night, as it dims your child's lights and kicks on a kid-friendly podcast before bed. You get the idea. So you know, for scheduled routines to run, you'll choose a Google Home unit that you want to initiate the action. Once the action is done, you'll receive an audio acknowledgement from that device followed by a visual notification on your phone. Again, this new feature is rolling out now. Enjoy your evening setting up all the automation.

Better Discover Events Near You Thanks to Google Search Update

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 13:19:47 +0000

While nothing will ever replace Groupon and its amazing assortment of discounted family activities and discontinued adult toys, an update to Google Search is making it easier to discover events taking place near you. Not only is finding events easier, but Google is using its magic to bring forth personalized suggestions right to your device. Here's how Google lays it all out.

When you search on your phone for things like “events near me” or “free concert” in the U.S., you’ll not only find a list of events from a variety of sites, but also key information about the event, right on Search.

Let's say you're looking for a concert to attend. You can search for "free concert," or "concert near me," then Google will return what it finds. From each listing you can find additional info for the events, as well as links to get tickets. You will also find links to websites containing more information about the event. Once this change is live, Google will have a new button for, "For You." Under this tab, you'll find events that Google has personalized for you. You'll also find trending and popular events in this area. Google indicates this change is rolling out right now to mobile users.

// Google

Thursday Poll: How Long Have You Been With Your Current Carrier?

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 11:55:00 +0000

Years ago, when we started branching out from our single focus on DROID-branded phones, we really tried to talk as much as we could about wireless networks. Whether that was the big push from 3G into 4G LTE by Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint, or their distancing from unlimited data plans only to eventually return to them, we tried to keep you as informed as possible. And we did that because as cool as phones are, there is nothing that can kill that experience quicker than not being able to use it to its fullest, thanks to the network you are on. From the get-go, the majority of our readers were on Verizon. I still think a ton of them are today, but I also get the feeling that we've seen a big switch to T-Mobile as their network has improved. So I thought an interesting poll might be for everyone to discuss the length of time that they have been with their current carrier. I'd imagine that some of you have been locked into Verizon from the beginning and remain there. But I think that just as many have moved on to cheaper plans at other carriers or found the phone selection at Big Red to be a turn-off and have tested other waters. So let's do this - how long have you been with your current carrier? If you switched recently, why'd you do that? If you haven't switched in a long time, what's keeping you around? [poll id="488"]

When Fortnite Launches for Android, It Might be a Samsung Exclusive for Limited Time

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 11:04:27 +0000

If you thought OS exclusivity periods for select apps were bad, wait till you get a load of Android OEM exclusivities! According to a source of 9to5Google, when Fortnite launches for Android this year, it may be an exclusive for Samsung devices, the upcoming Galaxy Note 9 to be specific, for 30 days. Fortnite for iOS launched in early April. At that time, Epic Games, the makers of Fortnite, stated it would be a few months before we saw it on Android. When Epic stated the game was coming to Android, there was no inclination that the game would be made an exclusive for Samsung, but if you were planning on picking up a Galaxy Note 9 after its announced on August 9, then this is a serious bonus for you. In addition to the reported 30-day exclusivity period, it's said that those who pre-order a Galaxy Note 9 will also be granted $100 to $150 worth of V-Bucks, Fortnite's in-game currency for purchasing player skins, emotes, and glider skins. You can also purchase the game's seasonal Battle Pass with V-Bucks, which unlocks new challenges and in-game goodies over the course of 100 tiers. Of note, we also had a source yesterday who echoed 9to5Google's story. According to our source, the game will be announced for Android during Samsung's event, along with the exclusivity period. We reached out to Epic Games for comment, but have not heard back. To say I'm disappointed in the idea of this exclusivity period for Fortnite would be an understatement, but this would be a major score for Samsung. Samsung dominates the Android ecosystem, and at the moment, Fortnite dominates the gaming world. Bringing the two together makes perfect sense, and considering the specs we're expecting for the Galaxy Note 9 (Snapdragon 845, 4,000mAh battery, etc), the game will probably run and look great on Samsung's new hardware. What say you, non-Samsung phone owners? Bummed to hear of a reported Fortnite exclusive? // 9to5Google

Verizon Once Again Cleans House in New RootMetrics Network Report

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 10:19:42 +0000

If there is one constant in the world of wireless network reports, it's Verizon dominating almost all categories in the latest from RootMetrics. It's tough to say why that is, since Ookla and OpenSignal all show T-Mobile making great strides and beating out Big Red regularly these days, but this latest first half of 2018 report from RootMetrics paints quite a different picture. RootMetrics once again broke down their first half 2018 report into three categories/areas: nationwide, state, and metro. In all three, Verizon was crowned the champ and it wasn't really close. In the nationwide testing, Verizon topped with an overall score of 94.7, but it also won each individual category for reliability, speed, data, calling, and texting. AT&T posted a solid 2nd place finish, while T-Mobile and Sprint were well off in the distance. Again, that's not at all what the other two big network reports have been showing, though those often care more about speed than the factors that RootMetrics looks at, like reliability. In the nationwide reliability and texting categories, T-Mobile actually came in last, behind Sprint.

On an overall state level, Verizon performed best in 47 states, which translates to winning outright in 32 and tying for the best in 15 others. AT&T came in 2nd with 18 total (2 outright, 16 shared), while T-Mobile and Sprint managed a single tie for the top. Neither won a state outright. T-Mobile did perform well in the speed category for states, grabbing 7 outright wins and tying in another 10. That was only good for third place behind Verizon and AT&T, but it's at least something.

In metro areas that were tested, T-Mobile had its best showing. It still came in well behind Verizon's 602 metro area category wins with 454, but it easily outpaced AT&T (292) and Sprint (114). In the overall category, Verizon won or shared the win in 101 of 125 metro areas, while T-Mobile did the same in 63. T-Mobile did top Verizon in the speed category, though, with 74 combined.

RootMetrics says that they test "from the consumer's point of view," with off-the-shelf smartphones that are used day and night, and while walking and driving. They utilize random sampling techniques and try to test while doing activities that consumers typically do from their phones. You can read more about their methodology here. Why does T-Mobile always seem to be so sh*tty in these scores compared to others? I don't know! These RootMetrics reports almost always show exactly the reputation that T-Mobile has had for years, which is a network that is solid in cities and not-so-great outside of them. With that in mind, this latest report does show T-Mobile improving significantly in a number of areas from past reports, so it's not like it's saying that T-Mobile is a bad choice. It's just showing that Verizon continues to remain everywhere and is still reliably fast and stable. // RootMetrics [2] [3]

Watch Samsung's "Unbreakable" OLED Panel Survive a Beating by Hammer

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 08:54:32 +0000

Yesterday, Samsung showed off a supposedly unbreakable OLED panel for smartphones. It's a flexible OLED with a plastic substrate, covered by a plastic cover window that allows it to bend and flex in ways that your typical glass-covered OLED panel wouldn't be able to. Because it's not necessarily ready to be put in your next phone, they instead tried to destroy it with a hammer to build hype. In the video below, which has a fabulously awkward circus soundtrack and glorious graphics, the presenter bends and twists the panel before going after it with a rubber mallet. Of course, it doesn't break because it's not glass, bends in fun ways, and "plastic window is good." Will we see this type of display in the upcoming and oft-rumored Galaxy X? Who knows. This bad boy isn't foldable like that phone is said to be, so it could instead make its way into other products first, which Samsung points out as being display consoles in cars, mobile military devices, and portable game consoles. Now prepare yourselves, as it's time to "start pounding the panel with the hammer!" // Samsung

Samsung Hints Galaxy Note 9 Will Have Great Battery Life, Performance in Series of Teasers

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 08:48:57 +0000

August 9 is the day Samsung has marked on the calendar to unveil Galaxy Note 9. While we believe we've already seen the device and know plenty of what's in store, Samsung is firing up the hype machine, teasing that its next phone will have great battery life, performance, and adequate storage. The below videos are part of a 3-part video series Samsung is doing to highlight the upcoming phone. Considering what these videos cover, we assume Samsung is referencing reported specs for the device, which include a Snapdragon 845 processor, base storage of 128GB, and 4,000mAh battery. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear any of these videos show the device, so there's not much to see. On the upside, we do get to listen to In the Hall of the Mountain King, so that's cool. August 9, folks! Performance Battery Storage // Samsung [2]

First of the Google Assistant-Powered Smart Displays Arrives This Week From Lenovo

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 08:00:49 +0000

Back at CES, Google and its partners introduced a new kind of home assistant speaker called smart display. As the name suggests, this was a device that featured the smarts of a Google Home, but was upgraded with a display to hopefully provide you with a more visual experience. The first of those smart displays arrives tomorrow from Lenovo. The Lenovo Smart Display can be purchased in 8-inch and 10-inch sizes and costs either $199.99 or $249.99, respectively. Want to know more about it? We've reviewed it right here! As you'll find out from that review, smart displays offer everything from live TV feeds from your favorite streaming service (just not Netflix yet) to traffic and weather info, access to music services and podcasts, and viewing of your favorite Google Photos albums. They also answer questions, show recipes, find nearby movie times, and keep you up-to-date on your calendar, the news, and your shopping list. You can place video or voice calls on them too, thanks to Google Duo. Where these smart displays offer an upgraded experience over your typical smart speaker, really is in the display. Google, through its Android Things platform, has created a visual environment that allows for viewing of information as well as quick interaction. You can manually adjust your lights' brightness or thermostat temperature, tap on a playlist, pause YouTube TV, scroll through photos, and manage your shopping list. For a first attempt, I think Google has done a pretty good job. Again, Lenovo's Smart Display is first, but Google still expects LG and JBL to introduce their own in the near future. The Lenovo Smart Display goes up for purchase tomorrow, July 27. You can buy one right here.

// Google

Lenovo Smart Display Review: Yep, I'll Take One

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 08:00:43 +0000

Remember the Google Assistant-powered smart display devices that Google and its partners first unveiled way back at CES? The first options are starting to arrive now for purchase. Lenovo's Smart Display arrives tomorrow, July 27, to be exact, and we've been playing with one for about a week now. Want to hear some thoughts on it? Let's do this. This is our Lenovo Smart Display review!

What is the Lenovo Smart Display?

To recap this device, you should know that it comes in both 8-inch and 10-inch models. The 8-inch version will cost $199.99 and the 10-inch will cost $249.99. I've been using the 10-inch model for this review. The 8-inch Smart Display from Lenovo features a 1280x800 display, two passive tweeters and a 1.75" 10 Watt speaker. The 10" version has a display with a 1920x1200 resolution, two passive tweeters, and a 2" 10 Watt speaker. Both devices also include the Snapdragon 624 Home Hub Platform, 5MP front camera for video calls (with privacy shutter), 2GB RAM, 4GB storage, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, 2x2 dual array microphones, and a design that lets them sit horizontally or vertically. The 8-inch model comes in white with a grey back, while the bigger model has a bamboo back. A smart display in general is a lot like a Google Home or other smart speaker with Google Assistant built-in, only it has a touch display for additional interactions. That means you can tell it to Cast video or music here and there by voice, have it tell you about your day and the weather, do conversions, answer questions, control your smart home, add items to your shopping list, set timers and alarms, and place calls. But where this becomes infinitely more exciting is in the display. With that display, your smart home controls appear on the touch panel, so you can manually adjust your lights if you want. You can manually adjust your temperature too, tap on your favorite Spotify playlist, look at Google Photos albums, see the weather forecast, watch timers countdown, view traffic information, and Cast video to it rather than some place else. To interact with a smart display, you can talk to it using the "Hey Google" or "OK Google" commands. You can interact by touch too, which means scrolling left to right to see more info or swiping from the left edge to make it go back a page or to its main home screen. Tapping on items will let you control them or show you more info as well.

Is the Lenovo Smart Display any good?

As someone who tried and tried to find uses for an Amazon Echo Show for months, but ultimately gave up on it since Amazon could never make the display do much or work with enough services, I'm really enjoying this Lenovo Smart Display. In fact, I'm seriously tempted to buy one tomorrow when they go on sale because this is going to be tough to live without in my office.

Mini desk TV

Here's what I like. I like it first and foremost as a media box in my office. Because these Google Assistant-powered smart displays are Cast targets, I can Cast anything to it! That means I can sit here working all day on my computer and Cast YouTube TV or Twitch or HBO or Google Play Movies or any other app with those capabilities (well, except for Netflix for now). That's a huge enhancement for my office life, as someone who up until now has had to dedicate a tab in a Chrome window to media consumption. So with this Lenovo Smart Display on my desk, I have a mini-TV in case I want to sit here being unproductive. But it adds a level of convenience that I didn't previously have at a somewhat reasonable price. Now, would this be great in my kitchen? Umm, I probably wouldn't use it there much. I don't want to watch TV on my kitchen counter because my living room TV is nearby and I have a Google Home unit in there to answer questions, do conversions, or set timers. So that's the deal with these smart displays - they need to be somewhere that you spend a lot of time or where you think you'll be able to use the display. I'm not saying they wouldn't be great for you in the kitchen or bathroom, because pulling up a recipe or your shopping list or favorite playlist or morning talkshow as you get ready in those areas does make a lot of sense, that's just not where I see myself using one. Actually, now that I type that out, maybe it would be useful to have one in both the kitchen and bathroom?

Taking me through a day

When I'm not using it as a media box, it's there to always show me the weather, a bunch of photo albums that I selected from my own Google Photos library, my upcoming flight information, and the current song that's playing from Spotify. When this 95-degree heat in Portland starts murdering my pits in this office, I can ask it what the temperature is on my Nest and then reach over and adjust the temperature to cool things off. And then I can set a reminder on it to buy some cold-as-hell beer later, which it will visually remind me to do rather than through a dot, like it would on Google Home. Then when I'm done working, I'll have it show me traffic nearby so that I can decide which store I'm going to buy that beer from. And when I sit back down to write up reviews in the middle of the night, I can pull up my backyard Nest camera to see which kind of bug just set off a motion detection. You see where I'm going here? Of course I could ask a Google Home most of this stuff and get the information I need, but sometimes a visual within a touch panel makes it more precise, with less error or less confusion or less "HEY, GOOGLE!" It's also just kind of nice to look at stuff.

Other goodies

This particular 10-inch unit gets quite loud when listening to music or watching video from any service. I like that it has a privacy shutter to block the camera, since I'm slowly turning into one of those people who constantly worries about privacy. It has a mute switch too and it looks pretty slick. The minimal white design, curved back with bamboo, and size fit nicely onto my desk with all of these other monitors and computer equipment. I could see it blending in nicely on a counter or bookshelf or just about any other spot around the house too. The display is good enough on this 10-inch version, with ample brightness and a proper, non-ridiculous color profile, which is important since it will be used to stare at photos or video. And finally, I'd argue that the price is pretty decent. For one, both 8-inch ($199.99) and 10-inch ($249.99) models give you a bigger, better display than what you'll find on an Amazon Echo Show. They are priced on each side of the Show ($229.99), yet I've found them to be far more useful in terms of having actual touch screen interactions. And they look like they were designed in 2018, where the Show has more of that 1995 bar room video poker vibe. They aren't cheap, but they also aren't priced much higher than some of the tablets you'll find around either.

What's not great about it?

Sound

My biggest gripe has to be with the speaker. While I'm no audiophile, I have not been impressed by the sound coming out of this unit. As I mentioned above, it gets plenty loud, but I've just found there to be no depth or richness to music that's played. With hip hop, there is almost this vocal separation that pushes the beat into the background. With rock or pop, it improves some, but still sounds similarly. Now, I'm comparing this to the Sonos Play:1 I have in my office, the desktop speakers I have, and the various other Google Home units throughout my house. It's probably comparable to the regular Google Home, which isn't exactly something to brag about. Like, it would be fine if you have no other speaker setup, just don't expect to be blown away by the richest, crispest sound a speaker has ever produced.

No real portrait?

I'm also somewhat disappointed in the fact that this device doesn't really work in both portrait or landscape modes. I thought that was initially the promise, but it really only flips to portrait when you use Duo to make a video call. That kind of sucks. The ability to flip the device upright makes it more flexible in spaces around your home and was a decent added bonus to the feature set. But yeah, it doesn't work like that.

Software can improve

And the last thing I'd complain about is the software experience. It's a good start for Google, where you can view a bunch of useful information, swipe between panels to get to more, and use your voice to call up others, but I'd love to see apps or services that can be pinned. So rather than having to ask about the temperature on my Nest or adjust smart lights, I'd love to just have Nest card or button to press to then manually adjust temperature or pull up a camera feed. It'd be great if I could reach over and adjust my lights without having to first ping the device with "Hey Google." In fact, I think most features should just have a way to tap on them, almost like a launcher. Not all of us want to use that damn Google hotword every time we want to do something. This device seems somewhat slow when you tap on cards too. For example, if I tap on Spotify or YouTube, it takes a good 3-4 seconds before it finally opens those services to let me choose options within them. And you can see it thinking during that time. My guess is that that's an Android Things software issue that Google needs to improve. Either way, a performance boost after you tap on something would be great.

Should you pick-up a Lenovo Smart Display?

Like I said earlier, I'm more than likely going to buy the 10-inch version the minute it goes live. And I'm going to because I like it as a media box on my desk, but I also like the visual bits of information I can get from it while working that my Google Home units can't provide. I'll go with the 10-inch, because the lower resolution on the 8-inch model scares me, and because bigger is better or something, right? With that said, we know that JBL, LG, and Sony are all making smart displays. There are bound to be countless others who make them too, including Google, who could show one off in October with new Pixel phones. I think this Lenovo is the best looking of the bunch we've seen so far, but that could change should Google drop its own version. If you like being an early adopter, though, this Lenovo Smart Display is pretty good. Buy Lenovo Smart Display:

Lenovo Store 8-Inch ($199.99)
Lenovo Store 10-Inch ($249.99)

Alto's Odyssey Now Available to Download on Android!

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 21:03:51 +0000

It's here! It's certainly here a bit earlier than expected, but yes, Alto's Odyssey is now on Android and you should download it immediately because it is most definitely going to be awesome. Well, assuming it's anything like Alto's Adventure. For those not familiar with the franchise, you play as Alto (and his friends) in a sandboarding adventure (previous release was snowboarding) where you jump, backflip, break sh*t, collect coins, run from bad guys, wallride, bounce off balloons, grind, and discover new lands in a platformer type atmosphere. The game features pretty visuals, a super chill soundtrack, and is easily one of the most addicting games I've played alongside the G.O.A.T, Granny Smith. Alto's Odyssey is free to play, but you can advance quicker with in-app purchases. There are supposedly pop-up ads too, which you can get rid of for $1.99. Google Play Link

You Can Now Share Your Favorite Pandora Tracks With Fellow Snapchat Users on Android

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:09:02 +0000

Pandora announced today that is has made music sharing on Snapchat official for Android users, after the feature has been available to iOS users since last month. Basically, let's say you're rocking out to a tune on Pandora and want to share it with one or all of your Snapchat friends. Simply share the song from Pandora to Snapchat (either directly or to a group of people), then those who receive the shared song will have access to it via Pandora. Here is Pandora's breakdown of what's taking place.

Last month, Pandora teamed up with Snap as the first music streaming launch partner for Snap Kit to bring Snapchatters a new way to connect and express themselves through music. After rolling out to Pandora ad-supported and Plus listeners on iOS, the feature is now available to ad-supported and Plus listeners on Android.

And here is a full breakdown of how to get the feature working for Pandora users. Instructions

When you’re listening to a song on the Pandora app you want to share, tap “Share” on the “Now Playing” screen.
Select “Share on Snapchat”– each song will have a unique song card that celebrates the album artwork.
Add the song card to your Story, share directly with a friend, or pass it along to a group of friends.
Friends who view your Snap can swipe up and listen to the song on-demand on Pandora thanks to Pandora’s Premium Access feature.

If you're ready to get to sharing tunes via Snapchat on Android, have at it. Google Play Link // Pandora

Essential Releases Android P Beta 3 Build With Bug Fixes

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:34:25 +0000

Essential announced it has released an Android P Beta 3 build for Essential Phone owners, the same exact Android P DP5 (aka Beta 4) build Google released today for Pixel devices. To clear up any confusion, this is the third public beta for Essential, but fourth public beta for Google, hence why they're referred to as different betas. It's the same build number and everything, though. Inside, Essential says it has the latest code integrations for Android P from Google, as well as minor bug fixes and enhancements. With the way Essential is rolling out these updates and showing support for Android P, we can't help but become more depressed that they aren't releasing a new phone. Download Here https://twitter.com/essential/status/1022182442856116224

What's New in Android P Developer Preview 5 (Beta 4)?

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:02:14 +0000

The final Android P Developer Preview 5 is available and we've already got it up and running on a Pixel 2 XL. Since we are all curious what might be new from one preview to the next, we'll do our best to capture the changes in this post. Before we dive in too deep, though, understand that there shouldn't be many changes. In fact, we aren't expecting any major changes at all. This is the final preview before we get to stable Android P in a few weeks. Still, Google can't help itself with most releases and may tweak something here and there. To get started, here is the software info from Developer Preview 4 to Developer Preview 5:

DP4 vs. DP5

Voice icon disappears from Google search bar in app drawer

DP5

DP4

The auto-rotate icon changed. (😂)

DP4 vs. DP5

Google Pay still won't setup for in-store payments on my device.

Updating...(assuming there is more)

YouTube VR Launches for Samsung Gear VR, Intros New Multi-User Experience

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 10:56:38 +0000

YouTube announced today that it's bringing YouTube VR to Samsung's Gear VR headset by way of the Oculus store. By doing this, YouTube is opening up its extensive library of VR-supported videos to any Samsung device that is compatible with Gear VR, which is a great thing for both companies. Not only will more folks have access to YouTube VR after today, but YouTube also announced a new feature that makes sharing in a VR experience much cooler. Called Watch Together and found inside the latest YouTube VR application, multiple people can be in a shared VR room, watching videos and discussing them. Here's a preview of the UI you can expect to see when in a shared space. If you own a Gear VR and want to get YouTube VR booted up, head into the Oculus store and download it. // YouTube

Android P Developer Preview 5 (Beta 4) Goes Live for Pixel and Pixel 2! (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 10:06:43 +0000

Google just dropped the final Android P Developer Preview on us, also known as Android P Developer Preview 5. The files are available right now for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL if you feel like flashing them. Otherwise, we should have Android P Beta 4 here shortly. UPDATE: The beta is now live! You can grab it by heading into Settings>System>Advanced>System update. This new Android P build is available as PPP5.180610.010 for all devices and includes the July security patch.

RELATED: What's new in Android P Developer Preview 5 (Beta 4)?

Android P DP5 Release Notes

API level 28 Date: July 2018 Build: PPP5.180610.010 Emulator support: x86 & ARM (32/64-bit) Security patch level: July 2018 Google Play services: 12.4.46

This is the final Android P Developer Preview before we get final Android P in August and should be the most stable. It is labeled as a release candidate that includes final APIs and system behaviors. It's also stable enough that Google isn't really listing any general advisories for it that you should be aware of. If you've been holding off from flashing or joining the beta, now would be a decent time to give it a shot. You can grab the files right here (factory images) and here (OTA) or wait for the Android Beta file to start rolling out.

Yep, Tapping the YouTube Progress Bar is Broken, but a Fix is Coming

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 08:03:32 +0000

Over the past week, as a YouTube user, you probably noticed that skipping forward or backwards in a video doesn't work like it should. Typically, when you tap ahead or back in a video on the progress bar, it would jump to that spot. Well, that's been broken. YouTube says that a fix is coming and that they will share a note when an update with it rolls out. In the mean time, your best bet for zooming ahead or reversing in a video is to grab the red dot and drag it to where you want it. Yep, that still works, just not the simple tapping. https://twitter.com/TeamYouTube/status/1021810185721892864

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

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 15:18:35 +0000

Within the past month, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint have all introduced new unlimited data plans. Because of that, as well as the fact that it has been five months since we last pushed out an unlimited data plan comparison, it's time to see how all of the big US wireless carriers stack up. We've gone ahead and updated our massive chart that puts Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint unlimited plans against each other, line for line. Each section shows the current unlimited plan choices as of today, so yes, we included Verizon's new Above Unlimited plan, AT&T's new Unlimited &More plans, and the Unlimited Plus and Basic plans from Sprint. T-Mobile hasn't changed a thing since February, so we've still got T-Mobile ONE, ONE Plus, and ONE Plus International on here.

US Carrier Unlimited Data Plans

[table id=137 responsive=scroll /]

Which unlimited plan is the best?

That's a tough question to answer. What we know is that T-Mobile and Verizon seem to top the charts whenever a new wireless network report is released. AT&T and Sprint are often well back in terms of speeds and coverage. So if you look at industry reports and want the best network and experience, you should probably choose between T-Mobile or Verizon, depending on which has the best coverage in your area. With that said, AT&T is offering insane freebies with their plans (free TV and free premium services like HBO) while Sprint has the best pricing around. Which carrier are you currently with?

DEAL: $13 Eufy Lumos Smart Bulbs, $40 Wireless Charging Stands, and More

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 14:26:37 +0000

We have the latest lineup of deals from Anker on Amazon, with some being instant savings and other requiring usage of coupon codes (listed below). The big highlight is $13 Eufy Lumos smart bulbs, which are quite adored by Amazon reviewers. With these bulbs, there is no hub required (which you can't say for all smart bulbs), and they also work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Also listed this week is the PowerWave 7.5 wireless charging stand. The stand is on sale for just $40, offering Fast Charging for Samsung devices, as well as compatibility for other wireless charging-supported devices. At the bottom of our list, there's even $40 off Roav's (another brand by Anker) new pressure washer, bringing it down to $159.99. See all the deals below. Amazon Links

PowerWave 7.5 Wireless Charger Stand - $39.99 (20% off)
Wireless Spirit Pro Headphones - $39.99 (20% off)
eufy Lumos Smart Bulbs - $12.99 (31.6% off)
Roav Dash Cam C2 - $45.99 (Code: C2JULYDL)
HydroClean Electric Pressure Washer - $159.99 (Code: ANKERPRE)

Tuesday Poll: Chromecast Turns 5 Today - Still Using One?

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 12:39:28 +0000

Five years ago today, Google announced the original Chromecast. At $35, and a simple way to send your content to any screen, the Chromecast is without a doubt one of Google's best pieces of hardware to ever be released. Since that initially Chromecast release, we've seen a 2nd gen model arrive, as well as a 4K and HDR-ready Ultra version. We've also seen Google's Cast technology find its way into TVs, speakers, and other streaming boxes. Almost every single major media app supports Casting at this point. There is a high probability that I use Cast technology every single day. With that said, I'm curious to know if everyone is still using a Chromecast? So we've got a little poll below for you to vote in. [poll id="487"]

Here's the Galaxy Note 9 in Various Colors

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 10:43:26 +0000

We still have a bit to go before Samsung officially unveils Galaxy Note 9 to the world on August 9, but since when has that stopped the internet from doing what it does best? Thanks to @evleaks, we're getting yet another look at Samsung's upcoming flagship, this time in various colors. According to Evan, what we see here is Blue, Brown, and Black. Of course, Samsung will likely have some special names, such as Midnight Black, Copper Brown or Rusty Rose Gold(?), and Blellow, because of the Blue and Yellow combo. I actually like Blellow, it rolls right off the tongue. Anyway, we can see all of the S Pen colors, the zany looking backside with two differently sized camera sensors, and redesigned fingerprint reader sitting below. August 9, folks! // @evleaks

TP-Link Intros $139 Kasa Cam Outdoor, $49 Kasa Smart WiFi Plug

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 09:29:28 +0000

TP-Link, makers of many electronic goodies, introduced two new products into its smart home portfolio this morning -- Kasa Cam Outdoor and Kasa Smart WiFi Plug (2 outlets). Kasa Cam Outdoor is available for pre-order at $139.99 this morning on Amazon, with shipping availability beginning before the end of August. For features, the Outdoor camera features weather resistance, 1080p video streaming, two-way audio, as well as a 30 foot range of night vision. When coupled with the free Kasa app from Google Play, users can trigger a built-in alarm to deter unwanted guests, as well as control various features like activity zones and motion detection. TP-Link also offers Kasa Smart Cloud, letting camera owners view their stored videos for up to two days (for up to 3 cameras) at no cost. Subscription plans are available for 14 and 30 days, if 2 days of free storage isn't enough for you.

As for Kasa Smart WiFi Plug, available via pre-order at $49.99, this device essentially turns anything that's plugged into the outlet a smart something. Let's say you plug an old lamp into the outlet. Now it's a smart lamp. How about plugging in a fan during these hot summer nights? Now it's a smart fan. Thanks to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration, controlling power to the plug and the devices plugged in is easily managed, but you can also control power flow via the aforementioned Kasa app. Both items are now up on Amazon, so have at 'em! Amazon Links: Kasa Cam Outdoor | Smart WiFi Plug

Verizon Wants YouTube TV or Apple TV as 5G TV Partner

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 08:55:26 +0000

Verizon's home 5G service is scheduled to launch in four cities this year, three of which we already know. When they do go live, they'd like to have some sort of TV package to go with the internet service. According to Bloomberg, that could be Google's YouTube TV or Apple TV. Verizon is said to be in in negotiations with both companies, though no one would comment about them. The idea here is to offer a package deal that includes both internet and TV, similar to what AT&T will do when it launches 5G with its Watch TV and DIRECTV NOW services. Verizon was reportedly working on its own live TV service, but abandoned those plans earlier this year. The choice between those two is somewhat odd. Google's YouTube TV is an actual streaming TV service with some 60+ channels that costs $40/mo. Apple TV, on the other hand, isn't any of that. Sure, Apple TV offers some original Apple content, but outside of that, it's just a streaming box that pushes other service's content. Of course, that could change and Apple could offer its own live TV service. Whichever direction Verizon goes, I'm not sure it matters much to start. Remember, 5G is a long ways away if you aren't in one of Big Red's first 4 markets. On top of that, streaming TV services are struggling at the moment and have had to raise prices in recent months to deal with costs. By the time 5G is in your area, Verizon could be looking outside of both of these options. // Bloomberg

Verizon Names Its Next 5G City

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 06:12:20 +0000

Verizon added Houston to its list of 5G cities this morning. The Texas market joins Sacramento and Los Angeles as the first from Big Red to see the residential broadband internet. Verizon says that they expect to launch the service in Houston in the second half of 2018, which we are already in. We wish they'd be more specific, but 5G is still very much a work-in-progress across the country from all wireless carriers. We do know that Los Angeles will go live in Q4, though, but that Sacramento still isn't live even after having been announced as the first market. As a reminder, Verizon's first attempt at 5G will not be for your phone. Instead, Verizon 5G is home internet that's basically beamed to an outdoor router, which is then distributed around your house via indoor 5G router. The system looks like this. It's not wireless 5G that will power your phone as you hop around Sacramento, Los Angeles, or Houston. It could some day transition, somehow, into mobile 5G, but as you can imagine, there are skeptics. Verizon 5G at your home is run over Millimeter Wave (mmW) spectrum, the type that will also be used in dense metro areas. It has poor reach and doesn't work well when obstructed, but it is capable of producing ridiculous download speeds. As a home internet option, it might be pretty damn good. // Verizon

Verizon LG V30, Moto Z2 Force Updated With July Security Patch

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 15:54:18 +0000

Verizon is pushing the July security patch out to owners of the LG V30 and Moto Z2 Force. For V30 owners, look to see software version VS99620e following the update, while Z2 Force owners can expect to find ODXS27.109-34-14 after updating. Nothing else is listed in the changelogs, so if you own one of these phones, be on the lookout! // Verizon [2]

Leaked Firmware Points to Features for Galaxy Note 9's Bluetooth-Equipped S Pen

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 14:22:06 +0000

Ever since we learned the new S Pen for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 9 features Bluetooth, we've been scratching our heads, wondering what a Bluetooth-enabled stylus could bring to the table for users. Thanks to a recent teardown by XDA of leaked firmware for the soon-to-be-released Galaxy Tab S4, we now have a very solid idea of what to expect when it comes to features. According to the data taken by XDA, users will be able to control music playback with S Pen, control remote camera shutter functionality, access a remote phone unlock feature, as well as set up single and double press Pen actions. Here's the complete summary, as provided by XDA.

Control music with the S Pen. This will probably allow you to control music like you can with earbuds by pressing the play/pause button. The S Pen button will probably let you play and pause music while also allowing you to skip music tracks.

Use the S Pen as a remote camera shutter. This could be useful in situations where you want to take a picture of yourself and prop up your phone.

You will be able to remotely unlock your phone if the S Pen was removed from the phone and then the phone locks.

You will be able to press the S Pen button to do more in a range of apps. We don’t know about what other integrations with apps the S Pen will have, though, as the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hasn’t launched.

Press and hold the Pen button to open any app or S Pen feature.

Set up single and double press Pen actions.

While I know plenty of folks will love using some of these, even as a Note fanboy, I still don't think I'll ever use the S Pen. I'm just not a stylus lover. Samsung Galaxy Note 9. August 9 in NYC. We'll be there. // XDA

Android Distribution Updated for July: Oreo Surges to 12.1%!

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 12:39:30 +0000

Google has become somewhat erratic in updating its Android distribution numbers after updating them monthly for years. They've skipped a number of months this year, including June, but are back for July with fresh percentages. That month off has meant big things for Android Oreo, which jumped up to 12.1% (up from 5.7%). That was sarcasm, of course, because these numbers are actually pretty sad. Oreo has only hit 12.1% of the Android pie and it was released in August of last year. So after being available to Android phones for almost a year, we're at about an eighth of the Android world running the most current stable version of Android. That's not good. In terms of other numbers, we've got Nougat down to 30.8%, Marshmallow down to 23.5%, Lollipop down to 20.4%, KitKat down to 9.1%, and Jelly Bean down to 3.6%. Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich also dropped to 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively. You can view May's numbers here.

// Android Developers

Pixelbook 2 Said to Release Before Year's End

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 11:33:26 +0000

According to @evleaks, Google has a 2nd-generation Pixelbook coming, said to be released by the end of this year. The original Pixelbook launched only last year in early October. The new one, described in Evan's tweet, will feature smaller bezels, but that is the only detail provided. It seems like a safe assumption that any new Pixelbook will also run the latest silicon from Intel. Current Pixelbook models ship with the seventh generation i5 and i7, so maybe we'll see the eighth generation i5 and i7 for Pixelbook 2? Naturally, we can't talk about Google's upcoming fall lineup without also mentioning Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. From last week, we continue to see the codenames Crosshatch and Blueline appear in AOSP. And don't forget, Evan also reported back in May that we should expect to see a Pixel-branded smartwatch this year. This fall is probably going to kick major booty if you're a Google fan. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/1020891902378487808

Galaxy Watch in Rose Gold and 42mm Case Makes Appearance at Samsung's Site

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 10:53:29 +0000

We've been tracking the sh*t out of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch in recent weeks. We found the first, smaller version at the FCC in both WiFi and LTE models before also spotting the larger version with LTE at the end of last week. Today, thanks to a slip-up from Samsung, we are getting to see the smaller Galaxy Watch for the first time. The device (pictured above) is the Galaxy Watch (42mm) in Rose Gold. It was first spotted by a reader of CNET, and we've now confirmed it on Samsung's site as well. In fact, if you head to this Galaxy S2 listing, you may be able to see it in the "Related Products" section.

You can find the image for it here and the "Learn More" link in that section points to this URL, which is dead or broken. This 42mm Galaxy Watch is listed as model number SM-R810NZDAXAR, which matches up perfectly to the WiFi-only version we spotted at the FCC. Other Galaxy Watch models in this 42mm range will arrive as SM-R815, while the bigger version will be SM-R805, and more than likely, SM-R800. Since we can't view the actual listing for the device, we can only look at the image to figure out what's new. For the most part, the shape is new (less masculine), but the button setup is just like the Gear S3 Frontier. It's looking like Samsung's rotating bezel is back too. We'll update this post if we run into anything new, including the larger version.

DEAL: Honor's Summer Sun Promo Slashes $70 Off View10 ($429), $50 Off 6X ($129), $20 Off 7X ($179)

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 10:45:25 +0000

Taking place July 23 through July 31, Honor is hosting a Summer Sun promotion, complete with big discounts on its range of current smartphones. For savings, Honor has its View10 marked down to $429 ($70 off), Honor 7X at $179 ($20 off), and the Honor 6X at $129 ($50 off). To claim the savings, you'll need to register an account with Honor, then apply a coupon code that can be claimed by visiting the promotion page. Once you've claimed the coupon, add the phone to your cart, proceed to checkout, then apply the coupon. The promotion only lasts a week, so if you're in the market for a new Honor phone, now would be a great time to buy.

Honor Summer Sun Link

AR Emoji Update Offers More Flexibility When Customizing Your Look

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 09:18:03 +0000

Samsung's AR Emoji is receiving an update this week, one that should allow users to better hone in their own unique look. Before this update, users would take a photo of themselves then go through things like hair style and skin tone. There wasn't a ton of customization allowed, but thanks to this update, that'll change. Once live, you'll see new ranges for things such as your eyes, nose, lips, cheeks, as well as other facial features that may be in need of a touch-up. To help you do this, Samsung is introducing a new My Emoji Editor which will guide you through the personalization process. To top it off, not only should your emoji look more like you, but Samsung states it is enhancing the face-tracking function by 65% in landmark detector points, meaning more precise tracking when your face moves. And thanks to a frame rate boost, you'll see an improved mimic of whatever movements you make while in front of the camera. Be on the lookout for this update, select Galaxy owners. // Samsung

Qualcomm Delivers Breakthrough in 5G mmW Chip for Phones

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 08:45:00 +0000

Even though US wireless carriers want to launch 5G networks as soon as this year, companies like Qualcomm still need to get supported chips ready for devices to be able to take advantage of them. Like with 4G LTE, one of the biggest struggles early on has been creating something that is small enough to be able to pack into a modern phone design. Today, Qualcomm has announced that they've had a breakthrough in a 5G mmW technology that will do just that. Qualcomm's first fully-integrated 5G NR millimeter wave (mmW) and sub-6 GHz RF modules are ready, small enough to fit into modern phones, and will arrive in phones in the first half of 2019. Qualcomm will pair these 5G mmW and sub-6 GHz RF modules with their Snapdragon X50 5G modems to deliver you connectivity across most 5G bands that US carriers will push live over the next couple of years. The significance of having mmW support, is the fact that in most cities, mmW is what will power 5G. Millimeter Wave is the type of 5G spectrum that can produce ridiculously fast speeds, but it has limitations. It's good in the short distances without a lot of obstruction, but not so good when a building is in your way or a sign in front of you is blocking access to it. Qualcomm's mmW module will attempt to ease some of that strain by allowing manufacturers to put up to four of them in a single handset. Even if it can't overcome mmW challenges, it's at least bringing support for it, which is a big deal for people who live in cities and want gigabit speeds on their phones. As far as the sub-6 GHz RF module, this size breakthrough will help bring 5G support in rural areas. It's a lot like the opposite of mmW. That's a lot of technical speak, but just know that Qualcomm has a 5G modem ready for phones, and now also has support for two additional technologies that'll bring 5G to life. // Qualcomm

DEAL: Save $40 on a 3-Pack of Google WiFi at Amazon

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 14:47:04 +0000

I've been using Google WiFi in my home since launch and I love it. If you've been in the market for a mesh system for your own home, Google's is a solid choice, and Amazon is currently selling a 3-pack for $258 ($40 off usual $299 price). With it, you have your first point connected to your modem, then can wirelessly connect up to two additional WiFi points throughout your home for better signal. Since my office is upstairs, I have two points up there, plus one in the living room to hardwire a SHIELD TV and provide better WiFi signal for guests. It's very clutch and I recommend it for everyone. If you don't already own Google WiFi, it's likely you haven't kept up to date on the new features it has received since launch. Thanks to a recent update, users can check the speeds of individual devices on their network and another update provided site blocking settings. If interested, follow the link below. Amazon Link

Question of the Day: How Much Have You Spent on Paid Apps and In-App Purchases?

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 11:47:23 +0000

A few years ago, we asked our readers how much they had spent on paid Android apps and in-app purchases. Back in 2015, I was sitting at $415.97 of total purchases through Google Play. Today, I'm at $694.47. That includes apps I've paid for as well as money I've spent via in-app purchases, at least according to the app I used to calculate the figure. After breaking down my figure, I realize that I spend a lot on in-app purchases. Whether it be my favorite Star Wars game or simply removing ads from other apps, all of that money does add up and it's good to keep in mind how much money we are allocating to certain things in life. The app I used to determine these amounts is My Paid Apps. You can use it if you want a quick overview, go to your own Google Play activity overview page and add up all of the amounts, or just throw a ballpark figure down below. So, what's the damage?

AT&T Adds 3 New Markets to List of Places to See Mobile 5G This Year

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 10:09:28 +0000

Earlier this year, AT&T announced that Dallas, Waco, and Atlanta would see mobile 5G before the end of this year. This week, they've gone and added three other markets to this list -- Charlotte, Raleigh, and Oklahoma City. If you live in one of these cities, congratulations, you'll see mobile 5G by the end of this year. If you don't see your city named, don't worry! AT&T has stated it intends to offer mobile 5G in up to a dozen US cities this year, so keep your fingers crossed. On top of this excitement, AT&T also announced it has added 8 new markets of LTE-LAA (AT&T LAA reference at bottom of linked post). Those cities are Austin, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, San Antonio, San Jose, Tampa, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. LTE-LAA has peak theoretical wireless speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second on capable devices, which is much faster than the 16Mbps I currently see on AT&T's 4G LTE network in my living room. For those wondering how they will access this mobile 5G, the company still says it will release a new 5G-capable WiFi hotspot by the end of the year. // AT&T

Second, Bit Larger Samsung Galaxy Watch Stops by FCC (Updated: WiFi Model)

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:39:21 +0000

Yesterday we discovered Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch, one with model numbers SM-R815U and SM-R815W, went through the FCC. Thanks to not everything being hidden behind confidentiality, we learned we can expect that variant of Galaxy Watch to feature a size measurement of 51.2mm x 43.4mm, as well as a 1.2" display. This morning, we've discovered yet another Galaxy Watch model stopping off at the FCC. From what we've learned so far, this model, shown to be SM-R805U, has a slightly larger body of 48mm and a display size of approximately 1.3". From the diagrams found in FCC records, we can clearly see that the cases for the two different models differ every so slightly.

Larger R805U vs. Smaller R815U

According to filings, this larger Galaxy Watch has the exact same LTE band support as the smaller one. You can see those below. With these bands, it seems safe to assume support on all major US carriers. In summary, we now have two variants of Samsung Galaxy Watch, one slightly larger and differing in case design than the other. Our expectations are that there will be WiFi and LTE models for both variants, with the larger WiFi-only model carrying the model number SM-R800. We'll keep our eyes peeled for that one. UPDATE 7/23: As expected, the WiFi model has now cleared the FCC and it is model number SM-R800. Nothing else has changed outside of the lack of LTE.

// FCC

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Just Keep Showing Up in AOSP

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 15:46:15 +0000

Back in October of last year, we revealed what we believed to be three possible codenames for Google's 2018 line of Pixel phones. A trusted source of ours said that "crosshatch," "blueline," and "albacore" were all devices in testing at that time. We initially shared the names because crosshatch had made a surprise appearance. Then blueline followed up a few weeks ago, though albacore never has surfaced. Now that both crosshatch and blueline have been spotted, Google hasn't held back in referencing them in AOSP commits. If you look back, basically from June 1 on, the work being put into the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL has only picked up. You can find crosshatch mentions here and blueline mentions here. There's a new "Pixel 3" mention here too. In most cases, blueline and crosshatch are mentioned together, but here and there we see them joined by last year's Pixel 2 (walleye) and Pixel 2 XL (taimen), as well as the original Pixel (sailfish) and Pixel XL (marlin):

We still don't know which device is which. However, if you look at blueline and crosshatch fish pictures, the blueline is the bigger of the two. Not that that's definitive proof that blueline is the Pixel 3 XL and crosshatch is Pixel 3, but that has been the case in the past. Remember, the Nexus 6 was codenamed "shamu" and was indeed a giant whale. One thing I'll say for Google is that they've done a great job so far at keeping details of the Pixel 3 line pretty quiet. Other than that Pixel 3 XL prototype and some CAD renders, the leaks have been held in check. That could change here shortly, though, especially if Google keeps their October release timeframe from previous years.

DEAL: Best Buy Drops $300 Off Pixel 2 XL, $150 Off Pixel 2

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 14:15:09 +0000

Verizon is still running a BOGO deal on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, but if you only need a single phone, Best Buy has the current best deal. The Verizon Pixel 2 at Best Buy is $150 off and the Pixel 2 XL is $300 off. Of course, this "deal" arrives in the form of a discount that has been spread out over 24 months, so rather than $150 or $300 off today, you'll see a monthly discount on your bill. That basically eliminates anyone who would rather buy the phone at full retail and receive a discount. However, if you plan to stay with Verizon, this is still technically a deal. Pricing would look like this:

Pixel 2 64GB: $20.83/mo
Pixel 2 128GB: $24.99/mo
Pixel 2 XL 64GB: 22.91/mo
Pixel 2 XL 128GB: 27.07/mo

Best Buy only sells the Verizon version, so you have to activate the phone on Verizon with a monthly payment plan in order to get the $150 or $300 off. Buy Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL at Best Buy

You Can Now Tell When Instagram Friends Are Online in Latest Update

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 13:10:36 +0000

Instagram announced an update for all users this week. Inside, Instagram app users can now see when friends are online via a new green dot you'll see next to their profile image. You'll see these dots through various parts of the app, such as your messages inbox and when you share a post from the feed. Make note, only those who follow each other or have messaged each other within the Instagram app will be sharing their online status. For example, I won't be able to tell when my favorite Instagram model is online because they refuse to follow me back, even after I shot my best shot to their DMs. It hurts to be rejected, folks. As for privacy concerns, here is what Instagram says in its post.

You will only see status for friends who follow you or people who you have talked to in Direct. You can easily hide your own status and turn off the ability to see when your friends are active in your settings.

If you're down with anyone you're friends with knowing when you're online, have at it. If you're still trying to ghost your exes, you may want to have it disabled from inside the settings. Google Play Link // Instagram

Android P Developer Preview 3 for OnePlus 6 is Worth Your Time

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 11:42:17 +0000

OnePlus released the Developer Preview 3 build for Android P to the OnePlus 6 this week, and considering how problematic DP2 was, I was hesitant to flash this new build to my daily driver. I'm very glad I did, though! From what I can tell so far after about 24 hours on DP3, OnePlus went through this Android P build with a fine tooth comb and fixed nearly all of the issues I encountered with the last. For you OnePlus 6 owners, I'll walk you through the changes you can expect to see, as well as the battery life and performance I've experienced. If you want to take my word for it and don't mind wiping your device, scroll all the way to the bottom of this post to find flashing instructions.

Android P Changes

Beyond OnePlus' own changelog for what's new in this build, this could be your first experience with Android P, so let me provide you with a quick crash course. The first things you'll notice are the new bubbly look for the UI, as well as various color changes. UI tweaks have been made to the Settings menu, volume controls, as well as the Recent Apps area. On the OnePlus 6, the Recent Apps button brings up previews for the apps you've exited. You can swipe them up to be dismissed or use the "X" button to clear them all at once.

After installing Android P, I've also noticed that OnePlus' Gaming Mode has become much more aggressive when activating itself during gameplay. Before, you would open a game and not even know the phone had a Gaming Mode unless you searched for it in the Settings menu. Now, whenever you open a game, you'll see the phone enters Gaming Mode and let's you customize the various options for it as you see fit. You can block notifications, optimize the processor, and more. Just as it is before flashing Android P, the Settings menu houses the UI navigation choices, which lets you toggle between a standard Home, Back, and Recents setup, plus the full on gesture navigation option. With that enabled, you can swipe up from the bottom center of the screen to return home, or swipe up on the sides to go back. If you swipe up and hold your finger you'll access your recent applications.

With Android P on OnePlus 6, I'm seeing the same access to Theme customization (Default, Light, Dark), Accent Color options, access to OnePlus Switch, plus plenty more. From Oreo, none of that has changed. If you want a walkthrough of all things Android P, look here and here.

Performance

Unlike the last Developer Preview OnePlus released, DP3 is completely usable as a daily driver. Performance for the phone is very smooth, and you'll even notice the subtle animation tweaks that have been done for Android P. I've been consuming plenty of YouTube and playing games, and so far, I have run into zero issues with regard to performance. I have also opened up the camera and made sure that was working good. From what I've noticed so far, it's great. OnePlus specifically mentions they improved image quality in this build and I'd concur that they have. After flashing, you'll see the phone's Portrait mode is working just fine on both the front and back cameras, too. To top it off, Google Lens is completely up and running inside of DP3, granting users access to object identification, QR code scanning, and more. If you were worried about jank, don't be, DP3 for OP6 is good to go.

Battery Life

My biggest concern with the previous Developer Preview was battery life. As soon as I had flashed the DP2 build, the phone was running extremely hot and I was noticing crazy battery drain. All those problem have vanished in DP3, so if you had that same concern, I'm here telling you that it appears to have been corrected by OnePlus. For those still worried, I can report back in a week or so and let you know about screen on times or if I run into any issues.

Bugs

The only bug I've stumbled across so far is a Launcher issue. Twice already, I'm unable to access the app drawer by swiping up on the bottom row of apps. I've found that either a reboot will correct it. It's sort of annoying, but at least there's an easy fix. For those who had overheating phones and Bluetooth problems in the last build, I can only speak for myself, but those issues seem to have been addressed. On the changelog, OnePlus does state you may come across system stability and battery issues, but so far, I'm running smooth. If you missed it, see the full changelog for DP3 here.

Stop Wasting Time, Go Install It

Flashing Developer Preview builds on OnePlus 6 couldn't be easier. From your phone or computer (preferably your phone so no data transfer is required), hit this link to download the zip package. Once the 1.5GB file is on your phone's storage, head into the Settings menu. In there, scroll all the way to the bottom and click on System. Scroll all the way to the bottom again and click System Updates. In the top right, select the gear icon and choose Local Upgrade. In this menu you will see the Developer Preview file on your phone's storage, labeled as OnePlus6Oxygen_DP3_OTA_all_1807141357_.zip. Tap on it and select "Install Now." The phone will then install the update in the background. Once at 100%, shut your phone off using the hardware power button. Once off, boot the phone into Recovery Mode by holding on the volume down button and power button simultaneously. Once in Recovery, wipe your phone's data/cache, then reboot the phone. Super easy! If my instructions weren't clear enough, OnePlus lists them out, too.

Google's Fuchsia OS Could be on Smart Devices in 3 Years or Nothing at All

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 11:02:45 +0000

Google's Fuchsia OS is an odd creature. We've seen it evolve publicly for the past couple of years into a Google-built preview-able operating system that could replace Android some day. Or maybe it won't. It could also become an OS for smart devices, like smart speakers or displays. Or maybe it won't. Most of the goal of Fuchsia is a mystery, but Bloomberg provided some additional information today that hints at where it might lead, which again, is either somewhere or nowhere. According to Bloomberg sources, this is what we know about Fuchsia today:

There are more than 100 Googlers working on it.
Google's design boss and shirt god, Matias Duarte, is involved with Fuchsia on a part-time basis.
Some engineers want it to work on home devices, like smart speakers, within 3 years.
The team behind it would love to see it on smartphones in about 5 years.
They also hope that it'll work on 3rd party devices in a way that Android does.
Sundar Pichai and Hiroshi Lockheimer haven't signed off on any roadmap for Fuchsia, because Android is way too damn big and important to the company.
Internally, Google's advertising folks hate Fuchsia because it wants to up the privacy of things like location and activity.
Finally, a person who talked with Fuchsia staff said that it could really just be a "senior-engineer retention project." In other words, it's a long-shot project that may or may not go anywhere, but will let long-time minds at the company stay busy rather than leave for a competitor.

Honestly, I don't know what to think of Fuchsia. As a from-the-ground-up Google-built OS, it seems like a heck of an undertaking. Of course, Google is the type of company to try something like this, but as far as it coming to a device soon, we're so far away from that happening, that you have to wonder how much longer Google will keep talent on it. On the flip side, in 3-5 years, the smartphone industry could change completely and something like Fuchsia could be exactly what we need. Or maybe by then, Google will have found some uses for Fuchsia within Android. I don't know. // Bloomberg

Expect LG V40 to Launch in October, Feature Triple Rear Cameras

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 09:14:01 +0000

According to a new report out of South Korea, we can expect LG's V40 ThinQ to launch around early October in Korea. Whether that means we will see it in the US that same time is unclear, but my money is on V40 ThinQ being available globally around mid-October. The report says LG specifically planned this release to be about a month behind Samsung's Galaxy Note 9, just to ease competition between the two firms. For features, it's reported the device will feature a triple rear camera setup, as well as a dual camera system on front that allows for 3D facial recognition. This info aligns with a previous report that spoke of 5 cameras being present on the V40 back in June. Additionally, the design is said to be nearly bezel-less, which is similar to what LG did on last year's V30 and this year's G7. As for when we will see this phone unveiled, the report says LG will host its own event around mid-September and we shouldn't expect to see it at IFA 2018. This year, IFA runs from August 31 to September 5, so if the report is accurate, we'll see it shortly after. V40 ThinQ is already getting me excited with talks of a triple camera and 3D facial tech. Bring it on, LG. // ETNews

Samsung Galaxy Watch Hits FCC With WiFi and LTE Connectivity (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 20:08:38 +0000

This morning, a report suggested that Samsung's next watch was indeed called Galaxy Watch, but that it would run Tizen 4.0 instead of fulfilling the rumor of Samsung's switch back to Wear OS. Tonight, we can 100% confirm the name of Samsung Galaxy Watch, thanks to FCC documents that just went live. As you can see from the images we included here that were snapped from FCC pages, the device says "SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH" across its back case. That sort of takes any mystery out of it.

In addition to the name, we can gather that the Galaxy Watch model numbers will be SM-R815U and SM-R815W. The R815U model should be for the US, while the R815W is for Canada. The case measures in at 51.2mm x 43.4mm, so it's on the bigger side for a watch, yet smaller for a smartwatch. The display measures diagonally at 30.2mm which converts to about 1.2-inches. Here are the supported LTE/WiFi/Bluetooth bands tested:

Looking at those, we have LTE support on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. It sure looks like Samsung plans to either sell this at all carriers or as some sort of unlocked watch that can be activated on each. There wasn't a mention of the software that it runs, so we aren't able to confirm Tizen over Wear OS. My money is on Tizen, though.

UPDATE: Shortly after posting about the LTE-equipped Galaxy Watch, the WiFi-only model hit the FCC too. The WiFi model will be SM-R810. UPDATE 7/24: We've now got a third Galaxy Watch model number, again thanks to the FCC, this time as SM-R815F. This is an LTE variant, with the F likely indicating its international pedigree. Like the Galaxy S line, we often see "F" on the ends of model numbers meaning non-North American. What's interesting is that the FCC didn't test LTE for this model like they did with SM-R815U and 815W. The documents reveal that the watch was codenamed "Galileo" and that it does have a 1.2" display, just like we figured above. // FCC [2]

DEAL: Essential Selling Its 360 Camera for Just $19, Down From $199 (Updated)

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 15:33:45 +0000

Don't ask us why, but Essential is currently selling its 360 Camera for only $19, down from its usual price of $199. With dual sensors and built-in microphones, the 360 camera is capable of shooting 4K video with 3D spatial audio, perfect for uploading from your Essential Phone to YouTube, Facebook, and other sites. Talk about great timing, considering there are probably quite a few new Essential Phone owners following the $250 price we saw for the phone during Amazon's Prime Day event. If interested, you best hurry! Update: For those who recently purchased one of these devices or another Essential accessory before this promotion took place, Essential appears to be sending out refunds to cover the difference. Props, Essential. Please, make another phone and don't leave us! (Cheers, Shane!) Essential Link

Latest Essential AMA: Android Q Support, Camera Features Roadmap, and More

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 14:26:27 +0000

Essential is still doing its monthly Ask Me Anythings over on reddit, providing its community with an opportunity to ask actual Essential staff anything related to Essential and the Essential Phone. This time around, folks asked about Android P beta updates and even got to discussing support for Android Q. Interestingly, Essential said that it does plan on supporting Android Q on the PH-1, so long as the schedule Google provides doesn't differ from Android P's with regard to timing. That's great news for Essential owners. Of course, there were plenty of people asking about the phone's camera and any other improvements they can expect in future updates. The team states they are constantly working to improve it on all fronts, but may get sidetracked here and there by more pressing issues. Here are the highlights from the most recent AMA.

Can you comment on the Essential camera feature roadmap? Are we going to get features like Panorama, Manual mode and Photo Sphere before the phones End-of-life?

As we’ve done previously, we’ll provide periodic updates to the Essential Camera app. Top crashes, performance improvements, security fixes, and high impact bugs will be on top of our to-do list. Select feature updates could likely make their way into these updates. At this time we have no new features planned for immediate release.

Manual camera?

We looked at this feature extensively and decided to address more pressing items on our to-do list. Top crashes, performance improvements, security fixes, and high impact bugs will be on top of our to-do list for the foreseeable future.

Are you aware of the recent [Bluetooth] issues and have any paths to a solution?

We are aware of these issues and have been doing a deep dive in to trying to find a root cause. Hopefully we can find a solution and get that out to all of you in the near future.

Any ETA on this DAC release?

No dates yet but we are getting close and they sound awesome!

Can you simply tell us a yes or no on whether we should expect the PH-1 to get Android Q?

I don't have any information about when Q would drop, and obviously that would have an effect on this answer. Assuming the schedule for Q is like the schedule for P we plan to do it. [...] We made a commitment to our users when they made a commitment to our products, and we intend to stand by it.

What's something you're excited to tell us?

I'm just starting to get my hands on some cool new stuff and oh man do I wish I could tell you.

Any updates on improving the PH-1's Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for video capture.

We looked at this feature extensively and decided to defer it relative to other more pressing items on our to-do list. Top crashes, performance improvements, security fixes and high impact bugs will be on top of our to-do list for the foreseeable future.

Any chance that we can get notch settings in the Android P beta?

It's possible, We are going to wait and see what Google does in the final release build before we manipulate the notch any further. We have worked very closely with them on the notch implementation so they are using our best practices. After the final drop, we will access if it makes sense to put the settings option back in. Good news is a lot of us here like you want it in.

Any chance of adding exFAT support to the PH-1?

Unfortunately we don't have any current plans to add exFAT support at this time.

What are you most excited about/looking forward to bringing to the PH-1 with Android P?

It's demonstrating our ability to continue to deliver android updates with little to 0 latency behind Google. We have a lot of pride in getting our customers updates early and often and we will continue to do so for you guys.

Can you tell us an Andy Rubin story?

He's very generous sharing his 40 year old Whiskey.

The full AMA can be found right here.

Corning Gorilla Glass 6 is Official, "Up to Two Times Better" Than Gorilla Glass 5

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 11:58:19 +0000

Corning announced its new Gorilla Glass material today, called Gorilla Glass 6. It has been two years since they first announced Gorilla Glass 5, a material that has been featured on almost every single flagship smartphone, so yeah, it was probably time for something newer and tougher. With the new Gorilla Glass 6, Corning says that they are delivering the "toughest cover glass available for consumer mobile devices," and that it is their most durable to date. This new Gorilla Glass 6 is made from an "entirely new material" that can withstand multiple drops. It's able to do so because Corning chemically strengthened the material by using higher levels of compression over their previous release. During lab tests, it survived 15 drops from 1 meter onto a rough surface and is "up to two times better than Gorilla Glass 5." Two times better at what, I do not know, but double anything is good, right? Corning's Gorilla Glass 6 should arrive on the market in devices within the "next several months." // Corning

Another Report Claims Samsung Will Release Foldable Phone With 7" Display Early Next Year

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 11:35:54 +0000

The latest intel from Wall Street Journal suggests Samsung will release its foldable smartphone, codenamed Winner, early next year. This aligns with a similar report we wrote up in mid-June. Unfortunately, WSJ also reports that the phone's price will be no laughing matter, but that also goes along with the same report I just mentioned. According to WSJ's sources who are familiar with Samsung's plan, the foldable phone will feature a roughly 7" display that folds in half. When folded, there will be a secondary display on front, while camera(s) will be on the backside. As for pricing, WSJ reports that the phone's price could be well over $1,500, which as I stated, aligns with the report we wrote up in June that stated the phone could cost around $1,800. Interestingly, sources say Samsung isn't anticipating a ton of sales at first, but hopes that being the first to market a foldable device such as this will get at least a few folks excited. Written in the report, "Samsung is betting that the phone’s novelty could be enough to convince some premium users to take the plunge." While this foldable smartphone is said to be one of Samsung's top priorities at the moment, everything about it from design to launch timing could still change, according to WSJ. We have been discussing foldable phones for what feels like a few years now. Let's say Samsung releases this phone for the price of $1,699 or maybe even a little cheaper. Would you take the plunge? // Wall Street Journal (Subscription)

Android P Developer Preview 3 Now Up for OnePlus 6!

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 09:38:19 +0000

Developer Preview 3 for Android P is now available to OnePlus 6 owners, following the unstable mess that was DP2. In this build, OnePlus cites an updated security patch level to July, updated Google Mobile Services, improved system stability, as well as a fix for hotspot functionality. Here is the full changelog.

Changelog

System
- Updated Android security patch to 2018.7
- Updated Google Mobile Services
- Improved system stability
- Fixed issue with hotspot functionality
Camera
- Improved image quality
- Fixed issue with watermark option functionality
Third-Party Apps
- Improved camera functionality with third-party apps
- Fixed compatibility issues with certain third-party apps

Other known Issues

System
- System stability and power consumption issues
Bluetooth
- Compatibility issues with Bluetooth connectivity
Third-Party Apps
- Some apps may not function as expected when running on this Developer preview release

Ready to get it up and running on your OnePlus 6? Follow the link below! OnePlus Link

TicWatch Pro Review

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 08:51:10 +0000

Report: Samsung's Next Wearable Definitely Called Galaxy Watch, Definitely Doesn't Run Wear OS (Updated)

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 08:49:58 +0000

According to SamMobile, a reliable source when it comes to all things Samsung, there will be no Gear S4 smartwatch from Samsung this year. Instead, the OEM will launch its next wearable under Galaxy branding, ultimately settling on Galaxy Watch.

UPDATE: We've got confirmation on the name, thanks to FCC documents. We also know the case and display size, as well as the supported WiFi and LTE bands.

While there were rumors concerning the OS to be found on Galaxy Watch, that has all been laid to rest this morning, too. In SamMobile's report, they confirm we can expect to see Tizen 4.0 running on Galaxy Watch, not Google's Wear OS. On top of Tizen 4.0, it's reported Bixby will be present on Galaxy Watch. There's still no official word on the street for when we might see this device launch, but we can't imagine it will be too far behind Galaxy Note 9 next month. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Wear OS fans. // SamMobile

When It Comes to US Carrier Download Speeds, T-Mobile and Verizon are Basically Equal (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 08:47:56 +0000

Speed will always be a big part of the decision you make between this wireless carrier and that one. Sure, coverage is arguably more important, but we do care that when connected to a nearby tower, that we can watch HD+ video on our QHD screens, stream music without hiccups, and get to Droid Life in a hurry. And so we look at reports, like the newest from Ookla, to see which carrier is king of speed. As it stands today, according to Ookla's 2018 US Mobile Performance Report for Q1-Q2, you should see the best speeds whether you are on T-Mobile or Verizon, but not so much on AT&T and Sprint. In this new report, Ookla takes test results from their SpeedTest service and then analyzes it to determine which carrier might be the best across the nation, in particular states, in rural areas, and in the largest cities. This time around, they used data from 2.8M users, 12.4M tests, and 523M data points. What were the results? T-Mobile came out on top in the nationwide speed score test for Q1-Q2 of 2018. With an average speed score of 27.86Mbps, they topped Verizon's speed score of 26.02Mbps. AT&T came in third with 22.17Mbps and Sprint finished last at 20.38Mbps.

As you can see from those averages, there is a sizable gap between the top 2 and the bottom 2. Ookla equates those numbers to T-Mobile's use of their newly acquired 600MHz spectrum to expand their footprint, as well as deployment of License Assisted Access (LAA) with Carrier Aggregation. Verizon has stayed towards the top by adding additional cell sites in cities and also by pushing out 256QAM and 4x4 MIMO. So look, those numbers are fun and all, but what about in cities, where a large chunk (80%) of the population lives? According to this report, Verizon (just barely) tops the speed charts in MSAs (metropolitan statistical areas), but comes up just short of T-Mobile in RSAs (rural service areas). As far as the top markets go, Verizon took the crown in 45 of 100 cities, T-Mobile won 33, AT&T won 12, and Sprint grabbed 5. To see the entire list and which carrier won each, hit up that link at the bottom of this post.

Moving on to states, T-Mobile was the fastest at the state-level in 31 states. The report notes that they were the best in the southeast, southwest, and west coast. Verizon was the best in 13 states, while AT&T topped in 4 and Sprint managed 1 (Colorado). On a somewhat separate and interesting note, Ookla also tested speeds between the top two phones on the market today, the Galaxy S9 and iPhone X. The speeds from each carrier show that the Galaxy S9 is the faster of the two by quite a lot, particularly because of the antenna setup on the S9 vs. the iPhone X. I'm not sure it matters which phone won from each carrier, but you can see those results below.

What's the conclusion? That your best bet in terms of speeds from a carrier today is the choice between T-Mobile and Verizon. They are almost identical across the country as far as download speeds go. That's been the case for a while, though. What you should care more about are the individual city and state results, as those will help you decide which is the best for you, not these general nationwide bragging rights type of numbers. But then again, that's always been the case.

UPDATE: Just realized in my inbox that OpenSignal also released its latest wireless network report this morning, the State of Mobile Networks: USA (July 2018). They used data for 385K devices with 8.1B measurements to determine, like Ookla, that T-Mobile is the current speed king with Verizon right behind them. Here are OpenSignal's 4G speed rankings:

OpenSignal is reporting a big surge in speeds from T-Mobile and Verizon since their last report, with both carriers topping 20Mbps speeds for the first time. That meant a dominant performance by both in cities. T-Mobile won 9 markets for download speeds, while Verizon won in 13. In remaining cities, either T-Mobile or Verizon tied another carrier for the top spot. What about availability? Here are the 4G availability rankings:

In the battle over city availbility, AT&T and Sprint just couldn't compete. Of 47 cities that were analyzed, Verizon or T-Mobile either won or shared the top spot for speed in 46 of them. Verizon took the individual crown in 20, but tied with T-Mobile in 25 others. T-Mobile only won a single market (Vegas). // Ookla | OpenSignal

T-Mobile Introduces $5/Day International Pass With 512MB of LTE Data

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 14:56:15 +0000

T-Mobile expanded on its international coverage today by adding another 70 countries to the list of places you can take your T-Mobile ONE plan without charge. In addition to the new countries, the Uncarrier is also adding a $5/day option that gets you out of 2G hell and into LTE data while you are out of the country. Starting July 22, T-Mobile's Simple Global feature expands to 210 total countries (up from 140). It's still included in T-Mobile ONE plans at no charge and allows for unlimited texting and 2G data when abroad, as well as $0.25/min flat rate calling. On August 1, the new $5/day international data passes will be available to improve your global experience. Once purchased through your account, you'll be able to use 512MB of LTE data per day and take advantage of unlimited calling in Simple Global countries. 2G data, lol. // T-Mobile

Tuesday Poll: Are You an Amazon Echo or Google Home Household?

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 13:55:42 +0000

Last year in May, we asked our readers if they owned either an Echo or Google Home device for their home. Surprisingly, Neither was the winner in that poll, with 34% of voters saying they didn't have either device in their house. Second place in that poll went to Google Home with 32% of the vote. As a followup, we're back to ask the same question, except this time, I'm expecting the results to be a bit different. Since last May, we've seen the launch of Google Home Mini, which makes having Google Assistant in your home extremely affordable. There is even a really expensive Home Max version for the more audio-inclined folks among us. On that basis alone, I suspect Google Home ownership has skyrocketed. Let's find out! [poll id="486"]

Google Brings Back Blob Emoji, Available as Stickers for Gboard and Android Messages

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 12:24:56 +0000

Google killed off its blob emoji as the native emoji for Android last year, but to celebrate World Emoji Day, the company has announced that its bringing them back to live inside of Gboard and Android Messages. If you want to be technical, you could still access these lovable blob emoji via Allo, but since Allo is dead, the blobs weren't being very useful there. To access the blobs, open up the sticker selection part of Gboard and you'll find all of your favorites ready usage. Google Play Link https://twitter.com/Google/status/1019291521626099722

Netflix's FAST.com Now Shows Connection Latency and Upload Speed

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 11:04:59 +0000

Netflix's internet speed testing site, FAST, is getting updated to show upload speeds and connection latency. This is clutch, simply because the service only ever detailed download speeds before this change. While we can all understand the basic principles behind upload speed and latency, Netflix takes it step to further to also test your network on both loaded and unloaded connections. I'll let them do the explaining for that.

Latency – which refers to the time it takes for data to travel from a user’s device to the server and back – will be measured on both unloaded and loaded connections. Unloaded latency measures the round-trip time of a request when there is no other traffic present on a user’s network, while loaded latency measures the round-trip time when data-heavy applications are being used on the network.

To get all the details for your own connection, follow the link below, then when the download speed test is done, tap on "Show more info." FAST.com Link // Netflix

Google Now is Back! Well, Sort of in Google Assistant's New Visual Snapshot

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 10:42:20 +0000

Google Now was easily one of the best features I think that Google has ever released on Android. Its awareness of your day made commutes, flight status checks, and sports score updates more convenient. Of course, it has long-been killed (or buried away) in favor of Google's awful news Feed, but it's now making a return of sorts, thanks to the Google Assistant. Starting this week, Google is rolling out a new visual snapshot to Google Assistant that shows you a lot of what Google Now used to. It'll provide proactive suggestions and personalized info like travel times, upcoming meetings, recent orders it finds in your inbox, flight status, bill due dates, movie reservations, reminders, stocks, etc. This info will adjust based on time of day, location, and recent interactions with Assistant. OK, now that I've typed that, it really is the return of Google Now.

Google says that - like Google Now - they plan to add more features to it. That could mean notes or lists from Google Keep and Todoist, quicker ways to find activities nearby, reminders for where you parked, or recommendations on music and podcasts. To access this new visual snapshot, you'll fire up Google Assistant, then look for that new blue icon in the top right corner that can be seen in the GIF above (this one). Again, it should be rolling this week. If you aren't seeing it right away, try and be patient. // Google

Here is the Galaxy Note 9

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:43:33 +0000

Thanks to a casual Twitter drop, we now know what the Galaxy Note 9 looks like from almost all angles. And yes, it sure looks like we'll get an S Pen that purposely contrasts the color of the phone. The image arrives courtesy of @evleaks, showing the front of the Galaxy Note 9, as well as most of the backside and a free-standing S Pen. The phone's color is a blueish tone, while the S Pen holds onto the "I just ate some asparagus" shade. The front image doesn't reveal much other than a similar aesthetic to the Galaxy Note 8. There's no notch (!), just matching top and bottom bezel. We can see a Bixby button under the volume rocker, though. As you can see from the backside, we've got a centered fingerprint reader that drops below the dual-camera housing, just like on the Galaxy S9 and S9+. The dual camera setup appears to show two different sizes of lenses, which is going to ruin the day of everyone who cares about symmetry, continuity, or pretty design.

Also:

How zany. // @evleaks

Alto's Odyssey Confirmed to Launch July 26 for Android

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:30:37 +0000

Alto's Odyssey launched February 22 for iOS. Since then, I've been a mess. I can't eat, can't sleep. All I can think about is how iOS users are having more fun than me, and frankly, I can't take it anymore! Thankfully, the developers behind the game have confirmed that July 26 is the day that all Android gamers have been waiting for. Next Thursday, Alto's Odyssey will be available for Android! If you enjoyed the first Alto's game as much as we did or maybe not even as much as we did, Alto's Odyssey will bring back that excitement, complete with a new world for you to board across. The developers published the above trailer to announce the launch date, but also show plenty of gameplay to give you an idea of what to expect. You can follow the link below to pre-register for the game or just let us remind you of when it's live on Google Play, because believe me, we will remind you. Google Play Link (Pre-registration)

OxygenOS 5.1.9 Said to do Wonders for OnePlus 6 Camera, Includes Google Lens Inside

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:46:48 +0000

If OnePlus' changelog is to be believed, the cameras found on the backside of the OnePlus 6 are about to get a whole lot better. Thanks to an OxygenOS update labeled as version 5.1.9, many camera improvements are inside the update, as well as a new Google-made feature that many may find useful. For improvements, users can expect to see better clarity and edge detection in Portrait Mode, as well as better focus speed and focus accuracy. This is all very needed in our opinion. However, on top of just improvements, OnePlus is adding a dedicated Google Lens feature inside of its camera app, granting access to quick QR code scanning, plus an image recognition tool that can lead to more information on books, buildings around you, artwork, and more. Here is the full list of improvements that OnePlus details. Camera Improvements

Improved clarity
Improved dynamic range
Improved edge detection in Portrait Mode
Improved focusing speed and accuracy

For owners of OnePlus 6, expect to see this OTA hit your device soon! // OnePlus

Amazon Prime Day 2018: DAY 2 - Best Deals and Biggest Discounts (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:33:47 +0000

Amazon Prime Day is back for day 2! After a couple of really good deals from day 1 that mostly soldout, we're now putting together some fresh stuff that has caught our eye. Because in case you didn't realize it, today is the full Prime Day day. We might have gotten off to a start at noon yesterday, but we're going all of the way through until midnight tonight (July 17). If anything, Amazon and its Prime day are only getting started. Before we dive in, be sure to look through yesterday's list of deals here. You may see some of those again on this post and that's likely because they are good and still in stock. For the most part, we'll try to bring you the new goodness here, though.

Prime Day: Day 2 Best Deals

Lightning: NVIDIA SHIELD TV - $139 ($40 off)
Lightning: Google WiFi 3-Pack - $239 ($60 off)
Amazon Warehouse (extra 20% off select items)
Bose QuietComfort 25 for Android - $125.00 ($174 off)
Mobvoi Ticwatch E - $108.79 (51.20 off)
SanDisk Ultra 64GB mciroSD Card - $13.99 ($11 off)
SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD Card – $139.99 ($44 off)
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (US unlocked) - $649.99 ($300 off)
Samsung Galaxy S9 Bundle (includes free Echo, Echo Spot, SmartThings Kit) - $719.99
Samsung Galaxy S9+ Bundle (includes free Echo, Echo Spot, SmartThings Kit) - $839.99
Razer Phone – $524.65 ($75 off)
Moto X4 Prime Exclusive – $199.99 ($150 off)
LG V35 ThinQ Prime Exclusive – $599.99 ($300 off)
Nokia 2 - $79.20 ($19 off)
August Smart Lock - $111.50 ($38.49 off)
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect - $237.99 ($42 off)
Google Pixelbook (i5, 8GB, 128GB) - $749.00 ($250 off)
Google Pixelbook (i5, 8GB, 256GB) - $949.00 ($250 off)
Google Pixelbook (i7, 16GB, 512GB) - $1,399.00 ($250 off)
Lightning: Anker Quick Charge 3.0 5-Port charger - $22.49
Lightning: Anker USB-C 5-Port Power Delivery charger - $24.74

Amazon's Stuff

Amazon Echo

Echo Dot – $29.99 ($20 off)
Echo Spot – $99.99 ($30 off)
Echo Show – $129.99 ($100 off)
Echo – $69.99 ($30 off)
Echo Plus – $99.99 ($50 off)
Echo Look – $99.99 ($100 off)

Amazon Fire

Toshiba 43″ 4K Fire TV Edition – $289.99 ($110 off)
Fire TV Cube – $89.99 ($30 off)
Fire TV Stick – $19.99 ($20 off)
Fire TV with 4K – $34.99 ($35 off)
Fire HD 10 Tablet – $99.99 ($50 off)
Fire HD 8 Tablet – $49.99 ($30 off)
Fire 7 Tablet – $29.99 ($20 off)
Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet – $89.99 ($40 off)
Fire 7 Kids Tablet – $69.99 ($30 off)

Other Amazon Devices

Ring Doorbell Pro – $174.00 ($75 off)
Amazon Cloud Cam – $59.99 ($60 off)
Kindle Paperwhite – $79.99 ($40 off)
Dash Buttons – $0.99 ($4 off)

Verizon Confirms That It Will No Longer Activate 3G Phones (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:17:22 +0000

If you are holding onto an older 3G phone from Verizon, hoping that one day you'll activate it and re-live the glory days of tech life where we didn't stare at screens for 5-6 hours per day, it's time to give it up. Verizon is no longer activating 3G-only phones. Instead, they will only accept 4G LTE-equipped phones going forward. Earlier this year, rumors circulated suggesting that Verizon would stop activating 3G phones by June or July. In the past week, a couple of readers reached out to let us know that Verizon had turned them down for trying, so we reached out to Verizon who confirmed that it is indeed the end for 3G phones:

For several years we've been been publicly saying that our 3G CDMA network will remain available through the end of 2019. Virtually all traffic on our network is on our 4G LTE network. To facilitate a smooth transition to 4G LTE capable products and services, we are no longer allowing devices that are not 4G LTE capable to be activated on our network.

Now, as is noted in the statement above, Verizon has committed to shutting down its 3G CDMA network by the end of 2019. They also stopped selling 3G devices some time ago, I believe, and even started selling LTE-only flip phones to replace them. If they want everyone on LTE, which most customers are at this point, then not allowing additional 3G devices to be activated is probably the right move. On a related note, an earlier leak suggested that Verizon may stop some older LTE devices from being activated too. The documentation there said that CDMA devices as well as devices that do not support HD Voice or VoLTE will not be accepted. Verizon said only that 3G phones were no longer supported to us. We went ahead and plugged in IMEIs for phones as old as the HTC Thunbderbolt (2011) and DROID RAZR (2011), both of which came up as compatible still with Verizon's network. RIP, 3G phones. UPDATE JULY 19: So when we originally wrote up this article and reached out to Verizon for comment, we also asked them about devices that were not VoLTE capable. A reader of ours said they had tried to activate a number of iPhone 5s IMEIs and were told that they were no longer supported. Verizon refused to answer anything about a VoLTE requirement and instead gave us the statement above. The following day, they then gave CNET a quote that changed one part:

"For several years we've been publicly saying that our 3G CDMA network will remain available through the end of 2019. Virtually all traffic on our network is on our 4G LTE network. "To facilitate a smooth transition to 4G LTE capable products and services, we are no longer allowing devices that are not 4G LTE capable with VoLTE to be activated on our network."

See the difference? In the second part of the quote, Verizon is now acknowledging that some older phones that aren't VoLTE-capable, will not be accepted on their network. Again, we asked them about this twice and they refused to comment on it.

Amazon Prime Day 2018: Best Deals and Biggest Discounts (Updated)

Tim — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 11:58:33 +0000

Amazon Prime Day 2018 has officially kicked off! Whether you're looking to score savings on tech stuff or regular household items, Prime Day 2018 can benefit everyone in your home. We already know Amazon is hosting savings on its own Echo devices, such as $100 off an Echo Show, but there is so much more to share. During Prime Day 2018, you'll see 25% off furniture and home decor, 30% off "everyday essentials," as well as 50% off Dyson vacuums. On top of deals for existing products, Amazon and partners will be launching new products throughout this event, such as fancy coffee grinders, baby cribs, portable hard drives, and so much more. Like I said, there's something for everyone. Of course, you need an Amazon Prime membership in order to participate. You can sign-up for Amazon Prime here. We'll be updated this post as more deals pop up!

UPDATE: Posting Amazon Prime Day: Day 2 deals here!

Amazon Prime Day Deals 2018

Amazon Prime Day Link (All deals)

Amazon Alexa exclusive voice deals

Amazon Products

Amazon Cloud Cam $59.99 ($60 off)
Echo Dot - $29.99 ($20 off)
Echo Spot - $99.99 ($30 off)
Echo Show - $129.99 ($100 off)
Echo - $69.99 ($30 off)
Echo Plus - $99.99 ($50 off)
Echo Look - $99.99 ($100 off)
25% off refurbished Fire HD tablet
$10 when you spend $10 at Whole Foods
$10 off $40+ orders through Amazon Pantry
Save 20%+ on everyday essentials
Save up to 25% on snacks and drinks

Tech Deals

SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD Card - $139.99 ($44 off)
Razer Phone - $524.65 ($75 off)
Moto X4 Prime Exclusive - $199.99 ($150 off)
LG V35 ThinQ Prime Exclusive - $599.99 ($300 off)
Prime Day Launches: Electronics
Lightning Deal: ~~SHIELD TV with Remote~~ - ($40 off)
$250 Off Google Pixelbook (All models)
Galaxy S9 + Echo + Echo Spot + Samsung Smart Home Kit - $719 ($430 off)
Google Pixelbook Pen - $82 ($17 off)
Essential Phone - $250
SHIELD TV with Remote and Controller - ($20 off)
Honor View10 - ($100 off)
Honor 7x - ($30 off)
Mint Mobile Start Kit - ($0.01)
Google WiFi 3-pack - ($50 off)
Samsung DeX - $44.99 ($105 off)
Anker PowerCore 10000 - $19 (36% off)
Anker PowerCore Charger - $25 (30% off)
Anker Nebula Projector - $248 (30% off)
EVGA GeForce 1080 FTW graphics card - ($100 off))
Blink XT Home Security System - $139 ($90 off)
Huawei Mate 10 Pro - $499 ($300 off)
Huawei Mate SE - $219 ($30 off)
Huawei Watch 2 Sport - $219 ($80 off)
Huawei Watch 2 Classic - $289 ($80 off)
Huawei Band 2 - $49 ($20 off)
AUKEY Magnetic Car Mount - $3.91 with code PRIME077
AUKEY 3.0 Car Charger - ($11 off)
AUKEY USB 3.0 7-port hub - $26 with code GN7KOB98
AUKEY RGB Mechanical keyboard - $43 with code PRIMEK03g
AUKEY PC Gaming Headset - $24 with code PRIMEAUK
YI 1080p Home Camera - $28 (40% off)
YI 1080p Home Camera 4-pack - $109 (40% off)
YI 360-degree VR Camera - $280 (40% off)
YI Lite Action Camera - $70 (40% off)
TP-Link Kasa Cam + Echo Spot - $175 ($65 off)
TP-Link Smart Plug + Echo Dot - $40 ($40 off)
Not Tech: Coleman RoadTrip LXX Grill - $112 (50% off)

Amazon Fire

Toshiba 50″ 4K Fire TV Edition - $289.99 ($110 off)
Fire TV Cube - $89.99 ($30 off)
Fire TV Stick - $19.99 ($20 off)
Fire TV with 4K - $34.99 ($35 off)
Fire HD 10 Tablet - $99.99 ($50 off)
Fire HD 8 Tablet - $49.99 ($30 off)
Fire 7 Tablet - $29.99 ($20 off)
Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet - $89.99 ($40 off)
Fire 7 Kids Tablet - $69.99 ($30 off)

Other Amazon Devices

Ring Doorbell Pro - $174.00 ($75 off)
Ring Spotlight Cam - $139.99 ($60 off)
Amazon Cloud Cam - $59.99 ($60 off)
Kindle Paperwhite - $79.99 ($40 off)
Dash Buttons - $0.99 ($4 off)

Categories

We'll be adding deals as they pop up! If you see something we missed, share it below and we'll add it!

DEAL: Essential Phone is $250 for Prime Day!

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 11:51:36 +0000

Essential teased an upcoming Amazon Prime Day deal last week and have now confirmed what it will be: $250 for an Essential Phone. Do we think the year-old Essential Phone is still worth it at $250? Oh, hell yes. It still gets monthly security patches as quickly as Google's phones, is on its 3rd Android P build (and it runs pretty good too), and still looks and feels amazing in hand. The camera isn't really flagship level and performance has some stuttering still (but has improved), but we're now talking about those things at $250. I'm not sure there is another phone I'd buy over this at $250. Also, here is our original review followed by our re-review. I'd say that things have improved even more since. You might want to hurry if interested. Amazon Prime Day kicks off at 12PM Pacific (3PM Eastern) and if this deal goes live right away, it might sellout within minutes. Buy Essential Phone at Amazon

DEAL: Samsung Will Drop Instant $400 Off the Galaxy S9, S9+ With Trade (Free 64GB SD Card Too)

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 11:31:26 +0000

Alright, so I know it's Prime Day and all, but Samsung is back to hosting one of those ridiculous trade-in deals where they'll give you an instant $400 off a Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+, plus they are tossing in a free 64GB microSD card, because why not? This is the best Galaxy S9 deal yet. At $400 off, you could get into a Galaxy S9 for $319.99 or a Galaxy S9+ for $439.99. I mean, come on, that's nuts. How does this work? It's pretty simple, actually. Samsung wants you to trade-in whatever phone you currently have and will give you an instant discount on a Galaxy S9 or S9+ for the value of that phone. Of course, the phone you have determines the instant discount, but thankfully, Samsung has a bunch of phones listed worth $400 and $300. Also, if you trade-in any phone at all, they'll give you a straight $200 off. The list of $400-off phones for a Galaxy S9 or S9+ includes the Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and 8 Plus. If you don't have those newer phones, the $300-off list includes any S7 phone, any iPhone 7, LG's V30, and Google's Pixel 2 line. So Samsung will give you up to $400-off instantly today if you tell them that you are trading in one of those phones. You pay the discounted price today, not later. Then, once your new phone arrives, you toss your trade into the return box and send it back. Once Samsung has it, they'll "OK" it and you'll be on with your life. That's it. Samsung $400-off Deal Link

Here's Samsung's Mobile Boss Just Chilling With a Galaxy Note 9 (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 10:24:18 +0000

The Galaxy Note 9 will be here in about a month and the details surrounding the device are doing their typical trickle-out, spoiling any chance at there being fun at its launch event. Today, we've got what is likely a first public appearance, thanks to Samsung's mobile boss, DJ Koh.

UPDATE: Here is the phone's front and back, as well as the S Pen!

Koh was spotted at some sort of media event using the Galaxy Note 9 as he waited to speak. The picture isn't the clearest we've ever seen, but you can tell from that back panel that the camera housing is much smaller than last year's, and that's because the fingerprint reader has moved down below it. That detail matches up to previous reports.

There isn't much else to add here because the phone should look just like the Note 8, only with that adjustment to the backside. And that's fine, because the Note 9 has a cool new S Pen trick up its sleeve that we are looking forward to learning more about. August 9! // Weibo | @eldhovarghese8

Fortnite, PUBG, Far Cry 5, Realm Royale, and More Come to Android Through NVIDIA SHIELD TV

Tim — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 08:44:17 +0000

Ready for Fortnite on Android? In a round-about way, it's now available. Over the weekend, the new GeForce NOW service hit SHIELD TV devices across the US. With it comes access to an extended range of AAA gaming titles running on an NVIDIA supercomputer in the cloud that are streamed directly to your Android TV box. A few of the games worth mentioning that are now playable on your SHIELD TV are Fortnite, Black Ops 3, Far Cry 5, PUBG, Jurassic World Evolution, Realm Royale, The Crew 2, Islands of Nyne, plus many more.

NOTE: B&H Photo has the SHIELD TV with controller discounted by $20 right now.

Now, the important thing to know is that while games like Fortnite: Battle Royale are free to play because its distributor doesn't charge gamers to play it, other games will need to already be owned via Steam or Uplay in order for you to stream them. If you're like me at the moment and only care about Fortnite, then all you'll need is your Epic Games login and that's it. Just keep in mind, if you're coming from a console, be prepared for the sweatfest that is Fortnite players on PC. To find all of these new playable titles on SHIELD TV, head into the NVIDIA Games app. GeForce NOW Wait List Link

Amazon Prime Day Starts Early With Big Discounts on Amazon Echo, Fire, Ring Products

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 07:04:24 +0000

As I just noted, Amazon Prime Day 2018 is here for your wallet and you already exploding closets. And even though the big Prime Day sale doesn't kick off until 12PM Pacific (3PM Eastern) today, Amazon has jumped the gun a bit by dropping prices on all of its own devices. That means huge discounts (up to 50%) on Amazon Echo, Fire, Ring, and related devices from our Prime overlords. The best of the bunch to me are the regular Echo at $50 off, Echo Spot at $30 off, Toshiba 50" 4K TV with Fire TV at $110 off, 4K Fire TV stick at 50% off, Amazon Cloud Cam at 50% off, and the Ring Doorbell Pro for $75 off. Don't forget to sign-up for Amazon Prime if you haven't. Amazon Echo

Echo Dot - $29.99 ($20 off)
Echo Spot - $99.99 ($30 off)
Echo Show - $129.99 ($100 off)
Echo - $69.99 ($30 off)
Echo Plus - $99.99 ($50 off)
Echo Look - $99.99 ($100 off)

Amazon Fire

Toshiba 43" 4K Fire TV Edition - $289.99 ($110 off)
Fire TV Cube - $89.99 ($30 off)
Fire TV Stick - $19.99 ($20 off)
Fire TV with 4K - $34.99 ($35 off)
Fire HD 10 Tablet - $99.99 ($50 off)
Fire HD 8 Tablet - $49.99 ($30 off)
Fire 7 Tablet - $29.99 ($20 off)
Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet - $89.99 ($40 off)
Fire 7 Kids Tablet - $69.99 ($30 off)

Other Amazon Devices

Ring Doorbell Pro - $174.00 ($75 off)
Amazon Cloud Cam - $59.99 ($60 off)
Kindle Paperwhite - $79.99 ($40 off)
Dash Buttons - $0.99 ($4 off)

Shop Amazon's Prime Day Device Deals

Amazon Prime Day Starts Today, Which Means You Need Amazon Prime (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 06:31:33 +0000

Amazon Prime Day kicks off here in a couple of hours and runs for a good 36 hours or so. If you have been wanting to needlessly spend money in the middle of the summer on stuff, the next day and a half were made for you. Just don't forget that in order to enjoy Prime Day, you have to be an Amazon Prime member. Since there are around 100 million Amazon Prime members at this point and you are on a tech site like Droid Life, I'd imagine that most of you are already members. Still, if you aren't, Amazon is always hosting a free trial that typically gets you the first month for free. That will at least get you Prime Day deals.

UPDATE: Some deals are already live! Amazon dropped prices on almost all of its own devices, some up to 50%.

What's included in an Amazon Prime membership? The biggest deal for those of us without patience, is the free 2-day shipping on most of the stuff we buy. But memberships also include access to Amazon's Prime Video streaming service, the option to use Prime Now to get orders (or food) within a couple of hours, use of Amazon Music, exclusive Prime deals here and there, and as of recently, special deals at Whole Foods. If you do sign-up for the free trial, you will need to enter in a valid credit card. However, you can cancel before that month ends to avoid being charged anything. Sign-up for Amazon Prime

Facebook Hires Away Googler Who Led Team Behind Pixel 2's Pixel Visual Core

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 15:39:48 +0000

When Google announced the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL last year, one of the most interesting bits of info about its release was the surprise inclusion of Google's first in-house chipset called Pixel Visual Core. While it wasn't the silicon powering the entire device like the latest Snapdragon might, it did give extra powers to the phone's already impressive camera. Being Google's first chip, it also had us wondering what the future may be for Google in terms of looking to do their own Snapdragon-like chip. Those plans, assuming they had any as well as other related chip ideas, might change some with news today that their senior director of engineering, Sha Rabii, has left the company for Facebook. Bloomberg first caught the move and noted that Rabii helped lead the team that built the Pixel Visual Core. He also generally helped with Google's phones, laptops, Google Home, Nest, AR/VR, and more. Neither company would comment, but Rabii has updated his LinkedIn profile to show that he has indeed moved on to be Facebook's VP of silicon. It's tough to say how this will impact Google, because I'm sure someone will slot into the new role and work on current projects will continue. As for Facebook, it's probably a safe bet that Rabii will help with data centers, any AI they have in the works, and VR too. // Bloomberg

HTC U12+ is Getting an Update That We Hope Fixes Its Buttons

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 12:09:04 +0000

The HTC U12+ is getting an update that may attempt to address its awful button situation that tipped the phone into "Do not buy" territory in our review. According to HTC's global director of PR, Jeff Gordon, an update began rolling out this week to the U12+ in Taiwan as software version 1.21.709.3. This update adds new features (like smooth auto zoom in video recording), as well as the June Android security patch, but the portion about the buttons is what we really care about. In a Tweet from Gordon, he said that the update adds "refinements to the digital buttons and Edge Sense" of the U12+. He didn't go into specifics, but we're hoping that means they've figured out a way to make the buttons more reactive to touch while tweaking Edge Sense to be more consistent. For those not familiar with the U12+'s buttons, just know that they aren't actual buttons. Instead, HTC added faux, pressure sensitive buttons for volume and power that vibrate when you press them. In theory, they make sense because they take away a moving part in the phone that could malfunction. However, they just don't work well, aren't responsive enough, and generally make the phone frustrating to use when doing something as simple as waking or locking it. As for issues with Edge Sense, we just found it to be wildly inconsistent with squeezes and also noticed ghost touches here and there. After introducing a unique hardware feature in the HTC U11 from last year, this year's supposed improvements had us considering turning Edge Sense off altogether during our review. The update will hit North American units "over the next few weeks." We currently still have the phone in house. Should we get the update, we'll let you know if things have changed for the better.

Podcast: Prime Day, Kid

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 11:48:42 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're taking a look at the latest in Galaxy Note 9 rumors, as well as Samsung's upcoming Tab S4 tablet and new Galaxy Watch. From there, we want to see how Android P Developer Preview 4 is holding up, share some thoughts on Mobvoi's new TicWatch Pro, and why Tim is still so in love with the OnePlus 6. We'll also likely dive into some final thoughts on the Moto Z3 Play, which phones T-Mobile has activated RCS Universal Profile on, and what you can expect from Amazon Prime Day. We have trivia this week with Google Play credit up for grabs! 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.

DEAL: Verizon Hosting BOGO Pixel 2 or Galaxy S9, Note 8 Promo

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:18:15 +0000

Hey, before we get started on Verizon's latest BOGO deal on our favorite Android phones, you should read this. Because I'm sure some bro in the comments will complain about us writing this up since it's a bill credit scheme, also known as a 2-year contract. Yes, bruh, we know that and hate it too. But we can also acknowledge that people will be with Verizon for the long haul and might actually benefit from this.

So yeah, Verizon is hosting a BOGO deal on the top Android phones, including the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy Note 8, LG G7, V30, and Moto Z2. You can buy any of these and receive a second one "free" or with a heavy discount. There are some things to know, of course. This is how Big Red lays it out for an S9, S9+, and Note 8:

Add one of these phones with monthly device payments to your cart: Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ or Note8.
Add a second Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ or Note8 to your cart with monthly device payments.
Get $799.99 credited to your account over 24 months.

See that? There is a cap on how much of a discount on the second phone you get. The same thing applies to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. If you choose a Pixel 2 XL, you don't get it free, but instead get $649.99 off. It all depends on the phone you choose and Verizon is actually making that clear on each phone's listing. As you saw from that last bullet, the discount is applied over 24 months, so it is indeed a 2-year contract. Also, the second phone needs to be on a new line, as far as I can tell. Verizon isn't letting you upgrade two phones on active lines, which is super sh*tty of them and a garbage move. You know how I feel about these deals, but again, if you are with Verizon and don't plan on going anywhere, this is technically a way for you to buy one phone and get a second for free or at a deeply discounted price. Shop Verizon BOGO Android Sale Added Bonus: If you buy the Galaxy S9, S9+, or Note 8, you'll get a free 64GB microSD card too.

Blackberry KEYone is Getting an Oreo Beta a Month Before Android P Releases

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 09:08:20 +0000

The Blackberry KEYone, a phone that you should have passed on because it's not 2005 anymore, was released in May of last year in the US. A couple of months later, Google released Android Oreo to Nexus and Pixel devices. In the months after Oreo dropped, dozens of other phones from real phonemakers that know what they are doing, updated to Oreo. We ripped some for being slower than others. Blackberry's KEYone still doesn't have it. And today, the company embarrassed itself further by announcing an Oreo beta will soon be available. A BETA. That's embarrassing for a couple of reasons. The first and most important is the fact that Android P is coming in a month - stable Android P. That means Google will update its Pixel line in a month to stable Android P, followed by companies like Essential, Nokia, and OnePlus, before LG and Samsung get to it. I don't know if Blackberry promised 2 years of major OS updates to the KEYone, but I would doubt that Android P will ever come to it. This is also embarrassing because Blackberry just released the KEY2 and it's running Android Oreo. So Blackberry knows how to implement Oreo on hardware that it has put together with its keyboard and other Blackberry software tweaks, yet the KEYone is only ready for a beta. Talk about not taking major software updates seriously. Don't buy the Blackberry KEY2, folks, even if tech journos and YouTubers keep telling you it's weirdly their favorite phone. They did the same with the KEYone and look where we are.

Twitter Drops Navigation Bar to Bottom, Which You'll Love Even If You Don't Yet

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 08:21:04 +0000

Twitter has been testing a bottom navigation bar in its beta track for some time now, but they started rolling it out to everyone this morning. People are a bit pissed off at the moment. Trust me, though, you'll grow to love it, especially if you have a bigger phone. The wave of reviews that hit the Twitter Google Play listing this morning are almost all 1-star reviews and every single one mentions the new bottom bar. People are mad because they are opposed to change, even if the change will be better. People are mad because a bottom bar is in the way when scrolling, or something. People are mad because people like being mad. The thing is, a bottom bar actually makes a lot of sense. You no longer have to reach waaaaaaay up to the top of your giant ass screen in order to switch tabs or get back to the top of your feed. Instead, you just barely lift a thumb and the buttons are all right there. As someone who used the bottom bar in beta for a long time and have had to switch off it when using other test phones, I can tell you that the top bar drives me nuts now. Give it a run and I bet you'll like it. If you were looking for something to complain about, one could argue that removing the swipe-between-tabs gesture is annoying. I'd agree there. You used to be able to swipe left or right to jump into search or your mentions or DMs, but Twitter has killed that. That seems dumb. Why does a bottom bar mean a need to kill a gesture? The update should be live for all. Grab it below! Google Play Link

Free YouTube TV Credits Coming to Subscribers After World Cup Outage

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 16:20:54 +0000

After yesterday's YouTube TV outage during the World Cup match between England and Croatia, YouTube has decided they need to "make this right." In order to take a step towards doing just that, YouTube TV will hand you (subscribers) all a week of free service. YouTube TV subscribers are receiving emails this afternoon that apologizes for the outage and also suggests you be on the lookout for a second email confirming that your account has been credited with a week's worth of service. Since the cost of YouTube TV is $35 or $40 per month, that could mean $8-10 on your account. You forgive them?

Justice Department Appeals AT&T-Time Warner Approval

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 14:32:41 +0000

It has only been a month since a US court gave AT&T approval to buy Time Warner. In the weeks since that approval was given, we've seen AT&T close their deal, rename Time Warner to WarnerMedia, and introduce new unlimited plans that likely hinged on their deal's approval. Today, the Justice Department has appealed that US court's approval. The Justice Department will take their appeal to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. We aren't sure how they'll argue their case this time, but the judge who ruled in favor of AT&T certainly didn't go soft on the Justice Department's previous strategy. In response to this move, AT&T provided the following statement:

"The Court's decision could hardly have been more thorough, fact-based, and well-reasoned. While the losing party in litigation always has the right to appeal if it wishes, we are surprised that the DOJ has chosen to do so under these circumstances. We are ready to defend the Court's decision at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals," AT&T General Counsel David McAtee said in a statement.

Good times. // CNN

Smart-Ass CARROT Weather App Launches on Android, Backed by Dark Sky's Data

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 13:17:32 +0000

CARROT Weather, apparently a very popular weather app on iOS, is finally on Android! Backed by Dark Sky's weather data, which is my go-to weather app, users can get highly accurate weather data and forecasts. From what I can see, the only thing it's missing is weather alerts (push notifications for upcoming rain or other local weather events), but that may come in time.

What sets CARROT apart from your typical weather app is its snarky forecasts. For example, CARROT could say, "It puts the sunscreen on its skin or else it gets the hose again," when it's a sunny day. If there's a blizzard outside, expect something along the lines of, "Somebody's getting frostbite today!" It's a fun and twisted way of delivering sometimes very important information, so if you have a sense of humor, you should enjoy it very much. The app is free to download and enjoy, but there is a subscription service for those who want more features. Priced at $0.99/month or $3.99/year, you'll gain access to a weather widget as well as a Time Travel feature. Google Play Link

DEAL: UE's Wonderboom is Just $49.99 Today ($50 Off)

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 12:55:06 +0000

Amazon's deal of the day today is on UE's Wonderboom speaker, a smallish nugget of a speaker that is waterproof and can float. At just $49.99, it's half off today. Additional specs for the Wonderboom include 10 hours of battery life, 100 foot wireless range (Bluetooth), and multi-Wonderboom connectivity. We talk about this often when UE's speakers go on sale, but they really are some of the best. The audio quality is always spot on for the size, the durability is fantastic, and the color options are fun. And speaking of those, both the pictured blue-orange Wonderboom and a darker blue are at today's 50% off. Buy UE Wonderboom from Amazon

LG Reported to Launch Two New Wear OS Watches Soon, Samsung's 'Galaxy Watch' Mentioned Again

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 12:46:56 +0000

According to a report out of South Korea this week, it's not only Samsung that's preparing to unveil a new smartwatch. As reported, LG could launch two new wearables "soon," both powered by Wear OS. This May, right before Google I/O, we saw a supposed hybrid smartwatch from LG pass through the FCC. Since then, we haven't heard anything about that model number, listed as W315. In June, we saw yet another Wear OS device go through the FCC from LG, but with model number LM-W319. Beyond industry insiders indicating that LG does indeed intend to launch two new wearables, there isn't much else to say. For Samsung, the reported Galaxy Watch moniker has been mentioned again in this same report, but while the sources clearly said it's expected LG will use Wear OS for its new devices, there was no such specific mention for Samsung's upcoming wearable. It's still unknown if Samsung will utilize Google's wearable platform or its own Tizen platform. Of course, if you ask us, we'd opt for Wear OS. Are you ready for new wearables to hit the market? I feel that we've had long enough of a break from them where new Wear OS hardware could easily get me excited. // Yonhap News

Galaxy Note 9 Looks Like Galaxy Note 8, Snozzberries Taste Like Snozzberries

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 10:38:00 +0000

We're nearing Samsung's official unveiling for Galaxy Note 9 on August 9, but already, we're seeing plenty of leaked images of the device hit the web. The latest comes from @UniverseIce, a trustworthy source when it has come to Samsung leaks. From what we can, Galaxy Note 9 is shaping up to look a lot like Galaxy Note 8. On the backside we see a horizontal camera system, with a fingerprint reader just below. For the Note 8, its fingerprint reader sat alongside the camera system, so already this is an improvement. On the bottom we see a slot for the dedicated S Pen, USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, external speaker, and microphone. The arrangement of these on the Note 9 differs from the Note 8, but it's all the same goodies. When Samsung began teasing the Note 9, they presented an image of the yellow S Pen (seen above). Comically, we assumed the whole phone would be urine colored, but thankfully, that doesn't appear to be the case. It looks like this yellow S Pen will go along with a Blue phone, which makes for some solid contrast. Yeah, nothing too crazy to see here, but we're getting close to unveiling, Note fans!

// @UniverseIce

Your Verizon Galaxy S8, S8+ is Getting an Update Today (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 09:12:38 +0000

Own a Verizon Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+? It's getting an update. It's not an exciting update, but it's an update. Starting today, Verizon Galaxy S8 and S8+ units are receiving the July Android security patch and nothing more. Cool? Build G950USQS5CRF5 will hit the S8 and G955USQS5CRF5 will hit the S8+. That is all. To check, head into Settings>System update. UPDATE: Verizon has now rolled back the changelogs for this update. And that sort of makes sense, since we're seeing reports of the update breaking things like WiFi Calling. They may have pulled the update. We'll let you know when it comes back. // Verizon [2]

New FRACTER Game Will Puzzle and Haunt You

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 09:03:38 +0000

Launched this morning to Google Play, FRACTER is described as a haunting puzzler. Plainly, the game appears to be a mix of LIMBO aesthetics and Monument Valley isometric puzzles. For me, this is a win-win. Story wise, your hero is on a quest to, "restore light to a darkened world." You will do this by running away from creepy baddies and solving puzzles throughout many different levels. Take a look at the trailer to get a feel for what you're in for. FRACTER is priced at $3.99, available on Google Play by following the link below. Google Play Link

Sprint Has Two New Unlimited Plans and Holy Sh*t, the Asterisks are Too Much (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 08:10:58 +0000

Sprint announced two new unlimited data plans this morning called Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Basic. While we appreciate the straight-forward naming scheme, unlike Verizon's hilariously buzzy wordbarfing, attempting to keep straight what Sprint is doing here is some kind of headache-inducer. Let's see if we can explain it all. These two new unlimited plans from Sprint will go live tomorrow, July 13 and will replace their current Unlimited Freedom plan. As you might have expected, they are similar to Unlimited Freedom, only with a few tweaks here and there, plus all of the throttling and non-unlimited unlimitedness you would expect from a US carrier. Unlimited Plus features unlimited talk, text, and data, full HD (1080p) streaming, 15GB hotspot data at LTE speeds (3G after), unlimited talk/text plus 10GB of data in Canada/Mexico, and subscriptions to Hulu's limited commercial option and Tidal Premium. Music streaming is throttled to 1.5Mbps as it always has been. How much does Sprint Unlimited Plus cost? I have no idea. Sprint won't offer straight-up pricing, though we've asked for it and will update this post if we get it. Instead, Sprint is running a promo for 5-lines and is doing an average price-per-line of $42. How that translates into 1 or 2 lines is some math sh*t my brain just can't handle this early in the morning. Looking at the footnotes, this is what it should cost:

$50/mo for line 1, $30/mo for line 2 and $10/mo/line for lines 3 – 5. Add’l $20/mo/line without BYOD/Full SRP phone.

So if you bring your own phone, a single line Unlimited Plus account would be $50/mo. If you don't bring your own phone and lease one from Sprint, it would be $70/mo. Unlimited Basic is a similar plan only with more throttling. You get unlimited talk, text, and data, 480p video streaming, 500MB of hotspot, 5GB of roaming data to Canada/Mexico, and a Hulu limited commercials account. Music and gaming are throttled to 500Kbps and 2Mbps, respectively. How much does Unlimited Basic cost? Like with Unlimited Plus, Sprint isn't very forward about this, but the footnote on their press release says:

$60/mo for line 1, $40/mo for line 2 and $20/mo/line for lines 3 and 5 with AutoPay.

So that's $60/mo for a single line, which I'm assuming is the price if you lease a phone from Sprint. I'll let you decide if that's a good value or not. UPDATE: Here is a clearer pricing breakdown, courtesy of Sprint.

Again, both Unlimited Plus and Basic go live tomorrow. Sign-up here.

// Sprint

DEAL: SanDisk's Extreme 256GB MicroSD Drops to Lowest Price Ever ($119.99)

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 15:16:59 +0000

I know that we already shared a microSD card deal today, but we've got an even better one this afternoon. If 128GB wasn't enough for you this morning, the SanDisk Extreme 256GB microSD has dropped to its lowest price ever. For what I'm assuming is a limited time, you can grab one for $119.99. While not pennies, this card started at $200 and has dropped to $150 within the past month or two. But since Prime Day is around the corner, these goods just keep dropping. The SanDisk Extreme line is about as top-tier as it gets. The card is A1 rated for Android apps, UHS 3 speed class, and sports 100/90MB/s read/write speeds. It's built for 4K video, running your apps, and includes an adapter. Buy SanDisk Extreme 256GB from Amazon

YouTube TV is Down! (Updated: Back!)

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 11:56:36 +0000

Yep, YouTube TV is down at the moment. Like you and the rest of Twitter, we missed the end of the first half of England and Croatia and are also worried about missing the second half. Let's get it together in a hurry, Google. For some, an error message of "Whoops - Currently there is no content available for this page. Refresh page to retry." is appearing. Others on YouTube TV are just getting a blank page, as you can see above. We'll update this post to let you know when it comes back up. In the mean time, sign-up for Comcast! (I'm so kidding, Comcast is terrible.) If you need another way to watch the 2nd half of the match, try through Fox Sports Go at this link (it may not let you authorize until YouTube TV is back up, though). UPDATE 12:05PM: YouTube says they are working on it... https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV/status/1017121393857556485 UPDATE 12:28PM: YouTube TV still seems to be down, but you can now watch through Fox Sports Go. It wasn't previously letting you authorize your YouTube TV account - it is now. Watch here! UPDATE 12:45PM: It's back! Refresh!

HTC Exodus, Blockchain-Powered Phone, Should Arrive Before Year's End

Tim — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 11:47:50 +0000

HTC officially announced Exodus, its blockchain-powered smartphone and not a literal departure from the smartphone world, back in May of this year. At that time, no detailed availability or pricing was given, but thanks to a recent interview by The Verge with HTC's Phil Chen, we've learned that we can expect Exodus to launch before this year's end. Additionally, we will learn exact pricing around Q3, but it's said to be "comparable" to Sirin Labs' Finney blockchain-powered phone, priced at $1,000. For those who missed the Exodus announcement, the phone acts as a universal wallet with secured built-in hardware to support cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications. Whether you trade in Bitcoin or whatever John McAfee is paid to promote these days, Exodus should be able to manage it. “We envision a phone where you hold your own keys, you own your own identity and data, and your phone is the hub," Chen told The Verge. Furthermore, Chen envisions a future where mining crypto via mobile is more efficient. To go along with this Exodus news, HTC announced an exclusive partnership with CryptoKitties this week, an interesting Pokémon-like concept where players hatch unique digital cats that somehow have value. I won't sit here and act like I know how any of this works, but from the following description, I may have just thrown up in my mouth a little bit.

CryptoKitties is a game centered around breedable, collectible, and oh-so-adorable creatures we call CryptoKitties! It is one world’s biggest game to be built on blockchain technology—the same breakthrough that makes things like Bitcoin and Ethereum possible. Bitcoin and ether are cryptocurrencies but CryptoKitties are cryptocollectibles.

At the end of the day, HTC is not selling phones right now. HTC is also cutting its workforce in large numbers. I'm not the authority on whether a crypto phone will be a success down the road, but as it stands right now, I don't think this venture will save HTC. As soon as we hear more about Exodus, we'll let you know. In the meantime, grab your U12+ and get to breeding CryptoKitties! Oh wait, you most likely don't own a U12+. Dang. // The Verge

Wednesday Poll: Still Care About Android Tablets?

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 09:46:58 +0000

Few companies make Android tablets these days. We know that Samsung does, including this new Tab S4, and that Huawei and Lenovo dabble in the field here and there, but that's about it. NVIDIA hasn't released one for a couple of years, nor has Sony. Even Google stopped selling its Pixel C while failing to replace it. So we just want to know - do you still care about Android tablets? Should Google introduce something new when the Pixel 3 launches, would you be interested? What if NVIDIA gave us a new SHIELD Tablet? Or maybe, just maybe, you think this new Samsung Tab S4 looks good? Then again, Chrome OS tablets may be the future from many of these companies and Android tablets could just slowly die off completely. Would that be such a bad thing? Chrome OS tablets have the potential to do what Android tablets never could - grab attention while being useful. I'm just curious if an Android tablet is something that is on your mind? Or is your phone big enough? [poll id="485"]

Here's the Galaxy Tab S4 From Samsung

Tim — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 09:16:53 +0000

Thanks to @evleaks, we got a very good look at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S4 tablet late last evening. Thanks to previous leaks via benchmark websites, it is suggested Galaxy Tab S4 will feature Android 8.1, Samsung Experience 9.5, a 10.5-inch display (2560×1600), Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (with SD support), 13MP rear camera, and front 8MP camera. From what we see on the backside, the audio from this tablet is AKG tuned, which aligns with what we saw from a previous FCC filing.

Old Galaxy Tab S3 Pen (top) vs. New Galaxy Tab S4 Pen (bottom)

It's pretty comical that the only Android tablets folks talk about are the ones from Samsung, but that's probably because they seem to be the only OEM still making them. If they're selling, more power to them, but it seems that Android tablets are a dying breed. While I'd love to see another high-end slate from Google, I'm not holding my breath. Another aspect I don't see many people dive into is tablet design. The look of tablets haven't changed at all over the years and this Galaxy Tab S4 looks like every other Android tablet ever. Samsung isn't attempting to slash bezel size or anything. If something like that was done, it could lead to a bit more excitement regarding the hardware. Point being, phone design has changed rapidly in the past few years. Tablets on the other hand, haven't changed a bit. Yawn. Once official from Samsung, we'll share all of the details like pricing and availability.

// @evleaks

DEAL: Samsung 128GB MicroSD Cards are $36 Right Now (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 08:44:16 +0000

If you don't own a Google Pixel or OnePlus phone, there's a good chance that yours has a microSD slot for additional storage. With the wave of deals sweeping through favorite electronics dealers in the lead-up to Amazon Prime Day, you can grab one for incredibly cheap prices. Right now, the Samsung EVO Plus 128GB microSD card is as low as $36 at both B&H Photo and Amazon. It's crazy to think that expandable storage is this inexpensive these days. I still remember when phone makers charged you $100 to double your storage from 16GB to 32GB or 32GB to 64GB. This particular card sports read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s. It's a fast little bugger. Samsung EVO Plus 128GB Links:

UPDATE: If you need more storage, the SanDisk Extreme 256GB card is down to $119.99, its lowest price yet.

DEAL: Google's Pixelbook is $160 Off Right Now

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:59:52 +0000

Earlier today, the internet discovered a handful of Best Buy stores that were selling the 256GB Pixelbook at some sort of ridiculous closeout pricing that shaved hundreds of dollars off its normal price. It's now completely soldout there, even though that deal was only working in stores. Should you still be on the hunt for a discounted Pixelbook, Walmart has you covered. Walmart has currently dropped pricing on all Pixelbook models. The cheapest version with 128GB of storage is $160 off, bringing it down to $839. If you want more storage, you'll find the 256GB and 512GB versions discounted too at $142 and $150 off, respectively. While that's not quite the closeout pricing that Best Buy managed to come up with, it's still one of the best prices we've seen on the Pixelbook to date. And yes, it's a hell of a computer and completely worth that $840 price. Pixelbook Links:

Deep Under the Sky on Sale at 80% Off for $0.99

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:24:17 +0000

I first wrote up Deep Under the Sky back in 2014 and I'm just as confused about the game as I was back then. In this title, which is on sale for $0.99 to celebrate the summer time (usual price of $3.99), you play as a jellyfish-like creature whose job is to multiply its own kind across some type of alien world. Maybe the game takes place in the ocean depths of our own world? I honestly have no idea, but it looks awesome. As the developer describes the game on Google Play, "It's a zen-paced arcade game about exploding jellyfish. Using simple controls, fly through the air and explore a psychedelic alien landscape." The game features over 80 levels along with a very mellow soundtrack. Definitely worth your dollar. Go grab it while the sale lasts by following the link below. Google Play Link

Check Out the Sweet New, Colorful UX for Google Assistant Voices

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:55:42 +0000

When Google first rolled out the 6 new voices to Google Assistant after Google I/O, the UX that came with it wasn't exactly the prettiest. Because we love pretty colors and animations, Google says that it's updating that voice picker and sent us a preview of what it'll look like. This new UX will arrive for US users (en-US) starting today and continue on throughout the rest of the week. Google says that this new colorful voice picker is filled with randomly selected colors, but that the voice you have chosen will be automatically mapped to a color out of the gate. We're assuming the colors are there to help you remember which voices you prefer rather than the 1-8 number system. Anyone seeing this yet? To check, head into Google Assistant's Explore screen>Settings>Preferences>Assistant voice.

Netflix App Offers Smart Downloads for Quickly Refilling Downloaded Shows on Your Phone

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:20:16 +0000

Netflix introduced Smart Downloads this week, a feature that will keep you mobile watchers happy when you're done binging the latest episode of whatever program you're into right now. To explain, when Smart Downloads is enabled (and yes, you can disable it), the Netflix app will automatically download the next episode of whatever show you're watching to your device's storage and then remove the one you just finished from your phone. This all takes place in the background, but when connected to WiFi, you'll see a notification on your phone to let you know Smart Downloads is in action. Previously, any show you wanted downloaded to your phone had to be done manually. With this, the Netflix app will recognize what show you're watching, then automatically do the work for you. After downloading the latest update, available starting today, you'll find Smart Downloads in the app's Settings menu. Google Play Link // Netflix

DEAL: Samsung's 2018 Fast Wireless Charging Stand is $30 Off Today

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:33:40 +0000

The 2018 model of Samsung's Fast Wireless Charging stand is one of Amazon's deals of the day today. That distinction gets it a $30 discount over its everyday price. Instead of paying $69.99, you'll pay just $39.99. Now, I know that other wireless chargers are much cheaper, but this is the Samsung-made version, which should mean safer and of higher quality. It's powered by USB-C, supports both fast and regular wireless charging, and acts as a stand for your phone. For fast wireless charging, phones like the Galaxy S9, Galaxy Note 8, and Galaxy S8 are all supported. Keep in mind that if you don't own a Samsung phone, that's fine. This bad boy is Qi certified to wirelessly charge any capable phone, including the iPhone X, LG G7, etc. Buy Samsung 2018 Fast Wireless Charging Stand

Tuesday Poll: Which TV Streaming Service Do You Subscribe To?

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:30:04 +0000

Ever since YouTube TV launched in Portland, I dropped Comcast like a bad habit. Sure, I still use them as my ISP, but I feel that any dollar per month that doesn't go to Comcast is good usage of that dollar. Along with YouTube TV, there are plenty of great streaming TV services right now, such as PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, Hulu's live TV option, as well as DIRECTV NOW. Each one has their own pros and cons, but I opt for YouTube TV because of its price, cloud DVR functionality, and channel selection. For me, it works great. How about you? Which one is your service of choice? [poll id="484"]

YouTube for Android Gets Incognito Mode

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:13:32 +0000

The official YouTube app for Android has been updated with an Incognito Mode this morning, available in what should be app version 13.25.56 and newer. With this mode enabled, you can browse and watch YouTube videos while leaving no virtual trail, at least through the YouTube app itself. When enabling, YouTube reminds you that activity may still be tracked by your ISP, employer, or school. To turn it on, ensure you have the latest version of YouTube from Google Play (version number referenced above), then enable it from the Settings menu of the app. After switched on, you're off to the races. Grab the latest YouTube app by following the link below. Google Play Link // 9to5Google

Moment Moves Outside of Camera Lenses, Releases Pro Camera App on Android

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 09:00:16 +0000

The folks at Moment, who you may know from the smartphone camera lens attachments they've released over the years, are now in the app business. Today, Moment dropped the Moment Pro Camera app on Android and iOS. Since this is an app from camera guys, the focus is on quick manual controls over settings like exposure, ISO, shutter speed, focus, and white balance. You can quickly toggle between RAW or JPEG as well, view detailed EXIF data, and utilize a live histogram. On iOS, there are more features that could someday come to Android. Things like choosing which lens to shoot from with a dual-lens setup, video mode with stabilization, and split focus are currently in the iOS app but not here for us Android folk. To find out more, hit up the Moment site. Google Play Link ($1.99)

NVIDIA Bringing Improved GeForce NOW to SHIELD TV, Which Means Fortnite for Android TV!

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 09:00:06 +0000

Back at CES, NVIDIA announced the GeForce NOW beta for PC and Mac, allowing even the most budget of desktop and laptop computers to run high-end AAA game titles. Maybe most importantly, it allowed basically anyone to access Fortnite through NVIDIA's own servers via streaming, meaning you didn't need your own fancy rig to hang with the best of them after dropping from the Battle Bus. Today, NVIDIA announced that it is bringing the same improved GeForce NOW experience to SHIELD TV. And yes, that means Fortnite for Android TV is essentially a thing now and I'm literally hyperventilating over here. Said to launch within the next week, the new GeForce NOW service will provide access to tons of PC game titles, all playable right from your SHIELD TV. You can see the full list of supported titles for streaming via GeForce NOW here, with new titles being added regularly. As of today, there are over gaming 225 titles available. Because the games are streamed, you'll need a solid internet connection, but beyond that, there are no game patches or updates ever needed to download. NVIDIA handles all of that on their end, so rest assured that you'll always be playing the most up to date version of the game. Thanks to cloud saves, you can pick up where you left off with GeForce NOW, too. I used this service to save myself $60 on No Man's Sky and it was great, so the fact that it's getting even better, with access to Fortnite, means I can now die happy. If you still haven't signed up for beta access to the new GeForce NOW, do so right here. To get it fired up on your SHIELD TV once live, all you'll need is an NVIDIA account login. As soon as this launches "within the next week," we'll let you know.

Google Pay Gets Money Requesting, Plus Concert Ticket and Boarding Pass Support

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 08:38:24 +0000

When Google pushed out the big rebranding of Android Pay to Google Pay back in February, they told us to expect even more features outside of its big UI refresh. Today, they are introducing some, including the ability to send and receive cash from friends, as well as concert ticket and boarding pass saving. The sending and requesting of money is new in the sense that you can now do this within the Google Pay app. You may recall that when the switch to Google Pay happened, Google kept this feature as a separate app called Google Pay Send. Google Pay Send is now going away. Not only can you send or request money, but Google has added a tab splitter where you can tap on a recent purchase and then "instantly request money from up to five people." That's actually really cool.

As for concert tickets and boarding passes, Google Pay really is letting you add them now. To start, you will find your saved concert tickets from Ticketmaster and Southwest Airlines within your loyalty cards section. Google says to expect more supported outlets soon, like Eventbrite, Singapore Airlines, and Vueling. As you probably guessed, you simply pull these items up for scanning when attending a show or boarding a flight. And finally, Google has updated the Google Pay web experience to both sync transactions and give you control over everything. Google Play Link // Google

OnePlus 6 in Red Now Available for Purchase in Limited Quantities

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:42:48 +0000

The OnePlus 6 in red is now available! If you wanted to buy this limited colorway, you'll need to hurry, as it will likely sell out. To recap, the OnePlus 6 in red costs $579 and includes 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. So it's not the cheapest OnePlus 6, yet it's also not the most expensive. Like the other colors, it has a Snapdragon 845, big OLED display with notch, dual cameras, 3300mAh battery, headphone jack, and one of the best Android experiences on the block. In case you were wondering what we think about the OnePlus 6, well, we like it. In our review from May, we certainly recommended it. After spending another 40 days with it, that opinion hasn't changed. Additionally, OnePlus' $69 Bullets Wireless headphones are now back in-stock too. Buy OnePlus 6 in Red | Bullets Wireless

Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro Now Official With Layered Display and 30-Day Battery Life

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 06:00:14 +0000

After a small tease a few weeks back, Mobvoi has gone ahead and announced the TicWatch Pro, their latest smartwatch with Google's Wear OS. As a follow-up to the popular TicWatch S & E line, the TicWatch Pro has one special trick up its sleeve - really long battery life. With a dual display setup that includes an OLED underneath a FSTN display (film-compensated super twisted nematic), Mobvoi claims the TicWatch Pro can last anywhere from 5 to 30 days on a single charge. It's achieving that by using the FSTN display as a battery saver, since it looks like a black and white display that shows you a minimal amount of info when not in use. As you go to use the watch, the OLED appears through the FSTN display to give you a typical Wear OS experience. The FSTN display is also great for outdoor use. To get to the 30 days of battery life, Mobvoi has included an "Essential Mode" on the watch that basically deactivates the OLED panel. So you only get to see the FSTN display then, but it'll still show you time, date, step counting, and heart rate monitoring. They plan to issue an update that will add more features to this mode. If you want some of the smarter Wear OS features, there is a toggle to make it auto-switch to "Essential Mode" when the battery gets low that will get you closer to that 5 day mark. When in "Smart Mode," you get full Wear OS functionality and a battery life that can last up to two full days. That's pretty good for any smartwatch powered by Wear OS. As you use the watch in this mode, you'll notice the display switching back and forth seamlessly.

As for the rest of the story, the TicWatch Pro has all of the specs you could ask for in a Wear OS device at this time. The display is a 1.39-inch OLED, plus you get 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, GPS, NFC for Google Pay, Bluetooth and WiFi, 415mAh battery, IP68 water and dust resistance, heart rate monitor, stainless steel bezel, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 chip. No, that's not the new chip that Qualcomm will announce later this year. So yeah, that's one issue. Its case is on the bigger side at 45mm wide and 12.6mm thick, but after wearing one for a few days, I'd compare it to the Huawei Watch 2 Classic or my Garmin Fenix 5. It is certainly not small, yet it isn't offensively large either, like a Nixon watch or something similar. The band that comes with it is a combo of rubber and leather, so you should be able to workout in it or dress it up some. The TicWatch Pro is up for order at Amazon in either black or silver at $249.99. Interested?

Buy TicWatch Pro at Amazon

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If You Couldn't Pull July Security Patch on Your Pixel or Pixel 2, It Should be Live Today

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 15:31:20 +0000

I don't know why that July's security patch wasn't made available right away to all Pixel and Pixel 2 owners, but it should be as of today. A number of our readers pinged us to say that the update was now live after not having been available to pull. The update is just the July patch and still Android 8.1, so don't expect anything major. If you're the type who freaks out over the supposedly-working "Check for update" button not working, feel free to hammer on it again. Let us know if you still aren't seeing it. Cheers Green, Chilly, T, and everyone else!

Verizon's Visible, a Prepaid Service, is Just Livin' in the Now, Man

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 15:12:13 +0000

Since you probably already forgot that it existed, I wanted to talk a little bit today about Verizon's new prepaid service called Visible. No, it's not available on Android or to the general public yet, but it's been unveiled in such artificially vague, eye-roll-worthy terms that we need to try and talk through the entire situation. What is Visible? Again, it's prepaid wireless service from a new company that is backed by Verizon, was started by a bunch of Verizon employees, and works on Verizon's network. You pay $40/mo for it to get unlimited data, talk, and text. You pay that up front, though, just like you do with other prepaid programs, because this is a prepaid service. There are no contracts. You can cancel at any time. It only supports single line accounts (for now). And you do it all through an app (there are no physical stores or plans for them), so that means paying your bill, getting help with problems, etc. It's a lot like Google's Project Fi, which is also a prepaid wireless service. The $40 plan's data is capped at 5Mbps and 480p video streams. You can pay your bill with Venmo or PayPal or your credit card, live chat with customer service, and cancel over text message. Visible has apparently added hotspot in recent weeks too. The current list of supported devices includes the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X. Android support is supposed to be coming, we just don't know when. Where this all becomes a beauty of word-twisting nonsense is when Visible tries to describe itself. They don't want you to call them a prepaid wireless service provider for whatever reason. In fact, when Tim wrote up his original Visible article, they asked for a correction to establish the fact that Visible doesn't offer prepaid plans and instead only offers a single plan that's a month-to-month contract. And that's funny because on their own FAQ they say specifically that Visible customers have a monthly renew date where they've signed-up for service. If they fail to make the next month's payment, their service stops until they pay again, which starts a new renew date. And that makes sense, since that's how prepaid service providers work too, whether you call it a month-to-month contract or not. To make matters even more delightfully awkward, Visible's head of strategy, Jeremy Bolton, sat down recently for a conversation with Fierce Wireless, where he played the part of that guy you know, who has the excessive explanation for the type of work he does to try and make it sound different, when the easiest explanation is right in front of his own face, yet he doesn't want to admit it's there. This is how he described Visible:

“What you’re going to see at Visible is a true blurring of the lines between prepaid and postpaid,” he said, adding that, like Netflix, customers will pay for their Visible services before consuming them, but that Visible won’t “fit into the strict and traditional model of prepaid.”

Guys, this fluffy dough in circular form which has been injected with sugary fruit filling, blurring the lines between donut and jelly donut, which you'll pay for before you eat it, doesn't fit into the strict and traditional model of a jelly donut. OK, Jer. But Visible doesn't offer up any sort of clear explanation for what they are. All they can offer as a suggestion they aren't prepaid is through this idea that they are flexible and will listen to their members to continually change the service:

“Exactly how that manifests over time is going to be up to our members,” Bolton said. “We’re going to elicit feedback from customers, integrate that into our offer, and change our service as a result.” Bolton noted that Visible recently introduced personal hotspot services as a result of customer requests. “Stuff like that is going to be happening continuously at Visible,” he said. “We have this platform that is unique that is going to allow us to take this feedback and quickly pivot. … The key message here is that platform flexibility.”

We're just livin' life out here, man, vibin' with the customers, sharing thoughts on the future, and changing the playlist of reality as it manifests into this sweet prepaid plan. Flexibility, though. Flexibility. We'll let you know when Visible arrives on Android. For now, just know that the confusion over what Visible is, is completely self-inflicted by Visible. Feel free to call it prepaid, though.

40 Days With OnePlus 6, It's Still Great

Tim — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 11:30:06 +0000

After Kellen wrapped up his full review of the OnePlus 6, I kindly asked if I could use it as my daily driver. I've been using it ever since, so it's been about 40 days of nonstop OnePlus 6 action for me. We don't typically revisit devices, but for the OnePlus 6, I'd like to share my experience over the past few weeks and help out anyone who may still be on the fence. Starting at $529, this phone is easily the best bang for your buck in the sub-$550 category. You're getting premium specs, Android software with minimal tweaks from OnePlus, plus very solid hardware. As Kellen mentioned in his review, it does not have the greatest cameras you can find in a smartphone, but from my experience, they're completely fine in most everyday situations. The attribute that sticks out most to me is the phone's performance. I have the 8GB model ($579) and it simply flies in and out of apps and the software's animations are always smooth. I haven't run into any type of jank or stutters and that's usually the first thing that will have me leaning away from a device. I notice performance first thing on phones usually, simply because of the amount of gaming I do. When a phone isn't equipped with the right specs to run my games, I rage and I really don't care to rage. Thanks to recent updates, a Do Not Disturb scheduler has been placed in the software, too. Funny enough, that was one of the annoying things about this phone when I first started using it, but now that it has arrived, life is good. And speaking of updates, OnePlus has committed itself to being a part of the Android P public beta. So far, we have only one build and it's not very stable, but this is a great sign for those concerned about receiving timely updates. While Samsung and LG have issues getting security patches out to phones, let alone major software updates, OnePlus seems poised to be one of the first to deliver a finalized Android P build to OnePlus 6 owners later this year. For battery life, I've been very impressed by this phone. My usual day is 7:30AM or so to about 11PM and I have yet to run into any issues regarding the battery. This isn't always the case for me, but the OnePlus 6's 3300mAh battery has held up like a champ. As for living with this phone, let me tell you a story, not something I would typically disclose. OnePlus says the phone does have slight water resistance. It can withstand some splashing, but not full submersion. Well, last week, I accidentally submerged the phone in water and I completely freaked out. I thought I was about to have to replace the phone and that isn't money I have just laying around. Anyway, I quickly retrieved the phone from the water, dried it off, and it was totally fine. The speaker works fine, it charges perfectly, and I see no type of moisture inside of the cameras. With all of that being said, OnePlus, thank you for adding at least some type of water resistance to this phone. If it didn't have any, I'd have been out almost $600. For those who still don't think water resistance is crucial, fingers crossed you never have a watery accident with your handset. Besides the Pixel 2 XL, I can easily recommend the OnePlus 6 to nearly anyone. It has everything I'd want in a smartphone -- great software, good feeling hardware, excellent pricing, plus a community on OnePlus' forums that is there to answer any questions you may have. As much as we here at Droid Life talk about community, it really is a nice thing to have surrounding a product. If you're on the fence with this phone, don't be, just buy it. It's a really good phone and it will even come in Red on July 10!

T-Mobile Galaxy S9, S9+, and Note 8 All Grab New Updates (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 10:32:56 +0000

Samsung and T-Mobile released new updates for the Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 8 this morning. None of the updates appear to be major, but should include security updates as well as other bug fixes. T-Mobile says that the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are getting RTT updates, enhancements to their DIGITS service, and other "various" bug fixes and improvements. The Galaxy Note 8 will see fixes for a time and date bug, the phone's camera, and more in the "various" category. My guess is that all updates include the June security patch, but we'll need someone to confirm that in the comments. UPDATE: On July 16, T-Mobile put these Galaxy S9 updates "temporarily on hold." UPDATE JULY 19: T-Mobile now says these Galaxy S9 updates are ready again. As far as new software version go, be on the lookout for:

Galaxy S9 - G960USQU2ARF7
Galaxy S9+ - G965USQU2ARF7
Galaxy Note 8 - N950USQU4CRF3

We asked T-Mobile if these updates included RCS Universal Profile 1.0 support like the Galaxy S7 received last week and were given a basic, non-answer. To check for the updates, head into Settings>System update. // T-Mobile [2] [3]

Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium Pre-Order Live on Amazon, Priced at $999

Tim — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 08:40:11 +0000

The most premium Xperia XZ2 model from Sony, the XZ2 Premium, is now up for pre-order through Amazon for $999.99. Because this is a pre-order, please note that launch is set for July 30. I say Premium is the most premium because this XZ2 unit is outfitted with a 4K HDR Triluminos display, the highest display resolution available in the XZ2 range. It also comes with a Snapdragon 845 processor, 3540mAh battery, 6GB RAM, fingerprint reader, dual rear-facing cameras, plus Sony's Dynamic Vibration System. Overall, a similar spec list to the other XZ2 models. Now, while $999 is going to be hard to swallow for an unlocked device regardless of what it is, Sony is sweetening the pot a bit by what's included with your purchase. Inside the box you'll find an Xperia Ear Duo True Wireless headset. Purchased separately, you'd be spending $280 on those. Getting them free with a purchase of this phone is a solid bonus. Again, the phone is set to launch July 30, so if you put in your order today, you'll have a bit of waiting to do. If you're wondering what we think of Sony's latest devices, we do have a review of the Xperia XZ2 and we like it very much. Follow the link below to pick one up. Amazon Link Cheers Josh!

DEAL: 2 Google Home Minis for $48, $30 Off Home, $150 Off 2 Maxes (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 07:50:26 +0000

Not interested in up to $300 off the Pixel 2 XL? How about a discount on Google Home products? As I was saying earlier, there are so many good deals on electronics right now and that includes all of Google's smart home speakers. Google and its retail partners have dropped Google Home to $34 ($15 off), Google Home to $99 ($30 off), and are offering a $150 discount on Google Home Max when you buy two. These aren't quite Black Friday-level deals, but close. Well, you can get Black Friday-level discounts if you buy 2 Google Home Minis from Walmart. If you add a pair to your cart, you'll get them for $48 ($24/device). Hit that link below and scroll down the page until you see the "Buy Together & Save" section with the $48 price. I do believe that's the best price ever. UPDATE: Want just a single Google Home Mini at that Walmart price? Google Express is offering a 25% off code on top of the $15-off price. With code "EXTRA25" at checkout, you'll see the price drop to $25.50. Likewise, the regular Google Home will also drop an extra 25% with that code from $99 to $74.25. And finally, that drops Google Home Max from $399 to $299.25, its best price ever. Google Express Links:

Google Home Mini ($25.50)
Google Home ($74.25)
Google Home Max $299.25)

Buy Google Home Devices:

Google Home Mini 2-pack ($48): Walmart (Update: Deal pulled/done)
Google Home Mini ($15 off): Best Buy | Google
Google Home ($30 off): Best Buy | Google
Google Home Max ($150): Best Buy | Google

DEAL: Pixel 2 XL is $300 Off at Best Buy, Unlocked $100 Off From Google

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 07:35:13 +0000

As we approach Amazon's Prime Day 2018, everyone else in the electronics game is hosting mega-sales. Best Buy continues to host discounts on all sorts of goodies, but Google has now gotten in on the fun too. If you've been holding out on a Pixel 2 XL until just the right time, now might be it. Best Buy will shave $300 off the bigger Google phone if you buy it on a device payment plan from Verizon. Because I get how that could turn you off, you should know that Google has dropped a straight $100 off the unlocked Pixel 2 XL at its own store. From Best Buy, with a $300 discount spread out into monthly payments, you are looking at a price of $22.91/mo for 24 months. If you go the unlocked Pixel 2 XL route from Google, your price is $749 for the 64GB version or $849 for the 128GB model.

RELATED DEAL: 2 Google Home Minis for $48, $30 off regular Home

Even though the Pixel 3 XL will be here in October, do I think you should consider this deal? 100%, yes. The Pixel 2 XL is still my favorite Android phone on the planet today.

Buy Pixel 2 XL:

Best Buy (Verizon) - $300 off
Google Store (Unlocked) - $100 off

Death Road to Canada is 50% Off at $5 on Google Play Right Now

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 15:47:40 +0000

Death Road to Canada, a fantastic game for Android devices and Android TV, is on sale right now via Google Play for just $4.99. That's 50% off its usual $10 price. Keep in mind, the same title is priced at $15 on Steam, so you're getting good value here. If you've never heard, Death Road to Canada is a randomly generated action RPG title, one that will have you slaying zombies and meeting all sorts of oddball characters. You can even design your own characters, such as friends or family members in the game, making it more personal. Throughout the game, you'll meet people, add new weapons to your arsenal, then hopefully discover plenty of secrets built into the game. Thanks to updates that the game has received since launch, new players will get to experience an alternate ending, new song for the game's soundtrack, and there's even a new "rare special" character in the Trading Camps within the game. Don't miss out! Google Play Link

DEAL: Grab a Samsung Galaxy S9 on eBay for $575

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 15:28:32 +0000

The current best Galaxy S9 deal I've seen in a while is at eBay as we head into the weekend. For $574.99, you can grab an unlocked dual SIM model with 64GB storage. Remember, the Galaxy S9 typically retails at a starting price of $720, so we're talking about a discount close to $200. As an international dual SIM model, do note that this is a GSM-only phone. That means it will work on AT&T and T-Mobile just fine and has all supported bands for those two networks. It won't work on Verizon, though. The listing suggests that this is a brand new Snapdragon 845 model (SM-G960O), which is the same processor that powers the Galaxy S9 in the US. In other words, this isn't a Samsung Exynos Galaxy S9. Quantities are listed as "limited," but there are black and gray models still available. The gray is not a color you would find in the US. Buy Galaxy S9 at eBay BONUS DEAL: eBay also has the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier for $199.99. That might be the best price ever for it.

Moto Z3 Play Review: It's Pretty Good

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:09:31 +0000

Ever since the original Moto Z Play arrived in 2016 and surprisingly became one of my favorite phones of all time, I've looked forward to new additions to the Z Play line-up. The Moto Z2 Play from last year was also good, but didn't quite bring the same level of enjoyment. So with the Moto Z3 Play arriving in recent weeks, I was curious to see if it could rekindle some of that original magic and get me excited again. For the most part, after having spent the past couple of weeks with the phone, I think it's safe to say that it has brought back some of those special feels. It's not perfect, but I'm a pretty big fan of the Moto Z3 Play and have enjoyed using it on the daily. Let's talk more about that in our Moto Z3 Play review.

What do I like?

Design The Moto Z3 Play is a nice looking phone. Past Moto Z phones all had big chins and lots of bezel, yet this Z3 Play ushers in a new, modern styling from Motorola. They've moved the fingerprint reader to the side (which is awesome) and expanded the display from top to bottom, matching current all-display trends. The phone is also made of metal and glass, so it feels nice in the hand. The deep indigo (blue) colorway that the Z3 Play is available in is super sharp too. We don't often get phones that aren't black or white or silver, so this being a different color adds to the sexiness. It's still a bit wide for my hand, but the thinness of it makes it pretty easy to hold. It's stupidly light as well, so you'll never get fatigue from holding it like you might an Essential Phone. The one eyesore here is the camera puck on the backside. Unfortunately, it needs to be there to help hold Moto Mods in place and allow Motorola to keep the phone super thin.

Battery life In somewhat disappointing news, I do need to tell you that the Moto Z3 Play also does not live up to the original Moto Z Play as the battery god of the century. I'd say it's 3000mAh battery is more in line with the Moto Z2 Play, which isn't terrible, it's just not game-changing like that first phone was. On most days, I was hammering away with 4+ hours of screen on time and the phone would last until I went to bed. A handful of nights, I'd get to bed with 30% left and not an ounce of worry. For the most part, the Z3 Play's battery life is firmly in the "good" category. And that's without a Moto Mod attached.

I did have a couple of days where battery life seemed to dip some, though. I don't think it's anything to be alarmed at, but for example, one day the phone dropped to 18% battery at around 6PM with 4 hours of screen on time. I can't explain why that happened and it's not something I'd worry about. In general, the Z3 Play was lasting a solid 17 hours without needing to be charged. Keep in mind that Motorola included TurboPower charging in the phone. With the included charger or any other Quick Charge-ready charger, you can top up in no time. Or, you could slap on the included Moto Mod battery pack and never worry about running out of juice again. I used the Mod that Motorola includes a couple of times just to see how well it worked and can report back that it works as advertised. It may not be a fast-charging battery Mod, but it certainly came in handy with my lazy ass sitting on the couch, out of reach from a charger. Should you be on the go, tossing this Mod in a bag as an emergency charging solution is certainly something unique to the Moto Z line. Software As has been the case dating back to the original Moto X, Motorola once again shipped a clean and lean version of Android on the Moto Z3 Play. That means you get an experience close to what Google pushes to its Pixel phones, but with a Moto package on the side. This has been one of our preferred Android experiences for years now and nothing changes here. The Moto Z3 Play is running Android 8.1 out of the box with May's security patch. You get a stock-like experience in that version of Android that includes zero skinning and is enhanced by the Moto app. The Moto app features Moto Display, Voice, and Actions still, which all have useful features within them.

Moto Display is still one of the better always-on-like options for a display, where portions of the display lights up as you receive notifications or wave your hand over it. Motorola includes a night display option in there too. Moto Voice is there if you want to utilize special voice commands outside of Google Assistant. It's basically just a slimmed down version of Assistant that can be launched with a "Hello Moto" command. I didn't use it once. I don't know why anyone would. Moto Actions are pretty great, though. Motorola has included their chop action for turning on the flashlight, wrist-twist for launching the camera, 3-finger gesture for taking screenshots, a screenshot editor, and a one-button navigation that is far better than Google's implementation in Android P.

I should point out that I'm testing the Amazon Prime Exclusive version of the Moto Z3 Play, so it does include a bunch of Amazon apps pre-installed. It's bloatware for sure. This version also requires you to sign-in to your Amazon account at a system level and most of those Amazon apps can't be uninstalled. Instead, you would have to disable them. Honestly, for the $50 savings over the non-Prime version, I think it's worth it, especially if you order stuff from Amazon. I mean, come on, don't you have the Amazon app installed anyway? I do have some concerns over software updates. Motorola isn't great at updating their phones these days and as I already mentioned, this phone is 2 months behind in security patches at the moment. Sure, they could improve and maybe they'll ship Android P right away, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Overall, the software here is how I like my Android, I just wish Motorola would commit to quicker updates.

Display The Moto Z3 Play's display is a solid display. You've got a 6.01-inch Full HD AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution. I've found brightness levels to be adequate, colors to be accurate enough and not weirdly punchy like HTC's U12+, and view-ability to hold at somewhat steep angles. The AMOLED panel also plays well with Moto Display, so you don't have to worry about the edges constantly lighting up when notifications come in as you would with an LCD. Motorola is offering up a couple of color modes (Standard and Vibrant) with a warm-to-cool slider for some customization. If you need a complaint, it would be in brightness on the low end. When in dark situations, this phone just doesn't get dark at all. No matter how hard I try and pin the brightness slider all the way to the left, the Z3 Play almost never follows my command and dims. I don't know what the deal is, but Motorola should work on adjusting that. We use phones in dark situations often and this phone just stays too bright.

Moto Mods I have to admit that Moto Mods do nothing for me, but I can't get over the coolness of them. That's a stupid way to evaluate a phone, I know that. It's just that I like the idea of expanding the capabilities of a phone after purchase. As I noted above, I did use the included battery Mod to charge the phone, plus I used the TurboPower battery pack a time or two. Both came in handy. As for other Mods, including the JBL speaker (pictured), I just don't know that any of them make sense for me. There is a gamepad Mod and pico projector, as well as that nifty Polaroid printer, all of which sounds great on paper. I just don't know when I'd use them. With that said, that's the beauty of Moto Mods. You get to decide what might be an added bonus for you. So I'm giving Motorola credit here for keeping that ecosystem alive for three years worth of phones, because there are bound to be people that will find some of them useful.

What don't I like?

Camera The Moto Z3 Play is sporting a dual camera setup on its backside that is made up of a 12MP shooter at f/1.7 and a secondary 5MP shooter at f/2.2. Like Most Motorola phones these days, the camera is pretty average. It's mostly quick to shoot whatever your subject is, I'm just not sure that the results are share-worthy when not in the best of lighting. The camera app itself is usable, for sure. It's simple enough, but still packs in some advanced options like portrait mode, direct YouTube Live recording, Google Lens integration, slow motion video, and a text scanner.

But as I was saying, the results from this camera just aren't great. Take a look at the charcuterie platter below that was taken close to a window with plenty of natural light. It's just kind of all a mushy mess without sharpness or detail. Even the daytime shot of the lake is pretty subpar in terms of clarity and detail. Most of the shots I took with the Z3 Play camera during my review period are all shots I wish I had had a better camera on hand for.

Price So, I don't hate the price, I just understand why it'll make people hesitate. "It's $500, Kellen, and the OnePlus 6 is only $30 more!" And look, I get that. But when you look at the Amazon Prime Exclusive version at $450, now we're $80 cheaper than the OnePlus 6. We also have connectivity on Verizon here, a free battery pack Moto Mod included, and the option to add-on more Moto Mods, if that's something you care about. Of course, you could argue that the LG G6+ is an arguably better value, even as a year-old phone because of its specs. Or maybe you think it would be better to buy a year-old Galaxy S8 at a discount. Those are things you could do, yes. This has a better software experience, though, and is at least built with modern parts. If you really want to get mad at the price, I think you should point at another Motorola phone and say, "Wtf?" I'm talking about the Moto G6 Plus, which isn't available in the US. It has very similar specs, yet a much cheaper price. If it was sold here, no one would buy this Moto Z3 Play. But it's not! This is our mid-range option. Just remember that the Moto Z3 Play isn't a budget phone. It's not trying to be. You shouldn't consider it to be one. It's a mid-range phone. Motorola's budget lines are the Moto G and Moto E. Again, I don't despise the price, but I get why people think it's higher than it needs to be. Performance The Snapdragon 636 and 4GB RAM powering this phone are probably going to do a good job for most people, but as someone who typically hangs in the top tier category of phones, I've noticed some slowness here and there. I'm not talking about general slowness after heavy use, I'm talking about stutters. That could be a gesture swipe that doesn't register the first time or the press of a home button not working initially or a bit of scroll lag. For the most part, performance has been fine, I'm just not blown away by it on this phone like I have been on Motorola phones in the past. I do wonder if Moto is losing their touch some in this department. The Moto X4 from last year was a stuttery mess at first too, though some argued that I was out of my mind for suggesting as much. Either way, the Moto Z3 Play isn't a performance king, but it's probably fine.

Gallery

Video

Should you buy it?

Maybe? Like I said, the Moto Z3 Play is a solid phone. It's designed well, has good battery life, great software, a nice display, and works with Moto Mods. On the flip side, its camera is not that great at all and the price is arguably a touch high when you know that Motorola has another phone (Moto G6 Plus) you'd buy over this if it was sold in the US. If your budget is around $450, this certainly isn't a phone I'd steer you clear of. I think overall, Motorola did a pretty nice job here. Buy Moto Z3 Play at Amazon

U12+ Not Saving HTC's Sales, Slow Galaxy S9 Sales Hurt Samsung

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 11:55:59 +0000

HTC and Samsung posted financials this week. While things are totally fine for Samsung, with the company detailing around $13 billion in operating profits for Q2, sales are in the crapper over at HTC. Numbers wise for HTC, June sales are down 68%, its largest slump in more than two years. HTC says June sales fell to NT$2.2 billion ($72 million), from NT$6.9 billion a year ago and NT$2.45 billion in May. We had hoped the U12+ would blow us away this year, but sadly, a single word sums up our thoughts on the device: Nope. Overall, HTC's stock has dropped nearly 30% this year so far. For Samsung, the company would have liked to see better performance from the Galaxy S9. According to the company's guidance numbers, Samsung will post 14.8 trillion won ($13.2 billion) in operating profit off 58 trillion won ($51.8 billion) in revenue for Q2, which would represent a 0.7% decline in sales and an 11% increase in profit year on year. Compared to just last quarter, where Samsung made 15.64 trillion won in profit from revenue of 60.56 trillion won, this latest quarter can be seen as a misstep. This drop is due to slow Galaxy S9 sales, according to analysts. To give you an idea at just how poor S9 sales are, it’s reportedly sold the lowest of any flagship Samsung phone since the Galaxy S3. Unlike HTC, Samsung can likely afford to not bring in as much money as expected every now and then. If you're HTC, you're already cutting 1,500 from your manufacturing workforce. // Reuters | The Verge

Verizon Galaxy Note 8, Note 5, S6 Edge+ Updated With June Security Patch

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 11:03:35 +0000

Verizon is pushing the June security patch to three devices this week, the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 5, and Galaxy S6 Edge+. After the update, Galaxy Note 8 owners will see build R16NW.N950USQU4CRF3, Note 5 will have NRD90M.N920VVRS3CRF1, and Galaxy S6 Edge+ folks will see NRD90M.G928VVRS3CRF1. As mentioned, each phone is getting June's security patch, but Galaxy Note 8 owners will also see an Auto On feature for WiFi Calling. Go grab that update! // Verizon [2] [3]

DEAL: Google Pixel XL (Certified Refurbished) at Amazon for Just $229

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 08:40:32 +0000

Since there's a good chance that you missed out on B&H's big sale on the original Google Pixel from yesterday, we've got another for you today. Amazon is currently selling through certified refurbished Pixel XL units for as little as $229.99. That's an insane price. Amazon (at the time of this post) has Pixel XL 32GB in black or blue for around $229. If you want silver, the price jumps to $243. Should you want more than 32GB of storage, the Pixel XL with 128GB can be had for as little as $257 (!). Don't want the big guy? The regular Pixel is also at the link below for as low as $200 (!). As I said yesterday, this is still a worthy purchase for the fact that its camera is top notch, performance is too, and the software updates will continue for a while. These phones are guaranteed to get Android P, plus another year of security patches. Worried about them being certified refurbished? I wouldn't be. As the listing suggests, that title means they are certified by the manufacturer to look and work like new. They should be great values. Buy Pixel XL at Amazon

Samsung 'Galaxy Watch' Reported to Run Wear OS, Measure Blood Pressure

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 08:35:40 +0000

Samsung's next smartwatch will run Google's Wear OS, at least according to known leaker Ice Universe. Why is that important? Because years ago, Samsung ditched Android Wear to use Tizen on all of its wearable devices after the Gear Live. For me, I've been waiting for Samsung's triumphant return to Google's wearable platform since then. In addition to running Wear OS, it's reported that the wearable, either called the Galaxy Watch or Gear S4, will sport a 470mAh battery, PLP (panel level package) chip to help make it more slim, new UX interactions, as well as blood pressure measurement. For release, we're now expecting Galaxy Watch (or Gear S4) to launch alongside Galaxy Note 9 in August. Samsung already has August 9 on our calendars for Note 9, so we could see this new watch right around that same time. Ready for Samsung to get back into the Wear OS game? // @UniverseIce

Question of the Day: Is Android P DP 4 (Beta 3) Stable Enough?

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 15:39:54 +0000

Whenever Google drops a new developer preview on us, comment sections tend to fill up with, "Is it stable enough for daily use?" With most releases, it's pretty obvious up front whether or not you should be using the latest preview or Android beta on your daily device. However, with Android P Developer Preview 4 (Beta 3), things might not be so clear. I wish I could definitively tell you one way or another too, but I'm deep in testing the Moto Z3 Play at the moment. That means I haven't spent a good amount of hours with DP4 and truly have no idea. Here's what we know. We know that this is a "release candidate" created for testing. It's not for final testing, according to Google, but it is stable enough that Google is willing to call it a release candidate. A release candidate is the type of release that is built for final APIs and likely final code unless major bugs are discovered. We are at the stage where we're ironing out any remaining issues as we approach release. This should be mostly stable. With that said, we know that Google Pay is broken for some (again). We know that there are general advisories that Google is warning us about. Other than that, DP4 hasn't filled our comments with as many bugs as before. But again, since I haven't been able to use it regularly, I'm not the one to tell you if it's stable enough or not. So, I'm going to turn it over to all of you. For those who have been using Android P DP 4 (Beta 3) for the majority of the week, how has it been? Is this feeling stable enough for daily use? Let us know in the comments.

DEAL: Original Google Pixel 32GB for $329.99, 128GB for $399.99 (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 14:18:25 +0000

The original Google Pixel may be closing in on the 2-year mark, but it's still a heck of a phone if you like Google's version of Android. It still has a rock solid camera, great performance, the quickest updates, and universal carrier support. While I wouldn't recommend spending a lot of money on one, today's deal from B&H Photo is still probably worth it. B&H Photo has a Google Pixel priced at just $329.99. That's for 32GB of storage, but if you need more than that, the 128GB model is only $70 extra at $399.99. This is the North America model (G-2PW4100), so it'll work on all carriers, including Verizon. At this time, B&H Photo only has the 32GB black Pixel for $329.99 and the 128GB silver/white Pixel for $399.99. They are going quick at this price. If interested, keep in mind that the Pixel is guaranteed to get Android P when it goes stable. After that, it will still see another year worth of security updates. UPDATE: If the 32GB Pixel is already sold out, B&H does have refurbished models for as low as $276.95. UPDATE 2: Amazon has a refurbished Pixel XL for as low as $229. Buy Google Pixel at B&H Photo

Android Gesture Battle: Google vs. OnePlus vs. Motorola

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:43:06 +0000

Gesture navigation sure appears to be the future of Android navigation. With Google building it into Android P, it will only be a matter of time before we see the majority of Android companies follow in their footsteps. Two companies that are already doing it are OnePlus and Motorola. The OnePlus 5T and OnePlus 6 both support a version of gesture navigation, as does the the Moto Z3 Play, thanks to a software setting that is similar to Google's in Android P. After spending the past couple of weeks with the Moto Z3 Play and enabling Motorola's gesture navigation, I felt like it was something you all needed to see. So in this video, I take a look at how Android P's gesture navigation compares to OnePlus' and Motorola's. All three are very different and I think that Motorola might have the best setup yet. While there are certainly bits and pieces from Google's that I appreciate, the extra swipes needed to get into the app drawer, plus the presence of a back button, gives Motorola the edge. As for OnePlus, their navigation is fine, it just lacks any sort of on-screen button to give it that sense of stability or access to Google Assistant. With nothing to let you know that there are gestures available, my mind constantly wonders if I can rely on it, whether that's fair or not. It's a mind trick, in a way, and one that I've just not gotten used to. For Motorola, they are keeping it simple. Their navigation button acts as a home button that lets you enter the app switcher with a swipe to the right or go back with a swipe to the left. You can also still get into Google Assistant and the app drawer as you've always been able to. Check out the comparison and let us know which you prefer.

theScore Becomes Sports Provider of Bixby

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 12:22:17 +0000

Bixby, a Samsung service you've opened only on accident, picked up a decent sports news and score provider today on the Galaxy S9 and other Samsung devices. theScore and Samsung have announced a partnership that will add your favorite sports info to Bixby Home. What you'll find is breaking news within Bixby Home from sports like the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and soccer. You'll be able to personalize the experience with favorite teams and leagues, and jump quickly to theScore's app for more. The Galaxy S9 line is officially supported, but I'd imagine the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 will have access to sports from theScore as well. Be on the lookout, Bixby users. // theScore

Reminder: Verizon Prepaid is Still Doing Double Data Promo

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 09:52:42 +0000

We're about to head into a weekend, which often means old promos ending and new ones beginning, so I wanted to make sure you all knew that Verizon is still hosting that double-data-prepaid promo. They haven't announced an end date for it, but you may not want to wait much longer before pulling the trigger. To recap, Verizon Prepaid is offering double data for new lines or sign-ups. That means you get double whatever the data amount is on the plan you choose. That could mean jumping from 10GB to 20GB of data for $60/mo, 7GB to 14GB for $50/mo, 3GB to 6GB for $40/mo, or 500MB to 1GB for $30/mo. Verizon is also still offering a $75 "unlimited" plan, but nothing is doubling there for obvious reasons. Verizon tells us that if you sign-up for double data, you get to keep it as long ask your account stays active on an eligible plan. If you don't plan switching off of prepaid any time soon, you could lock in 20GB of data at $60/mo for the long haul.

Verizon Prepaid Double Data Promo

Also, Verizon Prepaid includes carryover data from one month to the next for unused data, mobile hotspot use, unlimited texting to over 200 countries, and unlimited talk & text in the US. If you choose a 10GB or higher plan, you get unlimited talk to Mexico and Canada too. Again, we don't know when this deal ends, but it's a good one that you might not want to skip. Sign-up for Verizon Prepaid

DEAL: This Aukey 2-Port Quick Charge 3.0 Car Charger is Just $8.49 Right Now

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 08:29:35 +0000

Here's a good deal on a car charger: Aukey's 2-port charger with Quick Charge 3.0 and AiPower Adaptive Charging is on a lightning deal that drops the price of it to just $8.49. It's typically $12.99, so you are looking at a $4.50 discount on an already-cheap car charger. So you are aware, that QC 3.0 port delivers the ultra-fast speeds that most of your Qualcomm-powered phones can handle, plus the AiPower port is 5V-2.4A for additional good charging speeds. No cables are included with this bad boy, but as a USB-A device, I'm sure you have plenty around that'll work. Buy Aukey QC 3.0 Car Charger

DEAL: Dell has UE BOOM 2 for $59 ($120 Off), WONDERBOOM for $49 ($50 Off)

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 15:53:22 +0000

Before we get to Amazon's Prime Day, Dell is hosting their own mega-sale. Called Black Friday in July, Dell has discounted almost everything they sell, including computers, TVs, monitors, and audio products. Two of those audio products seem to be discounted deeper than we typically see too. The UE BOOM 2 has dropped to $59.99 ($120 off) at the moment (until it sells out) and the UE WONDERBOOM is $49.99 ($50 off). Both are limited supply deals labeled as "doorbusters," so once they sell through, they are gone for good. For those not familiar, both are incredible Bluetooth speakers that sound great and are tough enough to withstand the elements. Ultimate Ears (UE) has made some of the best Bluetooth speakers for years now and it all started with their BOOM line. If neither of these speakers interest you, you still may want to dive into the rest of Dell's deals at the link below. Dell Black Friday in July:

New OyxgenOS Beta Brings Project Treble Support to OnePlus 5 and 5T

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 14:03:28 +0000

OnePlus, following the release of their new update schedule, has introduced another big announcement as it relates to updates for the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T. Project Treble support is here! In the latest OxygenOS open beta (v13 for OP5 and v11 for OP5T), OnePlus has included a number of changes. We'll get to the others in a minute, but they really are bringing support for Google's Project Treble to these two older devices. That means even faster updates! Treble, for those new to the project, essentially breaks Android further down into pieces that are updated independently. The big change with Treble is a separated Vendor Implementation piece that companies like Qualcomm get to update to help speed up the entire Android process. It's the underlying piece of the OS that often was partly to blame for slow rollouts of updates to non-Google phones. The OnePlus 6 already supports Project Treble. In the past, OnePlus stated that they were scared of Project Treble because their testing showed that if they tried to implement it after the fact, it might brick phones. If they are ready to introduce it now, they must have figured out previous problems. Project Treble support is currently only in this newest OxygenOS beta. OnePlus states through their forums that if you want to get on this latest beta build, you should first get on the beta just prior to it or you'll need to clear all data and cache from recovery before flashing. In addition to Project Treble support OnePlus has included a "brand new user interface" in the update, new accent colors, tags in the app drawer, new UI in the weather app, and more. What is that new user interface they are talking about? Honestly, that's all they said, so we have no idea. One of you will have to flash this update and let us know what has changed. To grab the update, hit that link below. // OnePlus

OnePlus 6 Could Have Looked so Cool in These Experimental Colors

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 13:18:34 +0000

OnePlus launched the OnePlus 6 in Silk White, Midnight Black, and Mirror Black. The company is soon to release the Red version, too. What if OnePlus launched the phone in a pearlescent or differently colored matte finishes? Would you be more interested? We certainly would be! PC Mag was recently at the company's HQ in China and was shown many of the different experimental color options OnePlus was toying with when creating the device. We can see from the photo above and the video below that there were a lot of options to choose from. There are pinks, purples, greens, matte finishes, glossy finishes, and everything in between. We know that many companies do this when creating their devices, but it's not every day we, the consumers, get to see what might've been. You might hear us say this often, but we're getting rather bored with just Black and White options. We want some color flare! Check out the video below and see just how cool the OnePlus 6 backside looks in all of these different colors. // PC Mag

Galaxy Note 9's S Pen Hits FCC, Confirming Bluetooth

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 11:56:53 +0000

When the Galaxy Note 9 shows up on August 9 in New York, it seems clear now that Samsung is going to show off new and advanced S Pen features. Those features will be enabled, thanks to Bluetooth, which is confirmed as an S Pen feature according to the FCC. Today's showing at the FCC also matches up to an exciting and related rumor that surfaced over the weekend. The Note 9's S Pen, which has a model number of EJ-PN960, will connect to the Note 9 over 2.4GHz Bluetooth LE. The FCC is referring to it as a "Stylus Pen" and as you probably noticed, the "N960" matches up as an accessory to the Note 9's model number of SM-N960. The FCC docs do not specifically say what this stylus pen will be used for, but leaker Ice universe weighed in over the weekend with some thoughts. They mentioned that the Bluetooth in the Note 9's S Pen will be used to control timers on the phone from distance, as well as music playback. My guess is that the S Pen's button will work similarly to an action button on a pair of Bluetooth headphones. You could click it to pause, long-press or double tap to skip tracks or perform another action, that sort of thing (maybe launch Bixby too?). Of course, when you start thinking about those actions, you then wonder how far and how cool Samsung can take this. On a related note, the unlocked Galaxy Note 9 for the US also stopped at the FCC today as model number SM-N960U. It hits all the US carrier bands that you hoped for.

Like the idea of controls coming to the Note 9's S Pen? // FCC

Samsung's Android Go Phone Isn't a Stock Fanboy's Dream After All

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 11:01:54 +0000

We recently learned about an under development Android Go phone from Samsung. Because of the Android Go tag, we assumed it would run stock Android, which would have been a major selling point because Samsung always packs its phones with a sometimes unlovable custom OEM skin. Sadly, we're now finding out that even Android Go on what should be a very inexpensive device can't stop Samsung from using its custom skin. According to photos obtained by SamMobile, the upcoming Galaxy J2 Core will indeed feature Samsung's custom skin on top of Android Go, the modified build of Android created to run on devices with small amounts of processing power and RAM. As we can see in the photos, we have skinned touch buttons, plus what looks to be a full suite of Samsung applications. Samsung's apps are right there alongside Facebook Lite, plus Google's own apps designed for improved data and storage management. We still don't know when the Galaxy J2 Core will launch, or where, but we'll keep you posted when we hear more. Dang, I had my fingers crossed that Samsung was ready to embrace stock Android, but they do have a brand to maintain.

// SamMobile

DEAL: Verizon Galaxy S8+ for $449.99 With Our Exclusive Code at Daily Steals

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 10:57:44 +0000

The folks at Daily Steals opened up a new deal today on Verizon's Samsung Galaxy S8+ that is priced at just $499.99. However, to sweeten the deal, they've offered us an exclusive discount code that shaves another $50 off that price. So if you are interested, you can grab a Galaxy S8+ for $449.99. There are a couple of things to note here. For one, this is a refurbished S8+ at a "B grade" level. That means the phone will be in "good cosmetic condition," but there might be minor scuffs and scratches here and there. And two, even though this is technically the Verizon version, it's unlocked with support for a number of GSM network bands. To get the full list of supported networks, hit up that link below and then compare to our LTE band cheat sheet. Daily Steals has all three colors (black, purple, and silver) at this time. To get the extra $50 off, use code "DLIFES8" at checkout. Buy Galaxy S8+ at Daily Steals

Verizon Moto Z Play DROID Getting Oreo Update Right Now

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 09:44:44 +0000

The Moto Z Play DROID from Verizon is the latest phone to grab an update to Android Oreo. The update was given the green light last night and is rolling out to owners now. The Z Play Oreo update arrives as software version ODN27.76-12-30-2 and weighs in at around 1.1GB. It's a big one, which makes sense as a big Android version update. The update, like all other Oreo updates, gives users picture-in-picture, native autofill for passwords, smarter text selection, adaptive icons, background restrictions on apps, notification channels and dots, notification snoozing, and much more. For the full list, hit up that link below. To check for the update, head into Settings>System update. // Verizon Cheers Jon!

Amazon Prime Day 2018 Kicks Off July 16, Deals Already Happening

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 09:03:19 +0000

Amazon announced the starting date for Prime Day 2018, and wouldn't you know, it's right around the corner on July 16! If this is your first Prime Day, it's a special day for members of Amazon Prime to receive exclusive site-wide deals on anything from TVs to Alexa-powered products and everything in between. Believe me, Prime Day is basically Cyber Monday 2.0. "Prime members will enjoy a day (and a half) of our best deals, with 36 hours to shop more than one million deals worldwide," said Jeff Wilke, Amazon CEO of Worldwide Consumer. "New this year, members can shop exclusive Prime Day Launches from hundreds of brands worldwide, enjoy exclusive savings at Whole Foods Market and experience surprise entertainment events unboxed from giant Smile boxes in major cities. More than 100 million paid Prime members around the world will find our best Prime Day celebration yet," he added. As Amazon mentions here, the savings won't only be on Amazon's website. Prime members will see deals taking place at Whole Foods and events taking place in major US cities. It should be quite the extravaganza, all in the name of spending money. If you can't wait for July 16, Amazon has already started a few deals that we've highlighted below. These are the deals starting today.

Echo Show - Save $100 on Echo Show
Amazon Brands - 25% off furniture and décor from Rivet and Stone & Beam, up to 20% off AmazonBasics items, and 30% off everyday essentials from Presto!, Mama Bear and Solimo
Prime Video, DVDs and Blu-Ray - Save up to 50% on popular movies and TV shows on digital, DVD and Blu-Ray
Amazon Music - Get four months of the premium, on-demand service with access to tens of millions of songs and hands-free listening, for just $0.99
Twitch Prime - Members can enjoy hundreds of hours of free gameplay as Twitch Prime gives away a free PC game every day through July 18, including titles like Pillars of Eternity and Brutal Legend. Members will also receive exclusive in-game loot for Warframe and PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS
Kindle Unlimited and eBooks - Access to three months of unlimited reading for just $0.99. Buy your first Kindle book and get a $10 Prime Day credit valid towards eBooks, print books and Audible
Audible - Eligible Prime members can get their first three months at more than 65% off for $4.95 a month

On Prime Day, we'll be posting up the best deals we can find for you, so prepare your method of payment for the festivities. Amazon Link

DEAL: Amazon Echo Show is $100 Off to Kick Off Early Prime Day Sale

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 08:57:03 +0000

Amazon announced that Prime Day 2018 kicks off on July 16 at 3PM Eastern and then runs for a day and a half. There will be "more than one million" deals and we'll certainly all spend money on a bunch of stuff we don't need. It'll be great. To kick things off, Amazon is already dropping prices on items, including their own Amazon Echo Show. From now until Prime Day, you can pick-up the touchscreen Echo Show for $129.99, which is $100 off its usual price. What can you do with the Echo Show? It's like any other Echo in that Amazon Alexa powers it to help you control your smart home, get information, listen to music or books, find out the weather, and order things from Amazon. The Echo Show differs in that it has a touchscreen that you can interact with that adds to its usefulness. Both black and white versions have been discounted to $129.99. Buy Amazon Echo Show

PlayStation Vue Raises Prices Again, This Time by $5 Per Plan

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 08:29:39 +0000

Like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV NOW, PlayStation Vue is raising prices on its streaming TV plans. This is the 2nd time in a year that Vue has done so. This newest price adjustment is a $5 increase on all Vue plans, including Access, Core, Elite, and Ultra. The new pricing goes into effect on July 24 and is for new and current customers. However, some current subscribers may not see the increase until after July 31, likely because of bill scheduling. Through a blog post announcing the move, PlayStation's head of Vue, Dwayne Benefield, said that they "must increase the price of our multi-channel plans to keep pace with rising business costs and enable us to continue offering a better way to watch the best in live sports, entertainment, and news." That's the reasoning that almost every other streaming service has given as well. With a $5 increase, the pricing should look like this:

Access: $44.99
Core: $49.99
Elite: $59.99
Ultra: $79.99

If these price increase continue, is the value of slim streaming TV packages going to remain? // Playstation Blog

Facebook is Shutting Down Hello, tbh, and Moves Apps

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 15:39:39 +0000

Facebook announced this week that it is shutting down three apps: Hello, tbh, and Moves. If you're somewhat unfamiliar with these apps, I don't blame you at all, simply because Facebook's cause for closing them down is lack of usage. For closing dates, Facebook says Hello will be shut down in a few weeks, Moves will close on July 31, but the company didn't provide exact details for tbh. Furthermore, Facebook will delete the user data from all three of these apps within 90 days. Here's what Facebook said about the three apps.

We know some people are still using these apps and will be disappointed — and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support. But we need to prioritize our work so we don’t spread ourselves too thin. And it’s only by trial and error that we’ll create great social experiences for people.

If you're one of the people still using these apps, it's time to say goodbye. // Facebook

T-Mobile LG G6 Receives Oreo Update

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 13:57:24 +0000

T-Mobile's LG G6 is being updated to Oreo, labeled as version H87220a. If you don't know what Oreo is all about, we recommend reading one of our many write ups. If you don't have that kinda time, you can expect picture-in-picture, notification channels, native autofill, new emoji support, plus plenty more. Seriously, Oreo is a good one. Considering Android P just got its Beta 3 release this morning, this isn't exactly a good sign for LG fans, but hey, updates are better late than never. Additionally, maybe we have LG's new update center to thank for this update? Who knows. If you own a G6 on T-Mobile, be on the lookout for the notification. // T-Mobile

Essential Phone Also Picks Up New Android P Beta, July Security Patches

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 12:22:41 +0000

Essential continues to impress us with quick Android updates, even as the company's future in phones remains a mystery. Today, shortly after Google announced both July security patches and a new Android P beta, Essential is rolling out both to the Essential Phone. The July security patch will arrive as Android 8.1.0 and build OPM1.180104.267. It includes the newest patches as well as Android Auto stability fixes. It should be live any minute now if it isn't already. As for the new Android P beta, it's looking like Android P Beta 2, build PPR1.180610.030. This 290.2MB update includes the July security patches, similar Android Auto fixes, and the "latest Google Android P code integration." It is 100% live as I just pulled it.

To grab updates for your Essential Phone, head into Settings>System>System update. If you'd like to join the Essential Phone beta program, head here. // @Essential

HDR Playback Comes to SHIELD TV, Sony Android TVs Through Google Play Movies

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 12:00:29 +0000

HDR playback support has arrived for SHIELD TV and Sony TV models with Android TV, thanks to a flipped switch inside of Google Play Movies and TV. When playing back a title that features HDR, you should notice much better picture quality. Naturally, to experience HDR, you'll need a TV or display that supports it, plus you will need a movie that has it. Typically, any UHD title you purchase from Google Play will have HDR. If you want to ensure the movie you're about to buy offers HDR, scroll down to the additional information section and check for the "HDR Available" mention. To check out a few HDR titles on Google Play, look here. // +Android

AT&T is Raising the Price of All DIRECTV NOW Tiers by $5/Month

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:52:37 +0000

Shortly after unveiling its $15/month Watch TV service, AT&T announced it will bump up the price associated with all DIRECTV NOW tiers by $5/month, starting July 26. Like I said, all tiers, so that includes the $35/month Live a Little package all of the way up to the $70/month Gotta Have It. "In the 18 months since our launch, we have continued to evolve our DIRECTV NOW products to serve this new customer set and compare favorably with our competitors. To continue delivering the best possible streaming experience for both new and existing customers, we’re bringing the cost of this service in line with the market—which starts at a $40 price point," an AT&T spokesperson said. This change will take place for new customers starting July 26, while some existing customers may see the change take place August 1. Regardless, whether you're an existing customer or new customer, you're getting a $5/month increase soon. Drat! // Cordcutter News | TechCrunch

What's New in Android P Developer Preview 4 (Beta 3)? (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:27:47 +0000

With Android P Developer Preview 4 (Beta 3) now ready and rolling out, it's time for another "What's new?" post. We'll continue to update this post as we dive in and look for changes from the past preview. Again, this is DP 4 (Beta 3), arrives as build PPP4.180612.004, and is available to Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL. You can grab it right away for manual flashing or can sit back and wait for the Beta to push out.

New Back button!

This may seem silly, but the navigation gestures that were introduced with Android P that are quite controversial, have an updated back button. It used to be an enclosed triangle and now it's a back arrow. That's it. It looks slightly nicer, though!

Styling tweaks in notification shade

This is another subtle change, but the icons in the notification shade have all changed slightly. Most of the icons are now outlines (battery saver, flashlight, DND, etc.) rather than filled in. The Settings button and Edit button are too.

DARK THEME CHOICE!

If you head into Settings>Display, you'll find a Device Theme option that lets you manually toggle to a Light or Dark theme. Previously, you had to choose a dark or light wallpaper in order to make that flip. We knew this was coming and it's awesome!

Software info

Here are the details, by the way.

New look to the rotate button in the navigation area

Separate Call volume control

Google has added a separate Call volume control in addition to Media, Ring, and Alarm volumes.

New icon theming throughout the UI

DP4 vs. DP3

You can see that Google is trying to be more consistent with icon theming throughout. In the storage settings, we now have those outlined icons in DP4, just like in the notification shade.

Updated app switcher UI

The gesture navigation that pushes you into the app switcher, has been tweaked slightly. The cards are now bigger, the scroll bar at the bottom to get between cards has been lengthened, and the quick gesture (swipe right once) now shows close-to-full-screen previews in the animation. Updating...

July Android Security Update Goes Live for Nexus, Pixel Devices

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:08:17 +0000

Google just dropped the July 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 (OPM2.171026.006.G1, OPM4.171019.021.Q1) and Pixel 2 XL (OPM2.171026.006.H1, OPM4.171019.021.R1), Pixel and Pixel XL (OPM4.171019.021.P1), Nexus 6P (OPM6.171019.030.E1), Nexus 5X (OPM6.171019.030.E1), and Pixel C (OPM4.171019.021.N1).

NOTE: Google also pushed out the Android P Developer Preview 4 (Beta 3) today to Pixel and Pixel 2

Google’s phones are getting the July 5 security patch level. To check to see if the update is live, head into Settings>System>System Update. For notes:

Google shows Pixel 2 build OPM4.171019.021.Q1 as being for T-Mobile. The other build should be for all other Pixel 2 phones.
Google Shows Pixel 2 XL build OPM4.171019.021.R1 as being for T-Mobile. The other build should be for all other Pixel 2 XL phones.

Functional notes: [table responsive=scroll id=134 /] 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:

Android P Developer Preview 4, Beta 3 Goes Live for Pixel and Pixel 2! (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:01:35 +0000

Android P Developer Preview 4 (Beta 3) just went live! Google's Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL all have new files labeled as build PPP4.180612.004. This is a release candidate and should be the most stable build yet. As DP4, we'll have one more Developer Preview as DP5 before we get stable, likely in August. UPDATE: We're tracking Android P DP4 changes right here.

NOTE: Google also pushed out the July security patch to Nexus and Pixel devices on Android 8.1

UPDATE 2: The Beta 3 is now rolling out! Go check! (Cheers Bryant!)

Here are the build details for DP4:

API level 28 Date: July 2018 Build: PPP4.180612.004 (See supported Android P Beta devices) Emulator support: x86 & ARM (32/64-bit) Security patch level: June 2018 Google Play services: 12.4.46

You can grab the files right here (factory images) and here (OTA)or wait for the Android Beta file to start rolling out.

HTC to Cut 1,500 Jobs as Revenue Continues to Decline

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:15:35 +0000

HTC announced that it will cut 1,500 jobs from its manufacturing unit this year, roughly a quarter of its current workforce. According to HTC, this move will help better manage its resources, which are undoubtedly running thin. Earlier this year, HTC reported a 55.5% plunge in April revenues year-over-year and a 46.7% slide in March sales. In a statement issued by the company, "Today HTC announces plans to optimize the manufacturing organizations in Taiwan. This plan will allow more effective and flexible resource management going forward." As you might already know, Kellen had high hopes for HTC's 2018. Unfortunately, the company released a phone (U12+) that barely has fully operational volume controls, let alone anything else to make it a real competitor against other devices on the market. The U12+ was a very disappointing show from the company. Things continue to look dire for HTC. // Reuters

Android TV Remote App With Its Ice Cream Sandwich Buttons, Badly Needs an Update

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:04:03 +0000

The Android TV Remote app is an app I use often. Since the tiny SHIELD TV remotes in my house get lost in couch cushions or because they've become my child's "pew pew" as he destroys the Galaxy and takes down dinosaurs, they are almost never in reach. The thing is, this app looks like it's from 2011 and the reviews of it suggest that it perform likes its from then too. And that's too bad, because a little love is all it needs to be great. Take a look at the pictures here and see if you notice anything showing its age. Yeah, that home button arrived in Ice Cream Sandwich. Google has since changed the styling of it at least two times, maybe three. That's not surprising, though, as this particular app hasn't been updated since April 2017, well over a year ago. The review score for the Android TV Remote app now sits at a solid 3 out of 5 stars, which is terrible for a Google app. Some of the most recent reviews suggest that its keyboard feature doesn't work with certain keyboards, that it no longer works at all with the Nexus Player, and that it "hardly" keeps a stable connection when it is connected. It's nothing but complaints about an app that was once a go-to for many, yet no longer works.

The thing is, Google is really pushing Android TV again and so it would make sense to get this app up and running properly. While there may not be many new Android TV boxes like the SHIELD TV, more and more TV makers are opting for Android TV as their software system. Sony uses it, Hisense now offers it, and the Oreo update that really improves the experience is rolling out everywhere. This app could get heavy use. It's an incredibly convenient app to fire up when your remote is out of reach or the batteries die, it only takes a couple of taps to connect it, and you can then go about your Android TV experience, since your phone is always nearby. But not only that, it's software, so it can get better unlike your physical remote. I still use it to enter in passwords on Android TV, because it offers a keyboard experience. For Google, especially if their software is running on TVs outside of their control that haven't built Google Assistant into their remotes, this app offers that. It's a universal remote too, since you can connect it on the fly to Android TVs in multiple rooms as you switch between them. Now, I'm not suggesting that Google turn this into the ultimate remote with guides and pre-programmed buttons and such, but that's not a terrible idea. Or maybe they build a more powerful remote like that into Google Home, since they sure seem to be investing heavily in that app. The Android TV Remote app really is one of those apps that every Android TV user should have handy. We just need Google to show us some love.

OnePlus 6 in Red Arrives July 10, Bullets Wireless Re-Stock Too

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 07:11:16 +0000

As was made pretty clear on Friday, a red OnePlus 6 is indeed on the way. The company announced the newest color option for the OnePlus 6 last night and you'll be able to buy one on July 10 at 10AM Eastern for $579. This red OnePlus 6 comes with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM, otherwise the color is the only difference between it and other OnePlus 6 models. You've got the same specs you'll find here. This new color of the OnePlus 6 is a limited edition option, so it could sell out quickly on the 10th. If you care about the backstory of this color, hit up this link. In addition to the red option, OnePlus tells us that they'll re-stock their OnePlus Bullets Wireless on July 10 too. They sold out almost immediately a few weeks ago, so get ready for those little $69 wonders. Buy OnePlus 6 Red

T-Mobile Activates RCS Universal Profile, but Only for the Galaxy S7 (Updated: Oreo!)

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:10:16 +0000

T-Mobile said back in March that during Q2, they would rollout support for RCS Universal Profile to their network to help usher us all into a modern messaging age. Since we're a day away from Q2 ending, they've gone ahead and announced that their RCS push has started. For now, the RCS Universal Profile on T-Mobile will be available to the 2-year-old Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge after they receive a software update. That update will arrive in batches, so if you aren't seeing it just yet, that's why.

UPDATE: The update that will enable RCS Universal Profile is actually Oreo (1, 2). The Galaxy S7 will see software version G930TUVU4CRF1 and the Galaxy S7 Edge will get G935TUVU4CRF1. These updates include the April security patch, as well as "DIGITS phase 2 update."

T-Mobile says that they'll continue to add RCS Universal Profile support to additional devices, but aren't ready to share what those are just yet. It seems odd that they'd start with devices this old, though. Hopefully, we get some newer phones here quickly, like the Galaxy S9. https://twitter.com/NevilleRay/status/1012723505694031872 What is RCS Universal Profile and why should you care? Read this to start. But the basics are that it's a modern, universal messaging platform that will work across carriers, once they've adopted it. "Modern" meaning it'll allow you to send bigger files, know when someone is responding, send actual full-size photos, and have better group chats. It'll eventually work in Android Messages, which is Google's stock messaging app. T-Mobile, at least according to this Tweet, doesn't seem to have made that work yet. So basically, this T-Mobile RCS rollout isn't much - it's only on a 2-year old phone and quite possibly doesn't work through Android Messages. Great. // T-Mobile

Google Pay Adds Support for PayPal Mastercards Issued by Synchrony

Tim — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:32:44 +0000

This week, Google Pay listed official support for PayPal Mastercard users on its support site whose cards were issued by Synchrony. This should include the PayPal Extras MasterCard and PayPal Cashback Mastercard. With this support, you can now load those noted cards into Google Pay, then get your shopping done by simply tapping your phone to a supporting card terminal and the funds will be taken directly from your PayPal Mastercard. Easy enough, right? On top of select PayPal Mastercards, Google Pay also added support for a dozen or more other banks across the country. To see if your bank is now listed as supported, follow the link below. We're always keeping an eye on what Google Pay adds support for, so we will be sure to keep you posted on any other notable additions that take place. // Google Pay Support

YouTube TV is Down at the Moment (Updated: Back!)

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:07:23 +0000

YouTube TV is down! Well, it has logged everyone out at the moment and won't let anyone log back in, so that means something is up. We're having issues with YouTube TV on the web, in its Android app, and on Xbox One. Users at reddit and Google's product forums are also acknowledging the issue. So no, you aren't alone in this YouTube TV outage of sorts, just like with the Google Home outage earlier in the week. We'll let you know as it comes back up. UPDATE 1:35PM: Google says that they are aware of a "service interruption" and working on a fix. https://twitter.com/TeamYouTube/status/1012795291978760193 UPDATE 1:44PM: It's back! You should be able to log-in again. Cheers Nathan and Thomas!

Podcast: Weird Colored Pens

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:32:49 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're recapping the last two weeks in Android. During that span, we got dates on announcements of the Galaxy Note 9 and something new from Motorola, as well as our best looks yet at the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. In addition to those bits of news, we want to talk a bit about the radically designed Oppo Find X, OnePlus' new update schedule, Google Home's best new feature, and ask why in the hell you guys are still into physical keyboards. We also have trivia this week and it's sponsored by Meater, a smart meat thermometer that Tim reviewed recently and truly is a fan of. We'll be live at 11:00AM Pacific (2:00PM Eastern)! If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

AT&T's $15 Watch TV Service is Now Available

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 08:59:29 +0000

At the end of last week, AT&T announced two unlimited data plans that included free access to their new Watch TV streaming service. As of today, all of those new options are available, plus you can sign-up for the $15/mo Watch TV service without an AT&T plan. To recap, AT&T's Watch TV is a $15/mo streaming TV service that includes 30+ channels. You can see those channels right here, but the list includes AMC, Cartoon Network, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, IFC, TBS, TNT, and Viceland. They'll soon add BET, Comedy Central, and VH1 too. You'll notice that ESPN is not a part of this bundle. AT&T Watch TV works on Android, iOS, Apple TV, Chrome, and through Amazon's Fire TV products. Again, you can sign-up for this service by itself, but if you sign-up for one of the new Unlimited &More plans, you get it for free. There are two Unlimited &More plans, one that costs $70 for a single line and another that costs $80 for a single line. The $70 plan is called Unlimited &More, includes unlimited data (that can be throttled during times of network congestion), 480p video, and Watch TV. The $80 plan is called Unlimited &More Premium, includes non-throttled unlimited data (throttling can occur after 22GB of usage), 1080p video, 15GB hotspot, Watch TV, and your choice of another free streaming service (HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Showtime, etc.). If interested, we've got links for you below. Links:

A Red OnePlus 6 is Coming July 2

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 08:05:52 +0000

OnePlus sent this Tweet this morning and we're almost 100% positive that we are about to get a red OnePlus 6. The reference to "C61422" is likely a color hex, which is a red tone. The video accompanying that hex also shows a lot of red. Yeah, a red OnePlus 6 is coming on July 2. https://twitter.com/oneplus/status/1012712297737809921

Sling TV Raises Orange Tier Price, Launches New Experience

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 16:00:30 +0000

Sling dropped a whole bunch of news today surrounding its Sling TV streaming service. For one, the price of the Orange tier is increasing, but we should also see a revamped experience in the near future, as well as more à la carte channels to choose from. On the topic of the price hike, the Orange bundle is increasing from $20 to $25/mo. Sling states the obvious in their announcement for this change, that programming fees have increased and this is what they have to do. Of course, this Orange was once only 15 channels and is now 30, so there is still quite a bit of value there. The new price is already live for new customers. If you are a current Sling TV customer with an Orange plan, your price will increase to the $25 mark on your August bill. The Blue plan is still $25. In other Sling news, they are pushing out a new experience on Roku that includes a bunch of free content that you can watch without re-upping your subscription. The new experience also includes more à la carte channels that you can buy without the need for an Orange or Blue subscription. Some of the options are NBA League Pass ($28.99/mo), Stingray Karaoke ($7/mo),l and Showtime ($10/mo). Sling will offer more pay-per-view options too, which won't need a subscription either. The new experience is here for select Roku users right away, but should arrive on other devices in the "future." // Sling [2]

RIP: Verizon's go90 Shuts Down on July 31

Tim — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 15:59:10 +0000

Verizon's video service, go90, is officially shutting its virtual doors on July 31. This news is not shocking to anyone. Back in February, we learned that go90 was close to death and it appears the time has come. For the folks who work on go90, the team and the entirety of go90's operations will be folded into the Oath multimedia department. As for its content, it's reported that Go90 will return the shows and content rights to the original production owners. Deuces, go90! // Variety

You Can Now Add a Soundtrack to Instagram Stories, Not a Bad Music Selection Either

Tim — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:08:15 +0000

Instagram is rolling out the ability to add a soundtrack to your Stories and we're not talking about some corny music from Apple's GarageBand assortment of Rock or Hip Hop loops. These are actual songs that you've probably heard on the radio, such as work from Bruno Mars, Demi Lovato, Maroon 5, and The Weeknd. No word if Cannibal Corpse or Decapitated is available, but I'll let you know. The way you'll add music is pretty simple, but if you're on iOS, it's even more simple. For Android, you'll record your Story, then upload it. After that, you'll tap to add a Sticker. In that section, you'll see a new Music option, and it's from there that you can add whatever music you want. Whenever someone watches a Story with a new Music sticker, they'll see the album artwork and track information of the music that's playing. On iOS, you can select the music before recording your Story and Instagram says that feature is coming later for Android. Instagram says they're adding new music to the service daily, so like I said, I'll keep you posted on the Death Metal selection. // Instagram

Motorola has a "Big Announcement" Scheduled for August 2

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:34:22 +0000

Fresh off its Moto Z3 Play announcement, Motorola has more to share. On August 2, at Moto HQ in Chicago, they'll unveil their next device. Will it be the flagship Moto Z3? Could it be one of their new Motorola One devices? My bet is on the Moto Z3 if they plan to host an event of some kind, especially since they are calling this "big" and describing the device as a new way to do almost everything you do with a smartphone:

Mark your calendar. On August 2, we’re making a big announcement at Motorola’s HQ in Chicago. Say “hello” to a whole new way to connect, stream, download, video chat, and more. Are you ready?

Motorola also tells us that this device will "change the way people will use and interact with their phones." Excited for something "big" from Moto?

DEAL: 3-Pack of Samsung's Connect Mesh WiFi is Just $90 Right Now ($210 Off)

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:42:37 +0000

Mesh WiFi systems are one of those no-brainer upgrades you should all make for your home. Your single router that's tucked away in an office probably isn't covering your bedroom upstairs very well, and that sucks when you want to watch 4K Netflix. If you haven't already made the investment in a mesh system, we've got a deal for you today. Samsung Connect, which is Samsung's mesh system, has been discounted to just $89.99 at Lowe's. If it sells out there, it's also $99.99 at almost all other retailers. How good of a deal is that? Google WiFi individual units cost $129, but this Samsung deal is for 3 Samsung Connect units. That's nuts! This is the Connect AC1300 model, with speeds up to 866Mbps over 5GHz and 400Mbps over 2.4GHz. You get to control all that is connected to your network with a Connect app, plus it acts as a smart home hub for controlling your smart home products. This 3-pack of Samsung Connect is normally listed at $299.99. Buy Samsung Connect at Lowe's

Amazon Releases Show Mode Docks for Existing Fire HD Tablets, New Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

Tim — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:29:33 +0000

Amazon announced three new products this morning. There is a tablet designed for kids with the Fire HD 10 Kids, plus two Show Mode docks designed specifically for the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10. The Fire HD 10 Kids tablet sports 10.1” Full HD display (1920 x 1200), 32 GB internal storage, and up to 10 hours of mixed-use battery life. It even supports expandable storage up to 256GB. With FreeTime Unlimited, kids get access to over 15,000 apps and games for fun and learning. The device comes with a free year of it, then FreeTime Unlimited costs $2.99/month. Fire HD 10 Kids is priced at $199.

Show Mode Docks

When a compatible tablet (Fire HD 10 and Fire HD 8) are placed inside their corresponding dock, users get immersive, full-screen Alexa access. Think of these docks as attachments to turn your existing Fire HD tablet into an Echo Show. You'll be able to access all of Alexa's features, place calls, watch movies, and anything else you may need that your tablet and Alexa are capable of. For pricing, the dock for Fire HD 10 costs $49.99, while the HD 8's dock costs $34.99. Amazon is also offering a package deal when you buy the tablet and dock together. It's $189 for an HD 10 + dock or $109 for an HD 8 + dock. Not bad. Follow the links below if any of these new products interest you. Amazon Links

OnePlus Sets Update Schedule for OnePlus 3, 5, and 6 That'll Make You Happy

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:55:24 +0000

Updates are still a big deal worth talking about on Android, even as some of the bigger players in the game continue to ignore them. OnePlus, a company who once had a rocky update history, has slowly been improving in the area since the release of the OnePlus 3 two years ago. And today, they've committed further to improving their reputation for updates by releasing a schedule similar to Google's Pixel schedule. An announcement from OnePlus addresses the new OnePlus Software Maintenance Schedule, which covers the OnePlus 3 and 3T, OnePlus 5 and 5T, and OnePlus 6. The schedule states that all phones will receive a full 2 years worth of "regular software maintenance" updates, as well as an additional 1 year of "software security maintenance" updates. The "regular software maintenance" releases are listed as including new features, Android versions, Android security patches, and bug fixes. In that additional 1 year of security patches, well, the phones will see security patches. As for timing, OnePlus is committing to provide updates on a bi-monthly (every 2 months) basis for the full three years worth of support. This new schedule goes into effect immediately.

In case you were wondering how this will look for the OnePlus 3 and 3T, OnePlus says that they'll continue providing regular OTA updates until November of this year (2018), followed by an additional year of Android security patches. That make you feel better about your OnePlus purchase? // OnePlus

OnePlus Says It'll Bring Phones to US Carriers and They'll be Bloatware Free

Tim — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 08:34:03 +0000

There is no denying that if OnePlus started selling smartphones through a US carrier or multiple carriers, the company's sales would rise. Right now, the company relies solely on direct sales in the US, which has actually gone rather well for them. Just recently, OnePlus announced it had sold over 1 million units of the OnePlus 6 in only 22 days. For what some may call a startup company, that's impressive. Here in the US, most of the wireless business, including phone sales, takes place directly through carriers. If OnePlus can strike a deal to get on one, say AT&T or Verizon, things would be looking pretty good. We bring this up because at MWC Shanghai, OnePlus went over its current strategy and gave its community, as well as the press, an idea of what to look forward to with the company. According to OnePlus, it wants to get on US carriers to increase the amount of time potential customers can spend with the phone before deciding to buy one. Somewhat importantly, especially when we start talking about carriers, is that OnePlus said not to worry about carrier bloatware. At the company's core, it believes in prioritizing speed and a bloatware-free experience, which is great for buyers. The company did not drop any specific names when discussing carriers, but this is certainly not the first time we've heard them bring up coming to US carriers. Focus wasn't only on US carriers, though. OnePlus also mentioned 5G and the work it has done with Qualcomm. During the event, OnePlus committed to being one of the first 5G smartphone makers, stating a 5G phone launch would sync up with the first year of 5G being available in the US. As of right now, we're still a bit from actual wireless 5G in the US, but we're getting there. OnePlus fans have been begging for Verizon connectivity on its devices for years. Maybe it will finally happen? Maybe it won't and instead it will come to T-Mobile? We'll have to wait and see. // PCMag

Verizon Offers New Military Discounts on Unlimited Plans, Up to $40 Off Per Month

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:48:28 +0000

Verizon kicked off a new promotion this morning that offers savings to military families on Verizon Unlimited plans. Any of the unlimited plans will now be discounted up to $40 per month depending on how many lines a family has. The new promo saves military families $15 off a single line, $35 off two lines, and $40 off three or more lines. The discount applies to Go Unlimited and Beyond Unlimited plans, as well as the new $95/mo Above Unlimited plan. The discount is available to active-duty military, reservists, Gold Star families and veterans. If you qualify, Verizon says that all you need to do to get the discount is "simply login to your account and choose the unlimited plans you need." In addition to the new monthly price reduction, Verizon is offering a limited time discount where families can receive a $200 Mastercard prepaid card if they add a new line and buy a new LTE phone. Verizon Military Sign-Up // Verizon [FAQ]

AT&T's 'Administrative Fee' for All Wireless Customers Jumps to $1.99/Month

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 15:38:22 +0000

Placed inside all of AT&T customers' monthly wireless bills is something called an Administrative Fee. It's a pretty vague name considering what AT&T says that fee is associated with. According to AT&T when asked, "This is a standard administrative fee across the wireless industry, which helps cover costs we incur for items like cell site maintenance and interconnection between carriers." Now that you know what it is, it's time to share the news. Apparently, the cost AT&T incurs for cell site maintenance and interconnection between carriers is hefty, because that same Administrative Fee is seeing a massive increase of $0.76/month to $1.99/month. Not including prepaid lines, when added up and multiplied by 12 months, that's roughly an extra $800 million AT&T is bringing in from its monthly customers. Analysts believe that this move is not related to the company's wireless business at all, but instead, centers solely around its recent purchase of Time Warner for around $108 billion. With the deal closed, AT&T has brought on an estimated $60 billion of net debt. In other words, it's a major US carrier acting exactly like a US carrier would, which is not really caring about its customers or their wallets. // Fortune | The Verge

RPG-Style Pokémon Quest Comes to Android

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:53:24 +0000

Pokémon Quest is now available for Android and iOS devices, after a short exclusive period on Nintendo Switch. The game features all of your favorite Pokémon from the old school Blue and Red titles, so any fan of the franchise should automatically be familiar with all of the characters. In this RPG-style game, you'll select your first Pokémon partner. Each partner has different attributes that cater to your play style. From here, you will explore Tumblecube Island, and as you'll see, all of the Pokémon are cubes. The game makes a very big deal about that, so don't be surprised. Basically, the main objective is to search the island for loot and collect different Pokémon as you go. You'll get into battles, find new Pokémon, loot and then repeat. The game is free to download from Google Play, but be aware, there are in-app purchases. Feel free to monitor your kids as needed while they play. I'm off to catch 'em all yet again! Google Play Link

Qualcomm's New Wearable Chip is For Kids Watches, Runs Special Version of Android

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:18:46 +0000

Qualcomm announced its new watch platform this week, the Snapdragon Wear 2500. No, this isn't the new flagship chip we expect to arrive this fall to try and revive Wear OS, but it is important if you have kids. It's also the first since the Snapdragon Wear 2100 arrived more than two years ago. Snapdragon Wear 2500 was designed to offer longer battery life and connectivity, so that you can always keep track of your kids. Qualcomm also wants these new Wear 2500 kids watches to help in learning and growing, as well as staying fit. To do that, Qualcomm is shipping some sort of "optimized version of Android for kids." There are little details surrounding what that means other than it's based on Android Oreo, but no where does their press release state that this is Wear OS. As far as we can tell, this is a custom skin of Android for kids watches. (We've reached out to both Qualcomm and Google for clarification on what this version of Android is.) As for the the 2500, it's based on a quad-core A7 processor with an Adreno GPU, supports 5MP cameras and NFC, and includes voice assistant support. Huawei is one of the first partners that plans to introduce a Snapdragon Wear 2500 device, but there are others working on them as well. The 2500 development kit arrives in Q3 of this year, so it might be a while before we see a watch you can buy for your child.

// Qualcomm

For Real: NVIDIA Rolls Out Upgrade 7.0 (Android 8.0 "Oreo") to All SHIELD TV Owners

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 11:28:06 +0000

Ready for Oreo on your SHIELD TV? Good, because it's coming today! After delays and preview members getting to use it, NVIDIA announced the news via Twitter, saying SHIELD Experience Upgrade 7.0 is rolling out to all users. This update includes a redone UI for the device, which brings recommendations to the forefront of the browsing experience. For example, let's say you have Netflix and Hulu loaded onto the device, those apps will now provide previews and shortcuts into shows that you've been watching or are recommended for you. Be on the lookout for the update notification today, but if you don't see it, head into Settings > About > System Updates and it should be there. https://twitter.com/nvidiashield/status/1011958574984069120

Google Home is Down, Chromecast is Struggling Too (Updated: Fixed!)

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:49:01 +0000

At some point last night, Google Home and Chromecast units across this fine Earth stopped working. Google says they are working on fixing them both. Users who fired up a Home, Mini, or Max with "Hey, Google," were either told that "there was a glitch" and users should "try again in a few seconds," or that "Your Google Home isn't setup yet." As of the time of this post (10:44AM Pacific), many are still down. For Chromecasts, they are simply no longer showing up as Cast targets when inside apps. I'm still seeing SHIELD TV units as Cast targets, but Chromecasts have disappeared. There are numerous threads at Google's product forums (Home, Chromecast) with users experiencing the issues still. I've seen some mentions of their Home units being fixed, but I can tell you that none are working in my house. So if you are having issues with your Google Home, Home Mini, Home Max, or Chromecast devices, you are not alone. We'll update this post when Google issues a fix. UPDATE 11:46AM: Google is still working on both. https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/1012044398341656576 UPDATE 3:23PM: Google says they have found a fix that will rollout over 6 hours or so. If you don't want to wait that long, a reboot will apparently do the trick right away. You can reboot a couple of ways. The simplest way is to unplug the device, leave it unplugged for a minute, and then plug it back in. The other way is to head into the Google Home app, tap the Devices button in the top right corner, and see a list of your Google Home devices. For each device, tap its 3-dot menu button and then choose "Reboot." If rebooting does not fix your issues, Google suggests that you contact them.

Google Says We're Still a Long Way From Duplex, AI-Powered Robot Calls

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:39:21 +0000

At this year's Google I/O, Google showcased Duplex, an AI-powered program that users will access through Google Assistant to book reservations for various things over the phone. You simply give Google Assistant a place and time you want booked, then your Assistant will make a call to the business on your behalf. Recently, Google invited select members of the tech press to get a closer look at Duplex. During this meeting, press members were able to field actual calls from Duplex. For this example, Google had the press act as restaurant employees manning the phones, taking reservation calls from the AI-powered bot caller. According to Arstechnica, Duplex is every bit as awesome as Google showcased during Google I/O, but we learned a bit more about availability and other things. Google says Duplex is a ways from launch, which we're sad to report. Here's exactly what Google said.

"We're actually quite a long way from launch, that's the key thing to understand. This is super-early technology, somewhere between technology demo and product. We're talking about this way earlier than we typically talk about products."

If this is your first time hearing about Duplex, you'll want to watch the video below. It differs from the original Duplex we were shown at I/O in a couple of ways, but it's still cool. At the start of a call, your Assistant will now identify itself as Google Assistant and will also notify the 3rd-party that the call is being recorded. This should get Google past any privacy advocates, not that they're a bad thing. You'll also notice that Duplex sounds very human, even inputting "um" into sentences and pauses when it's thinking. For me, once the veil is lifted and Assistant is identifying itself as a robot caller in the beginning, the need for these things is gone. If I'm talking to a robot on the other line, I'm not going to be very patient when it starts pausing and throwing out "um" and "uh" just to make itself sound human. I get it, you're a robot calling me to make a reservation, can we just get on with it? I still think Google's work here is incredible and once launched will be loved by many, but something about that is irking me. Because we're still "quite a way from launch," we'll continue to keep you posted on Duplex's development. What do you think? Is Duplex something you're patiently awaiting? // Arstechnica

Google Calendar Picks Up Out of Office Event Option, Work Hour Restrictions

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:27:21 +0000

Google Calendar for web is picking up two important new features over the next week. One of them will let you inform others that you are "out of office," and the other lets you customize stricter working hours, so that others will leave you the hell alone. With the new "out of office" option, you'll be able to create calendar events that have a "different look" that normal calendar events, letting others know that you aren't available at that time. Should someone try and invite you to an event then, Google Calendar will automatically decline it. And yep, you can customize the decline message. Additionally, Calendar will try to "intelligently detect" if you are creating an "out of office" event, based on the past.

For the new working hours restriction, you now get to customize working hours for each day. Previously, you could only set these as a blanket time for all days. When this new feature shows up, Google may prompt you to set it all up. These new features should rollout over the next two weeks. // G Suite

DEAL: Verizon Prepaid Plans Gets Double Data for a Limited Time

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 08:34:52 +0000

Verizon kicked off a new promotion today that should probably be considered by just about everyone. The deal is for Verizon Prepaid and it'll get you double the data of current plans without a price change. What does that translate to? The $60 plan jumps from 10GB to 20GB (!), $50 plan from 7GB to 14GB, $40 plan from 3GB to 6GB, and the $30 plan doubles from 500MB to 1GB. Verizon still has an unlimited prepaid plan, but how tempting is that 10GB plan? As a reminder, Verizon Prepaid not only includes unlimited talk and text, but carryover data and mobile hotspot too. In order to get the deal, you'll need to sign-up for a new plan or add a new line. Current Verizon prepaid customers do not get the deal, unless you cancel and re-sign up, I'd imagine. Verizon notes that if you sign-up for this prepaid double data deal, you get to keep the double data "as long as your new line(s) stay active on an eligible prepaid plan." Also, you apparently won't see the double data bucket show up in your shopping cart as you checkout, but it'll be there in My Verizon after you activate. Verizon Prepaid double data is only available for a limited time.

UPDATE: Verizon is now offering discounts to military members too, up to $40 off

Sign-up for Verizon Prepaid

YouTube Picture-in-Picture on Android Working Without a Premium Account

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 08:18:52 +0000

Over the past month or so, a number of readers have suggested to us that YouTube's picture-in-picture mode (PiP) was working for them even though they didn't have a Premium (or RED) account. Since that feature was supposed to be exclusive to YouTube Premium, we assumed it was some sort of a bug. As it turns out, they may have just been on the early end of a ridiculously slow rollout. A number of reddit users discovered the same yesterday, which we've now verified in one of our own non-Premium accounts - YouTube picture-in-picture is working. Google hasn't announced the switch to my knowledge, but they do seem to acknowledge the openness at YouTube support. The picture-in-picture page now says that anyone with Android Oreo and up should have access. The only limits are PiP mode for videos "that contain music content," as that's an exclusive to YouTube Premium members. To access YouTube PiP, head into your YouTube app, then Settings>General and toggle on Picture-in-picture if it's not already on. From there, watch a video and tap your phone's home button. With a video playing, tapping home should drop the video into a mini floating video over the top of other apps. Google Play Link

Samsung Sets Galaxy Note 9 Unveiling for August 9

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 08:17:41 +0000

Samsung made August 9 the unveiling date for Galaxy Note 9, with invites going out to press and teasers being placed on social media. In the teaser, we're asked, "Can you keep up?" Then we get a slow moving video that shows off a very differently colored S Pen. If that stylus is any indication to how Samsung may color its Note devices this year, I'm interested. For more info on the Galaxy Note 9, the device recently went through the FCC, we have heard rumors about its battery size, and this is probably what it looks like. August 9 in NYC. We'll be there. https://twitter.com/SamsungMobile/status/1011987824726368256

Ready to See the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL From All Angles?

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:38:48 +0000

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL should arrive at some point near the end of September or early October, assuming Google keeps with previous release schedules. So we've still got some time before the phones are officially revealed. Today, though, thanks to 3D CAD renders that were likely created from a case maker with the dimensions, we get a preview of both phones. And yep, they match up to previous leaks. As you can see from the image above, the Pixel 3 will look like a smaller version of last year's Pixel 2 XL, while the Pixel 3 XL will adopt 2018's notch trend. We expected this to be the case based off previous leaks, but this really does confirm it. I say that because I'm not sure I've ever seen these CAD renders, which arrive via @onleaks, lead us in the wrong direction in the past. According to MySmartPrice, the dimensions for each phone are 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9mm (Pixel 3) and 158 x 76.6 x 7.9mm (Pixel 3 XL). If correct, that means the Pixel 3 will be almost identical in size to the Pixel 2, except it'll have a much bigger screen and less bezel. That might make for the perfect phone. As for the Pixel 3 XL, those dimensions also match up almost identically to the Pixel 2 XL. So if you own either Pixel 2 phone, you have a good idea what these Pixel 3 devices may feel like in hand. As for the rest of the story, today's renders do not necessarily provide us any other new info that we didn't get from that Pixel 3 XL prototype hands-on. We still think these show a glass back and a design I think looks fantastic, but one that you all seem to hate. Ready to see 'em? Here you go.

Pixel 3

Pixel 3 XL

// MySmartPrice

Google Maps New Explore Tab, "For You" Section are Available to Everyone

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 14:22:33 +0000

Should you open Google Maps this afternoon during your commute home and the UI looks a little weird, that's intentional! Google is rolling out a big UI tweak that includes new Explore and For You tabs. They first mentioned this update back in May at Google I/O and are just now getting around to the global push. The new Explore tab wants to help you find nearby events or restaurants that you might want to visit. The UI is very picture-forward, shows trending lists from local experts, lets you filter the results, and will try to show you a numeric rating for spots that it thinks you'll enjoy. The closer to 100, the more of a match it should be.

New vs. Old

The For You section is a bit more fine-tuned to specific areas you care about. You can select your city or town, plus other places you might regularly visit. This tab will then show you hot new restaurants, make recommendations in those areas, and any related news. Again, the new UI is rolling out to all in the US today. Hit that link below to grab the latest update. Google Play Link // Google

Report: LG V40 to Have Five Cameras, Presumably Three on Back and Two on Front

Tim — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:47:55 +0000

According to a source of Android Police, the upcoming V40 from LG will feature a total of five cameras, presumably three on the backside of the phone and two on the front. While it may seem shocking to hear that a phone will have five cameras, it's not completely out of this world. Recently, Huawei launched the P20 Pro sporting four cameras, three on the back and one on the front, so LG's jump to five isn't completely insane. From the source, AP has gathered that the two front facing cameras will include some sort of face unlocking capability. It's unknown if both cameras will be used for a 3D-like face mapping effect or if only a single lens will be used for facial recognition. On the back, it sounds like LG will incorporate its standard wide lens, an ultrawide lens, plus another lens with unknown capabilities. Maybe a zoom? Maybe something else? We don't know quite yet, but if LG is going Huawei's route, it could be a monochrome shooter or have a crazy-high megapixel count. The P20 Pro has a 40MP camera onboard. The source didn't stop at just cameras, though. They also mentioned the V40 will have a top display notch, just like the LG G7, plus a design that, "resembles an up-scaled G7." I guess that's supposed to mean more glass and more metal? Other details include a Snapdragon 845 processor, Quad DAC, and dedicated Google Assistant button. Five cameras, eh? I'm down! How about you? Awesome or overkill for a smartphone? // Android Police

More Phones Need the Moto Z3 Play's Side Fingerprint Reader

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 12:18:27 +0000

I've spent the last handful of days with the new Moto Z3 Play, and while I'm certainly a fan of the phone already, there is one particular design choice that I really like and wish more companies would adopt. The Moto Z3 Play has a side-embedded fingerprint reader and it's pretty fantastic. When fingerprint readers were first introduced to phones on a grand scale, we saw them typically embedded within home buttons on the bottom chins of phones. That placement made a lot of sense, but it also limited design somewhat by having to dedicate a space on the front of a phone for it. As companies decided against that implementation, we also saw them move fingerprint readers to the backs of phones, and in rare cases, to the sides. Sony was one of the first to implement a fingerprint reader in the side as an embedded sensor within their phones' power buttons. Nextbit did the same with the Robin, as did Razer with their first phone. It doesn't happen often, but I think Motorola has the best implementation yet.

I say that because Motorola didn't put the fingerprint reader within a power button. In fact, they moved the power button opposite the fingerprint reader to the left side of the Moto Z3 Play. That let them include a fingerprint reader that's like the fingerprint readers on the backs of most phones, which is basically a touchpad that reads your fingerprint. There's no fumbling between pressing a power button and also trying to scan or your phone immediately waking from scanning after you tried to lock it, which I always thought was an issue with Sony's earlier phones and LG's phones that did a similar double-up with power button and fingerprint reader in a rear placement. With this Moto Z3 Play, that dedicated side area is only for fingerprint scanning. This move was done to free up space on the front of the phone to give the Z3 Play a full-display front, but also because they couldn't put it on the back if they wanted to support Moto Mods. What I really love about this location is that it's probably the most accessible in any situation. If your phone is on a desk, you can reach over to the side and unlock it without picking it up. You can't do that with a rear location. If you pick up your phone, your thumb naturally rests on the side of the device as you hold it, allowing it to unlock as well. With bottom, front readers, you always had to do an extra reach across the bottom of your phone. If you need to scan your finger for a purchase or another secure reason, your thumb is there, basically ready to be read at all times.

I think this location could get better too. One thing Motorola didn't include was the swipe-for-notifications gesture on the fingerprint reader that Google has made famous. I don't necessarily like that motion on rear-placed readers, but I would totally use it on the side, almost like a scroll wheel that your thumb could swipe on. A side location like this also opens up phone makers to much cleaner designs. Samsung keeps putting together some of the worst rear phone designs because of their fingerprint reader choices and camera housings. If you take away the rear fingerprint reader and embed it on the side of any phone, it frees up that back space to be much more minimal. Another example would be the Oppo Find X. That phone's whole identity is based around its design, so Oppo left out a fingerprint reader, probably because they wanted it entirely clean on the outside. A side fingerprint probably could have been used to help keep it that way without removing an essential phone feature. I'd imagine that Motorola will do something similar with the flagship Moto Z3. After that, who knows if or when we'll see another phone with this setup. From a usage standpoint, I'm going to miss this.

Video Chat and New Camera Effects Now Available in Instagram

Tim — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 11:54:29 +0000

Instagram announced new features for the service last month that include the following: Video Chat, new camera effects, and Topic channels on Explore. Today, those features are live. For Video Chat, Instagram account owners can now not only slide into DMs, but can now actually full on video chat with fellow friends -- no phone number needed. You can one-on-one friends or get a complete group video chat going, perfect for you youngsters who refuse to go outside and play in the sunlight. Pertaining to new camera effects, Instagram has enlisted the help of creators from the service, such as Buzzfeed, Ariana Grande, and the NBA. Interestingly, to access these new camera effects, Instagram states you'll need to follow these accounts to gain access to them. However, you can try them on if you find one you like. Weird.

You’ll see a new effect in your Instagram camera if you follow any of these accounts — just tap the face icon at the bottom right corner. If you aren’t a follower but you see an effect that you love, you can tap to try it on and add it to your camera.

Instagram has also revisited the Explore page. With the introduction of topic channels, users should find even more content related directly to them. According to Instagram, when you open the page, you’ll see a tray at the top with personalized channels that you can follow and check out. Go grab the latest update to soak in all of the new features. Google Play Link // Instagram

You Should Have Android Messages for Web at This Point

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 10:13:30 +0000

Android Messages picked up a web client last week, but Google rolled it out in the trolliest of slow fashions. It took a while, which led to a number of you asking if the version of your Android Messages app mattered or if Google was messing with you by skipping updates that you thought were the one you needed, that sort of thing. We tried to assure you that all was well and that Google doesn't actually conspire to make your life suck. Either way, according to Google's Justin Uberti, full deployment has happened. In other words, you should be able to get to the Android Messages for web client if you couldn't previously. How do you do that? Open Android Messages, tap on the top-right menu button and then choose "Messages for web" to open up a QR scanner. Then, from your computer, open up messages.android.com and scan the QR code that you see. That should do it. If for some reason you aren't seeing the option, hit that Google Play link below and make sure you are up-to-date. Version 3.3.044 should be the one you want. From there, you get the whole Android Messages experience, only from a desktop browser. You can send and receive text messages, see previews, pick stickers or emoji or images, and even switch to a dark mode. Google Play Link

Belkin Launching USB-C Keyboards This Summer, Designed for Chrome OS Tablets

Tim — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 09:08:13 +0000

Chrome OS tablets are an actual thing this year. We've already seen them from Acer and HP, but because these are tablets, there is no physical keyboard as there are on Chrome OS laptops. This is where Belkin comes in, makers of many different accessories for tech devices. Belkin unveiled two different USB-C keyboards this week at ISTE in Chicago -- one with a stand and one without a stand. The one with a stand, pictured above, will cost only $49.99 and launches sometime this summer. The non-stand keyboard should launch this summer, too, priced at just $39.99. Since these are USB-C keyboards, plugging them into a Chrome OS device and getting them up and running on the machine should be quite easy. Not only will these be useful for the business folk, but Belkin sees an opportunity for classrooms to take advantage of these as well. As soon as we have official launch details, we'll update you. // Belkin

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S4 Just Stopped at the FCC

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:49:58 +0000

Fresh off yesterday's Galaxy Note 9 FCC appearance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 has now stopped by as well. The device has appeared at benchmark sites and in a leaked picture or two in recent weeks, likely as it readies to join the Note 9 for an August launch. The device at the FCC today is listed as model number SM-T835. While the documents do not say "Galaxy Tab S4," the model number scheme fits into that line. The Galaxy Tab S3, which was announced well over a year ago, sports model numbers of SM-T820 (WiFi) and SM-T825 (LTE). The Galaxy Tab S2 was model SM-T810. The 800 series of numbers has clearly been reserved for the Tab S line. Don't be surprised if the WiFi-only Tab S4 is SM-T830. In the FCC docs, we see that this particular Galaxy Tab S4 will feature LTE support. This device (FCC ID A3LSMT835) supports LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 66, and 41, as well as the GSM frequencies you would expect. Other bits of info we discovered show a device that is 249.3x164.3mm and has Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11ac WiFi, and a non-removable backside. The Galaxy Tab S4 will have audio "Tuned by AKG" too (see below), as well as a single camera on the rear.

Other rumors (thanks to benchmarks) for the Galaxy Tab S4 suggest Android 8.1, Samsung Experience 9.5, a 10.5-inch display (2560x1600), Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (with SD support), 13MP rear camera, and front 8MP camera. The Galaxy Tab S line is typically Samsung's best, so if you have been in the market for a fresh big screen, hold off for a bit. // FCC

Google Assistant on Google Home Now Speaks Spanish

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:22:08 +0000

This morning, Google made Spanish an officially supported language for Google Assistant on Google Home devices, including Mini and Max. Home and Mini are also now available in Mexico as a part of this new support. To get started, should you rather speak to Home in Spanish, you'll head into the Google Home app, then swipe out the side menu, tap "More settings" and then "Preferences." From there, you should be able to make the switch to Español, assuming it has rolled out to your account. As Google notes in its write-up on Spanish support, you can do all that you already do in English. That means checking on the weather, your day, scores of World Cup matches, listening to music, controlling your smart home, etc. // Google

This is Cool.

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:02:22 +0000

Assuming this isn't a disaster in terms of reliability, I think this whole moving camera thing is pretty fun. While the rest of the industry is stuck with notches, Vivo and Oppo aren't having much of it and are instead introducing some unique ideas that might just get us to the true all-display future in a hurry.

This is the Vivo NEX, courtesy of MyFixGuide, who tore this bad boy down.

DEAL: Nest Discounts Doorbell and Thermostats, Gives Away Free Home Minis

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 15:43:11 +0000

Nest kicked off a couple of decent promotions this week for their thermostats and new video doorbell. You can get up to $50 off any of their thermostats or $30 off the doorbell. What makes this a good deal is the addition of a free Google Home Mini when you buy any of the devices I just mentioned. For now, the Nest Thermostat (3rd Gen) is $50 off in all colors, so you'll pay $199 instead of $249. If you want a cheaper option, the Nest Thermostat E has dropped by $20 to $149. If you want the Nest Hello, their new video doorbell, it's $30 off to $199. Buy any of those items and you'll get a free Google Home Mini ($49 value).

Nest Deal Links:

Nest Doorbell: Target | Best Buy | Nest
Nest Thermostats: Target | BH Photo | Best Buy | Nest

Report Claims Galaxy S10 Will Have In-Display Fingerprint Reader

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 12:31:29 +0000

In late 2016, it was believed that the Galaxy S8 could feature an in-display fingerprint reader. As we now know, that didn't happen. Since then, it seems that every flagship device Samsung intends to launch is reported to have an in-display fingerprint reader, with none of them ever having one. The same thing is happening right now for the Galaxy Note 9, and frankly, I'm getting pretty tired of writing up the same thing year after year. Just do it already, Samsung! This week, a new report from Korea states that the Galaxy S10 will ditch not only a rear-facing fingerprint reader for an in-display one, but Samsung intends to ditch the iris scanner, too. This report stems from Samsung no longer requesting iris scanners from its suppliers. With Samsung reported to ditch iris scanning, it's noted that we can expect a beefed up facial recognition feature, but again, an in-display fingerprint reader as well. If this does indeed happen in 2019, I'm pretty excited for it. We had a brief opportunity to play with Synaptics' Clear ID tech at CES this year and it worked just as we expected it to, but it's currently unknown whose fingerprint tech Samsung will opt to use in the Galaxy S10, if any at all. Currently, Synaptics and Qualcomm both have FOD (fingerprint on display) tech working, so it will be interesting to see if we get a leak from one of them in future earnings reports that might allude to who scores the contract. Maybe this will actually happen now, Samsung? // The Verge | The Bell

Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 Just Hit the FCC (Updated: US Unlocked Too)

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 11:33:24 +0000

There's been a lot of talk recently about Samsung possibly announcing the Galaxy Note 9 a month earlier than they usually do. To back that idea up, we thought we should point out that the device just hit the FCC, about a month earlier than the Galaxy Note 8 did. This new Samsung product that arrived at the FCC is not necessarily labeled as "Galaxy Note 9," but Samsung does use model numbers in their FCC IDs. And the FCC ID of the device we believe is the Note 9 is A3LSMN960F. The SMN960F is the part we care about, as that is the model number. Samsung, when they sell this device, will refer to it as SM-N960F. That gives it away because the Galaxy Note 8 was SM-N950, the Note 7 was SM-N930, and the Note 5 was SM-N920. We're still diving into the documents, but so far we're seeing plenty of LTE bands, which one would expect. Just keep in mind that these "F" model numbers of Samsung phones are often international variants, so if you aren't seeing all bands, that's OK. We often see international units hit the FCC before the US models do. The US model we'll want to keep an eye out for is likely to be SM-N960U rather than SM-N960F. Of course, Bluetooth, NFC, and MST are all on board too. MST is for Samsung Pay, in case you were wondering.

To recap the Galaxy Note 9, current rumors suggest that it'll arrive on August 9 at an event in NYC before shipping toward the end of the month. It probably looks just like this. It may have faster fast charging too. UPDATE: 7/3: The US unlocked Galaxy Note 9 stopped at the FCC today. It's just like the phone above, only under model number SM-N960U and with support for all of the major US carriers. We'll continue to update this post if we find more info. // FCC

Google's Measure Tool Now Usable in Google Earth for Chrome and Android

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 11:04:51 +0000

Measure, Google's software tool for measuring things, is now available inside of Google Earth for Chrome users. The feature will come to Android users this week, too. With Measure, you can measure basically anything that's on Google Earth. For example, you can get the distance of your house to the North Pole or you can measure the area of your block. Like I said, you can measure whatever you want, so long as it's on Google Earth. As Google mentions, this feature is live right now for Earth users on Chrome and will be available inside of the Android app this week. If you're on iOS, you'll need to wait a bit longer before you have access to Measure. Go check it out for yourself! Google Earth Link // Google

T-Mobile Launches $10/Mo FamilyMode Service

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 10:12:14 +0000

T-Mobile jumped into the digital parenting arena this morning with an announcement for a new product called FamilyMode. Yeah, the name is silly and I'm not sure why there isn't a space between Family and Mode, but the basics are that it costs $10/mo, plus a $20 one-time device fee, to get massive control over the smart devices in your home that your entire family might use. With T-Mobile FamilyMode, you are able to not only manage the phones and tablets that your kids use, but also their gaming consoles, laptops, smart TVs, and other devices. T-Mobile is doing this by selling you the FamilyMode home base, which connects directly to your home's WiFi router via ethernet cable. From there, and with the T-Mobile FamilyMode app setup, you should have all the controls you need to shut down that bratty 8 year old. You can see the FamilyMode features list below and how it compares to Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint offerings, but you'll get things like location tracking, internet filtering, usage monitoring and scheduling, history breakdowns, and screen time limits. T-Mobile also seems very excited about the "level of detail" that this service is able to show you, as well as the controls over your kids' Xbox or TV or computer, which no other carriers are doing. NOTE: FamilyMode and its app will work without the home base if you only need to manage your kids' phones or tablets over cellular networks. If you want the full experience, though, you'll need the home base too.

Again, the FamilyMode home base costs $20 and connects via ethernet to your WiFi router. You then pay $10/mo for access to the FamilyMode app. Within that app is where you'll find the controls for all of the connected devices in your home. You can sign-up here for the launch on June 29. // T-Mobile

Millennials Rejoice, Venmo Now Has a Debit Card

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 09:23:05 +0000

Venmo, the money transfer service used by millennials the world over, introduced its very own debit card this week, allowing you to take your Venmo balance wherever you go. While many Venmo users may receive money in their account and then instantly transfer the balance to their actual bank, the Venmo card lets you keep that money in your account and then spend it basically anywhere you want. Because it's a Mastercard, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but it doubles as a debit card so it's completely ATM friendly should you need cold hard cash. The card comes with all of the security and usability features you'd expect in 2018. It has a chip for added protection, a feature to disable it instantly from within the Venmo app, and it also has the contactless payment tech built in. Venmo doesn't specify if it'll work with services like Apple Pay or Google Pay yet, but I don't see why it wouldn't later down the road. Oh, and they have pretty colors to choose from.

To get your very own Venmo card, update your Venmo app from Google Play (there's a new update this morning that enables this card), then reserve your spot in line to receive one. Currently, Venmo is slowly rolling out these cards, so we can't say for sure when you'll receive one. Fingers crossed it's soon because I use Venmo religiously and this would be pretty clutch to have in my wallet. // Venmo

Amazon Prime Member Discount Goes Live at All Whole Foods Locations on June 27

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 08:57:11 +0000

Since Amazon took over Whole Foods, the company has been experimenting with a 10% discount on sale items at Whole Foods for Prime members. It has slowly rolled out to locations across the country, but starting June 27, the discount will be available at all Whole Foods locations. Fun fact, there are almost 500 locations across the US. The way this works is very simple. Should you be a Prime member, you save 10% off any sale item at Whole Foods. Additionally, there are exclusive deals at Whole Foods that only Prime members can get. This week, for example, members can get all bulk items (nuts, dried fruit, etc.) at 25% off. You can even get some baby back pork ribs at $5/lb., which is $5/lb. off the usual price. Yum. Again, you'll find these deals live at all Whole Foods locations starting June 27. // Amazon

Nokia 3.1 Arrives July 2 and Costs Just $159

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 08:27:05 +0000

Nokia continues its push into the US with the Nokia 3.1, an ultra-affordable phone that arrives on July 2. It costs just $159. The Nokia 3.1 features a MediaTek 6750 octa-core processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage (with microSD support), 5.2" HD display, 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, 2990mAh battery, and Android 8.0. It's an Android One device, so it should see its fair share of updates on the regular.

There is no getting around the fact that this is a budget phone. But for $160, that's not a terrible list of specs, especially when you consider the update situation of being an Android One phone. The Nokia 3.1 will be sold at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.

OMG: US Unlocked Galaxy S9 Units Now Getting First Update in Months

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 07:36:22 +0000

Guys, the US unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9 is getting an update right this minute. This is big news, to those who have followed along in the Samsung-is-failing-to-update-the-Galaxy-S9 saga, as this is the first update for the phone since it launched 3 months ago. The update should be minor, even though it weighs in at almost 700MB. It includes the June Android security patch and probably numerous bug fixes, since again, the phone hasn't been updated in 3 months when it should be seeing updates each month. The new software version for this phone is G960U1UES2ARF4. I don't have an unlocked Galaxy S9+ sitting here, but my guess is that it'll see software version G965U1UES2ARF4.

The US unlocked models now join T-Mobile and Verizon units with the June patch. Hopefully, Samsung doesn't wait another 3 months to update them all again. The update is live right now, so head into Settings>System update to grab it. Cheers JP!

Moto Z3 Play Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 07:59:34 +0000

Fresh off its unveiling from earlier in the month, we now have a Moto Z3 Play in house and are pretty excited about it. If that sounds odd to you, you must not know the Z Play line's history around these parts. Even as mid-range phones, previous Z Play devices were some of our favorites and this latest attempt from Motorola improves upon some of our previous gripes. To recap, the Moto Z3 Play starts at $499 from Motorola, but can already be pre-ordered for $450 from Amazon as a Prime Exclusive. At that price, you get a big 6" FHD AMOLED display with minimal bezel, Snapdragon 636 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, dual camera (12MP + 5MP), 3000mAh battery, Android 8.1, and support for Moto Mods. Does it have everything? No. It's not really water resistant, doesn't have wireless charging (unless you attach a Moto Mod), doesn't have the highest-end Snapdragon processor (it's not supposed to), and probably won't have a top tier camera. But again, it's a $450 phone. I'm excited for it because the Moto Z Play line has stood in the past for having really great battery life, really nice performance, and an overall solid set of specs for the price with the fun of Moto Mod connectivity. This is also the most modern of the line, with an all-display front and a premium build. I also like that fact that I can use it on every major US carrier, something even OnePlus continues to fail to be able to do. Enough fluff, let's unbox the Moto Z3 Play and start working towards that review.

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 52 Answers

Tim — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 12:09:57 +0000

We took an extended break from Q&A Sessions, and frankly, I'm glad we did. From the questions we received this week, it seemed many of you were inspired to come up with fantastic questions, so thank you very much for that. We love reading your questions and really having to think about our answers. In this edition, we talk about Wear OS and what we want to see from it, the tech we have in our cars (more like lack of), the most innovative Android OEM over the past decade, plus plenty more. There is a lot of great questions in here. Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim.

Could a true Pixel Watch save Wear OS?

K: Not by itself, no. While I'm sure Google could make a nice looking watch, Wear OS has other problems. We need Qualcomm's new wearable chip that's coming this fall to be a game changer in terms of battery life and additional feature support. Plus, Wear OS is a mess as a watch OS. Google needs to start from scratch on it to make it an OS that isn't completely frustrating to use. So no, a Pixel Watch alone won't save Wear OS. T: Well, hardware alone isn't going to save Wear OS. Google needs to redetermine what Wear OS is and how it will benefit those who buy into it. In the beginning, Android Wear was a simple extension of your smartphone. There was a feed with weather and notifications, plus the hardware was solid (Huawei Watch, Moto 360, etc.). Now, you have OEMs refocusing their efforts on fitness (Huawei Watch 2) or being just really shiny and expensive (TAG Heuer, plenty other premium brands). For me, I wouldn't mind going back to the simple times, where Wear OS could just show me simple notifications, help me pay for things quickly (Google Pay), and just look good.

What type of tech do you have in your own cars?

K: Nothing, hah. Stock systems with no Android Auto and a couple of cheap fast car chargers. Hoping to change that soon when my current leases are up. I need Android Auto in my life. T: I use to have Android Auto in my old car, but I'm still waiting for Ford to push the SYNC 3.0 update to my Mustang GT. You can enable auto updates, but apparently it takes forever for the car to ping Ford's network to see if there's an available update. I could also load it via USB, but I'd have to leave the car running in the driveway for an hour and that would cost like $20 in gas. Meh! However, once that update comes through automatically, I'll be back to Android Auto and loving life.

What are your biases, which you will not apologize for, when it comes to Android?

K: I do not like overdone custom skins from manufacturers. I like clean Android and will probably never be a fan of whatever Samsung and LG and Huawei are doing on top of it. It's unnecessary bloat that they are using to try and standout, except it only makes the ecosystem worse. They don't update because of them, they don't implement Google's vision for Android and new ideas Google is pushing, and customers get left behind. I'm also never going to be a fan of glass on the backs of phones. Talk about the worst decision possible when it comes to durability. T: I like Google's Android. Not LG's. Not Samsung's. I like Google's and I refuse to apologize for that. It's smooth and gets updated. What's not to like? Apparently I'm a Google fanboy because of that, but I take it as a compliment.

What do you miss about the “old days” of Android?

K: Innovation. Android is pretty boring at this point because it's so mature. Only a couple of times per year do things get really interesting, but it used to be a monthly or weekly thing. The OS was changing constantly. New phones dropped every couple of weeks. Things changed in screen resolution and quality, same for cameras and battery sizes and materials used. Now, everyone just releases the same thing with a new coat of paint or logo. And Android in general hardly changes with anything meaningful. T: I do miss browsing through forums and looking for the next great custom theme. Flashing ROMs and themes was always fun, but since that community is basically dead, we're left with dealing with OEM skins. Thankfully, launchers can change them up quite a bit and these OEMs are building in their own theme engines.

Who is the most innovative Android OEM over the last 10 years? Least innovative? Why?

K: The most innovative is probably Samsung. They took AMOLED from trash to the best. They curved glass. They went full water resistant, never let up on making incredible cameras, and continue to add new tech like iris scanners, Bluetooth 5, and faster UFS storage before almost anyone. I rag on them for their stale designs, but you can't argue with the change they've brought to Android. The least innovative is probably Sony. I couldn't tell you a single thing that Sony added to smartphones in recent years. They always come in late and without doing anything great. T: 10 years is basically the entire life of Android, so if I was to judge from those early days all the way to today, I'd have to go with Samsung. Samsung gave us big phones in the Note series, excellent hardware evolution (from plastic to all metal and glass), plus features you still don't find on other devices (iris scanning, heart rate monitors, etc.). You have to give props when they're due and Samsung seems to be the most innovative to me. As for least? Gosh, that's tough. I'd go with LG maybe. Besides their work with bringing mobile audio to the forefront and giving us one of the first QHD displays, a lot of what LG does either doesn't work, like its attempt at modularity, or feels half baked. This isn't really a knock at LG, I just don't think we've seen a whole lot of creativity and useful new things.

BEST work travel trip ever taken for Droid Life? WORST? What happened?

K: We have fun at every CES, and the first ever with MrPicolas, Tim, and I was absolutely nuts. We had no idea what we were doing, got too drunk, lost all our money, and disappeared into the night at a gentleman's club or two. But my favorite was probably CTIA in New Orleans. The conference was mostly uneventful, yet I got to experience New Orleans for the first and only time and fell in love with the city. My wife and some friends met when the show ended, stayed for a few more days, and won't ever forget the trip. As for the worst, it's probably every Samsung event. We fly all over the country for them and get f*cked on pre-briefings that others are privileged enough to get. So we're struggling to get any content out and are always at a massive disadvantage during the most chaotic moments, because thousands and thousands of people are doing the same. T: Pretty much every trip we take to Vegas for CES is the best. Good food and good people. Plus, checking out the latest tech ain't so bad! A few of those highlights would be meeting Dennis Rodman and him calling us "Geek Guys." We also watched Michael Bay completely breakdown live on stage. "Michael, the curve?" Man, that was awesome. My worst trip was to NYC and I was alone. I had some random chicken dish from a hotel restaurant. I got crazy sick and vowed never to eat chicken from hotels ever again.

If LeBron wanted to come to Portland, would you want him?

K: Umm, yes. I'd like the best player on Earth to play for my favorite team. T: Part of me says yes, the other part says no. While he is a winner, I don't know if I care for his attitude all of the time. He seems like he could be toxic for some locker rooms, but on the other hand, it's King James and Portland, OR would finally get some national media love.

Do you think Android Auto is worth the price tag?

K: If I had a car that supported it, I'd try to tell you. But I have no idea because I've never used it outside of the app on my phone. T: If you buy a new car with Android Auto, sure! If you plan on installing one of those $500+ head units from a third-party, that's a different story. I really like Android Auto and I know my girlfriend would never own another car that doesn't have it. I'm not as attached to it as her, but I do see how it's very helpful when it comes to getting Google Maps in your vehicle and seeing notifications from your phone. For me, I enjoy driving, so basically all of that comes second to my experience behind the wheel. I can easily just use my phone for all of that stuff, so it really comes down to the individual.

What are your top 3 DROID-branded phones and your least favorite?

K: Original DROID, because you know. Then probably Moto Z Play and the Bionic that never released, because it looked nice unlike the Bionic that eventually did release. That's tough. There were so many bad DROID phones. T: 1. OG DROID 2. R2D2 DROID 2 3. 1st-generation Moto Z DROID. Least favorite? LOL, the DROID Charge from Samsung. What a mess.

What podcasts do you listen to or suggest (besides Droid Life's, of course)?

K: I don't listen to podcasts. T: The only podcast I've ever truly listened to for an extended period of time is the Generation Why podcast. They talk about crimes, such as murders and stuff. My girlfriend makes me listen to it when we go on road trips. It's pretty good and they talk about some crazy cases!

What is your dream car?

K: Probably a Range Rover Sport Autobiography. T: Ever watch Gone in 60 Seconds, the one with Nicolas Cage? Then you'll know the car I've dreamt about since I was a child. The 67 Shelby GT500, also known as Eleanor. She's the only girl for me.

To check out past editions of DL Q&A Sessions, look here.

DEAL: Samsung's DeX Pad Drops to $69.99 ($30 Off)

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:56:43 +0000

Samsung's Dex Pad, a currently-exclusive accessory for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, is as cheap as ever today. A variety of electronics dealers have it priced at $69.99, which is $30 off its normal price. As a reminder, the DeX Pad lets you dock your Galaxy S9 or S9+ into a special desktop experience, once you hookup a monitor. When docked, your phone turns into a touchpad that lets you interact with that DeX experience and the apps you have on your phone, as well as some that have been enhanced for DeX. For a advanced setup, you can add a keyboard and mouse. Whether you think DeX includes a proper desktop experience or not, note that you can run virtualized Windows desktops on it too. The DeX Pad includes two USB ports, 1 HDMI port, and USB port for power. When you hook your S9 or S9+ up to it, it'll fast charge your device. Samsung DeX Pad Links:

Samsung Store
Best Buy

Samsung Embracing Stock Android on Upcoming Phone

Tim — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 09:19:20 +0000

According to SamMobile, Samsung is testing what appears to be an Android Go phone in markets all across the globe. Why does this matter, you ask? Well, for one, Android Go devices run a special version of the Android OS, made to operate on devices with not-so-premium specifications. Because of this, Android Go is ideal for OEMs looking to build a device accessible to billions around the world, but without the means to spend a small fortune to acquire it. As reported, Samsung is testing this Android Go phone, model SM-J260F, in markets across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. At this time, it is unknown if Samsung intends to launch the device in the US. This is interesting because Samsung does make low-end and mid-range devices, but all of them have some form of Samsung's custom skin on top of Android. With Android Go, that shouldn't be the case. This phone should feature what's essentially a barebones Android experience that runs apps catered to low amounts of RAM and less powerful processors. Android Go is also built to allow for very timely updates, another thing Samsung isn't really known for. All we can hope for is that Samsung releases this phone, sells one billion of them, then the company realizes how great having stock Android is. // SamMobile

And Now T-Mobile's Galaxy S9, S9+ Pick-Up June Security Patch

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 08:41:58 +0000

It's started to look like Samsung has at least committed to updating the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in the US to the June Android security patch. With Verizon's S9 units picking up June's updates yesterday, T-Mobile is now pushing them. The updates arrive as software versions G960USQS2ARF4 (Galaxy S9) and G965USQS2ARF4 (Galaxy S9+). Those are the same builds that Verizon units picked up. Nothing else is included alongside the security patch, outside of "various" bug fixes. This is (again) noteworthy because Samsung failed to update any of the US variants of the Galaxy S9 for months after the phones first launched in March. And we aren't sure that this means anything going forward either, in terms of regularly scheduled updates. The S8, S7, Note 8, and other Samsung phones have received monthly updates for years, but something changed with the release of the Galaxy S9. The big tell will be next month and the one after - if Samsung hits those, then hopoefully that means we're back on track after a rough start. If we go another three months without one, well, we know the deal. To grab the update, head into Settings>System update. It should be live. // T-Mobile [2]

YouTube Adds More Ways for YouTubers to Get Paid, Including New Premieres Feature

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 08:03:19 +0000

VidCon, also known as the grossest, ego-dipped, IRL-infested place on Earth, kicked off today, so we got a bunch of YouTube-related announcements. The announcements are actually pretty great if you do make a living from YouTube, as YouTube continues to explore ways for creators to get paid. YouTube is making channel memberships a bigger, more broadly available feature to those with 100,000+ subscribers. With channel memberships, fans of a YouTube channel can pay a monthly recurring fee of $4.99 to support the channel and get perks in return. Yeah, it has a Patreon feel to it, but Twitch has done this for a long time and it's exactly how a number of streamers over there make a killing. Perks with memberships could be anything, really, but the classic examples are exclusive live streams, shout-outs, access to more content, etc. Alongside memberships, YouTube is now letting channels sell merchandise. YouTube has partnered with Teespring to let channels make t-shirts, phone cases, and other products that can be purchased right from a channel. (Anyone interested us doing that instead of through our own store?) This merchandise feature will be available soon to channels with 10,000+ subscribers. And finally, YouTube also introduced a feature called Premieres that sounds kind of cool. With Premieres, creators get to upload content and then set a specific time for it to go live as if they are premiering it. Get it? When a premiere is set, it gets its own landing page like live streams do, subscribers can be notified that a premier is incoming, and then everyone can gather together in a live chat to watch and react to the video at the same time. This also allows the creator to join in with everyone as the new content debuts. Premieres begins rolling out today. And yeah, I'd imagine we might try it a few times for unboxings or first looks at phones in the future. It could be fun! // YouTube

Poll: Does a Phone With a Physical Keyboard Interest You?

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 16:05:43 +0000

Blackberry Mobile announced pre-orders or something for its upcoming KEY2 phone this morning, which got me back on my hater high-chair asking, "Wait, who wants a phone with a physical keyboard?" And that of course led to this here poll, where you, fabulous tech reader, get to tell us that there are lots of people who do. Because I'm still not sure why this phone exists. Sure, there are a handful of tech journos and YouTubers who want you to believe that the KEYone was their "daily driver" last year, which the faux excitement in unboxings of this new KEY2 is again trying to relay on. The nostalgia isn't really that, but more, "Hey, this thing is different, so let's give it some positive play!" Some will tell you that they were oh-so-looking-forward to this KEY2 as it improves on gripes from a year ago, but this is all for nothing. You won't buy this phone because it's 2018. Phones with keyboards are a niche thing - a shrinking, dying, shriveling one at that. They died because screens are more fun, more efficient, and bring more value. Virtual keyboards are faster, flexible, and actually innovative. When I buy a phone that hasn't been reduced to a miniature screen because of an unnecessary physical hardware addition that rightfully took a hike 8 years ago, I get bigger video, more immersive gaming, and more bang for my buck. Speaking of cash, the Blackberry KEY2 costs $650 (lol). So tell me, are you interested in phones with a physical keyboard? [poll id="483"]

Measure App for Augmented Reality Now Works on All ARCore-Supported Devices

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 15:07:36 +0000

Should you own a device that supports ARCore, which is any of the devices listed here, you can now download and use the Measure app. This app can be very clutch if you're looking to roughly measure spaces around the house or anywhere else. Did someone say the most handy tool ever for taking a trip to IKEA? Yes, sir. As an example, you can measure the length and height of objects in your home, such as the size of a rug, the width of a cabinet, or the height of a table. It's beautiful. After taking measurements, you can save them to the device for easy access later, helping you whenever you're out and about at the furniture shop or hardware store. If you own an ARCore supported device, get on it! Google Play Link

Verizon Galaxy S9, S9+ Now Getting June Security Patch (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 12:44:44 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, we pointed out the fact that Samsung has failed to update the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in the US. And not just the unlocked models - we're talking about all models, including those from carriers. On the day we wrote up that story, we talked about how Verizon Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ units were scheduled to receive their first update with May's security patch on board. Today, the June patch is now rolling out in a new update. According to Verizon support pages, the Galaxy S9 is receiving software version G960USQS2ARF4 and the S9+ is getting G965USQS2ARF4. The only change listed is the June 1 Android security patch. UPDATE: T-Mobile S9 and S9+ are now receiving the same update. The update is labeled as "Update v1-5," while the earlier update in the month was labeled as "Update v1." Did anyone receive v1 with May's patch? There is a chance that this update has replaced that one. To check for the update, head into Settings>System update. Again, our inbox has made it clear that this update is live right now if you go look for it. Does this mean that Samsung is going to turn it around and start updating the S9 line? I sure hope so. Cheers Rich, Jake, Prince, Nancy, and Alfredo!

Your Google Account Page Just Got Way More Comprehensive and Useful

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 12:31:34 +0000

Each person with a Google account has a dedicated Google Account page. According to Google, 20 million people visit their Google Account page each day. I am not one of that 20 million. On this page, you can find all of the information that is tied to your Google Account, such as billing info, contact information, and much more. This week, Google is rolling out big changes to Google Accounts for Android users, with iOS users set to get the same changes later this year. Google says there will be more transparency in Google Accounts. By that Google means "detailed summaries of relevant information" with regard to security and personal information. To me, that's just a lot of mumbo jumbo, so instead of parroting all of that, let's go over what is actually changing. For starters, there are new features in your Google Account to make it even easier to review and control data pertaining to the aforementioned information. There is a new Search function to find exactly what it is you're looking for, but if you still can't locate what you need, there is a new Support section, too. The revamp focuses on security and privacy very much, with Google implementing a user-tested redesign for all of your Google-associated privacy options. Inside here is where you can find the Privacy Checkup feature. If you'd like to look over these Google Account changes, you can do so on the web or on your phone by going into Settings > Google > Google Account. // Google

Amazon Adds Moto Z3 Play, Moto G6 Play to Prime Exclusive Lineup

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 09:18:10 +0000

Amazon's lineup of Prime Exclusive devices is getting two new additions this week, the Moto Z3 Play and Moto G6 Play. Announced earlier this month and going up for pre-order through Motorola's website starting today, Amazon is selling the Moto Z3 Play for $449, which is $50 off what Motorola is selling the device for. That $50 savings comes in the form of preloaded Amazon apps, such as Shopping and Amazon Alexa. For Moto G6 Play, Amazon has it listed at just $189, $10 off the price Motorola has it listed at. You'll find the same Amazon apps and features on the G6 Play as you will on the Z3 Play. Also of note, Amazon has stopped lockscreen ads on Prime Exclusive devices, so when there was once a feeling that these devices were just piled with ads, that's really no longer the case. Having Alexa on your phone isn't too bad, and really, if you don't already have the Amazon Shopping app installed on your phone, then color me surprised. You can find both phones for sale right now, with deliveries set for as early as June 29. Amazon Links: Moto Z3 Play | Moto G6 Play

Google is Sending Out 15%-Off Pixel 2 Referral Codes That Get You $50 in Return (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 08:35:36 +0000

Google has a good deal right now for your friends who are interested in buying a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL. Inboxes are starting to receive 15%-off referral codes that can be given out for use on the Google Store for Google's newest phones. To sweeten the deal, Google is also telling referrers that they'll get a $50 coupon once their friends make a purchase.

UPDATE: If you are looking for a 15% off Pixel 2 code, head into the comments, as plenty of people have shared their codes.

If you receive one, you might want to share carefully with someone you know is actually going to buy a Pixel 2. Because that $50 return code is a solid bonus back to you. That coupon, which may take 4-6 weeks to show up, can be used for anything on the Google Store. At 15% off, a Pixel 2 would start at $551 and the Pixel 2 XL would start at $721. Not bad. I should also point out that Google is giving away free Google Home Minis with purchase of a Pixel 2 XL. Just be sure your friends add both to cart. We aren't sure who is receiving the emails or how you qualify (probably previous Pixel 2 buyers), but we've had a couple of readers receive them in addition to our own referral codes. Anyone else get one? Check those inboxes. Buy Google Pixel 2

Google Assistant Now Works With Less "Hey, Google!" Screaming

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 08:00:12 +0000

At Google I/O in May, Google introduced a new feature for Google Assistant called Continued Conversation. As the name suggests, this would allow you to carry on a longer conversation with Google, thanks to one big change - less repeating of the Assistant hot words "Hey, Google" and "OK, Google." With Continued Conversation, you get to say "Hey, Google" one time and then continue having the Google Assistant complete tasks for you. Need to turn on the lights, adjust the temperature, play some music, set a timer, add an item to your shopping list, and check the weather? You can now do all of that by only saying "Hey, Google" once. All you have to do is activate the Assistant initially on Google Home, Home Mini, or Home Max, then fire off commands. Once you are done, you can say "thank you" or "stop," and Google will stop listening for more. If you forget to say either of those, Assistant will timeout after no more than 8 seconds. You'll know it's still listening because the LED lights on your Home unit will stay lit the entire time. To turn on Continued Conversation, you'll head into Google Assistant>Settings>Preferences>Continued Conversation. There should be a toggle within there to activate. If you aren't finding it in Google Assistant, the same path in the Google Home app should get you there too. This feature is rolling starting today, and man, this is a big one. It's US-only for now. // Google

AT&T Announces Two New Unlimited Plans That Include Their New TV Service for Free

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 07:05:23 +0000

We knew it wouldn't take long for AT&T to announce something new following their finalized deal with Time Warner and Verizon recently announcing a new unlimited data plan, but this was quick. This morning, AT&T announced two new unlimited data plans that include their brand new "Watch TV" streaming service for free. Yep, free TV is here. The new AT&T unlimited plans are called AT&T Unlimited &More and AT&T Unlimited &More Premium. And yes, they are spelled out that exact way, with no space between "&" and "More." I know, it's driving me nuts already too. So what's new with these plans? AT&T says that you get the same benefits as Unlimited Plus Enhanced and Unlimited Choice Enhanced (their current plans), but the pricing has been tweaked slightly and you get free streaming TV. Here is the breakdown for AT&T Unlimited &More Premium:

Option to add free Watch TV service
Option to add one additional free service including: HBO, Starz, Showtime, Cinemax, Amazon Music Unlimited, Pandora Premium
Premium 4G LTE data
High "quality" video streaming
15GB high-speed hotspot
$15/mo credit towards DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW or U-verse TV
Pricing: $80 per month for a single line (after autopay and paperless bill credit); $190 for 4 lines

Here is the breakdown for AT&T Unlimited &More:

Option to add free Watch TV service
$15/mo credit towards DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW or U-verse TV
Pricing: $70 per month for a single line (after autopay and paperless bill credit); $120 for 4 lines

What is AT&T Watch TV? This is AT&T's new streaming TV service that will be available via app or select browsers. It's like YouTube TV, only slimmer and less expensive. Think of it as a light service in that it has 30 channels and will only cost $15 per month as a stand-alone service. But again, you get it for free with either of these two new AT&T unlimited plans. Here are the Watch TV channels for launch:

AT&T says that these new unlimited plans and their Watch TV service arrive next week. We'll let you know when they go live. // AT&T

Smart Home Starter Kit

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 15:41:05 +0000

DEAL: Verizon Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Note 8 are $280, $290, and $310 Off

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 13:49:28 +0000

Samsung has once again opened up a heck of a deal on the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ from Verizon. This time, though, they included the Galaxy Note 8 in the promo too. This deal will get you anywhere from $280 to $310 off without a trade-in. If you do have a trade, well, you can get an even bigger discount. The deal works like this. You decide on a Verizon Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, or Galaxy Note 8. As long as you buy any of those phones with a Verizon device payment plan (sorry), you get an instant discount. For the S9, that's $280 off. For the S9+, it's $290 off. And for the Note 8, it's $310 off. Here's something to keep in mind. Samsung will only list the discounts at $200 (S9, S9+) and $300 (Note 8), but you have to remember that they already list their Verizon phones for much less than Verizon does. Verizon says the S9 is $799, but Samsung only wants $719. Same for the S9+ ($929 vs. $839) and the Note 8 ($960 vs. $950). Want even more off? Trade something in. Samsung will give you $300 for a Galaxy S8 or $150 for an S7. And with trade-in discounts, Samsung does them instantly. In other words, they give you the money off right away and then you confirm the phone with them by trading it in later. Samsung Store Links:

First-Person Mode Now Available for PUBG Mobile

Tim — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 13:38:25 +0000

Been patiently waiting for first-person mode to hit PUBG Mobile? No more waiting, it's now here! Thanks to the update, you can play the usual 3rd-person shooter in an FPS style, which is great for those intense 1-vs-1 battles. Additionally, players will see new weapon and airplane finishes, pistols will have their own UI, Mini-Zone has been added, and you can now mute individual teammates. The list of What's New is rather long, so check it out and then grab the update by following the link below. What's New

1st person perspective
Royale Pass Season 1
Mini-Zone: A smaller map, more resources & air drops
Weapon & airplane finishes
View weapons in the new Armory
Pistols now get their own UI
Melee weapons can destroy tires
Individual teammates can be muted
Post-match results screen
Tier protection system
Asian character models
Emotes
Able to link 2 social networks
Added room cards
New items in the shop
Items can be gifted

Google Play Link

Sony Xperia XZ2 Review

Tim — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 12:49:37 +0000

Sony has been making Android phones for a long time, but because its mobile hardware design language never evolved past 2012, and the company didn't really push its devices heavily to US consumers, they never got much attention here on the site. Both of these things seem to be changing in 2018, though, with the launch of the latest Xperia XZ2 devices. Not only do Sony's latest phones look good and have all of the right specs, but US buyers can find them for purchase at any number of retailers (carriers excluded), including Best Buy and B&H Photo. Priced at $800 unlocked, the Xperia XZ2 may be too rich for some without the help of carrier payment plans, but we're here to determine if you should bite the bullet and pick one up anyway. This is our Sony Xperia XZ2 review!

The Good

Specs Xperia XZ2 has high-end specs, no doubt about it. The phone features a 5.7" FHD+ (1080 x 2160, 18:9) HDR display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, 64GB storage, microSD up to 400GB, 4GB RAM, single rear-facing camera (19-megapixel, 25mm wide angle, f/2.0, 1.22um), 5-megapixel front-facing camera, 3180mAh battery, Fast Wireless Charging, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C (USB 3.1), stereo speakers, fingerprint reader, water and dust resistance, and runs Android 8.0 "Oreo" out of the box. While this is a solid list of specs, if I could request a few things for the $800 price tag, it'd be a bit more RAM (6GB would suffice in 2018), a higher resolution panel, and a larger battery. All of these would likely lead to an even higher price, but still, I'll always be a little greedy when it comes to what I want to see in a premium flagship mobile device. Here is the full list of Xperia XZ2 specs. Software I haven't played with a Sony phone for years, but I'll tell you, I'm picking up what they're putting down. The software ideology on the Xperia XZ2 reminds me very much of OnePlus, how they'll give you a very vanilla feeling OS, but with minor things done here and there to beef up the feature set. While OnePlus does this by way of custom system settings, Sony does it with their suite of apps. I enjoy this because if I don't want to use them, I don't have to. Sure, you could be rude and call it bloatware, but it only takes a few seconds to disable a couple of apps, so calling it bloatware seems too strong. For the most part, though, this feels very much like stock Android, which I'm all about.

When heading into the Settings menu, you'll see all of the usual things, but Sony has gone ahead and added in an "Appearance" menu. Inside you can change up the phone's theme, add Xperia Loops, customize your pane transitions on the launcher, as well as change the launcher's grid size. Furthermore, you can head into the Display section of the Settings menu and choose which system icons you want to appear in your notification bar. Typically, you don't see this level of customization options, but hey, this is cool.

If you didn't see, this next part has me pretty excited -- the Android P beta is downloadable right now on this phone. Now, not only is it cool that Sony has opened this device up to experimental software straight from Google, but it could be seen as a sign that this device will see solid update support or at least a timely update to Android P when it's launched later this year. We already know that phones running a Snapdragon 845 are ahead in line to receive the update, but considering the beta is already available, owners should feel rather confident. Battery Even with a relatively smaller 3,180mAh battery, I found that the Xperia XZ2 kept up with me exceptionally well. My usual day is 7:30AM to 11PM and I was going to bed with over 40% battery a few times and about 3-4 hours of screen on time. For me, that's really good.

Sony also has plenty of battery modes to help you get even more life out of the battery. Inside of the Battery menu, you can enable a Stamina mode and Ultra Stamina mode, both of which cut back on what features of the phone can be used. Sony even has something called Battery Care in the device. As the feature reads, "Battery Care detects when you usually leave your device charging for hours and estimates what time you will disconnect the charger. Then it controls the charging speed to charge your device up to 100% just before the estimated time." What this ultimately does is prolong the life of the battery itself, which seems genius to me.

Performance Thanks to a minimal approach with its skin and possible types of software optimization, coupled with the SD845 and 4GB RAM, the Xperia XZ2 flies. Over my review period, I've had a very positive experience with the phone's performance. I notice the smoothness when unlocking the device and moving in and out of apps, which also allows me to tell you that I appreciate whatever Sony has done with the device's task management system. On a few phones, I can open up a game, only to come back to it shortly after and have to go through the entire loading process again. That doesn't happen on this phone. While the phone doesn't have a dedicated Gaming Mode or any tweakable settings for improved performance, what you do get is Xperia Actions inside the Settings menu under Xperia Assist. In here, you can select what happens whenever you open a certain app, namely a mobile game. For example, whenever I open up my Star Wars game, I can have the phone automatically block incoming notifications, set the media volume to high, as well as "Optimize your Xperia for gaming performance." Sadly, it doesn't specify what it's doing here, but I have to assume it has to do with the speed of the CPU or something along those lines. I'd much prefer custom toggles for that stuff, like a toggle for screen resolution and CPU speed, but it seems to work just fine and can be set for any number of apps on the phone.

Somewhere in the Middle

Camera On the backside of the phone you have a single 19-megapixel shooter, capable of 4K recording, HDR shooting, as well as 960FPS slow motion video. From my time with it, I came away rather impressed with the camera's quickness to focus on a subject and then snap the shot. While I had zero issues when lighting is good, things are quite different when in darker environments. As I noticed when shooting, and you'll see the results below, whatever the software process is for when the camera takes a dark shot isn't good. Many shots come out blurry with noise, and the camera's focus area is very narrow, meaning when you want the camera to focus on everything in the shot, it has a hard time doing so without blurring some aspect of the shot out. It's like a natural bokeh effect from the lens, but there are times when you don't want that to happen.

The software is very straightforward and easy to use. You have a Superior Auto Mode, Manual Mode, as well as add-ons like AR Effect, Creative Effect, Sound Photo, and Bokeh. The camera also has Google Lens built-in. Inside of the Settings menu, you have options for Object Tracking, Auto Capturing, and even Predictive Capture. All of these things are great when you're working with a subject that doesn't want to fully cooperate, such as an animal or child. And thanks to all of the hardware buttons, you can have camera action shortcuts assigned. For example, you can set a burst shot via the dedicated camera key or just set a display touch capture.

Overall, the camera is solid in the right lighting with a lot of great software additions, so you should be able to easily capture whatever it is you may need should everything be aligned properly. I didn't play with the 960FPS slow motion as much as I would have liked, but from what I did try, it was very cool, too. The main takeaway for me is that focusing during the video taking process isn't too easy and the camera doesn't handle things very close to the lens well when in that mode. If you're doing some type of action shot, though, it should turn out very well. Here are some camera samples with no edits besides resizing.

Display Triluminos. Triluminos. Triluminos. I love that word. This phone features a 5.7" Full HD+ (1080 x 2160, 18:9) HDR display with Gorilla Glass 5. As for that whole Triluminos thing, it's Sony's fancy speak for a wider palette of colors and more natural shades and hues. Do you really notice anything different? Not really, and in fact, I think it's a serious downer that this phone only has a 1080p resolution. At $800, one of Sony's 4K panels would have been sweet, but of course, that was saved for the XZ2 Premium. Bummer. Beyond the pixel count and fancy words, the display works just fine, even in direct sunlight. Inside the Settings menu, users can select different color profiles to suit their preference, with myself opting for sRGB aka Professional Mode. The display also supports Night Light for when your eyes are getting strained from the constant bombardment of blue light and Ambient Display is also present.

The Not-so-Good

Hardware/Design Xperia XZ2 is covered by glass, with metal around its sides. It's a handsome phone, with somewhat minimal bezel, at least when compared to past Xperia devices. Unfortunately, the phone's bubbly backside has gotten me triggered more times than a few. Many times, if the phone is not on an absolutely flat surface, it will slide around and has even ended up on the floor. And of course, even if it's on a flat surface, the rounded back makes it so the phone is constantly wiggling when you press on it. Coming from flat phones, it's something you have to take into account to ensure you don't put the device in a compromising position. If the phone ultimately slides off something tall enough and breaks, you won't be happy about it. Another aspect of the design that bothers me is the fingerprint reader placement. The reader sits incredibly low on the backside of the phone and sits rather flush with the body. Frustratingly, I have put my finger on the camera more times than I'd like to admit when searching for the fingerprint reader back there, which really wouldn't be an issue if Sony had thought out the placement of both things a bit more. I understand not everyone will run into this problem, but it happened enough to me to mention it in this review. We've always stressed that fingerprint reader placement is important and the XZ2 doesn't quite get it right.

Availability and Pricing

Xperia XZ2 can be found in the US, but only unlocked and you won't find it through US carriers. Does that make it a bit harder of a pill to swallow at $800? Absolutely. Currently, the device can be purchased from Best Buy (certain colors are available in-store), B&H Photo, Abt Electronics, Rakuten, and even Sears. Unlocked, the device is certified for use on AT&T and T-Mobile, but Verizon customers will need to opt for the XZ2 Compact if they were hoping to try out Sony's latest. As for the $800 elephant in the room, it's tough to recommend this phone at that price when you have plenty of other solid options for much cheaper. The first phone that pops up in my mind is the OnePlus 6. It starts at just $529, and while you still don't have Verizon certification, you're getting similar specs and software support (maybe even a bit better). If you want to spend the same amount of money but get more phone, you can opt for a Pixel 2 XL or even a Galaxy S9. I won't go into the minute details of each of those phones since most of you should already know their pros and cons, but I'm just saying, I'd probably use both of those phones over the Xperia XZ2 for any number of reasons.

Other Notes

No Headphone Jack - Nope, the Xperia XZ2 doesn't have a headphone jack, but in the box you should have a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter. I will say, I don't know why Sony did this. You can't tell me there isn't room for one on this body. The phone has a pretty sizable chin and forehead, and it's not nearly thin enough to not accommodate one. If Sony is simply following the trend here, it's not cool. And don't worry, I wouldn't only knock Sony for this. I will knock everyone for this.
Girlfriend Impressions - "It's too heavy and I don't like the placement of the fingerprint reader. I like this different pinkish color and the display. It's interesting having a phone that is so curved on the back compared to a lot of phones laying flat when you put them on a surface. Just a personal preference, I guess."

Gallery

The Verdict

If you're asking whether or not you should buy the Xperia XZ2, I'd say, "Sure, go for it." However, I only say that if you aren't on Verizon and don't mind the bubbly backside. I know the hardware is an interesting thing to gripe about, but seriously, it can be annoying when your phone is constantly rolling around on a flat surface. Back to why I really enjoy this phone, though, the software is exceptionally smooth and the UI is easy to become familiar with. I appreciate what Sony is doing when it comes to Android P development, too, and it gives me a bit of hope that Android will be just as good as iOS one day when it comes to software updates. We're not there yet, but hey, it appears to be getting better for some. The Xperia XZ2 package itself is a good one. You have a good camera on the back, a solid spec sheet for 2018, and hardware that doesn't look like it's from the earlier part of this decade. I am glad this is the the first Sony device I've used in a while because the company did a great job here.

Buy Xperia XZ2

Best Buy
B&H Photo
Sears
eBay (On sale for $656!)

Instagram Launches a New App Called IGTV for Long-Form Video

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:44:05 +0000

Instagram announced a new service and app today called IGTV. As the name suggests, this is their attempt at TV, which really just means long-form video is coming to Instagram, as well as a stand-alone IGTV app. Through a blog post announcing the new service, Instagram pointed out that this is indeed longer vertical video. Since that's "how you actually use your phone," you won't have to turn that big screen in order to consume IGTV. These longer videos on IGTV can be up to an hour long, in case you were wondering just how long these long-form videos might be. When you follow people on Instagram and they make IGTV content, it'll show up as a channel that you can consume through both Instagram and IGTV apps. And speaking of apps, there really is a separate IGTV app on the way. It's not available this minute, and you'll be able to consume IGTV from within Instagram, but if you want only IGTV content, it's coming. The IGTV app will play content immediately upon opening it and there will be separate sections for the people you follow as well as what's popular at the moment.

Instagram says that IGTV is rolling out over the next few weeks. We'll let you know when the Android app shows up. // Instagram

These (Free) Icon Packs are Hot: Graby Spin, Ortus, Aspire UX, OSX

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:14:53 +0000

Want some free sh*t on a Wednesday? Sweet, because we've got some items you should check out. We were diving into Google's current app sales and stumbled onto all sorts of icon packs that are both hot and free at the moment. Icon packs like Graby Spin (vibrant colors, shadows), Ortus (pictured above), XOS (below left), Aspire UX (below right), and Yomira have all been dropped to free. These icon packs typically cost anywhere from $1 to $3.50, yet here is your opportunity to pick them all up for nothing at all. Go get 'em - these deals aren't forever.

XOS, Aspire UX

Free or Discounted Icon Packs:

Graby Spin - Free
Aspire UX - Free
Ortus - Free
Yomira - Free
XOS - Free

Other icon pack discounts:

Minimalist - $0.99
Toca UI - $0.99
Blackdrop - $0.99
Shimu - $0.99
My UI 9 - Free
Elyan - Free
Febon - Free

Microsoft News Gets a Redesign and a Feature Google News Needed Yesterday

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 08:59:01 +0000

Microsoft released a "completely redesigned" Microsoft News app today that is available to everyone, from the web to Android and iOS. It could be a competitor to the new Google News app, especially since it includes one specific thing that Google's new app is missing: a dark theme. The new Microsoft News app does indeed have a dark theme which enables "better night reading." No, Microsoft, it enables better reading at all times. And thank you for including it. Along with the darkness, Microsoft News lets you configure breaking news alerts, create a more personalized experience, enjoy widgets, and continuous reading "for a smooth content experience." The new app is available now. Google Play Link // Microsoft

Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+ Arrive in New Sunrise Gold Color

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 07:53:33 +0000

After announcing the Sunrise Gold variant of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ back in May, Samsung has set a date for when you can buy one in the US. June 24 is the day and you'll only find it at Best Buy and Samsung's Store. There is nothing different about this phone other than the colorway. Instead of black or blue or purple, it has a gold back. The specs are the same. The pricing is the same too. It still starts at $720 (Galaxy S9) and $840 (Galaxy S9+), plus it'll be available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations. Best Buy will sell Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and unlocked Sunrise Gold models. The Samsung Store will sell the unlocked version.

// Samsung

US Carriers Pledge to Stop Selling Your Location Data to a Couple of Middle Men

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:34:15 +0000

US wireless carriers are making headlines today by pledging to cut back on the sale of your location data to some shady middle men who were turning around and re-selling that data. News of these resellers first came to light a few weeks ago when one of them was found to have exposed a whole bunch of real-time locations of customers. For back story on the entire situation, feel free to read this and this. If you don't have time for either, here are the basics. US carriers like Verizon and AT&T have collected your location data and then sold it off to 3rd party resellers who then sell it off to someone else who might have a service to provide. It's apparently a pretty lucrative thing that also has little federal regulation around. A bunch of that data was exposed without much effort, which is not good, since real-time location data would allow someone to know exactly where you are at all times. I'm sure you can think of things that someone could do by knowing where you are right now. After a bit of backlash, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint have all said that they will no longer be selling to at least a couple of the companies involved. Those companies are Securus, 3C Interactive, LocationSmart, and Zumigo. You'll notice that none of these companies have committed to no longer sell your location data. What they have pledged to do is not sell it to resellers like those I just named. In other words, they are still going to sell your location data, it will just be done directly and hopefully more securely than it had been previously. Again, the entire story here is a long one. Just know that US carriers were selling location data to some not-so-awesome 3rd parties who were then pretty careless with that data. They have now pledged to stop selling it to those poorly managed middle men. // Associated Press

DEAL: US Unlocked Galaxy S9+ Drops to $739.99 ($100 Off)

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 12:36:40 +0000

The US unlocked Galaxy S9+ from Samsung just dropped to $739.99 at Amazon. That's $100 off and probably the best discount on the unlocked unit we've seen to date. So far, only the Midnight Black model has been dropped by $100. Amazon could drop the price of Lilac Purple and Coral Blue too. If they do, we'll update this post. The regular Galaxy S9 in Midnight Black has also dropped by $20. With this US unlocked Galaxy S9+, you get connectivity on all major US carriers, as well as the same set of specs as carrier units. This is the most flexible version of the Galaxy S9, just keep in mind that Samsung has been slow so far to update their 2018 Galaxy S. Buy Galaxy S9+ at Amazon

Starz is Now on YouTube TV, Costs $9/Month After 7 Day Trial

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 11:41:33 +0000

Another add-on network has gone live on YouTube TV this week -- Starz. With a Starz subscription, priced at $9/month, you'll gain access to the network's original series, including Sweetbitter and Power, as well as older TV series programming like Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, The A-Team, Alf, and plenty more. And yup, they have plenty of good movies, too! You can see Starz full lineup here. To get started, simply head into YouTube TV's settings, then under Membership you'll see Starz as a new option. Of course, you can opt in for a free 7-day trial, then cancel whenever you want.

// YouTube TV

Alto's Odyssey Launches Next Month for Android

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 09:30:30 +0000

At long last, Android users will be able to get down on the sequel to the insanely popular Alto's Adventure game. Called Alto's Odyssey, the sequel will officially launch next month on Google Play. The game has been an iOS exclusive since February. Gameplay for AO will be similar to AA, but you'll definitely be introduced to new regions beyond the snowy mountainside. Beyond that, it should be very similar with regard to the mechanics and overall plot of the game. For those who didn't play the first, you'll slide down hills, do tricks, and unlock characters to progress through the game. It's probably one of the best time wasting games of all time, so if you haven't play the first one, I'd highly recommend it. Should you like to pre-register for the game, which is simply a sign-up to be notified when it's live on Google Play, follow the link below. However, believe me, we'll notify you that it's live way before Google Play does. Google Play Link

Oppo Find X is Not Coming to US, Skips Notch for Pop-Up Front and Back Cameras (Updated)

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 09:22:24 +0000

Surprise announcement from early this morning, the Find X from Oppo is ~~coming to the US~~ launching in North America. The first thing you'll notice about Find X is that it sports a unique motorized pop-up mechanism that reveals both the front and rear-facing cameras when open. Of course, this means you won't be able to take any selfies or regular pictures should the device be closed. To open up the phone to snap shots, you'll simply open the camera app or any app that has been granted access to the camera and the phone will automatically motor itself open, then close itself when you're done. Another interesting fact is that Find X has no fingerprint sensor. Instead, Oppo went with 3D facial recognition tech that uses the phone's front-facing camera. For example, to unlock the device, you'll turn the screen on, swipe up on the lockscreen, which will then force the phone to open up to reveal the front camera. The camera will then take a look at you, recognize you (if you're the owner), then unlock for using.

Specs for Find X include a 25-megapixel front-facing camera with 3D facial scanning system, 16-megapixel plus 20-megapixel dual rear camera system, 6.4-inch OLED 1080p display, Snapdragon 845 processor, 8GB RAM, up to 256GB storage, 3,730mAh battery, and runs Android 8.1 with Oppo's Color OS skin on top. Because of this design with serious lack of bezel, Find X sports a 93.8%% screen-to-body ratio. Some say this phone looks like a Galaxy S9, but with less bezel, and we know that to be accurate because Galaxy S9 has a screen-to-body ratio of 83.6%. Just take a look at the photos courtesy of The Verge and you'll see just what we mean.

We don't yet have US specific pricing or availability, but that info should be coming soon. UPDATE: OPPO finally announced the phone and said that it will be priced at € 999 and arrive in August. We aren't sure if that price will come to the US at $999 or something else, though. UPDATE 2: Sad news today, it appears the Find X is not destined for US soil after all. This is upsetting, but apparently, OPPO isn't yet ready to deal with the US market.

Is Find X the phone you've been waiting for? // The Verge

Unlocked and Prime Exclusive Moto X4 Getting Android 8.1 Update

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 08:52:56 +0000

The unlocked and Amazon Prime Exclusive versions of the Moto X4 are picking up an update to Android 8.1 today. This is significant only because most companies are passing on Android 8.1, sitting on Android 8.0, and likely just waiting for Android 9.0 to get here in stable form. The update arrives as software version OPW28.2 for both phones and includes the May 1 Android security patch. The Android One Moto X4 previously received this same update back in May. Android 8.1 doesn't introduce any major changes, but you should find minimal UI tweaks, new power menu, an update to autofill, and lots of transparent elements. To check for the update, head into Settings>System>System updates. It should be live. Buy Moto X4: Motorola Store | Amazon

Cheers Jamison!

Google Just Released a Stand-Alone Podcast App

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 08:14:07 +0000

Google just dropped a stand-alone podcast app on us called Google Podcasts. We were pretty sure this was coming, but there is no longer any mystery surrounding it. You can download Google Podcasts right now. Why would you? Well, Google Play Music is dying at some point in the future, so if you had podcast action going on in there, you'll need to find a new spot. YouTube Music could have some of that podcast functionality, but probably not in the same sense. With Google Podcasts, you will have a dedicated space just for podcasts. It's free too...I'm trying to sell you here. The app is super clean and reminds me of the new Google News app. Account attaching is a bit odd, but it syncs across devices using Google Assistant. That should mean it just hooks up to whatever Google account you use with Assistant, if that makes sense, and should be able to be swapped by changing your default account in the Google app. For example, I must have searched for the Droid Life Show at some point, so that's already in there for me. Umm, yeah, it's bare bones, lets you download episodes, and will remove them after a certain amount of time. With syncing, you can start listening on one device and then continue through another. Google Play Link

Verizon's New $95 Above Unlimited Plan is Now Available

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 15:54:25 +0000

On Friday, Verizon announced that their "unlimited" plan line-up would now include three separate "unlimited" plans. The newest, which is a $95 plan called Above Unlimited, is now available as a part of the trio. Why three plans? Because Verizon's unlimited, like all other carrier unlimited plans, isn't actually unlimited. Instead, we have three tiered data plans with all sorts of limits that simply have looser limits the more you pay. But if you want more fast data and hotspot tethering, this new Above Unlimited option is the one for you, while Go and Beyond unlimited are there with less faster things. Plan pricing with Verizon is setup so that you receive a discount as you add more lines. So even though Above Unlimited starts at $95 for a single line, it drops to $90 per line if you have two lines, $70 per line with three lines, and $60 per line with four lines. The same per line discounts are there for Beyond and Go Unlimited plans. Interested? You can see each plan and its features below, as well as the single line pricing.

Keep in mind that a part of Verizon's announcement last week focused on another change to multi-line accounts. Going forward, you get to mix and match the unlimited plans that Verizon offers. If you have a multi-line account, you could have someone on Above Unlimited, two on Beyond, and another on Go. And yes, you get the per line discount for each depending on the number of lines. Sign-up with Verizon

T-Mobile Galaxy S8, S8+ Get June Security Patch While S9 Remains Months Behind

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 13:30:07 +0000

Today, T-Mobile and Samsung started pushing a new update to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. These updates include the latest June Android security patch, as well as "various bug fixes and software stability improvements." According to T-Mobile, the Galaxy S8 will receive software version G950USQU4CRE9 and the S8+ will see G955USQU4CRE9. You can check for the update by heading into Settings>System updates. A little over a week ago, we talked about how Samsung was failing Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ owners by not updating either phone. At the time of that post, they had begun to push the first updates to the Verizon and Sprint S9 models since launch, but that was it. They attempted to update the T-Mobile S9 and S9+ in April too, but paused that update and never did push it out again. As we noted in that story, this is not normal for Samsung. The Galaxy S8, as you can tell from this post, is very much up-to-date in terms of security patches. In fact, T-Mobile has pushed updates to the Galaxy S8 and S8+ every single month since launch, not including August and January. Some months, they pushed two updates. So again, last year's big release from Samsung has Google's most recent patch, while their newest phones sit on February or March patches. Not good, Samsung. // T-Mobile [2]

DEAL: Get a Pixel 2 XL for $400 Off at Best Buy

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 12:52:11 +0000

If you are in the market for a new phone and have targeted the Google Pixel 2 XL and don't mind using Verizon as your wireless provider, Best Buy has the best deal for you today. They are currently running a promo price that drops $400 off Google's bigger Pixel 2 phone. The $400 discount is applied as a $200 instant discount and a $200 series of bill credits. Yes, these types of bill credits. So for a 64GB Pixel 2 XL, you'll get a monthly payment of $18.74 per month for the next two years, since that $200 bill credit is spread out over the life of a device payment plan. Also, in order to get that $200 instant discount, you'll need to activate with Verizon right away. We don't love these types of deals, because they are 2-year contracts dressed up as big discounts. But as we've mentioned in the past, if you plan to stick with Big Red, these aren't the worst things we've ever seen. Buy Pixel 2 XL from Best Buy

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 52

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 12:45:59 +0000

It's been some time since we last did a Q&A Session and we feel that plenty has happened since then, so much so that you might have some things floating around in your head that you need dealt with. With that said, the Q&A Sessions are your opportunity to ask us anything that might be on your mind. We can answer anything Android related, such as recommendations or what we are looking forward to later in the year, but we can also go off topic and discuss basically anything you'd like. We can talk sports, video games, office setups, and everything in between. We're an open book, so have some fun with it. We'll give you till Friday morning to submit your questions, then assemble the team to get them answered for you. Cheers!

Google Makes Android Messages for Web Official, Announces Other New Features

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 11:31:25 +0000

After the world noticed that Android Messages for web had gone live, Google has gone ahead and made the feature official, as well as a handful of other new tweaks. Google says to expect Android Messages for web to go live "over the next week," which really just means a slow rollout of an update that enables it, as well as a server-side switch for you to have access. It's the worst thing ever if you are an impatient techy like we are, but that's how Google rolls. But as expected, Android Messages for web will give you the power to send and receive texts from your computer. This one of the top-requested features, according to Google. In addition to web access, Android Messages is getting GIF search, smart replies embedded within conversations, previews of links that are posted, and quick one-time password copying when you are logging into a service that needs verification. Again, this all starts rolling out from today. I can tell you that I haven't seen an update, but most of these features are already in my Android Messages app, just not the web connectivity. Google Play Link

// Google

Facer Intros Interactive Watch Faces That Let You Trigger Animations, Launch Apps

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 10:31:59 +0000

Facer announced Interactive Watch Faces this morning, a way to really spice up your Wear OS device. With these faces, users can add touchable buttons for frequently used applications for quick access, rapidly switch between data modes, colors, and styles, as well as enjoy fun and random animations from the faces themselves. Sadly, creating this new type of face is currently limited to Face Partners. Hopefully down the road Facer will open these faces up to anyone who wants to create one. Interactive Watch Faces

Launch frequently used apps on the watch
Switch between different data modes, color, styles
Trigger fun and random animations
Implement mini-games
Cross-promote other designs or products related to the face

You can play with a few of the new faces below, maybe inspiring you to check them all out. If you're ready to deck out your Wear OS device, get the Facer app by following the below link. Google Play Link // Facer

Moto Z DROID on Verizon Picks Up Oreo Update

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 10:02:41 +0000

The Moto Z DROID and Moto Z Force DROID on Verizon are receiving updates to Android Oreo today after being teased about it for weeks. Each phone first saw the Oreo update at the end of last week in a limited soak test from Motorola, so we're assuming things went well there. Verizon posted the changelog this morning, showing a software version of OCL27.76-69-4. The update also includes the May 1 Android security patch. What should Moto Z owners expect? The standard Android Oreo experience, which means picture-in-picture mode, autofill password access, smarter text selection, adaptive icons, faster and smoother apps, notification dots, notification channel controls, notification snoozing, new emoji, a new phone interface, Google Play Protect, and improved battery-saving background restrictions. You'll find the full list of changes at the link below. To check for the update, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon Cheers Tom, Chris, Andrew, and @BortFrenzy!

Android Messages Web Client is Going Live! (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 09:41:46 +0000

Google's Android Messages app now has a web client where you can send and receive text messages. The portal is live right now, but connecting to it isn't quite possible just yet. As you can see from the screenshot above, the portal asks that you open the Android Messages app on your phone, head into settings, and look for "Messages for web" in order to open up a camera that will scan the QR code shown. At this time, that option isn't in the app, though it should be shortly if this portal is live. This method is almost identical to how Google Allo for web works. Once connected, you should be able to send and receive messages, as well as access history and conversations you've had. There is an option to "remember this computer" too. We first learned about Android Messages for web back in February and have been frequently checking for its arrival. The time has come, sort of. Anyone seeing the QR scanner with the Android Messages app? UPDATE: It's official, as well as a bunch of other features! Android Messages Web Client

Action Launcher v37 Lets You Access System Features With a Single Long Press

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 09:11:29 +0000

Action Launcher users will be greeted to a big update this week, labeled as Version 37. While the changelog is quite massive (linked below), there are a few things we'd like to highlight. The big one is Desktop Shortcuts. With it, users can set various actions to be accessible via a long press on the home screen. For example, you can set a shortcut for accessing your battery usage stats, locking/unlocking the desktop, diving into your System settings, plus more. You can add and remove options as you see fit. Additionally, the update includes the latest Pixel Launcher icon scale, ability to drag version 35's All Apps folders straight to the home screen, improvements for Unread Count, and the developer states that v37 is built with the latest finalized Android P APIs. Go grab that update and be sure to check out the entire changelog. Google Play Link // Action Launcher [2]

YouTube Music Officially Available to All Today, YouTube Premium Too

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 08:53:57 +0000

After an incredibly confusing initial launch, YouTube Music and YouTube Premium are officially available today to everyone in the US, as well as 16 other countries.

YouTube Music

In case you happened to miss all of our previous coverage of YouTube Music, just know that this is supposed to be Google's future of music. YouTube Music will eventually fully replace Google Play Music and be the only service from Google for music. As of today, the service features not only music videos, but full albums, singles, remixes, live performances, covers, and other hard-to-find tracks. It uses YouTube's recommendation smarts to help you find new music, plus there are playlists available, smarter searching for songs, and ad-free listening if you pay for the premium version. At some point, YouTube Music will bring over your Google Play Music playlists, collections, and preferences. No timetable has been given on that situation, though. YouTube Music Premium offers ad-free playing, but you'll also get background listening and downloads. It costs $9.99 per month for a single user or $14.99 for a family. The current YouTube Music country list includes the US, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.

YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium, which is actually a different service from YouTube Music Premium, is also available today. It used to be called YouTube Red and was YouTube's ad-free experience. If you subscribe to it for the $11.99 monthly price, it includes a YouTube Music Premium subscription, as well as ad-free video, background playback, downloads, and access to YouTube Originals programming. If interested in either, you can sign-up here and here. // YouTube Blog

Google's Data Saver App, Datally, Gets 4 New Features

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 08:27:46 +0000

Google has this app called Datally. You may not have heard of it, but it's an app worth keeping around on your phone, even if you rarely open it. You see, Datally helps you save data, first and foremost. Its flagship feature is a "save up to 15% mobile data" toggle. But thanks to four new features that were introduced today, it'll probably be on my phones going forward. The new features include a guest mode, daily limit controls, monitoring of unused apps, and a WiFi map to help you find open WiFi. The guest mode option is probably what you are expecting it to be. Should you hand over your phone to someone for a bit, you can set a limit on the data that that person can use. That way, they aren't gobbling up all of your data plan's bucket. For the daily limit option, you can ask that your phone warn you as you use too much data in a day before having it block all data usage. Since most of us are on unlimited plans these days, the two features that might be more useful are the unused apps monitor and WiFi map. With unused apps monitoring, Datally tries to find apps that might be using data in the background that you weren't aware were doing so. Google says that 20% of mobile data is used by background apps that haven't been used in over a month. Datally should help you find those and uninstall them. And finally, the WiFi map feature that was just added is what you think it is - a map of nearby WiFi networks. This helps with small data buckets, but also if your cellular connection is bad and in need of some help through local WiFi. The WiFi map will tell you if networks are open or require a login. Datally is free and you can grab it from the link below. Google Play Link // Google

Google Releases VR180 Creator Desktop Software for Editing Your VR Videos

Tim — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:48:42 +0000

For anyone with a VR180 camera, such as the one from Lenovo, Google has published VR180 Creator software for Mac and Linux machines. With it, editing your VR videos for uploading to supported services should be a total breeze. According to Google, the software has two main features for VR videos. There's "Convert for Publishing," which takes raw footage from VR180 cameras and converts it into a standardized equirect projection. That material can then be edited with the usual video editing software programs. Then there's “Prepare for Publishing,” which re-injects the VR180 metadata after editing so that the footage is viewable on platforms, such as YouTube or Google Photos, in 2D or VR. If this type of footage is something you're looking to capture, note that a Lenovo Mirage camera costs $300, currently available on B&H Photo. If you already have the necessary hardware, you can download the VR180 software for your Mac or Linux desktop by following the link below. Download Here // Google

Podcast: Don't Fake Buttons

Kellen — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:37:37 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're recapping one of the slowest weeks in Android history. That could mean a short show, but it'll still include our HTC U12+ review, impressions of the Xperia XZ2, and the latest on the Galaxy Note 9. We'll also react to the supposed price of Samsung's upcoming foldable phone ($1,800!), Verizon's new unlimited plan, and Vivo's release of their all-display NEX phone. No trivia this week - we're keeping it short and sweet. We'll be live at 1:30PM Pacific (4:30PM Eastern)! If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

AT&T Completes Time Warner Acquisition

Kellen — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 11:32:37 +0000

AT&T has completed its acquisition of Time Warner, following a US court's approval earlier this week. AT&T now owns Warner Bros., HBO, and Turner, as well as DirecTV and their wireless and fiber networks. They own a lot of sh*t that you deal with on a daily basis. They'll use all of the content they now own to distribute content across platforms with ease. As AT&T said in their battle with the Department of Justice, they also believe this move allows them to compete in the future because they can gather boatloads of data on you and then serve ads to you in a variety of ways. They also more than likely just opened up the opportunity for a whole bunch of additional mega mergers. I don't have a hot-as-hell take on this because I do not specialize in mergers and acquisitions. For more, read this, this, and this. // AT&T

Get Mini Metro for Just $2 Right Now, Down From Usual $5 Price

Tim — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 11:05:37 +0000

We wrote up the launch of Mini Metro back in late 2016, and considering that was a while ago, I'll let it slide if you don't remember it. However, I'm here to let you know that the game is on sale at this time on Google Play, priced at $2, down from its usual price of $5. The game will take you all around the world, building rail systems for passengers. You'll build a system in Paris, NYC, San Francisco, plus plenty more notable areas. To sum up gameplay, you'll see various shapes scattered on the map. Those shapes indicate stations where passengers will appear. Your job is to get the differently shaped passengers to their correspondingly shaped stations. You will do this by drawing lines from station to station, but take note, you're only permitted a certain amount of lines and you'll want to ensure your passenger routes aren't too complex. The more complex the route is, the longer other passengers will have to wait, and that's not good. This was easily one of my favorite games from the entire 2016 year, so for $2, it's definitely worth it. Google Play Link

DEAL: UE Boom 2 is Just $75 Today From Amazon

Kellen — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 09:18:21 +0000

Amazon is hosting a "deal of the day" on one of the best Bluetooth speakers in the game. The UE Boom 2, in select colors, has dropped to just $74.99. This speaker typically costs anywhere from $150 to $180, so we're talking a substantial discount. The deal is on limited edition colors, so some of the designs are a bit wild outside of "Panther." But look, if you want a really good sounding Bluetooth speaker that's IPX7 waterproof, lasts for hours, and can access Amazon Alexa, this is a deal to jump on. The UE Boom series (including the UE Boom 2) has been our go-to travel Bluetooth speaker for a couple of years now. They sound good, have solid connectivity, and are tough enough that we use them outdoors all of the time. Good speakers, right here. Buy UE Boom 2

DEAL: Buy Essential Phone, Get Free Pair of $99 Earphones

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:58:29 +0000

Essential Phone and I have a love-hate relationship. You see, I absolutely love the hardware and software update philosophy, but there are a few things that keep me from making it my daily driver. For one, the camera isn't great. That point aside, we can't help but share a solid promotion when we see one. For what's noted as a limited time, if you should purchase an Essential Phone through Essential's website for the standard price of $499, Essential will throw in a pair of $99 Earphones|HD for free. Considering Essential Phone just picked up MQA audio support via Tidal (and owners are getting 3 free months of Tidal HiFi), this is a solid promo for those who take their mobile music listening seriously. To get the deal, follow the Essential link below, add the phone to your cart with the Earphones|HD add-on, then checkout. Once that's done, sit back and enjoy your tunes. Essential Link

"Unlimited" is the Most Meaningless Word in Wireless

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:45:01 +0000

Today's early morning announcement from Verizon is one of the most hilariously absurd I've seen in some time because it perfectly encapsulates the situation the US wireless industry is currently in. And maybe it's been this way for a while, but the ridiculousness of adding on a third "unlimited" plan has pushed things to a level that needs to be mocked. There really is nothing more meaningless in the US wireless industry than the word "unlimited." There was a time where unlimited actually meant unlimited. Sure, it started way back in the 3G days and migrated over for some to 4G LTE, but it was a real thing for a while. Of course, Verizon has pulled every trick in the book to eliminate those grandfathered plans that saw users gobbling up hundreds of gigabytes of data. They even suckered me off it last year. Now, though, unlimited means limited unlimited. There is no such thing as an unlimited plan from Verizon or AT&T or T-Mobile or Sprint. All of them have limits - none of them are truly unlimited. Most aren't even close to being unlimited in anything except texting and calling. Look at this ridiculous line-up of plans from Verizon, all of which are called "unlimited":

The first option, called Go Unlimited, falls under Verizon's idea of "unlimited," but that means a limit on speeds if you are in a congested area, a limit on video stream quality (only 480p), and a limit on hotspot data speeds. The next option, called Beyond Unlimited, gives you "premium" unlimited 4G LTE data, which really just means that you have a 22GB cap before Verizon has the option to limit your speeds. It also comes equipped with limited video streaming (up to 720p), and a limit on 4G LTE hotspot data speeds before being limited further by slower speeds. The final and newest "unlimited" plan from Verizon is called Above Unlimited. You would think that this new, top tier plan would ditch the limits, but they are also there in various spots. For one, you have a limit on that "premium" unlimited 4G LTE data, only this time you get the good speeds up to 75GB worth. You are still throttled in video (to 720p) and hotspot, only this time you get up to 20GB of 4G LTE hotspot data. The only unlimited piece of any of these plans is technically in the data department, where Verizon will let you use all of the data you can consume, only it might come at slow enough speeds that you'll pull your hair out. And not to pick on Verizon, it's just that they are the newest to announce a related plan. But AT&T and T-Mobile and Sprint all do the same stuff. AT&T has two "unlimited" plans that are almost identical to Verizon's before today's 3rd option was added on. They limit you in speed, the amount of 4G LTE data you get, and the quality of your video streams. T-Mobile at least waits to throttle you at 50GB worth of 4G LTE data, but they still do. They also throttle video quality. Sprint appears to hold the power to limit your speeds whenever, plus they throttle video, gaming, and music streaming. As you can see, there is no such thing as true unlimited anything in the US wireless industry. We're basically back to tiered data, only the tiers have been increased to 22GB, 50GB, and 75GB depending on the carrier. But even with those bigger buckets of data, the limits on video, hotspot, and other services are nowhere close to being "unlimited." The next time Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint tell you something is unlimited, make sure to ask what the limits are.

Report: Foldable Galaxy X to Launch Early Next Year, Cost Around $1800

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 13:30:57 +0000

Back in January, we learned directly from Samsung that it had something special in the pipeline for later this year. They didn't mention a name like Galaxy X or anything too telling, but the company did specify that they have display panels that are foldable on the horizon and they’ll be used this year. This week, a report has made its way out of Korea citing industry sources who claim the Galaxy X will launch early next year, priced at somewhere around 2 million South Korean won, which converts to $1800 US. Ouchies. According to the report, Samsung's list of subcontractors and parts affiliates will begin to provide Samsung with the necessary hardware for assembling the device beginning in the very later part of this year, with retail launch expected in the early part of 2019. As for what we can expect from this Galaxy X device, there has been no shortage of artist concept renders showing off a foldable phone. Except for those images, we don't really know exactly what we'll see, but the reported 7.2" OLED display seems to be a common denominator between all of the previous reports and the latest. For the $1800 price tag, it's too early to tell if Samsung will actually attempt to sell it for that much. It's hard to picture any smartphone going for that much these days, even if it has some magical folding display. Is your credit card ready for the Galaxy X? // Korea Times Cheers enigmaco!

Verizon Updates LG V20, Moto Z2 Force, Samsung Note 5 and S6 Edge+ With Security Patches (Updated)

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 12:13:19 +0000

You get a May security patch! And you get a May security patch update! It seems like everyone is receiving the May security patch update, well, not exactly everyone, but if you own one of the following devices on Verizon, then you should be seeing this particular update hit your phone this month. Verizon has and is rolling out the May security patch to the LG V20, Moto Z2 Force, Samsung Galaxy Note 5, and Galaxy S6 Edge+. For build numbers following the updates, LG V20 will show VS9951CA, Moto Z2 Force will show ODXS27.109-34-12, Note 5 will have NRD90M.N920VVRS3CRE4I, and the S6 Edge+ will show NRD90M.G928VVRS3CRE4. If you own one of these devices, be on the lookout for an OTA notification! Update: Verizon is also pushing the June security patch to Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ owners. // Verizon [2] [3] [4]

Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 Launches This Month at Best Buy for $500

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 10:38:07 +0000

Samsung's Chromebook Plus launched last year for the price of $449. This month, Samsung will launch Chromebook Plus V2, an apparent second iteration of the Chrome OS-powered laptop. Last year's Chromebook Plus featured a 12.3" LED Display (2400 x 1600), 4GB RAM, OP1 ARM processor, 32GB Storage, and built-in S Pen. This year's model doesn't differ too greatly in terms of internal specs, but somewhat oddly, Samsung has opted for a 12.2" FHD display this year with a max resolution of 1920 × 1080 (aspect ratio of 16:10). For processing, Samsung went with an Intel Celeron 3965Y. Samsung has also added an additional camera, so now you'll have a standard webcam on top of the display, as well as one on the keyboard deck for you to hold up your massive device and snap shots with. Beyond specs, the hardware is capable of the same transformation from laptop into tablet, but maybe more importantly, you'll still get the S Pen experience you had last year. On the side of the laptop is a little slot where you can eject and insert the S Pen for your note taking and drawing needs. Chromebook Plus V2 will be available starting this month at Best Buy for $499. // Samsung

HTC U12+ Review: Nope.

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 09:40:27 +0000

The HTC U12+ is a phone that I've been looking forward to since late last year, when HTC released the U11+ and decided not to ship it to the US. That phone, at least from afar, looked like HTC had finally caught up to the competition. I assumed that the U12+ would only build on that and help set things on a positive path for the struggling company. Boy was I wrong. Yeah, I just spoiled what you are about to read for the second review in a row, but I can't help it. The U12+ has everything it needs to be great, yet here I am about to tell you how frustrating it has been to use. Let's dive into it - this is our HTC U12+ review.

The Good

Specs You can't argue against what HTC has put together here on paper. HTC packed the U12+ full if it all, including a Snapdragon 845 processor, big 6" QHD Super LCD display, 6GB RAM, 64GB or 128GB storage, dual rear cameras (12MP + 16MP), dual front cameras (8MP), 3500mAh battery, IP68 water and dust resistance, USB-C, fingerprint reader, and Android 8.0 under HTC's latest Sense skin. It doesn't have a headphone jack, but HTC does care about audio, which they show through their latest take on BoomSound speakers, and the included USB-C earbuds in the box. They brought back their squeezy Edge Sense technology again too, and have included more features within it. The only other thing to point out that this phone doesn't have is wireless charging, though I'm not sure wireless charging is ever going to be a dealbreaker omission. Wireless charging is overrated when you have faster wired charging in the form of Quick Charge 4.0 that the U12+ supports. So yeah, the U12+ has everything a 2018 flagship phone needs and then some. Hardware and Design The U12+ is a joy to look at and hold. HTC has almost always built really nice hardware, at least in terms of material usage and the way they are designed to rest perfectly in your hand. The U12+ doesn't deviate from that history at all. It has slim bezels (without a notch) and an all-display design with the now-standard 2:1 display ratio. That means the phone is long and tall, yet not wide. In fact, it's skinny enough side-to-side that this big phone fits in your hand nicer than the OnePlus 6 or Pixel 2 XL. My guess is that HTC went thicker front-to-back in order to give it this less-wide in-hand feel. It was the right call. It does feel a bit on the heavy side, but I have no problems with that. The Essential Phone was a little tank and I loved it. There is something about added weight that makes my mind believe I'm getting more in return, whether that's true or not. And sometimes those are the reasons a phone stands out, especially when hundreds of dollars and our emotions are involved.

I'm also a big fan of HTC's liquid metallic appearance that has lived on from the U Ultra and U11. That's about all I have to say about that, though, because I'm a bigger fan of the version of the U12+ you see here, which is Translucent Blue. This is the flagship model from HTC, which means the model they plan on selling the most of (it comes in both 64GB and 128GB options, unlike the others). It's different because you can actually see through part of it. In a way, that allows the phone to be more personal or vulnerable, which again, brings out that emotional state of a purchase. Uniqueness in a world of sameness is a big deal to me. Something as subtle as a semi-clear back that lets me in on HTC's design work is 100% a selling point. For downsides to the design, I'd have to point out that it looks a bit Franken-phoneish. If you look at the picture below, I think you'll get what I'm suggesting and it's mostly because all of the pieces seem like they were smashed together to create an end product. Unlike Samsung or OnePlus or Google phones where seams match-up, even if they are a joint between glass and metal. The U12+ goes from curved rear glass into a metal frame that then doesn't even come close to matching up to the frontside. That gives you a ridge that isn't all that attractive and certainly doesn't seem as precisely engineered as its competitors' phones. This is a bit nitpicky, yeah, but as I keep saying - it's these little things that do matter. Overall, though, the HTC U12+ is a stunner. It fits really nicely in the hand, carries a unique rear appearance, has good weight, and uses all of the hottest materials of the moment that you'll find in almost every other major smartphone. HTC can still design.

Camera Last year's HTC U11 had one of the best cameras in the smartphone world, you just didn't know that because no one owns that phone. Like that device, the U12+ has a really good camera, only this time its made up of a 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.75) and a secondary 16MP telephoto lens (f/2.6). It also has optical image stabilization, as well as laser and phase detect autofocus. DxOMark scored it really well, if that means anything to you. I found the U12+'s camera to be mostly fast to load and focus, quick to take multiple shots, and it has all the bells and whistles of a modern top tier smartphone. You've got auto and portrait modes, manual controls, 4K video at 60fps, panorama and timelapse options, and slow motion capture. The camera app isn't cluttered or confusing, but you do still have a number of options to make the experience yours.

As for results, it kept up nicely with the Pixel 2 XL, even if it does overexpose more shots than I'd like. But it's pretty versatile indoors and out, thanks to that f/1.75 aperture and that secondary telephoto lens. I found its portrait mode to be solid too, plus HTC gives you bokeh controls over it. HTC isn't doing a bunch of wild contrast ramping like Google does, though photos on-phone do look a little cartoonish because of the display. Overall, I think this camera is one of the better available.

Somewhere-in-the-Middle

Display I'm a big fan of AMOLED displays and still cannot figure out why HTC continues to use LCD panels. It's not that the 6" Super LCD display used here is awful, it's just that AMOLED is the future and this phone's display acts like it wants to be one. Either way, here are some thoughts on the U12+'s big screen. Out of the box, you get a DCI-P3 profile, but you can choose an sRGB color profile if you want. The DCI-P3 option provides a cartoonish color vibe that really took some getting used to. I've tested out sRGB as well, though that just uses too much of a brown hue that my eyes don't like, even with a cooler temperature set on top of it. I don't know what the deal is, but it's almost like HTC knows they should have used an AMOLED, so they punched-up colors to weird levels that are supremely unnatural out of the box in DCI-P3. It's not a great look.

Viewing angles are not as good as other phones. You can see an immediate shift to darkness when not looking directly at the U12+. Overall brightness levels have been fine indoors, just not excellent out. You have a night mode, one-handed mode, and the ability to choose between 1080p or QHD+ resolutions. Just keep in mind that if you toggle to QHD+, you might also want to adjust the display size option to "small" or you won't see much of a difference. One cool thing to point out is this smart rotate feature that HTC built-in as a part of its Edge Sense 2 tech. If you are holding your phone, the Edge Sense recognizes that, so if you lay down or tilt the phone slightly to the side, it won't flip the screen to horizontal because it realizes how you are holding it. It's a slick trick. It's also not really display related. I'm not the ultimate hater of the U12+'s LCD display and I'm also not a fan. Something just seems off with it and I haven't been able to pinpoint what that is even after a couple of weeks with it. I'll just say that it is far from my favorite display in a 2018 phone. Software and Performance For the past 2 or 3 smartphone releases from HTC, I've asked company reps if they've changed anything with their Sense skin that we could highlight in our coverage. Each time, they do this really awkward explanation of how they don't really consider it to be a skin or Sense or something I should focus on. That's weird because their official spec sheets all refer to the software on the phone as running Android with HTC Sense. The launcher is called Sense Home. There is an HTC Sense Companion app. Sense is still very much a part of the HTC phone experience. Anyways, with that in mind, let's talk about Sense!

It's starting to age and since HTC doesn't think it's a thing, I'm wondering if it's ever going to change going forward. The UI of the dialer reminds me of 2015, the app drawer is still obnoxiously paginated, BlinkFeed is on and alive, the widget picker is definitely from 2013, the stock keyboard from TouchPal is really bad, and the settings layout is super confusing and doesn't match any other phone's order. Like with LG, HTC needs to put together a full skin makeover to try something new. Oh and trust me, I'll get into Edge Sense 2 here in a bit, but it belongs even lower than this section. It's not all bad, of course. HTC has an always on display, even with the use of an LCD panel. They still have their lock screen Motion Gestures that get you into items quickly, the U12+ supports themes, and in many ways, the overall UI has some stock-like skinning that will be familiar to Pixel users. I also like that you can swipe across the navigation bar to get to additional tools, like the screenshot or screen recording tools.

The performance of the U12+ is pretty solid too. The phone doesn't necessarily get hot or slow down after lengthy periods of use and is quick to get in and out of apps or from the lock screen. In fact, the phone is quite snappy in most situations. I have run into this odd couple-of-second stutter when you swipe up on the app drawer before the drawer arrives with apps to appear for selection. That's odd, since this is HTC's launcher. Other than that, performance has been fine. My problems with HTC's skin are that it feels like they aren't improving it at all anymore. It very much comes off as if HTC has forgotten that Sense is there and that it's fine as is when slapped on top of whatever the newest version of Android is. On top of that, I'm also not sure that HTC is pushing regular updates to phones like they once were. At the time of this review, I took a look around and it appears that HTC hasn't updated the U11 since January. It's June, folks. Price $800 for a phone with these specs is probably about right if you aren't HTC. Samsung has similar specs in it's new phones, as does Google and LG. However, I'm not a huge fan of that price tag because of the section below and the fact that with HTC's years and years of struggles, I just think they need to compete on price. At $800, you are saying that people will look at the Galaxy S9 or Google Pixel 2 XL, two similarly priced phones, up against your HTC U12+ and choose the U12+. I just don't know that that is ever going to happen. And I know that that's not going to happen because it hasn't been happening. HTC isn't selling phones and so they might want to re-think this strategy. I don't know the margins for HTC's U12+, but you've got to give someone a reason to look at your phone if you are HTC. HTC is no longer a company that is thought of in the same sentence as those companies I just mentioned. In order to get back in the conversation, you might need your price to be the conversation starter. At $800, you aren't doing that.

The Not-so-Good

Edge Sense 2 Man, Edge Sense 2 and the faux button setup on the U12+ are so bad. This decision from HTC is what will kill this phone. It's so bad, that I think people will buy the phone and then immediately return it because of what they've done in this area. In case you don't know, the U12+ includes HTC's squeezy side tech called Edge Sense. This is version 2 and it really sucks. You can squeeze it with a short or long squeeze to do a number of things that include launching apps, the camera, the flashlight, or your favorite assistant. It can control music, expand the notification shade, go back a screen, and take a screenshot. You get to customize the pressure sensitivity of those long and short squeezes, so you should be able to really fine-tune the experience.

In new experiences, you can now double-tap on the sides of the phone to do similar tasks that I described above. HTC has it switch to one-handed mode initially, but it'll go back a screen, launch the camera, open an app, etc. And then you have that smart display rotation sensing that I mentioned above in the display section. Look, if you own this phone, just turn all this stuff off. I've had the phone for a couple of weeks and there is something wrong with how it senses pressure and whether or not you are touching it. The squeezes took days and days for me to get just right. The double-tap shortcut became annoying if and when it worked, as the sides are often sporadically sensitive. And the phone often reacts with a squeeze UI on top of apps because it thinks I'm trying to perform a squeeze, even though I'm not. I also couldn't tell you how many times I've simply picked up the phone or tried to press the power button and had it think that I was performing a squeeze action. Ugh, it's been so frustrating. And I say that as someone who appreciated what HTC did initially with Edge Sense in the U11 and am a big fan of how that tech made its way into the Pixel 2 line. I use the squeezy side on my Pixel 2 XL multiple times per day to launch Google Assistant. With the U12+, this thing is a wild animal that I want no part of in a phone. What the f*ck are these buttons And on that note, Edge Sense 2 led HTC into one of the worst manufacturing decisions I've seen on a smartphone in quite some time. They decided to remove the mechanical buttons from the side of the phone and replace them with pressure sensitive nubs for power and volume controls. I cannot even begin to describe how big of a mistake this was. When you press these buttons, they give you a sort of response like you might get with one of Apple's new Macbook Pro trackpads. It vibrates to let you know that you have pressed something, but nothing is actually moving. While this sounds kind of neat and reasonable at first, in practice it has not been good.

The power button works about 75% of the time. The volume buttons probably work less. It's impossible to tell without looking at your phone if pressing those volume buttons is actually controlling volume. It's one of those situations where you press and hold to drop volume down or up and then realize 3 seconds later that you've done nothing. I'm not sure if the phone thinks you are squeezing its sides and are trying to perform a squeeze action or the sensitivity under these buttons is that bad. Either way, the buttons here have made me want to smash the phone on a desk a handful of times. I've seen random ghost presses on them, some wigging out of the buttons after waking the phone, where a reboot is all that stopped them from doing whatever they were doing, and I think I managed to break one of the power buttons on a unit during my briefing that initially alarmed me. You know the double-tap on the power button that launches the camera on most phones? Good luck ever getting that to work on the HTC U12+. The thing is, you can turn off Edge Sense 2 if it bugs you. You can't turn off sh*tty buttons. You are stuck with a core functionality of the phone that there is no work-around for. I know this may seem like a small thing to complain about if the phone feels great and takes great pictures, but come on, adjusting the volume or waking/locking your phone shouldn't ever be something you worry about. Battery Life The battery life of the U12+ has been really disappointing, especially after the U11 which had incredible battery life. I thought that the Galaxy S9 managing 4 hours of screen on time and dropping to 20% at 7PM was bad, but after running this phone between Verizon and T-Mobile, I've found a new bad-battery king for 2018. As you'll see in the screenshots, I didn't hammer on this phone much. In fact, I got to 3 hours of screen on time only a couple of times and the phone was basically dead (around 10-15%) within 12 hours. 12 hours! The rest of the time, I was hitting 2-2.5 hours of screen on time and the phone was dipping to around 25% battery in 13-15 hours. I had a day where I only managed 1.5 hours of screen on time and the phone dropped to 32% in 16 hours. That's awful. That means the U12+ is constantly sipping heavy amounts of battery when I'm not even using it.

How does that compare to good battery life phones? With the OnePlus 6, I was typically hitting 5 hours of screen on time in a day and lasting as long as the U12+. On days where I went lighter, it was lasting well into a second day. I don't know if HTC can fix these battery issues. A 3500mAh battery should last longer than this. If you plan on buying it, you better keep that charger handy. Availability As with pricing, HTC's distribution model is not good. It's pretty obvious at this point that they no longer care about the US market. HTC has struggled in recent years to land carrier partners and is only selling the U12+ directly through their own store, as well as Amazon. Sure, the phone works on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, which are the important carriers, but not having the phone in any of those stores isn't good. In the US, people (unfortunately) still mostly buy phones from their carriers. And when your phone is priced at $800, not giving people the opportunity to get their hands on it first before they fork out that kind of cash, is almost like shooting yourself in the foot.

Other Notes

This is not OK, HTC?
3.5mm headphone jack: Again, it doesn't have one, but HTC includes USonic earbuds in the box.
Verizon: It works on Verizon! I tested it for a couple of days on Verizon and had no issues. It doesn't work on Sprint, though.
Android P: HTC is not a part of the Android P Beta program and I kind of doubt they will be. They are saying that this phone will be upgraded to Android P, but of course it will be. Android P will be here in August. If they didn't update a phone that's months old to the newest version of Android, we'd tell you to never buy an HTC phone again. What you should care about is if they'll give it Android Q and R.
Translucent Blue: See-through phones are cool. I wish others would copy this idea from HTC.

Video

First Look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6nMCgxAWm0

Gallery

The Verdict

I came into 2018 excited for HTC, but the U12+ just killed it all for me. As good as the camera and specs might be, and as much as I like looking at and holding this phone, it's just not that fun to use. HTC screwed up buttons, which is something I'm not sure I expected to say...ever. Their Edge Sense technology is mostly a mess, battery life on this phone is not good at all, and I'm really worried that HTC has given up on updating their phones regularly. Couple all of that with the fact that its an $800 investment and you should probably pass on this one. Buy HTC U12+

Over One Million OnePlus 6 Units Have Sold Since Launch 22 Days Ago

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 08:53:19 +0000

OnePlus announced this morning that it has surpassed one million sales of the OnePlus 6 in just 22 days, quite a feat considering it took 3 months for the OnePlus 5 and 5T to reach the same milestone. OnePlus highlights its 26 pop-ups shops in 11 different countries around the globe, as well as its community for the achievement. For North America, OnePlus increased its sales by 139% from 2016 to 2017. Naturally, the company looks to continue its pattern of growth in 2018. It's pretty funny to see scrappy OnePlus succeed in North America while larger Chinese firms struggle, specifically Huawei and poor ZTE. Both of those companies are running into issues not exactly related to smartphones, but politics in general. However, it's my belief that OnePlus' attention to the software it ships on its devices could be the crux of its popularity. Oh, and apparently the notch didn't offend too many people or else we wouldn't be writing up how quickly they hit one million sales. Do we have any OnePlus 6 owners here? What are your thoughts a few weeks into ownership?

Verizon Adds New $95 Above Unlimited Plan, Will Let You Mix and Match Plans (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 07:34:44 +0000

Verizon dropped big plan news this morning with the addition of a new unlimited data tier as well as a change that will allow customers to mix and match unlimited data plans on their family accounts. All of this arrives on June 18, so let's talk about what's happening. UPDATE: Some additional thoughts here on the state of the US wireless industry and what "unlimited" means at this point.

Above Unlimited

For one, Verizon now has 3 unlimited data plans: Above Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited, and Go Unlimited. If you have been paying attention to Verizon, you know that Above Unlimited is the new guy. This is a $95/mo plan for the supposed heavy lifters. It includes 75GB of "premium" unlimited 4G LTE data, unlimited talk and text, 720p video streaming, 20GB of 4G LTE hotspot, talk/text/data to and from Mexico and Canada, 5 monthly TravelPasses, and 500GB of Verizon Cloud storage. How does Above Unlimited compare to Beyond Unlimited, which was Verizon's previous top-tier unlimited data plan? For one, you get more "premium" 4G LTE data to use each month before Verizon might throttle you. On Beyond Unlimited, you can use 22GB of data before Verizon can start slowing your connection when accessing their network "in times of congestion." With Above, you can use up to 75GB before that happens. They've also added another 5GB of hotspot data to the plan, included TravelPasses (normally $10/day), and are letting you store up to 500GB worth of junk on their Verizon Cloud. Above Unlimited costs $95 for a single line, $90 per line for two lines, $70 per line for 3 lines, and $60 per line for 4 lines. Beyond Unlimited starts at $85 for a single line. For $10 more per month, you get more "premium" 4G LTE data, more hotspot data, 5 TravelPasses, and cloud storage.

Mix and Match Unlimited

Going forward, Verizon is going to let you mix and match their three unlimited data plans. Previously, if you were subscribers of Beyond Unlimited and had multiple lines, all of your lines had to be with Beyond Unlimited. If you subscribed to Go Unlimited, same thing. But now, you can have dad and mom with Beyond Unlimited plans, your brother with a Go Unlimited plan, and your Instagram god sister with Above Unlimited. The pricing is pretty straight forward. If you look at the chart below, everything depends on how many lines you have. Should you choose to mix and match, you just find the number of lines and match it up to this pricing. If you have 3 lines using one of each of Verizon's unlimited plans, you would pay $50 + $60 + 70. If you have 2 Go Unlimiteds, 2 Beyond Unlimiteds, and an Above Unlimited, your bill would be $40 + $40 + $50 + $50 + $60. If you have 2 lines, 1 on Beyond and another on Above, you would pay $80 + $90. That make sense?

Again, all of this kicks off on June 18 (Monday).

Verizon Unlimited Data Plans

// Verizon

Ring Alarm is Finally Up for Pre-Order, Arrives July 3

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 12:01:19 +0000

Ring Alarm, an alternative (and less expensive) option to Nest and their Nest Secure system, is finally up for pre-order after being hyped as recently as CES. Ring Alarm costs $199 for the startup kit, which includes a base station, keypad, contact sensor (for windows or doors), motion detector, and a range extender. You can expand it from there by buying additional motion and contact sensors, flood and freeze sensors, smoke & CO listeners, dome sirens, etc. Add-on items costs anywhere from $20 to $50. Nest Secure, for comparison, only this week dropped from $500 to $400, so it's still double the cost of Ring Alarm. The entire system integrates with the Ring app, so you can check your Ring cameras and the status of your home in one place. To get that setup, you simply connect the base station and keypad to your WiFi. From there, when in "armed" mode, if your system notices something is off, an alarm will sound in your house. Ring hopes that Alarm can be the professional monitoring system of your dreams. For $10 per month, they'll give you 24/7 monitoring, cloud video storage for an unlimited number of Ring devices, 10% off future Ring purchases, and LTE cellular backup. You can pre-order Ring Alarm today from places like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Amazon. It'll ship by July 3. // Ring

Twitter Debuts Changes for Explore, Notifications, and Moments

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 11:52:17 +0000

Twitter debuted a ton of changes for its service today, not all of which will be available starting today. The big stuff centers around Explore, the service's Search functionality, and Moments. Twitter has been listening to feedback from its users, and while it's plenty easy to find trending topics and events taking place all over the world, the company thinks it can still be better. Twitter says that it is experimenting with topic tabs inside of Explore so it's easier to see what's happening in news and entertainment. The company says this change will be available in the coming months for both iOS and Android. Starting today, though, at the top of search results, "You’ll see related news, events, or stories and be able to tap in to get a recap and see the latest discussion, videos or scores." For those who have used the regular Twitter app recently, you may have seen a "Happening now" tab at the top. This would appear for sports teams you follow. Now, this tab will not only show sports stuff, but breaking and personalized news, too. Twitter is changing up its push notifications, too. "Now we’re experimenting with sending notifications to you based on your interests (like who you follow and what you Tweet about), so you won’t miss a beat," Twitter wrote in its blog post. Naturally, you can disable these notifications, but you'll see it rolling out over the next few weeks on iOS and Android. For your football fans, Twitter will be a great place for World Cup content as well. According to Twitter, you should see a dedicated World Cup page starting today on the official Twitter app. That's a lot of stuff. You can read more deeply into the changes or just grab the latest version of the Twitter app below. Google Play Link // Twitter

A Faster Samsung Wireless Charger Just Hit the FCC as Galaxy Note 9 Battery Rumors Surface

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 09:33:29 +0000

Now that we're almost mid-way through 2018, it's time we start targeting 2nd half of the year phone launches from the big players in the game that actually matter. Samsung remains one of those and their next Galaxy Note phone might be less than two months from a reveal. Assumed to be called the Galaxy Note 9, a notorious leaker may have just outed its battery size just as a new, faster wireless charger from Samsung hit the FCC. Leaker Ice universe took to Twitter late last night to suggest that he is "100% sure" the Galaxy Note 9 will have a 4000mAh battery. While that's no confirmation, it is big news if true. The Galaxy Note 7 featured a 3500mAh battery (that exploded) and the Note 8 dropped down to 3300mAh, likely as a precautionary change. A jump up to 4000mAh could mean hours of additional battery life. On a related note, that bigger 4000mAh battery may be charged quickly when wired or when dropped on a wireless charging pad, though that wouldn't surprise us. However, this may be one of Samsung's fastest wireless charging phones yet. I say that because a new Samsung fast wireless charger stopped off at the FCC today with an input of 12V/2.1A. The device carries a model number of EP-N6100. The previous generation wireless charger, in case you were curious, was model EP-N5100. That slightly older version was capable of 5V/2A and 9V/1.67A. You can see the two labels for each below.

New model vs. most recent model

While I still think wireless charging is a bonus feature, not a necessity, if it can get faster, that begins to change some of that narrative. The problem with wireless charging today is that even in a "fast" sense, it's not that fast. A wired connection is almost always going to be faster. But, with this level of current, that's changing a bit. The Galaxy Note 9 is currently rumored to arrive on August 9. It probably looks like this. // FCC

DEAL: Unlocked LG V30S ThinQ 128GB Drops to $599 Today Only ($330 Off)

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 08:07:24 +0000

Instead of announcing a new top tier phone at MWC to help kick of 2018, reports pegged LG at the time as being confused, possibly not knowing what to do with their next major phone. So rather than give us nothing, they re-released the LG V30 and called it the LG V30s. There was no difference between the phones, other than the addition of more RAM and some "AI" smarts within the software that eventually came to the regular V30 anyway. You probably haven't heard much about the phone because no US carrier picked it up and LG really only attempted to sell it as an unlocked phone. But you probably missed it in that capacity too because it was ridiculously expensive. I'm talking $900+ expensive. Today, though, it's picked up a heck of a discount at B&H Photo. You can buy an unlocked LG V30s ThinQ for $599.99. Yep, a $330 price drop! This is the Moroccan Blue model, which is stupidly hot and should be the color of all future LG phones. It features 128GB storage (with SD expansion), 6GB RAM, Snapdragon 835 processor, 6" POLED QHD display, dual cameras, and Android Oreo under LG's UX skin. This version also happens to be unlocked with support on both CDMA and GSM carriers, so it should work on Verizon as well as AT&T and T-Mobile. The deal is a 1-day only event. If you like LG and hate the G7 with its notch, this isn't a bad option. Our LG V30 review is right here. Buy LG V30S ThinQ

US Court Gives AT&T Approval to Buy Time Warner for $85 Billion

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:48:44 +0000

A US court today gave AT&T approval to go ahead and buy Time Warner without conditions. The ruling arrives after the Justice Department filed a lawsuit in November 2017 to try and stop the deal, which is valued at $85 billion. The District Court Judge Richard Leon determined that the US government "failed to meet its burden of proof" in their case that this would lessen competition and that they should not seek a stay of his ruling because it would be "manifestly unjust" and unlikely to succeed. He also called their arguments against the deal "gossamer thin" and "poppycock." That's pretty good judge trash talk there. AT&T claims that with a purchase of Time Warner, they'll be able to compete in the grand scheme of internet and TV into the future. They need Time Warner because they need your information in order to sell advertising and stay in business against companies like Google and Facebook. Yeah, that sounds reassuring to you and I. This ruling will likely trigger other media merger attempts, like Comcast and Twenty-First Century Fox. For more, hit up those links below. // Reuters | CNBC

Verizon Gets Top Honors for Fastest Mobile Network From PCMag, Followed Closely by T-Mobile

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:22:40 +0000

PCMag posted its Fastest Mobile Networks 2018 report this morning, concluding that Verizon is the overall champion among the four major US carriers. On PCMag's scoring system, Verizon ranks at a 99, followed by T-Mobile at 93, with AT&T coming in at 88 and Sprint well behind at 75. Those numbers don't really indicate how well each carrier performs in certain areas, so in the report, PCMag breaks the US down into various regions. Each region is then ranked with a winner, with Verizon stealing the show in all but one region of the US. T-Mobile was able to steal a win in the Southeast part of the US, which includes Tennessee, both Carolinas, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Other than that specific region, though, Verizon had the best scores.

For specific cities, and we'll just throw a few of the big ones, places like New York City and San Francisco appear to be covered extremely well by each carrier, but things get pretty spotty for select networks when you head out into the suburban and rural areas. For example, suburban and rural areas in the Northwest are basically terrible for Sprint, capturing a score of just 54 out of 100. On the other hand there is Verizon with a 98 out of 100 rank. For the suburban and rural Southeast, AT&T and T-Mobile tie with a 94 out of 100, with Verizon trailing ever so slightly at 93. And because we're egomaniacs over here, let's check out Portland, OR. T-Mobile is a clear winner in this area, scoring a 97 out of 100. The next best score is Verizon at 87, followed by Sprint at 85 and AT&T at 80. PCMag's main takeaway from this report seems to be that each carrier has solid download speeds these days, but some (mostly Sprint) could benefit from improved upload speeds. And while T-Mobile has been methodically building out its network to better serve mobile customers, AT&T has been focused on creating a network for the future, one where cars, homes, and entire cities can benefit in the long term. For the complete breakdown of these scores, check out PCMag's report by following the link below. // PCMag

YES: Google is Adding a Dark Theme Toggle!

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:05:02 +0000

Guys, Google is going to give us a dark mode toggle! It's really happening! Your Pixel 2 or Pixel will soon have a manual switch that will flip it from light to dark theme. According to a Google Issue Tracker thread that was created in March when the first Android P previewed dropped, Google plans to add a setting in Settings>Display>Device Theme that will let you switch over to a dark theme. The change, which was first spotted by Android Police, will replace the current dark theme trigger that only kicks in when you set a dark enough wallpaper on your home screen. For those not familiar with that action, it works like this. With the Pixel Launcher running, you change your wallpaper to something dark (see above) and the quick settings panel and app drawer switch over to a dark background. If you want them to go back to a lighter theme, you simply switch to a lighter wallpaper. While we've appreciated the dark option, some of us might want a light wallpaper and dark quick settings area, which this tweak will give us. The issue was marked as "Fixed" today. A Googler said to expect it in a "future Android build." Here's hoping this wasn't another mixup like the last time. // Google Issue Tracker

Hisense's H9E 4K ULED TVs With Android TV, Google Assistant Now Available at Around $650

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:37:08 +0000

Back at CES in January, we talked a lot about how more and more TV manufacturers were starting to adopt Android TV instead of their own custom smart TV experiences. Hisense is one of those brands that announced an upcoming line powered by Google's TV platform, and that line is now available in the US. The Hisense H9E Plus line starts at around $699 for the 55" model (55H9080E Plus) and then jumps to around $1199 for a 65" model (65H9080E Plus). These TVs are ULED 4K with Dolby Vision HDR, HDR 10, Wide Color Gamut, and Motion Rate 240 (120Hz native). They are about as bezel-less as you can get with only a small bottom bezel. They feature gigabit ethernet, 2x2 dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, 1 RCA input, 1 optical output, a 3.5mm jack, and Bluetooth audio. The 55" model also has 30w Harman/Kardon Sound. But for Android fans, the big sell is all of that technology with Android TV and Google Assistant behind it. Not only can you install the variety of Android TV apps (like Netflix, YouTube TV, HBO NOW, etc.) and use Google's vision for TV, you'll be able to control your smart home through the Assistant. it should be similar to what you'll find in a SHIELD TV box or a Sony TV with Android TV built-in. Retailers in the US will start to carry them right away, including Walmart and Best Buy. Prices will vary, but so far Walmart has them listed at $648 (55") and $998 (65"). Hisense H9E Links:

Walmart: 55" 4K ULED | 65" 4K ULED
Best Buy: 55" 4K ULED | 65" 4K ULED

// PRnewswire

Looks Like Google is Making Its Own Podcasts App

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 12:54:42 +0000

According to the folks at 9to5Google who did a bit of digging within the latest Google application, Mountain View may be preparing a standalone Google Podcasts app, a followup to the work it has already done for podcasts. You see, with the standard Google app, users can search for podcasts, then access them should listings be returned. It works for our podcast (Droid Life Show), plus plenty of other podcasts you probably listen to. And don't forget that podcasts recently came to Google Play Music. Anyway, we have no idea what a reported Google Podcasts app will feature, but we have to assume it will be the place for Android users to discover, download, and play their favorite shows. When and if this Google Podcasts app goes live, you'll find it at the link below. Google Play Link (Not yet live) // 9to5Google

Dark Sky 2.0 Update Brings New UI, Time Machine Forecasts, Whole Lot More

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 11:38:38 +0000

Dark Sky launched for Android in May, 2016. We haven't talked about it since then, not because it wasn't a great weather app or it wasn't getting updated, but it never really changed since the day it launched. Today, though, Dark Sky is getting a massive update to version 2.0, complete with a new UI, plus plenty of new features. According to the changelog, users will find a unified Forecast tab with 24-hour and week forecasts, as well as the ability to save up to six locations for weather checking. Historical forecasts with Time Machine are inside, plus those hoping for landscape mode to finally come are in luck. The changelog also cites added support for notification channels and app shortcuts. Righteous. Here's the entire changelog, followed by a Google Play link to get the update. What's New

Unified Forecast tab with next 24-hour and week forecasts
Save up to six locations; swipe left or right to switch between
Historical forecasts with Time Machine
Additional current conditions; tap the current temperature to see more details
Expanded timeline option; long press on any timeline hour to toggle between 12 and 24 rows
Landscape support
Refresh button on widgets
Support for notification channels & app shortcuts
Background service improvements
Bug fixes

Google Play Link

You Can Now Shop Directly From Your Instagram Stories

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 10:42:46 +0000

We know how much you love Instagram and we also know how much you love shopping. Well, going beyond only having ads and links to purchase things in your feed, shopping is now infiltrating Stories. Instagram states that select brands will now have the ability to tag items inside of Stories with purchase links. For example, a person is wearing certain sunglasses in a photo. Should you see a Shopping Bag icon on those glasses, you can access a link to purchase them for yourself. Instagram says only a few brands have this power to begin with, but plenty more will follow. For now, look for these Shopping Bag icons in Stories from brands such as Adidas, Aritzia, and Louis Vuitton. Yay. // Instagram

Google has a Fix for Your Slow-to-Wake Pixel 2 XL

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 09:27:48 +0000

The slowness of wake time that accompanied the June Android security patch when it landed on your Pixel 2 XL is about to be fixed. Well, it'll be fixed here in the "coming weeks," according to Google, as they've "identified a fix." To recap, a change was made within the last update that extended the time it would take for the Pixel 2 XL to wake. When you locked your phone and then tried to wake it right away, there was enough of a delay that users noticed and flooded Google's various forums to (rightfully) complain about it. It was apparently a deliberate change as it relates to the always-on display used in the phone. Since we're already mid-way into June, you have to wonder if the fix won't show up until July's patch. Google could always push a fix sooner, but I'm not sure this is a big enough issue to warrant that. It's not like the dialer is dead or cellular connectivity is impacted or the fingerprint reader no longer works. It's an inconvenience, sure, just not a massive one. We'll let you know when the fix rolls out. For now, Google says to enable always-on display to speed things up. // Pixel User Community

Google Assistant Now Capable of Handling 3 Commands at a Time

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 08:57:05 +0000

Showcased at Google I/O, Google Assistant can now handle up to 3 commands at once, should you be very specific with each command. As an extreme example, you can ask, "Ok Google, who was president when Kevin Durant was drafted into the NBA and what team drafted him?” That's the example Google gave us at I/O. However, you'll probably use something more along the lines of "Ok Google, turn on the lights in the kitchen and turn off the lights in the bedroom." Keep in mind, whenever you use the "and" to differentiate between two commands, you must make sure each command you speak is complete. For example, you cannot say, "Hey Google, turn on the lights in the living room and in the bedroom," since in the bedroom isn't a complete command. Now go forth and speak those multiple commands at once. // Google

Vivo's "Truly Bezel-Less" Phone With Pop-Up Camera is a Refreshing Look at the Future

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 08:19:44 +0000

Vivo, a Chinese company who we have basically dubbed the "New Hype King," based on a number of press releases where they claim to be the first at something, show off a new technology before anyone else (and before it's ready for real-world use), and send four-too-many teasers for a device they plan to announce some day, assuming it leaves the concept stage, announced a supposedly real phone today! It's the Vivo NEX, and it's the phone with a pop-up camera. That possibly poor manufacturing decision aside, this is one of the first "truly bezel-less" phones, with almost nothing on its front side but display. The Vivo NEX was first introduced back in February, where Vivo did show it off with pop-up camera as a concept. It was so striking because we were on the verge of welcoming in a wave of phones with the iPhone X's notch, yet here was Vivo saying that they were ready to move beyond that trend, which hadn't quite become a trend yet. Today, that phone has morphed into a finished product and will be sold in China. As disappointing as availability may be, this does give us a view of the future.

Ever since OnePlus confirmed that the OnePlus 6 would sport a notch and LG followed shortly behind, we've known that the industry is simply moving this direction. Phone makers have decided that they will try to create an all-display front and a notch is an unfortunate bump in the road while we work to get there. If you don't want a notch, then you have to do what Vivo has done here and get creative. Vivo has created and realized an idea, one that others want so badly to copy. The thing is, we're not actually at a point where an all-display front is a reality unless you do what Vivo did. And again, this might not be the best decision in terms of manufacturing, reliability, and durability. A pop-up camera poses all sorts of potential issues: 1) it's another moving hardware component that can fail; 2) there are questions around water and dust resistance; 3) and of course, the thought of bumping or breaking the camera as it's exposed gives me the shivers. What I find fascinating about the Vivo NEX is that Vivo has pushed aside those worries to just do something crazy. We live in a smartphone world where everyone plays it safe far too often, so this is quite refreshing. A pop-up camera is kind of a stupid idea, yet here's Vivo making a name for themselves by saying, "F*ck it, let's just do it." I'm cool with that, especially if it sparks additional ideas for how we get past 2018 and Attack of the (iPhone X) Clones.

No one will buy this phone, even if it does run a heck of a set of specs (Snapdragon 845, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 4000mAh battery, dual cameras, etc.). But that's not the point of it. Even if Vivo only makes a handful, we've now seen an idea come to life. It can be refined. Others can take this and run with it and improve upon it. These are the ideas that help us get to truly bezel-less without pop-up gimmicks. Hell yeah, Vivo.

Nest Drops Price of Secure Alarm System to $399 Forever, $100 Less Than Initial Price

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:39:35 +0000

Announced in the later part of last year, Nest's Secure alarm system launched with a retail price of $499. The system includes 1 Nest Guard, 2 Nest Detects, and 2 Nest Tags. Even with all of those things, though, $500 ain't cheap. Recently, Nest has lowered the price of the Secure package to $399, and that's not some special promotion or sale price. That's the new price going forward. Nest has not specified why the price was decreased, but it's not like we're going to argue against it. At $100 cheaper, the system is a bit more affordable for those looking to boost their home's security. If you recently purchased a Secure, I'd maybe contact Nest about a partial refund or credit towards another Nest product. If anything, should you be within the return window, maybe return the device, get your refund, then buy it again for the lowered price. Either way, you shouldn't be penalized as a customer for not foreseeing the price drop. Does this price drop make Secure more tempting for your home? Nest Link | Best Buy Link

DEAL: Samsung Hosting Sale With $70-Off Gear Watches, Discounts on Tons of S9 Accessories

Kellen — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 12:30:16 +0000

With Father's Day and graduations on the horizon, Samsung is hosting a sale that drops the price of almost all of its mobile devices and their accessories. They haven't necessarily dropped prices on phones, but all of their Gear watches are $70, plus a bunch of Galaxy S9 accessories are discounted. For the Gear S3 line, you'll not only get $70 off all models, you'll also get to choose a free additional watch band ($30 value). If none of the Gear S3 watches interest you since they are aging, the new Gear Sport is $70 off too. In other discounts, the newest fast wireless charging stand is $20 off, it looks like every official Samsung Galaxy S9 case is reduced by at least $10, Gear 360 camera is $60 off, Gear IconX buds are $50 off, and Level Active Bluetooth buds are $50 off. Samsung is also running an up-to-$400-off deal on the Galaxy S9+, but you have to trade-in a specific device and sign-up for their upgrade program. All of the deals I just mentioned can be found at the link below. Samsung Deal Link

OnePlus 6 Gets OxygenOS 5.1.6, Highlights Do Not Disturb Scheduler and Front Camera Portrait Mode

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 10:05:21 +0000

OnePlus 6 owners not on the jank-filled Android P beta should see an OTA notification right around now, informing them that OxygenOS 5.1.6 is ready for install. Inside, owners will find fantastic updates, especially one that includes scheduling Do Not Disturb. Hallelujah! Additionally, you'll find a new portrait mode for the front-facing camera, as well as optimized power consumption. Better battery life? I'll take it. Here's the entire changelog.

What's New Network

Enable Idea VoLTE services in India
Fixed stability issues for Dual Sim Cards

Camera

Added Portrait Mode for the front camera
Added preview for Light Bokeh effect in Portrait Mode of the rear camera

Phone

Optimized call clarity

System

Supported battery percentage in the status bar
Improved ringtone volume and sound quality
Now able to schedule Do Not Disturb(DND) mode
Added Dual-4G network option in SIM & network settings
Optimized power consumption and Improved system stability

Earphone mode

Added smart answer for Bluetooth - automatically answer incoming calls when connecting to Bluetooth devices

// OnePlus

Sony Xperia XZ2 Getting Android P Beta 2, Includes Plenty of Bug Fixes

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 09:06:10 +0000

For Xperia XZ2 owners, your week is starting off right. Sony is now pushing Beta 2 of the Android P preview, complete with a whole lot of bug fixing hotness. Inside, Sony says they have fixed issues regarding the microphone, wireless charging, GPS not working, exFAT formatted SD cards not working, 4G+ causing modem crashes, plus plenty more squashed bugs. Here are all of the changes Sony lists, on top of the native changes you'll find from Google. For all of those changes, read our overview post. What's Fixed

Small difference in max vs min volume during call
Microphone stops working
Wireless Charging on XZ2 not fully recognized
SD-cards formatted with exFAT are not recognized
Nightlight is not triggered correctly when using sunset to sunrise setting
GPS not working on some units
4G+ can cause the modem to crash
Tethering/Wifi Hotspot makes the system unstable

If you're rocking Android P on your Xperia XZ2, go get this update. If you're not already on Android P but would like to try it, the process looks rather straightforward. You'll need the Xperia Companion app on your computer, then that desktop app will essentially walk you through the flashing process. It shouldn't be too difficult. // Sony

NVIDIA SHIELD TV's 7.0.1 and Android Oreo Update Rolls Out to Beta Testers

Kellen — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 08:30:20 +0000

After a short pause in rollout, NVIDIA started re-pushing the Android Oreo update to the NVIDIA SHIELD TV over the weekend. The build is currently only going out to SHIELD TV beta testers, this time as the SHIELD Experience 7.0.1 Preview. It's tough to say what was wrong with that original build unless you were a beta tester and picked it up before NVIDIA stopped it. Whatever the issues were, they must have fixed them or there was attempt to. A number of our readers received the preview at the same time yesterday, as did a bunch of users on NVIDIA's Geforce forums. We'll keep an eye on the rollout to non-beta testers. If you are interested in getting SHIELD TV updates early through this beta program, you can sign-up here. Cheers M, J, and B!

Verizon Galaxy S7 Owners, Let's Try This Oreo Update Thing One More Time (Updated!)

Kellen — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 08:06:34 +0000

I have no idea if this is the real deal this time, but Verizon has once again posted Android Oreo update details for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. This is the third time they have done this, so approach with caution. However, with AT&T S7 models also said to be receiving the update, we're optimistic. UPDATE: It's rolling out, according to all of the fine folks in the comments! Verizon says to expect software version G930VVRU4CRE5 for the Galaxy S7 and G935VVRU4CRE5 for the Galaxy S7 Edge. The update should be large, so make sure you have lots of battery and are on WiFi. Verizon has it dated June 11, which means it could be available right away. To check, head into Settings>System update. // Verizon [2]

Weekly Recap: Wait, so You Don't Want a Notch on the Pixel 3 XL?

Tim — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 15:30:17 +0000

Thanks to multiple leaks, it seems all but confirmed by Google itself that the Pixel 3 XL will have a notch. We know this isn't what everyone was hoping for, but chin up, notches aren't the end of the world. Other news this week was our posting of a big camera shootout between the Pixel 2 XL, OnePlus 6, and LG G7. That was a lot of fun, so definitely check it out. We also learned things are now all good between the US government and ZTE thanks to $1 billion fine. Nothing like a bit of money to solve a problem. Here's the good stuff you don't want to miss from this week!

WATCH: Droid Life Show - Episode 175 [Subscribe]
What's New: Android P DP3 (aka Beta 2).
Pixel 3 XL: This could be the Pixel 3 XL.
Giveaway: We're giving away Huawei Mate 10 Pros!
Android P DP3 now available.
And some more Pixel 3 XL.
This render has us in love with the Pixel 3 XL.
We're scared about an all glass back Pixel 3 XL.
Camera Shootout: Pixel 2 XL vs. OnePlus 6 vs. LG G7.
Another LG wearable with Wear OS goes through FCC.
Bonito: Google appears to be readying a mid-range Pixel device called Bonito.
Uh oh, Samsung isn't updating unlocked Galaxy S9 and S9+ units.
Note 9: This might be the Galaxy Note 9.
Motorola announced the Moto Z3 Play.
Essential has a new audio mod for the Essential Phone.
Amazon's Fire TV Cube seems dope for the living room.
US government and ZTE settle differences after ZTE pays $1 billion fine.
ROG: ASUS ROG Phone is a mobile gamer's dream phone.
Google Assistant and Alexa support coming to Xbox One.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Yahoo Messenger to Shut Down on July 17

Tim — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 14:34:51 +0000

Announced today, Yahoo is shutting down Messenger on July 17, 2018. Once this date comes, you'll no longer be able to access the service or retrieve your chats from it. However, should you want to download your chats now, you can do so by going here. This site will be available to Messenger users for the next 6 months, according to Yahoo. Here's what Yahoo said about why it's closing Messenger.

As the communications landscape continues to change over, we're focusing on building and introducing new, exciting communications tools that better fit consumer needs.

As for what Yahoo recommends you do following the loss of Messenger, they say you should give Squirrel a try, its invite-only group messaging app that you can request an invite for here. RIP, Messenger! I'll never forget the days of a/s/l! // Yahoo

Gmail for Android is Finally Going to Let You Customize Swipe Actions

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:48:56 +0000

The change appears to be slowly rolling out, but Google is finally going to let you customize the swipe actions within Gmail on Android. You know the little swipe left or right shortcuts that previously only let you archive or delete? Yep, you are getting more control over them. You may need the latest version of Gmail (8.5.20) before you'll see them, but this also may be some sort of server-side change. I say that because I have that new version on most phones and still can't adjust my swipe actions. However, the folks at Android Police have been given the power, and when they go into Settings>General Settings, they can tap on the "Swipe actions" option to open up a new customizable interface. They are able to adjust both right and left swipe actions with options that spread beyond just archive or delete. You'll soon find snooze, move to, and mark as read/unread choices too. Let us know if you are seeing the new options! Google Play Link

// Android Police

Podcast: Pixel 3 XL, Notch God

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 10:00:36 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, you know we've got to talk a lot about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL from Google. No, neither have been announced, but a prototype Pixel 3 XL is in the wild, we've got codename sightings, and we want to talk about it all. We also want to talk about the Galaxy Note 9 and our initial reaction to renders of it, as well as all of the new phones that just dropped, like the Moto Z3 Play, Blackberry Key2, and ASUS ROG phone. Oh yeah, Android P Beta 2 showed up this week as well. Trivia will go down at the end of the show. We've got Toast wood covers for winners! 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.

Look at These Pixel 3 XL Renders - Is This Not Ridiculously Hot?

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 09:03:41 +0000

The prototype Pixel 3 XL that stole the show yesterday has had a pretty divided reaction. Some are excited for something new from Google, while others are stuck on the fact that it'll have a notch and want no part of it. OK, that's probably not accurate. People are really freaking the f*ck out over the notch. I'll just remind you that we were looking at a supposed prototype yesterday, so things could change. Not that the notch is going anywhere, but that prototype also wasn't the prettiest thing we've seen in phone form. What if you could see a much prettier version of that Pixel 3 XL prototype, with the screen on, and an actual "G" logo instead of that weird thing Google used to try and disguise its testing? Take a look at these fresh renders from @PhoneDesigner, who created new mock-ups based on yesterday's leak. Come on, how can you not think this phone looks great here? Are you really going to let the notch thing kill it for you? https://twitter.com/PhoneDesigner/status/1004795849510129665

Another New LG Wear OS Watch Just Hit the FCC

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 08:17:44 +0000

In May, we saw a new LG Wear OS watch stop off at the FCC with model LM-W315. We assumed at the time that it was a recently rumored LG Watch that sported a hybrid design made up of both mechanical and touch components. And that W315 watch still may be! However, a new LG Wear OS watch showed up today at the FCC under model number LM-W319. The FCC documents do not reveal much, but we can tell that it's a Wear OS device based on the e-label document that shows the UI. That's a Wear OS settings menu, even if it may be an unreleased version. The FCC tested the device for Bluetooth and WiFi, but no cellular. This is a WiFi-only watch.

Additionally, I should point out that both the W315 and W319 are now listed within LG's OpenSource Code Distribution center. They are listed as mobile devices and they do indeed run Wear OS and Android O. Having two watches ready lines up with what Qualcomm told us back at Google I/O. They have a new, dedicated watch chipset on the horizon and a bunch of partners lined up to use it. LG sure looks like they might be one of the first. Well, they better be using that new Qualcomm chip or these watches will be dead on arrival. // FCC

Hey, More Pictures of That Pixel 3 XL Prototype are Here!

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 19:54:54 +0000

As you might have expected, that prototype Pixel 3 XL that showed up this morning wasn't going to hide for long and is back in a new series of photos. This time we get to see it from all angles, plus we get a semi-confirmation on that back plate situation. From the photo up top, you can see another clear shot of the backside of the Pixel 3 XL, as well as the side with power and volume buttons. We aren't getting a ton of new info here other than the fact that the buttons are laid out just like they are on the Pixel 2 XL. The XDA member who posted the pictures has confirmed that the back is likely glass, not metal or plastic. That matches up to what we talked about in this post. As for the rest of the phone, there is no headphone jack, the USB-C port is (obviously) on the bottom along with the SIM tray (was on the left side of the Pixel 2 XL), and the top and left side are empty, outside of a microphone. The overall finish of this phone seems much glossier than last year's Pixel 2 line, which isn't a great thing if you care about fingerprints.

And again, this morning we learned that this early Pixel 3 XL prototype has 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, and is powered by a Snapdragon 845. The codename "crosshatch" that we outed in 2017 has also been confirmed with this device. If you hit that link below, there are a couple of additional pictures, including a super blurry shot of the frontside. Any new thoughts? // XDA

Essential's Next Mod is the Audio Adapter HD That Brings a 3.5mm Jack, Hi-Res Audio

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 13:27:22 +0000

Essential, along with its MQA audio announcement, has unveiled their first adapter since that original 360 camera. This summer, they'll release the Audio Adapter HD, a mod that attaches to the Essential Phone's pins to deliver high quality audio. According to a blog post from Essential, the Audio Adapter HD is machined from titanium, features a high-res ESS Sabre DAC with hardware MQA rendering, and an audiophile-grade amp for use with your high-impedance headphones. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for use with all headphones, sans USB-C adapter. As Essential notes, with this adapter, you can listen to music while charging your phone. Oh, thanks Essential! Had you included a headphone jack, that wouldn't have been a selling point. We get it. We don't know pricing, only that it'll arrive this summer. Wait, the Essential Phone will be a year old at that point. How long does Essential plan on selling their original, issue-plagued phone? // Essential

AT&T is Raising Prices on $40 Grandfathered Unlimited Plans

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:10:57 +0000

Come July, AT&T will be raising the price of their grandfathered unlimited data plans by $5 per month. That will take the price from $40 per month to $45 per month. Why the increase? Because "consumers are using mobile data at record levels," AT&T says. In order to keep their network stable for everyone, a $5 price increase will apparently help with that. That actually makes zero sense. We all know this is AT&T's attempt to push grandfathered unlimited users off their plan and onto one of their other heavily throttled options. Verizon already did this and I'm guessing it worked. If you are on one of AT&T's old unlimited data plans, you'll be notified here shortly. // AT&T Cheers Shaun!

Essential Phone Picks Up MQA Audio Enhancements for Tidal HiFi Users (Updated)

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:49:32 +0000

Made official this morning, Essential Phone owners have just picked up MQA audio support for the Tidal application. Before you ask me wtf MQA is, it's Master Quality Authenticated, which means it's as close to the original master of the audio recording as you can get without being in the studio with the actual artist and mastering engineer. While you'll hear many companies talk about this, that is the idea of hearing what the artist intended, I'll give you a bit of behind the scenes info from my own music recording experiences -- the artist is usually never in the room when a mastering is happening. Their job is long over, along with the producers and recording engineers. Mastering engineers are the folks with speakers that cost more than your car in a room that has been calibrated to eliminate any type of echo or dissonance. Anyway, versus HiFi's resolution of 44.1 kHz /16 bit, MQA delivers a typical resolution of 96 kHz / 24 bit. When will this matter, you ask? It will matter if you have a legit headset or legit speaker system in your house. The point of this post, though, is to let you know that the Essential Phone now supports it, which is great if you're already paying $20/month for Tidal's HiFi membership. After taking a look over Tidal's "M" lineup of music, M standing for Master, it's not terrible. Tidal even has Ghost's latest offering Prequelle as an MQA file, so I've gone ahead and signed up for the free month. I don't have the best audio equipment in my home, but it's not bad either, and this album sounds absolutely delicious so far. If you own an Essential Phone, be on the lookout for an update soon that includes this MQA support. Then, if you're ready, check out the Tidal app on Google Play. It won't hurt you to try it out for a month, but make sure you opt for the $20/month HiFi membership or else you won't gain access to MQA albums. If we have any audiophiles present, feel free to go into further detail how MQA ups the ante for music lovers in the comments section. I'm relatively ignorant on the subject. Update: Essential just announced this update via Twitter and also included that current Essential Phone owners will receive a free 3-month trial to Tidal HiFi. Dope! Additionally, we have a new Audio Adapter mod that brings HiFi audio and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Oh No, Does the Pixel 3 XL Have a Full Glass Back? (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 10:34:18 +0000

We're still taking in everything that might be revealed in this supposed Google Pixel 3 XL prototype, but one thing that has us worried at the moment is the possibility of an all-glass backside. It sure looks like this Pixel 3 XL has simply been painted with a matte finish on the lower portion of it to keep a similar Pixel design language. That sucks. While it's hard to tell for sure from an early prototype that features a faux Google logo, there are some spots on this Pixel 3 XL device that might reveal an all-glass design. To start, here is a brightened version of the prototype that was posted earlier.

UPDATE: We've got fresh pictures right here! And yep, it's a glass back.

You can see the first clue that this might be glass in the top image of this post, but here is a closer look:

See how the top shiny portion of the backside meets the lower matte portion? For one, there's no seam there like we have on the Pixel 2 XL where the top glass aligns with the lower coated metal area. And two, you can see where the matte portion curves downward and the top shiny glass simply blends into the glass as it begins to curve into the side metal frame. The bottom right corner of the phone might be the best example, though. Look at this image:

You can see that the matte coating on the glass ends where you then have a shiny glass gap as the glass curves into the side frame. In other words, Google has painted a matte coating in the bottom portion of the phone to at least match the aesthetic of previous Pixel phones, but is keeping it a single sheet of glass from top to bottom. We've seen a similar method applied to the OnePlus 6. As you know, OnePlus released a shiny mirror version of their all-glass new phone, but they also have a Midnight Black version that looks matte, only is still all-glass. What they've done is apply a coating to the underside of the glass, which we are sort of assuming Google is doing with this Pixel 3 XL prototype.

Glass sucks, but wireless charging...

It's no secret that I hate all-glass phones. I think glass is a terrible material to put on the backsides of a phone because it scratches and breaks easily. It's not "premium" even if it feels nice in the hand. It's the type of material that almost requires you to use a case, which is an awful way to design a phone. Put materials in phones that can last. Glass isn't that. On the other hand, we know that glass allows for wireless charging. If Google were to go with glass in the Pixel 3 line-up, does that mean they've re-opened the door to wireless charging? This wouldn't be the first Google phone with wireless charging, although it would be the first Pixel. Thoughts? Is this is glass back? You OK if it is? Cheers Shane, Scott, and OligarchyAmbulance!

BlackBerry KEY2 Launches This Month for $649, Includes Dual Cameras and Improved Physical Keyboard

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:46:28 +0000

As we learned only a few days ago, BlackBerry isn't done pushing phones with physical keyboards. The company has returned with a followup to last year's KeyOne, the $649 KEY2. For specs, the phone features a 4.5" display with an aspect ratio of 3:2 (1620 x 1080), Snapdragon 660 processor, 6GB RAM, 64GB built-in storage, USB-C, 3,500mAh battery, dual rear-facing 12-megapixel cameras, plus a pretty barebones Android 8.1 "Oreo" experience with exception to the suite of preloaded BlackBerry applications. Those apps are Password Keeper, Hub, Tasks, and Notes only to name a few. There are about 15 BlackBerry apps preloaded in total. For changes over last year's KeyOne, BlackBerry highlights an improved physical keyboard with Speed Key, which allows you to utilize shortcuts and gestures to open apps regardless of what screen you're on. We've included BB's overview video of that below. The other major difference would be the dual camera setup on back. Both sensors are 12-megapixel, with the software featuring a Portrait Mode and the hardware capable of "optical superzoom." Optical superzoom will provide better image quality and clarity when zoomed in on a subject. BlackBerry says the KEY2 will arrive later this month for $649, making it $100 more expensive than last year's KeyOne at launch. For carriers, BlackBerry has 3 models of the phone with differing band support, but Model BBF100-2 has the bands necessary for LTE support on AT&T and Verizon. If and when these carriers announce availability, we'll update you. BlackBerry Link Intro Video Keyboard Enhancements

Whoa: Is This Our First Real Look at the Pixel 3 XL? (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:32:21 +0000

OK, so we may have our first look at Google's Pixel 3 XL. Assuming the pictures in this post are really of a Pixel 3 XL prototype, well, get ready for a Pixel 2 XL with a notch. According to a post that showed up at XDA last night (first spotted by Android Police), what you are seeing is an early build of the Pixel 3 XL. Is it real? We have no way to confirm, but what we're seeing lines up with a handful of previous leaks. For one, on the boot menu in the image below, you can see that the product is being referred to as "crosshatch." That sound familiar? Of course it does. It's one of the codenames for the Pixel 3 family that we revealed way back in October and have seen at AOSP now a handful of times. The device sports a notch with dual front camera setup that matches up to a leaked pair of screen protectors too. And then of course, the backside looks a lot like the current Pixel 2 XL, only with an extra sensor of some sort between the camera and the flash. But we've still got a fingerprint reader, glass top panel, and bottom logo in similar spots. It's very Pixel-esque.

UPDATE: Wait, does this Pixel 3 XL have a full glass backside?

UPDATE 2: More pictures here!

Now, that rear logo is not Google's "G," we get that. Assuming this is a prototype, this weird logo could have been used to help conceal the phone's identity. From these screenshots, we can also see that this Pixel 3 XL runs a Snapdragon 845 (baseband showing "g845"), has 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage. This is version 1.0 of the phone it seems, so look, plenty of this stuff could change. What do you guys think? Could this evolve into a great phone or is this the beginning of a disaster? // XDA

Essential Phone Picks Up Android P Beta 1...Please Make a New Phone, Essential.

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 08:51:46 +0000

On the day that Google released Android P Developer Preview 3 (Beta 2), Essential moved its Essential Phone from an earlier developer preview to Beta 1. The update brings fresh Android P code, improved adaptive brightness range, the June security patch, and "various" fixes. That's great and all if you own an Essential Phone, but holy sh*t, why can't we have nice things, Essential? Why can't you make a new phone that fixes the issues from this first one? It would be a perfect phone with a new camera and display panel that functions properly. No one is doing updates as good as you and we want more. We want this hardware design in our hands and the software support that come with it. We need you as an option. You (almost) complete us. Please, give us more. PLEASE. PLEASE, WE BEG OF YOU. 😔 https://twitter.com/essential/status/1004518066254852096

ZTE and US Government Reach Agreement That Includes a $1 Billion Fine

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 08:32:28 +0000

It's now official - the US has reached an agreement with ZTE to allow the Chinese company to continue doing business as usual. After the US government banned US companies from supplying components to ZTE, causing the company to temporarily pause operations, they will now pay a hefty $1 billion fine and install new management and compliance teams (picked by the US) to continue on. The US claims that this agreement "imposes the most strict compliance that we've ever had on any company, American or foreign." To recap, ZTE was first in trouble in the US for illegally selling products to Iran and North Korea. After being caught, fined, and sanctioned for that, they then lied to the US government in the aftermath about a series of bonuses they paid out to employees that were supposed to have been withheld. That lying is what caused this most recent ban that almost put them out of business. The agreement here is controversial, to say the least. US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are not happy about it, with most agreeing that this move does not help with national security, something the current administration is fond of shouting out. So yeah, ZTE is back. Oh, and our intelligence agencies still don't think you should buy their products. // CBS News

Amazon Launches Fire TV Cube to Control Your Entire Media Universe by Voice

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 08:02:45 +0000

Amazon announced the Fire TV Cube this morning, a new Alexa-equipped media box that Amazon hopes will control everyone in your media center. From TVs to soundbars and receivers, the Fire TV Cube connects to all if and lets your voice do the work. For starters, Fire TV Cube will cost $119.99, but as a promo launch price, you can pre-order one right now for $89.99 (Note: Prime member price). That seems like an insanely good deal for what this little box can do. What can it do, you ask? One of the big sells here by Amazon is the voice control over other devices. You can turn on your TV, adjust volume on your soundbar or receiver, and control your TV experience from various cable providers. Commands like "Alexa, turn on/off the TV," or "Alexa, switch to cable," are some examples. You can find more on the voice interaction here. Along with all of that voice support, the box is capable of pushing 4K signals at up to 60fps, HDR-10, and Dolby Atmos Audio. Of course, it also has Alexa built-in for control over your smart home, sending messages, listening to music, etc. You know what Alexa can do at this point. In terms of hardware, the Fire TV Cube has far-field microphones (like Echo units) for voice control across the room, 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 16GB storage, 802.11ac dual-band MIMO WiFi, and ethernet support. It comes with an IR receiver and extender, as well as a voice remote. The back of the unit features a micro USB port, IR port, power port, and the single HDMI port that does all of the heavy lifting between your home media setup. If interested, you can pre-order at the promo $89.99 price below. The Fire TV Cube ships on June 21. Buy Amazon Fire TV Cube

Verizon Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Oreo Update is Ready (Updated: LOL)

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:11:02 +0000

UPDATE 6/11: Verizon says today is the real day. UPDATE 6/7: This morning, Verizon pulled the update changelogs that showed Oreo was coming and reverted them back to their 4/19 software changelogs. We're just going to assume that that means they pulled the update in general. You can stop checking for it now.

After a false alarm in April, followed by a multi-week tease, the Verizon Galaxy S7 Oreo update is ready. According to Verizon, the update should begin rolling out today. Verizon posted changelogs for the update today, which will arrive as software version G930VVRU4CRE5 for the Galaxy S7 and G935VVRU4CRE5 for the Galaxy S7 Edge. With the Android Oreo update on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, you'll have access to native autofill to help with your passwords, background limits that should help with device performance, picture-in-picture mode for apps like YouTube, and notification dots on your icons to let you know when notifications are available. Samsung has also included a new dual messenger feature that lets you login to two accounts for the same chat app, app pairs for launching two apps at once, a new phone UI, and an update SmartThings app. The update is likely big, so make sure you have plenty of space, battery, and time on your hands. To check for the update, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon [2]

If This is the Galaxy Note 9, I'm Already Bored

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 12:58:40 +0000

We've praised Samsung over the past few years for its all metal and glass designs, but I'll be real with you, I'm starting to get bored with it. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 are nearly identical, with the Galaxy Note 8 being just a larger phone with the same design. Point being, while they are great looking and feeling phones, it may be time for something new, dare I say drastic with regard to design change. This week, we could be getting our first look at what to expect from Samsung later this year in the Galaxy Note 9, thanks to recently posted CAD images from Onleaks and 91Mobiles. If you'll recall back to last year's Note 8, Onleaks was nearly spot on with early CAD renders, so there's no reason for us to believe the Note 9 will differ greatly from what we're seeing above in the header image and below in the full video. From what we can see, the phone will have a horizontal dual camera setup, with a separated fingerprint reader placed below. This differs from the current vertical dual camera setup on the Galaxy S9+. On the bottom we see a USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as the speaker. For buttons we have a volume rocker and Bixby button on the left, plus a power button on the right. As for the front, we see a large Infinity display with minimal bezel. So, yeah, it's a Galaxy Note 8 with a switched up camera module. Like I said, I'm already bored with this. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Galaxy Note 9 will be an insanely cool device with features bursting out of its metallic and glass body, but dang, I was hoping for something a little different. Here's hoping we see a design switch with the Galaxy X or S10 or whatever they're going to call it. Thoughts? // 91Mobiles

What's New in Android P Developer Preview 3 (Beta 2)?

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 11:36:22 +0000

Now that the Android Developer Preview 3 (Beta 2) has dropped and we've had a few minutes to start diving into it, we figured it was time to start sharing any of the changes we've come across. In this post, we'll continue to update it with tweaks, big and small, like the first one, which reveals which version of Android that P will be.

Android P is Android 9

Yep!

App Switcher Gets Clear All, Tweaks

The app switcher UI has changed some from that last preview, which was the original major overhaul to the new gesture UI. You still swipe up on the home pill to get into the app switcher, but if you scroll all of the way to the left, you'll now find a "Clear all" button. I know, contain yourselves. In addition to that addition, the UI now shows an app drawer background that should look familiar to those of you who jumped on the first Android P Developer Preview. The UI also seems to pop preview cards into place as you swipe up too, there's a subtle vibration as you do so, and the entire gesture animation in general feels smoother. Oh, the app drawer is also less transparent now.

Preview 2 vs. Preview 3

Weather showing in Always-on Display

This one showed up for some on the Android P Developer Preview 2 (Beta 1), but I'm just now seeing it with the Developer Preview 3. What about you?

Display color profiles get preview (Updated)

In the display profile settings, Google has added a preview image to show you what to expect from one profile to the next. (UPDATE: Google included a picture in the previous preview, but they changed it to this hummingbird for DP3.)

The date moved...

It's no longer next to the time and is instead in the top white settings shortcut bubble.

Other UI and layout tweaks to DND, Night Light, Security

Developer Preview 2 (Old)

Developer Preview 3 (New)

That LTE icon...

The LTE logo in the DP2 was a bit wild in size. It appears to have been trimmed down some in Preview 3. Still updating!

Samsung is Failing to Update the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in the US

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 10:45:56 +0000

About an hour ago, I was a paragraph away from publishing this story with a much different focus. Originally, the post was about the unlocked Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ and how Samsung was failing to update them regularly. But then I got to looking and realized that, well, Samsung isn't updating any of the Galaxy S9 or S9+ units, including those from carriers. And that's a problem, because Samsung is supposed to be issuing monthly security patches, along with other bug fixer and feature introduction updates. What in the f*ck, Samsung? These phones were released on March 16 and we wrote up that a day 1 update was expected for almost all models. And it did indeed arrive. All of the US carriers have records of that update (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint). That update, even though it was released in mid-March, only included the February Android security patch. You know where we stand today? Exactly in the same spot. Samsung hasn't released an update to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ since they were initially released in the US. Here are the software info screenshots from Tim's unlocked Galaxy S9+, taken earlier this morning:

See, he's still running the February 1, 2018 security patch and software version G965U1UEU1ARBG. It's been three months! Not a single update has come across, including those that should be patching security holes. Now, Samsung has started pushing a new update within the past day. Verizon (S9, S9+) and Sprint's (S9, S9+) units are both getting updates right now, the first in three months. Verizon and Sprint units are all getting software builds G960USQU2ARE6 (S9) and G965USQU2ARE6 (S9+). This update only includes the May security patch, even though we are well into June. There are no other changes listed with either changelog. T-Mobile attempted to push an update to the S9+ in March (G965USQU1ARBG) followed by another to both phones (G960USQU2ARC6) back in April, but paused the April update for some reason. To our knowledge, it has not resumed. AT&T hasn't sent an update since that day 1 release. How does this compare to the Galaxy S8? The Galaxy S8 is still getting monthly updates from Samsung and its carrier partners. See here, here, and here. The same can be said for the Galaxy Note 8. What's up with the Galaxy S9 and S9+? Tough to say. Samsung's own security updates page that says that the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are eligible for monthly security updates, leaves open the possibility that they'll only update them quarterly. There is a footnote acknowledging that "some carriers may only support quarterly updates," which would be a garbage move on everyone's part here when you consider that the S8 and Note 8 are getting them monthly and that the S7 did up until the end of 2017. So be on the lookout for your first Galaxy S9 update since launch and then sit back and prepare for the possibility that you may not see another for 3 more months. And do we even want to talk about Android P, even though these phones run a Snapdragon 845? I'd certainly not get my hopes up there. Not a good look, Samsung. You should update your phones.

GIVEAWAY: Win 1 of 2 Huawei Mate 10 Pro Phones From Droid Life and Huawei

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 10:30:02 +0000

In celebration of upcoming National Camera Day on June 29, we've partnered with Huawei to give away two Mate 10 Pro phones. If you somehow missed our Mate 10 Pro review, you should know that this phone has a great dual Leica-branded camera setup, complete with plenty of kickass modes. Personally, I'm a major fan of the light trail mode and it works very well. Anyway, should you care to win one of these phones for yourself, we can help you with that! We're using Gleam for entries to ensure everyone has a fair shot at winning these phones. To enter, simply log in to the Gleam widget below, select one or all of the entry methods, then await the results. The giveaway closes Friday, June 29, otherwise known as National Camera Day. Enough talk, let's do this!

Giveaway

Prizes We have two (2) Mate 10 Pro units, one in Grey and one in Blue. Enter Winners Two US-based winners will be selected at random and then notified via email on June 29.

Thanks to Huawei for supplying the prizes for this giveaway.

Android P Developer Preview 3 Released! Grab It Now! (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 09:50:36 +0000

Google just released the Android P Developer Preview 3 (Beta 2)! This is not only the third preview of Android P, but according to Google's release schedule, this should be a build that includes final APIs. That means an official SDK too, as well as Google Play publishing for developers who have been preparing for Android P to release.

UPDATE: We're keeping track of changes at this post!

This Android P DP3 is not technically a release candidate (those will be DP4 and DP5), but as you can imagine after two previous releases, this should be the most stable version yet. This release is version PPP3.180510.008 for all four phones. Release Notes

API level 28 Date: June 2018 Build: PPP3.180510.008 (See supported Android P Beta devices) Emulator support: x86 & ARM (32/64-bit) Security patch level: June 2018 Google Play services: 12.4.46 API diff: API 27 → API 28, DP2 → API 28

The Android P Developer Preview 3 is available to the Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL. If you want to get started with it, you have a couple of options. You can either sign-up for the Android Beta or do a bit of extra work and flash the Preview 3 images. To sign-up for the Android Beta program, hit this link. If you don’t want to wait for the beta to go live, you can grab the new Android P DP3 images here and OTA files here.

Amazon Echo Look Now Available to All US Buyers, Priced at $199

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:58:00 +0000

Last time we talked about Amazon's Echo Look was when it was first announced, all the way back in April of last year. Well, the style-focused camera that runs Alexa can now be purchased by anyone in the US, priced at $199. With Echo Look, you can create a 360-degree catalogue for all of your clothes, with the smarts of the camera capable of suggesting ways to improve your style. On top of the fashion aspect, which is really just a way to sell you more clothes, you'll get full access to Alexa for your digital assistant needs. When we wrote Echo Look up initially, Kellen asked his wife about it. Here's what he wrote.

I just asked my wife to come check this thing out. She’s a fashion freak. Always knows the latest styles and trends, follows fashion bloggers, and generally knows her sh*t when it comes to style. Her reaction was, “That’s pretty cool, except for the gimmicky style check thing.” I’m paraphrasing, but she certainly saw how this could be cool. She already takes pictures of outfits, so why not have a hands-free way to do so that also catalogs those outfits and gives her all the angles as she’s trying to pick something out.

That about sums it up. Follow the link below to get one for yourself or your loved one. Amazon Link

DEAL: eBay Drops a 20% Off Everything Coupon on Us for Today

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:08:03 +0000

Yes, eBay has another big 1-day sale today, although this time it's 20% off everything instead of their usual 15% off. We've written about these a half-dozen times now, so let's just break down the basics and let you get to shopping.

eBay 20% Off Deal:

20% off everything
You have to spend at least $50 to get 20% off
Max discount is $100
Use code: "PICKDADSGIFT"
Deal runs from 7AM Pacific until 7PM Pacific (today only)

Got it? eBay 20% Off Link

Motorola Announces the Moto Z3 Play for Sprint, US Cellular (Unlocked Too)

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 07:57:13 +0000

Motorola unwrapped the Moto Z3 Play today! The phone, which has leaked countless times and that we first showed you back in January, looks like the Moto Z phone we wish we'd had 2 years ago. I say that because it looks slick, has Moto Mods support, and isn't priced unreasonably. With the Moto Z3 Play, you get one of Motorola's first all-display phones with small bezels. It's a 6.01-inch full HD AMOLED display under Gorilla Glass 3. That expanded display hasn't changed the footprint of the phone, since it still works with all previously released Moto Mods, something Motorola said would be the case. The slimmer bezels also mean that the fingerprint reader has moved to the side of the phone, just under the volume rocker. Motorola couldn't put one on the back, since you'll have Moto Mods back there. As for other specs, you've got a Snapdragon 636 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB or 64GB storage with SD support, dual rear cameras (12MP + 5MP), 8MP front camera, 3000mAh battery with fast charging, and Android 8.1 Oreo. The phone doesn't have a headphone jack, but there is a USB-C port and adapter in the box. It's not water resistant either, though it is "splash" resistant like most Moto phones.

It runs Motorola's light skin under Oreo, which means a pleasant Android experience. It's one of our favorites, actually. You'll still find Moto Display and Actions, night mode, the ability to pick up your voice for Google Assistant through 4 microphones, and Google Lens in the camera. Again, it all looks nice. The Moto Z3 Play ships unlocked this summer for $499 at retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. That price includes a bundled battery Moto Mod. Not bad, right? For carrier support, Motorola will sell the Moto Z3 Play at Sprint and US Cellular. AT&T and Verizon have skipped this one. More info.

Moto Z3 Play Specs

[table id=133 /] // Motorola

Lenovo's Smart Displays With Google Assistant Up for Pre-Order With Reduced Pricing From CES

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 14:58:09 +0000

The first Google Assistant-powered smart displays from companies like LG, Lenovo, and JBL are supposed to arrive in July. At least that's what Google told us at Google I/O a few weeks ago. If the new B&H Photo pre-order listings for the Lenovo's smart displays are anything to go by, then its looking like LG and JBL may be the "July" options that Google was referencing, not Lenovo. B&H Photo now has pre-order listings for both of Lenovo's smart displays and they are listed as "coming soon" with a September 3 "expected availability" date. If that sounds disappointing, you should at least be happy with pricing. Lenovo told us back at CES to expect a $199.99 price for the 8" model and $249.99 for the bigger, 10" model. B&H is listing them at $149.99 and $229.99, respectively. That's a big discount on the 8" and a much more budget-friendly price on the bigger guy. Nothing else from the listing stands out as being new, since we have already seen and been told about most of the upcoming smart displays. I'm not going to lie, this kind of sucks if September really is the release date. Lenovo's smart displays were the two I liked the most from the early previews. Their modern designs and size choices put them at the top of my list. B&H Photo Links:

Lenovo 8" Smart Display ($149.99)
Lenovo 10.1" Smart Display ($229.99)

Report: ZTE's US Ban is Almost Over After They Pay Heavy Fine, Replace Board

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 14:11:49 +0000

A month ago, we reported that ZTE was on life support and had decided to mostly pause operations after being given a hefty ban from the US government over lies it told as a part of a previous agreement stemming from related illegal shipments of products to Iran. I know, that's a mouthful of deceit and shady sh*t from ZTE, hence the reason they were given a hefty ban. Since then, President Trump and his friends have stepped in to help ZTE stay alive, even though there is bipartisan agreement that the US shouldn't. Here we are, though. According to Reuters, ZTE has signed a preliminary agreement that will lift the ban on US companies providing ZTE with goods. They'll have to pay a $1 billion fine, plus $400 million in escrow in case they do more shady sh*t. In addition to the fine, ZTE has to allow unfettered site visits from the US to make sure products are being used as claimed, post calculations of the US components it uses to a public website, and also replace its board and executive team within 30 days. Or maybe this will be blocked? https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/1004096242283053057 // Reuters

Camera Shootout: OnePlus 6 vs. LG G7 vs. Pixel 2 XL

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:09:09 +0000

I recently took a long road trip, one of the best times to put a smartphone camera to the test. Because we have a few new phones out on the market, namely the OnePlus 6 and LG G7, I figured I'd bring them along and see how they stack up to the Pixel 2 XL. I still consider Google's flagship to be one of the best mobile photography experiences available, so it's a good benchmark. My trip took me by car from Portland, OR to Salt Lake City, UT, a gorgeous territory with large mountains and substantial bodies of water. Flowers were in bloom, too, and puffy white clouds were plentiful. I was also able to take a trip to the Tracy Aviary in SLC, so you'll see plenty of close and personal bird shots. While I will mostly let the photos speak for themselves, there are a few things I noticed right away that I need to share. The Pixel 2 XL is still amazing, even on this Android P developer preview. I still wish Google provided additional shooting modes, like a Manual or Slo-Mo mode, but there isn't much like being able to pull out your phone and getting the shot you need with speedy auto focus (AF) and a very fast shutter speed. You don't need much more on a mobile phone. For the OnePlus 6, the quality of photos is very nice and it has no problems shooting in light or darker environments, but I found that you must be overly certain about what the camera is focused on. For example, I would tap on something close for a macro shot, but the phone instead focuses on the background. It was extremely annoying and ruined at least a couple of shots I tried to get (you may spot them below), but hey, that's why we do these comparisons. Other than the finicky AF, the camera is quick to shoot and I enjoyed the various shooting modes. The Portrait feature isn't bad either. LG's G7 was pretty much as I expected and discovered during my review period. The phone is substantially slower than the other two, but once your AF is complete and the shutter decides it's ready to respond to your tap, the shots come out looking just fine, albeit it a little over exposed. All of the below shots had no edits done to them, just a bit of resizing.

Pixel 2 XL | OnePlus 6 | LG G7

Panorama

Portrait

4x Zoom

After uploading these photos to a desktop and looking each one over, I have a few more thoughts. Quite clear to me, the G7 brings in a ton of light, so much so that a few shots can be overblown and in need of a bit retouching with the exposure levels brought down. That added lighting boost does help it in darker conditions, though, so if you plan on retouching photos after the fact, keep that in mind. While I don't think there are winners and losers per se, it's my belief that the OnePlus 6 was able to capture the closest thing to what my eye saw with regard to color and lighting. Every instance is different, but for the most part, I'd give the accuracy checkmark to the OnePlus 6. As for which photos I think are more pleasing to look at, I still go with the king of mobile photography, Pixel 2 XL. The way it balances lighting and contrast is spot on for looking back at the places you've been and the things you've seen. What do you think? Is there a clear winner here?

Is Your Pixel 2 XL Slow to Wake After June's Update? (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:21:09 +0000

If you grabbed the Pixel 2 XL's June security patch yesterday and have noticed that your phone might be waking a bit slower than usual, you are not alone. A reader pointed us to an Issue Tracker thread that was started yesterday evening related to just that, and Google is already looking into it after numerous 2 XL owners experienced similar slowness. What's happening is an extra second or two pause from the time you place your finger on the fingerprint reader of your Pixel 2 XL or press the power button to wake it. I know that doesn't sound major, but when you are used to an immediate reaction from your phone when you try to wake it and it now takes a second or two, that's something you would notice. You should be able to reproduce this by locking your 2 XL and then immediately trying to wake it again with your power button or fingerprint reader. Again, Google hasn't necessarily acknowledged the issue, but has passed along feedback to the development team that would be in charge of it. Seeing that slowness? UPDATE: A number of people have pointed out this commit that may be to blame for the delay. I'm not about to act like I can fully grasp everything that LG and Google did there, but my understanding is that there was a blinking issue with the always-on display of the Pixel 2 XL and that it went away with a wake delay. So, they added a delay from 52ms to 102 ms. We'll let Google respond to see if they plan to change anything or if this is our future. UPDATE JUNE 12: Google says that they have identified a fix for this issue and will roll it out in the "coming weeks." For now, they suggest using always-on display to work around the slowness. // Google Issue Tracker Cheers Matt!

Project Fi Lets You Add Kids Under 13 to Your Family Plan

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:48:54 +0000

Project Fi opened up its family plans to the whole family today. Starting now, you can add everyone in the clan, including kids under the age of 13 to your Fi plan. With a family plan on Project Fi, you can keep an eye on the amount of data your kids are using, set data alerts, and show them how much data they are using. For more controls, Google's Family Link lets you manage the apps they use, see how much screen time they have, and even remotely lock their phones down. You'll need Family Link in order to add those under the age of 13. How much do family plans cost on Fi? Check out this link to start. What you'll do is pay $20 for the first line for calls and texts, followed by $15 per additional line. From there, you have a data cost that starts at $60 for the first person, then jumps to $100 for 2 people, $120 for 3 people, and so on. It's also a pay-per-usage thing, since this is Fi. Again, hit that link above for the full explainer. To get started, you'll need a Fi account and a Family Link account setup. Sign-ups: Project Fi | Family Link // Google

ASUS ROG Phone Sports 90Hz HDR Display, 3D Vapor-Chamber Cooling System

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:23:23 +0000

Earlier this week, ASUS unveiled the ROG (Republic of Gamers) Phone, its attempt to create a device catered specifically to mobile gamers. Featuring an HDR display with a refresh rate higher than most Android devices, ASUS claims every piece was designed for "high-performance mobile gaming" For specs, the 6" display is a 1080p AMOLED 18:9 panel, with a refresh rate of 90Hz. Most Android phones on the market have a refresh rate of 60Hz, with exception to the Razer Phone that has a max refresh rate of 120Hz. Other specs for the ROG Phone include a Snapdragon 845 processor clocked at 2.96GHz, gaming-optimized Adreno 630 GPU, 8GB RAM, 4,000mAh battery, dual front-facing speakers, plus the pièce de résistance, a 3D vapor-chamber cooling system. For this vapor-chamber cooling system, which may seem odd for an Android phone, it is designed to keep the device's internals cool even during your intense gaming sessions. ASUS will even sell a detachable AeroActive Cooler fan for increased cooling capabilities. I'd input snark right around here, but who am I kidding, I am stoked about this. We don't yet have exact pricing or availability for ROG Phone, but ASUS says we can expect to see it launch in Q3 of this year. Now all we need is a few Android games that take actual advantage of this hardware. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ // ASUS

Lenovo's Z5 was All a Lie, But It'll Probably be the Motorola One Power

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:51:11 +0000

For weeks, Lenovo has been teasing a phone called the Lenovo Z5. It was interesting, unlike most Lenovo phones, because they had everyone under the assumption that it would buck the current hottest smartphone trend and have no notch. Why did we think that? Because, well, they showed us pictures of a phone with no notch as they built hype for it. As it turns out, that was all a lie. The phone has a notch, a chin, and looks like every other phone released within the past few months. It's basically an iPhone X ripoff mashed together with a Huawei P20. I'm not sure it even deserves much of your time after the notchless song and dance Lenovo played before everyone, only to act now like everything is cool. That aside, the phone basically looks like that Motorola One Power phone that keeps popping up. You know the phone, it's the notch-filled guy with the vertical rear camera placement. If there is a takeaway here, it's that we might have a preview of what to expect there. As you can tell after looking at pictures here and at those Motorola One Power links, the phones have the exact same design for the most part. Sure, the Moto device isn't all shiny, but the basic bones and layout are there. And it would make a lot of sense for Lenovo to hand over smartphone designs to Motorola if they want to try and get their smartphone division back on the right track. Think of it in a way like OPPO creating phones that almost always end up becoming OnePlus phones. I'm also not sure that there is anyone left at Motorola to design a phone or engineer one, since they keep laying off their talent there.

If the Z5 is the blueprint for Motorola One Power (jesus, that name sucks), the specs could look like this:

6.2-inch FHD+ display (2246x1080, 19:9)
6GB RAM + 64GB/128GB storage
16MP dual camera (f/2.0)
Snapdragon 636 processor
3300mAh battery with 15W fast charging
Gesture UI

Not bad, right? Couple all of that with a clean version of Android as a part of Android One and you might have a winner from Motorola. // Lenovo

Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon 850 and It's Not for Your Next Phone

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:13:50 +0000

Qualcomm announced a new top tier Snapdragon chipset this week, the Snapdragon 850. Before you get super excited about this being an upgrade over the Snapdragon 845 in your current phone and that it might make its way into the Pixel 3 and let you dominate the world and laugh at Samsung Galaxy S9 owners, hold up a minute. This is chip is for always-connected PCs that run Windows 10. As Qualcomm explains it, the Snapdragon 850 was "designed to support many sought-after smartphone features in the PC," which means connectivity at all times through LTE or WiFi. This chipset should help in the battery department too, by being extra efficient. In other words, it's a Snapdragon chip that was designed for Windows and to make your laptop work a lot like a smartphone in terms of being mobile, efficient, and connected. If you look at the Snapdragon 850 specs and compare them to the Snapdragon 845, it actually looks like it's the exact same chip, only tweaked a bit to work with PCs that run Windows. You've got the same Kryo 385 CPU cores, 84-bit architecture, same RAM support, 10nm (2nd gen) process, same Adreno 630 GPU, same video codec and capture support, etc. Qualcomm did up the CPU speed to 2.96GHz, though. Cool story, eh? // Qualcomm

Blackberry is Still Making Phones With Keyboards It Seems

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:18:57 +0000

See, look, this is apparently the upcoming Blackberry Key2: https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/1003675655324733440 It'll never see major updates. Move along.

YouTube Music Just Sent Out a Wave of Invites

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:36:00 +0000

YouTube Music, the streaming service that is supposed to be the single music focus for Google going forward, appears to be pretty widely available today to those interested. We (finally) received our invitation after signing up for the early access program weeks ago. A number of our readers received the same "welcome" emails. If you are at all interested in YouTube Music, head over to music.youtube.com to access the service or get signed up. You'll also want to grab the YouTube Music app, which we've linked to below. As a recap, YouTube Music will eventually replace Google Play Music as Google's main music service. It'll try to take advantage of all of the music and videos that are already on YouTube, as well as YouTube's recommendation skills. Google has suggested that your Google Play Music libraries will come over eventually, though they certainly aren't there today. Don't forget that if you already subscribe to Play Music, you get a YouTube Music subscription. I spent 5 minutes with it a few minutes ago and have already closed the YouTube Music tab and gone back to Spotify. Since my library isn't there yet from Google Play Music and it's missing features (like the ability to add an entire album to a playlist), I'm out. Maybe they'll improve it. Hopefully, they do if this is the future. Google Play Link

Google Lens Gets a Shortcut App to Help You Launch It Quicker

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 13:13:08 +0000

Google Lens has always been sort of a pain to launch. It started out in Google Assistant on Pixel phones as a tiny little icon buried in a corner before moving into Google Photos. With Google adding features upon features to Lens, it makes sense that they would give you an easier way to launch it. Today, they've pushed a new Google Lens app shortcut to Google Play to do just that. The Lens app shouldn't necessarily add features. It's basically just a quick-launch icon like the one released for Google Assistant some time ago. If you find yourself using Google Lens frequently, you'll want to install this. Google Play Link

Android Feature Request: Add Scrolling to Fingerprint Reader Gestures

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:38:06 +0000

Back in Android 7.1.2, Google added a "move" to the Nexus 5X that let you swipe down on the phone's fingerprint reader to expand the notification shade. It later came to the Nexus 6P and was carried forward on the Pixel line as a "Gesture" and has been one of the more unique combinations of hardware and software that we've seen in Android. Here's the thing - I never use it. I'd much rather Google add a different gesture, one that allows us to do something as simple as scroll within an app. For me, checking notifications is done constantly throughout a day, yet I don't know that I've ever reached for the fingerprint reader to check on them. It's not that the gesture doesn't make sense for doing that, it's that I typically am holding my phone with one hand and have the other hand there to easily reach up to the notification area to check. Plus, if you swipe down the notification shade with the fingerprint reader, what are the chances you won't then need to reach up with your off hand to do something? Pretty slim I'd imagine. I also find that I reach up there anyway, because most notifications now pop-down over whatever I'm doing and I quickly dismiss them that way. So again, it's easier for me to manage notifications with my off hand rather than with a gesture that starts on the back of my phone. But scrolling, now that's something I could get behind.

Imagine reading a book or an article or a Droid Life review and being able to casually sit back with your phone in one hand, while scrolling with the rear-placed fingerprint reader. Or consider how much time you spend scrolling with your off hand or thumb while in apps like Twitter and Instagram. Think of this move as turning your fingerprint reader into a trackpad of sorts. This would allow you to continue doing all that I just mentioned without interruption from that off hand or the thumb on the hand you are holding the phone in. I think that sounds amazing. Now, there are some 3rd party apps that can give you this functionality (and then some). Of course, they aren't made by Google or built into the system, so they require you give them permissions (like accessibility) and none have rated/reviewed exceptionally well. If Google were to build scrolling in as a gesture, then we sort of eliminate all of that. I know I could be in the minority, but I'd use scrolling constantly with all of the time I spend in Chrome, Google News, Twitter, and Instagram.

Be sure to check out all of past Android Feature Request ideas!

Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Support Likely Coming Soon to Xbox One

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 11:30:22 +0000

In an upcoming software update for the Xbox One, support for digital assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa will be included. For those wanting to be able to control their Xbox One by voice, this is a big introduction. According to a screenshot shared by Windows Central, there will simply be a "Digital assistants" option added to the Preferences section inside of Xbox settings. In that section, you'll be able to "Enable digital assistants," giving Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Cortana the opportunity to (potentially) control your Xbox. From there, you'll have to open Google Assistant or Alexa to add an Xbox One skill and fully connect the two. After that's done, well, you'll be able to do...something. A list of features isn't currently known. Should it start rolling out, we'll let you know!

// Windows Central

June Android Security Update Goes Live for Nexus, Pixel Devices

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:07:21 +0000

Google just dropped the June 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 (OPM2.171026.006.C1, OPM4.171019.021.E1), Pixel and Pixel XL (OPM4.171019.021.D1), Nexus 6P (OPM6.171019.030.B1), Nexus 5X (OPM6.171019.030.B1), and Pixel C (OPM4.171019.021.D1). Google’s phones are getting the June 5 security patch level. For notes:

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL build OPM4.171019.021.E1 is specific to T-Mobile.

Functional patches: [table responsive=scroll id=132 /] 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:

DEAL: Google Home Drops to $99, Home Mini to $39, or Bundle and Save $65

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:19:39 +0000

Best Buy may have been giving away Google Home Mini units last week, but their current Google product deals might be even better this week. If you bundle a Google Home and a Google Home Mini, you'll save $65. If you don't need two and want to buy individually, that's OK too. Google Home Mini is $10 off right now ($39) and Google Home is $30 off ($99). Don't need Google Homes? Google WiFi 3-packs are $40 off ($258.99) and Chromecast Ultra is $10 off ($59.99). See? Even better deals. Best Buy Deal Links:

Google Home + Google Home Mini - $113 ($65 off)
Google Home Mini - $39 ($10 off)
Google Home - $99 ($30 off)
Google WiFi 3-Pack (Amazon) - $258.99 ($40 off)
Chromecast Ultra - $59.99 ($10 off)
Google Store

Google's Mid-Range Pixel Might be Codenamed "Bonito," Run Snapdragon 710

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 07:49:37 +0000

This morning, we saw one of the rumored Pixel 3 codenames pop up at AOSP, the second from the list that we first reported back in October. Over the weekend, another new Google device codename arrived that has not yet been reported, as well as a possible important spec for it. According to Roland Quandt, who is a well-established leaker, Google is working on a "mobile" device that runs Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 710 chipset. This device is codenamed "Bonito," which fits nicely into the aquatic animal naming architecture that Google uses for its Nexus and Pixel devices. It could be one of the rumored mid-range Pixel devices, just maybe not the one that was rumored for launch this summer. The device is supposedly scheduled for a 1st half of 2019 launch. With a Snapdragon 710 onboard, we're looking at a device that is a small step below top-tier level phones that would run Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845. The 710 is no slouch, though. Qualcomm says that it offers "significant performance improvements" over the Snapdragon 600 line in AI, image capturing, display support, connectivity, battery life, and overall performance. Specifically, the 710 reduces power consumption up to 40% over the Snapdragon 660 and a 20% overall uplift in performance. It would be the perfect processor for a mid-range type of device. My only question is, does "Bonito" replace "Albacore," another codename we first reported? Both are tunas and very similar fish. Soooo, maybe? https://twitter.com/rquandt/status/1002864782846906368

Pixel 3 Codename "Blueline" Shows Up at AOSP

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 07:26:27 +0000

Back in October of last year, just as the paint was beginning to dry on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, we shared information on the Pixel 3 line-up from a reliable source. That source told us what they believed to be the codenames for Google's 2018 phones, one of which we've already seen show up at AOSP numerous times. At the end of last week, a second 2018 Pixel 3 codename made an appearance. As you'll recall, "Crosshatch" was the first Pixel 3 codename we saw at AOSP. It's first appearance was in late October 2017, but has popped up another couple of times since. On Friday, "Blueline" made its debut. The reference to "Blueline" can be seen below and is mentioned through a single commit that relates to a "new spam API" in the Android dialer. Specifically, the person that submitted this says that it was "verified using Blueline device." Unfortunately, that's all we know for now. There is no other mention of "Blueline." That also means Google has never used the word "Blueline" in any other form at AOSP until now, within months of what we assume is a Pixel 3 launch. Our assumption is that this was a test run on one of the new Pixel 3 devices. Should we find additional info, we'll update this post.

I guess that just leaves "Albacore," right? Or was "Albacore" replaced by "Bonito?" // AOSP

OnePlus 6 in Silk White, Bullets Wireless Earbuds Both Available Tomorrow

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 06:58:37 +0000

If you had been holding off from ordering a OnePlus 6 because the Silk White version had yet to drop, your time has (almost) come. Tomorrow, June 5, you'll be able to buy the limited edition OnePlus 6 in Silk White for $579. In addition the new colorway, OnePlus' Bullets Wireless earbuds will be available tomorrow too. The OnePlus 6 in Silk White includes 8GB RAM and 128GB storage at that $579 price. Other than the color, nothing changes outside of the color when compared to the Midnight Black or Mirror Black models. It still has the Snapdragon 845, 3300mAh battery, dual camera, and clean version of Android. It goes live on June 5 at 7AM Pacific (10AM Eastern). As for Bullets Wireless, these are OnePlus' first wireless Bluetooth earbuds. I don't know that I would describe them as being unique or offering anything special (their magnets, maybe?). They aren't true wireless, like AirPods. Instead they are more like Google's Pixel Buds, only without the Google Assistant smarts. Then again, they also only cost $69, which is a solid price for wireless buds. Be sure to read our OnePlus 6 review if you haven't already! OnePlus Store:

(Ugh at the rose gold accent.)

DEAL: Google's Pixelbook is $250 Off Right Now

Kellen — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 16:32:03 +0000

Google's Pixelbook, which is arguably the best Chromebook you can buy, is currently $250 off right now at most retailers. That brings the starting price down to $749, the lowest I can recall it at. I know that the Pixelbook initially took some heavy criticism for its price. People think that Chrome OS is a discount operating system and that they shouldn't pay Macbook Pro pricing for a device running it. I'll just tell you that I've owned the Pixelbook for months and it's by far the laptop we use the most in this house. It does everything and then some. The only reason I won't use it full time, is because I'm a Final Cut Pro user for video editing, otherwise, this would be it. It's a fantastic computer. I'm also typing this deal on it as I sit on my couch. Battery life is solid. Performance is phenomenal. It turns into a tablet. It has access to Android apps. It's as future-proof as you'll get for a Chromebook (my wife and I used the original two Chromebook Pixels before this for years and they never slowed down). $250 off is a great deal. Best Buy has all models at $250 off, even the spec'd out version with Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage. For $749, the base model still comes with 128GB storage, Intel Core i5, and 8GB RAM. Pixelbook Deal Links:

DEAL: This Google Home Mini Mount is Under $10 Right Now

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:56:29 +0000

One of the best accessories we've shared in recent months was this Google Home Mini mount that allowed you to plug units directly into an outlet, moving them up off your counter or shelf. I've got those bad boys all over my house. While I don't have a deal on those to share today (they are still $15), another Google Home Mini mount just popped up at Amazon as a daily deal and it's just $9.30. This particular Google Home Mini mount is made by Lycase and is currently discounted to $9.30 from $10.99. It's not a huge savings, but hey, who are we to complain about only saving $1.69? Both white or black colorways are available, and you just use the cable that came with your Google Home Mini to power it. The other mount I shared has a cable built in, but with this Lycase mount, you just wrap your cord around its base a few times to shorten it before plugging it in. This is a limited daily deal, so you may want to get on it. Amazon Deal Link

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Could Arrive August 9, New Qualcomm Chipset Onboard

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 13:49:31 +0000

Ready for the Galaxy Note 9's arrival? According to a report out of Bloomberg, Samsung's next big pen-filled wonder will be unveiled on August 9 at an event in New York City. The Galaxy Note 9 is said to have a similar design to the Note 8, "upgraded" camera, as well as an upgraded processor from Qualcomm. We aren't exactly sure what to make of either of those things. Does that mean a triple camera like on the P20 Pro? Does it mean simply that Samsung will use newer sensors than they did last year? Does Qualcomm have a Snapdragon 850 in the works to replace the Snapdragon 845? Is there a Snapdragon 855? In terms of timeline, an August 9 unveiling could lead to a launch of sometime around the end of August. For comparison, the Galaxy Note 8 was announced last year on August 23. So yeah, this year's launch is looking early. Got any thoughts on how Samsung might upgrade the camera? // Bloomberg

Android Phone Launches are so Depressing

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 13:14:37 +0000

I just finished talking about how LG's launch of the G7 ThinQ hasn't been great and that got me thinking about Android launches in general. Why are they all so terrible at this? Outside of Samsung, does anyone know how to do this right anymore? There are two guarantees these days when it comes to smartphone launches. We know that Samsung will introduce a Galaxy S phone in the spring of each year, followed by a Galaxy Note to end the summer. Those phones will have a pre-order period of around two weeks that end when the phones hit every single US carrier and electronics retailer. There will likely be unlocked models available from the get-go as well. If you want a Samsung phone, you should have no problem doing so, in a variety of colors and with connectivity to your liking. We also know that Apple does the same thing. They'll announce their new phones around the time of the new Galaxy Note, kick off pre-orders immediately, and then push phones into stores a couple of weeks later. Like with Samsung, Apple too makes their phones available in a variety of colors at all spots you could ever dream of buying an iPhone. For everyone else in the industry, you just never know.

Google

When Google introduced its Pixel and Pixel XL a couple of years ago, they only sold it through a single carrier, that being Verizon. You couldn't order Google's first big phone in years through AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint. Google did sell through their own Google Store, though they often struggle to give us clear shipping dates there or sell out quickly enough that few are able to buy them. With that original Pixel, people waited months and months before their orders ever shipped. With the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Verizon once again nabbed an exclusive carrier deal. Google may have done a better job of keeping both phones in-stock on their own store, but again, no AT&T or T-Mobile or Sprint. We're already hearing reports that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will see the exact same Verizon exclusivity as the first two models. While the Pixel 2 launch went off much more smoothly than past Nexus and Pixel launches, what's with the single carrier thing, Google? Do you not want to sell millions and millions of these things?

LG

I don't necessarily want to go back into LG's poor history of phone launches, but they are one of the worst. They typically announce a phone without a launch date, then sit on it until deciding to release it at the worst possible time when everyone's attention has been diverted. For example, they announced the V20 the day before Apple showed off a new iPhone. Not only did no one care, but they then didn't sell it in the US for 6 weeks or so, which pushed it into Pixel launch territory. That isn't the only phone LG screwed up with. The G6 launch was similarly awful. The V30 wasn't much better with a release 5-6 weeks out. And now carriers are backing away or picking other phones to sell exclusively. The G7 ThinQ launched today and it's not that easy to find, particularly at the two biggest US carriers.

Motorola

Motorola was dumb enough for years to lock themselves into an exclusive partnership with Verizon. As that exclusivity hurt the brand and sales, they've since tried to open up to other carriers. The problem is, (I wouldn't be shocked to learn that) no one cares about Motorola anymore outside of Verizon and are likely confused. After years of only selling through Big Red, do people even know that AT&T or T-Mobile are selling Moto's new flagship? The Moto Z2 was supposed to be a huge multi-carrier launch for them after seeing some success with the original Moto Z, yet as far as we can tell, the entire Moto Mods system and Z line have been a bust. Along with the struggling Moto Z family, you have their unlocked series of phones like the Moto G, Moto X, and Moto E. You can find some of these at carriers (mostly Verizon), while others are sold from Amazon or Best Buy. Pricing differs everywhere. There are Prime versions too. But it's one of those situations where it becomes confusing to a customer. Do you buy Motorola's phones from a carrier or do you go through Amazon? Which phones work where and how much do they cost? This stuff should be straight forward.

OnePlus

OnePlus has actually gotten a lot better about selling their phones and making them not-so-limited in terms of the number available. Unfortunately, they refuse to acknowledge that Verizon is a thing and only ever allow their phones to work on GSM carriers, like AT&T and T-Mobile. So if you want a OnePlus phone, you may not be able to use one based on the carrier you subscribe to. Not only that, but OnePlus only sells through their own store. I'm not saying that buying directly is always a bad thing, as it lets OnePlus potentially keep the cost down. However, a whole bunch of people still like walking into a carrier store to hold a phone, play with it some, ask questions about it, and then buy one on the spot. You just can't do any of that with OnePlus phones.

HTC

HTC's situation in the US wireless industry seems to only get worse by the launch. Their visibility in recent years has diminished, with only a Sprint exclusive here or there. HTC has no carrier partners any longer and attempts to sell their expensive phones directly to consumers. It's sort of like OnePlus' approach, except OnePlus has created a rabid fanbase that circles blocks to get their hands on OnePlus phones, while HTC no longer really has that outside of its shrinking Elevate community. OnePlus also has found a way to create an enormous amount of buzz each time a phone arrives. HTC doesn't even host launch events anymore. HTC's phones are also priced with the Samsungs and Googles of the world too. Whether their phones can truly compete in that arena or not is up for debate, but it certainly doesn't help when US carriers don't seem to want to even take the risk on them. If I'm going to invest in a phone that costs $800, yet multiple carriers are telling me that they don't expect to be able to sell them and have passed, should I pass too?

Sony

LOL.

Why is this so hard?

I know that selling phones is a tough business. The ups and downs of the smartphone world can be brutal. But all of these poorly run launches from Android manufacturers aren't doing them any favors. And I don't care who is king of smartphones. My worry here is that with failed launch after failed launch that have led to nothing but shrinking profits and layoffs or cuts for many of the established brands, customers are going to find fewer and fewer choices. In fact, that's already the case. If I walk into a store today, I know that Samsung and Apple's phones will be there. I don't know about any of the others.

LG's G7 ThinQ Launched Today, But It's Sadly Not That Easy to Find

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 11:11:55 +0000

Today is supposed to be the LG G7 ThinQ's big day. It's launch day, which should mean that reviews are out (here is ours), the marketing blitz is in full swing, and carrier shops are stocked up with all the G7s they can store in preparation for the waves of customers that flood in to buy them. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that the buying part is going to be so easy. For one, we know that AT&T skipped this phone. So if you wanted to buy the G7 ThinQ from AT&T, you can't. That's kind of a problem, you know, since AT&T is the second biggest carrier in the US. To make matters worse, Verizon has labeled the G7 as "online only." That's right, as far as we can tell, Verizon is not selling the G7 in stores, so you can only get the G7 from the biggest carrier in the US by ordering it online. Well, unless you have a Best Buy nearby. They appear to have some.

Now, you should be able to walk into a T-Mobile or Sprint store to buy one. Their websites won't help me locate the phone in a store, so that's really just me assuming there will be availability. You should probably call ahead if you want to get your hands on a G7 today. What about the unlocked model? You can pre-order it at B&H Photo. Amazon is supposed to sell it, but we're not seeing it there yet. We've talked about this some on DL Shows in recent weeks, but this launch from LG feels like they aren't putting max effort into it. There wasn't a flashy press event. There is no hype around this phone. They couldn't get it on all carriers. They seemed way too muted in their pitch to press about its capabilities. I don't know what the deal is, but something is off. Anyone buying the G7?

T-Mobile Kicks Off BOGO Bonanza Sale to Lock You Into Two 2-Year Contracts

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:54:18 +0000

T-Mobile kicked off a sale today that they are calling BOGO Bonanza. It's a buy one, get one $700-$800-off deal on a bunch of their most popular phones, including the Galaxy S9, iPhone X and 8, LG V30 and G7 ThinQ. It's also one of those bill credit schemes to get you to sign a couple of 2-year contracts. The deal works like this - you pick any two phones that are a part of the deal, buy them both on equipment installment plans (EIP), and T-Mobile will then give bill credits up to $800, spread out over 24 months to cover the cost of whichever phone is the cheaper of the two. Some of the phones also require a trade-in (ex: iPhone X), and some pairings only get you $700 or $720 back in credits. It's different for each phone, so read the fine print. As you guys know, I'm not exactly a fan of these types of deals. They are the new 2-year contract. Carriers talk you into signing up for two 24-month payment plans by saying you are getting a phone for free, but you only get that value by sticking with them for the full 2 years. They want your service for the long haul and this is the current scheme in order to do just that. The deals are fine if you plan to stick with a carrier, though, as they do credit you back the value of phones and do (in a way) make them "free." Just know that bill credits often don't start for a couple of billing cycles, so you may be on the hook out of the gate for both phones. To see the full list of phones and the fine print for each, hit up that link below. T-Mobile BOGO Bonanza

This Could be a Real Life Photo of Motorola's One Power

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:38:21 +0000

Earlier in the week, a phone by the name of "Motorola One Power" showed up as a sign that Motorola might be introducing a new line of phones with a heavy Android One influence. The name sucks, but the overall idea of the phone doesn't bug me, knowing that it might get quicker updates as an Android One device and the overall look of the phone isn't that offensive. Today, a photo of the phone in the flesh has popped up. And here it is! Behold, the Motorola One Power!

That's a big notch, boy. I've got nothing else. No one knows any of the specs. No one knows when it might be coming to a store near you. No one knows why they reversed that charge call on Kevin Durant last night. No one (still) knows what in the f*ck JR Smith was thinking either. // 91 Mobiles

DEAL: Best Buy is Just Giving Away Google Home Minis When Bundled

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2018 15:56:08 +0000

Best Buy is running a series of deals right now that will get you either a free Google Home Mini or a deeply discounted one. Considering buying a Nest Thermostat at $50 off? Get a free Google Home Mini. Buying a Philips Hue A19 Kit? Get a free Home Mini. Buying a Google Home Max? Get a free Home Mini. Want two Home Minis? Take $25 off. There are more, but you get the idea. When you look at deals like these, you start to understand why Google may have finally started selling more Home devices than Amazon's Echo. We've pulled out some of the better deals below, but you'll find all of the Home deals at Best Buy here.

Best Buy Deals:

$50-off on Nest Thermostat + Free Home Mini
Philips Hue A19 Starter Kit + Free Home Mini
Philips Hue Starter Kit + $20-off Home Mini
Google Home Max + Free Home Mini
Buy Google Home and Home Mini, Save $25
Buy Two Google Home Minis, Save $20
Buy Chromecast and Home Mini, Save $10

I Love These 5 Android Phone Features So Much

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2018 14:24:48 +0000

The headline features in Android change all of the time. One year we're talking about 1080p displays melting our eyes with pixels and the next we can't get enough of wireless charging. Then we get excited about secondary cameras and stereo speakers, before moving on to notches (😉). But when I sit here looking at the two devices currently on my desk (Pixel 2 XL, HTC U12+), there are 5 features I'm not sure I could ever live without again. These may not get talked about as much these days, yet they have changed Android in many ways. This is a little #TBT action on this fine Thursday.

1. Fast charging

I'm not sure I need to explain this one, but when fast charging or TurboPower charging or rapid charging or Quick Charging showed up on the scene, we probably didn't initially realize how cool it was that you could charge a phone in about an hour. Instead of needing to set aside 2 or more hours to get your phone back to 100%, you could jump on a charger for 15 minutes, grab a few hours worth of juice, and move about your day. We went from worrying about the battery life in our phones and needing to be able to swap them out (😂) to caring more about where our fast charger was in the afternoon for a few minutes. We put fast chargers in cars. We bought battery packs that included fast charging. We even bought fast wireless chargers. Fast charging of some sort is now a standard feature on all Android phones, as it should be. I can't imagine not being able to quickly charge a phone. I don't know how Apple kids have put up without it for all these years, especially when you consider the fact that Android has had it since at least 2013. Fast charging might be the most important phone feature introduced in the last 5 years.

2. USB-C ports

This one falls a bit in line with fast charging, but boy, USB-C ports have been an incredible upgrade. While it has certainly taken time to get almost everyone onboard with this universal port, it has been wonderful. We are now almost three years into USB-C and the simple motion we get to take to plug in a phone has changed dramatically. Plugging your phone in no longer requires a quick glimpse at the cord first, to make sure it is inserted correctly. This is the type of trivial convenience I'm not sure I can even describe properly, but we couldn't get manufacturers to put their micro USB ports in the same way on each phone, so you really did have to think about how you were going to plug your phone in before you did. That's ridiculous. With USB-C, charging your phone or attaching it to a computer or other accessory is now a brainless action, the way it should have always been.

3. Autofill

This is a somewhat new addition to the list of features I can't live without, but when Google added autofill to Android Oreo, it changed the game a bit. Even if you don't use a password locker to store all of your logins, most of you probably do so within Google Chrome. Google's autofill feature can pull that information in to help you login to apps and services without the need to look anything up or type anything out. You've probably noticed that a theme is poking through in this list. Each of these items has been about efficiency, less work, and convenience. Autofill is like the king of convenience and efficiency. By having autofill baked natively into your Android phone, you don't have to keep a list of passwords anywhere (except stored securely with Google) or even try to type out the complex passwords you keep having to create that you'll also never remember. Setting up a phone used to take a long time, but with autofill now included on phones running Android 8.0+, it takes minutes.

4. Always-on display

Always-on display has become like fast charging to me. If a phone doesn't have it, it would be hard for me to look at it seriously (Get it together, OnePlus). That may sound a bit dramatic, but this is (again) the type of convenience that should be on all phones today. Motorola gave us the original version of this with Active Display (then Moto Display) back when the original Moto X launched. We knew from the minute we played with it that this was the future that we wanted for every phone. Since then, always-on displays have made their way to Samsung, LG, HTC, and Google phones. They show you the time, battery percentage, date, and if you have notifications waiting. Some versions even offer extra personalization through photos or GIFs. Maybe more importantly, an always-on display allows you to quickly glance at your phone to see if it needs you rather than asking you to pick it up or touch it to check. It helps me unplug some, which is something we probably all need to do a bit more.

5. Rear fingerprint readers

You could make the argument that fingerprint readers in general have changed smartphones, but I'm more a fan of the rear implementations, as they've allowed manufacturers to get creative with hardware. Not only do fingerprint readers give us that security in a convenient package, the rear versions often sit in the perfect spot, where your fingers would naturally rest on your phone as you hold it. When you need to unlock your phone, pay for something, or unlock an app, your finger is already in position to work, just by holding your phone. On top of that, we've seen manufacturers add gestures that allow you to swipe on the fingerprint reader to expand notification areas. This is important as phones only continue to grow in size. Or there are really cool features added from companies like OnePlus, who use the fingerprint reader to let you operate your camera and snap selfies without reaching for a shutter button. It's a flexible position that has let phone makers show their creative sides. You could argue that these rear locations also ushered us into this era of full-screen phones. When we had fingerprint readers on the bottom front chin of devices, manufacturers had to try and maximize display areas while caving in to fingerprint sensors. By moving to the rear, which even Samsung finally did, it's really opened the industry up to new design languages.

What about you? If you had to name a couple of Android features introduced over the years that couldn't live without, what would they be?

Verizon Keeps Telling Moto Z and Galaxy S7 Owners That Oreo Updates are Coming in a Few Weeks (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2018 13:00:31 +0000

UPDATE 6/6: Verizon says that it's ready for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge! UPDATE 6/18: The update is here for the Moto Z and Moto Z Force too!

If you own a Verizon Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Moto Z DROID, or Moto Z Play phone, Verizon has a message for you:

"We're planning an Android 8.0 Oreo update for your device...It may take a while, so check back in a few weeks!"

Owners of these devices noticed in recent weeks that Verizon replaced the "System updates" page with that message, giving hope to phone owners that probably weren't sure if/when their phone may be upgraded to 2017's big Android version release. And there may be other phones too, but these are the two we keep hearing about the most. The thing is, we have emails as far back as early April with the "few weeks" timeline. We're more like 7 weeks into these messages and still no Oreo updates for any of them. We have no idea when any of them will see Oreo. It could be another "few" weeks and then another. If you are seeing these messages, I can't say I blame you for getting excited. We'll certainly let you know when the updates begin.

Cheers Kyle, Adam, Dan, Brent, Galen, Josh, Chris, Robert, Robert, Themik, and everyone else on Twitter!

What Do You Want the Pixel 3 to Look Like?

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2018 11:32:37 +0000

Yesterday, we posted up some well-made render concepts of Google's upcoming Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL that were based on a supposed screen protector leak for each phone. I made it pretty clear that I thought the renders presented two very Google-esque phones that meet current smartphone trends and look, well, hot as hell. But after seeing the reaction on Twitter and by some in the comments, it's clear that a number of you do not agree. Now I'm curious - what do you want the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL to look like? If not similar to the image at the top of this post, then what? Taking that a step further, are you guys crazy? In the image above, you have a smaller Pixel 3 that is a mirror image of last year's Pixel 2 XL. It has slimmer bezels than the Pixel 2, but overall, keeps the design language from last year in a body that the original Pixel 2 should have had. There's no notch either! It's a full-screen device with stereo speakers. If you liked the Pixel 2 XL, what don't you like about this Pixel 3 render? I know the answer. It's not that you don't like the Pixel 3, it's that you just don't like the Pixel 3 XL render. And I'm guessing that's because of the notch and chin setup, right? Here's the thing - deal with it. Now, before you freakout at me, remember, you are talking to the guy who freaked out for two weeks straight about notches. I wrote too many pieces about how stupid this notch trend was because it looked as if Android manufacturers had given up and were back to copying Apple and that Apple had won. I dislike the notch trend as much as anyone. But the reality here is that this is what 2018 is. 2018 is the year of the notch. Display makers are making notched displays and manufacturers are happily putting them in phones. They are telling us that this is the next step to a future that includes a true all-display phone. Some are suggesting that this is what consumers want, but really, it's just what the industry as a whole is doing. Sure, they look a bit awkward. Are they the worst thing to ever happen in phone design? No. Let's not forget about ticker and secondary displays, Samsung's fingerprint reader locations in 2017 phones, or volume buttons on the back of phones. I just reviewed the OnePlus 6 and Tim just wrapped up with the LG G7 ThinQ. Both have notches. Neither of us, after spending weeks with each phone, came away annoyed by either notch. Neither of us implemented each phone's software tweak that attempted to hide the notch. We used them, got used to them, and that was that. My guess is that the Pixel 3 XL, if it does have a notch, will be a bit awkward for a day and then you'll all get over it. Why? Because it'll probably be the best smartphone you can buy, just like the Pixel 2 XL was with its supposed bad display and big bezels.

Samsung Gives Galaxy S9 Owners 18 New AR Emoji Expressions

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2018 09:33:04 +0000

AR Emoji were supposed to be a big selling point for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, basically as a response or counter to Apple's Animoji. They, umm, aren't exactly that, but if you do use them, know that you are getting more expressions. Samsung announced this morning that they are doubling the AR Emoji expressions on the Galaxy S9 from 18 to 36, plus they have another 18 in the works. You'll find the new expressions, some of which can be seen above, in the My Apps section of the Galaxy Apps store on your phone. Just look for AR Emoji in there and you should see an update. Like other AR Emoji, you'll be able to share the new expressions from your phone's keyboard or copy and paste them from the Gallery app into other messaging platforms. Does anyone use these? // Samsung

"Couple Issues" Cause NVIDIA to Pause Oreo Update for SHIELD TV

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2018 08:37:06 +0000

I managed to pickup the Android Oreo (SHIELD Experience 7.0) update for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV on the day it was announced, but a number of you have been unable to pull it. That's because NVIDIA was quietly only pushing it to members of its preview program at first and has since paused the full rollout. They discovered a "couple issues," according to a post on the Geforce forums and want to fix them before rolling the major update out to everyone else. Once those are fixed (and they are "actively working" to resolve them), the update will begin again. They hope to be able to do that "shortly." Until then, you can stop checking for updates multiple times per day. The update isn't coming just yet, friends. // Geforce Forums | Android Police

Video: 25+ OnePlus 6 Tips and Tricks

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2018 07:59:58 +0000

With our OnePlus 6 review done and our First 10 Things video too, we're wrapping up our initial OnePlus 6 post series today with a massive tips and tricks video. That's not an understatement either - this video is long and covers almost every little tip or trick to do with your OnePlus 6. In this video, we'll go over the best and most important lock screen settings to setup, some of the best tweaks to make to your home screen, which sound settings to dive into and customize, the various display settings worth adjusting, how to free up storage space, which battery settings to optimize, etc. It really is all here, hence the reason this video is 24 minutes long. Everyone enjoying those OnePlus 6 devices? Which color did you go with? (Please tell me you went Midnight Black)

Report: Verizon to be Exclusive US Carrier for Google-Made Pixel 3, 3 XL

Tim — Wed, 30 May 2018 13:52:17 +0000

We're learning a lot about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL this week, even though we're still months away from anything being official out of Google. As Android enthusiasts, we're digging it. In a new report from Bloomberg, it's said that Google has chosen Verizon to be the exclusive carrier partner for this year's Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which doesn't really come as much of a surprise. Verizon has been an exclusive carrier for past Pixel and Nexus devices, so this continues the trend.

In-House Pixel

A bit more interestingly, both Bloomberg, and WinFuture out of Germany, report that Google will not utilize the help of an established OEM partner to produce the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Instead, Google will utilize its in-house team of engineers to create the device, then leave mass production up to a Taiwan-based Foxconn subsidiary. This is a much different approach for its smartphone business, but similar to what Google has done with its Pixelbook and Chromebook Pixel laptops. With past devices, Google has partnered with companies such as LG (Nexus 5X, Pixel 2 XL) and HTC (Pixel 2) to make its Pixel phones. We suspect this change is in relation to Google's $1 billion purchase of HTC's engineering group. I mean, you don't buy a $1 billion team of engineers and then not use them for this exact purpose, right? Speaking about the upcoming phones specifically, sources of Bloomberg state the Pixel 3 will be much like the Pixel 2, but buyers can look forward to an updated camera on the backside. For the Pixel 3 XL, it will sport dual front-facing cameras inside of the display's top notch, along with the same updated single camera on the back. No surprise, these descriptions align similarly to the leaked screen protectors we wrote up. I don't know about you, but I am getting pumped about these new Pixel phones. It's only May, though, meaning we have a long ways to go before we see them in official light. // Bloomberg | WinFuture (German)

Amazon Extends Prime Savings to Additional Whole Foods Stores

Tim — Wed, 30 May 2018 12:40:55 +0000

Should you be an Amazon Prime member and shopper at Whole Foods, you'll be happy to hear that Amazon is extending the reach of its Prime Savings to additional Whole Foods locations. Originally launched in Florida, Amazon is bringing the 10% off sale items to another 120+ Whole Foods locations across the country. You'll now be able to save from California all the way to Florida and almost everywhere in between. On top of the blanket 10% off sale items, Whole Foods runs specials for exclusively Prime members, a few of which are detailed here. Here are the states where you can find the Prime Savings.

Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Idaho
Kansas
Kansas City, Missouri
Louisiana
New Mexico
Northern Nevada
Northern California
Oklahoma
Texas
Utah
Whole Foods Market 365 Stores Nationwide

// Amazon

Report: LG is Supplying Google With Notched OLED Displays for Pixel 3 XL

Tim — Wed, 30 May 2018 11:46:10 +0000

LG supplied Google with OLED panels for last year's Pixel 2 XL. Let's just say there was a bit of drama concerning that particular panel. According to a new report from Korea, Google is going to give it another try, with LG chosen to supply Mountain View with notched OLED panels for this year's Pixel 3 XL. An unnamed official for LG Display is attributed in saying, "We have maintained close ties with Google and the volume will not be much different from the previous one." If you were still thinking the renders and screen protector shots we've seen hit the web don't truly encapsulate what the upcoming Pixels could look like, it is specifically mentioned many times in this report that these OLED panels will feature a top notch. You can react to that however you see fit, but since Kellen and I have both been using phones with top notches this year, we can assure you that it's not as bad as you might want to believe. While it's a relief to hear that Google will probably use OLED for the Pixel 3 XL, our fingers are crossed that these panels aren't met with the same amount of internet fury last year's received. // D Daily (Korean)

If the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Look Like These Renders, Oh Man

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2018 11:12:45 +0000

Thanks to an unsubstantiated Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL screen protector leak, the world is ready for full Pixel 3 hypebeast mode. And we're here for it all. Since yesterday's supposed leak, talented graphics gurus have taken the screen protector image and turned them into 3D renders of what the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL may look like come this fall when Google presumably announces them. Some of them, like the renders we've included in this post from @PhoneDesigner, are so good. So damn good. UPDATE: Report out of Bloomberg describes the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL having many of the characteristics you are seeing here. Google's next phones may indeed look very similar to this. These renders give you an idea of where Google could go based on previous Pixel phones and if those screen protectors were real. These are very Pixel-esque. The Pixel 3 looks like a smaller version of last year's Pixel 2 XL, which the Pixel 2 failed at. The bigger Pixel 3 XL, even with its notch, doesn't look all that offensive when you give it the Pixel treatment of buttons, backside, and texture. Or maybe I'm just a damn Google fanboy?

What do you guys think? Does this presentation give you hope, even with a notch onboard? Or maybe this would make us all consider the smaller Pixel 3 to avoid that notch life. Options, y'all, options. // @PhoneDesigner [2]

OnePlus 6 Review

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2018 10:35:22 +0000

I'm just going to come right out and say it - the OnePlus 6 is an easy recommendation. Now, that doesn't mean it isn't without some flaws, so even though I just spoiled the review for you, you should stick around to see if some of those flaws might be dealbreakers to you. As you already know, the OnePlus 6 continues a steady improvement on its predecessor, which did the same from the phone that came before it and the one before it. In this 6-month cycle of phone refreshes from OnePlus, it may not seem like we get a massive upgrade with each new device, but OnePlus is doing a decent job of still making upgrades worth it from year to year at the very least. The OnePlus 6 adds a new processor and an extra big storage option, introduces a display notch, included a new main camera sensor, and tweaked the design and material choice some. These aren't massive upgrades over the OnePlus 5T, but probably are over the OnePlus 5 that came out a year ago. Let's dive into it - this is our OnePlus 6 review.

The Good

Software and Performance The software of the OnePlus 6 is the reason why I like this phone as much as I do. OnePlus really does get it. They take a clean build of Android 8.1 from Google and then add a handful of improvements to areas that matter through their OxygenOS skin (v5.1 here). They don't put an unnecessary amount of time skinning it to change its appearance or add in equally unnecessary music, mail, and calendar apps. What they do do, is include useful gestures from the lock screen, let you choose a navigation button style that works for you, bury status bar icons you don't need to look at all day, calibrate your display color profile, become a pro gamer with a gaming mode, schedule power cycling, and use night or reading modes. They give you enough sound settings to get audio guys by, let you choose how much the app switcher "clear all" button clears, and even setup a custom icon pack.

Outside of the useful software tweaks, what really impresses me about OnePlus phones is their performance. We've seen that mostly-stock Android can run like trash, just look at the Essential Phone. OnePlus ships that clean version with their own minimal feature pack and their phones never stutter. You get in and out of apps, into the app switcher, to a game, back to Twitter to YouTube to Instagram and back to a game, and I just never see these phones slow down, including the OnePlus 6. I don't know what OnePlus has figured out when it comes to optimizing RAM and Qualcomm chipsets, but there are some other companies out here that could take note. I'd compare OnePlus 6 performance to the Pixel 2 XL, which is a hell of a compliment. We also shouldn't forget that after a rocky software update start, OnePlus has settled into a nice groove over the past year. The OnePlus 5 and 5T have been updated nicely, there are OxygenOS beta programs you can be a part of to test features early, plus the OnePlus 6 is already a part of the Android P Beta program, which few other phones are. OnePlus sure looks like they are taking updates seriously and have figured out a process that gets new software on their customers' phones much quicker. Honestly, I can't say enough about OnePlus software today. They really do get it. Design In the design department, I'm actually kind of torn. I do like the way OnePlus designs their phones. They do this "horizon" thing that I'm not going to try to explain, but they fit nicely in hand, look sleek, utilize darker colors for added sexiness, and typically present themselves as a phone that should cost hundreds more. With the OnePlus 6, that's the case again, outside of one thing. I hate all of this glass. So that's why I'm torn. Everything about the feel and look of this phone is pure OnePlus style, a style I approve of. But then they tossed this extra layer of glass on the back and now I can't use the phone for 5 minutes without worrying about it scratching, grabbing five fingerprints, or cracking. I'm now scared to use the OnePlus 6 and that sucks, because a phone this good shouldn't give you fear.

And if you are about to say something in the comments about cases, shut it. You shouldn't have to use a case on your phone because the company designed it to be extra fragile. That's a flaw in the design, not a flaw in my thinking about phones. Companies should make phones to last, not just look pretty. I'm positive overall on the design because I do think I'm in the minority here. Companies want you to believe that glass is premium because it looks and feels amazing. But glass isn't a premium material. It's fragile. It scratches. And it attracts fingerprints. It's a terrible material that almost everyone now uses for the worst reasons. However, the phone does look nice, especially the Midnight Black model (I'd avoid the Mirror Black every day of the week). It feels even better in hand, even with its large display. I guess, just put a case on it. Specs The OnePlus 6 is quite the package on paper. Like previous OnePlus phones, the 6 isn't missing much. You've got the latest high-end Qualcomm processor (Snapdragon 845) powering it, 6GB or 8GB RAM, storage that starts at 64GB and tops out at 256GB, 6.28-inch full HD AMOLED display (1080p, 19:9 ratio), 3300mAh battery with fast charging, dual rear camera setup (16MP + 20MP, f/1.7), front 16MP camera, USB-C port, headphone jack, fingerprint reader, alert slider, Bluetooth 5.0, and Android 8.1 under OnePlus' OyxgenOS 5.1. What's the OnePlus 6 missing? Wireless charging, stereo speakers, a microSD slot, and true water resistance, for those needing something to ding it for. OnePlus phones haven't had SD slots in many years (ever?) and I don't think they've ever had wireless charging or stereo speakers either. As for the water resistance, well, they added some level of water resistance to the OnePlus 6, but aren't willing to give it an official rating. In other words, it might be OK in some wet situations and not so much in others. Outside of those four things that OnePlus phones have never had, it has you covered. Display I'm totally fine with the OnePlus 6 display, notch and all. As has been well documented at this point, the notch trend pisses me off because it makes it look like Android manufacturers are back to copying Apple when I thought that ship had sailed 5 or 6 years ago. But when you try and move on from that after being frustrated for a couple of weeks, you just start to accept that this is our 2018. Almost every meaningful phone in 2018 is going to have a notch because companies are trying to find a way to the all-display front and this is the next stop. And look, if you don't like it, OnePlus lets you hide it with a software setting. With the OnePlus 6, you get a 6.28-inch full HD AMOLED panel that looks good to me. If you don't think it looks good out of the box, there are numerous calibration options, including the default mode, as well as sRGB, DCI-P3, Adaptive, and Custom color modes. I'm not sure anyone will have any trouble finding a display setup that looks good to them.

Viewing angles are excellent on the OnePlus 6, you have reading and night modes to help ease eye strain when you need it most, and adaptive brightness is here to help as brightness in-room switches. Speaking of brightness, this display isn't the best outdoors and there were times where I attempted to crank brightness up further, only to realize it was already maxed out. The adaptive brightness can also be a bit aggressive at times when in lower lighting situations as it tries to dim the display and goes overboard. It doesn't have an always-on display option, which is a pretty glaring omission from OnePlus. Almost every other phone maker on the planet has an always-on display mode, even the LCD crowd. OnePlus is more than likely going to introduce one at some point, as the phone did have it out of the box, but that was quickly removed in a day-1 update. Overall, the display and its notch are going to make you happy enough. Battery Life Battery life on the OnePlus 6 has only gotten better the more I use it. The first few days were a bit shaky and I was looking for a charger before going to bed, but those days are long gone. I've had some 5-hour-screen-on-time days and I've had some days where the phone lasted more than a day. The 3300mAh battery on this phone is most definitely enough, plus OnePlus still includes the best fast charging in the business. They appear to be backing away from calling it Dash Charge, but it still charges ridiculously fast. And when you charge a OnePlus phone like the OnePlus 6, it still charges fast as you use it and never gets hot while doing so.

The OnePlus 6 might not have industry-leading battery life, but it'll be just fine for almost everyone. It will power you through a day and possibly then some. Should you need to top off mid-day, you'll grab enough juice in a few minutes time that will last you hours on hours. Price The price of the OnePlus 6, even as it creeps closer to the phones it tries to compete with, is a major selling point. The OnePlus 6, with all of the specs I mentioned above, starts at $529. At that price you get 64GB storage and 6GB RAM. The Galaxy S9+ with 64GB storage and 6GB RAM starts at $840. The Pixel 2 XL with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage starts at $849. If you want more storage and RAM, you can still get into a OnePlus 6 for $579 (8GB RAM + 128GB storage) or $629 (8GB RAM + 256GB storage). If you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, you are saving hundreds of dollars over other flagships and getting almost as much.

Somewhere-in-the-Middle

Camera The story of the OnePlus 6 camera is very much like the story of the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T cameras. The OnePlus 6 can take good photos in many situations, they just aren't as good as those you can capture with the Google Pixel 2 or Galaxy S9. OnePlus certainly keeps working on this department, as it is one of the few areas they still need to improve, but we still just aren't quite there. Now, you shouldn't take that to mean that the OnePlus 6 has a bad camera or cameras. In fact, they are more than capable, they just aren't in that upper echelon to my eye. You've got a dual camera setup on the back that consists of a new Sony 16MP sensor at f/1.7 with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS), paired with a 20MP sensor at f/1.7, which is the same as the secondary sensor found in the OnePlus 5T. This secondary lens attempts to help in low light situations. In terms of software, the OnePlus camera app is really nice. You can fire it up with the double-tap of the power button and then easily slide between video, photo, and portrait modes. If you need more, OnePlus adds slow motion, pro mode, time lapse, and panorama options too.

The app itself is simple, yet still includes the features you want, like grid lines, a zoom button, auto HDR, and ratio options. It can even save original photos when you are shooting in portrait mode in case you don't want the bokeh'd version. For video, you have a range of resolutions from 720p up to 4K. That includes 1080p, 1080p at 60fps, 4K, and 4K at 60fps. The OnePlus 6 camera is incredibly quick to load, shoot, process, and be ready to shoot again, which is exactly what we should all ask for in a shooter. As for results, again, my eye prefers the photos taken on the Google Pixel 2, even if those photos do have a bit of extra contrast. The OnePlus 6 struggled at times for me to lock proper focus, especially in portrait mode. It also does some pretty heavy processing when indoors and the lighting is anything less than perfect. Almost every shot I took lacked the sharpness I want in a photo that was taken with the only camera on me. Most of the photos you'll see will do just fine in situations like Instagram or Twitter or sharing with friends and family, I just don't know that I'll be beaming with excitement about sharing them.

The Not-so-Good

Availability My biggest beef with the OnePlus 6 isn't one that necessarily affects me, but it is an area that our readers have been vocal about - availability. And availability of this phone drives me nuts because it's a phone (as were other OnePlus phones in the past) that I wish more people were able to use. Unfortunately, people just can't get one unless they subscribe to AT&T or T-Mobile and are fine buying a phone outside of their carrier. The OnePlus 6 may be available directly from OnePlus at prices that are still lower than competitors', but it's not available from carriers nor does it work on Verizon. Some people are attached for life to carriers, want to buy their phones from carriers, and aren't about to switch to a new carrier just for a phone. Would I switch off of Verizon for the OnePlus 6 if I couldn't afford the Google Pixel 2 XL and wanted a similar experience? I actually might. But I know that that's not normal. So yeah, it does bug me that the OnePlus 6, like its brothers and sisters, is stuck on GSM carriers in the US. I get that certification on Verizon may not be cheap or that OnePlus hasn't figured out if it would be worth the effort, but it would probably generate a massive wave of new customers for OnePlus. They should hangout in our comments on days where they announce phones and they'll probably understand where I'm coming from here.

Other Notes

3.5mm headphone jack: It has one!
Phone calls: It makes them and sounds fine!
Fingerprint bug: I can't tell if it's my unit or if there is a bug that needs fixing, but the OnePlus 6 fingerprint reader often requires me to re-place my finger on it before it'll unlock. In other words, the first touch often doesn't register, so I have to put my finger back on it. It's fast as hell when it recognizes my finger, like previous OnePlus phones, but it seems a bit buggy this time around.
Skip Mirror Black: I have to say this again, but please skip Mirror Black. Show OnePlus that no one wants a fingerprint disaster of a phone, which this is. Just buy Midnight Black and enjoy that matte goodness, even if it is under glass.
Android P Beta: I have not yet tried the Android P Beta on this phone. I was waiting until I finished with this review, so I may take a look now and let you know what the experience is like. I'm assuming it's pretty bare bones and not exactly something to get excited about, other than the fact that the OnePlus 6 can run the exact same beta software as Google's own phones.

Videos

Unboxing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M6UhAdq6pw First 10 Things to Do https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjHwhqfJFjk Tips and Tricks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxmEZDtAHvY

Gallery

The Verdict

As I mentioned in the opening, the OnePlus 6 is a phone that I won't hesitate to recommend to people. I love the software experience, have high hopes on future updates, continue to be impressed by the phone's performance and design, was surprised by the battery life, and think that you can't beat the value you are getting here. The specs are (almost) all there, the price is right, and the phone isn't that hard to find, assuming OnePlus can keep them in stock. If you want the best camera in the game - this isn't it. If you hate glass all over a phone, you should look elsewhere. If you are the type of weirdo that can't live without wireless charging, well, this doesn't have it. Verizon customers, move along. Other than that, buy away. Buy OnePlus 6

Jurassic World Alive Available on Google Play, Brings AR Dinos to Your Neighborhood

Tim — Wed, 30 May 2018 09:52:47 +0000

Pre-registration for Jurassic World Alive went up in March, but at long last, the game is available for download and playing on Google Play right now. In the game, you play as a member of the Dinosaur Protection Group (DPG), whose job is track down and locate dinosaurs around the globe. That's where the augmented reality aspect comes in, allowing you to see the dinos right on your phone. Once you've got them cornered, you can capture a bit of their DNA, then create hybrid dinos in your lab. These hybrids are used for battling other hybrid dinos that are controlled by other players. Honestly, think of it like Pokemon GO, but with dinosaurs. Follow the link below to check it out. Google Play Link

Project Fi Gets the Moto G6, V35, and G7 ThinQ

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2018 09:24:00 +0000

What's the biggest problem been with Google's Project Fi? The lack of phones, without a doubt. That will soon change, though, as three new phones were announced for the service today. The Moto G6, LG V35 ThinQ, and LG G7 ThinQ will all soon work on Project Fi and be sold by Google. The Moto G6 is already up for pre-order and has been discounted to just $199, it's best price ($50 off). The V35 and G7 ThinQ will arrive "next month" and cost $899 and $749, respectively. The line-up of Project Fi phones now includes the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, Moto X4, and these three new guys. You can get into a Project Fi phone at for as little as $8.29/mo. Not bad. To recap, Project Fi is Google's wireless service that uses a combination of T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular networks, as well as public WiFi spots to help you find the best signal no matter where you are. You pay for it on a monthly basis and only for the data you use. They recently launched an $80/mo plan with unlimited data. The thing is, you don't have to pay $80 each month. Instead, you pay $20 for calling and texting, plus $10 per GB of data used up to 6GB. If you go over 6GB, you still only pay a max of $80. If you use under 6GB, you could pay less depending on how much you used (4GB of data would be $40 + $20 for calls and texts). Sign-up for Project Fi // Google

Mmm, Plex Now Has Podcasts!

Tim — Wed, 30 May 2018 08:51:54 +0000

Plex announced yet another update for users today, this time bringing a highly requested feature to its service -- Podcasts! According to Plex, the Podcasts feature will launch in beta today for many platforms, including Android. Users will be able to play with metadata, On Deck, personalized recommendations, variable speed playback, as well as an offline mode that is labeled as coming soon. Better yet, Podcasts is available to all users, paid and free, and there is no need to set up a Plex Media Server for them. On top of podcast support, Plex details an enhanced search and discovery UI, better top-level navigation, plus as a fully customizable home screen for the app. This is a solid update, so be sure to grab it for your respective platform today. Google Play Link // Plex

Moto G6 Now Available as a Prime Exclusive Device With Small Discount

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2018 07:47:51 +0000

After launching at Verizon last week, the Moto G6 is now available from Amazon as a Prime Exclusive device. In the past, that meant a big discount on phones since they were filled with Amazon ads. Now that ads are no longer a part of Prime Exclusive, that only means a small discount and plenty of Amazon pre-installed apps. The Moto G6 Prime Exclusive costs $234.99, which is $5 cheaper than Verizon and $15 cheaper than if you bought it directly from Motorola. Amazon has both Black (shipping now) and Oyster Blush (shipping later this summer) colorways. To recap, the Moto G6 features a Snapdragon 450 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (with SD support), 3000mAh battery with fast charging, dual rear cameras (12MP + 5MP), 8MP front camera, and Android Oreo. It does not include NFC. This is also not the G6 Plus, which is the version we all actually wanted. The Moto G6 is unlocked and works on all major US carriers. Buy Moto G6 Prime Exclusive

LG Announces the V35 ThinQ, Pre-Orders Open at AT&T This Week

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2018 07:30:02 +0000

LG took the wraps off the V35 ThinQ this morning with AT&T joining the party as a carrier of it here in the US. As the name suggests, it's a slightly upgraded LG V30, a phone that was released a couple of times already. This is the phone they skipped over the G7 ThinQ. For specs, LG tossed in a 6-inch QHD+ OLED display (2880x1440, 538ppi), Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage (with SD support), 3300mAh battery with quick charging, dual rear cameras (16MP wide angle + 16MP standard), 8MP front camera, and Android 8.0 Oreo. How do those change from the V30? The Snapdragon 845 is new, the RAM has been bumped up from 4GB, front camera is now 8MP, and the rear cameras are now both 16MP. You also now have a HiFi Quad DAC with DTS:X audio capabilities, LG's AI Cam, and far field voice recognition for Google Assistant. The LG V35 ThinQ will arrive at AT&T for pre-orders this Friday, June 1. The phone hits stores for launch on June 8. For pricing, you are looking at $30/mo for 30 months on AT&T Next.

LG V35 ThinQ Specs

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform
Display: 6.0-inch 18:9 QuadHD+ OLED FullVision Display (2880 x 1440 / 538ppi)
Memory: – V35+ ThinQ: 6GB RAM / 128GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB) – V35 ThinQ: 6GB RAM / 64GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Camera: – Rear Dual: 16MP Super Wide Angle (F1.9 / 107°) ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ16MP Standard Angle (F1.6 / 71°) – Front: 8MP Wide Angle (F1.9 / 80°)
Battery: 3,300mAh
Operating System: Android 8.0 Oreo
Size: 151.7 x 75.4 x 7.3mm
Weight: 157g
Network: LTE-A 4 Band CA
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 5.0 BLE / NFC / USB Type-C 2.0 (3.1 compatible)
Colors: New Aurora Black, New Platinum Gray
Other: AI CAM / AI Haptic / Super Bright Camera / Super Far Field Voice Recognition / Googles Lens / IP68 Water and Dust Resistant / MIL-STD 810G Compliant / 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC / DTS: X 3D Surround Sound / HDR10 / Crystal Clear Lens / Google Daydream / Voice Recognition / Face Recognition / Fingerprint Sensor / Qualcomm^®Quick Charge™ 3.0 Technology / Wireless Charging / FM Radio

// LG | AT&T

DEAL: Samsung Still has the Verizon Galaxy S9, S9+ at an Extra $200 Off

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2018 15:03:53 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, we told you about a special pricing promotion going at Samsung's own store for the Verizon Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ models. The promo slashed an extra and instant $200 off each as long as you bought them with Verizon's device payment program. That deal, two weeks later, is still around. Now, I'm calling this an "extra" $200 off, because Samsung already sells Verizon's phones for cheaper than Verizon does, plus they are giving them this extra price drop. Verizon, for example, before any price drop, wants $799.99 for the Galaxy S9, while Samsung only asks for $719.99. Verizon wants $929.99 for the Galaxy S9+, yet Samsung only asks for $839.99. So Samsung has each phone already greatly reduced under Verizon's price and is now taking another $200 off each.

If you buy a Verizon Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ from Samsung's store, you'll pay $519.99 or $639.99, respectively. That's still nuts! Again, this does require a device payment plan (which isn't optimal unless you plan to stick with Verizon for 2 years), but Samsung and Verizon are basing those monthly payments off of the discounted phone. This isn't one of those typically shady bill credit scenarios. It's an extra $200 off the retail price, divided by 24 months to give you whatever your monthly payment is. For the S9, that would be $21.67/mo. For the S9+, that's $26.67/mo. Samsung Deal Link

Schlage Sense Deadbolts Now Work With Google Assistant

Tim — Tue, 29 May 2018 13:47:59 +0000

Schlage announced this week that its Sense smart deadbolts now support Google Assistant, meaning locking and checking to see if your door is locked is now as easy as telling Google to do so. For example, "Ok Google, lock my door." See, look how easy that is. In order to get this functionality working with your Schlage Sense deadbolt, you will need the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter, which costs $70 on Amazon. If you already own that adapter you're good to go. For those who might need the whole package, if you've been looking to get yourself a smart deadbolt, you're looking at another $200+ for the lock itself. Support for Google Assistant is rolling out as we speak, so if you own a Schlage system, your time has come. // Schlage

Motorola May Have Another Android One Phone in the Works With a Really Dumb Name

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2018 13:20:20 +0000

The phone above is reportedly called the Motorola One Power. I have a number of reactions to that name, as well as the design, but let's first jump into what this phone is. The folks at Android Headlines posted the image, suggesting that it came from a reliable source who provided little details other than the image. In fact, we know nothing about its specs, only that it might release in the US at some point. From the image, we can gather that this phone has a notch, which we told you that many Lenovo and Motorola phones would have in the near future. Along with that notch, we have a small chin on the front of the phone with "Motorola" branding. It's front looks a lot like the Moto X5 that was supposedly canceled. On the back, we have a dual camera setup, fingerprint reader, and "Android One" branding. Underneath, we can see two speaker ports and a USB-C port, as well as no headphone jack. OK, so what should we make of this? The image looks fine, but this is a phone that no one has reported on just yet. The name suggests that this is an entirely new line of phones from Motorola. For one, this isn't a "Moto" phone like we have seen for years (Moto E, G, X, and Z). Instead, it's potentially a new family of phones called Motorola One. Motorola also could be looking to expand or differentiate that line by creating special versions, hence the "Power" tacked onto the end. LG has done something similar in the past. You may recall the LG X series that featured the X Charge, X Power, and X Venture. The idea was that each was an affordable phone that had a single, standout feature. Motorola could be doing that here, with "Power" representing long battery life, for example. Unfortunately, that could mean a Motorola One Focus or Motorola One Vision, where they could slap better optics or display panels inside. That would be shitty. With that said, the "One" here is likely in reference to Android One, which is a good thing. Like the Moto X4, this could be Moto's next Android One phone that could land at Project Fi or sold unlocked at places like Amazon. Android One phones are awesome, because they tend to be affordable and also see frequent updates. Not much else is known about this supposed Motorola One Power, outside of this single image. If it's real and the specs aren't bad, it's actually not a bad looking device. Your thoughts? // Android Headlines

LG G7 ThinQ Review

Tim — Tue, 29 May 2018 12:15:55 +0000

The early story of the LG G7 ThinQ is an odd one. Before I dive head first, though, let me start off by telling you that from this point moving forward in the review, I will refer to this phone only as the LG G7. I refuse to write out ThinQ over and over, especially when the moniker doesn't make any sense, at least to me. Moving on, if you'll recall back to very early January, a report surfaced that said LG was thinking about rebranding its "G" lineup. As we saw in February during MWC, LG did not announce its 2018 flagship, but we did get a peak at something referred to as the LG G7 Neo. As it turns out, LG didn't rebrand its G lineup after all and ultimately waited until May to unveil and launch what we now know to be the G7. It's been an odd storyline to follow, but here we are. With the G7, LG is pushing its "AI" software pack, complete with an independent button for accessing Google Assistant. It's like Samsung's Bixby button, but for Google Assistant. The company is also continuing its love for audio and Quad DACs, which no one should be arguing against. Is it a package we recommend you pick up, though? Let's find out. This is our LG G7 ThinQ review!

The Good

Specs The LG G7 is outfitted with a 6.1-inch QHD+ FullVision LCD display (3120x1440, 19.5:9) that includes a top notch, Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (supports microSD), dual rear-facing cameras (16MP at 71°, f/1.6 + 16MP at 107°, f/1.9), front-facing 8MP camera, 3,000mAh battery, Qi wireless charging support, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, IP68 water and dust resistance, 32-bit HiFi Quad DAC, dedicated Google Assistant button, and Android 8.0 "Oreo" with LG's UX and AI Pack 2.0 on top. The specs are completely reasonable, but I'd say they only shoot par for the course that is 2018. We aren't seeing an abundance of RAM like we do on other phones, and on top of that, I know some folks would like to see a bigger battery. At the end of the day, we do have a phone with the latest high-end processor from Qualcomm, something we couldn't say about last year's LG G6, plus LG incorporated this top notch dual camera system and pretty sweet hardware. You can always want more, but this is a pretty solid spec package. HiFi Quad DAC/ Boombox Speaker Much like LG has done on past devices, the company has equipped the G7 with a Quad DAC, though, they have emphasized this year's as a "HiFi," high fidelity, Quad DAC. Regardless, it's the same experience you might know and expect, complete with sound profiles to choose from, as well as a comprehensive EQ system. In addition to the DAC, LG is utilizing DTS:X surround sound tech, allowing music lovers to experience a very immersive listening experience whether they have a fancy pair of headphones or relatively inexpensive pair of earbuds. For those who plan on using a nice pair of headphones with the G7, I know you'll love it. For those concerned about the phone's external output power, I'm here to tell you that it's pretty good, too. LG is using something called Boombox Speaker in the G7 and it's a great use of the phone's internal spacing and design. Basically, inside the phone you have a resonance chamber, which allows the music to be amplified inside of the device, then pushed out of the bottom-firing speaker. When you place the phone down on a flat surface, it essentially uses that surface to further project the audio. It's very clever, no doubt about it. As someone who listens to music on a constant basis, I appreciate LG's commitment to providing a sweet audio experience. Hardware Unlike LG's software, which seems to bother me more each year, the company's hardware is the exact opposite. To me, last year's V30 was the best hardware the company had released to date, but I'm definitely considering giving that spot to the new G7. While I know Kellen won't agree with me because he's not a fan of glass on a phone's backside, the G7 is incredibly nice to hold, even in one hand, plus there's something very symmetrical about the phone that I enjoy looking at. On the back, we have the vertical dual camera system, with the fingerprint reader directly below it. Since I'm talking about it, the reader on the back does not double as the power button on this phone, which I've praised since day one. Never do that again, LG! Now, back to the hardware design. I will save most of my notch talk for the display section below, but with regard to how it looks, I really don't mind it. Sure, LG incorporated it and we don't even get some fancy Face ID laser show like the iPhone X has, but LG does include a Face Recognition feature that uses the front-facing camera to unlock your device. LG also added a button to the phone, and no, I'm not only talking about the dedicated power button. I'm talking about the dedicated Google Assistant button! By pressing the button, you get access to Google's AI assistant, capable of providing you answers to your questions, updates on the weather, control your smart home, or any of the other various tasks that Assistant can complete. By long pressing the button, you get straight to Google Lens, which should be a great addition once all of the changes Google announced at this year's Google I/O are implemented. It's a pretty sweet addition, but if you don't care for it, you can disable it from the Settings menu.

Somewhere in the Middle

Display The G7 sports a 6.1-inch QHD+ FullVision LCD display, with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a max resolution of 3120 x 1440. As you will discover immediately upon watching a YouTube video or opening basically any app on the phone, not a lot of content is made for a ratio of 19.5:9. This can be sorta painful when resizing apps or watching something, but after a few days, I got used to it. Speaking of getting used to things, let's talk notch. Since we first learned notches were coming to Android phones, I've been positive about it, simply because there doesn't seem to be much choice right now. If you don't like the notch, then you're automatically turned off from the G7, OnePlus 6, probably one of the upcoming Google Pixels, and others. Notches are the thing right now, so we just have to suck it up until OEMs decide they want to solve this pain point that they themselves created. LG highlights the Super Bright functionality of the display, capable of 1,000 nit maximum output. That's very bright, and in direct sunlight, I can tell you that viewing content is not a problem. Semi-related but not to the Super Bright aspect, the phone does offer an Always On display feature, but because LG is using an LCD panel, you can definitely see that all of the display's pixels are on whenever you're using it. This is very noticeable when you're laying in bed at night and the display has a white-ish light coming from it on your nightstand. You don't get this effect with an AMOLED panel that can light up individual pixels. Should you be picking up this phone, I recommend setting a schedule for the Always On feature, which can disable the feature at a certain time (bed time). I can't tell you exactly how the display's brightness and the LCD aspect directly affects the phone's battery life, but it is unfortunate that LG can't seem to make a solid OLED panel for mobile devices. Overall, this FullVision LCD display is fine for my type of usage. I enjoy the colors that it offers and the contrast, but coming from two phones with different panels (Pixel 2 XL with OLED and Galaxy S9+ with AMOLED), it's a noticeable difference that sometimes has me missing other phones. Battery With a 3,000mAh battery, the G7 has been all over the place for me with regard to battery life. Sometimes I would have 3 hours of screen on time when the battery was getting low, while other days would have me over 4 hours by the time the phone was going to die. For me, I'd rather have a consistent battery, but when you only have 3,000mAh and your usage varies, it's hard to know what to expect. I'm only guessing here, since the good folks at iFixIt have yet to do a teardown of the G7, but my assumption is that LG was only able to fit in a 3,000mAh battery due to the Boombox Speaker design on the phone. Because LG needed the air moving inside of the device to create reverberation, it seems plausible that they simply didn't have the room needed to offer a bigger battery. Does that suck? Absolutely. I've embedded a few screenshots to show off my battery and usage details. Camera The G7 sports two 16-megapixel shooters on the back, one for your standard type of shots, plus one for wide angle shots. We've seen this same setup on past LG devices, so it seems like this is LG's signature in a way. From my experience, the cameras are solid, plus LG throws in a ton of cool and sometimes useful software tweaks to help you get good shots. However, while some of the software add-ons are fine, I'd be remiss if I didn't bring up the silliness of this "AI Cam." With AI Cam, the camera attempts to identify the best settings for your scene, and goes so far as to identify whatever is in the shot. Once an object or scene is identified, you're offered filter suggestions for your shot. Is this necessary? No, not really, considering all of this is accessible by the user from the usual camera settings. Because LG offers a complete Manual mode for the camera, all of your values when snapping a photo or taking a video are tweakable, meaning you shouldn't need AI to do it for you. Might it be easier for AI to get everything set up for you? Possibly, but that brings up another point. The software can be quite slow at times, and let's be real, you don't always have the time to wait for AI to suggest something to you. In the right condition, where you're taking the time to set up a shot, I could see where AI Cam could be useful, but when I was out and about taking my pictures, I didn't ever find myself wishing AI could identify what it is I saw and offer me filters. Things like this remind me of the Pixel 2. The camera app is extremely barebones, but even with little control over values, photos turn out really good anyway. It's as if these extra features are thrown on as cover up for what could be a subpar camera experience. In day to day shooting, you don't notice anything too bad about the photos from the LG G7. It's not until I got them onto my desktop monitor that I started noticing little things, like shaky edges around subjects or weird lens flare in certain instances. As with most cameras, should your lighting be optimal, you'll have no problem snapping good shots. If you're in a darker environment, you will see that the phone takes a bit more time to focus on something, but I suppose that's okay because you do want your shot to be in focus. You can view my shots below. No edits have been made except for resizing.

The Not-so-Good

Software For the G7, LG is using what they call UX, the same skin they have been using for years, albeit a bit updated and somewhat modernized. The software has plenty of added features built into it on top of what you get with Android Oreo, but if you've ever read one of my reviews, I feel that LG (and Samsung, for that matter) tend to go overboard with some of the features, rendering a lot of it to feel like bloat. I already talked a bit about this in the camera section, so let's go over a few of the things in the actual UX software. For one, LG has something called Smart Bulletin built directly into the phone's launcher. Interesting, if you use a custom launcher, which I suggest anyone buying this phone use, you'll never see Smart Bulletin again. Additionally, you can opt to have Google Feed shown instead, which means LG already knows you may not want to use it anyway. Inside Smart Bulletin, you can access your Context Awareness, which has its own place in the Settings menu. By having two places to access this functionality, I see it as rather redundant. Smart Bulletin also has a widget for controlling your music playback, as if you don't have a notification pulldown for doing that or the actual Music app itself. Sadly, this music widget can only control music loaded onto your device, nothing from Google Play Music or Spotify. So, unless you're actually loading music onto your phone (I don't know anyone who does that these days), it's useless. There are other things besides Smart Bulletin I don't find all too helpful. In the Settings, there is something called Floating Bar. With it, you can access app shortcuts and Capture+ controls, but again, all of the things Floating Bar does can be found right in your notification pulldown. The phone is littered with redundancy, and when we're talking about a smartphone and not an airplane, it's just not necessary. It's not all bad, though, so I don't want to come across like all of it is useless. The Context Awareness feature is cool for setting device profiles based on your location. There is Gaming Tools for making your gaming experience more enjoyable and there is KnockON for turning your display on and off very quickly. As someone who is a fan of a more clean, streamlined UI, it's a lot to take in. If you're new to Android, it's entirely possible you won't ever find and use these features. Considering I recommend Android phones for a living, LG's skin is the major thing that has me telling folks to stay away.

Other Notes

Girlfriend Impressions - "In terms of in-hand feel, size, and weight, probably one of my favorite phones to date. The notch on the display does not bother me. Love the fingerprint reader placement. I don't understand why there needs to be a separate Google Assistant button, but it's a solid device."
Headphone Jack - It's got a headphone jack, audiophiles rejoice!
Software Updates - For software updates, we're sorta optimistic for the G7. While the G6 on Verizon only received Oreo this May, which is by no means impressive, we have to maintain a bit of faith in Google's Treble. With it, we should see OEMs pushing updates a bit more timely, and even Qualcomm has said that phones running the Snapdragon 845 should see the update to Android P quicker than others. Guess we'll find out later this year.

Availability and Pricing

When LG announced the G7, it said pricing would be similar to the LG G6. The lie detector determined that was a lie. The G6 launched with a price of around $650-ish on carriers, with the unlocked model going for $599. That seems like solid pricing for a flagship device, so we were somewhat confused when LG gave us G7 pricing. For the LG G7, pre-orders are just now going up, with Verizon listing the phone at $750 full retail, T-Mobile at $750, and Sprint all the way up at $792. Naturally, monthly payment options are available. And do notice, AT&T is not carrying the G7. Clearly, $750+ is not quite $650, and definitely not near $599. We still don't know where LG's US unlocked model will sit, or if they'll even launch one (we assume they will), but is it safe to bet it will be around $699? Who knows. LG G7 ThinQ Pre-order Links:

Verizon ($31.25/mo, $750 retail)
T-Mobile ($30 down + $30/mo, $750 retail)
Sprint ($33/mo, $792 retail)

Videos

First Look and Tour First 10 Things to Do 20+ Tips and Tricks

Gallery

The Verdict

Should you buy the G7? I wouldn't recommend it. With so many other good options on the market, plus plenty more phones on the horizon, investing in the G7 doesn't sound very appealing. You'll be living with a subpar Android skin, battery life that seems all over the place, as well as the possibility that your phone may not see great software update support. I still stress, though, Google's Treble could help you there, but until we know for sure, buyer beware. I could certainly argue that the phone's hardware, plus some of the pictures and videos you might be able to capture on this device could make it worth it, but I refuse to lead you down that path. What I'd love to see from LG in the future is a slimming down of its skin, focusing more on the essential features they want to provide, and keep going with this audiophile-focused effort. For this phone, though, it's a swing and a miss.

Moto Z3 Play and 5G Moto Mod Make New Appearance

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2018 10:32:14 +0000

Back in January, we outed what we believed to be most of Motorola's 2018 line-up of phones. That day, we showed you a first look at the entire Moto G6 line, the Moto X5 (which may have been canceled), and the Moto Z3, Moto Z3 Play, and a 5G Moto Mod. Since those posts, the Moto G6 has been announced, plus the Moto Z3 Play has continued to leak without announcement. Over the weekend, the Z3 Play leaked again alongside an updated 5G Moto Mod. XDA posted up the new shots, one that shows the front of the Moto Z3 Play sitting next to the 5G Moto Mod. The Z3 Play picture doesn't reveal anything we didn't already tell you. It still shows the white navigation gesture button that's on screen, slimmer bezels than we've had in years past, and a missing fingerprint reader. The 5G Moto Mod is different, though. It's obvious now that the renders we showed you (like the 5G Mod at top of this post) so many months ago were of early designs. Recent leaks of the Z3 Play show a different Moto Mod PIN connector and this 5G Moto Mod is completely changed. This Mod shows the 5G logo on the bottom, but it now has a hump at the top, likely where it houses whatever it'll take to connect to a 5G network. We'll be curious to see what the goal of this 5G Moto Mod is and who it works with. Is the idea that people might buy a Z3 Play or Z3 without 5G, so they'll want to add it later, even as Motorola likely ditches this Mod design? Probably. But which carriers will support it? That logo on the Mod is the official 5G logo, so we aren't getting hints at which carrier would be on board. T-Mobile and AT&T both think they'll launch wireless 5G over the next year. Check out the new pics below.

// XDA

Philips Hue's Big 3.0 Update is Here!

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2018 09:21:17 +0000

The big Philips Hue 3.0 app update that has been teased since January, is now live on Android. If you are a Philips Hue user, prepare yourself, as the update is quite the change. Upfront, you've got a bottom navigation bar now, as well as a more compact layout with updated on-off switches. There are "over 30" new scenes to choose from, a better way to control individual lights in a scene as well as the color you want, new scene creation tool, recently-used colors kept in history, and a general modernization of the app that makes simple light controls much more accessible.

The previous Hue experience was starting to feel quite dated. And while I've already noticed some reviews that aren't thrilled with the changes on Google Play, after spending the past hour with it, I'm actually pretty happy. I have more control, better controls, and more accessible controls, all in an app that looks like it belongs in 2018. Go grab the update now and let us know what you think. Google Play Link

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL May Look Like This

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2018 08:16:29 +0000

Google likely won't introduce the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL until October, assuming they do indeed plan to introduce two new phones later this year. So we are still months away from that happening and the amount of leaks surrounding new phones from Google have been minimal, maybe even non-existent. This weekend, though, two supposed screen protectors labeled as "Pixel3" and "Pixel 3XL" showed on the internet and have people wondering if these are giving us a first preview of what we can expect. The screen protectors have not been verified by anyone, so this really is one of those shoulder-shrugging moments. They might be our first taste of the Pixel 3 design or they might just be garbage. Either way, let's at least acknowledge the possibility because the lack of info surrounding the new Pixel phones is killing us. Here, take a look.

My immediate reaction is that the Pixel 3 looks fine, if not exactly like last year's Pixel 2 XL, and the Pixel 3 XL looks like a phone with a terrible implementation of this notch trend. I say that because even though we have this notch up top with dual cameras of some sort, the bottom chin is ridiculousy large, thanks to a cutout for what we can assume is a speaker. But if these are really giving us a preview of the Pixel 3, they do at least establish a shape that resembles last year's Pixel 2 XL (not the Pixel 2), the return of stereo speakers, and the addition of a second camera up front. To give you an even better visual for what the phones could look like, here are mock-ups done by @VenyaGeskin1, who took the screen protectors above and turned them into full-fledged phone renders.

To be honest, I could see the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL looking just like this. This would be a continuation of the 2017 Pixel 2 design, only with a modernization of the Pixel 3 from the Pixel 2, as well as a trendy notch to up the trendiness of the bigger, Pixel 3 XL. What do you guys think? // Slashleaks

Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL Get a Pretty Simple Bootloader Unlock Method

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2018 09:55:17 +0000

Shortly after the original Google Pixel and Pixel XL were launched, if owners had purchased either phone from Verizon, there was a brief opportunity where they could unlock their bootloaders. If they missed this initial opportunity and took software updates that followed, they were out of luck and only then able to pick-up official updates. Additionally, if you bought a Verizon Pixel or Pixel XL at any time in recent months (or the past year), as far as I know, there has been no method to fully open up your phone. That is until now. Thanks to what appears to be a long-running group effort over at XDA, a method has been discovered that allows Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL owners to unlock bootloaders once again. Why would you want to do that? If you like to tinker with your phone, this is step 1. But also, if you want to flash image files from Google to get updates sooner or test things like Developer Previews, you would need an unlocked bootloader. The method put together over at XDA seems about as simple as you'll find anywhere. In all my years of unlocking phones or rooting, the steps involved often become frustrating at the fact that you would need to flash special images that were insecure or take advantage of this or that exploit. With this method, you simply follow a series of steps that includes all of 2 adb commands. I'm not kidding. I've posted the instructions below, but should you run into anything, be sure to hit up those links at the bottom for any help or questions.

Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL Bootloader Unlock:

1. Remove Google account and any kind of screen lock (fingerprint, PIN, pattern, etc.) from your device. 2. Eject sim card from your device. 3. Reset your device. In setup wizard, skip everything, don't connect to WiFi, don't add fingerprint or any kind of screen lock. 4. Go to Developer Options and enable USB debugging. 5. Connect your phone to PC. 6. Open CMD in adb directory and type:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.phone

7. Restart your device. 8. Connect to WiFi, open Chrome and go to google.com (or any website really). 9. Go to Developer Options and enable OEM unlocking. 10. Reboot into bootloader and via CMD run:

fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flashing unlock

11. Profit // XDA [2]

DEAL: Google Pixel Buds are $30 Off Today at Best Buy

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2018 09:19:53 +0000

Google's first headphones, the Pixel Buds, weren't exactly heavily praised when they first arrived late last year. Even with Google Assistant onboard with all the smarts you could ask for in a pair of earbuds, they were a confusing product that cost $160. Since release, Google has updated them to fix a couple of their major flaws and now we are seeing a price drop to $129.99 at Best Buy. They may be worth considering again. Best Buy has all three colors of Pixel Buds right now at the $30 discount. I'd imagine this discount will go away after today, as it's likely a part of Best Buy's big Memorial Day sale. To recap, the Pixel Buds include a touch-sensitive pad that allows you to control them, plus they have Google Assistant built-in. That means you get an assistant experience in your ear, as well as wireless tunes. They charge via case that takes some getting used to and sport decent battery life. Buy Google Pixel Buds

DEAL: Refurbished Pixel or Pixel XL Available as Low as $209 or $219

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2018 09:04:29 +0000

Since it's Memorial Day, a quick look around your favorite electronics dealers shows nothing but discounts on many of your favorite electronics. Daily Steals happens to have a solid one too, in the form of a ridiculously low price on Google's original Pixel and Pixel XL. If you don't mind a refurbished phone, you can pick-up a regular Google Pixel for as low as $209.99 or a Pixel XL for $219.99. Those are 32GB variant prices, but if you need more storage, the 128GB models aren't much more. A 128GB Pixel is just $239.99 and the 128GB Pixel XL is $259.99. Daily Steals currently has all of the colors in stock too. The listing notes that this is technically a Verizon version of the Pixel and Pixel XL, but they are unlocked and work on all carriers. Daily Steals Link

Weekly Recap: DL Show Looking Extra Fresh, You Should Check It Out

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2018 16:45:23 +0000

We thought that this week might be a slower week in terms of big news, but that wasn't really been the case. We got the HTC U12+, learned that Essential might be killing their next phone, heard rumors that Samsung is returning to Wear OS, and saw the launch of YouTube Music (allegedly). Not only that, but we launched an all new format to the Droid Life Show, and man, it looks and sounds pretty damn good. If you have not watched in a while, this is one I'd recommend. Be sure to catch up on this week in Android. We've hand-picked all of the biggest stories for you below.

WATCH: DL Show Episode 174 | Subscribe
Watch: HTC U12+ first look!
HTC U12+ is official and $800 | Specs
Essential has canceled their next phone, may sell the company
Essential pushes Android P Beta update
Opinion: Wireless charging is overrated.
Watch: First 10 things to do with your OnePlus 6
OnePlus 6 now available for purchase
NVIDIA SHIELD TV gets big update to Android Oreo
YouTube Music supposedly launches
Google Play Music members will be taken care of in YouTube Music
Google, don't put ads in the damn Feed
Opinion: I'm over these carrier bill credit "deals"
Samsung might return to Wear OS later this year, ditch Tizen
Watch: LG G7 ThinQ tips and tricks!
LG G7 ThinQ now up for pre-order in the US
VPNhub is a free VPN service from a familiar adult friend
May security patch: T-Mobile Note 8, S8, S8+ | Verizon too

Be safe this weekend. Own that BBQ. Hug your friends and family.

DEAL: Nest Thermostats are Up to $50 Off, Plus You Get a Free Google Home Mini

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2018 16:15:53 +0000

Since it's Memorial Day Weekend, the deals are flowing at tech retailers. We already told you about that sweet Nanoleaf Aurora deal, but this one might be better. Best Buy has all sorts of discounts on Google Home bundles, including this drop on Nest Thermostats. If you buy a Nest Thermostat (3rd Gen), you'll save $50 off the price of it, plus you get a Google Home Mini as a free bonus. So pay $199 for any color of the Nest Thermostat (3rd Gen) and get a free Home Mini. Also, if you buy a Nest Thermostat E, you'll save $20 off its normal price and still get a free Google Home Mini too. Can't beat those Nest prices, but that free Home Mini tossed in makes it an easy pickup. Best Buy Deal Link

DEAL: Get a Nanoleaf Aurora Rhythm Starter Kit for $30 Off, Down to $199

Tim — Fri, 25 May 2018 14:31:26 +0000

Nanoleaf Aurora, one of my favorite smart lighting systems on the market, is currently on sale at Best Buy thanks to Memorial Day. With the promotion, Best Buy is listing a Rhythm Starter Kit for $30 off its usual price, bringing it down to $199. Included in the Rhythm kit are nine LED Panels for sticking to your wall, plus the Rhythm sensor that reacts to sound in the room where your kit is connected. As an example, whenever I have my Rhythm activated and I'm playing music, I get a sweet light show from Aurora. The lights themselves can be set up with various scenes and custom colors, all programmable via the Nanoleaf app for Android and iOS. I actually did a big writeup for the Nanoleaf Aurora which you can see here. And yes, it works perfectly well with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Follow the link below to take advantage of the savings. Best Buy Link

Essential Pushing Update to Android P Beta Users, Fixes Cellular Issues and More

Tim — Fri, 25 May 2018 13:13:48 +0000

Essential is in the process of sending out an update via OTA to users of the Android P beta, something we weren't quite expecting today. Earlier this week, it was reported that Essential has essentially cancelled any plans for an Essential Phone 2, which was confirmed later by Andy Rubin. For those who do own this phone, Essential states the update has fixes for cellular connectivity, a fix for Dark Mode, as well as Bluetooth fixes. If you're running the Android P beta, you should receive an OTA notification soon. If you're not running the beta but would like to, go here for instructions on how to get it up and running. Essential, keep impressing us with these updates. https://twitter.com/essential/status/1000079691443716096

Great: Ads Showing Up in the Google Feed

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2018 09:51:03 +0000

As if the Google Feed, formerly known as Google Now, couldn't fall further into the hole of questionable Google decisions that ruin perfectly great products, some users are now seeing ads in-between article cards. Great! Exactly what we were looking for. We aren't seeing ads in our Google Feeds at the moment, but a number of users on Twitter pointed out the new addition. This could be a small test by Google, though I can't imagine a company who makes money off of ads wouldn't just roll this out to everyone. Like, what are you going to do about, folks? Oh I know, stop using the sh*tty Google Feed. It's borderline worthless at this point and no longer resembles the product that once brought efficiency to your life by keeping you up-to-date on your day. If you want news from Google, use their stellar new Google News app. I wouldn't waste my time in the curated news that shows up in the Feed with cards that can no longer be swiped away. If you do decide to care about the Google Feed, enjoy the ads. // Android Police

Podcast: Swimming in Phones

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2018 09:22:09 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're back to talk about this week's big phone announcement of the HTC U12+. Does it stand a chance? How good is it? Should you buy one? We'll tackle all of that after spending some time with the phone earlier in the week. After that, we want to talk about the future of Essential after they reportedly canceled their second phone, what's going on with YouTube Music, whether or not Samsung can save Wear OS, and any other new thoughts we have on the G7 and OnePlus 6 before our reviews drop. Trivia is back as well, so if you catch us live, be sure to stick around until the end of the show for a chance to win fabulous prizes. We’ll open the show at 11:00AM Pacific (2:00PM Eastern). If you miss us live and/or want the audio version of our podcast, you can subscribe through the various links below.

Droid Life

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Team of Experts

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A Galaxy Note 9 Unboxing!

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