Droid Life

OnePlus Pay Launches in China, May Eventually Head to US

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 08:32:13 +0000

OnePlus has apparently launched its very own payments service in China this week called OnePlus Pay, the same one it teased for a very short period last year during a press event for the OnePlus 7T. The service appears to be rather limited in its infancy, supporting just a few Chinese banking cards, but that seems to always be the case for these types of services when first available. When Samsung Pay launched, it wasn't widely adopted and the same is happening right now for LG Pay. It takes time, but eventually, it should see wider adoption. From what we can tell when translating the Chinese reports, it looks like only the OnePlus 7T currently has the functionality, but it's expected for OnePlus to open it up to different devices down the road. We'll keep you posted if we learn anything new or see OnePlus start teasing it for different markets. I'm always down for not having to take my wallet out. // Gizchina | ITHome

T-Mobile's Free YouTube Premium Deal is Live!

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 08:21:07 +0000

The T-Mobile Tuesdays deal for 2 free months of YouTube Premium that we told you about yesterday is now live. If you are a T-Mobile customer, install the T-Mo Tuesdays app and claim it! How do you grab that free YouTube Premium? It couldn't be easier.

Install the T-Mobile Tuesdays app and login
Look for the "2 months free ad-free YouTube" box and tap on it
Click the "Claim" button
Now click the "Redeem" button
When redirected to YouTube, you'll then get to "Start 2-month trial," where you'll also have to add a payment method.
Enjoy.

A couple of things to note here. One, if you don't want to continue with YouTube Premium after the 2 months, you have to remember to cancel, otherwise you will be automatically charged $11.99/mo. Two, if you are a current YouTube Premium subscriber, you are still eligible. To get the deal, T-Mobile suggests you cancel your current subscription, then redeem this promotion. You have until April 21 to claim or save this deal to your T-Mobile Tuesdays app. You'll need to activate or redeem it by May 1 or it will expire. Why do you want YouTube Premium? Because it removes the ads from YouTube, let's you download videos or music for offline playback, and adds background playback, so you can continue listening to videos as you do other things on your phone. It also gives you access to YouTube Music Premium, which is YouTube's Spotify-like music service. Google Play Link: T-Mobile Tuesdays

Galaxy S20, S20+ are $200 Off Right Now at Amazon

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:04:00 +0000

Samsung's Galaxy S20 line of phones is an expensive one, there's no getting around that fact. So when discounts arrive, we tend to want to let you know immediately, especially if you've been eyeing one without the want to pay full price. Today is a good day to buy. Amazon has both the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20+ on sale with a $200 discount. That promo will get you a Galaxy S20 for as little as $799 or a Galaxy S20+ for $999. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is not currently discounted, for whatever reason. Are either of these devices worth it at $800 and $1000 price points? We could argue over that for days. What I'd tell you is that I've been using the Galaxy S20 for weeks now and absolutely love it (review, some day!). The Galaxy S20+ is just a bigger S20, so I'm going to assume it's as good. Seriously, these two phones are awesome in so many ways (display, camera, design, performance, and camera). The deal doesn't need a coupon code, so just start shopping by color and then sit back as your new phone arrives.

Amazon Link: Galaxy S20, S20+, & S20 Ultra

RELATED: Galaxy S20 Ultra Review

Friendly PSA: T-Mobile Will Provide Free MLB.TV Once World is Back to Normal

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:41:02 +0000

In case you hadn't noticed, sports around the globe are currently on hold, and yes, that includes Major League Baseball. Earlier this year, T-Mobile announced that it would be back on March 24 to provide another free season of MLB.TV to eligible wireless customers, but as you can probably gather, there's not much need for a MLB.TV subscription these days. In an email sent out this morning from T-Mobile, the company stated that as soon as baseball is back, so will a free season of MLB.TV.

At T-Mobile, we love baseball as much as you do. And the second it's back, we'll be on deck with free MLB.TV for T-Mobile customers starting Opening Day. We'll be there to connect you to your team, from the first play to the last K, on America's first and only nationwide 5G. See you on Opening Day.

Hang in there, sports fans!

Verizon Gives Customers Extra 15GB of Data to Use Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:03:36 +0000

As a part of their pledge to support those affected by coronavirus, Verizon today announced that they are giving wireless and small business customers an extra 15GB of data to use at no additional charge. Since so many have unlimited data plans, there are some things to note here. First of all, the free 15GB of data is available to customers from March 25 through April 30. It will be added to your plans at no charge and new customers can also take advantage. You do not need to do anything to get the data as it will be added automatically. If you are an unlimited customer, Verizon is getting you the data in the form of additional hotspot data. For prepaid folks, you'll get the 15GB added to your plan for use in almost any way. Jetpack customers are included in the bonus as well. Here's the breakdown of who gets what, according to Verizon:

For Verizon consumer and small business postpaid unlimited customers, 15GB of 4G LTE hotspot data will be added to your current plan.
For Verizon consumer prepaid and consumer and small business postpaid metered customers, 15GB will be added to your current standalone or shared data plan, which can be used for smartphone, hotspot or other connected device use.
Standalone metered and unlimited Jetpack plans will also be provided an additional 15GB of 4G LTE data.
There is no action needed as the data will automatically be added to your plan.

Verizon did specify that all plans available since 2015 are eligible for this data boost, including the following plans: More Everything, Verizon Plan 1.0, Verizon Plan 2.0, the Verizon Unlimited Plan, and all Mix & Match Unlimited plans. For small businesses, as long as you have 50 lines or less, you too will get the data boost. This news of a free 15GB data comes in addition to Verizon's pledge to keep everyone connected and not charge late fees. Of course, that whole pledge is quite vague and they never did respond to us when we asked for specifics on how people can take advantage. That's pretty shitty, to be honest, and they should make it crystal clear how you can take advantage of everything during this time of crisis. As for the free data, again, you should see it on March 25. // Verizon

T-Mobile is Giving Customers Free YouTube Premium for 2 Months (Updated: Live!)

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 09:09:06 +0000

UPDATE 3/24: This deal is now live! Go get it!

As the country continues to deal with COVID-19, T-Mobile continues to offer its customers new benefits. From increasing most customers to unlimited data, to launching the new Connect plan for $15, T-Mobile has offered a number of changes and options. Today, they are adding yet another freebie: free YouTube Premium for 2 months through T-Mobile Tuesdays. Starting tomorrow, March 24, T-Mobile is giving its customers access to YouTube's ad-free tier. With YouTube Premium, you'll not only have zero ads, you'll get access to YouTube Music Premium, video/audio background playing, offline playback, and downloads. It normally costs $11.99/mo. To claim, all you have to do is hit that link below to install the T-Mobile Tuesdays app on your phone. The promo will go live on March 24. You'll be able to save the offer (do it before April 21) and then decide when you want to redeem it (you have until May 1). Once the free 2 months are up, you'll be charged $11.99/mo unless you cancel, so keep that in mind. Tomorrow! Google Play Link: T-Mobile Tuesdays // T-Mobile

T-Mobile Launching $15/Month 'Connect' Plan Early on March 25 in Response to COVID-19

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 08:47:28 +0000

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, T-Mobile is pushing its plans to launch Connect, a $15/month unlimited talk and text plan, up to this Wednesday, March 25. This is the same plan that was detailed back in November that was to launch once the T-Mobile, Sprint merger was completed, but the carrier wants to allow for people to have a widely accessible option during these uncertain times. The details for Connect are straightforward enough. For unlimited talk and text, plus 2GB of data, the price is $15/month. For $25/month, you can get access to 5GB of data. That's as barebones as it gets these days. Also announced, Metro by T-Mobile is launching lower-priced plans and offers on March 25, too. Those deals are as follows.

For the next two months, Metro is offering a $15 plan – that’s half the price of the current most affordable plan. For 60 days after customers activate, it’s just $15 per month for unlimited talk and text plus 2GB of high-speed smartphone data.
New and current Metro customers with any voice line can also get a free 8” tablet (via rebate redemption) with a $15 unlimited tablet data plan.
MetroSmart Hotspot devices will be half off, and the $35 per month data plan will include 20GB — double the normal monthly data — for the next 60 days.

As for why T-Mobile has pushed up the launch of Connect, I think we all know that there is an at-risk population in this country that could certainly benefit from a less expensive cell plan. Here's what T-Mobile CEO John Legere wrote.

Right now, having a reliable, low-cost connection is absolutely crucial for Americans, and with many facing financial strain, time is of the essence. We knew we couldn’t wait for the merger to finalize to launch T-Mobile Connect, our lowest priced smartphone plan, so we’re rolling out ahead of schedule. With T-Mobile Connect, we’re giving those hardest hit an even more affordable way to stay in touch. Half the price of our lowest-ever priced smartphone plan. So everyone can stay connected.

T-Mobile's Connect goes live on Wednesday, March 25. // T-Mobile

Galaxy S20 Camera Fix Update Arrives in the US

Kellen — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 09:11:41 +0000

From the minute the first units starting arriving in the hands of Galaxy S20 owners, almost everyone collectively noticed that the camera needed some work. Not necessarily in the processing department, as cameras on the S20 line were impressive there, but in autofocus, where the camera was caught seeking just a bit much and was also slow to re-focus in-between shots. Samsung had to assure everyone that they were planning to update the camera in the near future and that update is now arriving in the US. Reports of it hitting the US unlocked models started yesterday, while Verizon has now confirmed that its Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra units are also in on this update action. Builds of G986USQU1ATCH and G988USQU1ATCH are available now for those Big Red devices, and I'd imagine the regular Galaxy S20 will see something like G981USQU1ATCH. The update keeps the March 2020 security patch and "provides system enhancements and improves camera performance on your device." See, it's the camera update we've been waiting for. My unlocked unit is still on T-Mobile, so I have not yet received it because T-Mobile is awful at updating its phones as quickly as all other carriers. Let us know if you've seen it!

After Short Delay, Google Launches Coronavirus Informational Website

Kellen — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 10:22:49 +0000

I know there was some confusion around Google launching a COVID-19 website, thanks in part to...oh who cares - the website is now live. Yes, the coronavirus website that Google eventually committed to launching, only to see it delayed slightly, is here. So we are clear, this isn't the website so many in media have told you was coming, the one where you can get info on screening and setting up a test. This was never going to be that. That site is a site from a Google company called Verily that started Project Baseline, a California-only project aimed at helping with that whole screening and testing thing. The website we're talking about right now is just an informational site and is the only thing Google ever committed to as a nationwide project. What do you get with this new Google COVID-19 website? Again, just information. If you head over to www.google.com/covid19, you'll find information on coronavirus symptoms, prevention, treatments, safety & prevention tips, and how you can support relief efforts. There are links to authorities like the WHO and CDC. There's even a section on keeping yourself well while at home, with info on working from home, cooking, working out, and more. That's not all Google has launched, though. The mobile search experience for "coronavirus" now presents you with tabs of information at the ready. They are also adding notes to searches for hospitals or for those seeking medical care about the CDC's recommendation for doing such. Basically, Google is trying to stop our healthcare system from getting overwhelmed by people heading into emergency rooms too early. If you need information, Google is now doing its best to provide it to you in one place. // Google

You can Get TIDAL Premium or HiFi for $4 for 4 Months Right Now

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:57:05 +0000

Social distancing might be easier on everyone if we had a sweet pair of headphones and a premium music subscription to jam out to, no? TIDAL thinks so and is offering up either of their paid plans for 4 months at a cost of just $4. What I'm saying here is that you can subscribe to either TIDAL Premium or TIDAL HiFi for just $4 and get 120 days worth of service. That's one of the better deals I've seen in music in some time. TIDAL Premium typically costs $9.99/mo, so that's a cool $36 savings. TIDAL HiFi is even more expensive at $19.99/mo, yet still only costs $4 ($76 off). Curious why there is such a price difference? Here is the feature set of each:

All you have to do to sign-up is hit that link below, click the "Claim Offer" button, then decide which plan you want.

Sign-up for TIDAL for $4

Google's New Double-Tap Gesture in Android 11 on Pixel Phones Sounds Great

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:38:25 +0000

Through the first two Developer Previews of Android 11, hints of a new gesture control for Pixel phones have been spotted. Unlike the navigation system or squeezy sides, we're talking specifically about a gesture that involves the back of Google's phones. Should these launch, I can see myself gettin' real busy with them - they make a lot of sense. The folks at XDA first discovered these new gestures in Android 11 DP1, but noticed even more work completed on them in this week's DP2. The gesture, since I've for some reason still not mentioned what it is, is a double-tap gesture for the back of Pixel phones that launches actions. Google envisions these back actions being acknowledged through a phone's accelerometer and gyroscope, where they'll recognize you tapping twice to perform a task. That could mean double-tapping to launch Google Assistant, take a screenshot, dismissing a timer, playing or pausing media, snoozing alarms, launching the camera, or performing an action defined by the user (like launching an app?). Google has built-in ways for this gesture to only launch at proper times too, so if you have the camera open or are on the lock screen of your phone, it should stop the double-tap action from happening. That's a smart choice to have built-in, since a double-tap launching Assistant as you fumble a phone when you are about to take a picture would be annoying. So far, there is evidence that Google is working on support for the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, and Pixel 3. They could (technically) add these to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3a, the evidence of that just hasn't shown up yet. You liking this idea as much as I am? I'd love to be able to quick-tap a screenshot or pause/play music. // XDA

Google I/O 2020 Now Fully Cancelled

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:18:56 +0000

Google I/O 2020 has been fully cancelled. After originally cancelling the in-person, physical I/O festival and suggesting there would be some sort of I/O experience alternative option for developers (possibly online), Google announced today that they "will not be holding an I/O event in any capacity this year." In a string of Tweets and via email to those planning to attend, Google said the following:

Out of concern for the health and safety of our developers, employees, and local communities — and in line with recent “shelter in place” orders by the local Bay Area counties — we sadly will not be holding I/O in any capacity this year. Right now, the most important thing all of us can do is focus our attention on helping people with the new challenges we all face. Please know that we remain committed to finding other ways to share platform updates with you through our developer blogs and community forums. Take care of yourselves. We’ll continue to do everything we can to help our communities stay safe, informed, and connected. Any questions can be sent to io@google.com. The Google I/O Team

Coronavirus sucks. https://twitter.com/googledevs/status/1241077131993427968

Google Assistant is Here to Help You Wash Your Hands Better

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:37:25 +0000

First of all, happy Friday, everyone. I know life has its challenges right now for pretty obvious reasons. Being stuck at home away from family and friends is never going to be easy, but we've got to do what we can to get this COVID-19 situation under control. Obviously, one of the ways we do that is by washing our hands as thoroughly as we can. To help lighten the mood in that area and also help some, here's a fun Google Assistant command to use as you continue washing the sh*t out of your hands multiple times per day. Just say to Google, "Hey Google, help me wash my hands." The Assistant will then play a fun song for you for 40 seconds as you scrub-a-dub-pug. Nice.

Google Assistant can help you and your family put the handwashing best practices from @WHO to use. 🧼
Just say "#HeyGoogle, help me wash my hands," and Google Assistant will play a song for 40 seconds. pic.twitter.com/aZRLpas816 — Google (@Google) March 20, 2020

Google Stadia Premiere Edition Gets $30 Discount for Today Only

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 08:13:33 +0000

Asking whether or not Google Stadia is worth buying is a question without a straight answer. For the most part, no, Stadia is not going to be worth it for a long, long time. I say that because it's not even close to being the platform that Google told us to expect it to become. It is a shell of its supposed future with a limited game selection. With that said, it is on sale today and today only. Well, the Google Stadia Premiere Edition controller bundle is on sale, and I'm actually leaning towards it being semi-worth it. Let me explain why. First of all, the normal $129 price for this bundle is down to $99. We like $30 discounts. Second, this isn't just a Google Stadia controller deal, it's also a bundle on 3 months of Stadia Pro service and a Google Chromecast Ultra. If you were to buy a Chromecast Ultra by itself, you'd spend $69, so for $30 more, you get a Stadia controller with it and 3 months of Stadia service. A Stadia controller by itself would cost $69. Ok, so you can see the savings in hardware, right? Let's not forget about that Stadia Pro subscription, which typically costs $9.99/mo for 4K streaming, 5.1 sound, a bunch of free games, and other discounts. Altogether, you get a Stadia controller ($69), Chromecast Ultra ($69), and 3 months of Stadia Pro ($30), for $99. All purchased separately, that would cost you $168, without today's deal, it would cost you $129. At $99, that's not a bad price! "But Kellen, is there a game selection yet?" It's gotten better. It's not great, but better. DOOM Eternal launched today across the globe and Stadia has it day 1. It looks pretty damn fun and reviewers are absolutely in love with it. Also, if you buy this deal, you'll get a Stadia Pro account and access to whatever games Stadia Pro has for free, which currently is a list of 7 games. Google also added games like Borderlands 3, the Serious Sam Collection, and Red Dead Redemption 2 since launch, plus The Division 2 and The Crew 2 are coming over the next couple of weeks. Look, this is a bit of a tough call, but if you have just now realized that we are all going to be stuck at home for a long time, thanks to COVID-19, and you want a gaming setup that won't cost much, this is an option. An Xbox or Playstation will still cost several hundred dollars, but for $99 today, you get everything you need, including access to a bunch of free games. Today only!

Shop Google Stadia Premiere Edition

Here's the Essential Phone 2 You Wanted and Never Got

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:35:21 +0000

Essential is no longer a company after closing up shop in February. The story of Andy Rubin's phone and home tech startup was a rocky one in-part filled with pretty disturbing claims about its founder. Still, even in the short time they existed while only making a single phone - and prior to all of the allegations against Rubin - they pushed an idea that a lot of us initially got behind. The original Essential Phone might have been flawed, yet there was hope that a 2nd version might be the phone so many of us had wanted a company not named Google to make. With the company now gone, we'll never know what an Essential Phone 2 (PH-2) or 3 (PH-3) or their weird Project Gem device could have been like. They might have been awful. They might have been game-changers. If anything, the thought of what could have been will be on my mind for a while in this oft-drab tech landscape. That's not to say anyone should be sad about the demise of Essential. When your company's creator is hit with the kinds of accusations that Rubin has been hit with, it's going to be hard to cheer them into any success. If you are curious, though, one of the Essential designers, Kevin Hoffman, shared a bunch of images of the PH-2 and PH-3, along with their stories to his personal site. He has since locked that content, but others were able to access it before that happened.

Essential Phone 2 (PH-2)

Essential Phone 3 (PH-3)

From what Hoffman shared, it sounds like the Essential Phone 2 was close to launching, only to have it shelved in favor of Essential's smart home hub, which also never launched. That matches up closely to reporting from mid-2018. As for the Essential Phone 3, they were likely in early stages of development as they tried to product the Project Gem device. As you can see from the images above, they still hadn't quite settled on a design, whereas the Essential Phone 2 looked about ready. Interesting or nah? // Kevin Hoffman | 9to5Google

How Hot is This Marble OnePlus 7T?

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 13:42:27 +0000

One of the things I've always liked about OnePlus is their willingness to try new textures or colors or materials on the backs of their phones. In a series of pictures posted to Twitter today, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau highlighted that willingness by showing off a number of different color and material ideas for OnePlus phones that never came to be. I can tell you right now that my favorite is the OnePlus 7T with a marble finish. Talk about unique look that is both elegant and original. I'd buy one today if they made it, I think. Lau also showed off gradient ideas, a wood grain, and some other more subtle whites and matte finishes. He teased that there is "more to share soon," so you have to wonder if the OnePlus 8 is going to offer a look outside of the standard shiny, glossy glass finishes we've grown accustomed to. We all know how awesome that original sandstone was on the OnePlus One, but don't forget that they were close to letting you swap in a number of StyleSwap covers with materials from bamboo to denim. They cancelled those, of course, because they were incredibly difficult to swap properly. Still, if you want something fresh in design, OnePlus should have your attention.

https://twitter.com/PeteLau/status/1240701675288969216

VIDEO: LG V60 Unboxing and Tour!

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:45:59 +0000

The new V60 from LG is available at select carriers this week in the US, complete with its new Dual Screen accessory. Priced starting at $799, the V60 comes equipped with a Snapdragon 865 processor, 5G connectivity, plus a very large 6.8" FHD+ display. When you combine it with LG's updated Dual Screen accessory, you get an additional 6.8" of display real estate. We have full specs here should you need them. The unboxing is just the first step in our road to a full review. We'll be back with plenty more V60 content. In the meantime, is there anything you need to know? Have at it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fcoZm29Tw

Netflix Will Start Lowering Video Quality in Europe to Help Networks (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:43:14 +0000

The coronavirus has come for Netflix. In Europe, to try and help with network load and strain, Netflix has decided to lower quality on video streams to standard definition for the time being. With so many folks staying at home, our internet connections are all going to be more important than ever. Since streaming video takes up the most bandwidth, reducing video quality like Netflix is doing in Europe could certainly make a difference. Again, our home internet is going to be more important than ever in the coming weeks and months. Netflix is following a recommendation from EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and has decided to reduce bit rates across European streams for the next 30 days. In a statement to Business Insider, a Netflix spokesperson said, "We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25 percent while also ensuring a good quality service for our members." So far, the US does not appear to have the same internet concerns. That could change, and should it, we'll let you know.

UPDATE: YouTube (via Reuters) and Amazon Prime (via Engadget) are doing the same.

// Business Insider

Google Camera Go Brings a Better Camera to Entry Level Phones

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:08:17 +0000

Google's Go Edition line of phones is about as entry-level as it gets. These are phones that have a minimum set of specs with prices low enough that they are ultra-affordable, yet still offer quality with that value. But because they are so entry-level, one of their biggest issues has been a poor camera experience. Google has an idea about how to fix that. Today, Google announced Google Camera Go as a better camera app for Go Edition devices. This camera app will do some advanced stuff, like take portrait photos, but it'll also worry about phone speed and storage. It's super clean and simple, plus it'll tell you if you have enough storage left to keep taking photos. Camera Go is not for everyone and will launch first on the Nokia 1.3 shortly. I'd imagine Google will make it more widely available after that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4R0uoplfwM // Google

Samsung has a Free $5 in Rewards Points to Give You

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 09:06:04 +0000

Samsung knows you like free stuff, Samsung phone owner, so how does a free $5 to spend in rewards points sound? Cool, here's how to get just that. On your Samsung phone that has Samsung Pay (basically any modern Samsung phone dating back to 2015), open the Samsung Pay app. From the "Home" tab, there is a carousel of offers at the top - you want to scroll until you see the "Level up with $5 in Rewards points on us" banner (see image above). Once you find that, tap on it and walk through the 2-3 steps to claim those 1,000 rewards points. After claiming, I should point out that these Samsung Rewards points go into your Rewards pot, they aren't just there for games and apps purchases on Samsung's Galaxy Store. You should be able to use them towards accessories or phones or whatever on Samsung's bigger store too. The points are pretty universal to Samsung's ecosystem of stores. Go grab that free cash!

Fossil Sport Drops to Just $69 With Promo Code

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 08:21:56 +0000

The Fossil Sport is so cheap at this point that I'm not sure why you wouldn't pick one up, just to see what Wear OS is about. It'll get you fitness tracking, notifications on your wrist that might let you put your phone down some, and a bit of style to raise those spirits as we all sit at home for the foreseeable future. Thanks to a 30% off sale on select styles on Fossil's online shop, you can grab the Fossil Sport for as little as $69.30. We're talking under $70 for a watch that at one time retailed for almost $300. Fossil appears to be quickly selling through almost all colors, so you may want to hurry. Just slap in code "SPRING30" at checkout to see the price drop.

Shop Fossil Sport

RELATED: Fossil Sport Review

Android 11 Likely to Bring Super Useful "Quick Controls" Shortcut for Power Menu

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 14:39:44 +0000

It appears that Google is working on a way to make the Pixel phone's power menu a lot more useful. Detailed by a developer on XDA, an app they created that can tap in an in-development API from Google accesses a new UI for the Pixel's power menu when running Android 11 DP2. As we can see thanks to two screenshots, the new UI for the power menu is a "Quick Control" shortcut heaven, complete with shortcuts for screenshot, lightbulb control, as well as the potential to add custom shortcuts down the road. Obviously, this is all still in testing, potentially behaving and looking different down the road, but this is still a cool idea and hopefully it's implemented in the upcoming Android 11 public beta. Nice, Google!

// XDA

Samsung Rolls Out Camera Update to International Galaxy S20 Lineup, Addresses Auto Focus Speed

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:45:46 +0000

Detailed by SamMobile this week, a new update is rolling out to international models of the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra (review here), aiming to improve auto focus speed for the camera on the devices. If not aware, that's one of the issues owners are having with the phones -- slow auto focus. Most of us here in the US aren't using Exynos-powered Galaxy S20 devices, but because this is how Samsung operates (they tend to work on their own stuff first), Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S20 owners should all expect this same camera update to hit their devices in the near future. What I'm not seeing mentioned is the focus area concerns I have with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. When using the main sensor, the phone is extremely aggressive with its bokeh effect on anything that isn't directly in the center of your shot. It's not that we don't love bokeh, it's just that it's really, really aggressive at times. It just needs a bit of tweaking, Samsung! As soon as we start seeing this pop up in the US, we'll let you know. // SamMobile

Wednesday Question: What Makes a Phone Worth $1,400?

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:02:33 +0000

In my review for the Galaxy S20 Ultra, while I did say the phone was near perfect, I didn't explicitly say that the phone is worth $1,400. However, that's how much it costs and if I were to begin building a dream phone, it's safe to say that the S20 Ultra is close to what I picture. The phone has 5G for a future proofing, a ton of cameras for all sorts of shots (yes, Samsung needs to tweak the focusing), 8K video recording, about as large of a battery as you can have for a smartphone at 5,000mAh, fantastic hardware, 120Hz refresh rate-capable display, stereo speakers, the latest available silicon from Qualcomm, and the list goes on. Basically, whatever you can throw into a phone, the S20 Ultra has it. If this is the case, then why is reddit upset and saying this phone is "overhyped" and that "It's not perfection and it's definitely NOT worth its price." Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't mind at all if people disagree with me. However, I'd love for a bit of dialogue on this subject. My question to you all is, what makes a phone worth $1,400? I know the quick answer for some is, "Nothing," but let's try to go deeper. Does it need to fold in half? Does it need to have a stylus? If the S20 Ultra isn't worth $1,400 to you right now, what would make it worth that much? Let me hear you!

Pixel Styles & Wallpapers Gets Slick Improvements in Android 11 DP2

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 11:20:19 +0000

The Styles & Wallpapers section of Google Pixel phones is getting a revamped UI in the latest Android 11 Developer Preview 2. The new look introduces a new "Clock" section and a cleaner appearance for the wallpaper picker. Previously, the Styles & Wallpapers theming section had just two areas: Style and Wallpaper. Now, in Android 11 DP2, you get a new "Clock" column that appears to be a preview of what's to come. As of today, there is a single "Default" clock option, but since it looks like a lockscreen clock setting, I'm just going to assume this means a more customizable lockscreen is coming to Android 11 and Pixel phones. Clock options would be fun! Oh, does this sound familiar? It should! We first talked about this idea of lockscreen clock customizations back before Android 10 was released and still in beta as Android Q. Clearly, this option didn't make the cut, but has now with Android 11 in this middle stage of its development. Will we see the clock options from those Android Q days? I sure hope so.

The other change here is to the wallpaper picker, where we get a UI that matches the Style and Clock tabs. It's a big change from the wallpaper picker of old that was first introduced with Google's Wallpapers app. We now see smaller tiles of wallpapers that take you into a preview of what your phone might look like.

Google Pauses Chrome, Chrome OS Updates to Ensure Everyone Has a Stable Build

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 11:08:44 +0000

Google's Chrome developers announced this week that due to adjusted work schedules, as well as to ensure all users have stable and reliable builds amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, all upcoming Chrome and Chrome OS update releases have been paused. During this time, the team will prioritize updates related to security, "which will be included in Chrome 80." This move means that if you're working from home using the Chrome browser or a Chromebook running Chrome OS, you won't need to worry about a new update rolling in and breaking your machine. Thank goodness. Keep safe, everyone. https://twitter.com/ChromiumDev/status/1240322481778569216

Android 11 DP2 Brings "Require Eyes to be Open" Setting on Pixel 4 Face Unlock

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:54:15 +0000

At launch, the Pixel 4 and its advanced face unlock system had a pretty major security flaw - it could be bypassed even if the face it recorded didn't have its eyes open. Basically, if someone grabbed your phone while you were sleeping and held it up to your face, they could get past the lock screen. Not great, right? Google promised to fix this and add an eyes-open requirement. Months went by without any additional acknowledgement from Google, but earlier this month, we saw the first signs of the feature arriving. Then today, with the Android 11 Developer Preview 2 dropping. it appears Google has now added the eyes-open option. On my Pixel 4 XL running DP2, I now have the option in Face Unlock settings for "Requires eyes to be open." It's a simple toggle that does indeed force me to open my eyes in order for face unlock to work.

Now the question becomes, when does Google add this to phones not on Android 11? Maybe with the April security patch?

Here is Android 11's New Notification History Page

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:33:27 +0000

We're only beginning to dive into Android 11 Developer Preview 2 to see what other elements beyond the technical stuff that Google included and noticed right away that a new "Notification history" page is here. We can finally jump into a dedicated page for the notifications that have run through our phones. When you are on Android 11 DP2 and you swipe down your notification area, you'll see a new option to the bottom left called "History." In previous builds of Android, that said "Manage" and took you into the system app notification settings for all apps. When you tap this new "History" button, you are taken into a list of all the notifications that have cruised through your phone.

Below is a brief look at mine after only a few minutes of use. You can see there is a section for recently dismissed notifications with details and their time. Below that, there is a "Today" section that groups notifications by app or service from the day, with details for each as you tap on them. Assuming you have this running for multiple days, you should be able to go back further than today to see additional notifications. The level of detail here is quite something too. This area is picking up things like Google Play Music trying to download my collection or Google Play doing that wear Wear OS update check.

Out of the box, this was not turned on. I had to tap history, then enter the "Notification history" page to activate it.

Android 11 Developer Preview 2 Now Available!

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:00:11 +0000

Google released Android 11 Developer Preview 2 today to its supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 4. Like the previous Developer Preview, Google is still recommending that you not flash this on your consumer-use device and instead leave it for developers.

RELATED: What's new in Android 11 DP2?

Here's the DP2 build info:

Date: March 18, 2020 Build: RPP2.200227.009 Emulator support: x86 (32/64-bit) Security patch level: March 2020 Google Play services: 20.04.14

For those running DP 1 or DP 1.1, Google is offering an over-the-air (OTA) update for this release. Factory images are still available too, plus you should be able to use the new Android Flash Tool this time. You'll find those files here. For manual flash files, the factory image files for each phone can be found right here and the OTA files for each phone can be found right here. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. Instructions for sideloading an OTA file can be found here. Like with DP1, Google has similar advisories to be aware of:

This release may have various stability, battery, or performance issues on supported devices.
For users with accessibility needs, this release may not be appropriate for daily use.
Some apps may not function as expected when running on this release. This includes Google’s apps as well as other apps.

Also, they fixed some issues from DP1 like:

The keyboard now appears after tapping Reply on a message in the notification shade (Issue #150028675).
After finishing a call, the phone no longer crashes and restarts (Issue #150117193).
When adjusting battery optimization settings, all apps are now listed (Issue #150185518).
getCurrentLocation() now returns correct location details on Pixel 4 XL devices (Issue #150151278).
The status bar and quick settings tile now correctly indicate when a Bluetooth audio device is connected (Issue #149871906).
LocationManager.requestLocationUpdates() now reports the location correctly from the network provider (Issue #149890393).
Downloads no longer hang when a user tries to download Pixel Sounds from Settings > Sounds > Ringtone - Notification - Alarm sounds (Issue #149874827).

Grab that update now if you want!

What's New in Android 11 Developer Preview 2?

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:00:01 +0000

The new Android 11 Developer Preview 2 dropped today, so naturally, you are probably wondering what is new inside. Since this is still just a developer preview and not a beta for all to flash, the focus is still mostly on technical changes that you may not notice upfront. Updates to things like 5G APIs and foldable hinge support and scoped storage updates are included rather than a revamp to the UI, if that makes sense. Anyways, here are some of the important things to note:

Variable refresh rate: Apps and games can now set a preferred frame rate to use rather than rely on the system to manage between 60Hz and 90Hz or 120Hz.
Resume on reboot: In Android 11, if you setup a scheduled reboot, the system will now let apps resume upon rebooting without the need for the user to unlock the phone first. Currently, after a reboot, Android requires you to unlock before you can get messages and for apps to start functioning normally again.
5G state API: Google says this lets developers "quickly check whether the user is currently on a 5G New Radio or Non-Standalone network" to then potentially highlight an app's 5G experience.
Hinge angle for foldables: Android 11 now supports a hinge angle sensor so that apps can know the precise angle that a foldable sits at. This obviously gives developers more flexibility in how to show their apps depending on the state of a foldable (like how the Z Fold can hold various angles).
Call screening service improvements: New APIs allow apps to report a call rejection reason, see whether calls are to/from a number in a user's contacts, and let users perform more actions from post call screens.
Scoped storage updates: Google says they are "continuing to iterate on our work to better protect app and user data on external storage. In this release we’ve made further improvements and changes, such as support to migrate files from the legacy model to the new scoped storage model, and better management of cached files."

To check out the rest of the developer changes, hit up the DP2 blog post below. For other fun bits, we'll likely put together a post should we find additional changes. // Android Developers Blog

Verizon Updating Galaxy Note 10, S10 5G Devices With March, LG G8 With February Patches

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:14:28 +0000

Verizon is pushing out multiple updates this week, mostly to the Galaxy Note 10 lineup from Samsung. To sum it up, the Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+, and Note 10+ 5G, Galaxy S10 5G are getting March's security patch, while the LG G8 is getting February's patch. Below are the new build numbers owners will see.

Galaxy Note 10: N970USQS3BTB3
Galaxy Note 10+: N975USQS3BTB3
Galaxy Note 10+ 5G: N976VVRS3BTB3
Galaxy S10 5G: G977UVRS4BTB4
LG G8: G820UM20b

If you own one of the above devices, be on the lookout! // Verizon [2] [3] [4] [5]

Google's Advanced Protection Starts Blocking App Sideloading

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:06:24 +0000

Google has this service called Advanced Protection that you can enroll in today if you want an extra level of security on your Android device and Google account. It's still a somewhat-new service, but I feel like it is a lesser-known Google service that more should be aware of. Today, it's getting a new set of features to make your Android device even more secure. For Advanced Protection users, Google is turning on Google Play Protect app scanning and won't let you turn it off. This is Google's built-in malware protection for Android that scans and verifies 100 billion apps each day. It's a good thing to have on. Additionally, Advanced Protection is going to start limiting the apps you decide to try and sideload onto your device. In other words, the apps you try and install on your Android phone that are not from Google Play, will be stopped from installing. Well, most of them. Google says they are now "blocking the majority" of non-Google Play apps. Your phone will still let you install from 3rd party app stores that were pre-installed on your device, though, like Samsung's store. If you are enrolled in Advanced Protection, you'll see these features begin rolling out today for normal Google accounts. For G Suite accounts, you will have to wait a bit longer. Interested in Advanced Protection? You can sign-up here. // Google

OnePlus Details New Visual Identity Consisting of Reworked Logo and Typeface

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 08:42:38 +0000

OnePlus detailed a new direction for its "visual identity" this week, going over what all is changing with concern to its logo, typeface, and overall brand image. They're no wily little startup anymore, so I believe these changes are supposed to reflect the company's growth and continued passion in delivering premium flagship phone experiences at affordable prices. I don't know, I just made that up. Hire me, OnePlus. Anyway, the big change is the company's logo. Even noted by OnePlus, your typical consumer isn't going to notice any changes, but diehard fans certainly will. There's apparently a whole thread of OnePlus fans irked by this new logo's existence. Waaaah! I think it looks fine. New Logo OnePlus gave the following information with regard to the change.

The changes you see here have two purposes – Create a clearer association between the logo and the brand while improving legibility and visibility. To achieve this, we increased the logo’s thickness, gave the number 1 some curve so it’s more immediately recognizable and slightly increased the plus sign to make it a more relevant part of the logo in homage to our community, which we view as an extension of the OnePlus family. We also removed the solid box behind the word “OnePlus” and made the weight of the entire logo consistent to improve the overall balance.

And it wasn't just the logo to see change. As you may have noticed on your OnePlus phone, the company has been toying with its own font for a bit, so you'll be seeing it basically everywhere OnePlus has imagery. New Typeface If you're big in design or want to share your thoughts with OnePlus, check out the complete forum post. It's rather fascinating. // OnePlus

Google May as Well Get Weird With the Pixel 5

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:43:21 +0000

The idea that Google may ditch the newest high-end Qualcomm chipset in its upcoming Pixel 5, thus pushing the phone out of the flagship or top-tier category of phones, initially had my mind running in a variety of directions. But now that I've marinated on it some, assuming they do indeed decide to exit at arena filled with Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhones, I guess my general reaction is, "Why not?" To back up for a second, the current thought here is that Google may use the Snapdragon 765G in their Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL. We think that because rumored codenames have now been attached to possible future Pixel phones in a pretty substantial way. Those names are bramble and redfin, and previous reports we've done link those to both the 765G and the Pixel 5 line. Since the Snapdragon 765G is a 700-series chip, it falls below the Snapdragon 865 in terms of overall performance. All other major flagship phones of each year use Qualcomm's 800-series, including past Pixel phones, so this would be a change. The 765G is by no means a low-end chip, though, understand that. It's closer to high-end than not and includes integrated 5G, unlike the 865. It's probably a more put-together future chip than any of Qualcomm's. Should Google go forward without the 865, it could signal a shift in focus for Google with smartphones. While they previously tried to go head-to-head with the biggest in the industry by selling $1,000 phones, it clearly has not worked out. I'm not sure we can point to any Pixel phones as giant success stories. Sure, there was a time where the Pixel 3a sold well, but we know the Pixel 3 did not and there is no indication that the Pixel 4 didn't massively flop, even with wide distribution on all carriers. Since launch, it has seen several large discounts to try and move units.

So yeah, Google might as well change it up. We're four years into the Pixel family of phones and I'd be shocked if Google told us they had seen significant adoption. Even with the Pixel 3, we were still giving them time under the guise of the Pixel line being new. But here we are four flagship versions in with a mid-range (Pixel 3a) there too. Google has made five different Pixel phones and no longer gets to act like this is a new segment of hardware for them to play in. They should have showed us that this is a winnable venture and I'm not sure they have. Choosing to go with a slightly lesser-equipped Snapdragon 765G processor might take some pressure off of Google. For one, it could help dramatically with price. With Qualcomm forcing 5G into the Snapdragon 865, we've seen a big price jump on the first round of 865 phones. We may be at a point where consumers aren't going want to spend that kind of money and could look elsewhere for more affordable options. What if the 765G allows Google to price the Pixel 5 at $700? I'm not sure anyone knows if it'll allow that, but should it help them keep Pixel 5 priced hundreds lower than everyone else, they might find an area of the smartphone world that most have exited and is now only occupied by OnePlus. Switching it up also might let Google just be weird. They don't have to conform to the 800-series profile of packing every single spec into a phone that is available. When the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL arrived, most picked them apart for not having enough storage or RAM or the right battery size. We all thought the value wasn't where it needed to be, because at their prices, you could get more. We said specifically in our Pixel 4 XL review that it wasn't a $900 phone. By dropping expectations a notch, tossing in objects like a gimmicky radar system are less offensive when other items are missing. For example, the Pixel 4 is a pretty decent buy at $550, just not so much at $800 or $900. We all know that Google will continue to excel in the camera department while pushing out software features and updates on a regular basis. Should they keep those focuses while finding areas to reduce prices without stepping into Pixel 4a territory, it could be an opportunity for Google to stand out again. At the very least, they'll stop having to compete where they can't.

DEAL: AUKEY WiFi Smart Plug 2-Pack for $11, Power Banks for 50% Off, Plenty More

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:52:15 +0000

Amazon is the go-to shop these days, since a lot of us are locked inside, so if you happened to need something AUKEY makes, it's likely that it's currently on sale. As you'll see below, AUKEY has a lot of things for lower pricing this week. The highlights include a 2-pack of WiFi smart plugs for just $11, a power strip tower that features 12 outlets for $36 (pictured above), gaming keyboards, wireless headphones for $39, as well as a 63W USB C charger with GaN Power for $30. I'm sorry for so many links, but it's AUKEY's fault. They keep having massive deals.

Amazon Links

LED Keyboard, 104-Key Anti-ghosting - $30 (Code: K57JW4T5)
RGB 104-Key Blue Switches Keyboard - $44 (Code: 28VU6FB6)
Laptop Cooling Pad - $9 (Code: JCQM63D8)
8W Dimmable LED Lamp w/ 3 Modes - $13 (Code: 3SRN3AQJ)
Touch-sensitive Wooden Design LED Lamp - $17 (Code: 3SRN3AQJ)
Power Strip Tower with 12 AC Outlets - $36 (Code: HGF5V2CO)
WiFi Smart Plug (2 Pack) - $11 (Code: 35CF7BNA)
2 x 2 USB Wall Outlet 2-Pack - $11 (Code: 86IHI9JX + Coupon)
Power Cube 4 Outlets, 3 USB Ports - $14 (Code: 9SCOC8R6)
Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver 2-in-1 w/ 164ft Range - $42 (Click Coupon)
Wireless Headphones w/ BT5, aptX, IPX6 - $39 (Click Coupon)
63W USB C Charger w/ GaN - $30 (Code: OJ3KWOYF + Coupon)
USB Charger 4 Ports with Foldable Plug - $11 (Code: L6PP5VKL)
LC-C6 Graphite 10W Wireless Fast Charger - $8 (Code: T6Y79UUJ)
36W Dual Port w/ Quick Charge 3.0 $10 (Click Coupon)
39W USB C PD Car Charger - $12 (Click Coupon)
5000mAh USB C Power Bank (Grey) - $14 (Code: DLNSWON6)
10000mAh port. Charger w/ Dual Output - $12 (Code: GVIA363G)

Samsung is Bringing That Crazy Fast With New UFS 3.1 Storage Chips

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:12:07 +0000

Samsung is preparing to launch a next-gen storage solution for phones that is mind-numbingly fast. After putting UFS 3.0 chips in recent phone releases, Samsung has started production on UFS 3.1 and the speeds are nuts. Samsung announced this week that it is beginning mass production of 512GB UFS 3.1 chips for smartphones. These new chips triple the write speed over similar 512GB UFS 3.0 chips and eclipse the 1GB/s mark. Even the random read and write speeds are up to 60% faster. That's just bonkers. With these new 512GB UFS 3.1 storage options, you'll see quicker transfers of all the 8K files you might shoot and the massive 108MP pictures from your camera. As an example, a 100GB file might take 4 minutes on your current phone, but this new chip would do the same transfer in 1.5 minutes. General performance and application loading should see significant bumps in speed too. Think 512GB sounds like too much? Don't worry, Samsung is also building 128GB and 256GB chips. These new UFS 3.1 storage options are scheduled to launch later this year, which we assume means in the Galaxy Note 20.

// Samsung

Here is Motorola's Next Flagship Phone, the Motorola Edge+

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:56:21 +0000

The Motorola comeback flagship must be near, as the leaks are picking up steam. We've heard about Motorola Edge+ specs, seen shadowy images of its waterfall display, and nodded at CAD renders. It's almost as if Motorola is past due for announcing it (they are, it was supposed to be announced at MWC). Today, to continue to add to his pre-release story, we've got official looking press renders that typically accompany a phone at launch. The images come courtesy of @evleaks and they bring us all the angles and two possible launch colors. We also get to see that large front display with its waterfall edges, the hole punch camera, placement of buttons, and a clear shot of the back's camera setup. For the front, the only real discussion here is around that big display. It's still rumored to be around 6.67" and sport a 1080p resolution with 90Hz refresh rate. That should be fine for most people, though I'm sure there will be those who expect nothing but QHD at this level of phone. Let's just hope Motorola has figured out how to ignore all of those palm presses that are coming. For the back, we can see that the main camera will be branded as 108MP. My guess is that it'll be accompanied by ultra-wide angle and telephoto lenses too. At 108MP, we're in Galaxy S20 territory, which is exactly where Motorola wants to play with this phone. We've just got hope they have dialed in that experience further than Samsung did at launch to really grab our attention. This is Motorola's chance. Finally, the rest of the phone is rumored to come with up to 12GB RAM and a battery bigger than 5000mAh. It'll most definitely have 5G and be sold by Verizon. Guys, is this the one that brings you back to Motorola?

// @evleaks

T-Mobile Closes 80% of Retail Stores to Help Stop Spread of COVID-19 (Update: Sprint, Too!)

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:43:15 +0000

We're all doing our part to help stop COVID-19 from infecting anymore people and large companies are obviously no exception. Announced this week, T-Mobile is temporarily closing about 80% of its corporate-owned retail stores for the remainder of March in effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. In a blog posted yesterday, the company said, "President and COO Mike Sievert emailed employees regarding new actions the company is taking starting March 17^th to further support social distancing recommendations, limit gatherings of people and ensure the well-being of its customers and employees in its retail stores and Care facilities." T-Mobile isn't alone in doing this. This week is also seeing the closure of a number of Verizon retail stores, with the company asking retail employees to assist customers via online chats and over the telephone. Update: Sprint is following suit, which is a good thing. According to the press release, Sprint will temporarily close approximately 71% of Sprint retail stores across the country starting today, March 17. The only stores remaining open are labeled as "highly critical retail stores."

Out of an abundance of caution for its employees, customers and the communities it serves, Sprint is closing all but its most highly critical retail stores.

Stay safe out there, folks. // T-Mobile | Verizon

DEAL: Pixel 4's $40 Fabric Case is 50% Off at Verizon (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:44:10 +0000

Google-made accessories for their Pixel phones are typically some of the best fitting. You would hope that to be the case, since they are "made by Google," and in my experience, they live up to that idea. When we see them get deep discounts, we like to let you know immediately as they are also often quite ~~overpriced~~ expensive. Right now, Verizon is selling the official Pixel 4 Case for 50% off or $19.99. Otherwise referred to as the Pixel 4 Fabric Case, this thing retails for $39.99. A case! In 2020! Costs $40! Unreal. Anyways, Verizon has the Pixel 4 fabric case for both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in Just Black and Sorta Smokey. No coupon code is required to get the deal, nor do you have to be a Verizon customer (checkout as guest). If you own a Pixel 4, you should jump on this. Shop Pixel 4 Fabric Case: Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL

UPDATE: It looks like most Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL cases are 50% off at the moment. If you don't want Google's hit this link and shop around. Verizon also offers free shipping.

Whoa: NBCUniversal is Going to Let You Rent Movies Still in Theaters

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:00:03 +0000

As coronavirus shuts down so many parts of lives, industries and the companies within them are going to have to get creative to keep our attention and continue to make money. The movie industry is one of those going to get hit the hardest, as people are practicing social distancing and movie theaters are being pushed to close. It's forcing movie production back and causing films to be delayed beyond their original release dates, leaving question marks around a lot of the theatrical future. To try and keep things on schedule, Comcast and NBCUniversal announced a big move today that will see movies currently in theaters also arrive in your home via rental. For the first time on a large scale, we'll be able to rent movies that are currently in and/or soon-to-be on the big screen. On March 20 (this Friday), NBCUniversal, Universal Pictures, and Focus Features are going to make several movies available as rentals, including The Hunt, The Invisible Man, and Emma, while they are still in theaters. Then on April 10, when the new movie Trolls World Tour was supposed to open, it too will be available for rent immediately. All of these movies will be "available on a wide variety of the most popular on-demand services for a 48-hour rental period at a suggested retail price of $19.99 in the U.S." So yes, you'll be able to rent The Hunt this weekend for $20 and watch it in your home through the on-demand service of your choice. We don't know yet if other movie production houses will follow this lead. What a wild time this is. // Comcast

Samsung Offering $500 Trade-in Value Towards Purchase of Galaxy Note 10

Tim — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:47:34 +0000

Fine, so maybe the Galaxy S20 Ultra (review here) is a bit overkill for you. I totally get it. If you want something similar, less expensive, and equipped with an S Pen, Samsung is currently offering up to $500 of trade-in value on select Android devices towards the purchase of a Galaxy Note 10 device. For the past little while, the max you could get on trade-in for a Note 10 was $220, so the bump up to $500 is pretty significant. In order to get the max of $500 trade-in value, you'll need to be offering up a recent Galaxy device, such as the Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy S10 5G. If you're trying to swap out an iPhone, Samsung will give up to $700 off depending on the device. If you're looking to trade-in a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, Samsung will give you a max of $420. With a max trade-in of $500, the Note 10 price comes down to $449, while the Note 10+ comes down to $599. Not bad at all. If you're wondering about the Note 10, it's a great phone. Check out our full review. Get it while it's hot.

Samsung Link

Hangouts Sees Rare Update, Removes Location Feature

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:08:21 +0000

Google Hangouts is a service without much of a future, we were told so long ago. It continues to remain active, though, even if Google refuses to fix it, improve it, or make it into the app we were once promised. And now, it seems they have stripped away another feature. An update hit Google Hangouts on Android today as build 32.0.297021247, and after comparing it to the previous build, I can see that it no longer has the location sharing feature it has had for years. That means if someone asks for your location, you won't see the easy smart share of it or be able to tap the icon to manually point to a spot. That sucks. I actually still used that damn feature. When is Hangouts going to officially die and when will Google let us into Hangouts Chat? Who knows, man. We thought that transition might go down months ago, but Google extended the life of regular Hangouts to at least June of this year. Should that move happen in June, we'll still likely have access as consumers for a while after that. Maybe Hangouts is here for the long haul after all. Hah. Google Play Link

Galaxy S20 Ultra Review: $1,400 of Near Phone Perfection

Tim — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:25:02 +0000

I've had the honor of using Samsung's latest flagship device, the Galaxy S20 Ultra, and if you aren't in the mood to read an entire review, all you need to know is that this phone basically kicks major a**. If you're a Samsung fan, there's no way you won't love this phone. I'll dive into the nitty gritty below, but the camera experience is excellent overall, the display is gorgeous, and the hardware is beautiful. The S20 Ultra is peak Samsung. The issue for some folks may be that it does start at a whopping $1,400. There's even a variant that costs $1,600, which if you think about, is rather insane when you consider how much phones used to cost. But to get all of the world's top specs inside a phone, with a ton of cameras, 5G connectivity, a massive battery, and 120Hz refresh rate-capable display, you have to spend some money. Is it worth it, though? Let's dig deeper to find out. This is our Galaxy S20 Ultra review!

The Good

Specs If you're looking for all of the best specs, well, the S20 Ultra is your phone. It has everything. Well, almost everything. For Note fans, there's no S Pen. Womp womp, but it has everything else! The S20 Ultra features a 6.9" WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED Infinity-O display with 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 865, 12GB LPDDR5 RAM (option for up to 16GB RAM), up to 512GB storage, 3 (technically 4) rear cameras consisting of a 12-megapixel (MP) ultra-wide angle, 108MP wide-angle with OIS, 48MP telephoto lens with OIS and DepthVision sensor, 40-megapixel selfie camera, 5,000mAh battery with Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare, Ultrasonic Fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, plus Android 10 with One UI 2.1 on top.

Official Spec Sheet: Galaxy S20 Family.

You won't find all of these specs hardly anywhere else. You won't find them from LG. You won't find them from Google. You won't find them from OnePlus. It's really what separates these high-end Samsung flagships from competitors, but damn, it's $1,400. That's a lot of money for a phone. Display The Galaxy S20 Ultra has the largest display of the S20 family, a 6.9-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED Infinity-O display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440, HDR10+ certification, as well as 120Hz refresh rate support. If you're looking for more of a technical breakdown of the display, there's DisplayMate for that, but from what I can tell you, it's a gorgeous display. Obviously it's huge, so consuming content and playing games is awesome, but what's usually a downside in having a hard time gripping such a large display when out and about, this display's curve is just so that it's actually very accommodating for someone who doesn't have huge hands. It's really comfortable to hold. I'll talk more about this in the hardware section, but real quickly, I don't think anyone should be turned off from the Ultra due to its size.

Back to strictly the display, it gets insanely bright and is easily viewable while in the sun, colors pop with high levels of gorgeous saturation, plus that 120Hz refresh rate is so magical when coming from a phone only capable of your typical 60Hz refresh. I feel for folks who don't have at least 90Hz yet, because what we can all agree on with Android is that it needs all the help it can get at times in the performance and smoothness department. Sadly, I don't think Android will ever be as smooth to the eye as iPhones, due to patents restricting such things, but still, 120Hz refresh is a huge improvement in the viewing experience alone. For those who plan on using this phone's 120Hz refresh rate, do know that you'll be limited to FHD+ resolution, since Samsung hasn't yet allowed for the usage of WQHD+ resolution at a refresh rate higher than 60Hz. This is likely for battery purposes, but considering we as buyers own the device, we should be able to make that choice ourselves. Maybe down the road. Worth noting, but not surprising, this display offers all of the good stuff like Always On Display, Blue Light Filter, Light/Dark Mode settings, Adaptive Brightness, settings for the screen mode plus advanced customization of white balance RGB values, and added touch sensitivity should you need it. I know I complain sometimes that Samsung phone have too many settings, but I'd rather have all of this stuff than none of it. Software This phone comes with Android 10 out of the box, with One UI 2.1 running on top. For those who haven't been following Samsung news for the past year or so, One UI 2.1 is the second iteration of Samsung's custom One UI skin, which is long from the days of TouchWiz. One UI is good. TouchWiz was bad. The main thing to know is that even though there's a new name and new appearance, there's still all of the same software tweaks and features you'd expect from a Samsung device. There are dedicated menus for Advanced Features like Smart Pop-Up View and Bixby Routines, software-based memory optimization procedures to ensure you get long-lasting battery life, Google's Digital Wellbeing with all of its nonsense, plus things like Edge Panel and appearance customization options.

On the left side of the home screen, Samsung has gone ahead and placed a somewhat new feature called Samsung Daily, which replaces its Bixby-powered newsfeed service. Similar to Google's Discover, you can place different topic sections for sports and US news, allowing you to quickly access the latest happenings. The sports section used to be more useful a week ago, but due to COVID-19, it's pretty worthless. F*** you, COVID-19.

Kellen may tell you that Samsung's launcher is crap, but for me, it works. Years ago I'd be happy to customize every little detail of my device, but these days, I'm happy and content with whatever OEMs give me. It's sad, I know. On the bright side, Samsung does allow for customizing the launcher, such as setting home screen and apps screen grids, setting custom icons and overall device themes via the Galaxy Themes app, and a lot more. If Samsung's software hurt you somehow back in the day, I promise, One UI is so much better than what the company use to offer. On top of that, Samsung's update game has gotten pretty damn good and props must be given to Samsung. We've written about it here. Camera I was close to putting the S20 Ultra's camera into the Somewhere in the Middle section, but overall, it's a fantastic setup. Let me explain why I was close to moving it, but ended up keeping it in the The Good section. The S20 Ultra's camera setup is kinda confusing, since it's a bit different from other phones on the market. The confusing part is the marketing terms and names that are given to the lenses and their features, plus the way this phone differs from the other S20 models. S20 Ultra features four rear sensors -- a 12-megapixel (MP) ultra-wide angle, 108MP wide-angle with OIS, 48MP telephoto lens with OIS, and DepthVision (ToF) sensor. The highlights of this camera system, at least from my experience, are the 108MP photos that retain incredible amounts of detail, plus the 100X Space Zoom. Let me state for the record that 100X zoom is silly and not practical on this device. When zoomed in at 100X, everything looks like an oil painting and hardly any detail is retained. You can still make out an image, but it's not anything you'd share to social media. However, it does have a bit of a wow factor element to it. When taking shots with friends, you can show off the capability and they get a kick out of that, but still, it's not really practical from a photographer's standpoint. As for the 108-megapixel shooting, oh yeah, it's sweet. I'll have some examples below, but it shines when holding onto detail in photos. It's pretty insane the amount you can zoom into things and still see fine detail. It's a lot of fun to use. Now, for the confusing/not-so-great stuff, the two sensors with OIS are the telephoto lens and the standard wide-angle lens. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens does not offer OIS. The next thing to note is the auto focus, which differs on this phone versus the other S20 models. On the S20 Ultra, it's a phase detection auto focus system, while on the other S20 phones, Samsung utilizes their Dual Pixel auto focus system. From my experience, the S20 Ultra's PDAF system just isn't as good as the Dual Pixel system. Noticeable when taking a photo, if you tap on an area for the phone to focus on, the focus area is simply too small and objects seem to be prematurely isolated from the background. In some cases, you want that natural bokeh, but on the S20 Ultra, it's a little too aggressive for my taste. On the upside, it's my belief that this could be tweaked in a software update should Samsung receive enough feedback on it.

My other issue with the phone's camera is the fact that I've been using a Pixel for the past few months. Thanks to the Pixel, I can take shots like this. On a Samsung phone, I can't, but I want to. Samsung's Night shooting mode simply isn't what Google offers, and until it is, I will always miss out on potential astro shots when looking to the sky.

Let me quickly tell you what to expect from just typical, average photo shooting on the S20 Ultra. It's really good! Just like any other Samsung device, this phone has fast auto focus (albeit a bit fussy without Dual Pixel AF), insane color and nice saturation, plus all the shooting modes you could ever need. If you've been using a Samsung phone, it's more of the same goodness, plus the addition of the 108MP sensor and the 100X Space Zoom. If you're coming from a Pixel, you'll see less focus on contrast and natural shading in photos, but really, it's all user preference these days. All of these high-end phones have great cameras, so you can't really make a bad choice. Here are camera samples, resized but with no other edits. Keep in mind, due to sending over the internet and the compression of our own site and resizing software, some details and crispiness are lost. I can make full resolution images available upon request.

Space Zoom Samples (No Tripod)

Performance At $1,400, you better believe this phone performs well no matter what I'm doing on it. I've been playing a ton of games on it, hooked up the Stadia controller just to play things I downloaded from Google Play and I've had a killer time. Thanks to the phone's High Performance mode I enabled (inside the Device Management section of the Settings menu), which uncaps the processors clock speed, plus the 120Hz refresh rate, I feel this phone absolutely flies in and out of apps. To see more about this, check out our Tips and Tricks video down below. Over the course of my week with the phone, I haven't had any sort of jank or lag, so I can say that if you want a solid gaming, multitasking, multimedia consumption device, the S20 Ultra, with its 12GB+ RAM and 5,000mAh battery, is not a bad option whatsoever. Battery Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the Galaxy S20 Ultra's battery life is just what I expected -- insanely good. My typical day is 7-7:30AM to 11PM and I was easily getting up to 5+ hours of screen on time with even more juice to spare. This is exactly what I want to see from a phone of this size. It needs to be noted that I wasn't being gentle on this device either. Since I first booted it up, I have had it on high performance mode, which uncaps the CPU speed, plus I've had the phone's display on 120Hz refresh rate since day one. I've also been using plenty of 5G from T-Mobile, but this isn't mmWave, so I wasn't ever too concerned about 5G roasting my phone.

Lastly, I'm interested to see if Samsung does implement the ability for customers to enable 120Hz at WQHD+. As we know, the display is limited to 1080p when at 120Hz. How could that change affect the battery? It remains to be seen, but what I can tell you is that right now, the S20 Ultra is offering some of the best battery life I've ever had. Hardware Without going all roundabout on you, let me be straight and tell you that the Galaxy S20 family is the best Samsung hardware I think I've ever used. The phones feel absolutely great in-hand, surprisingly light even while packing the large displays and batteries. It'd have been nice to see a few more choices, but this grey color -- similar to Audi's Nardo Grey -- is pretty gosh darn hot. Like you'll read in my Fiancée Impressions below, the only thing I personally dislike about the hardware is the camera housing and how it protrudes like six inches from the back of the phone. I'm way exaggerating here, but seriously, it sticks out like crazy. I'm all for big cameras because that means, hopefully, better quality, but it's just one of those things that irks me if I'm looking to nitpick. Many of you will throw a case on this device, and if I may suggest one, I highly recommend the thin case from Totallee. That case plus a Popsocket and you're good to go for one-handed usage of this monstrously-sized phone. I will say, if there's one thing people can knock about this hardware, that's the lack of a headphone jack. There's no reason for there not be a 3.5mm headphone jack. It could easily fit, and while LG is perfectly fine satisfying those buyers, Samsung seems more interested in simply not listening.

Somewhere in the Middle

5G As we've come to learn as consumers, not all 5G is created equally. I'm on T-Mobile, and while my phone says I am on a 5G network, which I technically am, I won't be seeing the 1Gbps+ speeds that we see marketed from some other 5G carriers. While Verizon seems content at least for now with its mmWave technology, T-Mobile went a different route with its 600MHz signal, meaning it stretches across larger distances, but doesn't get crazy-high speeds. When on a solid 5G connection, I was able to pull 100Mbps+ speeds no problem, while at other times, I was getting around 10Mbps. Mind you, when on a solid 4G LTE connection, I can also pull down 90Mbps+ speeds. It all depends on where you are, and in 5G's infancy days, this is to be expected. This is why we as a smartphone website have been hesitant to tell folks to get amped up for 5G and to go out and spend extra money so you can experience it. It's just not there quite yet, but it undoubtedly will be in the future with each carrier investing loads of money into their 5G deployments. For folks who work in a downtown area right by a mmWave hotspot or live somewhere that has excellent 5G connection, you probably will notice some speed increases or at least you'll notice the new "5G" icon in your notification bar. With this being my first 5G experience, I'm somewhat excited for what the future can hold in terms of mobile speeds.

Other Notes

Fiancee Impressions: "The size actually feels manageable coming from the Pixel 3 XL. The on-screen fingerprint reader is okay, I'm just happy it does have one. I still like the fingerprint reader on the back like the Google Pixel. I HATE that the camera on the back is not flush with the rest of the design of the phone. Depending on how you hold the phone, the camera gets dirty and that's annoying. It feels really fancy and fragile."
Samsung Pay: Yup, it works everywhere and is still my favorite mobile payments service!

Price and Availability

The Galaxy S20 is an expensive family, with the base S20 starting at $999. From there, it only gets more pricey. The Galaxy S20 Ultra will cost you $1,399, with the more expensive variant running you $1,599. I can't tell you whether you can afford this phone or not, but I can tell you that this phone should last you a number of years should you decide to pick one up, and from my experience, it delivers close to $1,400 worth of bang for your buck. The downside to that it, we now know how much the perfect Android phone costs and it ain't going to be cheap. Like all other Samsung flagships, you can pick this device up nearly everywhere on all of the big carriers. You can get it unlocked from Samsung, on a contract via the carrier of your choosing, and don't forget you can perform a trade-in through Samsung to bring that price down a bit. They currently have trade-ins valued at up to $600. Buy Galaxy S20

Videos

Unboxing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrw_Fdcj4OQ First 10 Things to Do https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUywPARuLMA 25+ Tips and Tricks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVWWfCjoKk&t=356s

Gallery

The Verdict

If you're a Samsung fan, I don't think I'll have to convince you to buy this phone. It's exceptional. However, if you're on the fence about upgrading or maybe not familiar with Samsung phones, or you're simply turned off from the idea of a $1,400 phone, let me tell you that this is a phone I could easily see myself using for a long and extended period of time. To expand on that, Samsung has been good with the updates lately, and as people are holding onto phones for longer periods of time, that's great news and what we like to see. As for ensuring a phone is future proof, this is the first lineup of Galaxy S phones that seem completely ready for the transforming wireless landscape and 5G. These phones (especially the S20 Ultra) are ready for increased data speeds, thanks to top of the line processors, plenty of high-speed RAM, and 5G support via their Qualcomm chipsets. My main point that I'd like to stick into your noggin' is that if you want to buy a phone that lasts you a while, why not spend a bit more and get the S20 Ultra. It has everything you might need. If you want to spend a tad less, but lose the 100X Space Zoom, check out the Galaxy S20+. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these devices. Yes, they're expensive, but they're so damn good.

Google Commits to Launching COVID-19 Informational Website Today (Updated: Now Live)

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:52:06 +0000

Are you looking for the Google-made website with coronavirus (COVID-19) resources that the President announced was in the works and launching soon? You probably aren't alone. I say that because it hasn't quite launched yet. However, Google has acknowledged that they will indeed build a site where you can find out all there is to know about the virus that is dramatically and rapidly changing our world. I don't want to get into the obnoxious back-and-forth between the government, media, and Google's press team over whether or Google had actually committed to building this website, just know that they have now said they'll do it. In a post from Google CEO Sundar Pichai, he acknowledged their partnership with the US government to develop a website "dedicated to COVID-19 education, prevention, and local resources nationwide." The site will have best practices on prevention, links to authoritative sources (like the World Heath Organization and Centers for Disease Control), and tips and/or tools from Google for everyone (including teachers and businesses). As you can see from that description, this is not a website to diagnose you. This is a resource site that will help you get the information you need to help reduce the impact coronavirus is or could have, possibly locate care, how to keep yourself healthy, how not to facilitate in spreading it, that sort of thing. Looking for a Google site that might try and help you with an initial coronavirus screening? A Google company called Verily launched their Project Baseline site today that includes a mini-survey for those in select parts of California. It is supposed to help you get a COVID-19 test, but it seems to be broken or barely functioning at the moment. Again, it's only for select parts of California anyway, though it could grow to include more areas. Once Google launches the initial version of this site, which should happen "late Monday," we'll let you know. UPDATE: Google said this afternoon that they are delaying the launch of their nationwide website until later this week. They provided the following statement to The Verge:

Verily launched a pilot website late Sunday to counties in the Bay Area, and is working with authorities to scale this effort further. With local and national guidance evolving rapidly, Google will continue working with relevant agencies and authorities to roll out a website later this week that will surface authoritative information for people in the U.S., including on screening and testing.

UPDATE 3/21: The website Google promised is now live. // Google

LG V60 Arrives This Week for $800

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:10:38 +0000

The newest phone from LG, the V60 ThinQ 5G, arrives this Friday, March 20, at a handful of carriers. For now, we know that Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile will all have this new Dual Screen-ready phone and that it'll start at $800. For pricing, it looks like T-Mobile currently has the least expensive price of $799.99 (or $33.34/mo), but understand that the low price there is because the phone doesn't come with its Dual Screen accessory. If you want that accessory, you'll pay $899.99 (or $37.50/mo). Verizon, on the other hand, is only revealing a $949.99 price point (or $39.58/mo). ~~AT&T has not yet revealed pricing, but is suggesting Dual Screen is a separate purchase~~. Edit: AT&T pinged us to say that the V60 will cost $900 with them (or $30/mo) and the Dual Screen is included. To recap, the LG V60 features a 6.8" FHD+ (1080p) display, Snapdragon 865 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 5000mAh battery, 3.5mm headphone jack with Quad DAC, and dual rear camera (64MP standard + 13MP Super Wide). The big sell is its Dual Screen functionality, where you slap the phone into a case of sorts that adds a second display to the experience. It's a big thing LG has focused on in recent releases as a counter to everyone else doing foldables. The LG V60 will have all the 5G connectivity of a proper 2020 phone, it runs Android 10 and LG's newest skin, and is obviously priced lower than phones like the Galaxy S20, assuming you go without the Dual Screen. Is this phone one to consider? We'll try to answer that once we get a review sample in hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwFrl8ZVD-Q // T-Mobile | AT&T | Verizon

AT&T 5G Expands to Another 20 Cities, Hits the 100 Mark

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:09:33 +0000

Another week is here and AT&T is back with another new list of 5G markets. To start this weird Monday off, AT&T has announced 20 new markets, bringing their total with 5G to 100. The following are now live with AT&T 5G:

Allentown, Pa.
Brown County, Ind.
Hancock County, Ga.
Hancock County, Ohio
Harrisburg, Pa.
Huntsville, Ala.
Kent County, Del.
Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
Otsego County, N.Y.
Reading, Pa.
Reno, Nev.
Sandusky County, Ohio
Santa Cruz, Calif.
Springfield, Mo.
Storey County, Nev.
Syracuse, N.Y.
Topeka, Kan.
Trenton, N.J.
Tuscarawas County, Ohio
Washington County, Ill.

As another reminder, this is AT&T's low-band 5G, so while it will stretch across entire cities and counties, it's not exactly much of an upgrade over the 4G LTE you've been using for a while. In fact, it might not be much faster, though it should have a quicker connection. The super fast 5G is AT&T's 5G+, which you'll find in 35 markets. 5G+ is the type of 5G that only covers a few blocks in a few cities and is terrible in and around or through buildings. Trade-offs, folks, trade-offs. Need a 5G phone to access this newly live 5G in your home town? The Galaxy S20 line-up is probably your best bet. AT&T has them, including the regular Galaxy S20 down to just $10/mo. // AT&T

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Gets a Timely Discount, Down to $129 ($20 Off)

Kellen — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 09:50:08 +0000

Ever since it launched late last year, the new NVIDIA SHIELD TV hasn't seen many discounts. In fact, I think it's seen just one. This weekend, NVIDIA has brought back that same discount at the perfect time where so many of us are social distancing, hanging around our homes, and binging everything. You can grab the NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2019) for $129.99 at places like Amazon. That's a $20 discount and the best price you'll find on what is easily our favorite Android TV box...err...cylinder...tube. To recap, the SHIELD TV runs Android TV, gives you access to all of the streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube TV, etc.), can handle 4K HDR content, and is Dolby Vision and Atmos ready. It has a sweet remote that can control your SHIELD TV and your TV, it fires up the Google Assistant for smart controls, and you can Cast content to it like a Chromecast. The SHIELD TV can act as a hub for your whole smart home experience. So yeah, it's $20 off right now and well worth it.

Amazon Deal Link | Best Buy

Pixel 5 Lineup Might Not be the High-End Phones You'd Expect

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:18:23 +0000

Pixel phones such as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are what could be labeled as high-end, flagship devices from Google. They sport the latest, albeit nearly outdated Qualcomm chipsets, high-end camera experiences, plus all of the software benefits you'd expect from a device that starts at $799. Google's Pixel "a" lineup of devices are what's considered mid-range, with Google opting to use less expensive hardware components, but still offering a good smartphone experience overall. If you're reading this website, we assume you know this. According to the latest details concerning Google's next flagship phones, which should be the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL, it appears that they may not be the high-end devices we'd expect. Let's break down what's happened. In a new report and deep dive into some code for a Pixel 4a prototype of Google's official Camera app, it's theorized that the codenames for the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL are bramble and redfin, devices that were previously reported on back in January. This theory is based on similar "config" codes spotted from past devices. The devices from January were spotted using Snapdragon 765G processors, which are notably less powerful than Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon 865. On the upside, the 765G does have 5G support built-in and those devices were also noted to utilize telephoto lenses. So to recap in plain English, newly seen app code is leading us all to believe that Google's Pixel devices for later this year, not the upcoming Pixel 4a, will sport Snapdragon 765G processors, 5G connectivity, and a telephoto lens. Because of this, they're now being labeled mid-range by Android media. I hope that makes sense. As for why Google could be doing such a thing, it makes sense from a price standpoint. We just saw Samsung release a lineup of phones that start at $1,000, so Google could use this opportunity to not only offer 5G, but do so in more affordable fashion while still having decent hardware and excellent software. I've actually touched on this subject before. Google seems quite good at making mid-range phones, so maybe this is what the Pixel lineup needs. For Pixel fans, how does this make you feel? Are you okay with Pixel no longer being a true "flagship" device lineup? Was this necessary to keep prices reasonable? I'm really interested in your thoughts. // 9to5Google

FCC Urges Internet, Telephone Service Providers to Keep Americans Connected

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:07:39 +0000

The FCC opened up the Keep Americans Connected Pledge today to try and get data providers across the US to promise to their customers that they will keep their services active as the coronavirus threatens to put countless people under financial stress and disrupt their lives. A number of the companies you want to participate have already pledged to do as the FCC has asked. Verizon was one of the first, but T-Mobile has now weighed in as well with their own promise. While Verizon is offering to help those impacted by COVID-19 in a financial way, T-Mobile has taken the extra step of giving everyone unlimited data and more mobile hotspot data to use. Other companies that have signed on include AT&T, Sprint, Comcast, CentruyLink, Charter, Cox, Google Fiber, Tracfone, and many more. The FCC is asking that they pledge to do the following:

(1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
(2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
(3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Again, it hasn't been made clear how everyone involved will want you to prove that coronavirus has impacted you, so we'll update all of the related posts as we know. // FCC

T-Mobile Gives Everyone Unlimited Data, More Hotspot in Response to Coronavirus

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:53:21 +0000

In response to the coronavirus and the FCC's Keep Americans Connected Pledge, T-Mobile has stepped up as another US carrier to provide some form of relief to its customers. Their approach is a bit different than Verizon's, in that they are focusing on making sure everyone has plenty of data during this time, while Verizon had some vague assurances for those with financial troubles caused by COVID-19. For T-Mobile customers, the carrier is giving everyone unlimited data for the next 60 days starting now. All customers on T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile who weren't on an unlimited plan, get access to as much data as they want for the time being. We aren't sure if throttling and/or varying speeds are a part of that, but look, it's unlimited for all. In addition to unlimited data, T-Mobile understands that you might want to provide data to another device, so everyone gets an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data for the next 60 days. This bonus is apparently "coming soon," whatever that means. Here are some other moves being made by T-Mobile:

For online orders, T-Mobile offers free two-day shipping fees for 60 days
T-Mobile is providing Lifeline partners with free data up to 5GB per month and increasing the data allowance for schools and students using EmpowerED digital learning programs. Those customers will be able to access "at least 20GB of data per month for the next 60 days."
Offering free international calling for ALL current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers to Level 3 impacted countries.

As far as financial assistance goes, T-Mobile only says that if you "need support with your account due to unexpected financial impacts," that you contact them immediately. Again, they are a part of the FCC's pledge, so they should be willing do help if you are impacted by COVID-19. We'll update this post should we get additional info. // T-Mobile

Pixel 4a Will Get a Big Time Upgrade in Storage Performance

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 13:06:41 +0000

Should the Google Pixel 4a show up in the coming weeks, we're expecting to see a phone with an upgraded design, improved set of specs, and a price tag that won't jump significantly over last year's Pixel 3a. Thanks to another leak, we should also get ready for a faster experience through a better internal storage solution. The crew at XDA was able to get a picture of a prototype Pixel 4a with its bootloader screen viewable and it shows evidence of UFS2.1 storage in use. This would be a replacement of the eMMC storage Google used in the Pixel 3a. What's the difference between UFS2.1 and eMMC storage? UFS is the future of storage that mostly offers a big speed boost in read and write speeds. That should mean opening and installing apps faster, quicker reloading of apps held in memory, that sort of thing. While UFS3.0 is the current standard for flagship phones from OnePlus and Samsung, UFS2.1 is still quite fast. For a mid-range device like the Pixel 4a, it should offer a greatly improved overall experience from the 3a, especially since it'll be coupled with 6GB RAM. // XDA

Verizon to Waive Late Fees for 60 Days Due to Coronavirus

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:47:43 +0000

Verizon announced this morning, as a part of the FCC's Keep Americans Connected Pledge, that it is willing to help its customers who are impacted by coronavirus. That means a couple of things, but most importantly that customers impacted won't have late fees or their service shut off. In a note sent to press today, Verizon said "for the next 60 days, it will waive late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus." They also added that they will not terminate service for anyone because of their inability to pay their bills, again "due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus." I've reached out for clarification from Verizon on how they are determining who is "impacted" or can't pay because of "disruptions caused by coronavirus." Is this not a fee waive and service continuation for all customers? Are they going to need some form of proof to confirm that customers were impacted? How does that process work? Additionally, Verizon wants everyone to know that their networks are ready for a possible jump in usage from their customers. Their Fios home, 5G Home and DSL home broadband services, and wireline business broadband services don't have data caps, so customers there shouldn't worry about usage. As for wireless customers, most folks these days are on unlimited plans without caps. For those not, Verizon is recommending you hangout on WiFi as much as possible. We'll update this post once we have heard back from Verizon. // Verizon

RELATED: Here is T-Mobile's customer plan for coronavirus

Trending Tab in YouTube App is Now the Explore Tab

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:38:09 +0000

Said to be rolling out over the next few days, the Trending tab inside the official YouTube app is now the Explore tab. This change has been in testing for some time, and finally, YouTube pulled the trigger and made it official. You'll find all of the same stuff in there, but with added access to different categories such as gaming, music, and news. This should help users find the content they're looking for in a more timely fashion. Again, you can expect to see this change take place on all of your mobile devices within the next few days.

// YouTube

Windows Your Phone App Gets Copy/Paste, RCS Support With Galaxy S20

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:20:28 +0000

A fresh set of features is headed to Windows users that brings exclusive features to owners of the Samsung Galaxy S20 line and the Galaxy Z Flip. If you are familiar with and/or use the Your Phone app on your Windows PC, you'll like what I'm about to tell you. An update for Your Phone allows the Galaxy S20 and Z Flip to copy and paste between phones and PCs, plus you'll find limited RCS support. For copy/paste, Microsoft says that you will be able to "seamlessly" copy and paste text, as well as images, between phone and Windows 10. Do your normal copy or paste commands on PC, then long-press on your Galaxy S20 or Z Flip to see that info available to paste on your phone. It should work back the other way to, from phone to PC. Here's what the setup screen will look like on your PC:

For RCS support, the big news is that Your Phone now supports it on the Galaxy S20 line. Should you get support, you will be able to send and receive messages, see them get marked as read, and not deal with clearing old notifications from one device to the next. Unfortunately, there are a bunch of things to know about whether or not it'll work for you. Microsoft says specifically that it'll only work in the Samsung Messages app (and if it's set as default) and that your mobile operator has to support RCS. Since RCS isn't widely available in Samsung Messages like it is in Google's Messages app, you may never get to use it, depending on your carrier. Finally, there's now a way to set your phone to show a black screen during a phone screen session in Your Phone. With a black screen, this should help with battery consumption. Go update your apps! // Windows Blog

Robert Downey Jr. Appears to Pose With OnePlus 8

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 08:45:08 +0000

Robert Downey Jr. is probably enjoying life quite a bit these days, likely not needing to work another day in his next few lifetimes. However, the hustle never ceases. In what appears to be a photoshoot for the upcoming OnePlus 8, the Iron Man actor is seen posing with the device in photos that were posted by Sam Jones (a photographer) to Instagram. The photos have since been pulled, but thanks to the internet, we can get a decent look at the phone's backside via screen captures.

There isn't all too much to see, but we can make out that the camera housing is vertical. Thanks to a color version of the photo, we can also see that an orange-ish, red-ish(?) color will be available. Oh, and we can see that RDJ is still a handsome gentleman. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we aren't exactly sure when the OnePlus 8 will be available or announced, but we know it should be sometime soon-ish. The latest rumor is for April 14.

// Sam Jones (Instagram, since deleted) | GSM Arena

DEAL: AUKEY Car Air Vent Magnetic Mount for $4 With Code

Tim — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:38:09 +0000

We've been recommending magnetic mounts for your car's air vent for years, but if you still don't have one, you can snag one from AUKEY for just $4 right now on Amazon. Thanks to the below coupon code, the price drops from $8, so we're talking 50% savings here. If you're completely unfamiliar with how these work, it's very simple. First, you'll stick the mount into your car's air vent, then apply a very thin magnet to the backside of your phone or phone's case. This then allows the phone to stick to the mount magnetically and not live inside your cup holder. After all, cup holders are for cups, not your phone. For $4, we highly recommend it.

Amazon Link (Code: KOSS88O3)

Ubisoft's The Division 2 and The Crew 2 Hit Stadia on March 25, Monopoly on April 28

Tim — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 13:01:39 +0000

More games are on the way to Google Stadia, with the latest announcement being for Monopoly, one of the world's most recognizable board games, as well as The Division 2 and The Crew 2. Both the The Division 2 and The Crew 2 will be available for purchase on March 25, while Monopoly will be available on April 28. Published by Ubisoft, Monopoly for Stadia should be similar to the Nintendo Switch version, where players experience the classic Monopoly gameplay, but in a 3D space.

With MONOPOLY, players will be able to enjoy the game they know and love on three unique 3D living boards. As players progress and invest in charming neighborhoods with strong unique personalities, cities will live, evolve and prosper in front of their eyes.

Stadia fans should also note that DOOM Eternal is also on the way, scheduled for release on March 20. Does Stadia still have a player base? // Stadia

DEAL: Grab a Galaxy Watch Active 2 44mm For $205 ($94 off)

Kellen — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:53:48 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is still my favorite smartwatch and really the only watch I can fully recommend today. I'm actually wearing it right now in the 44mm size. Should you feel like joining me as a Samsung fanboy, Microsoft has a heck of a deal on the 44mm Watch Active 2 in black. Normally priced at $299, Microsoft has the 44mm "Aqua Black" model priced at $205.08. As the title suggests, that's a $94 discount off a watch that tracks your sleep, is your workout partner, gets you all the notifications you need, will last a solid 2 days, and has an incredible display. Want a Watch Active 2 but need LTE connectivity? Microsoft has the LTE models dropped down to around $300, thanks to $140 discounts. Again, I don't go full recommendation very often, but I absolutely love the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's such a fabulous wearable device that I can't say enough good things about.

Buy Galaxy Watch Active 2 from Microsoft (LTE Version)

Google Play Dark Theme Now Available to All

Kellen — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:21:39 +0000

If for some reason you are hanging onto a phone without Android 10 and all the dark mode action our lives deserve, know that Google Play will at least give you darkness in times of need. Google announced this week that the Google Play dark them is now available to any Android device. Previously, the dark theme switcher in Google Play was likely only available to devices that supported a dark theme (like Android 10 phones and others with dark themes in Android 9). Going forward, even without those two versions of Android, you should be able to open Google Play, swipe out the side menu, jump into Settings, and see a theme picker. Google didn't say anything about a rollout here, so keep checking over the next few days. I can tell you that I most definitely do not have the Google Play UI shown in the Tweet below, but I do indeed have the theme chooser. Wait, is anyone on a super old version of Android? https://twitter.com/GooglePlay/status/1237755190704590850

OnePlus 7T Series Gets First Open Beta, Includes Live Caption

Tim — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 08:41:05 +0000

OnePlus has announced the first open beta for the OnePlus 7T series. If you own a OnePlus 7T or 7T Pro, and you enjoy flashing early software, let's have some fun. According to the changelog, users can look forward to Live Caption (detects speech in media and automatically generates captions), the February security patch, better RAM management, and plenty else. This is just the first beta, so more is plenty to come.

What's New

System
- Optimized RAM management
- Enhanced single and double-tap performance of Ambient display and lock screen
- Improved content now live on settings page
- Updated Android Security patch to 2020.02
Live Caption
- Added live caption feature, this will detect speech in media and automatically generates captions (to enable: Settings-System-AccessibIlity-Live Caption)
Phone
- Enhanced the contact details screen
Gallery
- Fixed the audio and video issues with preloading videos

If you want to get started with this beta, follow the link below and follow OnePlus' instructions. Performing local upgrades via the phone is incredibly easy, so feel free to have at it. Just be aware that enrolling in these betas puts you on a separate update path versus stable builds. If you want to go back to stable, you'll need to revert back manually. // OnePlus

New TAG Heuer Connected Wear OS Watch is Official at $1800

Kellen — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 06:47:02 +0000

TAG Heuer unwrapped another new Wear OS smartwatch today under their Connected brand. This is at least the third generation from the luxury watchmaker and more than likely its most put-together. Of course, being the brand that it is, you are going to pay more than you probably should for the 2020 edition of the TAG Heuer Connected. We first spotted this watch back in October, thanks to an FCC filing. It's now very official in a number of colors and finishes, plus we have the specs and the starting price. So let's just get this out of the way: the TAG Heuer Connected (2020) costs $1,800 at the low end. There are models that jump as high as $2,350 too. I'll let you digest that for a minute. OK, here we go. For specs, the new Connected features a 45mm case that is 13.5mm thick and has 2 pushers with a crown. You'll also find a 1.39" OLED display (454x454, sapphire glass), 430mAh battery, 5ATM water resistance, GPS, heartrate monitor, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and WiFi. It runs Qualcomm's Snapdragon 3100, a chipset that was old when it was introduced in mid-2018 and hasn't improved in any way since. I don't have a RAM spec just yet, but my guess is that this watch has a full 1GB. The original Connected watch had 1GB back in 2015.

The case comes in 3 different stainless steel variants with ceramic black or metal PVD bezels. There's also a full matte black titanium version with black ceramic bezel. Watch bands can be easily swapped from rubber to stainless steel using a quick-swap system, and TAG Heuer will gladly sell you those from $100 (rubber) to $490 (steel). TAG Heuer put together a special fitness app for this watch that tracks both workouts and golf. There are a number of new watch faces as well. Assuming TAG Heuer put the same effort into this watch as they did their past watches, it should be a well-running Wear OS watch with an excellent set of watch faces. The original TAG Heuer Connected was quite good and possibly ahead of its time for performance. This new TAG Heuer Connected is available today! Interested? Hit that shopping link below.

Shop TAG Heuer Connected

Google's Pixel 4 is Still $250 Off and at a Ridiculously Low Price

Kellen — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:05:22 +0000

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are still available at some of their best prices to date, thanks to $250 discounts at a handful of retailers. With those cuts, their starting price points drop to $550 and $650, respectively. You could also double storage from 64GB to 128GB for $100 more. I know that the Pixel 4 line-up has received its fair share of criticism, but the Pixel 4 XL is mostly an excellent phone. I've spent the majority of the past few months with it and generally enjoy what it has to offer. The screen is excellent at 90Hz, battery life on the XL model has been sufficient, performance and software are great, and the camera is my favorite for taking stills. In our 4 XL review, we argued that the phone wasn't a $900 phone, but I'd certainly consider it to be a great value at $650. You could maybe even make the argument that the regular Pixel 4 is worth a shot at $550. These are great prices for Google's newest phones.

Amazon Link

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Now Available in RED

Tim — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:13:59 +0000

Galaxy Buds+ from Samsung are still pretty new, but already the company is releasing a new color for the wireless earbuds -- RED! The buds are the same exact thing as the other Galaxy Buds+ models, but obviously, the color is different. They still cost $150, offer fantastic battery life, great sound, and that sweet ambient mode goodness. If you've been waiting for a color you can see from across the street, then follow the link below.

Samsung Store Link

Montblanc Summit 2+ Offers Bigger Battery and LTE, Available in May for $1,170

Tim — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:06:20 +0000

Montblanc, a luxury brand that is actively trying to keep Wear OS still kicking, announced an upgraded Summit 2 model this week, the Summit 2+. The arrival of the Summit 2+ isn't too surprising, as we actually spotted the Summit 2+ with its LTE bands pass through the FCC back in November. For changes, Montblanc has added the aforementioned LTE bands for Verizon wireless connectivity beyond just WiFi and Bluetooth, enlarged the case ever so much to 43.5mm from 42mm as to allow for a larger 440mAh battery (versus the Summit 2's 340mAh battery), and it appears more software-side focus has been placed on fitness and exploration for the device. It's still utilizing a Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, offers full-day battery life (can be extended via power saving modes), heart rate monitor, GPS, and decent sweat resistance. For pricing and availability, remember that this is Montblanc, so don't be offended by its price. The watch is priced starting at $1,170, with Verizon LTE connectivity running an additional $10/month. Of course, you don't have to get the LTE connection should you not need it. If you're ready to drop that kinda dough on a Wear OS device, it will be available starting in May.

Montblanc Store Link

Google Pixel 4a Leak Suggests $399 Starting Price

Kellen — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:55:21 +0000

With Pixel 4a leaks starting to ramp up, we'll assume that we are close to the phone launching. We're pretty sure we know the specs, what it will look like, and that it's the phone for 2020 we have most been looking forward too. What we haven't known is the price, though we may have just found that out. In a Tweet today, @evleaks included a set of 3 images that look like Pixel 4a marketing materials superimposed onto a billboard. The images show off the phone in two colors (black or white), highlight its Google features, and reveal a price that we love to see. According to these images, the Pixel 4a could start at $399. That's the exact same price as the Pixel 3a and is a beautiful thing to see during a time where phone makers can't help but jack up prices on their phones from one year to the next, even if they offer little in the form of upgrades. Should Google keep the same pricing as last year, we couldn't be happier. Since these images mention "Starting at $399," that's a hint that there could either be an option with more storage or a second model, like a Pixel 4a XL. The Pixel 3a came in an XL variant, so I'm not sure we shouldn't expect that again this year, even with random rumors suggesting otherwise. The Pixel 4a is expected to sport a 5.8" display with hole punch front camera, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage, 12MP rear camera, 3080mAh battery, and Snapdragon 730 processor. For $399, that's a decent set of specs.

You are excited, right? // @evleaks

Verizon Launches Yahoo Mobile, a Prepaid Service Just Like Visible

Kellen — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:33:38 +0000

Since Verizon still owns the Yahoo brand and needs to do something with all of those assets that they spent over $4 billion on, they've decided that launching a prepaid service with the name is an option. Today, Verizon launched Yahoo Mobile, a wireless service that uses Verizon's network, has no contracts, and costs just $39.99 per month. If you head over to the new Yahoo Mobile site, you'll notice it looks a lot like one of Verizon's other prepaid brands: Visible. In fact, the websites are almost identically laid out, only Yahoo Mobile is a combination of purple and white instead of blue and white. But all of the links and the layout of the websites are exactly the same. Even the price of the plan and its benefits match up. Speaking of the plan, here it is:

Unlimited text, talk and data
Unlimited mobile hotspot for use with one connected device at a time
Yahoo Mail Pro for ad-free email
Account Pro for 24/7 Yahoo account customer service
On Verizon’s 4G LTE network
All for $39.99/month

So for $40, you get unlimited data on Verizon's network (speeds slowed at times of congestions), unlimited hotspot (speeds capped at 5Mbps), and a Yahoo Mail Pro account. Actually, you have to use a Yahoo account in order to get Yahoo Mobile access, so prepare yourselves for that idea. Yahoo Mobile has phones available for purchase or you can bring your own, you access everything in your account from the new Yahoo Mobile app, and overall, this all looks like a decent deal, just like Visible is. Hit those links below if interested. Google Play Link | Sign-up for Yahoo Mobile

DEAL: AUKEY Wireless Bank and Charging Pad for $105 (30% Off), Graphite Charger for $13

Tim — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:12:06 +0000

AUKEY is hosting more deals on Amazon this week, with savings of up to 56% off available on certain items. Because there are so many gosh darn deals, let me highlight the good stuff for you. The big one is the wireless power bank / wireless charger with 45W Power Delivery, down to $105 from its usual price of $150. Other sweet prices include $13 for a graphite 10W wireless fast charger, WiFi smart plugs for $11, $50 for a 30,000mAh power bank, and plenty more. Below you'll find all of the Amazon links and discount codes you'll need.

Amazon Links

Wireless Bank, 18W PD & Charging Pad w/ 45W PD - $104.99 (30% off)
30000mAh USB-C Bank w/ PD & QC 3.0 - $50.04 (35% off)
USB Wall Outlet 2-Pack w/ Dual USB Port - $12.99 (Code: 86IHI9JX)
AUKEY USB-C Power Strip w/ 18W PD - $26.39 (Code: C75ZG4U6)
Mini WiFi Smart Plug w/ Dual Outlets - $10.99 (Code: TN2RWOVQ)
LED Lamp 12W w/ 20 Dimmable Brightness Levels - $39.99 (43% off)
USB-C PD Fast Car Charger w/ PD & QC 3.0 - $9.79 (Code: Y4C9LYJS)
Graphite Q 10W Wireless Fast Charger - $13.29 (Code: CAN9466T)
Dual-Port 60W PD GaN Charger w/ DD - $23.09 (Code: S9HJLLBB)
Pocketable 18W PD GaN Wall Charger - $10.94 (Code: 2XCC7VQR)
6.8” LCD Touchscreen Mirror Dash Cam - $48.99 (Code: 3A8B6GZN)
USB C to USB C Cable 6ft - $7.19 (Code: WNEN2CZA)
USB C to USB C Cable 6ft Fast Charge - $19.99 (30% off)
16W Bluetooth Stereo Speaker - $27.99 (Code: U2L6428D)
Bluetooth 5 Headphones - $26.99 (25% off)

A New Chromecast Ultra Might be on the Way With Android TV

Kellen — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:19:44 +0000

Google's Chromecast is one of the most important streaming devices of our time and it's also one of the weirdest and most confusing. On one hand, it made it incredibly cheap for anyone to stream their favorite content to almost any screen, yet the lack of a remote or UI has always made it awkward to use. That could change this year! According to a report from 9to5Google, Google is apparently preparing a follow-up to the Chromecast Ultra, only this time it won't just be another Chromecast. Instead, the new Chromecast Ultra is said to have Android TV onboard and feature a remote. In other words, this could be the cheap Android TV dongle we've always wanted. The device will support 4K HDR content (like the original Ultra), have Bluetooth and WiFi, and come with a remote that'll feature a Google Assistant button. You'll also be able to use the included remote to control your TV and load up all of your favorite apps, since well, this is Android TV. As far as designs go, the new Chromecast Ultra might look similar to the newest version of the Chromecast, which has a soft-touch finish and a "G" logo. Of course, like all Chromecasts, you will connect it to your TV via HDMI. I can't help but wonder if the device will be similar to the ADT-3 that Google just launched a few weeks back. While this is a developer unit, it's very much a tiny dongle-esque device that features full-blown Android TV and a remote with Assistant at a reasonable price. It's very much proof that you can put Android TV into a tiny package and sell it for cheap with all the features. Come on, guys, this is pretty exciting. Not everyone can pay $150 for a SHIELD TV. // 9to5Google

OnePlus Going "All In on 5G" for the OnePlus 8

Tim — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 09:24:24 +0000

Speaking to CNET this week, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau said the company is going all in on 5G and that the OnePlus 8 set to launch later this year will definitely have 5G bands. Lau additionally said, "I want to restate our commitment to 5G and our long term investment. We've been investing in 5G for several years and we see this as the direction going forward and one we're very much committed to." For those who think 5G merely adds cost to a device, you're not wrong. To combat this, Lau says that we can expect two forms of the OnePlus 8 -- one that has 5G and costs quite a bit (aka a Pro version), as well as non-Pro version with more modest specs and more accessible price tag. As we saw with Samsung this year, the inclusion of 5G radios, even in the base Galaxy S20 model, lead to prices starting at $999. For many, that's simply too much money to spend on a phone. Rumor has it that we can expect at least two OnePlus 8 devices this upcoming April. Due to COVID-19, it's likely a safe bet that there won't be a big press conference. Regardless, you can look forward to 5G connectivity, smooth displays, as well as Verizon connectivity when these phones launch. // CNET

Pixel 4a Just Got Outed Early, Because It Wouldn't be a Google Phone Without a Stupid Early Leak

Kellen — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 08:42:41 +0000

Google Pixel phone leak season is here once again. Not that we have any idea when the next Google Pixel phone is coming, but we've got a 6-minute video of an unreleased Google phone that fully reveals it because that's how this happens for every Google phone. It's weeks (if not months) before we believe the Pixel 4a will be announced and yet here is a prototype giving up the goods. Over the weekend, this particular prototype first popped up and looked semi-questionable. At this point, though, the phone is shown off in detail and is more than likely what we thought it was: the Pixel 4a. The video here is in shows off the front and back designs, reveals the important specs, and certainly gets us excited for the final product that won't look this rough. Here's what we know for sure from this clip:

5.8" 1080p display
Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
6GB RAM
64GB storage
3080mAh battery
12MP rear camera
Android 10 (with April's security patch)

We also know that this phone uses the codename of "sunfish," which has been suspected to be the Pixel 4a for some time. We've talked about "sunfish" here, here, and here. These specs also match-up to previous reports on it, as does the design. Remember these renders from December? They sure look to be spot on. Overall, this looks like it'll be a nice follow-up to last year's Pixel 3a, assuming Google can keep the price down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLb0sW9vOEU

Galaxy S20 Ultra: 25+ Tips and Tricks!

Tim — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:22:02 +0000

If you've been with us since the Unboxing and First 10 Things to Do videos, then you should already know that all that's left before we get to the Galaxy S20 Ultra full review is the Tips and Tricks! For the Galaxy S20 Ultra, we have quite a long list of things to cover, but that's no surprise since Samsung has a tendency to jam pack these phones full of features. In this video we'll go over specific camera features, more ways to customize the look and feel of your device (much more comprehensive than the First 10 Things video), talk about and dive into the phone's Advanced Features menu, and I may even go over which notification sound you should be using. Spoiler alert, it's a fart sound because I'm a child. Garb some popcorn, it's gonna be a long one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVWWfCjoKk

Android TV Will Get Multi-Game Viewing of March Madness for the First Time

Kellen — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:17:31 +0000

Turner Sports and their NCAA March Madness Live app have big plans for the streaming experience of the upcoming March Madness 2020 tournament that will kick off here in a couple of weeks. The biggest news is for Android TV and Fire TV users, who will now be able to stream multiple games at once for the first time. There's also a Google Assistant integration at play here, at least that's what we're being told. The big news, as I mentioned, is on Android TV where users will get access to two games at once during "certain windows" of the NCAA Tournament. I believe that Apple TV users will have additional streams above two, but hey, we're getting there on Android:

Live Video Enhancements The Multigame option will expand fans’ ability to watch simultaneous live coverage of two games during certain windows of the NCAA Tournament to new platforms, including Amazon Fire TV and Android TV platforms for the first time this year – in addition to existing Multigame functionality on Apple TV. Additionally, new The Catch-Up video powered by AT&T TV will provide users with a succinct summary of any key plays or moments that may have transpired prior to when they started watching live streaming coverage.

Next up, the Fast Break feature, which is back for the 3rd year in a row. It proves a "whip-around" look at highlights and analysis, social reactions, and commentary for all games. You'll find this for the first two rounds from March 19-22:

Fast Break presented by AT&T TV and Nissan For the third consecutive year, Fast Break presented by AT&T TV and Nissan will exclusively provide an all-encompassing look at live tournament action from a single viewing location. This live, whip-around coverage will also offer quick turnaround highlights, real-time analysis, social reaction and commentary for all games. Fast Break will be available when there are multiple games being played during the first two rounds of the tournament, Thursday through Sunday, March 19-22. AT&T TV will present Fast Break coverage on Thursday and Saturday, with Nissan serving as sponsor for Friday and Sunday.

Finally, for another feature, if you fill out a bracket with CBS or in the NCAA March Madness Live app, you'll get notifications and reminders of outcomes to help you keep track of your really, poorly executed picks:

Bracket Integrations Capital One NCAA March Madness Bracket Challenge will bring fans deeper into the bracket game experience through intuitive integrations with live game coverage from the moment they fill out their brackets through the cutting down of the nets. Whether browsing live game action on the Watch Page, viewing a given live game within the Gamecenter, and/or receiving push notifications, NCAA March Madness Live will remind users of the outcomes they predicted so that they know which results to root for in anticipation of winning their Bracket Challenge.

Who is ready? This is my favorite time of the year. I cannot wait. Google Play Link // Engadget | SVG

Spotify Gets a Smarter Home Screen With Timely Suggestions

Kellen — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 09:24:42 +0000

Spotify is rolling out a refreshed home page to its Android and iOS apps today to bring forth the content you need at the precise moment it thinks you'll need it. Spotify wants this new home page to be the smartest destination for finding content. At the top of the new home screen, you'll see a section with 6 tiles that changes throughout a day. It could show you podcasts and playlists you've had on-repeat in the morning, then change to show your workout playlist in the afternoon as you hit the gym or the slow R&B jams in the evening as you...well, eat ice cream or something. As each transition happens, the top portion of the Spotify app will greet you with "Good morning" or "Good afternoon," plus you'll find your top podcasts and "made for you" playlists just below this smarter area. It's still Spotify, only hopefully more in-tune to your desires. The update is rolling out now and I appear to have it. I'm sure you do too. // Spotify

Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 2020 is Here and 10% Off Right Away

Kellen — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 08:44:28 +0000

The new Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 2020 landed today at Amazon and on Mobvoi's own store. As a celebration of its arrival, you can save 10% because we all love saving money on shiny new objects. To recap, the TicWatch Pro 2020 is basically just the TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE that launched last year, only it lacks the 4G/LTE component. All of the other specs are the same, like the 1.39″ AMOLED display with the FSTN LCD on top, GPS, heartrate monitor, 4GB storage, 415mAh battery, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 45mm case. The big spec match is the RAM, where we have a full 1GB. As you guys all know, Wear OS can run well with that much RAM and not-so-well without it. This new 2020 model costs $259.99 and comes in either Shadow Black or Liquid Metal Silver. Both feature a combo strap that is leather and rubber, but you can swap it out for any 22mm band, like these. To get the 10% off and drop the price to $233.99 ($26 off), use code "10OFFPRO2020" at checkout.

Shop TicWatch Pro 2020

$55 is an Incredible Galaxy Buds Price ($75 Off, Refurbished)

Kellen — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 16:12:36 +0000

Samsung may have just replaced the Galaxy Buds with a semi-upgraded Galaxy Buds+ model. That shouldn't stop you from considering the still-excellent true wireless original, though, especially with a price drop on certified refurbished units at Best Buy this weekend. I'm kind of thinking you should buy a pair. Should they stay in stock, you can get a Geek Squad certified refurbished pair of Galaxy Buds in either black or silver for $55. These originally retailed for $129, so that's a cool $75 in savings. And look, I get that these are refurbished and you might want to hesitate. You shouldn't. The Galaxy Buds are my favorite ear buds of last year (probably Tim's too) and that was with their $130 price tag. They sound great, create a nice ear seal, will take the beating of a workout, and will last you for hours on end. At $55, with that certified refurbished tag, I honestly can't think of a better deal this weekend. If you have been eyeing a pair of true wireless buds, this deal makes the Galaxy Buds the pair to go for.

Best Buy Link

OnePlus 8 for Verizon Basically Confirmed Because Bloatware

Tim — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:24:35 +0000

Thanks to an updated OnePlus Launcher app, dissected by the good and thorough people over at XDA, the upcoming OnePlus 8 for Verizon is pretty much confirmed. Inside the app, there is a new string of code for a Verizon folder, which XDA believes alludes to the existence of a folder specifically designed for housing pre-installed Verizon applications -- also known as bloatware. Here's hoping for quick and painless disable action for all of these pre-installed apps. Another piece of code specifically states the word "Verizon," so yeah, it looks pretty much solidified that the OP8 is coming to OnePlus. Mind you, this isn't the first time we've heard the OnePlus 8 will be coming to Verizon, which is big news for customers on Big Red. Feel free to get excited, OnePlus and Verizon fans. // XDA

Samsung is Still Offering Up to $700 Off Galaxy S20 With Trade

Kellen — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:16:53 +0000

Now that the Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra are in stores and the pre-order period has ended, we are seeing a shift in available deals. One that hasn't changed is Samsung's trade-in deal, which is still arguably the best way to get into a new Galaxy S20. Like during pre-orders, Samsung is offering up to $700 off today if you have a phone to trade-in. With that big of a discount, you could get into a Galaxy S20 for $299, Galaxy S20+ for $499, and a Galaxy S20 Ultra for $699. Since these phones are absurdly expensive without discounts, I can imagine those numbers look much more appealing. To get the full $700 off, Samsung will ask you to trade-in a Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+, iPhone 11 Pro, or Pro Max. Don't have one of those because they are only a few months old? I get it! Samsung will still give you $600 off for a Galaxy S10 or S10+, Pixel 4 or 4 XL, iPhone 11, and iPhone XS or XS Max. They offer $300-off for a number of other phones too. The trade-in deal with Samsung is pretty easy, for those new. You decide which Galaxy S20 you want, tell Samsung which phone you have to trade-in, and you'll get the value discounted from your purchase today. Then, once your new S20 arrives, you'll send in your trade to confirm to Samsung that you weren't lying. And that's it. Get to shopping! These trade-in values won't stick around forever.

Shop Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Ultra

Google Face Unlock for Pixel 4 Could Soon Require Eyes Open

Kellen — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 09:28:54 +0000

The Face Unlock feature on Google's Pixel 4 was supposed to be as secure as it gets, in a lot of ways like Apple's. Google put a bunch of super fancy face scanning hardware in the Pixel 4 to make it more than just a front-facing camera powered system. But then it launched and folks noticed one big issue right away: you could unlock a Pixel 4 with your eyes closed. That's bad for reasons I'm sure you can understand and forced Google to acknowledge that a fix was needed. They initially told us back in October that an update to address the eyes-open requirement would arrive in the "coming months." Well, we're certainly months out from that and the fix might finally be close. After searching through settings on a Pixel 4 this week, a user noticed that an option for "Require eyes to be open" has appeared that directs you to the phone's Face Unlock area. Unfortunately, the setting isn't showing in there just yet, almost as if it's hidden and needs Google to flip some remote switch. Since Google just released the March Android update with a bunch of new features, I'm actually surprised they didn't include this as a part. Maybe they meant to? Either way, Google could be ready to fix the Pixel 4's biggest Face Unlock-related security issue. // Android Police

Fossil Sport Down to $90, Easily Its Best Price Yet

Tim — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:42:38 +0000

If you really, really dislike yourself and want to get into the world of Wear OS (lol, jk, Wear OS is fine), Amazon currently has the Fossil Sport for just $90. That price is almost worth me giving Wear OS another shot. What's nice about the Fossil Sport is that it's been picking up some of its bigger Gen 5 sibling's features via software updates, such as its battery modes. If you just need an inexpensive way to track your activities and glance at incoming notifications on your wrist, give it a look. Currently, only the black color is down to $90, but all of the other colors are still at $99. Not bad, not bad.

Amazon Link

Hello, Deal: Google's Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are $250 Off Right Now

Kellen — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 07:34:36 +0000

This might be a reactionary move to Samsung launching a bunch of insanely priced phones today, but Google's retail partners are selling the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL at $250 off. This is a massive discount on phones that are only a few months old and supposed to take Google through to October where we should see a Pixel 5. What kinds of prices are we talking about with a $250 discount? The Pixel 4 (64GB) can be had for as little as $549 and the Pixel 4 XL is down to $649. If you want to double the storage to 128GB, the same $250 discount applies, so you are looking at prices of $649 (Pixel 4, 128GB) and $749 (Pixel 4 XL). Want an additional savings? Best Buy will shave another $50 off (so $300 total) if you activate with select carriers. I'm not sure what else to say other than: you should probably consider this deal if you are in the market for a new phone. Samsung just opened up in-store availability for phones that start at $1,000. Grabbing Google's latest (and mostly excellent Pixel 4 XL) for half the price is too good to pass up.

Shop Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL:

Google Might Implement iMessage's Text Reactions

Kellen — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 07:01:40 +0000

Receiving a "Liked" or "Thumbs up" text from a person you are having a conversation with will never not be weird. You know that person is a iPhone user, is on iMessage, and had just initiated one of iMessage's reactions to your text, only it was supposed to come across as a heart or thumb emoji, not as a text. It means your bubble is an incorrect color (in their eyes) and that they probably think less of you as an Android user. At least that's what we've been told is the situation. Soon enough, you may be able to send your own "Kellen liked this message" or "Kellen laughed at this message" text right back to those iOS users. Google appears to be preparing their own text reactions within Google Messages and RCS. Noticed for now as a series of code strings in the latest Google Messages beta, Google appears to be building out an experience that lets you react to an RCS message with a thumbs up, heart eyes, laughing-crying face, thumbs down, and more. You can see below how this might look, and yep, it's similar to the iMessage experience. After someone sends you a message, you'll be able to quickly share your thoughts back as an emoji.

If that person doesn't have RCS, Google has built out fallback text messages that will be delivered, which strings of "add_reaction_for_text_message_rcs_fallback_text" and "add_reaction_for_photo_rcs_fallback_text" have outed. Those would be the "Kellen didn't like" this message texts that iMessage currently sends you and I. Not that I message with very many iPhone folks, but I'm looking forward to how triggered this might make them. We'll let you know once it rolls out. // 9to5Google

Podcast: We Have the Galaxy S20 (Updated: Sorry)

Kellen — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:08:03 +0000

UPDATE: Sorry, folks, but we ran into technical difficulties while on-air during this show and it's just not up to our normal standards. We're going to pull the video episode and won't be uploading audio. Again, super sorry, we should be good to go again next week.

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, since it's Galaxy S20 launch day, we'll talk plenty about the S20 and Galaxy S20 Ultra. We've been testing them for the better part of the week, so tune-in to hear early battery life results, camera thoughts, and if we're enjoying Samsung's incredibly expensive phones. We also want to touch on the big March Android update that included the latest Pixel feature drop, Motorola's Edge+ phone, and AT&T's awful-sounding new TV service. Trivia is back! We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern).

T-Mobile Discovered Data Breach This Week, Says No Customer Financial Information Was Impacted

Tim — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:22:08 +0000

T-Mobile disclosed that the company discovered a data breach this week, but the main takeaway is, it appears that no customer financial information was impacted. Good. According to T-Mobile, an attack took place against an email vendor that led to unauthorized access to certain employee email accounts, some of which contained account information for T-Mobile customers and employees. The information that may have gotten into the wrong hands includes names, addresses, phone numbers, account numbers, billing information, and more. Here's what T-Mobile says happened.

Our Cybersecurity team recently identified and shut down a malicious attack against our email vendor that led to unauthorized access to certain T-Mobile employee email accounts, some of which contained account information for T-Mobile customers and employees. Information accessed illegally may have included names and addresses, phone numbers, account numbers, rate plans and features, and billing information. Your financial information (including credit card information) and Social Security number were not impacted.

T-Mobile goes on to say that it always a good idea to review your account information and update the personal identification number (PIN/passcode) on your T-Mobile account. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to do that. Another day, another data breach. // T-Mobile

Motorola Edge+ Design Leaks and It's a Proper 2020 Design

Kellen — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 12:15:49 +0000

When Motorola makes its flagship comeback over the coming weeks, it'll do so with a smartphone design that plays in perfectly with the standards being set by others for 2020. It'll be big. It'll have a variety of cameras. It'll be glass as hell. It'll have a hole punch cutout on the front. It'll have 5G. And it'll have a waterfall display. Motorola Edge+ is the name we expect Motorola to use for this new phone, as has been suggested by numerous leaks, and its design has now been fully rendered, courtesy of @onleaks. The renders here are likely based off of case schematics that are given to accessory makers before a phone is released. They tend to be spot on and have for years now given us previews of upcoming phones. We should lean towards believing that this is the Motorola Edge+. What do we learn today? That there is a 3-camera setup on this phone's backside, a hole-punch camera up front in the 6.5-6.8" display (thought to be 1080p and 90Hz), in-display fingerprint reader, USB-C port, and 3.5mm headphone jack included in the body. We know that the dimensions for the phone are 161.1 x 71.3 x 9.5mm, which measures closely to the Galaxy S20+ at 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8mm. Why is the Edge+ so thick? It could be because of the rumored specs that include a large 5000+mAh battery, Snapdragon 865, and 12GB RAM. Of course, this phone will be at Verizon and have support for 5G mmW, which is the 5G that has expanded the size of phones dramatically over the past two years. And that's mostly it for new stuff from today's leak.

We were expecting Motorola to unveil this phone at an MWC press event, but with that being cancelled, those plans have changed. We also know that coronavirus is taking its toll on several industry events and that has me worried about product timelines too. Will this Edge+ show up soon or will Motorola have to delay? I hope we find out soon - I'm ready for Motorola's return to flagships. What do you guys think? // Pricebaba

This Mophie Powerstation Go Wirelessly Charges My Phone and Jumpstarts My Car

Tim — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year, mophie introduced the Powerstation Go, a portable power bank not only designed to charge your devices while on the go, but it can also jumpstart your car or SUV. Naturally, I asked mophie to send me one and they obliged. This compact brick now lives in my trunk in case of emergencies and I couldn't be more at ease should I ever have a dead battery. Now, due to the nature of this product and depending on where you store it, you may not use it much (that's a good thing, dead car batteries suck), but again, it's your typical power bank should that be what you need. It's a bit pricey at $160 if all you need is a power bank, but it also comes equipped with an LED flashlight (good for camping) and 115V AC output (65W) for charging things such as laptop computers. I do believe the real selling point here is the included mini spark-proof jumper cables. In terms of juice, the Powerstation Go packs 44,400mWh of capacity. That should be enough to charge your phone or tablet quite a few times. I used it to wirelessly charge my Pixel 4 XL and Galaxy S20 Ultra for a bit (capped at 5W output) and that hardly seemed to make a dent in the bank's life. Again, a solid accessory to just have around in the office or in your car, just in case.

Thankfully, I haven't needed to use it to jumpstart my car so I can't comment on whether it works well, but if I do, I'm confident I won't have to call AAA. Included with the bank is a little carrying bag that has jumpstart instructions on it. The process is like jumpstarting most other cars -- attach cables (red = positive, black = negative), hit the jumpstart button, wait for light to be solid green, and then go start your car. Unfortunately, the Powerstation Go is currently sold out in most colors (Rose Gold option is available), but they do have a waitlist going if you're interested. Follow the link below to check it out.

Buy Powersation Go ($160)

TCL has Weird Sh*t to Show Off That It Might Never Make

Kellen — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 09:37:15 +0000

TCL wants you to know that it can fold things too, just like Samsung and Huawei. It can tri-fold a phone. It might even be able to roll-up a damn phone. We know this because they sent us a press release with concepts that speak of both of these things. Cool. Concepts is the key word here, because the stuff they are spreading around the internet today are not products you'll ever be able to buy. And that's fine! We love a good concept. Concepts can be fun, assuming you can see where they might lead to a better future or as a stepping stone for something more significant. Who knows if these two things are that. Want to know more? OK! Below, we have the tri-folding TCL smartphone with a 3K foldable display that goes from a 6.65-inch device to a full 10-inch tablet. It can unfold in fun ways to give you various screen sizes that a single-folding device can't. TCL has actually made this device, though it's (apparently) stupid heavy because of 3 batteries, almost impossible to use in phone mode because of its thickness, and barely works because the software is pure jank. Concept!

The more interesting of the two ideas is the device at the top (and below), which is a rollable concept device. TCL thinks they may one day be able to roll the screen of a phone into itself, sort of like LG's crazy expensive rollable TV that they worked for years to finally (maybe) be able sell for estimates around $60,000. The idea here is that you have a 6.75-inch device that unrolls (via internal motors) out to a 7.8-inch device. It would certainly eliminate things like hinges that have proven to be dealbreakers for the current crop of foldables. I'm sure those internal motors or paper-thin display won't pose any issues (🤨). While the tri-fold design is something TCL has technically already made and could one day sell, this rollable is not even close to being a prototype. Concept!

Any of this interest you? That's a semi-serious question.

YouTube TV, Sinclair Reach Deal for Regional FOX Sports, Minus Two Networks and YES

Tim — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:54:22 +0000

Late last month, it was announced by YouTube TV that it would be losing access to all FOX Regional Sports Networks (RSN) that are owned and distributed by the Sinclair Broadcast Group. Shortly after, a temporary agreement was reached, which allowed YouTube TV watchers to continue streaming those channels. In the latest development, a long-term agreement has been made, but some subscribers likely won't be very happy with the terms. According to a report from Variety, YouTube TV and Sinclair have agreed on 19 of the 21 Sinclair-owned Fox RSNs, minus Sports Prime Ticket and Fox Sports West, which carry games from teams in the Los Angeles area and includes the L.A. Clippers, L.A. Kings, L.A. Angels, and Anaheim Ducks. Additionally, and the big foreseeable issue for New Yorkers, is YouTube TV will also lose access to the YES Network, the home of the New York Yankees. These changes go into affect immediately, so if you're in an affected area, hopefully you somehow said goodbye to those networks already. // Variety

Google's Pixel 4a Isn't Here Just Yet, So Consider the Pixel 3a at $80 Off

Kellen — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:28:00 +0000

The Pixel 4a is the phone we can't wait for Google to ship in 2020. If early leaks are true, it's going to have all the goods we need including an updated front design. Assuming Google doesn't screw up the entire idea of the Pixel "a" line and jack the price up in the name of f*cking 5G, it might be phone of the year, and that's without me ever having touched one. But it's going to be some time before we get there! If Google was going to show it off at Google I/O, like they did with the Pixel 3a last year, well, they can't. Google I/O is cancelled. So until we know what's going on with the Pixel 4a, you should still consider the Pixel 3a when it sees significant discounts, like today. Amazon has the Pixel 3a XL for a cool $80 off, which drops the price down to $399. If you'd rather grab the smaller model Pixel 3a, it's $74 off today, down to $325. The price varies by color, but yeah, today is a good Pixel 3a day. Curious for more? Read our Pixel 3a review.

Amazon Links: Pixel 3a | Pixel 3a XL

iFixit Tears Down Galaxy S20 Ultra, Displays Guts for All to See

Tim — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 14:18:25 +0000

iFixit is back with another teardown, this time for the Galaxy S20 Ultra. It's sad to see this $1,400 piece of tech get ripped apart, but in the name of self repair, it's totally worth it.

Related: Galaxy S20 Ultra unboxing!

In terms of repairability, it appears the S20 Ultra is just as bad as any other recent Samsung device, with this device getting a solid 3 out of 10 score. Notable pain areas include a crap-ton of glue throughout the phone, but more importantly, it appears that display repairs "require either a complete teardown or replacing half the phone." That's obviously not very groovy. From a fun standpoint, this teardown does give us a look at inside Samsung's 100x Space Zoom camera. To break down what they found, I'll let iFixit explain. "Instead of focusing your image directly onto the sensor, this camera uses a prism to bounce the light sideways at a 90-degree angle. It certainly is impressive! After passing through the prism—which has its own optical image stabilizer—the image barrels through a sliding box full of zoom lens, and finally hits the sensor mounted at the end of the tunnel." Here are a few highlights from the teardown. Note the adhesive used on the battery. It's completely terrible for self repair, but a ton of fun to look at. // iFixit

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Arrives for Android, Priced at $3

Tim — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:16:54 +0000

I didn't play this franchise a ton back in the day, so I can't act super happy and shocked, but the news is, Castelvania: Symphony of the Night is now available for Android and iOS. Priced at $3, the port is getting really high reviews on Google Play so far, with users saying the controls are awesome, gameplay is smooth, and the picture looks good. According to the game's description, "This direct port of the classic console action RPG lets you jump, dash and slash your way through Dracula’s vast castle as Alucard while encountering a unique array of enemies and characters along the way." Maybe I give it a try? Let me know if I should. For those on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, the developers specifically note that you should disable Smooth Display when playing. Not sure if other devices capable of higher refresh rates need to do the same, but that's what they say. Have at it.

Google Play Link ($3)

Twitter Testing Fleets, Tweets That Vanish After 24 Hours and Can't Get Likes

Tim — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:51:34 +0000

Sometimes you just wanna throw a thought out there that you may not want associated with your everlasting social media accounts until the end of time. You know, like a fleeting thought that you want to quickly share, but don't care if gets liked and retweeted. This is exactly what Twitter is now testing in South America, a new feature called Fleets. Likely an answer to whatever Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook are doing right now, Fleets disappear after 24 hours and don’t get retweets, likes, or public replies. Users can only react to Fleets via DMs, and instead of showing up in user's timelines, Fleets are viewed by tapping on profile avatars. Fleets are currently in testing in Brazil, but I kinda hope these come to the US. It's a great idea, especially during this election season. https://twitter.com/kayvz/status/1235248842196398080

Galaxy S20 Ultra: Unboxing and Tour!

Tim — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:43:38 +0000

Kellen unboxed the Galaxy S20 earlier this week, but if you're like me, you need something with a bit more oomph in your pocket. That's where the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in.

Related: Galaxy S20 First 10 Things to Do!

The Galaxy S20 Ultra comes equipped with all of the insane specs you'd expect from a phone that starts at $1,400. It has a massive 6.9" WQHD+ display with a capable refresh rate of 120Hz, Snapdragon 865 processor with 5G connectivity, 12GB+ RAM, tons of storage (and microSD support!), 5,000mAh battery, and Android 10. For full specs of the Galaxy S20 family, look here. Starting now, I will be using the Ultra as my daily and working towards my full review. Won't you join me on this journey? Watch the below video to get started. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrw_Fdcj4OQ

Android 11 Developer Preview Gets an Update, Just a Bug Fix

Kellen — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:15:31 +0000

A new Android 11 Developer Preview build just popped up, but before you go wondering about what's new and if this is the Developer Preview 2, I'm here to calm the situation. This is simply a bug fix for Preview 1. That's it. The new build is available as as Android 11 Developer Preview 1.1 and build RPP1.200123.020. It's available right now to the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 4. Google says that it includes the following "critical fixes and changes":

Privacy

Apps targeting Android 11 no longer receive an erroneous security exception if they try to request a foreground location permission, such as ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION or ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, and any other permission at the same time.

Android Studio and tools

armeabi-v7a apps no longer cause x86 Emulator images to crash.

NDK apps targeting Android 11 are no longer blocked from building because of an issue with the Android Gradle Plugin. This fix is included in both Android Studio 4.0 Beta 2 (or higher) and Android Studio 4.1 Canary 1 (or higher).

Non-SDK interface restrictions

Greylist restrictions have been temporarily relaxed on a small number of methods used by OkHTTP and related SDKs that are in widespread use. This should provide app developers with more time to test and update their libraries before these restrictions are reinstated later in the Developer Preview.

Apps

Fixed an issue where a fatal exception was being thrown by com.android.phone.

GSI

Fixed an issue where using the gsi_gms_arm64-userdebug build failed to boot on Pixel 3 devices.

Fixed an issue where the Setup Wizard would crash when running on Pixel 4 XL devices.

If you've been running the first preview, you should probably update to this. Downloads: Factory Images | OTA Files

Google Assistant Can Now Read Articles Aloud From Browsers

Kellen — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 09:30:45 +0000

Ever open an article in a browser and decide you don't have the energy to read it or that you wish you could transport yourself back in time to those childhood days where someone else read all the stories to you? Google Assistant is here for you with a new feature called Read It. With Read It, which was first teased back at CES, you can utilize the command, "Hey Google, Read It," and the Assistant will then read aloud an article you have open on your phone's browser screen. Google says this should just work in your browser and that webmasters don't need to do anything to enable it (they can disable the functionality if they want, though). I tend to believe that after opening our Motorola Razr review in Chrome Beta and asking for Assistant's reading skills. As you can see in the screenshot above, it worked.

As you fire up the Read It command, Assistant will read the entire page and scroll along, highlighting words as it says each. You can fast forward, choose read speeds, listen in various languages, and even listen to the article in the background. Assistant will post up a notification with controls should you not want to leave your browser open and estimate the time it will take to read it. You should give it a shot! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psEX5jPkYiw // Google

Multiplayer Coming to Mario Kart Tour on March 8

Tim — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 15:00:52 +0000

Multiplayer is coming to Mario Kart Tour on March 8. Wa-hoo! According to the game's Twitter account, players will be able to access multiplayer lobbies at 8PM Pacific on March 8, with the lobbies consisting of 8 players in total. You'll be able to compete against in-game friends, nearby players, as well as other players across the globe. Sounds like fun, right? https://twitter.com/mariokarttourEN/status/1234629562308464647

Galaxy S20: First 10 Things to Do!

Kellen — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 14:11:03 +0000

I'm going to assume that pre-orders are arriving on the doorsteps of many of you, just like ours did. If so, then it's time to get busy with your Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, or Galaxy S20 Ultra. Our Galaxy S20 "First 10 Things to Do" video is here to help get everyone started and it's a long one. I don't know that Samsung added so much more that this video needed to be this long, but while putting it together it seemed like everything needed a clearer explanation than some of our videos in the past. Either way, apologies, but also, you're welcome. What you'll find here (in order) is a look at all secure lock settings (lock screen, fingerprints, and face unlock), always-on display setup, choosing 120Hz vs. 60Hz, all of the important display schedules to set, using navigation gestures vs. buttons, important sounds & vibration settings, the best Advanced features, home screen tutorial, and how to get your camera ready. Everyone enjoying their S20 so far? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUywPARuLMA

Google I/O 2020 Cancelled Over Coronavirus Fears

Tim — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:37:27 +0000

Emails are rolling out to attendees that Google I/O 2020 has been cancelled. Scheduled to take place May 12-14, it appears that fears over Coronavirus continue to cause havoc in the tech industry. While this sucks, we'd rather have people stay home and stay healthy than take a chance at getting sick. Here's what Google says.

Due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google I/O event at Shoreline Amphitheatre. All guests who have purchased tickets to I/O 2020 will receive a full refund by March 13, 2020. If you don’t see the credit on your statement by then, please reach out to io@google.com. Guests who have registered for I/O 2020 will not need to enter next year’s drawing and will be automatically granted the option of purchasing an I/O 2021 ticket. Over the coming weeks, we will explore other ways to evolve Google I/O to best connect with our developer community. We will keep the Google I/O website updated with additional information. As always, we appreciate your enthusiasm and patience. For additional questions, please contact io@google.com

It's a bummer, but don't worry, we're sure Google will still make all of the same announcements around that same time. Cheers Al!

WhatsApp Gets Dedicated Dark Mode!

Tim — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:23:04 +0000

Big time major update for WhatsApp users this week, with the latest update apparently bringing an official Dark Mode. Really, it's taken this long? I don't use WhatsApp or anyone that does so I can't confirm any of this, but if you do, that's dope. In an announcement, it's said that, "Dark mode for WhatsApp offers a fresh look on a familiar experience. It’s designed to reduce eye strain in low light environments. And we hope it helps prevent those awkward moments when your phone lights up the room." To enable, users on Android 10 and iOS 13 can use the new dark mode by enabling it in system settings. Users on Android 9 and below can go into WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Theme and select Dark. Dopeee! https://youtu.be/DoPYlgsEKvk // Facebook

Samsung's Phone Update Schedule Deserves More Credit

Kellen — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 10:57:34 +0000

Feel free to sit down for what I'm about to tell you. It will most definitely come as somewhat of a surprise, but Samsung deserves credit in a department that few ever thought it would deserve credit in. Updates. You guys, Samsung's phone update schedule is actually pretty damn impressive. I'm now typing the rest of this story from under a table, as to avoid the flying objects you may have locked and loaded in your hand to be thrown my way. Hear me out, though. Last night, Samsung added the Galaxy S20 line-up to their "Samsung Android Security Updates" page to show how frequently their new phones should see updates. For those not familiar with this page, this is where you'll find every single one of Samsung's still-supported phones separated in update frequency categories of monthly, quarterly, and "other regular" security updates. As you can imagine, the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are all supposed to receive monthly patches. That's how Samsung treats their newest phones each time they arrive. But looking at the list for the first time in a while left me like this and feeling the need to write this post. Samsung still lists the Galaxy S8 line, which was introduced in March of 2017, as a part of the monthly security patch family. Now, just because Samsung lists it here, doesn't mean that all versions of the Galaxy S8 will see these monthly updates. Samsung still leaves some of this support up to carriers, but it does mean that Samsung is still willing to provide monthly patches. Not impressed by a phone that is from 3 generations ago still seeing updates? OK, that's fine. I will let you know that Samsung is still providing quarterly updates to the Galaxy S7 line as well, a phone released in March of 2016. So no, the Galaxy S7 isn't still getting monthly support, but it is getting quarterly support. And here's the thing, these phones really are getting updates to this day. Verizon's Galaxy S7 picked up an update on February 13 and the Galaxy S8 grabbed one in February, as well as in January and December. Their patch level might not be as current as we'd like (S7 got December's), but this is a 4 year old phone still getting updates at the carrier level. You know who isn't updating their phones that long? Google. Google provides Pixel phones with Android version and security updates for a full 3 years. The original Google Pixel was announced in October of 2016 and was just cut off at the end of 2019. It's done. The original Google Pixel will no longer see updates. Now, as the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S8 hit their birthdays over the next month, Samsung could drop their support further. We could see them end all support for the S7 and drop the S8 back to quarterly updates, but we're still at four years of support for the S7. That's pretty incredible for an Android phone. Couple all of that with the fact that Samsung dramatically improved their update schedule for Android 10 and has started getting monthly patches out at an improved rate - sometimes before that month has even arrived - and yeah, Samsung is doing quite well here. I know that is a difficult thing to admit to and that Samsung will always look like they are slow because Google is so fast, but we're sort of at the point where arguments against Samsung's update skills are going to ring pretty hollow.

AT&T 5G Goes Live in Another 22 Markets (Updated: 5G+ Too)

Kellen — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 10:01:44 +0000

At some point AT&T is going to have to flip the nationwide switch on all this 5G buildout, but for now, we've got another list of individual markets to share with you. Today, AT&T 5G has gone live in another 22 markets, bringing the total to 80 across the US. Over the past month, AT&T has made this a weekly event, announcing sets of 13 markets on three separate occasions. This new batch is one of their biggest to date. You'll now find AT&T 5G in more areas of New York, Ohio, California, and for the first time, Montana. The full list of new AT&T 5G markets is as follows:

Albany, Ga.
Albany, N.Y.
Athens, Ga.
Beaverhead County, Mont.
Binghamton, N.Y.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Denver, Colo.
Hamilton, Ohio
Lancaster, Pa.
Lincoln County, Mont.
Madera County, Calif.
Madison County, Va.
Mono County, Calif.
Provo, Utah
Raleigh County, W. Va
Ross County, Ohio
Santa Rosa, Calif.
Springfield, Ohio
State College, Pa.
Sussex County, N.J.
Worcester, Mass.

As a reminder, this AT&T 5G is not the super fast 5G mmW that they only have in small parts of 35 cities. Instead, this is the low-band 5G that will help bring 5G to the masses. It covers larger areas than 5G mmW and should help stand as a bit of a backbone to the final 5G network carriers like AT&T plan to build over the years. Phones like the new Galaxy S20 line can access AT&T 5G, so once that pre-order arrives later this week, be ready for a fresh "5G" logo that you may have never seen before.

UPDATE: Apologies for the miss by me here, but AT&T is also opening up their 5G+ network to regular customers with the launch of the Galaxy S20. Previously, 5G+ from AT&T was for business customers only. You'll find 5G+ (5G mmW) in parts of 35 cities.

// AT&T

DEAL: Amazon Hosting Deal on SanDisk Products, 1TB MicroSD Down to Just $208 ($50 Off)

Tim — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 08:58:25 +0000

Whether you need storage for your computer, smartphone, or camera, Amazon likely has a deal you could benefit from right now. For what should be a limited time, you can snag a SanDisk or WD (Western Digital) product at discounted pricing. If you've had your eye on one of those 1TB microSD cards that originally cost about $500, now is the time to make your move. There are a lot of products on sale, so let me just give you a few of the highlights. There's the 1TB SanDisk microSD for $208 ($242 off its original price, but technically just $50 off its usual price of $259), standard 64GB microSD cards for under $15, microSD bundles (64GB + 128GB) for $34, as well as SanDisk Extreme Pro SD cards in a variety of sizes starting at just $12. Get that storage.

Amazon Links

Amazon Sale Landing Page

Cheers Savan!

Samsung Galaxy S20 Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:29:11 +0000

Our Samsung Galaxy S20 showed up, thanks to early shipments for pre-orders, so you know what that means, right? It's Galaxy S20 unboxing time, my guys. In this clip, as is always the case with unboxing videos, we bring you that raw initial impression action, walk you through specs, boot up into software for the first time, and show you what's in the box, including that lovely 25W charger that Samsung is now including. That's about all you'll get, though. This isn't a review. Looking for our Galaxy S20 Ultra unboxing and coverage? That should kick off tomorrow, once Tim's unit is in the building. Shop Galaxy S20 at Samsung's Store https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOxPym_9I3E

Coronavirus Partly to Blame for Poor Galaxy S20 Sales Figures

Tim — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:42:33 +0000

Typically, first day sales can be a decent indicator to gauge a particular phone's popularity in a given region. In past years, we've used these numbers to see how popular the latest Samsung Galaxy phone is, and for the most part, the figures are reliable. For example, the Galaxy Note 10 is quite up there, marked at 220,000 units sold for the first day in South Korea. The Galaxy S10 lineup is also high, with 140,000 units sold during its first day. The problem is, there are factors that can greatly affect those figures, such as we're seeing with the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Estimated first day Galaxy S20 sales figures are in and they aren't looking good. According to Korea Herald, estimated sales are listed at just 70,800 units. That's half of last year's Galaxy S10 lineup. There are a few ways you can break this down, but here's what a representative from a Korean telecom company said about it.

Sales were affected by sharp declines in discounts for new phones and the number of visitors to offline stores due to coronavirus infection fears.

And really, that's all that needs to be said. Given the current happenings across the globe, it's no surprise that less people would be willing to leave the house in order to buy a new phone, which is apparently how these initial figures are calculated. If they don't take online sales into account, then they're basically worthless. Damn you, Coronavirus. Stay safe and keep washing your hands, people. And as for the Galaxy S20, be on the lookout for an unboxing coming at you soon. // Korea Herald

Google's March 'Feature Drop' for Pixel Phones Official, Includes Dark Theme Scheduling

Tim — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 10:21:42 +0000

Google has made the Pixel Feature Drop for March official, with everything it contains rolling out starting today. The highlights include Dark Theme automatic scheduling, advanced Do Not Disturb rules based on your current WiFi network and/or physical location, new emoji, a play/pause gesture for Motion Sense, and plenty more. If you own a Pixel device, it's all good stuff. You can view the full list of what's new below.

What's New

Rules to enable Do Not Disturb and other routines based on WiFi network or physical location
Now you can set Dark Theme on an automatic schedule based on local sunrise and sunset times
Express yourself in more ways with Pixel’s emoji 12.1 update that features a more diverse and inclusive set of emojis
The expansion of the Personal Safety app with car crash detection to users in Australia and the UK
Motion Sense will now allow Pixel 4 users to pause and resume music with a tapping gesture above the phone
Easier access to your cards and passes stored in Google Pay and apps via a more powerful power button
Camera improvements to add depth for better selfies and ability to create 3D photos on Facebook

One thing I'd like to point out is the "easier access to your cards and passes" via the power button. This is clutch, since accessing Google Pay was not quite as easy as accessing Samsung Pay on a Galaxy phone. A gif of this function can be seen below. I love it already.

According to Google's post, other updates include improvements for adaptive brightness and more video calling features for Pixel 4 users using Duomoji. And to cap it off, Live Caption is rolling out to Pixel 2 users. Here is the breakdown of features and which phones they are going to:

Fun! // Google

March 2020 Android Security Update Now Available for Pixel Devices (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 10:19:32 +0000

The March Android security update for Google Pixel phones just arrived and is available from the Pixel 2 on up through the Pixel 4. Most months, we tell you that you shouldn't expect much from these, but there were signs pointing to the latest Pixel Feature Drop arriving in March. And yep, Google did it - they gave us another Pixel Feature drop. Currently, we are seeing new 10.0.0 files for Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL (QQ2A.200305.003, QQ2A.200305.004.A1), Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (QQ2A.200305.002), Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (QQ2A.200305.002), and Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (QQ2A.200305.002). For notes, Google says Pixel 4 build QQ2A.200305.003 is for all carriers except AT&T. That means build QQ2A.200305.004.A1 is for AT&T phones. ~~For the Pixel 3a, Google mentions that the available new build is for all carriers except Sprint and Google Fi.~~ For the Pixel 3, that build is for all carriers except T-Mobile and Google Fi.

UPDATE: Google changed the notes for the Pixel 3a to show that the build is for all carriers except for Bouygues Telecom.
UPDATE 3/6: Shortly after posting on 3/2, Google pulled the AT&T build for the Pixel 4. It has now returned as of today.

Here is the list of functional improvements in the update:

Google has been pretty hit-or-miss over the years when it comes to making the update available quickly to your phone. The “check for updates” button is supposed to work, but you never know when it will from one month to the next. To check for the update, head into Settings>System>Advanced>System update. If you don’t want to wait for Google and prefer to update manually, you will find 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. We'll update this post as more info arrives. Links:

AUKEY Starts Week Off With 53% Off Wireless Chargers, 20% Off Power Banks, and More

Tim — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 09:11:00 +0000

It's never too early in the week to start talking about deals, so let's highlight the good stuff from AUKEY this week. Over on Amazon, they have good sales happening for smartphone-related accessories, such as 20% off power banks, 50% off wireless chargers, 50% off wireless headphones, plus plenty more. If you need highlights, I got you. They have a 20,000mAh power bank for just $27 (20% off), 21W solar charger with dual USB ports for $37 (33% off), triple output level wireless charger for $8 (53% off), and even some on-ear wireless headphones for just $15 (50% off). Below you'll find the Amazon links along with the necessary coupon codes to get the savings. I love Mondays.

Amazon Links

8000mAh Bank w/ 18W PD&QC 3.0 $24 (Code: DVTSIBLH)
20000mAh Bank w/ 2 Inputs, 3.4A Outputs - $27 (Click Coupon)
21W Solar Charger w/ Dual USB Ports - $37 (Code: GAQLKA7A)
24W Dual-Port Car Charger - $6 (Code: 2HIJAVMQ)
Wireless Charger w/ Triple Output Levels - $8 (Code: H4QYHBA7)
USB Hub 3.0 w/ 7 Port USB 3.0 - $20 (Code: 6F8S9JSB)
Wireless Headphones w/ Deep Bass - $15 (Code: H5GW4WII)
20W Eclipse BT Speaker w/ 12 Hour Playtime - $35 (Code: U2L6428D)

AT&T TV Goes Nationwide With Android TV, is Super Expensive in Year 2

Kellen — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:53:04 +0000

AT&T is launching its AT&T TV service nationwide today, bringing a simple Android TV box to the homes of everyone looking to do a bit of cord-cutting. Just be aware that pricing is a bit questionable because there are contracts involved.

What is AT&T TV?

Like I just said, it's an Android TV box that can push 4K streams, but it's different than your old-school cable package because it runs Android TV and requires an internet connection. It's kind of like how so many of us own a SHIELD TV and subscribe to YouTube TV on it. The difference is that, here, AT&T is selling you both the box and TV subscription. With AT&T TV, you get the box that can play Netflix or Hulu or Spotify or HBO on, plus you then have access to a cable line-up of your choosing at various price levels. There are 4 channel packages to choose from and AT&T will most definitely try and get you to bundle with their internet options to save some money, as long as you lock-in to a contract. So again, AT&T TV is basically just an Android TV with a special live TV overlay.

AT&T TV Features

As far as features go, AT&T is including what you want to see with this Android TV box. You get access to live TV and your "favorite" apps, a voice remote with Google Assistant, and 500 hours of cloud DVR. With AT&T TV, you also get access via app, so you can stream live TV from your phone, tablet, or web browser.

AT&T TV Channels

The channel line-ups (some in HD) vary depending on package. So far, we have "Entertainment," "Choice," "Xtra," and "Ultimate" packages to choose from, starting at $49.99/mo, $54.99/mo, $64.99/mo, and $69.99/mo, respectively. The base "Entertainment" package includes channels like ESPN, TNT, Nickelodeon, HGTV, CNN, AMC, Disney, FS1, and MTV. Should you choose another, more expensive package, you'll mostly just get access to more regional sports channels, along with the random network, like Logo. Of course, you can always add on extras like HBO or STARZ, NBA League pass, that sort of thing. To be honest, though, the base package is probably going to be just fine for most unless you really need access to local Fox and NBC sports channels.

AT&T TV Pricing!

Alright, let's talk pricing. The prices I mentioned above, like the $49.99/mo for the "Entertainment" package, are only good for 1 year and if you sign a 2-year contract. In other words, you will lock-in for two years and the price will go up after a year of paying $49.99/mo. So while $50 per month doesn't sound bad, AT&T currently estimates the "Entertainment" package will cost $93/mo 12 months from now. Other packages will also see significant jumps, like "Choice" going for $54.99 to $110/mo, "Xtra" going from $64.99 to $124/mo, and "Ultimate" going from $69.99 to $135/mo. Also, these packages include a single AT&T TV box. If you want additional boxes, they will cost you $120 per unit. Should you decide you want AT&T TV in multiple rooms in your house, prepare for that extra cost.

There are bundles

Seeing as AT&T offers internet too, yes, there are bundles available for AT&T TV. As a launch promo, AT&T is offering their 1 gigabit internet package for $39.99/mo with AT&T TV. That means you could get into AT&T TV and gigabit internet for as low as $80/mo. Now, as I mentioned above, these prices are only good for the first year. After that first year, the internet price goes up to $59.99/mo in addition to your TV package price almost doubling in some cases.

Who can sign-up?

Pretty much anyone can sign-up for AT&T TV. All you need is internet that can download at 8Mbps and you can get access today. AT&T's gigabit internet is not available everywhere, though, so you may have to find internet from someone else. Should you sign-up for this? Hey, I'll let you decide what you think of those 2nd year price hikes. Sign-up for AT&T TV // AT&T

Samsung Starts Shipping Galaxy S20 Units, Possibly Arriving as Early as Monday

Tim — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 12:39:06 +0000

Galaxy S20 pre-orders appear to be rolling out, with quite a few buyers letting us know that their orders have shipped. One of our personal orders has shipped so we can confirm this, a Galaxy S20, with expected delivery scheduled for this upcoming Monday, March 2. Others are seeing Tuesday, March 3 as their delivery date. That's a good few early days before the official launch date of March 6. Another unit of ours, an S20 Ultra, appears to have not yet been shipped. Guess we'll just keep twiddling our thumbs. Galaxy S20 buyers, get your shipping notice yet? Cheers Lewis, Mark, and Brandon!

YouTube TV is Losing FOX Regional Sports Networks, Including YES Network, on February 29 (Update: Temporary Extension Agreement)

Tim — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 12:02:19 +0000

What may come as a major disappointment to some, beginning February 29, YouTube TV users will lose access to FOX Regional Sports Networks, which includes the YES Network for the New York area. This is due to the inability for YouTube TV and Sinclair Broadcast Group, the owner of these networks, to strike a continuing distribution agreement. The announcement comes straight from YouTube TV's official Twitter account. On Twitter, the company states, "This is a reflection of the rising cost of sports content. You may have noticed several other TV services have also decided to remove FOX Regional Sports Networks from their lineups." We've condensed the thread for you below.

To bring you 70+ channels, we have contracts with content owners that are periodically renegotiated. Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of FOX Regional Sports Networks and YES Network, is one of the largest owners of local TV stations in the US. We purchase rights from Sinclair to distribute content to you. Despite our best efforts, we’ve been unable to reach an agreement with Sinclair. As a result, we will no longer offer FOX Regional Sports Networks, including YES Network, beginning February 29th. We do not take this decision lightly. This is a reflection of the rising cost of sports content. You may have noticed several other TV services have also decided to remove FOX Regional Sports Networks from their lineups. Thank you for your membership as we strive to build the best possible streaming experience for you. You will receive an email today if you’re impacted by this change.

If you're curious if this affects you, it more than likely does if you get your sports from a regional FOX Sports network. The big one that comes to mind is the YES Network, which is home to the New York Yankees. The list of networks that fall under the regional category can be viewed on Wikipedia here. What will be interesting to see is what YouTube TV does to make up for this. Since the company will essentially be saving money without this agreement in place, will the service add something else to continue offering a $50/month-worthy package? That remains to be seen, but don't expect the monthly price to be lowered due to the loss of FOX Regional Sports Networks. Thoughts?

Update (2/29): According to the Team YouTube account on Twitter, a temporary extension has been agreed to between YouTube TV and the Sinclair Broadcast Group. This is good news. Below is what the account posted.

We have agreed to a temporary extension! FOX Regional Sports Networks and YES Network are still available on YouTube TV while we work to reach an agreement. We’ll be sure to share an update as soon as we have more info on a potential timeline. More to come!

So for now, don't stress about cancelling YouTube TV and finding another place to stream your sports. The hope is that both companies can get this settled, but we'll keep you posted. // @YouTubeTV

Hurry Up Flippers, Galaxy Z Flip is Back in Stock

Kellen — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:43:10 +0000

After selling out within minutes earlier in the month, Samsung's new foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip, is back in stock. It probably won't be for long, even with its $1380 price tag, so you may want to hurry. Should you hurry up and buy one, though? Well, you could read Tim's review of the Galaxy Z Flip that he posted after spending a solid week with it. That might help with your decision if you are on the fence. For the most part, he was a fan and grew to enjoy the experience over his time with it. His only real issues involved battery life and the useless mini cover display. Battery life could certainly improve over time, but you'll just have to live with that mini display on the front for notifications. Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip is the best foldable you can buy today, which might not be saying much. Still, it offers a lot more than Motorola'z Razr, has a set of specs that should hold-up well over the next couple of years, and will help make you into that guy (or gal) that's the envy of all your friends. Buy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HHfG25mW8w

Moment Pulls Plug on Its Android App Because...Android

Kellen — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:29:12 +0000

Moment, the camera accessory store that has grown in popularity thanks to their attachable camera lenses for phones, announced a bit of sad news today. The company doesn't plan to continue developing its Moment Pro camera app going forward on Android. The app, which was released two years ago on Android, was supposed to be a pro-level camera app that anyone could use to take better, more advanced photos. When initially released, the iOS counterpart had more features, but Moment worked over time to improve the Android feature set and number of supported phones, including Google's Pixel Visual Core. In a note to customers today, Moment co-founder Marc Barros suggested that they needed to stop working on it because they "don't have the engineering bandwidth" to keep things going. He mentioned familiar Android-related development reasons for this, like how phone makers "create their own flavor of Android" that they need to work with, that big Android updates often break everything they've just done, and that phone makers weren't super willing to let them know of changes that might have impacted their camera. If the Google Play reviews for the app mean anything, it's obvious that their camera app has struggled on this platform. Some reviews mention a lack of features, while most others note the bugs that never go away or have recently caused problems on their phones. Going forward, the Moment Pro app will still exist on Google Play for those who want to give it a go. You probably shouldn't expect many updates, though. Google Play Link

Hey Everyone, I’m one of the founders of Moment and I have some bad news about Pro Camera for Android. We love Android, but unfortunately, we don’t have the engineering bandwidth to continue developing this app. It breaks our heart to say this, but we’ve spent the last two years, yes two full years, trying to deliver a pro-level manual camera app for android. It should be simple, but unfortunately, it’s not. The short story is that phone makers like to create their own flavor of Android, each with different amounts of access to select camera features. The result has been a random compatibility list where each phone has different features in the app by phone model. The problem only gets worse every time a new version of Android comes out because it breaks the custom modifications these phone makers have made with their phones. Despite years of messaging phone makers to share their changes and make camera features available to us, we haven’t been able to change this culture. I wish we had dozens of engineers to continue developing this app, but we don’t. The app is still live in the Play store and we plan to leave it here for any customers who want to shoot with it. Going forward, if you are looking for a pro-level app for android we do recommend Filmic Pro. It is more expensive, but they're the best example of a pro-level camera app for android. If you don't have or want Filmic Pro, we recommend Davinci Resolve (Free) or Handbrake (Free) both as great options to desqueeze anamorphic footage in post. The team worked really hard on this product and it’s sad not to be able to continue our work on it. We still love android, and we'll continue to make great gear for all of you. Thank you for your support. Marc Barros Co-founder Moment

Xiaomi Mi Box S at $29.99 Means It's Android TV Time

Kellen — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 09:16:41 +0000

Cutting the cord because you are ready to dive into the world of streaming apps means you need something that can power all experiences without much fuss. Android TV, after a rough start, has really grown into a quite-mature TV experience that has served me well in recent years. I do everything on Android TV and have since I Lenina Huxley'd Comcast as my cable provider. So as I tell you how great I believe Android TV is now, I know that not everyone is interested in paying $150 for one of NVIDIA's new high-end SHIELD units. To those of you, I point you once again to the Xiaomi Mi Box S that is sold at Walmart. Currently, Xiaomi's most current Android TV box can be had for just $29.99. That's a $30 discount from the original price of $59.99. For that price, you get 4K streaming, access to all of the major streaming apps on Google Play, Google Assistant, and a sweet little remote. To find this deal, Walmart is for some reason burying it a bit. You'll need to hit that link below, then look for the "Compare all sellers" button below the listing, where you'll then find the $29.99 price with Walmart as the seller (see this). Add to cart at that spot and you will be locked-in to a brand new Android TV box that just got updated to Android 9. Shop Mi Box S at Walmart

March Pixel Feature Drop May Include Dark Mode Scheduling, Cards & Passes Function

Tim — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:16:04 +0000

It appears that a new "Pixel feature drop" is on the way, similar to what the devices saw this past December. Should all of the following information be accurate, detailed by 9to5Google via an APK teardown, this is exciting because a few of the hinted features were previously thought to be tied exclusively to Android 11. If that's not the case, we won't have to wait until later this year to access features like dark mode scheduling. Let's go over what was discovered.

Dark Mode Scheduling

Dating all the way back to December, we have known that dark mode scheduling was coming -- we just weren't sure when. Quite recently, it was made available in the first developer preview of Android 11, but according to code found in an updated Pixel Tips app, it may be available in March as part of a new Pixel feature drop update. If we don't have to wait for Android 11's release for supported Pixel owners to get in on this, that's righteous!

Cards & Passes

Another feature called Cards & Passes is also hinted at. With this, users would be able to access cards associated with their Google Pay accounts directly from a Pixel device's power key menu. Among other things pointing to Cards & Passes, the code specifically states, "”Press & hold the Power button to access payment methods, passes, and emergency info." For those wishing there was a quick way of accessing Google Pay info, this is big news.

New Motion Sense Gesture

Another feature we thought would simply come backed inside of Android 11, since it's now available in the developer preview, is a new gesture for the Pixel 4 lineup's Motion Sense. The new gesture just allows for the pausing and resuming of music, so while this may not excite hardly anyone, it's nice that Motion Sense is getting at least one new feature since launch.

Car Crash Detection

The last piece of code points to the arrival of the Personal Safety app (which includes the car crash detection feature) for older Pixel devices. On recent Pixel phones, you can have the phone automatically detect car crashes and the device will offer buttons for you to press if whether you're "OK" or need 911 assistance. Here's the code.

Get help calling emergency services after a car crash With car crash detection, your phone can call emergency services

That appears to be it for now, but if we learn anything else, we'll let you know. We're only a few days away from March, so if you're a Pixel owner, feel free to get excited. // 9to5Google

Thursday Poll: What is Your Typical Screen on Time in a Day?

Tim — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:48:19 +0000

It's 2020 and we still don't have the everlasting lithium-ion battery, so here we are, asking how many hours of screen on time (SOT) you get on your smartphone. Personally, I find myself averaging 3-4 hours of SOT, regardless of which phone I use these days. Of course, if a phone has a bigger battery, I can sometimes go well above that. In the case of the Galaxy Z Flip, which has a relatively small battery, it can be below that. So, our question to you is, what is your typical SOT in a day? [poll id="537"]

Samsung $1400 Galaxy S20 Ultra Camera Needs Work

Kellen — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:28:43 +0000

The first wave of Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra reviews are rolling out and providing the first serious thoughts on what's good and not-so-good about this $1,400 phone. Writing "not-so-good" next to a price tag that high is a bit worrying to do, but yes, there are some areas of the Galaxy S20 Ultra that have so far proven to be areas that Samsung will have to work on immediately. The biggest is in the camera department, where the Ultra was supposed to dominate all past and future competitors. In multiple reviews this week, reviewers have pointed out similar issues with the Galaxy S20 Ultra's new camera system. The high-end camera setup that includes a 108MP standard shooter, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 48MP telephoto, struggles with auto-focus, low light situations, and over-processing of faces (it smoothes the hell out of them). The folks at Input called the S20 Ultra's camera "a $1,400 letdown," while PCMag said their night mode shots "aren't particularly good." In The Verge's review, they said that "skin smoothing is out of control in a lot of cases," while also noting the focusing issues. Gizmodo echoed all of this stuff as well. Because of the consistency in the issues pointed out by numerous publications, Samsung issued the following statement:

"The Galaxy S20 features a groundbreaking, advanced camera system. We are constantly working to optimize performance to deliver the best experience for consumers. As part of this ongoing effort, we are working on a future update to improve the camera experience."

So they didn't admit to faults in the camera system (not a surprise), only that they are already working on an update that will improve the experience. I think that's as much as you'll get from them as an acknowledgement, which is pretty telling. Look, the Galaxy S20 Ultra features some new camera tech. We're binning 108MP photos down, we're folding sensors and reflecting off of mirrors and zooming and doing the 8K thing, so this is as complex a setup as you might find in any smartphone camera system. But this is a $1,400 phone. We should all expect the absolute best. Samsung better get this update ready as fast as possible. The S20 Ultra hits stores next week.

Wear OS Survey Hints at Big Health Focus Incoming From Google

Kellen — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 09:54:19 +0000

Wear OS has forever been on the struggle bus. It has failed for years to improve upon a smartwatch experience that has fallen behind almost every single smartwatch player it needs to compete with, namely Samsung and Apple. While there are still Wear OS partners who make watches, the feature set for them hasn't grown, particularly in the area of health, which is where smartwatches and wearables have started to take a focus. In a new survey rolling out through the Google User Experience Research program, Google is asking participants for feedback on how they can improve Wear OS. The survey is heavily focused on health tracking, from sleep metrics to SP02 tracking to automatic detection of a variety of categories to pairing with medical equipment. While this doesn't mean we are guaranteed to see Google finally step up the Wear OS game in health, it's almost a given that they have to. After all, they did just buy Fitbit. The survey was broken out into pages with two questions, one about how you feel if a feature was included in a smartwatch and the other how you would feel if it wasn't included. It also asked for participants' top 3 improvements and how satisfied they were with their current watch. Below, we've done our best to capture most of the bigger topics from the survey:

SPO2 Tracking: Keeps track of the level of oxygenation in the blood and alerts if levels fall below normal levels
Smart Alarms: Wakes you up in the morning at the appropriate time in your sleep cycle so you feel more rested
Sleep Apnea Detection: Monitors and detects symptoms of sleep breathing abnormalities and sends out alerts and advice
Sleep Analysis: Analysis of sleep quality, and reasons for not sleeping well, and advice on improving sleep patterns
Heartbeat Alerts: Monitors heartbeat and sends alerts if an irregular heartbeat is detected
Automatic Workout Detection: Your smartwatch would automatically be able to detect when you start a workout and prompt you to start logging the activity
Rep Detection: Automatic detection for number of reps for activities (e.g. push ups, squats, etc.)
Activity Logging: Ability to manually track and edit different types of workouts and activities
Recovery Time: Tracks the time needed between workouts to make sure that you are fully recovered
Stress Tracking: Automatically monitors your level of stress to help you build better awareness to manage stress
Medical Device Pairing: Pair watch with medical devices (e.g. blood sugar, blood pressure monitors) so that readings can be synchronized and accessed on the watch
Gym Equipment Pairing: Pair watch to compatible gym equipment for more accurate tracking of your activities
Indoor Air Quality: Monitors the air quality of an indoor environment
Activity/Vitals Tracking: Automatically monitor and capture metrics for basic vitals and activities
Share Vitals: Automatically share your heart rate and vitals with emergency services if you've been in an accident
Micro-logging: Quick and easy way to manually log how you are feeling and what you are doing
Water-Intake Tracking: Automatically tracks the number of glasses of water you drink with reminders over the course of the day to make sure that you are well hydrated
Food & Calorie Tracking: Manually track food and calorie intake over the course of a day
Flights of Stairs: Automatically keep track of the number of flights of stairs that you climb
Breathing Exercises: Guided breathing exercises and reminders to help you relax and practice mindfulness
Compass: Built-in compass to help you find your direction while hiking or driving
Elevation Tracking: Keep track of climbing, descending and changes in altitude during workouts
Cycle Tracking: Automatically keep track of your cycle and fertility

As you can see from that extensive list, Google is potentially making health and fitness a big part of the Wear OS future. And they should do that, as so many of us have become more and more willing to track our personal health situations. If there really was a single area that Wear OS has severely lacked in, it's this. Again, there is no guarantee that this survey is hinting at the future, I would just be shocked if it wasn't one. Cheers Mike!

Spotify's Android App Soon to Get Refreshed UI With Fancy New Actionable Icons

Tim — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 08:53:01 +0000

Spotify unveiled an interface refresh this morning, rolling out first to iOS users. Quick note, as Android folk, we appreciate Spotify using iOS as the guinea pig platform. The less jank we have to deal with, the better. Moving on, there aren't too many changes, though, Spotify puts great emphasis on new actionable icons and an easier-to-use UI. The big icon change you'll notice is a new Play/Shuffle icon. Spotify says, "Our new green 'shuffle play' icon reduces streaming to the click of one familiar button, which includes the shuffle icon." The below icon is what you'll see instead of that massive "Shuffle Play" text button above playlists.

Another big, big change is the default to show album art in all views with exception to "Album" view. Spotify states that this will make it easier to navigate the app and find familiar songs. In addition, Spotify will highlight songs you’ve already “liked” by showing the heart icon next to the track name. If you're on Android, expect to see all of these changes down the road. For now, it's just for iOS. https://twitter.com/Spotify/status/1233046183880331264 // Spotify

Nest Outage Prompts Refunds to Nest Aware Subscribers

Kellen — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 08:35:27 +0000

Earlier this week, Google's Nest experienced an outage that prevented their cameras from recording and streaming live for a solid 4 hours. During that time, no video history was captured, which you can imagine probably left some folks worried about their homes, businesses, and the 15 Amazon deliveries they had scheduled for that day. Because Google feels bad about that lost time, they are not only "carefully looking across [their] systems to prevent this from happening again," they also have money for some of you. If you happen to be a Nest Aware customer and subscribe to longer video history and additional Nest camera features, they are giving you money back for your subscription. For me, because I'm a $5/mo Nest Aware customer, I'm going to get a $5 refund. I'm not sure if subscribers with more expensive plans are getting more or not, you'll have to tell me. The refund will come across without any action from you. Nest says that you don't need to contact customer service, just sit back and wait for the refund confirmation email to arrive. Hopefully, all your packages are safe. You can find more on the Nest outage at the Nest Community space.

Stadia Pro Subscribers Getting 3 More Games for Free on March 1

Tim — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:36:45 +0000

Stadia detailed this week what games Stadia Pro subscribers will be gifted for the month of March. In a blog post, Google announced that Pro subscribers will receive GRID, SteamWorld Quest, and SteamWorld Dig 2. Redemption for these titles will begin March 1. GRID is a classic racing game franchise, so not too sure if I need to explain that game to you, but I was unfamiliar with the SteamWorld games, so I'll post what Google wrote about those below. "Explore the humorous, irreverent, and farcical fantastic card-battling world of SteamWorld Quest, and embark on spectacular subterranean spelunking in the award-winning SteamWorld Dig 2." Google also detailed which deals Stadia Pro users can get in on this week.

Stadia Deals This Week

Borderlands 3 for $30.00 USD (50% off)
Borderlands 3 Deluxe Edition for $40.00 USD (50% off)
Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition for $50.00 USD (40% off)
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 for $25.00 USD (50% off)
Kine for $10.00 USD (50% off)
NBA 2K20 for $19.80 USD (US/CA 67% off)
NBA 2K20 Digital Deluxe Edition for $26.40 USD (US/CA 67% off)
NBA 2K20 Legend Edition for $33.00 USD (US/CA 67% off)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition for $ 19.80 USD (67% off)
Wolfenstein: Youngblood for $20.09 USD (33% off)

Have at it, Stadia peeps!

// Stadia

You Should Check Out Traffix, a Minimal Traffic Control Game On Sale for $1 (Down From $5.49)

Tim — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:04:39 +0000

I feel like we as a site don't share enough games anymore. Is that because there aren't any exciting games launching? Of course not! Google Play always has new and exciting games and apps launching, but I think I find myself playing less new titles and just sticking to what I know. As bad I am, I can't imagine how Kellen feels, probably still playing Granny Smith from years ago. Thanks to a game sale happening on Google Play this week, I came across Traffix, a game that's apparently been out since last year for Android. It's also available on Steam. On sale for just a $0.99, down from its usual price of $5.49, I bought it and have been enjoying it very much so. The game is a very minimal traffic simulation game. Gameplay-wise and somewhat aesthetically, it reminds me a bit of Mini Metro, but like that game, as you progress into it, it becomes quite difficult to master. Timing is obviously key, with you in control of when cars and trucks can merge with the flow of traffic. Should you cause too many accidents, the level starts over. For $1, it's a helluva deal. Don't miss out on the sale. Click the link below.

Google Play Link ($0.99)

https://youtu.be/s0Jz77jqWAU

Microsoft has an Interesting "Peek" Idea for the Surface Duo

Kellen — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:47:50 +0000

The Microsoft Surface Duo might be the most interesting device of 2020. I don't say that necessarily because of the fact that it's technically a foldable with a weird form factor, but more because we get to see what Microsoft can do with Android in that weird form factor. For example, a supposed leak today shows how Microsoft may get around the fact that the device has no exterior screen to show you critical information, like notifications or incoming calls. As you'll see below, Microsoft is considering a "peek" UI that lets you view information from the device without having to fully open it. If you watch both clips here, you'll see that this UI will let a user slightly open the Surface Duo to view the clock and pending notifications, but also dismiss them. The other video shows an incoming call, where you could peek inside to see if you even want to take it before answering or closing the Duo back up. https://twitter.com/h0x0d/status/1232666325580832768 Now, you could make the argument that this is a necessary work-around because of bad decisions Microsoft made over the design. Not putting any sort of external display on a phone, even if it is a hybrid of sorts, seems like a miscalculation. But look, this doesn't seem like the worst idea, assuming you don't mind peeking at your Duo every time a new notification comes in. Still, I get the feeling that Microsoft is going to make this device so weirdly cool that we'll all consider it. At first, I'm not sure I was that excited, but I'm now finding myself ready for more. // The Verge

SHIELD TV (2019) Gets Update to V8.1.1

Kellen — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:09:37 +0000

The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV units are receiving an update to software version 8.1.1 today. We were initially confused about the update, because it looked identical to the 8.0.2 update from last month that brought support for the new SHIELD Remote to older SHIELD TV models, and there's a reason for that. NVIDIA tells us that this 8.1.1 update is catching up the 2019 TVs to the 2017 and 2015 year models that picked up 8.0.2. So, there could be upgraded Plex apps, new games, and support for the XBOX Elite 2 controller, but we're mostly just making sure that all units are on the same level of software. Also, going forward, we should see all SHIELD TV units have similar build numbers, which should ease some of the confusion. Either way, SHIELD TV units from 2019 (our review), be on the lookout for the 8.1.1 update. // NVIDIA

Thoughts on Dual Screen Phone Setups?

Kellen — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 09:02:14 +0000

LG unwrapped their newest phone today, the LG V60 ThinQ 5G XL Pro Double-Dippy DAC Dual Screener and we were fortunate enough to spend some time with it. It has (almost) all of the proper specs for a 2020 phone, sans a high refresh rate display. It's unique, though, because of the secondary Dual Screen display that LG is including with it, so potential buyers are getting a pretty sweet bonus on top of the phone itself like they did with last year's G8X. This is one of those topics that I have absolutely zero feel for. I'm not referring to the phone, but instead its Dual Screen feature. I get the impression that LG saw enough success with this idea from last year that they are going all-in on it for 2020 and possibly beyond. That's cool too, it's just that because I can't grab a pulse on the subject, I'm struggling over whether or not this is the right play. This is where you come in, friends. I've used foldables and happen to understand the appeal there. The original Galaxy Fold was pretty great, flaws and all. Having a single, fluid foldable display that you can use without a line between two separate panels makes sense to me. I'm also aware that some companies aren't going to attempt that engineering feat and are instead going this route, the double screen setup. LG has done it, but Microsoft is planning to do it in a big way with the Surface Duo later this year. We are in a time of foldables, some of which have two screens instead of one. It's the 2-screen thing I'm not sure I get yet. Do you all want this? Do you want second screens?

VIDEO: LG V60 First Look!

Tim — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:01:38 +0000

LG was kind enough to grant us early access to its new V60 ThinQ 5G smartphone recently, so if you've already read our official announcement post and the specs, then it's time to dive right into this thing!

Related: LG V60 official spec sheet!

To recap you, this phone features a 6.8" FHD+ P-OLED display (capped at 60Hz refresh rate), Snapdragon 865 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSD, IP68, fingerprint reader, 5,000mAh battery, dual speakers, 5G connectivity, and maybe most importantly, support for an updated LG Dual Screen accessory. That added Dual Screen brings an additional 6.8-inches of FHD+ real estate for looking through apps, multitasking, and consuming content. It's a solid accessory that comes with the V60 for absolutely free with every purchase. Good on ya, LG. We're still awaiting pricing and availability, so for now, watch this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwFrl8ZVD-Q

LG V60 ThinQ 5G Specs (Official)

Tim — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:00:59 +0000

If you need a full rundown of all of the specs associated with LG's latest device, the V60 ThinQ 5G, you can find them below.

Related: LG V60 hands-on and first look!

We have processor details, display numbers, measurements, all the little features, plus everything else you need to know. Well, technically this is everything we have right now. We're still waiting for LG to give us a launch date and pricing. That should all arrive next month. Have at it.

LG V60 Specs

[table id=195 /]

LG V60 ThinQ 5G Official, Available Next Month With Free Dual Screen

Tim — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:00:05 +0000

LG's latest device, the V60 ThinQ 5G (we're just gonna call it the V60) is now official. This is the first time LG has skipped the G series device launch and gone straight to the V series phone. When asked why they did this, their answer was, "5G." Fittingly, the V60 features a Snapdragon 865 processor coupled with Qualcomm's X55 5G modem, along with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. For fans of the G series, don't worry, we're expected to hear about that device later this year. For now, LG is focusing on just the V60.

Related: LG V60 hands-on and first look!

Other specs for the V60 include a 6.8-inch FHD+ P-OLED display (capped at 60Hz refresh rate), 5,000mAh battery, dual rear cameras (64-megapixel standard lens +13-megapixel Super Wide angle lens), ToF sensor, in-display fingerprint reader, support for LG Pay, IP68, Quad DAC, headphone jack, and Android 10 with LG's custom skin.

The main draw to the V60 will likely be its support of the new and improved Dual Screen accessory, which will actually be bundled with the device for free at purchase. Unlike the G8X from last year, it won't be an accessory you need to purchase separately. The Dual Screen adds an additional 6.8-inches of FHD+ real estate for stretching out your apps, consuming content, and multitasking. LG has yet to provide official pricing and availability for the phone, but that's expected later in March. In the meantime, check out our hands-on video (linked above) and the spec sheet below.

Gallery

LG V60 Specs

[table id=195 /]

Verizon Confirms It'll Have Motorola's Upcoming 5G Flagship Phone

Kellen — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 11:30:09 +0000

Verizon 5G is quite fast, that point has been proven time and time again by the company and with 5G phones in the hands of media testers, like us. Today, Verizon proved that once again by showcasing a speedtest on a live 5G network that reached peak speeds of 4.2Gbps. While cool to see download speeds hit marks as high as that, we don't necessarily care because this was on Verizon's 5G mmW network, which almost no one has access to. What we care about in this story is the tease of the phone they used. You may recall that we were told in December at Qualcomm's all-expense-paid, yearly Hawaiian boondoggle for hundreds of media members that Motorola would make a big flagship phone comeback in 2020 and that it would be capable of insane 5G speeds. In case you can't see where this is going, yes, Verizon used that new and unannounced Motorola phone for this speed test. They didn't reveal any other details about the phone, only that it is capable of combining eight separate channels of mmWave spectrum to reach multi-gigabit speeds. It's performing this carrier aggregation trick thanks to the Snapdragon 865 chip it runs and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X55 5G modem. We think this new Motorola phone might be called the "Edge+" and feature a waterfall screen that looks like this. Motorola was going to announce this phone at MWC, but could not because MWC was cancelled. We now aren't sure when the unveiling for this 2020 flagship phone will be (we asked and they had nothing to share). I can't imagine it won't be in the very near future, though. Hey, if anything, the positive to take away is that whatever this phone is will surely be better than the Motorola Razr. // Verizon

T-Mobile to Once Again Offer Free MLB.TV to Customers on March 24

Tim — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:43:15 +0000

What can I say, I'm a sucker for free stuff -- especially free baseball stuff! This year, T-Mobile is once again handing out free season-long subscriptions to MLB.TV, the league's official game streaming service. For me, MLB.TV is very important since I no longer live in-market of my favorite team. MLB.TV allows users to stream all out of market games, so no matter where I go, I can watch my San Francisco Giants play some very mediocre baseball with a head coach I'm not entirely convinced about. But hey, that's sports. The redemption period for T-Mobile customers will begin March 24. We'll remind you when the day comes, but to prepare you for it, all you'll need to do is open up the T-Mobile Tuesdays app starting March 24, hit a dedicated Redeem button, then either sign into an existing MLB.TV account or register for a new one. It'll be that easy to start watching some baseball. Thank you, T-Mobile! https://twitter.com/TMobileHelp/status/1232167512902533121 // TmoNews

New Google Assistant is Sort of Here for Pixel 4 With G Suite Accounts

Kellen — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:09:41 +0000

Over the last several days, folks have pointed out to us that the new Google Assistant that was introduced alongside the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL was arriving on phones with G Suite accounts. The original launch of this new, quicker Assistant was limited to phones with regular Google accounts and wouldn't work if you even had a G Suite account attached to your phone, so this was certainly new news. It does indeed seem to be here! Mostly. Both of our Pixel 4 units with G Suite accounts on them are showing the new Assistant UI this week, though things aren't always working perfectly with it. Sometimes the new UI is there and listening for follow-up questions, while other times it brings up the old UI. It often takes a minute to load while saying that the Assistant "will be ready shortly," or something along those lines, stops answering questions or performing actions, and needs to be restarted. But hey, that slick new minimal UI is at the bottom of the screen, which you can see in the image above. Cool, cool. I should point out that Google still hasn't acknowledged that this Assistant 2.0 is available to anyone outside of regular Google Account folks. The support page for it says that you can only access it with an account "that's not through your work or school." Google also still suggests you can only access this with gesture navigation enabled, even if we think that may change soon too. Why should you want this new Google Assistant? For the most part, because it's faster than the older Assistant, it takes up less screen space, and...well that's about it. You all seeing it?

Peanut Butter Maker Partners With GIPHY to End GIF Pronunciation Debate

Tim — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 08:42:05 +0000

The debate is settled! No more will we have to battle amongst ourselves over the proper pronunciation of GIF, all thanks to a new promotional partnership between Jif, the peanut butter maker, and GIPHY, the GIF-slinging service that acts like they own the rights to every GIF ever made. According to new promotional jars of peanut butter now up for sale on Amazon (priced at $10), the companies declare that GIF is pronounced with a hard g. Jif is still pronounced the proper way with a soft g.

Jif, said with a “soft G,” is America’s number one peanut butter. GIFs, said with a "hard G,” are the frequently shared looping videos that add humor, culture, and entertainment into people’s daily conversations (of which GIPHY serves 10 billion each day). To prove how Jif and GIF differ, Jif has created a limited run of specially labeled jars – yes, they say “Gif” right on the front – now available on Amazon at just under $10 while they last. With a tongue-in-cheek label, these collectibles can help Jif fans spread the news (get it?) that Jif – with a “soft G” – should be all about the peanut butter.

Silly, right? The only issue I foresee is that the creator of the GIF, Steve Wilhite, has stated that it should be pronounced jif. I mean, I feel like the creator should have final say on how it's pronounced, but that's just me. If you need your very own limited edition GIF peanut butter jar, hit the link below.

Amazon Link

Verizon's Galaxy S9 Gets Android 10 Update

Kellen — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 07:47:34 +0000

During a couple of day stretch last week, Verizon updated most of their Samsung Galaxy phones from the past couple of years. Most of those updates were February security patches, which they also claimed was showing up for the Galaxy S9 line-up. As it turns out, that update was much bigger and was instead Android 10. We've had a number of readers now point this out, so apologies on the delay of this post. Yep, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ on Verizon are receiving the update to Android 10! It should be widely rolling out at this point too.

Galaxy S9: G960USQU7DTA8
Galaxy S9+: G965USQU7DTA8

What’s new in Android 10 on the Galaxy S9? For one, it’s One UI 2. You should expect smart replies within your notifications, improved gesture navigation, new Camera UX, and a darker night mode. It’s a substantial update (likely in the 2GB range), just don't expect the massive changes you got with the original One UI update last year. To check, head into Settings>System updates. Cheers Stephen, Jake, Matt, David, and Glenn!

DEAL: AUKEY Has Deals on Wireless Chargers ($11+), WiFi Smart Plugs ($14), Plenty More This Week

Tim — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:28:49 +0000

Over on Amazon, AUKEY is hosting a sale on select items, many we smartphone enthusiasts have plenty of love for. For example, should you be in need of a new wireless charger, they have a couple models available at discounted pricing, though, I recommend you check out the graphite podium fast charger (pictured above) that is currently 30% off at $28. If you don't need a wireless charger, they also have a range of USB-C wall chargers with Power Delivery and Dynamic Detect, 20,000mAh battery banks, as well as a 2-pack of WiFi smart plugs for just $14. There's a lot of goodies.

Amazon Links

20000mAh port. charger w/ multi ports - $28 (code: XMD2IINT)
WiFi Smart Plug 2-Pack - $14 (code: 9OTOBOE3)
Wireless Charger Stand w/ Multi Output - $12 (code: 9DKHV5H9)
Graphite Podium Wireless Charger - $28 (code: F3NWYGYA)
18W PD Fast Charger - $11 (code: ARNP4IWF)
30W USB C Charger w/ PD - $17 (code: 2ZS9U7VU)
36W USB C Charger w/ PD 3.0, DD - $19 (code: NASQVLHH)
63W PD Dual-Port Charger - $30 (45% off)

Be sure to use the coupon codes provided to get the savings applied to your purchase.

Week With Galaxy Z Flip: I Could Get Used to This

Tim — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:34:48 +0000

While you could argue that Samsung's foldable devices are now somewhat mainstream, since the company has commercials for them and you can technically buy them online rather easily (even though the Z Flip is backordered for the next month), we aren't quite sure doing our typical review is necessary for these devices just yet. Keeping it real, there aren't millions of people walking around with these phones currently, so instead, we'd prefer to give you a rundown of our past week with the device, going over the pros and cons of living with a phone that can fold in half. Samsung's first foldable, the Galaxy Fold, was a great entry into the world of devices that fold. It was such a good entry that Kellen and I found ourselves sorta wishing we could go back to it, but going back to our keeping it real theme here, there's no way we're dropping $2,000 for the novelty of folding our device. That's what makes the new Galaxy Z Flip so interesting, not just to an Android blogger like me, but to consumers who maybe don't get too turned off about dropping well over $1K for a smartphone. Priced at $1,380, the Galaxy Z Flip is actually $20 less than the new Galaxy S20 Ultra base model, and while the S20 Ultra blows the Z Flip out of the water in terms of specs, you can't fold an S20 Ultra in half. Let's go ahead and dive right into this. So as you likely know, this isn't my first time with a foldable phone. I gave you my rundown of the Galaxy Fold when that first dropped and it was mostly great, but honestly, right off the bat I was way more impressed with the Galaxy Z Flip in one major area. Where the Galaxy Fold sometimes felt fragile and delicate, the Galaxy Z Flip feels like a little tank that can handle some abuse. The hinge system feels extremely durable and I find myself not worrying about it at all when opening and closing the device. I haven't worked up the courage to start opening it up with one hand, which would be the use-thumb-as-wedge technique (and I probably won't ever), but it wouldn't surprise me to see people getting really confident with how they operate this phone's hinge system. My only advice to those people would be -- please be careful. To recap the specs for you on this nearly $1,400 device, it features a 6.7'' FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display (2,636 x 1,080, 21.9:9) when unfolded, 1.1" Super AMOLED display (300x112) on the outside that acts as a cover display, Snapdragon 855+ processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, dual 12-megapixel camera (standard wide angle + ultra wide angle), 10MP front-facing camera, 3,300mAh battery, Wireless Power Share, support for Samsung Pay, fingerprint reader, no water resistance at all, no 5G connectivity, and Android 10 with One UI on top.

Thinking back to Kellen's recent review of the new Motorola Razr, it's insane just how far better of a phone this is over that. Samsung built in a real camera system with optical stabilization here (only for the standard wide angle lens), has a much better display experience, and the overall fit and finish of the device is way closer to current devices than the Razr. It's important to bring up the Razr here because again, the Z Flip is just $1,380, well under Samsung's initial foldable offering of $2,000 and also $100+ cheaper than the Razr. If a foldable phone is truly what you're shopping for currently, you'd be making a big mistake to get anything other than this Galaxy Z Flip. On the outside of the phone, you have a dual wide-angle camera system complete with OIS for the standard lens, as well as Samsung's Super Speed Dual Pixel auto focus and HDR10+ video recording. From the shots I've snapped, the camera seems on par with other Samsung smartphones, though, you aren't getting as many lenses as you would with the current S20 lineup. Personally, I don't care about a telephoto lens, and if cutting down on some lenses helps the price stay low, I'm all for it.

Colors are rich and vibrant in photos, contrast is well balanced, and the device comes with all of the shooting modes you'd expect from a Samsung smartphone. Inside the camera app you'll find the Night mode, Pro Video, Slow Motion, Hyperlapse, Super Slow-Mo, Live Focus modes, as well as Samsung's AR Zone nonsense that grants you AR Emoji, Doodle, and other things that might impress the TikTok community. Taking selfie videos has been a real joy as well, since I can prop the display with the phone's flex mode and record video of myself (usually doodling on guitar) very easily. Here are a few camera samples. No edits have been made, but due to resizing and our site's compression, you can expect some details to be lost.

For the display, besides the noticeable crease across the middle of the phone, you wouldn't really suspect it bends in half when looking at it in someone else's hand. Unlike the Fold, when it's closed up, there isn't a wide gap near the hinge either, so overall, the experience is very clean and nice. The 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED gets plenty bright, good for use in direct sunlight, and like all other Samsung panels, the colors are great. It also gets plenty dark with a supported Blue Light Filter for laying in bed, too.

Samsung attempted to add a few software things to take advantage of the fold, but personally, they weren't too interesting. Of course, you can run multiple apps simultaneously, which is not very useful on a display of this size. That made much more sense on the larger Galaxy Fold.

Samsung also worked in a tweak for YouTube, where users can watch a video on the top portion, then also interact with comments on the bottom portion. Since I think YouTube comment sections are home to the most vile thoughts the human species has ever thunk, I don't find myself using that anytime soon. Other than those few tweaks, if you've ever used a Samsung phone, you'll know exactly what to expect from this device.

I think what I take away most from the Galaxy Z Flip is that you have what is a mid to high-end smartphone with good specs, but Samsung is introducing this new clamshell folding design to prove that devices like this are in demand and can be done well. Where I was nervous in using the Galaxy Fold for an extended period of time out of fear of breaking it, I really don't get that sense from the Z Flip. This device feels like it can last, and for anything priced around this much, that should be the case. There are a few downsides to the Galaxy Z Flip, so let me go over those now. The first major issue I have is the battery. It's relatively small at 3,300mAh for a phone of this size, so if you're coming from a device that doesn't flip and has a larger battery, you'll likely notice the difference immediately. My typical day is 7:30AM off the charger to about 10:30-11PM, and almost every day, I was nearly out of battery but only had over 2-3 hours of screen on time. If I really hammered on the device, like on a day I was traveling, I had to plug in the device that afternoon because I knew it wouldn't get me through the full day.

It wasn't an ideal battery situation for me, but I'm hesitant to blast it too harshly due to an update that I received on day one of the device. Before the update, I thought the battery life was pretty good. Then the update came and the battery life was poor. I'm curious if there was something in that update that Samsung can possibly revert back to. Again, it's a small battery, so I wasn't at all expecting amazing life from it. The other aspect of the device I didn't care for whatsoever is the external speaker. Oh boy, is it terrible. Most flagship devices have solid dual speaker setups these days, so going not only to this single speaker, but a small one with little volume has been a real downer. I suppose I have to talk about the idea of taking it in and out of my pocket as well. Obviously, you'll be doing a lot of opening and closing of the device, so if it bothers you that there's a whole extra step of checking incoming notifications, since the cover display is useless, maybe stay away from this clamshell design. For me, this experience is at its worst when I have gloves on (it's cold here) and I'm out walking the dogs. It's a total pain to stop dogs, take gloves off, shimmy leashes under my arm, use hand to remove phone from pocket, use two hands to open it, and then do whatever I need to do. It's time consuming, and since I want to be so careful with the device, it's a requirement to go slow and be sure not to drop anything. However, if you're just out and about, it's really not too bad and it all seems worth it when you pull the device out and people instantly ask you about the phone. I love it when people ask me about the phone I'm using, so I gladly tell them, "Here, this is the Galaxy Flip from Samsung, it's probably the future for all of us." Unlike the Galaxy Fold, I don't mind handing this phone over because it's a lot more sturdy in the hinge department and people absolutely love opening and closing it. If you need a Wow Factor phone, it doesn't get much better than the Z Flip. As for things I'd like to see improved on a sequel Flip, let's talk about the 1.1" AMOLED cover display. This iteration is pretty useless besides glancing at the time. Incoming notifications aren't usable because they're just too small to read anything, and controlling music playback is difficult because even my skinny fingers have a hard time pressing on the right button. It's just a really, really tiny display that needs to be bigger.

Other Notes

Fiancée Impressions - "I like the retro feel of the phone, kinda fun to go back to a flip phone after all these years. The flip mechanism is very smooth and the phone feels really good in hand size wise once it's open. However, I would not be able to use this phone day to day because the bend in the glass would drive me crazy. Overall, it's really fun and feels great."
Samsung Pay - Still kicks ass.
Fingerprints - Yeah, so, this display and exterior pick up fingerprints very easily. It's obnoxious how often you might find yourself cleaning this thing, but that's just life these days.
Fingerprint Reader - The fingerprint reader doubles as the power button on the right side of the device. It works just fine, though, it does take a little while to set it up.

Buy Galaxy Z Flip

You can get the Galaxy Z Flip from both Samsung and Best Buy directly. As I mentioned, the phone appears to be backordered and due to Coronavirus, it appears recent production of the device might be delayed a bit. Just know that when you order one, it will eventually come. For the US, it comes in either Mirror Purple or Mirror Black, priced at $1,380.

Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yvV4z9v1Lk

Gallery

The Verdict

The Galaxy Z Flip is your best bet at a good foldable experience should you be in the market for one. However, if you're on the fence about these devices, you'll be more than fine waiting to see how Samsung improves them. For those who think folding phones are a gimmick, I think you're mistaken. The Galaxy Z Flip proves that these phones can be made to not feel and look like novelty garbage. This is a solid device and I could easily see myself continue to use it -- the camera is good, the folding action is slick, and hardware itself is very well built. I just wish it had better battery life and wasn't a pain to pull out of my pocket at times. This isn't the ideal phone for me, but it could be for someone else. Samsung made a great foldable here, reinforcing that they can be done right and also be made in a relatively affordable fashion. Big props to Samsung for this one.

Sony's New Xperia 1 II has a Lot Going for It

Kellen — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:06:31 +0000

MWC may be cancelled, but companies are still announcing products, like Sony did this morning (last night?). During an online event, the Japanese company announced their two new phones for 2020, the Xperia 1 II and the Xperia 10 II. I've got time for this Xperia 1 II, because it's coming to the US, so let's dive into this quite-promising-sounding phone. Before we get too far, understand that the name is said "Xperia 1 Mark 2," not "Xperia 1 Two." Why? I don't know, this is just what Sony does. For example, the couple of RX100 cameras of theirs that I've owned were the RX100, RX100 Mark 3, and RX100 Mark 5. It's their naming scheme, just go with it. OK, the Xperia 1 II is Sony's new flagship phone. Shall we take a look at specs? Sony packed the Xperia 1 II with a 6.5" (21:9) 4K HDR OLED (3840x1644) display that has "motion blur reduction," that they claim should bring a similar experience to what you might see on a 90Hz phone. So it's not a 90Hz phone, but it'll act like it. It's most definitely not 120Hz like Samsung's new phones are. You also get a Snapdragon 865, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage (with 1TB SD support), 4000mAh battery with fast charging, wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.1, fingerprint sensor (side-mounted), "true" front stereo speakers, Android 10, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a triple rear camera system. In that rear camera system, you have three 12MP shooters with focal lengths of 16mm (f/2.2), 24mm (f/1.7), and 70mm (f/2.4). In other words, you've got ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto, in that order. This camera setup pulls from Sony's Alpha range to bring in impressive autofocus (like Real-time Eye AF) and 20fps burst shooting. It'll have full manual controls for you pros, 2K 120fps video HDR recording, and 4K up to 60fps (wit h24/25/30fps options too).

See what I mean? This phone has a lot going for it! I should point out that this phone does technically have 5G. However, looking at the US specs list and supported 5G networks has me questioning whether or not this phone will work on any of the current 5G networks available here. Comparing the listed 5G bands to our US carrier 5G table shows no compatibility. Sony, at least on its US page, mentions 5G once with an asterisk about select country availability. This may just be a 4G LTE phone here, which is fine since it has all of the major bands. The Sony Xperia 1 II is scheduled for a "late" Spring 2020 launch. It comes in black and purple, though the US is only getting black. We'll let you know when it arrives and for how much. // Sony Love you, birtzer!

Samsung Clarifies Galaxy Buds+ and Their Multi-Device Capabilities

Kellen — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 16:15:37 +0000

When the leaks first showed up for Samsung's new Galaxy Buds+, we got excited about a specs list that mentioned a "multi-device connection." Of course, with that mention coming via leak, it wasn't an official feature and we waited for their unveiling to see if it made the cut. The Galaxy Buds+ are now official and can be purchased by anyone for $150. Tim has a pair that he's been testing for a week or so now. You may be wondering - Do they have that multi-device connectivity we hoped for? Umm, sort of. On reddit, some folks noticed that Samsung had edited the Galaxy Buds+ product page to remove a line that read "Multi-point connection is available with devices using Bluetooth 5.0." Since no one seemed to be able to figure out how to connect multiple devices to a pair at the same time (Tim tried and failed with a Macbook Pro and his Galaxy Z Flip), some assumed that Samsung was back-tracking from the feature. We took a look at that Galaxy Buds+ product page and noticed that it still had a section called "Switch Seamlessly," where Samsung describes how Bud+ "intuitively switches between two paired devices at once" along with an example of "So, you won't miss a call on your phone while you're using your tablet." If anything, this is Samsung still admitting to the feature being there, but the removal of the note at the bottom of the page has us all confused, especially since we couldn't get this feature to work.

Because this was one of the supposed upgrades of the Buds+ we were most looking forward to and shared with you on a number of occasions, we asked Samsung if they could clarify. They did, though I'm not sure you are all going to love this. Here's the statement they provided us:

"Galaxy Buds+ offers users a convenient way to transition across devices that are logged into the same Samsung account with the SmartThings app installed. This feature can be accessed in the media panel (by selecting Galaxy Buds+), and is only available on Samsung mobile devices running Android 7.1.1 or later."

So the Galaxy Buds+ can do a multi-device smart switch of sorts, but you can only perform that move with two Samsung devices and the SmartThings app installed on both. SmartThings, as far as we can tell, will then attempt to take the lead and allow you to tap within the media panel on each to move the Buds+ connection between the two devices (Tim was able to make this happen with a Note 10 and Z Flip). On other non-Samsung phones, the only way to do this is by turning Bluetooth off of the currently-connected devices and re-connecting to the 2nd device. This is bad multi-device support.

Shop Galaxy Buds+

Podcast: Flip Into Android 11

Kellen — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 10:43:21 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're talking through the surprise drop of Android 11 on the world. Even if it is a developer preview and not meant for everyone, there is quite a bit of new stuff to cover and look forward to. We've also had the Galaxy Z Flip in house for a week, so if you are curious about Samsung's flip phone, Tim has you covered. From there, it'll be on to Galaxy S20 pre-orders, Stadia on more phones, and the massive hack of Slickwraps. Trivia is back! We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern).

Nexus 6P Lawsuit Payments are Rolling Out, Check Those Inboxes

Kellen — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 09:29:38 +0000

For the second time this week, owners of older Google phones are getting payouts for settlements that stemmed from poorly built phones that caused pain in the lives of owners on multiple occasions. This time, well, it's the Nexus 6P lawsuit that is being paid out. This particular lawsuit was the result of "bootloop" and battery drain issues that Nexus 6P owners experienced on enough devices that Google and Huawei agreed to pay them all for their troubles. Some customers were eligible to receive $400 back from owning the final Nexus phone from Google. Like with the Google Pixel lawsuit earlier in the week, the amount of money you could receive depended on how severe your troubles were and if you could provide legitimate proof of bootlooping or battery drain on multiple devices. With that said, anyone who owned a Nexus 6P was eligible for a payout. For example, I just received $15.79 in my PayPal account from KCC Class Action Services, LLC.

Google and Huawei agreed to the settlement in April of last year and Nexus 6P owners were given the opportunity to file a claim in June. If you missed that opportunity, I'm deeply sorry. For more on this story, feel free to check out the Nexus 6P Settlement page. Cheers Michael, Scott, and Eric!

Slickwraps Suffered a Massive Data Breach (Updated: Yep)

Kellen — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 09:12:17 +0000

Ummm, if you are a Slickwraps customer, you might see an email arrive this morning that claims the company has been hacked. The email might not be lying to you either, as this does not appear to be a promotion or some sort of fun exercise. This may be related to a massive security breach. An email titled "ATTN: ALL SLICKWRAPS CUSTOMERS" is showing up in inboxes with the word "Slickwraps" changed to "SLICKHACKED." The email then goes on to say something close to the following:

if you're reading this it's too late. we have your data. here's where you live: PERSON NAME ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER how do we have this data? we read this: https://medium.com/@lynx0x00/i-hacked-slickwraps-this-is-how-8b0806358fbb what are we doing with your data? not much (that's good!) we're just using 377428 emails from their customer database to send this mass email (that's bad!) because right now, ANYBODY can do what we just did, and they might do something really shitty with the same data we took

The email goes on from there to suggest you should contact Slickwraps to let them know about the breach and possibly contact your local authorities. They suggest you do that second part because of the story linked in that Medium article, where @Lynx0x00, who discovered the vulnerability, claims to have given Slickwraps proper notification and received little in response. I should note that the emails being sent are not from @Lynx0x00 and are instead from a 3rd party. Here's what you need to know.

Slickwraps apparently has (or had) at least one really horrible security vulnerability. There may be even more. However, this single vulnerability allowed @Lynx0x00 to access almost every single detail about the company (revenue and sales, all of your data, payment APIs, and their Zendesk support account). It gave them so much access, they claim that they could have deleted the entire company's existence if they wanted to. That's the level of access they gained.
Because Slickwraps failed to respond to them, blocked them, and tried to allegedly cover the tracks of this breach without notifying anyone, @Lynx0x00 has posted the entire situation to that Medium post above. You should read it here.
At this time, we don't know who else has accessed this data or if Slickwraps has buttoned things up. According to email screenshots flooding Twitter, this appears to be really bad.
I'm in shock at how bad this is.

We tried to reach out to Slickwraps for comment, but they apparently offer zero way to contact them or removed all ways after this story broke on Twitter. We'll do our best to update this.

UPDATE 1 (2/21): We reached out to the email address that Slickwraps uses when they send promo emails, which is the one that customers were told to respond to, and it has been disabled.

UPDATE 2 (2/21): You might want to avoid the Slickwraps site.

https://twitter.com/Lynx0x00/status/1230917955019558913

UPDATE 3 (2/21): Slickwraps just emailed customers, confirming that their databases were "accessed by an unauthorized party." They confirm that a lot of customer information was accessed (names, user emails, addresses), but claim that the information "did not contain passwords or personal financial data."
Their response also indicates that they were only informed of this breach on February 22 (it's still February 21 in the US) and that they then closed their databases off immediately. That, as far as we can tell from the story that @Lynx0x00 posted, is not based in truth. Slickwraps was notified days ago and they proceeded to block the person who found the vulnerability rather than confront it.
Slickwraps said that it will now partner with a third-party cyber security firm to audit and improve security protocols.
They are recommending that you reset your passwords.
Oh, they are super sorry too.

// Medium Cheers Jared!

Samsung's Galaxy S20, S20 Ultra Pre-Orders Open Tonight: Here are the Best Deals

Kellen — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 13:04:44 +0000

After a longer-than-usual wait for new Samsung Galaxy pre-orders to open, the day (or evening) has arrived. Samsung Galaxy S20 pre-orders open tonight, late. If you were sold on 120Hz displays, new camera setups with up to 100x Space Zoom, larger batteries, and all of the other goods that Samsung packed into the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, your best deals are about to go live. Most of the time, the pre-order period offers the biggest discounts, best trade values, and most impressive list of freebies. That appears to be the case again with the S20. Most carriers and retailers have scheduled pre-orders to open February 21 at 12:01AM Eastern. For those of us on the west coast, that means they'll go live at 9PM Pacific tonight (still February 20). Below, we've done our best to share with you all of the best deals. You ready?

Samsung's Store (Best Deal)

Samsung, as it has for a number of years and releases, has the best Galaxy S20 pre-order deal, assuming you have a decent phone to trade-in. Samsung is offering up to $700 off with select high-tier trades, $600 off for others, and $300 off for phones that probably won't sell for close to that on the open market. They are also tossing in up to $200 Samsung store credit to spend on other goodies. Samsung's trade-in deals are almost never as high after this pre-order period, so no, you shouldn't wait to take advantage. Plus, we love Samsung's trade-in program because they give you the discount off your new phone at the time of purchase rather than make you wait to get the value as a credit or gift card down the road. In other words, you get the value of the trade today, they send you your new phone when it's ready, and then ask you to trade-in the old one later to confirm you weren't lying. With a $700 discount, you are looking at Galaxy S20 starting point of $299.99 (down from $999.99), Galaxy S20+ at $499.99 (down from $1,199.99), and Galaxy S20 Ultra at $699.99 ($down from $1,399.99). Crazy, right? To get the full $700 in trade value, you will need to you trade-in a Galaxy Note 10 or Note 10+ or iPhone 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max. If you don't have those phones, you can get $600 off with a Pixel 4 or 4 XL, Galaxy S10 or S10+, iPhone 11, or iPhone XS or XS Max. After that, there are $300 values for a number of other phones. Samsung Store: Pre-order Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Ultra

Best Buy

Best Buy is claiming to offer the biggest overall discount I've seen, with an up-to $850 off promo. It's all a bit confusing, but from what we can tell, Best Buy is giving up-to $700 off with select trade-ins, just like Samsung did. Then, on top of that, they are doing another $150 discount that is applied if you activate the phone with a carrier and lock into a plan. The fine print says that you'll get credits applied to your bill, should you sign-up for a device payment plan or lease on your Galaxy S20. If you buy the phone at full retail, they are only giving you a Best Buy gift card that cannot be applied to your S20 purchase. So basically, if you don't use Best Buy to sign-up for a contract with a carrier, you don't really get a deal. In addition to the $850 off, purchases from Best Buy are also available for the Samsung credit that goes up to $200 depending on the phone you buy. Best Buy: Pre-order Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Ultra

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, & Sprint

Would rather shop at your carrier? That's cool too, since they are all offering substantial deals. We've broken them out by carrier in the lists they sent us.

Verizon

Buy a Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Galaxy S20+ 5G and get $1,050 towards another Galaxy S20, when you add a new line and purchase the phone on a Verizon Device Payment plan. (Stacks with #2 $150 offer)
New and existing customers can save an additional $150 when you buy a new Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G. This discount is given in 24 month bill credits. (Stacks with #1 BOGO offer or #3 $300 offer))
Existing customers can save up to $300 if you upgrade to a new Galaxy S20 and trade-in your existing smartphone and have an active Verizon Unlimited plan. (Stacks with #2 $150 offer)
Samsung is also offering up to $200 in Samsung credit when you preorder a Galaxy S20+ 5G or Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G. You can redeem the offer using the Shop Samsung application. (Stacks with all offers)
Finally, if you purchase a Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or S20+ 5G on Verizon and have a Verizon Unlimited plan, you get a free six months subscription to the Hatch streaming game service. Hatch is a new way to game, giving you instant access to 100+ premium games in one made-for-5G app. (Stacks with all offers)

Shop Galaxy S20 at Verizon

T-Mobile

Customers can get up to $500 off any of the latest Samsung Galaxy S20 5G smartphones after rebate when they trade in an eligible device.
Customers can pick up one of the latest Samsung Galaxy S20 5G smartphones at T-Mobile and get up to $1000 off a second one of equal or lesser value with 24 monthly bill credits when they add a line (new customers must add two lines) and get both devices on T-Mobile’s no-interest Equipment Installment Plan. That means customers can get a Samsung Galaxy S20 5G FREE! Customers can also pick up a Samsung Galaxy S10 and Note10 series device on the same deal.
T-Mobile for Business customers can also take advantage of these offers, plus more offers just for businesses.
Plus, customers also receive a Samsung credit of up to $200 from Samsung.com when they pre-order any of the latest Galaxy S20 5G smartphones.

Shop Galaxy S20 at T-Mobile

AT&T

For a limited time, customers who sign up for AT&T Unlimited Extra and AT&T Unlimited Elite, our latest unlimited plans with 5G and 5G+ service included, can get a Galaxy S20 5G FREE and a Galaxy S20+ 5G starting at $200 when they port a line, buy on a qualifying installment plan and trade-in an eligible smartphone.

Shop Galaxy S20 at AT&T

Sprint

Switch to Sprint and get Galaxy S20 5G for $0 per month when you trade in your Galaxy S8 or newer in ANY condition.
Lease Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+ 5G or Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and get a second Galaxy S20 5G on us with Sprint Flex lease.

Shop Galaxy S20 at Sprint

Other retailers

B&H Photo will have unlocked models, but it's unclear what kinds of deals. [Shop]
Target could go off too, we just aren't seeing their promo yet. [Shop]

We'll do our best to update this if we see other great deals.

YouTube Music Users Getting Ability to Upload Own Music, Library Migration Still Not Available

Tim — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 10:10:55 +0000

It was reported earlier this month that YouTube Music would soon get a very important feature imported from Google Play Music, which is the ability to create your own music locker via the service (aka upload your own songs for playback). This feature is still what keeps plenty of people using Play Music over its competitors like Spotify. Well, the feature appears to be rolling out, slowly but surely. According to a screenshot posted to reddit as well as a new support page, Google is slowly pushing out a change that shows a dedicated Uploads tab in the YouTube Music app. That section, obviously, shows all of the tracks that the user has personally uploaded to the service. In addition, when on desktop, users will be able to upload music simply by dragging supported files into the browser window. Now, while this is a step in the right direction, it doesn't appear to be the full-on music library migration that we've been crying about for some time. Don't worry, though, because Google mentions that on its support page.

If you are looking to transfer your entire Google Play Music library, stay tuned – we will be providing a way to seamlessly transfer your music. Nothing is changing with Google Play Music right now. When we do replace Google Play Music with YouTube Music, we’ll be sure to give you plenty of advance notice.

As you can see, Google will provide "plenty of advance notice," but since we haven't gotten that yet, we must still be quite a ways away. Talk about one of the most drawn out and agonizing deaths to a Google service of all time. Reminder, YouTube Music was made official on May 16, 2018. That's nearly two years ago. What are you doing, Google? So long as these early users don't run into any upload issues, we suspect all YouTube Music users will see this functionality soon.

// Android Police | reddit

HBO is Coming to YouTube TV This Spring

Kellen — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 10:04:32 +0000

YouTube TV is still a mostly-excellent TV option for those who want to give mega TV distributors as little money as possible. It's pricing has increased over the years, but it's still a reasonably priced service for the channel line-up, included DVR, and slick app experience. It even lets you sign-up for a variety of premium services, like Starz, Showtime, NBA League Pass, and Fox Soccer Plus. You'll notice I didn't mention HBO in that list. That's because YouTube TV hasn't offered a simple subscription to HBO and has instead forced users to sign-up for HBO NOW if they want to watch HBO content. Starting "this spring," YouTube TV will change that up by offering HBO sign-ups from within. Once available, I'm going to assume HBO will still cost $14.99/mo and will be listed within the "Membership" tab in the YouTube TV app. Being able to switch to HBO channels from YouTube TV will be clutch, though, instead of the way it works now, where you'd have to open HBO NOW to access the premium service. https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV/status/1230541072637583360 In addition to the HBO news, Variety is reporting that WarnerMedia has signed a broader deal that will give YouTube TV access to HBO Max, the up-and-coming streaming service expected to launch this spring. This new deal should also lock-in TBS, TNT, truTV, CNN, HLN, Turner Classic Movies, Adult Swim, and Cartoon Network, as well. We'll let you know once it's available.

Mobvoi Updates TicWatch Pro for 2020, Adds 1GB RAM

Kellen — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 09:28:58 +0000

Mobvoi updated its TicWatch Pro smartwatch today by improving it in two key areas. It's very much like the TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE now, which is a good thing for the regular Bluetooth model. For 2020, the TicWatch Pro now has 1GB RAM (vs. 512MB in the old model) and meets the 810G military standard for durability. That's it. Those are the changes. The 1GB RAM is a nice addition, though, don't get me wrong. Even as the watch still runs the I-forget-how-old-it-is Snapdragon Wear 2100, we know that doubling the RAM will give it decent performance. We know that because we already tested the TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE with 1GB RAM and it ran quite well. In fact, I didn't even notice the non-3100 chip while wearing it. Outside of the upgrades and that old processor, you have a 1.39" AMOLED display with the FSTN LCD on top, GPS, heartrate monitor, 4GB storage, 415mAh battery, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 45mm case. It supports 22mm watch bands and comes in Shadow Black or Liquid Metal Silver. In the US, the new TicWatch Pro 2020 arrives in "early March" for $259.99. Shop Ticwatch Pro 2020 at Amazon

"Internal Testing" Cause of Find My Mobile Notifications on Galaxy Devices Last Night

Tim — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 08:38:19 +0000

If you own a Galaxy device from Samsung, it's possible that last night you received a notification from Find My Mobile, an app that comes preloaded onto some Galaxy phones. The notification was very vague, just reading "1" in the subject line of the notification, followed by another "1" in the body. When you tapped on the notification, it vanished and nothing happened. According to Samsung, no, your phone hasn't been hax0red. In a bit of damage control on social media this morning, internal testing is said to be the cause of the notification going out to tons of Galaxy users, who took to Twitter to irrationally tweet that their phones may be hacked by the government or worse. Samsung went on to say that the notification shouldn't affect your device in any way.

This notification was confirmed as a message sent unintentionally during internal testing and there is no effect on your device. Samsung apologises for any inconvenience this may have caused to our customers and will work to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.

I woke up to this notification and honestly didn't assume the worst. I just tapped on it, it went away, then I went on with my day. Glad to know it's nothing. // @SamsungUK

Verizon Hasn't Ended Its Relationship With Google and Their Pixel Phones

Kellen — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 07:50:21 +0000

Hi, guys! Any chance you saw the news last night suggesting that Verizon had ended its partnership with Google and would no longer sell Pixel phones? If you did, know that the story has now been retracted. If you didn't, well, move along and prepare for whatever the next Pixel phone is, likely the Pixel 4a. Want more context? Sure thing! The folks at Android Police pushed a story last night where a source told them that Verizon had put an indefinite hold on future plans to sell Google Pixel phones. That would more than likely mean there was little chance of the Pixel 4a showing up at a Verizon store, but that the future of a Pixel 5 was also uncertain. Hours after that story, Verizon told Android Authority's Eric Zeman that there was "no truth to this report" and that Verizon is continuing to work with Google and "looks forward to the new portfolio of devices" on the horizon. https://twitter.com/zeman_e/status/1230482387362074625 This morning, the original report from Android Police has been retracted. Their source, who they "know and trust," was apparently incorrect on the details. They now believe that Verizon will indeed continue on with its Google Pixel partnership. To recap, last night, there was short-lived fear that Verizon would no longer be selling Pixel phones. Shortly after, Verizon said, "Ummm, no, that's not true at all." And this morning, we're all back to believing nothing is wrong here. More coffee. // Android Police

Pixel 5 May Feature 'Battery Share' for Reverse Wireless Charging

Tim — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 15:34:52 +0000

With the first Android 11 developer preview getting booted onto devices, we're really getting a feel for everything Google is working to include in the next version of Android. However, there are some things that Google has begun working on, but aren't quite viewable to the average end user. Spotted deep within Android 11's code, XDA has spotted reference to a new Battery Share feature, which is assumed to be a reverse wireless charging feature in development for the Pixel 5. The code states that, "your phone’s battery will run out faster when using battery share. Battery share works with compatible ear buds, watches, phones, and more." As noted, reverse wireless charging isn't specifically mentioned, but that seems like what's being implied. The same thing currently happens on select Samsung devices, where users can wirelessly share juice, but of course, the person sharing will run out of battery more quickly. Pixel 5 reverse wirelessly charging a pair of new Pixel Buds? That could be cool. // XDA

Samsung Working on Update to Allow 120Hz Refresh Rate at WQHD+ Resolution

Tim — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 12:06:30 +0000

According to two separate individuals who are usually quite good with their early Samsung details, the company is working on an update that would allow for the Galaxy S20 lineup to utilize their 120Hz refresh rate capabilities at the maximum display resolution of WQHD+. This is a big deal. Currently, and I'm referencing devices that were at Unpacked earlier this month, the Galaxy S20 family, which includes the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, are only able to use the 120Hz refresh rate when the display resolution is limited to FHD+. If you want WQHD+ resolution, you'll be dropped back down to the standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Related: Galaxy S20 lineup hands-on and tour!

According to Max Weinbach on Twitter, Samsung could release this change within 1-3 months should all of its testing go well. While that's quite the timeframe, if indeed it comes, it'll likely be worth the wait for Galaxy S20 owners. Chances are, Samsung wasn't ready to implement this feature due to potential battery drain of WQHD+ display panels refreshing at that rate. However, with optimizations made and each Galaxy S20 sporting healthy battery sizes, it's clearly something Samsung is looking into. If you've always been a Samsung user and intend on upgrading to a Galaxy S20, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how smooth your UI looks when scrolling through it at 120Hz, regardless if it's FHD+ or WQHD+. We enjoy the buttery smoothness around these parts. // XDA | @UniverseIce

Pixel 4 Gets First New Motion Sense Gesture With Android 11: Song Pausing

Kellen — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 11:54:37 +0000

An unexpected surprise showed up on my Pixel 4 XL today with the update to Android 11: a new Motion Sense gesture. I was walking through setup of my Pixel 4 XL after flashing the Android 11 Developer Preview when I noticed a new move being hinted at. For the first time since the phone's launch back in November of last year, Google added another new way to interact hands-free with your phone. The new Quick Gesture is a pause/play movement that lets you make a motion with your hand toward your display. Instead of swiping side-to-side to change tracks like you have been able to do, you now hover your hand over the Pixel 4 display, then wave forward toward the device. The first wave pauses, while repeating the move resumes playback. To access it on a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, you'll head into Settings>System>Motion Sense. Assuming you updated to Android 11 and completed any of the latest app updates available on Google Play, you should see the "Pause music" option. Turn it on and get to waving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c3HbAWsdFE

Want the Android 11 Beta? You Likely Have to Wait Until May

Kellen — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 11:16:56 +0000

Whenever a new version of Android arrives, like we got with Android 11 today, you all start asking about how and when you can get it on your Pixel phones. With Android 11, since Google has delivered it so damn early, they have made it clear that the first Developer Preview is only meant for developers. That means no Android Beta just yet. That also means you can't easily load this up on your Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, or Pixel 4 without a bit of work in adb and a command prompt. If you want to get in on Android 11 right now, you need to flash a factory image or OTA file. You probably shouldn't. So when can you get the update to Android 11 through the Android Beta Program? Probably in May. At least, that's what Google's timeline for Android 11 spells out.

The timeline above was posted by Google today and it shows Developer Previews running from today through April as the orange dots. We can then see that "Beta Releases" show up as blue dots starting in May and running through to the final release some time in Q3. May is Google I/O and would make a lot of sense for the first beta, it's just that we had betas earlier last year with Android 10. For now, Google has officially said that Android Beta enrollments will kick off in the "next several weeks." Did they really mean May? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c3HbAWsdFE // Android 11 Developer Preview

What's New in Android 11? (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 11:00:40 +0000

The first Android 11 Developer Preview was released today as a build only meant for developers. This is not a build for most of us, but it still gives us a preview about the types of new goodies we could see later in the year from this next version of Android 11. In this post, let's walk through what we know is new so far in Android 11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c3HbAWsdFE

Android R, but not

Google is calling this the Android 11 Developer Preview, so one might think we have official dumped letter codenames for Android. We haven't, well, not completely. When you flash this Android 11 build, it is indeed referred to on-device as Android R.

Dark Theme can now be scheduled

Android 11 brings a feature we should have had in Android 10: dark theme scheduling. With Android 11, you'll be able to set a custom time for the system dark theme to come on, or let your phone set it based on sunset and sunrise.

Bubbles!

Bubbles, the chatheads-like experience first introduced in Android 10 but then delayed to Android 11, is now here. Google is telling developers to use the Bubbles API in order to enable them in Android 11, so don't be surprised if your favorite messaging apps don't have them yet.

Ongoing conversations + image sharing in notification shade

Google is going to have a dedicated section in the notification shade to help you "instantly" find ongoing conversations with people in your favorite apps. I have no idea what this will look like yet, but I'll try and update this post once I find it. UPDATE: It looks like this.

Also, apps will now be able to support image attachments from within notifications. It appears Google is doing this with copy/paste support, so in Chrome and Gboard, you'll get image copy/paste options that you can use in replies.

The One-Time permission

Like last year, when Google adjust location permissions by giving us the option to let apps only access location "While app is in use," Android 11 makes this even more limited. Now, you'll have choices of "Only this time" or "While using the app." That seems incredible strict and restrictive for apps that need location access all of the time, but hey, we'll let it play out for now.

Screen recording is here!

The screen recording option that worked for a bit in early Android 10 builds is back once again. We'll see how long it sticks around, but it works pretty good! You can add it as a quick settings shortcut, tell it to record, and easily view back the recorded session.

Scrolling screenshot tools might finally be here

The crew at XDA found a setting that they manually activated that lets you (finally) perform a scrolling screenshot. There's also a slightly tweaked UI to the screenshot action that you can see below. Yay!

Pixel 4 gets new Motion Sense gesture

Hard to tell if this is related to Android 11 or not, but my Pixel 4 XL on Android 11 Preview now has a new pause/play Motion Sense gesture. This would be the first that Google has added since the phone launched.

Increase touch sensitivity

Other phones have had this setting for some time, but Google appears to be adding a display setting that "improves touch when using screen protectors." It's a simple toggle on/off at the very bottom of display settings.

Pinning returns to share menu

If you want to make a more customized share menu in Android 11, you'll be happy to know that you can now "pin" apps or shortcuts to be used every time you got to share something. This option was once a part of Android 10, but never made the cut in the final release. Maybe it'll stick this time. (Android Police)

Other developer stuff:

5G: Android 11 will have a focus on 5G because 5G is about to be everywhere and in every phone. Google is enhancing a couple of related APIs. There is a new Dynamic meteredness API to offer quality options depending on the connection. There is also an updated Bandwidth estimator API that can detect 5G to better estimate download/upload times.
Pinhole and waterfall screen support: Because we've got fullscreen, Google is building in better detection and support for screens that use pinhole cutouts or have waterfall screens.
Biometrics: I'll let Google handle this one - "BiometricPrompt now supports three authenticator types with different levels of granularity -- strong, weak, and device credential. We’ve also decoupled the BiometricPrompt flow from the app’s Activity lifecycle to make it easier to integrate with various app architectures, and to improve the transaction UI. All apps using biometric auth should move to the BiometricPrompt APIs, which are also available in AndroidX for compatibility with earlier versions of Android."
Google Play System Updates: In Android 10, Google added Google Play System Updates (Project Mainline) as a way to keep devices more secure and up-to-date outside of big system updates. With Android 11, they've pushed this further and can now update 22 different modules.
Call screening service improvements: Google is providing more support to call screening apps by adding STIR/SHAKEN support, and giving more options once calls have completed (marking as spam or adding to contacts).
Muting vibrations while camera in use: How annoying is it to get a notification that vibrates your entire phone while you are trying to take a picture? Apps can use a new API that lets them mute vibrations from ringtones, alarms, and notifications while cameras are open.
More: There's a lot more in the way of developer stuff going on in this first Android 11 build, so be sure to read Google's announcement post.

We'll keep updating this post as we find more.

First Android 11 Developer Preview is Now Available!

Kellen — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 09:50:39 +0000

Google just released the Android 11 Developer Preview! You can download it on your Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, or Pixel 4. The Android 11 Developer Preview beta will be available at some point "in the next several weeks." This is the first build, so that mostly makes sense. It's probably not stable enough for everyone to run yet.

UPDATE: What's new in Android 11?

If you'd like to get on Android 11, you have two choices: factory images or OTA files. The factory image files for each phone can be found right here. At this time, Google has only posted the factory image files. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. The OTA files for each phone can be found right here. Instructions for sideloading an OTA file can be found here. Android 11 DP1 build info:

Date: February 19, 2020 Build: RPP1.200123.016 Emulator support: x86 (32/64-bit) Security patch level: March 2020 Google Play services: 20.04.14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c3HbAWsdFE // Android Developers

$8.49 for Anker's 10W Wireless Charger is Your Deal of the Day

Kellen — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 09:33:54 +0000

In 2020, most phones have wireless charging. In fact, most phones have had wireless charging in recent years, we have just been waiting on OnePlus to join the party. Since they are rumored to be doing that with the OnePlus 8, I'm pretty sure it's time you own 17 wireless chargers. To get started on your collection, look no further than today's deal from Anker. For $8.49 ($3.50 off), you can own a 10W wireless charging pad that works with basically any phone that has wireless charging capabilities. That's not the fastest of fast wireless charging (we're up to 15W on Samsung phones now), but it's a good speed for not having to plug your phone in. These Anker 10W wireless charging pads are slim and black, have a charging indicator light, and come with a micro USB cable. You'll need to supply your own adapter, though. Today's discount is a straight price drop for a limited time - no coupon necessary. Amazon Deal Link

Check Your Mailboxes: Google Pixel Microphone Lawsuit Settlement Checks Arriving

Kellen — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 08:27:59 +0000

The original Google Pixel, while a decent phone that launched a line of devices known as camera kings, wasn't perfect. It was built by HTC and had all sorts of hardware issues that led to at least one lawsuit. That lawsuit, which involved the microphones and speakers on the Pixel, was settled back in August of last year and the checks for it are now arriving. If you joined the settlement, be on the lookout for those checks. For many of you, a check for $20 could be in the mail, but others who experienced the microphone/speaker issues on multiple devices could receive $350 or $500. At least one of our readers already let us know that their check was indeed for $350. In order to receive those bigger sums from this $7.25 million lawsuit, you had to prove that you went through at least one or two return authorizations and that replacements devices experienced the same problem. If you did, then yeah, cha-ching. Don't remember this lawsuit and are wondering why you didn't join it? Apologies if you missed it, but the deadline to submit a claim form was in October of last year. You can read more about the lawsuit right here. Cheers Daniel and Ben A!

Verizon Updates All the Samsung Phones, Note 9 Gets Android 10 (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 06:56:49 +0000

Verizon unwrapped a pile of updates this week for most of its Samsung Galaxy phones. We have new updates ready for the Galaxy S10 line, Galaxy Note 10 line, Galaxy Note 9, and Galaxy Note 8. For most devices, the February Android security patch is all that's included, but for the Note 9, it's a bit more special. Verizon's Galaxy Note 9 is now receiving the update to Android 10. The build is rolling out as N960USQU3DTAA and should be quite large in size. Most of the Android 10 updates for other Samsung phones were all close to 2GB. Be sure you have space available and plenty of battery before trying to update. What's new in Android 10 on the Galaxy Note 9? Well, it's One UI 2, so that's cool. You should expect smart replies within your notifications, improved gesture navigation, new Camera UX, and a darker night mode. It's a big deal, though maybe not quite as big of a deal as that original One UI update a year ago. Here are all of the new builds to be on the lookout for for the Note 10, Note 8, and S10:

Galaxy Note 10: N970USQU2BTA9
Galaxy Note 10+: N975USQU2BTA9
Galaxy Note 10+ 5G: N976VVRU2BTA9
Galaxy Note 9: N960USQU3DTAA
Galaxy Note 8: N950USQ7DTA4
Galaxy S10: G973USQU3CTB1
Galaxy S10+: G975USQU3CTB1
Galaxy S10+ 5G: G977UVRU4BTB2
Galaxy S10e: G973USQU3CTB1

UPDATE 2/20: Add the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ to the list. Those new builds with February's patch are:

Galaxy S9: G960USQU7DTA8
Galaxy S9+: G965USQU7DTA8

To check for updates, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon Cheers Justin V, Jamison, and Alfredo!

Firefox Private Network VPN Beta Reaches Android, But You Need an Invite

Tim — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 15:22:30 +0000

Mozilla has launched its Firefox Private Network VPN beta for Android, but the downside is that you need an invite to use it. Like other VPNs, its designed to keep you browsing on your device safely and securely. With it, users can hide their online activity and location, and choose from 100+ servers in 30+ countries across the globe. Additionally, Mozilla lists that users can stream and download with no bandwidth restrictions even when on public WiFi. You can find full details for it here. While in beta testing, this VPN service costs $4.99/month, but again, the only way you can currently use it is with an invite from Mozilla. To get one, you can download the app (link below), then add your email to the list. Have at it.

Google Play Link

// Android Police

DisplayMate Grades Galaxy S20 Ultra With A+, Display "Visually Indistinguishable From Perfect"

Tim — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:46:39 +0000

For the past couple of years, DisplayMate has shown that they love Samsung displays, but we can't blame them for that. In our naked eyeball testing, they're some of the best on the market in terms of brightness and color, so it's no shock that when actual science is applied to determining how good they are, they rank exceptionally high. According to DisplayMate's latest findings, the same perfection that came with last year's Galaxy Note 10+ applies to the Galaxy S20 Ultra and its 6.9" AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, the latest top tier high-end device from Samsung.

Based on our extensive Lab Tests and Measurements the Galaxy S20 Ultra has a Very Impressive Excellent Top Tier World Class Smartphone Display with close to Text Book Perfect Calibration Accuracy and Performance that is Visually Indistinguishable From Perfect. Based on our objective Lab Tests and Measurements the Galaxy S20 Ultra receives a DisplayMate Best Smartphone Display Award earning DisplayMate’s highest ever Display Performance Grade of A+ and setting or matching 12 Smartphone Display Performance Records.

If you want the full breakdown, we recommend you check out DisplayMate's lengthy writeup, but here are a few of the important highlights and records the phone now holds on DisplayMate.

Highlights

Record: Very high contrast accuracy and intensity scale accuracy
Record: Peak luminance that is independent of the on-screen image content
Record: Color accuracy and intensity scales
Record: DCI-P3 Natural Mode with a very accurate standard DCI-P3 color gamut
Record: High Brightness Mode with automatic brightness on
Record: sRGB Natural Mode with a very accurate standard sRGB/Rec.709 color gamut

So yeah, if you intend on picking up a Galaxy S20 Ultra, it's probably safe to say that you'll love its massive display. // DisplayMate

T-Mobile Customers Get Free Burger King, $30 Off Rover Services Today

Tim — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 11:51:03 +0000

Being a T-Mobile customer, doggy owner and fan of Burger King, today is a special day for me. Through the T-Mobile Tuesdays app for Android and iOS, every eligible T-Mo customer is being given a free Whopper or Impossible Whopper from Burger King, as well as $30 off services from Rover. If you have pooches like I do, you'll know that's some good savings right there. To redeem your free Whopper burger from BK, you'll save your individual code from the T-Mobile Tuesdays app, then plug it into the Burger King app. Once you're at a Burger King location, continue through the app's checkout process to claim your free burger. Easy money. For the $30 off Rover services, you'll simply redeem a code and apply it to your Rover account. That $30 savings can be used towards any Rover service from what I can see, which includes drop-in walks, overnights, and doggy daycare. T-Mobile peeps, go get your free stuff and don't let me see you talking smack about Whoppers in the comments. I will find you.

Google Play Link

Google's New Pixel Buds Go Up for Pre-Order Without a Shipping Date (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 10:25:22 +0000

The new Google Pixel Buds are one of the products we're most looking forward to in 2020. After a presentation alongside the Pixel 4 that completely sold us, we've been waiting as patiently as possible for word of a release date. Today, we are at least seeing our first pre-order, signaling that a launch may be close.

New Pixel Buds Pre-order Almost

B&H Photo is the retailer that posted the new Pixel Buds at their $179 price. The pre-order listing for the Clearly White model (GA01470-US) only says that they are a new time and "Coming Soon," with no mention of a specific date. Google told us to expect the new Pixel Buds in the Spring of this year, which would be March at the earliest. If March is indeed the launch target, why are we seeing such a super early listing at B&H? Tough to say, other than someone at B&H might just be preparing earlier than everyone else or possibly posted this before they should have. Either way, it's time to keep your wallet handy. Oh, and I'm not sure you should pre-order through B&H, though you could below. We're betting that all major Google retailers (like Best Buy) will have these. Unless you live in New York, you are better off just buying locally.

UPDATE: Listing pulled.

Pre-order Google Pixel Buds at B&H Photo // 9to5Google

Stadia Support Coming to Millions of Phones Later This Week

Tim — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 09:29:11 +0000

The dark days of Stadia being limited to Pixel devices from Google is coming to an end. Later this week, on February 20 to be exact, millions of new people will have access to Stadia's servers for the first time via their smartphone. This is all possible because Stadia is opening support to Samsung Galaxy phones, which should help the service bring on a few new customers. Here are the phones getting support for Stadia later this week.

Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
Samsung Galaxy Note8
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S9+
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung Galaxy S10E
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10+
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Razer Phone
Razer Phone 2
ASUS ROG Phone
ASUS ROG Phone II

As you can see, listed are all of the big Samsung releases, including the new Galaxy S20 lineup. On top of that, the "gaming phones," which includes phones from Razer and ASUS, are included in this list. Now, just because your phone is supported, you'll still need a few more things to start playing. The big thing is a Stadia account, which are still priced at $129 via Google's Premier Edition, but includes a Stadia Controller and Chromecast Ultra. If you have a Buddy Pass from a current Stadia subscriber, all you'll need is supported controller, including the Stadia Controller that is priced at $69 on the Google Store. If you're a console gamer and don't want to spend more money, Stadia's FAQ states that any HID compliant controller will work when playing via USB cable on Chrome or mobile devices. No, you can use many popular HID compliant controllers when playing via USB cable on Chrome or mobile. To play on your TV you will need to use the Stadia Controller and Google Chromecast Ultra. That's cool! // Stadia

Galaxy Fold 2 Details Already Pouring In, May Offer S Pen and Many Cameras

Tim — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 09:01:35 +0000

We literally just got the Galaxy Z Flip in-house, but already the internet is onto Samsung's next foldable device, which is presumably going to be called the Galaxy Fold 2 -- the sequel to last year's Galaxy Fold. According to XDA's Max Weinbach, who is building himself a solid track record on Samsung-related tidbits, we may have a few Galaxy Fold 2 details. In a tweet recently sent out from Weinbach's account, the Galaxy Fold 2 will feature an Infinity-V design for its front cover display, but notes in a response message that it should also be larger. Additionally, the Galaxy Fold 2 could feature an S-Pen to take advantage of all that space when unfolded. Here is a 3rd-party concept render based on the latest information, created by Ben Gaskin on Twitter.

Also mentioned in Weinbach's tweet is the inside display, which could feature either a hole punch design like on the Galaxy Z Flip or under-display mount for the camera that is not accessible while the phone is folded. And speaking of cameras, the tweet specifies we can look forward to a camera setup like the Galaxy S20+, which includes a standard wide angle lens, ultra wide angle lens, ToF lens, and telephoto lens. The last bit of info was a mention of the physical hardware and color options. According to Weinbach, buyers can look forward to a construction of stainless steel and ceramic, followed by a color choice of Blue, Silver, Gold, Pink, or Black. Is this sounding like a worthy upgrade for you current Galaxy Fold owners? Non-Fold owners, does this entice you to try out a foldable? I'm very interested to see how durable the display holds up to an S Pen. I'm already nervous. // @MaxWeinbach | @BenGeskin

Qualcomm's New X60 5G Modem Gives Us an Early Look at 2021

Kellen — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:46:21 +0000

Qualcomm has kicked off 2020 by telling us that we should already be looking forward to 2021. When early 2021 gets here, we'll see a new wave of smartphones powered by the new Qualcomm X60 5G modem, which will dramatically increase performance and also improve power efficiency in the ways that might finally help fulfill some 5G promises. This new X60 5G modem is the world's first 5nm-based 5G modem, it can aggregate mmWave and sub-6 spectrum, and it features 3rd-generation mmWave antenna modules that should help slim down device sizes. I know that's all obnoxious 5G lingo, so here is the simple breakdown of what this chip can do. For one, as a 5nm modem, it should be much more efficient and could provide a big increase in battery life on 5G phones. Two, the carrier aggregation of 5G mmW and sub-6 means the potential for ridiculous speeds (up to 7.5Gbps down, 3Gbps up) and better coverage. And three, the slimmer mmW antenna modules should help more devices have 5G mmW support that manufacturers may not have found room for previously. Think about the Galaxy S20 and its lack of mmW support. With this new chip, maybe that wouldn't have been a thing. Qualcomm says they will start sampling this X60 chip this quarter, but we won't see it in "commercial premium smartphones" until early 2021. So prepare for the Galaxy S21 to have it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngcPVHqqPSc // Qualcomm

Set Sonos Speakers as Your Default Speaker for Google Assistant Devices

Tim — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 14:02:50 +0000

Sonos has been in the news a bit recently, not always for the best of reasons, but this particular news is good for Sonos and Google Assistant users. Detailed by 9to5Google and various reddit users, Google Assistant users can now set select Sonos speakers as their default speakers for various Assistant devices, such as the Nest Hub and Google Home. This, of course, means you can have certain actions, such as playing music, start automatically on your better sounding Sonos speakers. Here's what 9to5 says with regard to getting it set up.

To set-up, select an Assistant device in the Google Home app and visit “Device settings” by tapping the gear icon in the upper-right corner. Scroll down to “Default music speaker” and select your Sonos device. After a command is issued, Assistant will provide verbal confirmation that music is starting on another speaker, while controls appear on Smart Displays.

Enjoy it, Sonos people.

// 9to5Google

Hello, Google "Pixel 5" Reference

Kellen — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 11:25:22 +0000

Evidence proving that Google is hard at work on a Pixel 5 hasn't surfaced to date. Sure, there is plenty of speculation along with thoughts (and supposed proof) around the idea of a Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL, but nothing really concerning the Pixel 5. Today, we might have stumbled into the first proof from Google. Through an AOSP commit, a Googler made reference to a test of a change they had made with a Pixel 4 on a Linux kernel 4.14, but that they "didn't have a chance to test it on Pixel 5 with 4.19." That's it - that's the mention. A Google employee called out the Pixel 5 and referenced its Linux kernel version. With that said, there have apparently been sightings of the rumored Pixel 4a devices running Linux kernel version 4.19, so it would make sense that a Pixel 5 would as well. I've got nothing else to add, but we do like seeing Google reference their upcoming and unreleased phones by name. Here is that proof in case they pull it:

Cool. // AOSP | 9to5Google

DEAL: Nest Hub 2-Pack for $129 at Best Buy ($129 Off)

Tim — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 11:24:09 +0000

If you happened to miss the crazy-good deal Best Buy had on a 2-pack of Nest Hub smart displays, it's back, but not quite as good as it was. Previously, you could score a Nest Hub 2-pack for just $99, but this week, the deal is back at $129 for a 2-pack. That's essentially a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offer. Still, not bad at all for Google's smaller smart display.

Related: Nest Hub unboxing.

If you're simply unfamiliar with this product, then allow me to explain. Nest Hub is powered by Google Assistant, capable of answering your never-ending questions to Google, controlling various aspects of your smart home, playing videos for you from select services, and also playing music from streaming sites like Spotify and Google Play Music. They're extremely handy in kitchens and in the office. Both color options are available via Best Buy, which is Charcoal and Chalk

Best Buy Links: Charcoal | Chalk

Cheers Kenny!

AT&T Keeps Adding 5G Markets, Fires Up Another 13

Kellen — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 09:08:56 +0000

AT&T continued its push to have 5G in the places you may be this week by adding yet another 13 new markets. If this sounds like a post I already wrote and you are wondering if it's new, I get the confusion. AT&T also introduced 13 new markets are February 11 and February 5. They like the number, it seems. This week, though, AT&T isn't necessarily hitting the big cities (outside of my current city) and is instead focusing on entire counties. Yes, AT&T 5G is spreading over counties now. The new 13 markets (or counties) are as follows:

Chattooga County, GA
Hunterdon County, NJ
Las Cruces, NM
Long Branch, NJ
New Brunswick, NJ
New Haven, CT
Ocean County, NJ
Orange County, NY
Portland, OR
Utica-Rome, NY
Vallejo, CA
Whitefield County, GA
Wilmington, DE

With this latest batch, AT&T 5G (low-band 5G) is now in 58 markets across the uS. Additionally, their 5G+ (5G mmW) is still in 35 markets. This low-band stuff isn't necessarily faster than 4G LTE in some places, but will act as a backbone or starting point for a future with 5G that could be amazing. Wondering if you have a 5G phone? You probably don't. Currently, the only phone AT&T sells that can access this low-band 5G is the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G. Once the Galaxy S20 line-up launches, it too will be able to jump on it. // AT&T

You Probably Shouldn't Intentionally Scratch Your Galaxy Z Flip's Display, It's Fragile

Tim — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 08:43:55 +0000

For Samsung, there is no hiding from the fact that its foldable devices, including both the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip, are fragile. If you drop them hard on the ground, you're likely screwed. If you drop them in water, you'll be screwed again because they offer no water resistance. With that said, you can probably assume that if you take a sharp object to the new Z Flip's display, you'll be screwed. The question that JerryRigEverything likes to ask on YouTube is, how sharp of an object can it handle? In his latest video that goes over a durability test for Samsung's new foldable, the Z Flip can't handle all too much on its unfolded 6.7" display. Where a lot of phones show significant signs of wear in a scratch test is level 6-7, but the Z Flip started to show severe wear at level 2. Many are apparently upset at this because Samsung said they are using real glass, albeit Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), on the Z Flip. The Verge reached out to Samsung for comment on the device's display, with the company mentioning that while it can bend, it should always be handled with care. In addition, Samsung placed a protective layer on top of the device's UTG.

Galaxy Z Flip features an Infinity Flex Display with Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) to deliver a sleek, premium look and offer an immersive viewing experience. Samsung’s first-of-its-kind UTG technology is different from other Galaxy flagship devices. While the display does bend, it should be handled with care. Also, Galaxy Z Flip has a protective layer on top of the UTG similar to Galaxy Fold.

Having used the Z Flip over the weekend, I can confirm that whatever Samsung has going on here for glass, it feels soft and as a user of the phone, I'd recommend you never intentionally take a sharp object to it. Leave that to the YouTubers. As for any potential controversy because this phone's display scratches easily, let's not be ridiculous. These phones are not marketed as rugged devices that can withstand any type of punishment. When you boot the device for the first time, you're reminded to not press strongly on the display, the same as you were with the Galaxy Fold. And yes, pressing hard on the display includes taking keys or other various metals to it. Point is, take it easy on your Z Flip, folks. https://youtu.be/bbAkY-Www40 // The Verge

VIDEO: Galaxy Z Flip Unboxing and Tour!

Tim — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:33:10 +0000

We were fortunate enough to scoop up a Galaxy Z Flip unit through Best Buy when they went up for sale last night, so before we get into flipping and folding all the things, we have to unbox it! If you missed the official announcement post we did earlier this week, you can view it here. It has all of the specs you need to know, but to recap, this folding phone features a 6.7“ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display (2636 x 1080), 1.1“ Super AMOLED cover display for incoming notifications, 8GB RAM, 256GB internal storage, 3,300mAh dual-battery design, 12MP wide + 12MP ultra wide-angle dual camera system on the outside of the device with OIS, 10MP selfie camera, and Android 10 with One UI. We'll have plenty of Z Flip coverage coming up, so be sure to stay tuned.

Order Galaxy Z Flip on Samsung | Order on Best Buy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yvV4z9v1Lk

Gmail Might be Close to Getting Travel Bundles, One of Inbox's Best Features

Kellen — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:10:34 +0000

I'm still mad about Google killing off Inbox, the greatest email client in history. I will never let anyone forget that. That note aside, part of the promise after Inbox was shelved to try and keep people like me happy, was that Google would try and bring over its best features by integrating them into Gmail. That hasn't really happened, but one of the best Inbox features might finally be on the way. Through an APK teardown of the latest Gmail update (v2020.02.02.294309273) by Android Police, they found strings inside that mention a new Travel "label," which Google will apparently use in place of the word "bundle." This new Travel label sounds almost exactly like what we got in Inbox. To catch you up, Inbox used to smartly recognize all emails related to upcoming travel plans and sort those into individual trips. It looked like this. Instead of trying to manually maintain your upcoming trip, Google would automatically add related items (like hotel, airline, and restaurant reservations) into a trip bundle. You could then access it all before and during your vacations or work trips by tapping on the trip. It was awesome. If this update is a sign of things to come for Gmail, we should soon see a "Travel" label within the Gmail sidebar that introduces a similar concept. It's about time too, since Google killed off their Trips app last year and has yet to replace it. Additionally, there are signs that point to their being similar "labels" for purchases, so stay tuned for more. Thanks, Google, but you still have a lot of work to do to make Gmail into Inbox, which should be done. // Android Police

OnePlus 7T is $100 Off Right Now and You Get Free Bullets Wireless 2

Kellen — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 13:14:02 +0000

The OnePlus 7T is without-a-doubt one of my favorite phones of the past year. It has a super smooth display, premium build, excellent software experience, and improved camera. I also love it because it's completely reasonably priced at $599. Today, though, it's even cheaper and comes with a free bonus you might not want to pass on. The OnePlus Store has the OnePlus 7T currently discounted by $100, dropping the price to a ridiculous $499. For $500 bucks, you get 8GB RAM and 128GB storage and choice of color (Frosted Silver or Glacier Blue), along with the rest of its top tier specs and 90Hz display. $499! On top of the discount, OnePlus is tossing in a free pair of Bullets Wireless 2, their $100 wireless earbuds. So for $499, you get a top tier phone at half the price of Samsung's new Galaxy S20 and a pair of wireless earbuds. Find me a better President's Day weekend sale.

Shop OnePlus 7T

Pixel 3 XL is $399 in Limited Time Deal ($500 Off)

Kellen — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:08:55 +0000

One of the best Pixel 3 XL deals to date just showed up at B&H Photo as a $500 discount that drops the phone to $399. Normally $899, this is an incredible deal on the previous generation Pixel phone. This particular deal is a limited time DealZone promo from B&H, so it'll go away when they sell through stock on hand or when the time for it expires (about 12 hours from the time of this post). They have the Not Pink Pixel 3 XL in 64GB featured, so you'll have to be fine with a sort-of salmon-colored phone with a giant notch. At this price, I'm sure you can deal. Is the older Pixel 3 XL still worth it with the Pixel 4 XL available and often discounted? I think so. The Pixel 3 XL is still due another couple of years of updates, it still has an incredible camera, super clean Android experience, and a big beautiful display with a dual selfie camera setup. Our Pixel 3 XL review might be worth reading again. This is the US unlocked version of the Pixel 3 XL, so it will work on all carriers. Buy Pixel 3 XL from B&H Photo

Podcast: Which Galaxy S20 Should You Buy?

Kellen — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:38:07 +0000

On this episode of the DL Show, we'll recap the Samsung Unpacked event that featured the Galaxy S20, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Buds, and more. Tim was on-hand to go hands-on with all devices and has plenty to share from that experience. Outside of major Samsung talk, our Motorola Razr review is there for consumption too, Essential is no longer a company, T-Mobile and Sprint are closer than ever to merging, and MWC 2020 is dead. This should be a hot and heavy show. Sorry, guys, no trivia this week. We're taking this one off. We’ll be live at 10:00AM Pacific (1:00PM Eastern).

DEAL: Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo Wireless Earbuds Down to Just $35 ($25 Off)

Tim — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 16:06:47 +0000

If AirPods or Galaxy Buds are just too darn much, which could easily be the case for anybody because those types of products seem ridiculously priced, Anker currently has its Soundcore Liberty Neo wireless earbuds down to just $35, which is $25 off the usual price. These earbuds feature IPX7 resistance for your gym needs, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, noise isolation (similar to Galaxy Buds), graphene drivers for good audio quality, BassUp tech for decent low-end, and 5 hours of music playback on a single charge. For $35, those are all good things. Again, if you don't feel like spending $150 on Samsung's latest earbuds, maybe check these out and save yourself some money.

Amazon Link

Android 11's First Developer Preview Might be Close (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 13:51:14 +0000

How close are we to seeing the first Android 11 Developer Preview? We might be really close. Google just updated their developer preview portal to say that it is here. You can't update to it yet or flash files or see what changes are coming, but the page sure makes it look like we are days away. It says you can "Try it today" and "Get Android 11" on your Pixel device through the Android Beta program, test apps, "review what's new," and more. These could all be number changes from Android 10 or Android Q to "Android 11," but Google probably wouldn't start this transition if they weren't about to drop it on us. Currently none of the "Behavior changes" or "Privacy features" or "New features & APIs" links work. If that changes, we'll certainly let you know. The Android 11 Developer Preview page also states that it was updated today, February 13. This was a deliberate change. The first Android Q/Android 10 Developer Preview arrived on March 13 of last year. Arriving this early would be, well, early. Also, RIP, Android R. We completely ditching letters now in favor of numbers from day 1? Sad.

UPDATE: Google already hid the Android 11 page with a redirect. You can see what it looked like below.

// Android Developers | Android Police

Why Does the Galaxy S20+ Exist?

Kellen — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 11:00:36 +0000

Creating tiers of phones is not a new concept in this industry. Separating out flagship phones into multiple models is actually the norm at this point, with many manufacturers moving beyond the 2-tier model and going with 3. Samsung just did it with the Galaxy S20 line-up, as we expected them to do, though this time it makes less sense than in previous years. Earlier this week, Samsung introduced us to the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. The entire line-up screams "We have everything!" including 5G and next-generation cameras and 120Hz displays and extra large batteries. But after looking closer at the specs sheet, I can't help but wonder what the point of the Galaxy S20+ is. Why would you buy it? You have a starting price breakdown here that looks like this: Galaxy S20 ($999), Galaxy S20+ ($1,199), and Galaxy S20 Ultra ($1,399). What are you getting in the S20+ that's worth $200 more than the Galaxy S20?

Galaxy S20 vs. Galaxy S20+

Well, you get a bigger display that jumps from 6.2" to 6.7". Both are QHD+ and 120Hz, so they offer the same experience, it's just that one is 0.5" smaller. In the camera for the S20+, you get an extra Time of Flight (ToF) sensor for depth sensing, which look, I'm not sure anyone really cares about nor does it really matter. You get a bigger battery at 4500mAh vs. 4000mAh. With the S20+ you can choose different storage sizes above 128GB, which you can't do on the S20. Of course, more storage means more money. And finally, you get access to 5G mmW on the S20+, which this early Galaxy S20 does not have. The regular Galaxy S20 does have 5G (access to mid-band and low-band 5G), just not access to that high-band mmW frequency. I'm just going to be straight here - 5G mmW does not matter and it should not be a reason to buy the S20+ in 2020. 5G mmW is the hotspot 5G from Verizon and AT&T that covers a few blocks in a few major cities. It barely works through a window, is only really great with direct line-of-sight to a tower, and will probably overheat your phone. Unless you live and/or work in a section of a city that has great access to 5G mmW, don't make it a part of the purchase decision. To recap, the S20+ gives you a display that is 0.5" bigger, 500mAh of extra battery, a ToF sensor, and 5G mmW access. I'm not sure that's really worth an upgrade ($200 more) over the regular S20 knowing that the Galaxy S20 Ultra is similar, yet offers even more. And that's where the existence of the S20+ is so weird.

Just go S20 Ultra if you want bigger

Really, though, if you think a 6.2" display is too small (you are crazy) and you want a bigger battery with a different camera setup and access to 5G mmW, upgrading from the S20 to the S20 Ultra is the play you should make. The Ultra has a 6.9" QHD+ 120Hz display (so it's close to the S20+), even larger 5000mAh battery and even faster 45W charging, 5G mmW support, optional increase in RAM to 16GB, and legitimate improvements to the cameras. Remember, the Ultra has the 108MP sensor and a 40MP selfie camera. I know that more megapixels don't always mean better quality, but Samsung is actually trying to improve the quality over the S20 and S20+ here. You get a freakin' 100x zoom! Now, the price jump from the S20 to the S20 Ultra is $400, which is no joke. The jump from the S20+ to the S20 Ultra is $200. That's a lot of money. However, since so many of you buy phones on 2-year contracts and spread the payments out, we are looking at an extra $8/mo for the Ultra over the S20+ and you get everything I mentioned above. Why wouldn't you do that?

Choice is always good, except when the differences are this minimal

I try not to be one to complain about choices. More often than not, having more choices is a great thing. It's a lot of the reason why we love Android and aren't fans of Apple products. But with the Galaxy S20 line-up, I think it's clear that you either go Galaxy S20 or you get wild buy the top tier Galaxy S20 Ultra. That middle child, the Galaxy S20+, just doesn't make a lot of sense. Shop Galaxy S20 Family

Stadia Details Five New Games for the Service, Most Look Pretty Dull

Tim — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 10:55:41 +0000

Making a game is no easy work, so please know that I have nothing but respect for all of the developers out there. However, what Stadia needs is some kick-ass titles to get folks using the service, but with its latest announcement that five new games are coming and after looking over the titles, we're a little disappointed. Funny enough, in Stadia's announcement they start with, "You’re already looking forward to DOOM Eternal, Get Packed, Orcs Must Die! 3, Baldur’s Gate 3 and many more games coming to Stadia this year." Why yes, Google, I am looking forward to those games, but this announcement has nothing to do with those. Instead, Stadia announced that it's getting Lost Words: Beyond the Page, Panzer Dragoon (remake), Serious Sam Collection (3 titles in 1), Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks), and Spitlings. Sorry, but I've only ever heard of Serious Sam, so don't be upset if I'm not jumping for joy over these titles. If you haven't heard of these games either, here are the descriptions.

Lost Words: Beyond the Page - Narrative-driven, atmospheric puzzler set inside the pages of a young girl’s diary.
Panzer Dragoon Remake - On a far, lone planet, you encounter two dragons awaken from the ancient times. Armed with a deadly gun from the past and the guidance of your armored blue dragon, you must fulfill your destiny and keep the Prototype Dragon from reaching the Tower or die trying.
Serious Sam Collection - Step into the shoes of the legendary action hero Sam "Serious" Stone and experience one of the most explosive shooter game series of all time as you save the world from a merciless alien invasion.
Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks) - Zany 3D tower builder. Play as the Master Stacker, Rockit, who must use her psychic helmet to clean up the colorful bricks falling all over her madcap world.
Spitlings - This action arcade chaos game for up to four players is a modern take on the hardcore classics. You’re in control of a Spitling, a charming rectangular creature with teeth it can spit or use to jump! Makes no sense? Who cares, it’s FUN!

Stadia also announced that players of Borderlands 3 can look forward to new content later today, that being Moxxi’s Heist and the Broken Hearts Day seasonal event. Stadia doesn't provide any exact availability times, but notes you'll be seeing all of these titles in the coming months. Woof.

Trailers

Lost Words: Beyond the Page https://youtu.be/DoxT8wvjqVc Serious Sam Collection https://youtu.be/J52VjtGa0pI Stacks on Stacks (On Stacks) https://youtu.be/tu-_1blRpBM Spitlings https://youtu.be/TGo9AvzDO6o // Stadia

FPS Multiplayer Shadowgun War Games Now Available for Android

Tim — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 10:12:38 +0000

After a good amount of testing and hyping from its publisher MADFINGER Games, Shadowgun War Games is now available for download by all. Described as the "best PvP experience on mobile," War Games is launching with two modes -- 5v5 Capture the Flag and 5v5 Team Deathmatch. Like your typical FPS games, there are various characters with different abilities available, as well as an arsenal of different weapons to master. The game is completely free to download and play, but there are in-app purchases to be aware of. I haven't played it yet myself, but so far, the reviews aren't overly positive. I'm seeing people having either connection issues or problems with game controls. Provided the game just launched, it seems safe to assume a lot of the early issues will be dealt with. MADFINGER has a good track record in the mobile gaming department, so I have faith. Go check it out and let me know what you think.

Google Play Link

https://youtu.be/r-UBu8dxM1s

Motorola Razr Given Predictably Low Repairability Score by iFixit in Teardown

Tim — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 09:04:02 +0000

iFixit has published its official teardown for the Motorola Razr, giving it what might possibly be the lowest repairability score I've seen. It's not in the negatives, as I'm not sure that's even possible, but on a 1 through 10 scale, it doesn't get any lower than what the Razr scored.

Review: Moto Razr Most Unpleasant Phone I’ve Used

Coming in a whopping 1 out of 10 on the scale, iFixit lists a whole bunch of problems that those who like to repair their own devices may run into. Keep in mind, the poor folks who work at service centers will also run into these issues, though, Motorola could have a few special tricks for them. Regardless, this will be a tough cookie of a phone to crack for anyone doing repairs on it.

In iFixit's summary, the main issues are glued-on outer covers, battery replacement requires near-total disassembly, the charging port is soldered directly to the main board, and "complex construction and multiple flex cable booby traps" makes for a difficult repair. Personally, I don't envy anyone who has to repair this phone. On the upside, we get to enjoy some beautiful shots of its guts. I love gut shots. Props go to iFixit for the handy dandy video teardown, too! Gorgeous. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbwSJtF0kfU // iFixit

$200 Off Unlocked Pixel 4 Units is a Decent Deal

Kellen — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 08:20:47 +0000

The President's Day deals started rolling out this morning and the Pixel 4 is a part of the fun. At $200 off, you can grab either a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL in most colors and in both storage options (64GB or 128GB). It's hard for me to sit here and tell you that this is the ultimate of Pixel 4 deals and that you should jump on this because there is literally a Pixel 4 deal almost every other week. So yeah, this is a solid $200 off deal, dropping the price to about where it should have been from day 1. At $200 off, the Pixel 4 XL is the option you should most consider. With 64GB storage you are looking at a starting price of $699. Double that to 128GB and you'll pay another $100 ($799). Please, be aware of all of the Pixel 4's issues and skip it for the larger XL model. As unlocked phones, these Pixel 4 units work on all major US carriers. This deal is available at a variety of retailers, a few of which we have linked below. Shop Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL: Amazon | Google Store | Best Buy

Not Using a Google Account With Nest? Better Get Used to Two-Factor Authentication

Tim — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:18:21 +0000

Announced this week, Nest will soon be taking additional steps to ensure that its users' accounts stay protected. The major change, which is happening this spring, is the requirement of non-Google account users to go through two-factor authentication (2FA) in order to access their Nest account. Nest lays it out in the announcement.

Two-factor authentication has long been available to all users as a way to prevent the wrong person from gaining access to your account, even if they have your username and password. Starting this spring, we’re requiring all Nest users who have not enrolled in this option or migrated to a Google account to take an extra step by verifying their identity via email. When a new login into your account is initiated, you’ll receive an email from account@nest.com with a six-digit verification code. That code will be used to make sure it’s you trying to login. Without it, you won’t be able to access your account. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of an unauthorized person gaining access to your Nest account.

Is this rude? No, definitely not! Confirming its you via 2FA is a lot better than having your account stolen or something like that. // Google

Google Adds 1K+ Images to Earth View, Overloads Our 'Hot Wallpapers' Folder

Tim — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 12:16:42 +0000

Okay, Google, take a chill pill! Our wallpapers folder can't possibly fit anymore, but with the addition of over 1,000 new Earth View images this week, we're just gonna have to find the room. For those not in the know, Google's Earth View is a sweet gallery of Earth images, captured by satellites that orbit our big blue ball. You can view these images from a dedicated color map (GIF below), but you can also see them via a Chrome Extension the company has had available for a long time. The news this week is, Google is adding a ton of new images into its library, optimized for high-res displays.

Today, we're making our biggest update to Earth View by adding more than 1,000 new images to the collection, bringing the total to more than 2,500 striking landscapes. The upgraded imagery features more locations around the globe and is optimized for today's high-resolution screens—featuring brighter colors, sharper images and resolutions up to 4K.

Here's a GIF of Google's color map in action, which is a lot of fun to play with.

Go get some fresh Earth wallpapers, folks!

Color Map | Earth View Gallery

// Google

MWC 2020 is Cancelled

Kellen — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 11:23:08 +0000

Mobile World Congress 2020 has been cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus. Throughout a bit of a confusing morning, we first only had local reports from Barcelona (the host city) saying that the decision to shut the show down had been made, but GSMA, the governing body that hosts MWC has since confirmed the news. The change in the decision to continue with the show comes after a week+ of companies backing out one-by-one, also over coronavirus concerns. LG was one of the first to back out 8 days ago, but we have since seen NVIDIA, ZTE, Sony, Amazon, and many others make the same decision. GSMA says that they plan to host MWC 2021 again in Barcelona. What does this mean for 2020 and the mobile industry? Umm, nothing is stopping any of the companies that were planning to attend MWC from announcing whatever they planned to announce. They can still do that, whether its via press release, online event, or new event in a new location. That's being simplistic, of course. I know there are plenty of non-public meetings and planning that goes on that will help further advance 5G or whatever other technologies these companies are cooking up. This could hinder that some. Playing it safe, well, this is probably the right move. // GSMA

Now Dead and Never Coming, Essential Previews Its Gem Phone in Series of Videos

Tim — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 11:07:54 +0000

Essential is dead and gone, but with that, so is its Gem smartphone. Dang it. The Gem was a super thin and somewhat tall device, kinda looking like the front of a new SHIELD Remote if it had a big display on it. Anyway, it doesn't matter what it looked like because Essential is officially dead, but the company has posted up a few videos highlighting what Gem could have been. In the videos, which we've stitched together for easier consumption, Essential highlights the Gem's hardware, camera, productivity capabilities, as well as a new Voice Mode that we'll now never get to play with. I know this phone had a polarizing affect among all of you, but it was different, so it had that going for it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJh1z48-0uQ // Essential

Essential is Done: No New Phone, No More Updates, and Newton Mail is Dead

Kellen — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 10:38:54 +0000

Essential has called it quits. After teasing their next phone under the codename "Project GEM" back in October, we've heard little from the company, outside of a few updates to their original Essential Phone. Now, because the company sees "no clear path to deliver" GEM to customers, they are shutting down all operations. This actually means a couple of things along with no new phone. For one, the original Essential Phone (PH-1) will no longer receive updates. The February 2020 patch it just received will be its last. While the phone will continue to work, Essential will no longer provide updates to it or customer support. As for Newton Mail (CloudMagic), the other company and product that Essential owns, it too will die. Current Newton Mail users can still use the service through April 30, 2020. After that, well, it's "goodbye" to Newton, again. So to recap, Essential as a company is done, there will be no Project GEM, your Essential Phone no longer has support (both software and customer), and Newton Mail is going away in April. Essential said in a blog post today that they have "taken GEM as far as we can," as part of the reason for shutting down, but one has to wonder if the toxicity surrounding CEO Andy Rubin is partly to blame. Andy Rubin has a pretty horrible reputation and alleged history that likely effected operations. That's speculation on my part, but I can tell you that he hasn't been warmly received around these parts for some time. RIP, Essential. // Essential

Samsung Drops Price of Galaxy S10 Lineup by $150, Now Start at $599

Tim — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 10:20:42 +0000

Near the end of Samsung's event this week, the company announced that it is officially slashing the prices of the Galaxy S10 lineup, a similar move to what Apple does when it announces new iPhone models. The new prices reflect a $150 cut across the board, making the starting price to enter the Galaxy S10 family just $599 for the Galaxy S10e. If you want the big S10+, its starting price is now $849. That's pretty good for these devices, just to be clear.

New Prices

Galaxy S10e - ~~$749~~ $599
Galaxy S10 - ~~$899~~ $749
Galaxy S10+ - ~~$999~~ $849

If you're not feeling the Galaxy S20 lineup and want to save some money on a Galaxy device, follow that link.

Samsung Link

T-Mobile Goes Wild, Drops Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Prices by $400

Kellen — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 08:53:00 +0000

I have no idea what T-Mobile is up to today, but they are selling both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL at $400 off. That gets you a starting price of $399 or $499, respectively, and no, there don't appear to be any weird contract shenanigans going on here. What I'm referring to is the typical carrier discount, where they say a phone is $400 off, but then require you to sign a two-year contract and space out the discount over a period of months in the form of bill credits. This deal here looks like a straight discount should you go with a full retail price. As far as I can tell, T-Mobile is offering a standard monthly payment discount should you sign a new contract. However, if you click the "Want to pay in full?" link on each page, they will let you buy each phone at full retail with the same $400 discount they are offering to payment plans. So yeah, a Pixel 4 for $399 or a Pixel 4 XL for $499. Those are wild prices. T-Mobile is offering $400 off for upgrades, new lines, and new accounts it seems. Shop at T-Mobile: Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL

Gboard's Emoji Kitchen is My New Favorite Thing

Tim — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 08:38:23 +0000

Google introduced my new favorite thing this morning, that being Emoji Kitchen for Gboard beta users. Emoji Kitchen allows you to mix and match your favorite emoji into fun stickers that we haven't seen before, designed by the good people at Google. A few of the examples that Google lays out is cactus + monkey = monkey-cactus. Not bad. Another is robot + teary face = sad robot. Again, not bad. Just get out of here and go have some fun with it. To get started, you'll need to be enrolled in the Gboard beta (do that here). Then, Google says, "tap on any smiley emoji and Emoji Kitchen will reveal a number of stickers specially handcrafted by the designers at Google."

Google Play Link

// Google

VIDEO: We're Flippin' Over the Galaxy Z Flip!

Tim — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:38:46 +0000

Here it is, Samsung's latest foldable device, the Galaxy Z Flip. Peep the announcement post here. Awful name aside, there's quite a bit to like about this phone. For starters, the specs are solid, especially when compared to similar devices currently on the market. When unfolded, the Z Flip features a 6.7“ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED Display (2636 x 1080), 1.1“ Super AMOLED cover display for incoming notifications, 8GB RAM, 256GB internal storage, 3,300mAh battery, dual 12MP sensors for camera needs, and Android 10 with One UI. I was only able to spend about 10 minutes with the device, but in that 10 minutes, I really enjoyed myself. If you're thinking about dropping nearly $1,400 on this puppy, watch the below video. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HHfG25mW8w

VIDEO: Galaxy S20 Lineup First Look!

Tim — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:26:32 +0000

Samsung was kind enough to extend us an invite to Unpacked 2020 in San Francisco this week, so here we are. Following the unveiling of the Galaxy S20 lineup, we were able to go hands-on with all three devices, as well as the Galaxy Z Flip (video of that coming soon!). If you missed our announcement post, that's here. If you missed the specs, those are here. What you need to know right now is that all three phones will be available in early March, with the S20 starting at $999, the S20+ starting at $1199, and the S20 Ultra starting at $1399. In the meantime, enjoy our hands-on video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQLMwbLA4BY

Poll: Which Galaxy S20 are You Buying?

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:00:00 +0000

It wouldn't be a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event day without a poll. So, with the Galaxy S20 family now official, you going to tell us which one you are buying? Go. [poll id="536"]

Galaxy S20 is First Non-Pixel to Get Google's Live Caption Feature

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:26:40 +0000

Live Caption is one of the biggest features from Google that arrived along with the Pixel 4 and Android 10. It brought real-time captions to any video playing on a device from almost any application. It's an incredible addition for those with hearing impairments and also for those who might want to watch a video with the sound off while in a quiet situation. Up until now, that Live Caption feature has been an exclusive to Google Pixel phones. After initially launching on the Pixel 4, other Pixel devices have been given the goods as well. Today, Google's Hiroshi Lockheimer jumped on stage at the Samsung Unpacked event to announce that the Galaxy S20 line will be the first partner device to gain access to Live Caption. In fact, it should have the capability out of the box. Going forward, we won't be surprised if other devices see this same access. I say that because Lockheimer spoke about Android working for everyone as one of the reasons they brought Live Caption to Samsung phones. You can't hit "everyone" if you stop there, right? I can tell you as someone who lives with a phone on silent 95% of the time, Live Caption is one of my favorite new features. Accessed within the volume menu, you can easily toggle it on or off to watch any video with captions from YouTube to Twitter. It's incredible. https://youtu.be/MIQdJkoTh48?t=5542

AT&T Adds Another 13 New 5G Markets, Now in 45 Cities

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:08:38 +0000

Alongside the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, AT&T announced another batch of 5G markets, bringing its total to 45. This new set of 5G cities follows-up last week's expansion, which also happened to include 13 new locations. The full list of new AT&T markets are:

Gila, AZ
Hartford, CT
Macon, GA
Worth, GA
Flint, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Newaygo, MI
Kansas City, MO
Erie, PA
Northeast, PA
York, PA
Salem, OR
Spokane, WA

Now, keep in mind that this is the low-band 5G from AT&T that might not be much faster than your current 4G LTE connection. It is, however, capable of covering big areas, unlike AT&T's 5G+ network, which runs on 5G mmW tech and mostly only works within a small, few-block radius. Think of their regular 5G as the backbone for the future of 5G from AT&T. Which phones work on AT&T 5G? Previously, only the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G did, but now with the launch of the Galaxy S20, that all changes. The Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra will be able to attach to both AT&T 5G and 5G+ networks, while the regular S20 will have access to AT&T 5G (not 5G+). All of those phones launch on March 6 and if you pre-order, you could save up to $700. To checkout maps for the new AT&T 5G cities, hit up that link below.

// AT&T

Whoa: Samsung Offers Insane $700 Off Galaxy S20 With Trades

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:20:46 +0000

Samsung is continuing its string of wild trade-in values for the launch of the Galaxy S20, should you have a semi-recent phone to give them in exchange for their new-new. Depending on your phone, Samsung will give you up to $700 off a Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra if you trade it in during the early promotional pre-order period. Yes, you read that correctly - $700 off a Galaxy S20. To get the deal, you'll need to own a phone from a pretty select list. The full $700 will be given if you trade-in a Galaxy Note 10 or Note 10+ or iPhone 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max. Mad about that? Don't be. If you have a Pixel 4 or 4 XL, Galaxy S10 or S10+, iPhone 11, or iPhone XS or XS Max, you'll still get $600 off. Here is the full list of Galaxy S20 trade-in devices and values:

With a $700 discount, you are looking at Galaxy S20 starting point of $299.99 (down from $999.99), Galaxy S20+ at $499.99 (down from $1,199.99), and Galaxy S20 Ultra at $699.99 ($down from $1,399.99). Those are wild discounts on some of the most expensive phones ever made. Of course, those are the base model prices, but the trade-in discounts work on all models including both carrier and unlocked versions. For those new to Samsung's trade-in program, I can tell you why we like it so much. Unlike most, Samsung gives you the value of the trade-in at the time of purchase rather than making you send off your phone and waiting for a credit back. Instead, they take the value off your Galaxy S20 purchase today, which means less out of pocket from you. You then send your trade-in after you get your new phone, they confirm it's legit, and you go on about your day.

Reader stories on Samsung's trade-in program

In addition to the trade-in promo, I should point out that Samsung is also giving up to $200 credits to spend on accessories just for pre-ordering.

Shop Galaxy S20 at Samsung's Store

Galaxy Buds+ Official, Available February 14 for $150

Tim — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:03:39 +0000

Samsung made the Galaxy Buds+ official at Unpacked this morning, with availability starting February 14 and priced at $150. Thanks to an early listing from Amazon, we already knew what the Buds+ would offer, with the highlights including 11 hours of playback per charge, enhanced audio (woofer + tweeter setup), plus an additional microphone. Samsung also notes that a new long press function will allow Spotify users to be greeted with trending playlists whenever they need new tunes bumping in their ears. You can find the Galaxy Buds+ this Friday (Feb. 14) in Blue, Black, and White. Once available, the below links will work.

Amazon Links: Cloud Blue | White | Black

// Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra Specs

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 11:53:39 +0000

Hi there, so the Galaxy S20 is official with its bigger brothers, the Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra. To say that Samsung went all-out is probably an understatement, as these phones include almost every possible spec under the sun. We have the latest processor from Qualcomm, up to 16GB RAM, up to 512GB storage, 108MP cameras with "Space Zoom," and large batteries up to 5000mAh. There's 5G and MST and ultrasonic fingerprint sensors and more. It really is all here, expect for headphone jacks. The full spec list can be found below with pre-orders opening on February 21.

Pre-order Galaxy S20 from Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra Specs

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Samsung's Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are Here With All the Features

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 11:37:07 +0000

At the Samsung Unpacked 2020 event this morning, Samsung unveiled their first big set of products for the year. The biggest of the lot are their new phones, dubbed Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. With three different phones, we have notable differences that are probably best made clear by separating each out. We've done that below to give you the highlights of each phone, release date, and pricing. Now, it's up to you to decide which you'll buy.

Galaxy S20 Ultra

The most important of the three new phones is the Galaxy S20 Ultra, which has the lengthiest set of specs. With the Ultra, you get a 6.9" Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution (3200x1440), Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, 128GB or 256GB storage with 12GB RAM or 512GB storage with 16GB RAM (all with microSD support up to 1TB), AKG audio, NFC, MST (Samsung Pay), Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor (in-display), and 5000mAh battery. The Ultra stands apart from the others, thanks to its camera setup. You get a 108MP main shooter along with 48MP telephoto and 12MP ultra-wide angle lenses. It's capable of zooming up to 100x, which Samsung is calling "Space Zoom." All of the S20 devices can shoot in 8K video too. You also get a 40MP selfie camera on the Ultra. With the 108MP sensor, you can nona-bin down to 12MP shots that are a combined nine pixels into one. In the box, Samsung is including a 25W charger, but the Ultra can also support their super fast 45W charging. Just be aware that the 45W charger is sold separately. 5G connectivity is included, though your chances of connecting will depend greatly on the carrier you buy through. As you know, the carrier situation for 5G in the US varies greatly from one to another. The Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in Cosmic Black and Cosmic Grey.

Galaxy S20+

For the Galaxy S20+, you get a very similar setup to the Galaxy S20 Ultra. There's a 6.7" Infinity-O Dynamic OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution (3200x1440). You also get the Snapdragon 865, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage options (with SD support), 12GB RAM in the 5G version, 8GB RAM in the LTE-only version, 4500mAh battery, Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor, and NFC + MST (Samsung Pay). In the camera department, you get a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter along with a 12MP standard lens and a 64MP telephoto camera. The telephoto lens here can produce up to a 30x zoom. The selfie camera weighs in at 10MP. The Galaxy S20+ comes in Cloud Blue, Cosmic Black, and Cosmic Grey.

Galaxy S20

The Galaxy S20 is the lowest-end of the line-up, though not low-end compared to other phones by any means. You get a 6.2" Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED display at a QHD+ resolution (3200x1440), Snapdragon 865, 128GB storage (with SD support), 12GB RAM (5G) or 8GB RAM (LTE), 4000mAh battery, Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor, NFC, MST (Samsung Pay), and more. The camera setup is identical to the Galaxy S20+, so you have a 12MP ultra-wide and standard shooters, plus a 64MP telephoto. Like the S20+, this camera can capture at a 30x zoom. It does lack the depth sensor that the Ultra and 20+ have. The selfie camera is also a 10MP camera. The Galaxy S20 comes in Cloud Pink, Cloud Blue, and Cosmic Grey.

Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra full specs

Pricing

Galaxy S20 5G: Starts at $999.99
Galaxy S20+ 5G: Starts at $1,199.99
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G: Starts at $1,399.99

Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy S20 lineup arrives March 6. Pre-orders open on February 21 at 12:01AM Eastern. If you pre-order between February 21 and March 5, you'll get $100 Samsung credit with an S20, $150 credit with an S20+, or a $200 credit with a S20 Ultra. Samsung is also offering up to $700 off with select trade-ins.

Pre-order Galaxy S20 from Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Official, Arrives This Week for $1,380

Tim — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 11:24:18 +0000

The Galaxy Z Flip from Samsung has been made official at this week's Unpacked event, scheduled to be up for purchase later this week in the US with a starting price of $1,380. Specs for the Z Flip include a 6.7“ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED Display (2636 x 1080), 1.1“ Super AMOLED cover display for incoming notifications, 7nm 64-bit octa-core processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB internal storage, 3,300mAh dual battery design (like the Galaxy Fold), 12MP wide + ultra wide-angle dual camera system on the outside of the device with OIS, 10MP selfie camera, and Android 10 with One UI. According to Samsung, owners will be able to fold and unfold the Galaxy Z Flip up 200,000 times with no problems, all thanks to a "physics-breaking" piece of glass and a new "fiber shield" piece of cloth built into the hinge system to ensure dust and other menace particles don't make their way into the device.

For software, Samsung is incorporating a new Flex Mode for the phone when placed at a 90-degree angle on a flat surface. In this mode, the top portion of the display will be used for viewing media, while the bottom half will be for interaction. For example, when on YouTube, you'll be able to watch a video on top while also commenting on the bottom portion of the UI. Galaxy Z Flip comes in Mirror Purple, Mirror Black, and in select markets, an additional Mirror Gold option will be available. Those hoping to snag Samsung's new foldable can do so starting February 14 in the US, priced starting at $1,380 in Mirror Purple or Mirror Black. Samsung specifically notes the device will only be available in limited quantities. You'll find it in stores and online through AT&T, Best Buy, Sprint, and Samsung.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF7gnuYN3fo

Galaxy Z Flip Specs

[table id=194 /] // Samsung

Come and Watch Samsung Unpacked 2020, Prepare for Galaxy Stuff

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 08:59:31 +0000

Samsung Unpacked 2020 kicks off today and we fully expect Samsung to announced the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, along with the Galaxy Z Flip and new Galaxy Buds+. It has all leaked. We know everything. We are really just waiting on that final price confirmation and launch date, though we're pretty sure we know those too. If you want to watch along with us, you can do so below. The Samsung Unpacked 2020 event starts at 11AM Pacific (2PM Eastern). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIQdJkoTh48

Hell Yeah, OnePlus Phones are Getting Ambient Mode

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 07:24:17 +0000

OnePlus phones are getting a brilliant new feature starting today, one that Google Pixel phones don't even have. The new feature is called Ambient Mode and it'll turn OnePlus phones into sweet little Google Assistant machines while they are charging. This is big, since OnePlus phones don't have an always-on display option. Ambient Mode was first introduced last September on a very small number of devices. Google showcased it as a way to turn your smartphone or tablet into somewhat of a smart display, where you could see Google Assistant info (like your commute, weather, etc.), shortcuts to smart home controls, notifications and reminders, and music controls. You could also use Ambient Mode to turn your smartphone into a Google Photos digital photo display. In November, Google announced more details surrounding Ambient Display and said to expect it on select devices from Sony, Nokia, and Xiaomi. That's a pretty small list that left us wondering if or when we might see this useful feature on more. This week, OnePlus announced that it's phones will join that exclusive list. OnePlus phones from the OnePlus 3 on up (that should include the newest like OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7T) will gain access to Ambient Mode. This is a staged rollout, so it may take a few days, but you can check to see if you have it by opening the Google App, then More>Settings>Google Assistant>select the Assistant tab>Devices. You also may be prompted to turn it on when you plug-in your phone to charge the next time. Since OnePlus continue to not have an always-on display option, this could act as one, assuming you don't mind leaving your phone plugged in all the time. Let us know if you see it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaRzJo_19nY // OnePlus

T-Mobile, Sprint Begin Final Merger Steps Following Court Ruling

Kellen — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 06:56:18 +0000

After a federal approval that gave T-Mobile and Sprint the go-ahead to merge and become New T-Mobile, a group of states tried to stop it, arguing that the deal would lead to higher prices and violate antitrust laws. Today, a district judge in New York tossed out that group's argument. T-Mobile and Sprint have once again been given the green light to move forward with their merger. T-Mobile and Sprint immediately announced plans to finalize their merger this morning following the news. While they do that, the New York Attorney General is already considering an appeal. New T-Mobile still claims that it will be able to build out the country's best 5G network, create a bunch of jobs, offer in-home internet service in places that don't have options, and lower prices. We'll see if any of that happens and for how long those prices remain low. New T-Mobile incoming. // T-Mobile | Wall Street Journal | Reuters

Previous Coverage

Fine, You Can Have Access to Our Super Secret Sexy Wallpapers

Tim — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 15:03:51 +0000

Just to stop anyone else from tweeting, emailing, and hitting us up in general about this subject, here are the USGS (United States Geological Survey) wallpapers we recently used in our Motorola Razr review. Over on Unsplash, where you can actually find a ton of great wallpapers (such as these ones, too), an official USGS account has posted these sweetly colored photos of our very own planet. So while this isn't some "secret" stash that we've been hiding from you, sometimes we do enjoy knowing where to get the good-good without having to tell anybody else.

For sizing, most of them are 1600 x 1600, which should be plenty fine for most phones, but if you intended to use them on your desktop, they may look a bit blurry. You'll just have to figure that out for yourself. Some look fine, though. Here are a few samples, but if you want all of the good stuff, follow the below link. Shoutout to the USGS!

USGS on Unsplash

You Can Pre-Order New Galaxy Buds+ Right Now (Update: Listings Pulled)

Tim — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:31:53 +0000

Why wait for Samsung to announce the new Galaxy Buds+ wireless earbuds this week when you can pre-order them right now on Amazon? Priced at $149.99, Amazon states that these buds will be released on February 14 (this Friday), with all of the previously reported specs seemingly confirmed by the listing. The listing details 11 hours of music playback on a single charge, an hour of playback on just 3 minutes of charging, plus iOS compatibility. Right now, Amazon has three colors available: Cloud Blue, White, and Black. Each cost the same $149.99, so if you've been waiting for these, have at it.

UPDATE: Amazon has pulled the listings. We assume they'll show back up tomorrow following Samsung's announcement.

Amazon Links: Cloud Blue | White | Black

Cheers Balaji!

Motorola Razr Review: The Most Unpleasant Phone I've Used

Kellen — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 11:42:23 +0000

The unveiling of the new foldable Motorola Razr some 3 months ago did little for me, I can admit that. Unlike so many in this industry, I didn't own any of the old Razr phones, didn't feel all nostalgic about the design and the retro mode, and really only looked at what the phone might be like should you buy one. I didn't oooh and awww about its history, self-blinding my eyes to the many flaws that presented themselves out of the gate. In fact, I asked almost immediately about the phone's return policy, playfully determined it to be bad, and set expectations pretty low. I've now had the phone in my possession for 4 or 5 days and it has lived up to it all. I'm just done with it. This phone is so unpleasant to use that it's time for me to move on. This is our Motorola Razr review.

This Razr review is going to be different than our normal review setup because this phone is unlike any phone I've used and simply won't fit that typical style. Instead, I'm going to tell you why this will be one of the quickest testing periods and how this is a concept that probably has no reason to exist in the public space, especially at a $1,500 price point.

The Razr is a concept working against progress

For a number of years in a row, we have seen smartphones grow in size. They've grown because it's obvious that people like big screens, big batteries, lots of cameras, and piles of tech specs all within a single package. We like high refresh rates, high resolutions, wide and ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, and battery cells that will last all day. We like processors that never hiccup and allow our phones to act as mini-gaming machines. We buy big phones because they have few compromises. The Motorola Razr is the opposite of all that we've told manufacturers we love about our phones. The Razr has a small battery, low-resolution display, single camera without a proper set of features, and a lack of the high-end insides that power phones much cheaper. This isn't a thing people have asked for. Companies aren't making massive phones with tech-on-tech that cost $1,000 because they think people might be interested. Large phones with everything are what sell. Small phones lacking in all major smartphone feature categories with prices north of the best phones on the market, are not an idea that has proven successful. Well, that's probably because no one was foolish enough to even try it until now. This phone isn't where it needs to be if it were to cost $700, yet it retails for more than double that. The Razr, as a concept, is certainly worth acknowledging and giving Motorola a thumbs up or two. But as a smartphone someone might want to buy, it doesn't live up to what we know and want from smartphones. That's a real problem for a phone that costs $1,500.

The design isn't even nice

Again, as I mentioned earlier, the design of the Motorola Razr doesn't bring back emotions of old that I was hoping someone would tickle again. So for me, using a Razr design is somewhat new and I can tell you that this is most definitely not for me. In fact, I'd argue this isn't for anyone in 2020. As the device is folded in half, you do get a small package that is easily pocketable. That part I do like. That's about where the likes end. You know what I realized within the first hour of owning the Motorola Razr? Unfolding a tiny phone to reveal a normal phone is not something I want to do dozens of times per day. Because the Razr isn't even easy to unfold. It's hinge is so tight (yes, it makes weird noises) that it doesn't just flick open with ease like an old flip phone might. That also means you can't easily fold it back shut without applying a good amount of pressure. This is not a one-handed foldable, even if the phone size suggests it should be. So the task of getting into the Razr isn't simple and requires effort that you may not have realized you didn't ask for until it was handed to you.

As an unfolded device, the sharp edges will irritate your hand with any extended amount of use beyond a few minutes. That's troubling since we are all addicted to phones and spend hours per day holding and looking at them. This phone pushes you away from wanting to use it because of its sharpness. Outside of the sharpness, it has that old Razr-esque chin on the bottom that offers itself only as a nuisance while the phone is unfolded and you try and use it. You see, a good portion of Android as an operating system is based upon interactions with the bottom of the phone. There are gestures, navigation buttons, keyboards, tabs within apps, all taking place in that lower area. The Razr chin hump is constantly in the way of that area. The keyboard is shifted into an awkward position because of the hump, reaching over that chin makes tapping navigation buttons an unproductive task, and any other UI element housed down there is affected by its sheer size. The buttons on the side of the phone are a pain to use, mostly because of their size and position. The volume rocker and power button are hard to figure out, because they flip orientations depending on if the phone is open or shut, and trying to distinguish the difference between each when I need to adjust volume or lock the phone is something I still haven't figured out by memory after days of use. Thankfully there is a fingerprint reader that can lock and unlock the phone. I know that there are a lot of people that might have fond memories of a Motorola Razr flip phone and think this could be a fun replacement. The problem there is that we actually use our phones today for extended periods of time. We don't just take calls and fire off a text message or two here and there before closing them back up and tossing aside. We hold them for hours, play games on them, watch videos, and more. As a phone that you will end up holding, I can't think of one that has caused as much discomfort as the Razr.

There are durability concerns

The Razr unit I've had has had no build or hardware issues yet. That's not to say that owners of this phone shouldn't be worried about how long it might last. We all know about CNET's fold test and Motorola's response to it. Beyond that, people are finding issues with display units in stores already, I mentioned the weird noises coming from the hinge above, and there are still gaps that can be seen as the screen folds and unfolds, just like we saw on Samsung's Galaxy Fold. Motorola even warns you out of the box that you shouldn't put a screen protector on or it will damage the display. Motorola was apparently not worried about durability during the unveiling months ago, but many of the signs we saw (like no water resistance and gaps in the build) with the Galaxy Fold that caused it to fail appear to be here as well. Even the back, with its cheap plastic cover, hasn't held up in the few days I've been testing it. And not to keep hammering on the price, but a $1,500 phone shouldn't have questions surrounding whether or not it can survive day-to-day treatment.

A cover display that adds work

One of the features that makes a lot of sense on paper, but maybe not so much when in use, is the cover display. I'm talking about the little 2.7" display you see when the phone is folded. On this Razr, it can show you the time, battery percentage, day of the week, notifications, and incoming calls. My issue with the cover display is that because it presents such little amounts of info, you will end up having to open the phone anyway. So yeah, checking the time or seeing if you have notifications is great, but that information will force you to pick up the phone and then unfold it. Now, I already talked about the effort needed to unfold and fold this phone again, so that's not a positive here. Basically, the Razr is trying to simplify your life by presenting you bits of info, yet it complicates it and adds more work because you then have to pick the phone up, unfold it, unlock it, and re-consume the information you saw on that small display. With a normal phone, there's just one display. You see a notification or call and can then interact with that from the same screen. In some situations, you may not even have to pick it up, which will (almost) never be the case with the Razr.

It's running f*cking Android 9

This part of it actually pisses me off. The $1,500 Motorola Razr launched in February 2020 and runs Android 9 Pie with December's security patch. Google released Android 10 back in September 2019 and we have seen multiple phone companies update their phones to it, some of which are more than a year old, yet here is Motorola selling a phone with an operating system that first debuted almost 2 years ago - at this price. Of course Motorola will eventually update this phone to Android 10, but isn't this about the worst start we could get off to? It's a major Android version behind and 3 months behind in security patches. Motorola's record when it comes to updating phones is horrendous these days. Honestly, I don't know that I believe this phone will see much support beyond a year.

Yeah, the camera sucks as expected

When I saw that the Motorola Razr packed a single 16MP shooter with no optical image stabilization (OIS), I knew what I was going to get. Motorola is not a leader in smartphone cameras and the on-paper specs told us this phone wasn't going to produce change there. The camera can take a decent photo in decent light, like any smartphone can, even in the $300 range. But I also knew that low-light shots would be laughable, that camera performance in general wouldn't be quick enough, and that the features weren't going to match other phones. For example, Motorola's portrait mode still can't take a picture unless it recognizes a face. So you can't take fun bokeh shots unless it really is of a person. Like, huh? The camera fails to focus regularly on items you want it to focus to, it struggles with exposure and color, it's slow between shots often, and it's really bad at processing people and their skin. I'd rather not share the picture, but I took a shot of my son standing in his bedroom with the lights on, I'm within 5 feet of him, and his face is so processed and mushy that I almost can't recognize him. You can see it a bit in the picture below where he's reaching for some popcorn. The subtlest amount of movement and the camera just freaks out on skin. There is no way I could take this phone with me without another phone handy should there be an opportunity to take a picture of something. I'd reach for almost any other phone than the Razr.

Day-to-Day tasks don't work with a clamshell foldable

One of the unexpected negatives to the Razr - and possibly clamshell foldables in general - was the angst or limits I found when trying to do everyday tasks. For example, I use Google Maps and navigation all of the time. How does that work with a fragile foldable that wants to be closed most of the time? You see where I'm going with this? If you need to use something like Google Maps, you would have to open the phone, run Maps, and leave it open for an extended period of time while Maps was in use. Knowing the soft plastic screen is then exposed brings you serious amounts of anxiety over if you should even try to do that, where you should put the phone, etc. But it's also an issue with almost anything you might do for an extended period of time on a phone. I was setting up an Arlo camera at my wife's new store over the weekend and left the phone open while it connected. That scared me. Installing an app and setting the phone down and open for a few minutes did the same. I constantly wanted to close it and then come back later to see if everything had finished. That's not something I was hoping to have to deal with from a phone ever again.

Other notes

Look, I'm now burned out on writing about how deeply unsatisfying this Motorola Razr is, so here are a few other notes to wrap this up.

Verizon exclusivity and bloatware: The Verizon exclusive thing is obviously a mistake here by Motorola, but they have done this with Big Red for years. Limiting availability of something will always make us mad, though. In addition to it being on Verizon, good lord do I not miss the carrier-phone experience. This phone has so much awful bloatware that all basically act as a bunch of sketchy advertisements. Verizon constantly spams you on this phone with anti-virus scanning services, Verizon Cloud, something called Smart Family, and a bunch of pre-loaded garbage games. I really hope that you all can find ways to buy unlocked phones and never support this type of carrier experience ever again.
Performance: Mostly, performance has been fine with the Snapdragon 710, but nothing to get excited about. I've noticed some pauses or stuttering, though I probably set my mind up to expect it. By no means have I been disappointed by how the phone runs throughout a day.
Battery life: I've seen reports of poor battery life on this Razr, but my experience has been OK. I was typically getting 3.5 hours of screen on time and it lasting all day, often until the next morning when I charged it again. I didn't put it through heavy, heavy use or anything because it's not the type of phone you want to keep in hand for 5 hours, but it lasted.
Creases: Within about a day of use, the phone has developed two creases above and below the fold (see image above), where the display caves in as you begin to close it. Once they are there, they'll never go away, so that's just something owners will have to deal with.
Clicking noise gap behind display: On the lower portion of the display, there must be a gap between the display and the body of the phone. Tapping on it, typing, or general swiping around will remind you constantly that it's there because it gives in or makes a clicking noise. It's quite obnoxious and makes the phone feel cheap. To know what I mean, jump to the most recent DL Show at the 20:53 mark and you'll see and hear me demonstrate this.
Vibration motor: The vibrations this phone gives off are extreme. There is nothing subtle or soft about them and I've often thought about fully silencing the phone to not have to deal with them. Everything just seems to rattle the minute the Razr's vibration motor kicks in for something.
Google Voice issue: This is a limited case issue, but Google Voice doesn't really work with this phone. Well, it works, but if you receive a call, it only beeps a notification to the cover display once and never actually tells you that your phone is ringing or that an incoming call is here. But should you catch that notification and open the phone, you'll see it ringing on through. It's very weird.

The end.

Feel free to give Motorola props for taking foldable display technology and putting it into an iconic design. Do that. That's fine. They deserve to be acknowledged for working a little engineering magic. Just don't buy this phone. Don't consider it. It's overpriced, the camera is bad, the design is the opposite of what the smartphone world has built up to, it's no fun to use, and its price is laughable for what you are getting. I'm not sure I could come up with a price where I'd tell you to buy the Motorola Razr.

Samsung Unpacked 2020 Preview: What are You Most Excited for?

Tim — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 11:18:16 +0000

Tomorrow is Unpacked 2020 in San Francisco, the event where Samsung will unveil a whole bunch of new Galaxy products. Due to the nature of this industry, we have a pretty good idea as to what exactly Samsung will be showcasing, so let's go over what to expect, then let's see what you're most excited for. As of right now, we're anticipating a bunch of new phones, new earbuds, new smart speaker, and maybe even some surprises. Unpacked 2020, we're ready for you.

Galaxy S20 Lineup

The big announcement will be for the new Galaxy S20 lineup, consisting of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. We have already seen loads of press renders and have even gone over reported specs for each device, with all three of them sounding like solid upgrades over most phones you might have now.

Specs: Galaxy S20 Lineup.

The major improvements we can look forward to include a 120Hz refresh rate for the display (up from the standard 60Hz of past Galaxy devices), a monstrous Space Zoom-branded 100x zoom feature for the Galaxy S20 Ultra, up to 16GB RAM with the S20 Ultra, 8K video recording, very large batteries, as well as the latest One UI 2.0 build running atop Android 10. Oh, and 5G connectivity if you're into that sorta thing. Something else we might see from these phones is Samsung's own competitor to Apple's AirDrop. Detailed in a leak, the service would allow Galaxy owners to send files and other miscellaneous media to SmartThings devices and other Galaxy owners. While sharing is fun, the initial details for Samsung's Quick Share make the service seem rather limited in terms of functionality, but we won't know for sure until Samsung details it in full.

Galaxy S20 Ultra

And of course, this wouldn't be a Galaxy launch without talking about what you'll be getting for free if you pre-order a new device. According to a retailer leak, anyone who pre-orders a Galaxy S20+ or Galaxy S20 Ultra will receive a free pair of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds+ earbuds. Cool, right? We'll talk about those below. That leads us to what we don't know for sure and that's pricing. The latest information circulating the web claims that prices will start at $999 for the Galaxy S20, $1,199 for the Galaxy S20+, and $1,399 for the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Considering the specs and looking at last year's Galaxy S10 pricing, these prices seem completely plausible. Get ready for a hurting on the ol' wallet.

Galaxy Z Flip

Samsung surprised all of us last night during the Oscars when they played an ad on TV for the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip foldable. While we still think that is one of the worst names ever, there's no doubt that this device looks cool. Before last night, we had already seen it via press renders and even hands-on photos, but last night's ad confirmed 100% what to expect in terms of appearance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxbHs1QBs_4 Pricing for the Galaxy Z Flip is reported to be around $1,400, with specs including a 6.7″ AMOLED display at Full HD+ (2636×1080) that features some sort of new “Ultra Thin Glass” covering when unfolded, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS 3.0 storage (no SD slot), 10MP front camera embedded within the display, 3,300mAh battery, and a Snapdragon 855+ processor. If you were to compare Samsung's Z Flip to Motorola's new foldable Razr (unboxing and tour video!), the specs alone should have you leaning towards what Samsung is offering. If the price holds up at $1,400, it'll also be less expensive than the Razr, too. What we're saying is, RIP, Razr. If you're hoping to get a Z Flip, carrier availability is somewhat cloudy. It was initially reported that the device might be an AT&T exclusive, but as we have gotten closer to release, you may end up seeing it on other carriers and an unlocked model. We'll know exact and official availability tomorrow.

Galaxy Buds+

You may have learned recently that we're big time Samsung fanboys around here, constantly using our current pairs of Galaxy Buds. Well, a Buds+ model is coming, complete with not just a higher price, but improved specifications. According to a leak that took place last week, the Buds+ model will have larger batteries (85mAh vs. 58mAh), multi-device connection capability, 2-way dynamic speaker setup (woofer + tweeter), more microphones, plus a new app for iOS users. Full spec sheet below.

Buds vs. Buds+

According to that same leak, Buds+ will have a price of $149. Considering how much we love these buds, that ain't bad. As I detailed before, those who pre-order a Galaxy S20+ or S20 Ultra will be getting a pair for free which you can't argue with at all.

Galaxy Home Mini

At long last, Samsung may be releasing a Bixby-powered Galaxy Home speaker. Instead of the larger speaker that was first detailed what feels like years ago, this will be the Galaxy Home Mini. While details are still somewhat scarce, this product isn't all too confusing. It's a Samsung-powered smart speaker that should be able to connect to plenty of SmartThings-enabled devices, good for controlling smart home things. You'll presumably be able to play music from it, check the weather, plus all sorts of other things, all thanks to Bixby. For pricing, expect Galaxy Home Mini to be under $100, with Korean pricing reported to be 99,000 KRW. That's around $83 USD.

New Smartwatch?

We imagine if Samsung intended on launching a new Galaxy smartwatch at Unpacked 2020, we'd have already reports about it or leaked details. Because we haven't heard anything like that, I wouldn't put money on it. However, you never know.

What are you most looking forward to?

NVIDIA, Sony, and Amazon Pull Out of MWC Over Coronavirus Concerns

Tim — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:48:14 +0000

At the end of last week, we learned that NVIDIA had pulled out of MWC. This follows LG's decision to do the same. Over the weekend, Amazon announced the same thing, followed by Sony. Now, the MWC 2020 field is looking very thin and we're left wondering why the GSMA, the body that governs the event, is going forward with it. According to a recent update from the GSMA, they are implementing a few additional checks to ensure the safety of attendees. For starters, all attendees from the Hubei province will not be permitted access. Following that, all attendees will need to check-off the following.

All travellers who have been in China will need to demonstrate proof they have been outside of China 14 days prior to the event (passport stamp, health certificate)
Temperature screening will be implemented
Attendees will need to self-certify they have not been in contact with anyone infected.

While I'm not a fan of "self-certify," I suppose there really is only so much precaution you can take. We have to hope that no one will willfully put others at risk. Wait, these are humans we're talking about, they absolutely would do that. Here are the statements from the three latest companies to pull out of MWC. If you're still attending, please stay safe and wash your hands!

NVIDIA's Statement

We’ve informed GSMA, the organizers of MWC Barcelona, that we won’t be sending our employees to this year’s event. Given public health risks around the coronavirus, ensuring the safety of our colleagues, partners and customers is our highest concern. MWC Barcelona is one of the world’s most important technology conferences. We’ve been looking forward to sharing our work in AI, 5G and vRAN with the industry. We regret not attending, but believe this is the right decision. We’re grateful for GSMA’s leadership and continued efforts to ensure the safety of all attendees.

Amazon's Statement to TechCrunch

Due to the outbreak and continued concerns about novel coronavirus, Amazon will withdraw from exhibiting and participating in Mobile World Congress 2020, scheduled for Feb. 24-27 in Barcelona, Spain.

Sony's Statement

Sony has been closely monitoring the evolving situation following the novel coronavirus outbreak, which was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization on January 30th, 2020. As we place the utmost importance on the safety and wellbeing of our customers, partners, media and employees, we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from exhibiting and participating at MWC 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. The Sony press conference will now instead take place at the scheduled time of 8:30am (CET) on February 24, 2020 as a video via our official Xperia YouTube channel to share our exciting product news. Sony would like to thank everyone for their understanding and ongoing support during these challenging times.

// NVIDIA | Sony | TechCrunch | GSMA

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are $200 Off Today, Starting at $599

Kellen — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:34:30 +0000

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are reaching the point where we are going to tell you to never buy them at full price. Why? Because they are constantly discounted by $100 or $150 or $200. Like today, they are once again $200 off at Amazon. Today's special pricing is on both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL with 64GB storage. I'd imagine that Amazon is selling through them, because select colors are no longer available at the $200-off price. If interested, you might want to hurry. At $200 off, the Pixel 4 now starts at $599 and the Pixel 4 XL can be had for $699. We've talked ad naseam about the issues with both phones and that they are by no means perfect, but they are also quite good at what they want to do (run smooth, have clean software, and take great pictures). The Pixel 4 XL is absolutely a great deal at $699. If you buy a Pixel 4 or 4 XL today through Amazon, you are buying the unlocked model that will work on all major US carriers. It also has eSIM support for many, so you may not even need to go into a carrier to get it activated. You should check it out. Amazon Links: Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL

Samsung Reveals Galaxy Z Flip Before Tuesday's Big Event

Kellen — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 18:55:01 +0000

Samsung is still hosting a February 11 event where they'll announce the Galaxy S20 family, new Galaxy Buds+, and what we assume will be their next foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip. Tonight, during the Oscars, they showed a lengthy teaser commercial for the Z Flip, reminding everyone that they should tune in on Tuesday to find out more. The commercial, which you can see below, shows both purple and black versions of their foldable flip phone. We get to see the phone folded shut, opened to an L-shape, and completely unfolded into a candybar-style phone. There are hints of deep Google Duo integration, a quick shot of how incoming calls will look in the phone's small cover window, people taking selfies with the phone opened halfway, and then a lot of folding and unfolding. The phone looks like it could be a fun alternative to their previously released Galaxy Fold. It also should be miles better than Motorola's new Razr foldable, which if we're being honest, is an awful device that you should all avoid. The Galaxy Z Flip will have a solid set of specs, might have glass covering its foldable display, and could be cheaper than the Razr. Current rumors peg the Galaxy Z Flip for a February 14 launch, which is later this week. You ready? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxbHs1QBs_4 Cheers Alex!

Motorola Announces $300 Moto G Stylus, $250 G Power for US

Tim — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:16:22 +0000

Motorola has two new Moto G devices this week, the Moto G Stylus and the Moto G Power, set to be available in the US later this spring. Both devices are priced rather affordably, starting at $249 for the Moto G Power. It features a massive 5,000mAh battery, plus a 6.4" FHD+ Max Vision (MV) display, Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, three rear-facing cameras, and Android 10. Naturally, the main draw to this phone will be its battery life, thanks to that 5,000mAh battery. Motorola hypes it as a gaming device, touting a new Moto Gametime feature that blocks interruptions for a more immersive gaming experience.

Moto G Power With 5,000Ah Battery

As for the G Stylus, I bet you can guess what its main draw is. Get it? The G Stylus features a stylus for drawing stuff! Motorola has a new Moto Note app for drawing and writing, perfect for all you stylus lovers. Other main specs include a 6.4" FHD+ MV display, Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, 4,000mAh battery, rear camera system that features laser autofocus, and Android 10. Both devices are scheduled to be available a little later this year. The Moto G Power will be priced at $249 and the Moto G Stylus will be priced at $299. All of the specs for each device can be viewed below. Moto G Stylus Specs Moto G Power Specs // Motorola

Podcast: Moto Razr, Moto Razr!

Kellen — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:55:16 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're talking Motorola Razr because the icon launched again this week and we have one to test. The $1500 folding flip phone is here, guys! Is it cool, awful, overpriced, or worth buying? We have early thoughts on all of that that probably won't surprise you. We also have plans to catch-up on the last bits of Galaxy S20 info before next week's launch event, February's Android patch, the next flagship phones from Motorola, Tim's Pixel 5 wishlist, and more. We might even say goodbye to Blackberry once again. Trivia will be back too. Prepare to win stuff. We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern).

DEAL: Fossil Gen 5 Down to $219, Includes New Designs ($76 Off)

Tim — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:09:20 +0000

For a limited time, you can pick up a new Gen 5 smartwatch from Fossil for just $219, which is $76 off their usual price of $295. And yes, this discount is available for the new designs that were debuted during CES. We told you last year in our Gen 5 review that this Wear OS-powered is one of the only smartwatches you should consider buying right now. Even with CES happening last month and new watches coming, we still feel that way. The Gen 5 models have a good display, good battery life, and great performance. There are a ton of looks and designs to choose from, but if you need something even more simple/less expensive, the Fossil Sport is also on there for $99. Check it out.

Fossil Store Link

Motorola Razr Busted After Only 27K Folds in Durability Test (Updated)

Tim — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 09:06:29 +0000

The assumption that you'll be folding and unfolding your foldable phone seems warranted. It's a folding phone after all. Due to this, people like testing to see just how many folds your foldable phone can fold, all in the name of folding science. This week, CNET subjected a new Motorola Razr foldable phone to a folding durability fold test, using an official FoldBot folding machine from SquareTrade.

Watch: Motorola Razr unboxing!

In the video, we get to see the time when the Razr breaks down, which is right around 27,000 folds. While that's a large number, it's actually really bad in terms of how many folds a folding phone should be able to fold. For comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Fold has been tested to fold around 120,000 times before significant hinge deterioration sets in. That's a lot better than this poor Razr unit. For some simple math, let's say you open and close the phone a total of 100 times a day. At that rate, if this 27,000 figure was the same for every device (which we doubt it is), you're looking at 270 days of usage before breakage. Obviously, that sucks, but we seriously doubt all Razr units are going to breakdown the same way this one did. Regardless, be careful with your Razr phones, people! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epkKHwk4EMg

UPDATE: Motorola uploaded a video to show the "real razr flip test" on Friday, and also provided a statement to CNET about how they believe their test couldn't properly fold the razr and that's probably why it broke. They also want everyone to know that they performed extensive testing and are confident in the durability of their foldable phone. The full statement:

[The] razr is a unique smartphone, featuring a dynamic clamshell folding system unlike any device on the market. SquareTrade's FoldBot is simply not designed to test our device. Therefore, any tests run utilizing this machine will put undue stress on the hinge and not allow the phone to open and close as intended, making the test inaccurate. The important thing to remember is that razr underwent extensive cycle endurance testing during product development, and CNET's test is not indicative of what consumers will experience when using razr in the real-world. We have every confidence in the durability of razr.

There you have it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvUi_-1wHFA // CNET

Motorola Razr Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:22:09 +0000

The new foldable Motorola Razr hit stores yesterday after a short delay, so if you have $1500 to spend on first-gen flip phone technology, your day has come. If you'd rather wait to know what we think about, well, you are in luck. Our Razr showed up yesterday and we promptly put it through an unboxing so that we can get on to reviewing it. In this video, you'll see the packaging experience before we move on to the phone, its specs, and the retro mode (pictured above). Of course, we fold the sh*t out of it quickly and slowly, because folding a display in half will never get old. Want first impressions? Yeah, they aren't good. Not that I was going into this expecting much, but this is a $1500 phone with a camera that probably won't ever be competitive, the display inside gives as you press or tap on things, there is an obnoxious lip where the fingerprint reader is that you are constantly working around (I know it's a signature Razr design thing, it just isn't fun), and the cover display forces you to have flip the phone open for all tasks. What I'm saying there is that flipping open and closing this phone isn't that enjoyable, at least not like you might remember from an old flip phone. I'm not sold on this just yet, that's for sure. Let me get back to serious testing, though, and you watch this fun video. Shop Motorola Razr: Verizon | Motorola https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0uxrVIKwec

Pixel 4a Name Spotted, Likely Means No 5G

Kellen — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 15:34:47 +0000

Codenames for the Pixel 4a line have been floating around for a few weeks now, with evidence for each doing its best to clarify the differences between them. In the latest batch of info, we might be to the point of knowing which model will specifically be called "Pixel 4a." Through evidence they can't reveal just yet, as it could spoil future news, the folks at XDA claim they know that the Pixel 4a is internally known as "sunfish," a codename previously thought to be one of the 4a variants. How do they know? Again, they aren't yet revealing that, but did say that they have viewed code that directly links "sunfish" to the "Google Pixel 4a." If that is the case, then we now know that this "sunfish" Pixel 4a will not have 5G. That's fine by me, but we know that because it was previously spotted alongside references to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730, an upper-mid-tier processor that lacks 5G capabilities. There are still two other possible Pixel 4a devices, "bramble" and "redfin." Both are being tested with Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chips, which is the newest 5G-equipped chip. What we could see is a Pixel 4a without 5G that is priced reasonably, alongside two other 5G versions of the phone that might not be. So to recap, we believe we know that there is indeed a phone called "Pixel 4a" in the works with a Snapdragon 730. The name has been spotted. On top of that, there are two additional devices being tested that will likely have 5G and could be a part of the 4a family. I'm so excited for the 4a, folks. // XDA

YouTube Music Might Soon Get Play Music's Music Locker Feature

Tim — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 15:22:52 +0000

We're still waiting for Google to make YouTube Music the Play Music replacement we deserve, but according to a new report from 9to5Google, we might actually be headed in the right direction here shortly. In the report that cites sources, Google is internally testing a beta of YouTube Music that features a music locker / music upload feature that has made Play Music a favorite among users since its inception. To put it ever so simply, if you have music on your computer or wherever that you want to be able to stream via the service, such as you can right now with Play Music, that functionality is currently being worked into YouTube Music. You'll upload music to the service and then be able to stream it from the cloud. Easy enough, right? Not only is Google still working to bring these features over, but the report also indicates that the push to have folks migrate from Play Music to YouTube Music may be right around the corner. One source claims Play Music users could be invited to port over libraries within the next few months, with Google Play Music shutting down completely in the second half of 2020. We've been waiting a long time, Google. // 9to5Google

What I Need to See From the Pixel 5

Tim — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 12:08:46 +0000

We're still a ways away from a Pixel 5 announcement by Google, but this is an Android blog, and here, looking off into the future and pondering what we'd like to see is just part of the territory. Last year, I did a similar piece for the Pixel 4, saying that Google needed to bring the heat in 2019 in order to keep up with competitors like Samsung and OnePlus. In this post, I'm going to argue that the Pixel 4 was close to what we wanted, but still wasn't as good as what it could have been or what Google is capable of. I'll then go over what I need to see from a potential Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL to keep me on #TeamPixel. Why is this so hard, Google?

Tepid Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL

As I said last year, Google needed to bring the heat with the Pixel 4 lineup. While it certainly delivered at least one good phone in the Pixel 4 XL, the serious battery life issues we ran into left us not recommending the smaller Pixel 4 at all. It's not a good look for 50% of your flagship lineup to not be loved by us, some serious Google fanboys. And even with the 4 XL being a relatively good phone, we're still waiting for Google to make its included Soli radar chip something more than just a gimmick for swiping through tracks on Spotify. Face Unlock is good, but there are plenty of folks, including me, who wouldn't mind having the fingerprint reader back.

Related: 3 Months With the Pixel 4 XL

Being a Pixel, the Pixel 4 lineup has great cameras for still photos, but as Pixel owners must know, their videos aren't always too great. And of course, specs. While most other 2019 flagships included 8GB+ RAM, Google opted for just 6GB RAM. I'm getting tired of paying top-tier prices and not getting top tier specs. Again just to be completely clear, the Pixel 4 XL is a good phone, one that I'm still using today, but there are minor things that add up and make you think that Google could've done a lot better. In 2020, with the Galaxy S20 and OnePlus 8 looming, Google really needs to step it up or seriously consider sticking to mid-range phones.

What I Need From Pixel 5

It might sound like I'm asking for everything and being a high maintenance phone snob, but I don't think I'm being outrageous in what I desire. I'm not asking for all of the Galaxy Note's top-tier specs inside Google hardware with Pixel Experience software, even though that would probably be legit, but also be priced out of my range. What I want is for Google to hone in on what it's good at, which are the cameras and software experience in general, and then continue to elevate those things while gradually making all other aspects better. Let me try to explain this differently. Let's take the Galaxy S lineup for example. What you see in the upcoming Galaxy S20 is an evolution in design that started with the Galaxy S6. Samsung found a design of metal and glass that resonated with millions of people and has now tweaked that year-over-year in somewhat subtle ways to make it look fresh and in-line with what today's buyers expect from hardware. Whether it be removing the dedicated home button to adding more cameras, the slight changes from year to year, like what Apple does with the iPhone, is what keeps Galaxy fans coming back. Then you have Google's Pixels, with pretty much each phone model, and even sometimes the smaller versions versus the XL versions (e.g. Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 3 XL), not really looking like the same phone or even from the same manufacturer. Obviously, Google has used a long list of different OEMs to produce its Pixel phones, so of course there will be changes in device appearance from phone to phone, but my point is, I'm over that. So, here is what I want! I want Google to stick to something similar to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in terms of design. If you want to slim up the rear camera housing, that's totally fine. Let's maybe try to start a legacy design of some sort that people can see and identify easily as being a Pixel phone. I'm all for changes and experimenting, but Google can't seem to figure out what it likes, especially in the front bezel department. Are we going to have a massive chin or forehead this year? Who knows, because Google can't seem to pick one and stick to it.

Desired Pixel 5,5 XL Specs

90Hz+ display that you don't have to "force on"
Latest available Snapdragon processor
8GB+ RAM
Multiple rear cameras with plenty of stabilization tech
- Please include a wide-angle lens
- 4K at 60fps video recording
Fingerprint reader
Unlimited Google Photos storage
128GB base storage
Face Unlock is good, feel free to keep
Stereo speakers
Fast, non-proprietary wireless charging
Bigger batteries!
More, better color options

Can We Try to Make it Undeniable This Time?

I told Google last year that it needed to make the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL undeniable. Unfortunately, there seems to be plenty of things that could make potential buyers shy away from picking up Google's latest devices. Google didn't provide big enough batteries, the 90Hz display implementation was subpar, timely security patch updates were in question, and perhaps the list could go on if I'm feeling like I want to nitpick. This is what I said last year and I still think it makes sense in 2020.

Google needs a phone or a pair of phones that are undeniable. With the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, buyers could quickly point to things they didn’t care for, such as the XL’s obnoxiously large notch or both device’s sub-par amount of RAM. Things such as those that can weigh heavily on a decision to purchase, and instead of that, we need phones that have zero compromises. Honestly, I don’t care if we have to spend the money in order to make it happen, let’s just give the people what they want and see what happens.

It might seem weird for me to harp on this constantly, but I'm a Pixel fan and these are the phones I use when I'm not reviewing something else. Personally, I want a better phone, especially when we're paying $899 (price of 4 XL) for it.

What do you need to see from a Pixel 5 to keep you on #TeamPixel?

Pixel 4 Gets a $300 Discount at Verizon

Kellen — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 11:51:41 +0000

We love discounts, especially on Google's Pixel phones, like the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Getting a best-in-class camera with clean, always-up-to-date software at lower prices is never a bad thing. Verizon is helping us out there today with a $300 discount on either of those phones. The deal is pretty straight forward. If you are a Verizon customer and want to upgrade to a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, they'll give you a $300 discount. The entire $300 is spread out over 24 months as bill credits, so to get this deal, you are essentially signing up for a 2-year contract. In what appears to be a new idea from Verizon, they are offering the bill credit situation for both device payment plans or if you buy the phone at full retail. So technically, you don't have to sign a 2-year deal if you go full retail, but in order to get the full $300 back, you'll have to hang around for 2 years. If you go the device payment route, Pixel 4 payments will drop as low as $20.83/mo and the Pixel 4 XL drops to $24.99/mo. At full retail, you'll have to pay the full price up front, but after bill credits would essentially be paying $499 for the Pixel 4 and $599 for the 4 XL. That all make sense? Go shopping then. Verizon Shopping Links: Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL

Google Maps Turns 15, Gets Updated Icon and Yet Another Tab

Tim — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 09:09:10 +0000

Hard to believe, but Google Maps turns 15 years old this week. To celebrate, Google has pushed an update to mobile users, which I can confirm is hitting devices as of this morning. The first major change you'll see is an updated icon. The Maps icon is now a Pin, instead of a map. This could just be me, but I'm not a huge fan of the pin so far. Maybe it'll grow on me. That's not too important, though. What is important are the changes inside of the app. According to Google, everything you need inside of Google Maps are now within five different tabs -- Explore, Commute, Saved, Contribute, and Updates. The new tab here is Updates and Google describes it with, "The Updates provides you with a feed of trending, must-see spots from local experts and publishers, like The Infatuation. In addition to discovering, saving and sharing recommendations with your network, you can also directly chat with businesses to get questions answered."

In the company's post, the future is mentioned, too. They say, "Over the coming months, we’ll be expanding Live View and testing new capabilities, starting with better assistance whenever you’re searching for a place. You’ll be able to quickly see how far away and in which direction a place is."

Go grab that birthday update!

Google Play Link

// Google

Oh No, Motorola's Next Flagship Phone is Going to Have an Edge Screen

Kellen — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 08:57:11 +0000

Motorola plans to mark 2020 as the year it returns to the flagship arena with a 5G-equipped phone that has all of the bells and whistles. We are quite looking forward to this comeback, as Motorola has always been a site favorite and the landscape for phones we'd consider has shrunken dramatically in recent years. But with a new leak, we're now completely disappointed, though we'll try to remain hopeful. The new flagship level phone from Motorola has potentially been outed by the folks at XDA as a 5G phone with a curved "waterfall" display that sports a 90Hz refresh rate. It may be branded as a Motorola One phone outside of the US and as the Motorola Edge+ here in the US. The fine details there are unclear, but that display talk makes us nervous. To be clear, this new report actually states that there are two upcoming phones from Motorola to pay attention to, the "racer" or "racer 5G" and "burton" or "burton_vzw." It's "burton" that is thought to be the flagship that should land at Verizon under the Edge+ branding, though "racer" could be a similar if less powerful phone. Both should have these awful edge displays. In the images below, XDA is revealing what they believe is "racer."

This "racer" phone (or XT2063) is believed to run the new Snapdragon 765 chipset with 5G and sport a 6.67" 1080p curved display at 90Hz, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, 48MP camera, and 4660mAh battery with Android 10. The "burton" phone should have the same display, but then up the specs with a Snapdragon 865, 8GB or 12GB RAM, 5169mAh battery, and Android 10. That all sounds good enough, even if the 1080p in the flagship sounds on the lower end. Why the hatred of the curved waterfall display? Because while curved displays look pretty in pictures, they offer zero benefit. They are difficult to use, often register input at the wrong time, make cases awkward, are potentially more fragile than a flat display, and will be a nightmare with the new Android 10 gestures. I'm telling you, they are one of the worst additions to smartphone manufacturing in modern times because the only purpose they serve is to massage the ego of some engineer while giving executives snazzy talking points while doing demos. From the looks of the "racer" above, Motorola has gone with the extreme curve, which is at least better than we used to get. This phone has a mostly flat display with an edge that falls off dramatically, hence the "waterfall" term. Still, they won't be fun to use. The rest of the story here mentions that Motorola will bake in new ~~bloatware~~ applications called Moto Edge Assistant, Moto Gametime, and Moto Audio. Motorola will apparently give special controls over the edge area, add additional controls over gaming experiences, and provide better audio tuning features with those 3. Look, I'm trying my hardest not to be a downer here, but I want excellence from the company that helped this blog get its start. Curved displays are icky. Hopefully, the camera is at least good! // XDA

$1500 Foldable Moto Razr Gets Torn Down, Put Back Together in Video

Tim — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:11:07 +0000

We appreciate teardowns around here. No, not because we do a lot of self repair here in the office, but it's cool to see all of the designing and effort that goes into creating the devices we care so much about. As foldable phones like Motorola's $1,500 Razr become more common to see, the below video is a great example of why teardowns are great. Thanks to PBKreviews on YouTube, we can confirm that if you intend to buy this phone, you probably shouldn't attempt to repair it yourself. The amount of intricate design and small mechanical pieces that make this phone function properly looks incredible, and while $1,500 for this somewhat underpowered phone seems kinda silly, seeing its internals and how it works sorta makes that high price justified. No, I'm not saying you should go buy one, but let us at least give a shoutout to the engineers behind the device and appreciate what they accomplished. You won't find us tearing down the Razr when we get one later this week, so watch the one below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY3hd_F43gc

Why Google Phones?

Kellen — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 13:29:24 +0000

The three companies that occupy the majority of pockets of readers around here are Samsung, OnePlus, and Google. In recent weeks, we've asked you to weigh in on why you continue to choose Samsung or OnePlus phones, so that leaves the final entry. It's time to talk about Google Pixel phones and why you choose them over all others. For me, it's pretty simple. I have a kid, as a family we try to get out and see the world, I love restaurants and drink too much beer, and generally like to keep memories of it all. That means I continue to prefer Google phones because they offer the camera experience I trust the most. Don't get me wrong, the frequent updates and Google software experience are certainly selling points. Those are areas that I too enjoy, it's just that we all live such a fast-paced life that recording it can be difficult if you don't have the tools with you to keep up. The cameras in Google Pixel phones, like the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and Pixel 4 are incredible. They rarely fail me.

Look at what the Pixel 4 XL camera did for Tim on a recent vacation. These pictures are insanely good and I'm not sure any other smartphone could have captured them. I recently took a sledding trip to Mt. Hood and am mostly blown away by the quality of the memories I now have forever. That's not to say that Samsung isn't putting impressive cameras in its Galaxy phones. We are fully expecting the Galaxy S20 line to do some crazy sh*t. OnePlus also continues to improve in this department, though they still have a ways to go. Other companies make good camera phones, that's easy to admit. Other companies also make pretty good software. Samsung's One UI is very enjoyable and OnePlus' OxygenOS might be better than Google's Pixel Experience. OnePlus is close to matching Google with update quickness and Samsung isn't far behind them. Software is no longer the big standout feature for Google. It's the camera. So there, you have my reason for choosing Google Pixel phones. What are yours?

Wednesday Poll: Do You Use Mobile Payments?

Tim — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:41:01 +0000

It's 2020, and according to science fiction, by now we should all be flying around in hover cars and paying for things using a small implant that we have located in our wrists. Obviously we're not quite there yet, but our smartphones can act as digital wallets, with most stores in the US now accepting contactless forms of payment. Whether you're shopping in Gucci or ordering a few tacos from a food truck, chances are, you can pay for your goods via a mobile payment method such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay. The question is, are you? Personally, when I use a Samsung device and have access to Samsung Pay, mobile payments are basically all I use. I love the fact that Samsung Pay works at virtually any credit card terminal, regardless of whether it accepts NFC payments or not. That's thanks to its usage of MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission). When I'm not on a Samsung phone, I don't tend to use mobile payments. I know I can still use Google Pay at plenty of places, but it must be a mental thing. It's 2020, so I expect to see mostly everyone using mobile payments. [poll id="535"]

AT&T 5G Goes Live in Another 13 Markets

Kellen — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:00:07 +0000

AT&T fired up their new 5G market in 13 new markets today, bringing the total to 32 markets. This is the far-reaching, low-band 5G that AT&T turned on at the end of last year, not the 5G+ mmW stuff that is only available within small areas. With this type of 5G, AT&T can cover entire cities and upgrade your smartphone experience almost everywhere, unlike with their 5G+ network. 5G+ runs on millimeter wave (mmW) and is super fast, but only works within short line-of-sight situations. Connecting to 5G+ at this point in time is going to be rare. In other words, we like this new 5G - you might actually get to use it! Up until today, AT&T 5G was in 19 cities. With these new 13 markets, we are at 32 and counting. The new AT&T 5G cities are:

Atlantic City, N.J.
Bakersfield, Calif.
Boston, Mass.
Dayton, Ohio
Frederick, Md.
Liberty, Ga.
Modesto, Calif.
New Bedford, Mass.
Oxnard, Calif.
San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Santa Barbara, Calif.
St. Louis, Mo.
Wichita, Kan.

In order to connect to AT&T's new 5G network, you will need a Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G. Soon, though, the Galaxy S20 line-up will be here and I'm guessing all models will work just fine. I say that because the FCC told us so. 5G is almost here. // AT&T

Verizon is Giving Away $5 Nike Gift Cards Today

Kellen — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 10:57:43 +0000

To celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Verizon is giving Verizon Up members a free $5 Nike gift card. Yes, free Nike gift card worth $5 can be yours today. To get the freebie, you'll need to be a Verizon customer with the My Verizon app installed. You'll then use that My Verizon app to enroll in their Verizon Up rewards program if you haven't already. As a part of that program, Verizon is rewarding members with the $5 from Nike, no Up credits required. On Android, you'll open My Verizon, swipe out the side menu and choose "Verizon Up." From there, if you scroll a bit to in-between the "New rewards" and "Bonus rewards" section, you should see the Nike gift card offer. Assuming Verizon hasn't already run out (supplies are limited), you'll tap a "Claim" button to claim yours. Once claimed, Verizon will show you a gift card code as well as the pin you will use to claim the $5 at Nike's store. If you prefer to use the $5 in-store, there is a barcode included too. Hurry! Google Play Link: My Verizon App

Stadia Pro Players, Go Claim GYLT and Metro Exodus for Free

Tim — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 09:51:31 +0000

Since Stadia's library of games is not huge, anytime the service offers up a new title for free is a big day. This month, Stadia is offering Pro subscribers two additional games for free, GYLT and Metro Exodus. As we're now into February, this post will act as your reminder that you can now go claim them. GYLT is Stadia's exclusive game, produced by Tequila Works. From the game's website, its description reads, "Set in a creepy and melancholic world, GYLT is an eerie story mixing fantasy and reality in a surrealist place where your nightmares become reality."

Metro Exodus

As for Metro Exodus, it's a very popular title available on many platforms. Currently rated a 9 out of 10 on Steam, the description for this sandbox survival title reads, "Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness." To claim, all Pro subscribers need to do is open up the Stadia app, head to each game's listing, and then hit the Claim button. It's as easy as that. Then, you can instantly start playing.

Stadia for Android Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdzu3xLtSQo

Chrome 80 for Android Includes Fewer Notifications Requests, SameSite Cookie Support

Tim — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 08:59:41 +0000

Chrome 80 for Android is rolling out, introducing new features and behaviors, three of which have been highlighted by Google. According to what Google specifically highlights, users of Chrome can expect "quieter notifications," meaning you can see fewer notification requests with a new permission option. Also, Chrome 80 supports SameSite cookies, as well as the ability to automatically secure the connection of insecure audio and video that is placed on secure pages.

What's New

Quieter notifications: You can see fewer notification requests with a new permission option.
SameSite cookies: By default, cookies are treated as same-site only.
Secure media: Insecure audio and video on secure pages are automatically upgraded to secure connections.

Go get that update.

Google Play Link

// Google

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Will Have Nice Upgrades

Kellen — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 08:48:19 +0000

The slow trickle of leaks surrounding the new Samsung Galaxy Buds+ hasn't given us much, other than a "+" on the name, a similar design, and some new colors. We were pretty sure that bigger batteries would be included, thanks to the FCC, but a new leak shows pretty significant upgrades in all the right places. According to a screenshot comparison of the Galaxy Buds and the new Galaxy Buds+ from @evleaks, we can see that we'll not only get much bigger batteries, but that those batteries could last up to another 5 hours on a single charge. The new Buds+ are rated at 11 hours of use on a single charge, with combined case+buds time of 22 hours. Those are up from the 6 hours and 13 hours from the previous model. That's huge! Charging might be even faster as well, with just 3 minutes of in-case charging getting you up to 60 minutes of playtime. On the original Buds, Samsung rated it at 15 minutes of charge time giving you 100 minutes of playtime. In addition to the bigger batteries Galaxy Buds+ will support multi-device connections, so that could mean staying connected to both your phone and computer at the same time. That might be the biggest improvement of them all for those who like to wear headphones during the day at their desk job. Samsung also claims that these new Galaxy Buds+ feature a Woofer+Tweeter setup for improved sound as well as a shortcut to Spotify. The new colors will include black, white, blue, and red options. At $149, the new Buds+ will be $20 more expensive than the original Galaxy Buds. I think these upgrades are worth it, do you?

// @evleaks

Samsung Confirms Galaxy S20 Design on Its Own Website

Kellen — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 14:57:08 +0000

With a week to go before the Galaxy S20 is official, Samsung just can't contain itself. The electronics giant mistakenly posted a case for the upcoming Galaxy S20 to its own web shop, putting the phone and its design on display before they were supposed to. The listing is for the Galaxy S20 LED Cover, which has a backside that lights up with LEDs. This type of case isn't new to Samsung phones, but the fact that it confirms both the front and rear designs of the phone is noteworthy. Not that we didn't believe these leaks, we just love seeing official imagery. Since this is the Galaxy S20, we can see the single, centered hole-punch camera up front with minimal bezel around. On the backside, well, that's where we get the defining characteristics for each of the S20 phones. This Galaxy S20 model will sport a triple rear camera setup with flash, while the others should have an extra camera (ToF in S20 Plus, ToF + 100x Space Zoom in Ultra). These images also confirm the button setup, with volume and power on the right side. RIP forever, Bixby button.

There are few surprising remaining for the Galaxy S20 line, now we only need them in hand to get to testing. We need these cameras. We need these displays. We need it all. // Samsung | WinFuture

LG Pulls Out of MWC Citing Coronavirus Concerns

Tim — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 14:22:47 +0000

Announced this afternoon, LG is pulling out of MWC, the annual mobile-focused conference that is set to take place in Barcelona, Spain later this month. LG directly cites the novel coronavirus outbreak for pulling out of MWC, making it clear that it has nothing but the safety of LG employees and general public interest in mind. From the company's statement, "This decision will prevent needlessly exposing hundreds of LG employees to international travel, which most health experts have advised." LG states that instead of attending MWC, where they typically unveil new products, the company will host separate events in the "near future" to announce its 2020 products. This is LG's full statement.

LG Electronics is closely monitoring the situation related to the novel coronavirus outbreak, which was recently declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization as the virus continues to spread outside China. With the safety of its employees and general public foremost in mind, LG has decided to withdraw from exhibiting and participating in MWC 2020 later this month in Barcelona, Spain. This decision will prevent needlessly exposing hundreds of LG employees to international travel, which most health experts have advised. In lieu of its participation in MWC, LG will be holding separate events in the near future to announce its 2020 mobile products. LG Electronics thanks its supporters and the public for their understanding during these difficult and challenging times.

If you ask me, this is a good move. Why risk getting any more illnesses?

Props: Samsung Pushes February Security Patch to Unlocked Galaxy S10 Units

Tim — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:21:11 +0000

Select Samsung device owners are pumping their fists and shaking their booties this week, as the company appears to really be putting an effort into pushing out timely software updates. Shortly after Pixel devices were receiving the February security patch from Google this week, unlocked models of the Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e began getting it, too. Considering Samsung used to lag well behind in this department, appreciation is in order for what Samsung is accomplishing here. According to Samsung's documentation, following the February patch, unlocked Galaxy S10e owners in the US will be on software version G970U1UES3CTA3, S10 owners will have G973U1UES3CTA3, and S10+ owners will see G975U1UES3CTA3. Unlocked Galaxy S10 owners, go get that update!

// reddit | Samsung [2] [3] Cheers KJ and Dave!

Suunto 7 Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 11:29:54 +0000

Hey, it's fitness time! The Suunto 7 is here and we have one to sweat profusely on for a few weeks. No idea what the Suunto 7 is? It's the first Wear OS watch from Suunto, one of the leading high-end fitness and sport watchmakers. They make the types of sport watches that triathletes use, that ultra-marathoners use, that cyclists use, etc. These are serious sport watches. The Suunto 7 is a $499 smartwatch that runs a Snapdragon Wear 3100 chip, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 450mAh battery, GPS, heartrate sensor, NFC, and 1.39" AMOLED display. It's a large watch (likely around 47mm) because of the battery, uses 24mm bands, and comes in various colorways (Sandstone Rosegold here). The case is made of stainless steel and a glass fibre reinforced polyamide. The big sell here is that you get the smarts of Wear OS along with a fitness experience you might find on a typical Suunto watch. That means you have access to the Suunto sport app with up to 70 different activity types and all of the statistics a Suunto watch would give you after a workout. It also features offline maps for your mountain adventures, 48-hour battery life, and 12-hours of use with GPS constantly running. To see Suunto now enter the Wear OS space is an interesting move, only because we know about all of the limitations that come with the current state of Wear OS technology. Still, this watch is going to be a fun one to test because at least it's something different. That testing begins now, but not before an unboxing. Shop Suunto 7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUUFbrKhZDY

Pixel Owners, How's the February Update?

Kellen — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 10:29:57 +0000

Google was quick with the February Android update for Pixel phones yesterday, making it available over-the-air almost immediately. If you "checked for updates," you should have been able to pull your Pixel phone's update with the latest security patch right away. Assuming you did on your Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, or Pixel 4, we're curious how everything has been over the past 24 hours. Google says that it fixed booting, video recording, overexposure, NFC, and Assistant crashing bugs on the Pixel 4, along with the security patches for all other Pixels. That's all they are telling us, though. The updates were all pretty small (just 18MB on the Pixel 3a), so this really could just be one of the smaller updates we have had in a while. That's fine too! So let us know, did you get the February Pixel update and how has it been?

T-Mobile, Sprint Roll Out Cross-Network Number Verification to Battle Robocalls and Spam

Tim — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 09:21:49 +0000

T-Mobile and Sprint announced today that the carriers are rolling out number verification on a cross-network basis, allowing for stronger protection against call spoofing from robots and spammers. Built on the STIR/SHAKEN standards, number verification simply means that the number that pops up on your phone during an incoming call is verified to be the number that you're seeing. This should greatly reduce the number of times you have to pick up the phone due to spoofing. T-Mobile also announced that Caller Verified is now working on 23 smartphones, with more coming soon. Customers with these supported devices and the latest software update will automatically see “Caller Verified” on their screens for non-spoofed calls from the T-Mobile and Sprint networks. Screw you, robocalls and spam. // T-Mobile

NVIDIA GeForce NOW Open to All, Founders Membership Priced at $5/Month With Free 90 Days

Tim — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 08:30:34 +0000

Unveiled years ago, GeForce NOW from NVIDIA is now available for all, meaning you no longer need a code to get access and there's no waitlist for gamers to get gamin'. GeForce NOW is the company's service that lets users stream games from a cloud-based PC, which to break that down, means you're streaming a game title to your supported Android, SHIELD, Mac, or PC device (Chromebook support coming later this year) from one of NVIDIA's several data centers across the globe. We have all of the details you need to know, such as system requirements and pricing below. Let's get to it!

What is GeForce NOW?

GeForce NOW allows you to access games you own from a number of game stores, such as Steam and Uplay, on all sorts of different devices, with the game being ran in the cloud and streamed to your device via the internet. With the game being streamed, all of the heavy lifting is being done by NVIDIA, meaning it doesn't matter if you're using an underpowered device not designed for gaming. With GeForce NOW, your existing machine will likely work fine, which is increasingly important for Mac owners. As of this announcement, GeForce NOW supports a library of over 400 titles, with new games being added on a weekly basis based on user requests and game popularity. Additionally, NVIDIA notes that there are also more than 1,000 games that can be played through single-session installs. More on games below. The important takeaway is, if you have a computer that you thought wasn't capable of gaming, NVIDIA is here to correct you.

Games

As I mentioned, GeForce NOW supports over 400 games to be streamed to any supported device, but there are also more than 1,000 games that can be played through single-session installs. If you're looking for a list of games to play, follow the link below, but if you're into the top games, such as PUBG, Fortnite, and the other titles that get thousands and thousands of views on Twitch, GeForce NOW has it. Unlike Stadia, GeForce NOW is launching with support for all of these games, the only difference being is that you'll need to already own them from a store like Steam or Uplay.

GeForce NOW is the only cloud gaming service with access to a wide range of free-to-play games, more than 30 and growing. In total, there are hundreds of games from more than 50 publishers that, once you own, are available for instant play. All these games are patched automatically in the cloud, so your library is always game ready. While we continue to grow the library of instantly accessible games, there are also more than 1,000 games that can be played through single-session installs. Games get added to the service weekly based on member requests, game popularity and publishers’ input. If you don’t see a game that you want to play, let us and the publisher know.

To see if you favorite PC game is supported, enter it into NVIDIA's search linked below. Supported Games Search Here.

System Requirements

Like the other game streaming platforms, the system requirements are rather light. For example, on macOS, your system will need to be version 10.10 or newer, which shouldn't be a problem for any Mac owner who keeps track of their system updates. NVIDIA lists support for MacBook hardware all the way back from 2008, so if you have something relatively new from Apple, you shouldn't have any problems streaming GeForce NOW. As for controllers and keyboards, all of the PC titles support keyboards and mice -- these are PC titles after all -- but fans of controllers will need to be aware of whether a particular game supports gamepads or not. All three major platforms (PC, Mac, and SHIELD) list support for keyboards, mice, and gamepads. Specifics for that can be viewed by following the link below. For those curious about internet speed requirements, NVIDIA details that GeForce NOW requires at least 15Mbps for 720p at 60fps and 25Mbps for 1080p at 60fps. Furthermore, you’ll need to use a hardwired Ethernet connection or a 5GHz wireless router. Complete system requirements here.

Pricing

GeForce NOW is launching with a special pricing promotion of $5/month for a Founders membership. That Founders tier comes with priority access to servers, extended session lengths, RTX (ray tracing) enabled for games that support it, as well as your first 90 days of the service for free. There is a free tier, too. It's listed with standard access, meaning you might have to wait to get access to a server if demand is high, plus your sessions will be limited to just an hour. That might seem lame, but it is free. Have at it, gamers!

GeForce NOW Desktop Link | Google Play Link

// NVIDIA

Samsung’s Good Lock App Updated to Work With Android 10

Tim — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 15:36:27 +0000

Samsung has updated its Good Lock customization app to work on devices running Android 10 and One UI. With the update, users of the app can take advantage of support for dark mode, new functionality for select plugins like QuickStar and bug fixes for other plugins like NavStar and TaskChanger. It's a pretty long list of changes and fixes, so I recommend checking the changelog in the Galaxy Store (linked below). If you love yourself some Good Lock, go get that update!

Galaxy Store Link

// SamMobile

Skagen Falster 3 Review: Come for the Design, Stay for the Design

Kellen — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 12:40:34 +0000

While we wait for Qualcomm and Google to figure out if Wear OS has a future and create technology to power it that isn't from 2015, we're still getting new watches from a small group of players. The biggest of those is the Fossil Group, who keeps releasing watches from a variety of the brands it owns, most of which are based off of its own Fossil Gen 5 and Fossil Sport watches. The latest to catch the attention of our wrists has been the Skagen Falster 3, which is basically a Fossil Gen 5 in a new case. The Falster 3 was introduced at CES a month ago and hit the DL offices for testing shortly after. After spending a couple of weeks with it on the wrist, let's talk about whether or not the Skagen Falster 3 should be a smartwatch to consider. This is our Skagen Falster 3 review.

What is the Skagen Falster 3?

The Falster 3 is the third-generation version of Falster-branded smartwatches and follows-up the Falster 2 that was released back in August 2018. It features all of the current generation Wear OS specs and is basically a Fossil Gen 5 clone. You get the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, 1.3" AMOLED round display, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, NFC, GPS, heartrate monitor, Bluetooth 4.2, 3 ATM water resistance, speaker, and fast charging of its battery that is rated at around 24-hours. You get a case that is 42mm wide and 11mm thick, with 22mm watch bands that can be easily swapped out. The Falster 3 comes in gunmetal, black (my review unit), and silver with a variety of straps. The gunmetal version has a stainless steel mesh band, the black model comes with a leather/rubber strap, and the silver version comes with a blue silicon band. Again, they all take 22mm bands, so you can put whatever you'd like on them, which I've done for this review. At $295, the Falster 3 is priced to match the Fossil Gen 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K975Wb-3quE

What's good, what's bad about the Falster 3?

Before diving in too much further, just understand that this might be brief because this watch really is a Fossil Gen 5 in a new case. You might have a handful of different watch faces that are exclusive to Skagen watches, but it's going to run and act like Fossil's main watch. The specs are identical, the software is too, and you are paying the same price as the Gen 5 for the name and design. If you feel like I left out any details, read our Fossil Gen 5 review for more. Design: It's safe to say that if you are considering the Falster 3 over the Gen 5, it's for the design. Skagen produces products with a Danish design influence, so you get a minimalist look that stands out. Like with the Falster and Falster 2, the Falster 3 is unmistakably Skagen. The case is perfectly round, yet you have these pronounced lugs that make it seem as if that case is floating or suspended in air. You then have a 3-button setup that features old-school stopwatch-esque designs with a rotating crown in the middle. The watch very much has an old school vibe in a modern smartwatch package. Like the Fossil Gen 5, there is a bit of extra bezel here that not all will appreciate. You get the case bezel followed by a black bezel between that and the display. So while the display is round, it would have been nice to see it stretch to the case and really take things to another level. Generally speaking, this is a nice looking watch. Performance: Look, the Snapdragon Wear 3100 in this watch is built off 3-4 year old processor tech, so this watch isn't going to be a performance beast. It'll work better than most Wear OS watches, because of the 1GB RAM, just don't be surprised to see it stutter here and there, load apps incredibly slowly, and get bogged down with too much running. Setting it up fully, with apps loaded and updated and accounts logged-in, will take a while. It's best if you do this while the watch is on the charger. You might grow frustrated at spinning loading circles often too. There's just no getting around the performance limitations here. The thing is, once you get it setup and working fully, the watch can handle daily tasks without a ton of slowness. Running workouts through Google Fit and still handling notifications is something I did regularly while testing. Again, I'm not going to tell you that this is the best performing smartwatch (that would be the Galaxy Watch Active 2), but it's not terrible. It's certainly better than the Fossil Sport or any similar watches with under 1GB RAM.

Battery Life: If you use your smartwatch for notifications and an occasional workout like I did, you should get the 24 hours that Skagen and Fossil are promising on a single charge. On lighter use days, I was able to hit the next morning with 20-30% battery left, so you might see even longer use depending on the situation. Don't expect 2-day or 3-day life - this is Wear OS. Like other Fossil Group watches, the Falster 3 has fast charging. This might be the best feature of Fossil watches because you can get back to 100% battery in about an hour. In testing, my first charge from 21% to 100% took about 60 minutes, though I wasn't paying precise attention to the minute it finished and so it could have been sooner. One of the days, I went from 42% to 100% in about 40 minutes. I can tell you that my Galaxy Watch Active 2 seems to take hours to fully charge and that means it is off my wrist for longer than I'd like each day. Fossil watches, like this Falster 3, don't have that problem. Additionally, the Falster 3 has brought with it the new Battery Modes from the Gen 5. These modes are unique to Fossil Group watches and give you more control over the items that could potentially suck battery life in a day. You have Extended Battery, Daily, Custom, and Time Only that work about as their names suggest. Custom is my favorite, as it lets you really pick and choose what functions are on or off. For more on those, check out this post. Software: This is Wear OS and the same version you will find on all other watches at the moment. It handles notifications well, gives you access to more apps than Samsung's competing platform, includes an always-on experience, and is easily customizable on a watch face front. You have Google Assistant a button, swipe, or voice command away, and there are shortcuts to other actions like Google Pay or Fit. Wear OS hasn't really improved over the years, but I'd argue it's at a decent place. It runs just fine on the Falster 3, I only wish it had some form of sleep tracking like almost all other wearables do. Maybe one day, eh Google?

Price: The Falster 3 is essentially a $300 smartwatch that runs pretty old tech, though it runs it well. For that money, you are getting a Fossil Gen 5 with the Skagen brand and design, which is fine, I guess. We told you that the Gen 5 was properly priced, so that sort of means this should be too. Just keep in mind that Fossil hosts plenty of sales on its own watches and that would make me hope for the same from Skagen. Other notes:

Watch band: For this review, I swapped out the uncomfortable leather/rubber watch band that came with this black Falster 3 watch and tossed on a Barton rubber sport strap. You can buy it here.
Watch face: The watch face you are seeing throughout this review is Pear Watch Face. It’s awesome and can be found here.

Should you buy the Falster 3?

Buying smartwatches not made by Samsung in the Android space is a complicated process. We all know that these Wear OS watches are powered by a processor that is years and years beyond any sort of prime, yet it's the only option we have. If you want Wear OS, you get an old Qualcomm processor behind it, even if we get improved battery modes and displays and heartrate monitors and GPS and more RAM. We know that these things are going to be slow from time to time. And that all rings true with the Falster 3. It looks great and should be on your shortlist of Wear OS watches, but you have to be aware of what exactly you are buying. Could I see myself wearing this watch regularly? Yeah, for sure. I like the Fossil Gen 5 and this matches that watch spec-for-spec, but arguably has a better design. Shop Falster 3: Amazon | Skagen Store

Reminder: Google Assistant Supports Bluetooth-Powered Tile Tracker Devices

Tim — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 11:05:06 +0000

Google posted a reminder blog this morning that the Google Assistant does indeed support Tile and its line of Bluetooth-powered tracker devices. If you weren't aware, this is a big deal for certain people who may or may not lose their keys a little too frequently, with it first available late last year. As Google explains, with this integration, users can simply ask one of their Assistant-enabled devices to locate a certain item, so long as that item has a Tile attached to it. For example, "Hey Google, where is my purse?" or "Hey Google, make my backpack ring."

If the Tile is at home, you can use your Nest device to determine the last location your Tile was seen. For example, you may get a response like “Your keys were last seen today at 9pm near the Kitchen speaker.” And if you left your Tile somewhere else, the Assistant will tell you the street address of where your Tile was last seen based on Tile’s location services.

Pairing Assistant with a Tile product is handled via the Home app on your smartphone. If you already have a Tile tracker, open Home to get started. If you need a Tile device, follow the link below.

Tile Store Link

// Google

February 2020 Android Security Update Now Available for Pixel Devices

Kellen — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:11:23 +0000

Moving along swiftly through 2020, we have the arrival of yet another security patch for Google Pixel phones, including the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 4. This latest Android update is the February build and is ready with factory image and OTA files today. Currently, we are seeing new 10.0.0 files for Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL (QQ1B.200205.002, QQ1C.200205.002, QQ1D.200205.002), Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (QQ1A.200205.002), Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (QQ1A.200205.002), and Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (QQ1A.200205.002). For specifics on Pixel 4 builds, Google says that build QQ1C.200205.002 is for "Select JP & TW carriers" and build QQ1D.200205.002 is for "NTT DOCOMO." The QQ1B.200205.002 should then be the generic build for everyone else. Finally, here are the fixes included in this month's update:

Google has been pretty hit-or-miss over the years when it comes to making the update available quickly to your phone. The "check for updates" button is supposed to work, but you never know when it will from one month to the next. To check for the update, head into Settings>System>Advanced>System update. If you don't want to wait for Google and prefer to update manually, you will find 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. We’ll continue to update this post as Google gives us more information on the update. Links:

Google Wants You to Pay $8/Month for Auto-Printed Photos

Tim — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:26:43 +0000

Google Photos is currently trialing a new subscription service in the US, where users pay a monthly fee and Google goes ahead and automatically prints out your best photos and ships them to you in a little cardboard envelope. You can do whatever you want with the photos, like hang them on the fridge or gift them to people. According to the Google Photos listing, which appears to be only visible to a small number of people to begin with, the company will send you ten prints automatically selected from your last month of photos. The service is listed at $8/month and you'll get ten 4x6 pictures per month printed on white matte cardstock that has a 1/8-inch border. Google Photos has always been a relatively smart place to store your photos, with the service offering to auto edit photos and intelligently compile animations and videos from your albums. While Google Photos wants to continue all of that automation with this subscription service, it will allow users to edit and choose what kind of photos to print. To start, there appears to be three categories: Mostly people and pets, Mostly landscapes, and A little bit of everything. I checked my own Google Photos profile and don't see this trial yet, but I could see myself giving it a shot. I can't get enough pictures of my animals. $8/month, though? That's a little steep. // 9to5 Google

Welp, That Might be It for Blackberry Again

Kellen — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:53:12 +0000

Blackberry made a comeback of sorts in December of 2016 when the name "Blackberry Mobile" was licensed to TCL. The goal there was for TCL to make phones that brought forth the Blackberry brand and software you know, but in modern packages. I think it's safe to say that they did modernize the Blackberry experience some and introduced a number of phones sold to the public. Were any of them successful? Probably not, no. I think a few YouTubers and old-school media types tried to convince themselves that they needed a Blackberry experience in their lives, but the general smartphone audience was into big screens, fast processors, and quality cameras. They weren't into physical keyboards, Blackberry software, and nostalgia. TCL and Blackberry Mobile announced this morning that their licensing deal will come to an end on August 31, 2020. That means TCL will no longer make Blackberry Mobile phones, leaving the future of Blackberry up-in-the-air. If you own a Blackberry Mobile phone, you may see support and warranties until August 31, 2022. To find out if your phone makes that extended cut, you'll need to check with your local "hotline and service center" department. Could another company take on the Blackberry Mobile name and continue to produce devices? Sure! Is that a smart decision that will lead to the rebirth of an old icon? Heh. https://twitter.com/BBMobile/status/1224331849201258496

Galaxy Z Flip Hands-on Video Shows Clamshell in Action

Tim — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:46:56 +0000

We're still a week from Samsung's official Unpacked event, where we expect a ton of new hardware to be announced. As of today, it's pretty certain that Samsung will announce the Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, new Galaxy Buds, as well as this Galaxy Z Flip foldable device. Thanks to the internet, we're getting an early hands-on video with the Galaxy Z Flip, going beyond just a few still images and leaked press renders that we've had. The video is short, but we do get a good look at the clamshell design in action. In addition, we can see the small display on the outside of the device, the one that will be used for glancing at the time and checking on incoming notifications. I suppose we can also admire the device's color, too. The inside of the device looks as expected. It's very tall and narrow, similar to the devices Sony has been producing recently. The main difference is that you can fold the Galaxy Z Flip and you can't fold a Sony phone. Not by design, at least. Reports have this phone priced at about $1,400. Thoughts? https://twitter.com/sliverarow/status/1223915157962625024

DEAL: You Can Still Get a 2-Pack of Nest Hubs for Only $99

Tim — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 14:32:13 +0000

Earlier this week, a crazy good deal on Best Buy popped up that netted you a 2-pack of Nest Hub smart displays for just $99. That's $50 a piece, which is down from their currently listed price of $99 on the Google Store. That deal expired on Best Buy, but it's back again, this time on QVC's dedicated web store. If you didn't catch it the first time around, here's another chance. If you don't have a smart display in your home, they're cool for a few reasons. First, they act as fantastic kitchen timers because you can actually see how much time you have left, instead of having to ask an Assistant-powered speaker how much time is left on the timer. They can be smart home hubs for controlling all sorts of connected gadgets in your house and they are also good picture frames for albums you have inside of Google Photos. At $$99, a 2-pack is a really good buy. Don't miss out.

QVC Link

Podcast: Samsung's Month is Here

Kellen — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 09:23:28 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we'll catch up on the latest in Samsung rumors and leaks. The Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip are everywhere right now with February 11 quickly approaching. After all the Samsung fun, we probably need to feel bad for the Motorola Razr (pre-orders open!), talk about OnePlus entering the world of wireless charging, fresh availability of the new SHIELD Remote, and how Sonos royally f*cked up. We have a Google I/O 2020 date too! Trivia will be back too. Prepare to win stuff. We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern).

EA: Apex Legends for Mobile Still Coming

Tim — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 09:04:34 +0000

Last year in May, EA announced that it was going to bring Apex Legends to mobile devices. We knew it wouldn't be a quick process, taking a title for PC and console then porting it to mobile, but we did kind of expect to hear more about its development as we get closer to it being almost a year since it was first announced. What we're learning now is, EA doesn't appear to be handling the mobile version in-house, and instead, has opted to contract a Chinese partner to not only help develop Apex Legends mobile for the world, but for rolling it out in China, too. During a Q&A session, EA's CFO Blake Jorgensen said the following.

Rolling mobile out in China, you need to have a partner, and we're—as we've said in the prepared remarks today—we're working with a partner there, and we're very excited about the opportunity. That partner is also helping us develop a mobile Apex for the globe—more to come on that in terms of timing.

At this point, we have no idea when Apex Legends may come to mobile devices. I'm sure it'll still be relevant by the time it does, though, since it seems like there isn't a new Battle Royale game every week at the moment, which is a good thing for Apex. // PC Gamer

Google Earth for Mobile Updated With Lovely View of the Stars

Tim — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:23:04 +0000

Desktop users have been benefiting from a starry view inside of Google Earth for a few years now, but this week, Google announced that it's bringing the same wide views of our starry universe to mobile users. If you didn't already know, when you zoom out from Earth inside Google Earth on a desktop, you can see the stars above our planet as if you were 30,000 miles above. That means viewing the Milky Way and all sorts of other beautiful celestial lights.

As smartphones and tablets have become more powerful, we’ve been able to bring the quality of Earth’s web and Pro versions to most smartphones. You can now see a view of the stars as you zoom out from Earth on your phone. Rotate the globe and you’ll see images of the beautiful Milky Way, collected from the European Southern Observatory, depicting the stars as they’d appear to a space explorer at a point some 30,000 miles above the planet.

To check this out for yourself, ensure you have the latest version of Google Earth installed on your device, then zoom out to view some stars.

Google Play Link

// Google

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip Stops at FCC, Shows Off All the LTE Bands

Kellen — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 13:31:40 +0000

The next foldable from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Flip, has already been thoroughly outed. We know most of the specs, what it'll look like, a rough cost, and how worried Motorola should be about it. We also think it'll start as an AT&T exclusive with an unlocked model down the rode. It's looking like wide network support is indeed on the way for when the unlocked version is released. The Galaxy Z Flip under model number SM-F700U stopped through the FCC today with support for all of the major US carriers. There's no 5G here, but we most definitely have major LTE band capabilities on AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. We're talking CDMA-GSM-LTE bands across the board. In addition to wide carrier support, the Galaxy Z Flip features NFC, MST (Samsung Pay), and wireless charging. This second attempt at a foldable from Samsung might be the play.

// FCC

Samsung Opens Reservations for Galaxy S20 Before Announcing the Phone

Kellen — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 12:25:39 +0000

Just as it has done with other recent Galaxy releases, Samsung today opened up its reservation system for the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra ahead of any of those phones being announced. This reservation system gives you first access to pre-orders, once those go live. At this time, Samsung is asking that you provide name, email, and zip code, along with a pick of preferred carrier. You can tell Samsung that you'd prefer unlocked, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or US Cellular for your Galaxy S20 phone, just know that you can change that later on when you order. You don't need money to get on this reservation list, but it does get you access the minute that pre-orders go live and is a good list to get on. Also, prepare for Samsung to host some form of their best-in-business trade-in program for the Galaxy S20. That could mean up to $600 off a Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra if you have select phones to swap, assuming Samsung follows previous pre-order promos. Samsung might have outed the launch date for the Galaxy S20 with this new reservation portal, for those curious. They list March 6 as the first delivery date, should supplies last. With the unveiling of the Galaxy S20 coming on February 11, that's almost a month wait before you'll get your new phone. That's a longer launch period than we are used to, but we'll all survive. Sign-up for Galaxy S20 pre-order access

Thursday Poll: Do You Care About Mobile 5G Yet?

Tim — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 11:56:31 +0000

Thanks to Qualcomm and its new processor, most flagship devices you purchase in the US this year will have the ability to connect to 5G networks. The question is, do you care? Carriers in the US are spending a ton of money to make sure you do care. They're adding special 5G hotspots to sports stadiums across the country, purchasing a lot of television time and online space to advertise it, but importantly, it still comes down to whether it's even available where you live. Thanks to T-Mobile's launch of its nationwide 5G network (coverage map), I finally live in an area that gets 5G, but I don't yet have a phone that can utilize it. Hence, I don't care about 5G currently. If you're not on T-Mobile, you're basically at the mercy of your chosen carrier's 5G network rollout. Depending on where you live, it could either already be there or take quite some time to reach you. Regardless, I'm just curious if you even care about 5G as it stands right now. Do you? [poll id="534"]

DEAL: Motorola Celebrates 100 Million Moto G Sales With BOGO Promo or $100 Off Moto G7

Tim — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 09:41:17 +0000

Motorola is celebrating 100 million Moto G sales with the launch of a new promotion on its web store. For a limited time, folks can pick up select Moto G series devices at up to $100 off or take advantage of a BOGO offer. The way it'll all work is easy to understand, so long as you choose the right phones. With the purchase of a Moto G7, G6, Z4 (unlocked model), Z3, or Motorola One device, you can get a free Moto G6 smartphone (32GB Deep Indigo model). To make the system aware you're trying to get the BOGO deal, you'll need to add both devices to your shopping cart -- the Moto G6 will then show up as free during checkout. If you don't need an additional phone, Motorola is also offering up to $100 off for a Moto G7, bringing its price down to $199. You can also receive $70 off a G7 Power (down to $180) or G7 Play (down to $130). There are lots of additional deals happening on Moto's store, so feel free to give it a look over.

Motorola Link

New ADT-3 Android TV Unit Now Available With Android 10

Kellen — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 09:20:36 +0000

The new Android TV developer unit that Google introduced back in December as the ADT-3 is now available for purchase. This is likely the first opportunity anyone will have to see Android 10 on Android TV. The ADT program, for those not familiar, is the hardware side of Google's efforts to get Android TV in the hands of developers. These are developer testing products first and foremost. Fools like me ordered this because I want to see Android 10, but it's really only built for those needing to test apps on the newest Android TV builds. For specs, the ADT-3 has 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, quad-core processor, Bluetooth 4.2, a single HDMI 2.1 port, microUSB port, LED light, and is the size of a Chromecast dongle that should tuck nicely behind a TV. It also comes with a remote that features power, menu, back, home, Assistant, and volume buttons, along with a circular d-pad. The new ADT-3 is available for purchase from Askey today for $79. There is a shipping cost in there, so you'll probably pay closer to $100. Buy ADT-3 from Askey https://twitter.com/AndroidDev/status/1222927460498624513

A OnePlus 8 With Wireless Charging Sounds Fun

Kellen — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 09:02:09 +0000

OnePlus is known for packing high-end specs into a package that is sold for hundreds of dollars less than comparable phones from companies like Samsung and Google. If there's one complaint, it's the lack of wireless charging that others have included. OnePlus would rather you use their super fast Warp Charge and has been clear about that. Things could be changing there with the OnePlus 8, if some of these recent hints and rumors are to be believed. Yes, OnePlus may be on the verge of adding wireless charging to a phone. While we still don't have any sort of confirmation of this happening, we have one rumor from a week ago from a reliable leaker. They didn't specifically say the OnePlus 8, but that's certainly been implied by this tweet. In addition to that, OnePlus joined the Wireless Power Consortium recently, which is the group that maintains the standards for wireless charging. If you'd like to put wireless charging in a product, being a member of the WPC is probably key, as they manage the Qi standard that the majority of the world utilizes for wireless charging. Is this the confirmation we need that OnePlus is going to give-in and give us wireless charging? No. It does at least show that OnePlus might be softening on the idea. // Android Police | Mobile Scout

Google Play May Soon be Able to Auto Install Apps, Games You Pre-Register For

Tim — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:00:11 +0000

A presumably seldom used feature on Google Play is the ability to pre-register for apps and games. I don't know if you've ever done this before, but as of right now, it's a really worthless feature for users. Every time I've used it, I'm not notified immediately after the app or game I pre-registered for is live on Google Play (it's always a day later or so), and maybe most importantly, it's not like Google Play is going to sell out of an app or game. After all, this is digital content, not some physical thing that is produced in predetermined quantities. Anyway, that's my rant. Now, onto the news. According to XDA, pre-registering for apps and games may actually be useful here in the near future. In an app teardown performed on v18.6.28 of Google Play, code hints that Google's app store will be able to automatically download and install apps and games you've pre-registered for. Below is some sample text from a string of code that was dug up.

"You pre-registered for this app and it's now installed on your device. Enjoy the app!"

This makes total sense and I'm surprised it's taken this long. Good job, Google. // XDA

62 New Emoji Coming This Year, Including the Polar Bear

Kellen — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 13:19:06 +0000

The new emoji for 2020 were announced today and there are 62 of them that weren't there the previous year. We have a polar bear now! We have a bubble tea! We have a transgender flag! We have a smiling face with tear! The new Emoji 13.0 were provided by Unicode as examples for smartphone makers, PC companies, etc. to help create their own. Google has already presented several, including some they pushed for support for. Within the new 62, you'll find all gender variants of "person in veil" and "person in tuxedo." They also pushed for "person feeding baby with a bottle," to represent more parents, rather than just the "breastfeeding" emoji. Along with Microsoft, they sponsored the proposal for the transgender flag (above). Some of the other new emoji include ninja, pinched fingers, lungs, people hugging, black cat, beaver, worm, dodo, military helmet, thong sandal, piñata, magic wand, roller skate, rock (lol), teapot, seal, fly, boomerang, tombstone, and screwdriver. If you would like to see the entire list of new 2020 Emoji, you'll find them here.

// Unicode

Pixel 4 XL: 3 Months Later!

Tim — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:47:08 +0000

Last year I wrote a post declaring that Google needed to "bring the heat" with the Pixel 4 in an effort to keep the series competitive in 2019 with the likes of Samsung and OnePlus. In that post, I offered a wishlist of specs that would help get folks excited for the new Pixels, which somewhat surprisingly, was checked off nearly perfectly by the Pixel 4 XL. Google even offered more than 4GB RAM for the device. Truly shocking. I have been using the phone nearly every day since I first got it, which was late October (full Pixel 4 XL review here), so I have a solid three months of experience with Google's fourth generation flagship Pixel device. Did Google end up bringing that heat? Let's go over our experience so far.

Not the best, but I like Google phones.

It's reasonable to say that while the Pixel 4 XL is a great phone, there are phones that offer more. More in terms of the spec sheet and more in terms of features. This is evident when comparing our favorite phones of 2019. However, I prefer the Google Pixel experience, so while the Samsung fans and OnePlus fans can have their arguments about why their phones are better than mine, I'm completely content with what's in my pocket. Do I think it's a little overpriced for what it is, sure, but things are technically worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. Things that continue to bring me back to Pixel phones include the smooth software experience and the camera (we'll discuss that below). I'd typically list software updates here, too, but we'll have to talk about that down below. Needless to say, Google's been acting a bit strange lately with the software updates. For software, I appreciate the "it just works" approach, which is very similar to what OnePlus does, even though they do still tend to bake in more features than I personally require. Unlike Samsung's One UI, Google's UI, otherwise known as the Pixel Experience, is straightforward and easily navigable. I've even gone ahead and enabled gesture controls and after a week of use, I grew very accustomed to them and have a weird time interacting with phones that still have dedicated navigation buttons. To sum up these feelings, what Google does well as a business, that being software, is great on the Pixel 4 XL and it's one of the main reasons I continue to use Pixel phones. Now, you give me this software in hardware similar to that of Samsung's and you're pretty much describing my perfect phone.

Camera is great!

I recently took a trip and I knew I'd be taking a ton of photos while I was gone. Before heading out, I knew I needed to be carrying a phone that gave me the best chance of capturing the best images, so of course, I opted to have my Pixel 4 XL with me. Given my line of work, I could choose literally any phone I want (Galaxy Note 10, S10+, OnePlus 7 Pro, Saygus V2, etc.), but I know I can count on the Pixel to deliver good still images not just in optimal lighting conditions, but in dark conditions, too. Given I was going to a very remote part of a foreign country, with an opportunity to shoot the night sky, I couldn't pass up the chance to put Night Sight to the test. Night Sight played a massive role in my trip and that's not an understatement. Most of the events I attended on my trip were taking place at night and the Pixel 4 XL kept up with all of my picture taking without hesitation. Not only was I able to take pictures of everything on the ground, but as you can see from some examples below, I was able to take pictures of things in the sky.

What makes the Pixel 4 camera experience special is that it doesn't take a professional to get good shots. All you have to do is point and shoot, and more times than not, you have really good photos that are worthy of sharing with friends and family. Of course, Google's Portrait Mode works amazingly well, too. Really, I am still completely convinced that Google is doing more with just two rear camera sensors than other OEMs are doing with 3+ rear sensors. Thank you for all of your software optimization and continued efforts, Google.

I disabled Soli/Motion Sense.

One of the big hype features on the Pixel 4 lineup is the inclusion of the Soli radar chip, allowing for physical gestures in front of the phone to be turned into actions on the device. For example, when Motion Sense is enabled, you can swipe your hand in front of phone while music is playing to skip tracks. Unfortunately, this feature is way less cool than you'd imagine and three months later we're still waiting to hear if Google intends to bring new features for Soli. I don't know if Google needs help coming up with new ideas for Motion Sense, but just in case you read this, Google, here are a few suggestions!

Battery life holding up fine.

Unlike the Pixel 4, which has battery life that we label as not good at all, my Pixel 4 XL has treated me just fine over the past 3 months. Do we wish the battery was just a bit larger? Yes, but again, it has been getting me through full days with hardly any issues. Going back to my trip, I did have a couple of days where I was getting worried about the battery, but I was using the phone so much that it wasn't surprising me that I was running out of juice well before the day ended. That's what happens when you take about 500 pictures a day on average. When not traveling and just doing my usual day-to-day stuff, it's been fine, but nothing to get too excited about. I average about 3 hours of screen on time, usually going to bed with under 20% battery left. If you use your phone more than I do, my hope is that Google's software work with Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery are able to get you through your days as well. We all use our phones differently, especially over the course of 3 months, so I'd be interested to hear how other Pixel 4 XL owners are doing in this department. For me, it's just fine.

Updates have been kinda weird.

As we saw for the first two months, software updates have been a little odd so far. For the month of January, things appears to be back on track, but a lot of Pixel 4 owners were left waiting for weeks to receive the joint December-January patch via OTA. It wasn't the end of the world, since it was only a security patch and not some major Android version upgrade, but Pixel users expect to have updates hitting their phones within 5 minutes of release from Google, so I suppose I get their frustration. Moving forward, things should be normal for updates.

I miss my fingerprint reader.

Instead of a fingerprint reader, Google included its new Face Unlock tech on the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. While it works great, whether you're wearing sunglasses or laying in bed at night, I miss my fingerprint reader. I don't need to say a lot about this, but here's another reason I am looking forward to the Pixel 4a lineup. It's pretty much confirmed via reports and renders that the phones will have fingerprint readers and not the Face Unlock tech, as to keep the price down, and I am all for it. Bring back the fingerprint reader!

Should you buy a Pixel 4 right now?

This might sound weird, but I'd say you should probably hold off on buying a Pixel 4 or 4 XL. We have the Galaxy S20 lineup coming from Samsung, which should then be followed by the Pixel 4a lineup from Google. For 2020, the 4a phones have us very excited, as they should have what makes the Pixel 4 XL great (software + camera), but will also be quite a bit cheaper than your standard Pixel 4 and 4 XL. However, if you spot a good deal for a Pixel 4 XL and need to take the leap, I'm sure you'll still enjoy the phone very much. I know I am.

Google is Shutting Down Google One Today

Kellen — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:28:40 +0000

Google is preparing to shutdown another service, the company announced today via email. The Google One Today program, which allowed people to donate to different nonprofit projects each day, will close up shop on February 6 after seven years of service. The app lets you check out and learn about new US-based nonprofits, decide if you want to donate as little as $1 to them, do so discreetly if you need to, and possibly share your generosity with others to further help out these nonprofits. Donations were tax-deductible, there were no transaction fees, and the nonprofits were all validated by the IRS and Google For Nonprofits. Google said today that it's shutting down One Today because they are seeing "donors choose other products to fundraise for their favorite nonprofits." Going forward, no new nonprofits will be able to sign-up for One Today, the app will soon be turned off, and any open projects will be deleted. Google ensures us that it will donate 100% of funds to their respective projects prior to shutdown on February 6. RIP. To learn more, head over to the Google One Today website.

Cheers Suicide_Note!

Pixel 3a Up to $100 Off With Free $100 Gift Card is a Sweet Deal

Kellen — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:13:46 +0000

Again, I am well aware that Google could be close to replacing the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL with a Pixel 4a. I know that the 4a will have significant upgrades, maybe include 5G, and look sweet. But that doesn't mean the Pixel 3a at a discount isn't still worth a serious look as your next phone. Right now, Best Buy has both the Pixel 3a and 3a XL at up-to $100 off, plus they are tossing in a $100 gift card with purchase. To get the full $100-off, you'll need to activate with a carrier. If that sounds like absolute hell (and it should), they'll give you $50 off just for buying without activation. So to recap, at least $50 plus a $100 gift card for buying the Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL. Right now, Best Buy has all colors in-stock, all of which include the goods. Shop Pixel 3a, 3a XL at Best Buy

Call Recording in Google's Phone App Looks Like This

Kellen — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 08:49:12 +0000

When we told you a couple of weeks ago that the Google Phone app would soon be able to record incoming and outgoing calls, we weren't sure we would see the feature arrive so quickly. But thanks to a new update to the app, we might be days away from Google revealing the option on Android phones. The newest Google Phone update of version 44 started rolling out last night and the functionality for recording is fully baked in. The folks at XDA got it working and posted a series of screenshots that show each step of the process. When a call is initiated (incoming or outgoing), you'll see a new "Record" button next to the "Hold" button. Tapping on that will start recording the current call. You'll be able to stop the recording at any time, but when finished, that recording will remain as a part of that call's history. You will see the recording attached in you recent call log, be able to play it, and share it (even export in .wav). It also appears that at some point it will try to transcribe those recorded sessions too.

Keep in mind that tapping on the "Record" button will inform the other party that you are recording them and let them know again when you stop. You need to be aware of recording laws in your state too, as it's not legal everywhere you secretly record conversations. Finally, we don't know yet if Google has plans to make this available to its Pixel phones or not. This could be a Xiaomi feature that Google will limit to their phones. Once we know, we'll let you know. // XDA

This is Samsung's Foldable Flip Phone

Kellen — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 17:30:07 +0000

We aren't to February 11, for those keeping track, yet here we are sharing all there is to share about Samsung's next foldable phone, dubbed Galaxy Z Flip. Awful name aside, this phone might be incredible, assuming Samsung has taken care of the numerous durability issues that came with the original Galaxy Fold. Today's massive leak arrives from WinFuture, who not only provided pictures from all angles, we have full specs too. If there was something in particular you wanted to know about the Galaxy Z Flip, it's here. First off, the name is apparently now confirmed as Galaxy Z Flip (SM-F700). Yes, that's quite possibly the worst name in smartphone history and should have just been "Galaxy Flip," but we've got to work with it. That extra Z in there is completely unnecessary, though I'm not sure anyone would call Samsung a master of name scheming. As for the phone itself, it is indeed a flip phone that unfolds into a typical candy bar styled phone. When unfolded, you will have access to a 6.7" AMOLED display at Full HD+ (2636x1080) that features some sort of new "Ultra Thin Glass" covering. This should help with some of those previously mentioned durability concerns. Other specs include 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS 3.0 storage (no SD slot), 10MP front camera embedded within the display, 3300mAh battery, and a Snapdragon 855+ processor. For software, you are looking at Android 10 with Samsung's One UI 2.

On the back (or when folded), you get a dual camera setup with 12MP Dual Pixel main shooter (f/1.8) alongside a 12MP ultra wide (f/2.2, 123-degree FOV) lens. Next to that camera is a 1" AMOLED panel that will show you bits of information (time, notifications) when the phone is closed. There is a side-mounted fingerprint reader too. When opened up, the device will measure just 7.2mm thick. When folded, you are looking at double that, so around 15-17mm thick. For weight, the device weighs in at 183g.

I hate to say it, but if this phone launches in the US, I can't imagine anyone buying Motorola's new Razr over this. On specs, this absolutely puts that foldable from Motorola to shame at around the same price. Unfortunately for those in the US, this is reported to be an AT&T exclusive. Ugh. Y'all ready for 2020, the year of the flip phone? // WinFuture

Report: Google is Making Some Sort of Unified Communications App

Kellen — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:27:00 +0000

Blackberry used to have this unified inbox service or app that let you combine communications from a variety of services. It was super handy as a catch-all location for all of the notifications that came from messaging or email apps. According to a new report, Google may be working on something similar. The Information is reporting today that Google is making a mobile application for its business or G Suite customers that "brings together the functions of several standalone apps," like Gmail and Drive, Hangouts Meet and Chat. It's hard to know what that means exactly. Will you be able to respond to emails through this app? Will you be able to access documents and video calls and conversations too? Why do that within a single app and not just from notifications you get from those apps separately? The details here are scarce, but I can imagine it's because of the popularity of apps like Slack, that have integrations with all sorts of services. Or maybe Google is bored again and needs to come up with another new way to communicate. Who knows. It sounds like to start, this new app will be a part of G Suite, so you may never see it. After all, we're still waiting on Hangouts Chat to open up to consumers. // The Information (Subscription) | The Verge

Google Created a Sweet New Way to Flash Android Builds Through a Browser

Kellen — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:53:15 +0000

The Android Flash Tool is here.

Getting the newest updates on a Google Pixel phones hasn't always been the easiest process. You could hope that the "Check for updates" button works this month, wait for Google's slow rollout of a new update to eventually land on your phone, or manually flash the newest builds through a command prompt and adb. That last option still terrifies people to this day, even if the process isn't all that difficult. With a bit of news today from the Android Developers team, I can't help but wonder if they are considering a way to make that process easier for you and I. The Android Developers team announced the Android Flash Tool, which lets you flash AOSP builds to Pixel phones through the Chrome browser on your desktop with a couple of clicks. Now, to be clear, this is not a Pixel update tool. You aren't going to use this with February's Android security patch. This is for developers who want to flash the newest AOSP builds for testing purposes by connecting their phone to a computer, clicking a couple of buttons, and getting that new build. Rather than compiling or adb-ing or fastbooting and all that intimidating stuff, now, you just need a browser and a cable to connect to your supported phone. I just gave it a shot, plugged in a Pixel 3, and sure enough, there were two builds showing as available for me. I didn't flash them because I'm not a developer (and you need an unlocked bootloader), but I can see how simple this process is and that's quite exciting. How cool would this be as a way to get updates for your Pixel 2 or Pixel 3 or Pixel 4? To give it a try or at least check it out, head over to flash.android.com. // Android Developers Blog

DEAL: Pick Up Brydge's Wireless Pixel Slate Keyboard for $80 (50% Off), C-Type Keyboard for $80 (20% Off)

Tim — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:38:10 +0000

Running until March 31, Brydge is hosting a sale on two of its wireless Bluetooth keyboards -- the G-Type wireless keyboard for the Pixel Slate, as well as the C-Type keyboard for Chrome OS devices. For pricing, Brydge has the Pixel Slate keyboard down 50% from $160, all the way down to $80. For the Chrome OS keyboard, you can snag it for $80, which is 20% off from its usual $100 price. While that may sound expensive for a wireless keyboard, Brydge is a premium brand that delivers well made products, with both of these keyboards designed to make your Pixel Slate or Chrome OS device experience that much better. For example, the Pixel Slate keyboard offers an aluminum body, backlit adjustable keys, a glass trackpad, and is listed at 6 months of battery life on a single charge. The C-Type keyboard offers dual connectivity (USB-C + Bluetooth), dedicated Google Assistant button, dedicated Chrome OS keys for easy navigation and controls, and the same 6 month battery life. You can snag either of the keyboards by following the links below.

Brydge Links: Pixel Slate Keyboard | Chrome OS Keyboard

Stadia Pro Users Get GYLT, Metro Exodus for Free Starting February 1

Tim — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 09:14:12 +0000

Stadia announced this morning which games Stadia pro users can expect to get added to their library for free in the month of February, as well as which deals they can look forward to beginning January 28 (that's today!). For Pro users, you can claim GYLT and Metro Exodus for no charge starting February 1. You can see game descriptions below. Also to note, you have until the end of this month to claim Rise of the Tomb Raider and Samurai Shodown for free.

New Free Games for Stadia Pro

GYLT is a haunted tale of mystery and terror. Face your worst fears as you travel through a nightmarishly beautiful universe crafted by the storytelling masters at Tequila Works.
In Metro Exodus, flee the shattered ruins of dead Moscow and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in the greatest Metro adventure yet.

Stadia Deals

We’ve got new special savings for Pro subscribers. From January 28 to February 5, get 60% off Mortal Kombat 11 and select content on Stadia, including:

Mortal Kombat 11 for $24.00 USD

Mortal Kombat 11 Premium Edition for $36.00 USD

Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack for $16.00 USD

Also, from January 28 to February 4, get 40% off Just Dance 2020 and 60% off Trials Rising, including:

Just Dance 2020 for $29.99 USD

Trials Rising for $10.00 USD

Trials Rising - Digital Gold Edition for $16.00 USD

Stadia users, are you still enjoying Google's cloud-based gaming service? // Stadia

DEAL: Best Buy Hosting Nest Hub BOGO Promo, 2-Pack for $99!

Tim — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 08:34:55 +0000

Whether you need them or not, it's tough to deny a 2-pack of Nest Hub units for just $99 at Best Buy. That's a really good deal for Google's smart display device with Google Assistant. For those not aware of what these displays do, they are powered by a Google Assistant experience that is designed to help you control your smart home, have talks via Duo, give you the heads up on your morning commute, and help you in the kitchen by showcasing recipes and kitchen timers. They're also being updated regularly with new features. Best Buy appears to have two color options available for the 2-packs, the Chalk and Charcoal colors. Get it before it's gone!

Best Buy Links: Chalk ($99) | Charcoal ($99)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9nCEiNpxUc

Samsung Smiles at Galaxy S9 Owners, Blesses Them With Android 10

Kellen — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 08:18:51 +0000

Samsung has done a really nice job of updating its 2019 phones to Android 10 at a quicker pace than in any prior years. The Galaxy S10 and Note 10 devices have been on the latest version of Android for almost two months now. We weren't sure if that quickness would follow over to its 2018 phones, because older phones are often even slower to pick-up these bigger updates, but Samsung is starting to come through again. The first Android 10 updates for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in the US are here. They don't appear to be widespread, but owners of the S9 on Xfinity Mobile are taking to ~~the streets~~ reddit to tell their Android 10 stories. The build, at least for Xfinity folks, is showing up as G960USQU7DTA5 and weighs in at almost 2GB. It includes the January 1 security patch.

What's new? Some decent stuff! Full screen gestures are here. The dark mode is darker in more places. Icons are more vivid and can move. There are more digital wellbeing features, better rounding to corners, and...lol. There really aren't that many new things, unfortunately. To check for the update, head into Settings>System update.

Google Duo Gets a Sweet New Notes Feature

Kellen — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:04:10 +0000

Google Duo, an app I've never used but is apparently all the rage with Google folk, is getting a fun new feature today that lets users send notes to contacts. I don't know that it has an official name, but you'll now be able to doodle on screen to send over a note to someone rather than leave a video message. Some examples can be seen above. I'm not sure there is much else to say after you look at those, but it looks like you'll have options for pen types, various colors, and that's about it. So the next time you fire up Duo and the person you want to talk to isn't available, send them a note! The new feature should hit all phones by the end of the week. Google Play Link // Android Police

#AndroidHelp Hashtag Hotline on Twitter Fired Up to Solve Your Android Issues

Tim — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 14:51:17 +0000

The Android team has launched an official #AndroidHelp hashtag on Twitter this week, aimed at helping you solve your Android-related issues. Keep in mind, there were 2.5 billion active Android devices as of last May, so depending on how many people seek help from this source, we hate to say that it could take some time for your problem to be solved. Here are just a few of the tweets the #AndroidHelp hashtag has already received on Twitter. Needless to say, this is gonna be great. https://twitter.com/BonCardi/status/1221867465241767936 https://twitter.com/tumigader/status/1221903677960658946 https://twitter.com/spoupart/status/1221912549635084288 I foresee the receiving end of this hashtag being a stressful, yet somewhat comical existence. From what I've seen on Twitter, most of the issues submitted so far center around when some odd device will receive the next version of Android or if Google intends to make Android 10's gesture navigation any better. The problem is, Google doesn't control exactly when every device receives new Android versions, and as for gestures, I have no comment on the subject. While I appreciate the Android team's desire to give folks a place to ask questions, I don't know if hashtag-based Twitter support is the best approach. Sounds like a bloody nightmare to me. In a perfect world, all Android users would be able to speak with their device's OEM for specific issues, since many devices -- like Samsung for example -- even have their own set of software features that say a Google Pixel expert may not be versed in. At the end of the day, Android is a bizarre OS in terms of software support. Go give it a try for yourself, should you require it. https://twitter.com/Android/status/1221863317892931584 // reddit

Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung's Other Foldable, Reported to be AT&T Exclusive and Cost $1,400

Tim — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:24:00 +0000

XDA's Max Weinbach has new Galaxy Z Flip (previously thought to be called Galaxy Bloom) information this week, important for anyone who is currently saving money for Samsung's upcoming foldable. According to Weinbach, the new foldable style will be a timed AT&T exclusive in terms of carriers, but an unlocked model will be made available. AT&T also carried last year's Galaxy Fold, so this isn't too shocking. As for the price, brace yourself, because it's reported that the device could cost $1,400. Obviously, that's a lot better than $2,000 (that was the price of the Galaxy Fold), but yeah, that's not inexpensive. However, comparing that to Motorola's own foldable at $1,500, Samsung's pricing isn't bad at all. As for launch, Galaxy Z Flip is reported to be available starting February 14 (Friday), just 3 days after the Unpacked event on the 11th. I don't want to spend a lot of time on this, but Galaxy Z Flip is one of the worst names ever. // @MaxWeinbach

'True' Galaxy Fold Successor Said to be Coming Q2, Feature 5G and S Pen

Tim — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:58:49 +0000

According to XDA's Max Weinbach, we should expect to see the true Galaxy Fold successor come this year in Q2. So you don't have to Google it, that's April 1 to June 30, 2020. Not only did Weinbach offer a timeframe from his sources, but to be thoughtful, he also gathered all of the yet-reported specs we can expect. From information reported by Korean outlets and Bloomberg, the next Galaxy Fold can be expected to feature a Snapdragon 865 processor, 8" display, ultra-thin glass, 108MP camera (likely what the new Galaxy S20 Ultra is getting), 5G connectivity, as well as an S Pen. To clarify, this device would be a direct followup to the original Galaxy Fold device (above), which is different from the foldable we expect Samsung to showcase at February's Unpacked event. If you're into the folding tablet look, this would be the one to get excited about. Q2 really isn't that far away, so feel free to start saving your money now. // @MaxWeinbach

Google Camera Update Hints at New Pixel Phones, Video Improvements

Kellen — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:49:07 +0000

An update for the Google Camera update that showed up over the weekend gives us two hints about the future of Google Pixel phones. For one, we might get a video improvement, which is an area that Google's Pixel 4 got hammered on in early reviews. Additionally, we got another tease about the upcoming Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL. The update is arriving as Google Camera 7.3 and it may have tipped off a future 24fps feature for video recording. The guys at XDA noticed a couple of strings that mention "fps_24" and "fps_24_desc." There isn't currently a 24fps option in the camera app, only 30fps, so this is new. The significance there is that Google's camera app has not nearly enough options in it. Adding 24fps at least gives people the option to shoot in a more cinematic, standard way. We'd love to get 60fps too, but that may not happen any time soon. As for the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL mentions, the new Camera app also includes listings for the codenames that we believe will be those devices. Specifically, sunfish and bramble were found twice within the new Camera app, along with a "pixel_20_mid_range" string, while redfin was only spotted once. XDA believes that sunfish and bramble will be the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL, respectively, and that redfin might just be a development board. The sunfish and bramble phones were previously thought to be Snapdragon 730 and 5G-equipped Snapdragon 765 devices, respectively. Again, though, the inclusion of 5G in bramble worries us that prices might jump significantly over last year's perfectly priced Pixel 3a and 3a XL. // XDA

Older SHIELD TV Units Pick Up Support for New SHIELD Remote in 8.0.2 Update

Tim — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:32:33 +0000

An update is rolling out to older SHIELD TV models this week, one that mainly focuses on adding support for the new SHIELD Remote, which happens to now be purchasable separately from the new SHIELD TV units. Sweeeeet! For details on new SHIELD Remote, check out our SHIELD TV (2019) review, but the highlights include dedicated volume buttons, a sweet new design, motion activated back-lit buttons, plus a remote locator feature. In the update, which is labeled as Upgrade 8.0.2, NVIDIA also notes an updated Plex app, new BET+ app, new games, support for the new XBOX Elite 2 controller, support for Sanscrit USB DAC, and that the Channels DVR app can now store recorded content on NAS. Go get that update, SHIELD TV lovers. // NVIDIA

Pre-Order Galaxy S20+, Get Free Set of Galaxy Buds+

Tim — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:16:49 +0000

According to a recently leaked image from @evleaks, anyone who intends on preordering a new Galaxy S20 device from Samsung will be treated to a free pair of Galaxy Buds+, the sequel earbuds to the original Galaxy Buds. Galaxy Buds from Samsung are one of our favorite little audio accessories currently, as they're insanely comfortable to use, totally wireless, and sound rather nice. As for the Galaxy Buds+, they aren't yet official so we don't know a ton of details, but we assume they'll pack minor upgrades over the original model. Reports peg them to have larger batteries, but will lack active noise cancellation. Samsung is obviously no stranger to including free gifts with the preorder or purchase of a new device. After all, they need some way to get folks excited about spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Considering how good we think Galaxy Buds are, though, this will be a solid gift. It also drives home that the 3.5mm headphone jack is dying (won't be included on the S20 series) and you should probably plan on getting used to wireless audio. February 11, we will have all of the details straight from Samsung. // @evleaks

Official Successor to Vine Launches, Available Now on Android and iOS

Tim — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:38:13 +0000

At long last, a successor to Vine has arrived in the form of byte, a new 6-second video clip sharing platform. Available over this past weekend on both Android and iOS, byte is essentially the same exact thing as Vine was. Creators can make video clips of up to six seconds, then share that content with those who follow them. There's plenty of content categories, too. You can be into comedy, science, art, plus a bunch of other things. The first few updates for byte appear to have been bug fixes, so if you run into issues, rest assured that they'll likely get squashed soon enough. This is a new platform with what will inevitably be millions of users, so try to have some fun.

Google Play Link

https://twitter.com/byte_app/status/1220863425498185728

New NVIDIA SHIELD Remote Now Available as Separate Purchase

Kellen — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 07:49:58 +0000

The new NVIDIA SHIELD TV picked up its first discount this week, but one could argue that the separation of its new remote might be a bigger deal. We have been waiting since launch last October for this to happen and the day has finally come. You can now buy the new NVIDIA SHIELD Remote for $29.99. The new SHIELD Remote is a big improvement over the previous two models. It actually stays connected at all times, offers quick interactions without the lag of old, has easily replaceable AAA batteries, lights up when you touch or use it, has IR for TV control, a mic for Assistant actions, and a triangular shape that you'll quickly get used to. This new SHIELD Remote will work with all older SHIELD TV boxes, according to NVIDIA. That means you may not have to upgrade your SHIELD TV in order to get an improved experience. I can tell you that I most definitely ordered one this morning for my older SHIELD in my bedroom. At $29.99, NVIDIA's store is offering free shipping. At this time, they are the only retailer selling it. Should it pop-up at Amazon or Best Buy, we'll update this post. Shop NVIDIA SHIELD Accessories

NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2019) Gets First Discount and is $20 Off (Updated)

Kellen — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 23:12:16 +0000

The new NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2019), after having arrived towards the end of last year, hasn't seen the discounts we expected. There was no Black Friday deal, no last-minute Xmas deal, and no real discounts up until this moment. Today, though, we've got our first SHIELD TV discount. Today's deal at Amazon is on the smaller, cylindrical SHIELD TV, not the Pro. That's not to take anything away from it, as it'll still handle all of your Android TV media needs. It might not be the gaming powerhouse of the Pro, but I'd imagine most won't care. You just want a bad-ass streaming device, right? With an already reasonable price of $149, this drops it further to $129.99. After a quick look, it appears that this is a price drop at multiple retailers. We've included links to both Amazon and Best Buy below, but feel free to shop around if you have gift cards or prefer dealers. Want to know what we think about the SHIELD TV (2019)? Our review is a good place to start.

UPDATE: Don't want a new SHIELD TV box because you already own one? You can now buy the remote by itself!

Amazon Deal Link | Best Buy Link

Motorola's $1500 Foldable Razr Now Up For Pre-Order!

Kellen — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 07:28:41 +0000

The time has come for you to relive your old foldable flip phones days with a modern device. The Motorola Razr is back and available for pre-order right now! At $1500, this phone is one of the most expensive ever sold, but that's because it features foldable screen technology we are seeing for the first time outside of Samsung's Galaxy Fold. This is quite a bit different than that phone, though, as the Razr unfolds from small flip phone to normal sized phone, while the Galaxy Fold went from thick-as-hell phone to tablet. Verizon is the exclusive carrier partner for this new foldable Razr. If you want one, you will have to use it on Verizon's network, even if you buy from Motorola or Walmart stores. Verizon is also selling it. If you don't have $1500 to spend on the Razr upfront, you can break this out into 24 monthly payments of $62.49/mo. Man, that's a lot of money. What do you get for that price? Other than it being a foldable, the specs are actually pretty mid-range and not that impressive. The display resolution barely tops 720p, it lacks a top-tier processor (Snapdragon 710), there's a single main camera, and the battery is just 2510mAh. You do have 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, fingerprint reader, and faster charging at least. Ready to pull the trigger? Devices are expected to arrive by February 6.

Pre-order Motorola Razr:

Some LG Phones May Not See Android 10 Update Until Q4

Tim — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 13:38:20 +0000

LG recently pushed out Android 10 to the G8 smartphone on Verizon, but today, we're learning from LG Italy that it might be a while before some LG device owners see that same update. To cut right to it, LG says V50 owners can expect Android 10 in early February. After that, during Q2 of 2020, the G8X will receive Android 10. Then, in Q3, it will roll out to the G7, G8S and V40. If you own a K50S, K40S, K50, or Q60, you're looking at a Q4 timeframe for the Android 10 update. Keep in mind, Android 11 will certainly be released by then. Snippet from LG Italy's blog below.

The first smartphone to implement the new update to Android 10 - scheduled for early February - will be LG V50, the first LG mobile device with 5G connectivity and equipped with a Dual Screen accessory. Afterwards, during the second quarter of 2020, it will be the turn of the G8X, the first smartphone with dual display included, to double its multitasking operations. In the third quarter of 2020, the update to Android 10 will be available on other models including LG G7, G8S and V40, while LG K50S, K40S, K50 and Q60 will be able to take advantage of the updated features in the last quarter of 2020.

Again, this is LG Italy, so things could be slightly different for us in the US, but that's unlikely. For now, if you own a V50, expect to be first up come next month. For G8X owners, you're in-the-hole. // LG Italy

Sprint Will Fix Your Galaxy Phone's Broken Screen for Just $49, Even Non Customers

Tim — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:38:40 +0000

Sprint has a new promo for select Galaxy smartphone owners taking place right now, allowing folks (even those who aren't Sprint customers) with busted screens to get a screen replacement for just $49. Since a lot of places want about $100 for the same type of repair, Sprint is offering a pretty good deal right here. You can see all of the eligible Galaxy devices below, but the main thing you need to know is, you'll need to be near a Sprint store that offers service and repair in order to take advantage of this. Not all Sprint locations offer that. After looking at a map of where I live, there isn't a single store in Portland's city limits that offers it.

Eligible Phones

Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S9+
Samsung Galaxy Note8

Fine Print

Ends 2/9/20. While Supplies last. Reqs. eligible Galaxy phone in working condition; not all screens are repairable. Only available at Sprint Stores with service and repair. Same day service not guaranteed. Limit 1 per customer. Sprint reserves the right to reject any phone for repair. Not combinable with insurance claims. Not available in Puerto Rico.

So, if you own one of the above devices and have a busted screen you want fixed for $49, you have until February 9 to get it done.

Broken Screen Repair

Cheers Javier!

Galaxy S20 FCC Listing Reveals 5G Band Support

Kellen — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:11:18 +0000

Assuming you have followed the saga of the Galaxy S20 up until this point, I can't imagine there isn't much you don't already know about it. You know what each phone will look like, what their cameras are capable of, and most of the specs. With a first sighting of a Galaxy S20 at the FCC today, we're piecing together some of the final details as we prepare for February 11. The Galaxy S20 is the only phone there so far as model SM-G981U. This is the US model that will likely be sold as both unlocked and with carriers, since it supports everything available in the US. We also believe there will be model numbers of SM-G986 (S20+ 5G) and SM-G988 (S20 Ultra 5G), though we didn't find those at the FCC just yet. There may be LTE models internationally as SM-G981 (S20) and SM-G985 (S20+) at some point too. As far as new stuff goes, the big find here is the cellular connectivity section, where we get details about LTE and 5G bands. The LTE bands you'll need are all there, so I won't waste your time talking about those. Instead, let's talk 5G, since this is going to be the year that all phones have some form of 5G support.

To figure this out, pay attention to the NR section in the Galaxy S20 5G band section above. 5G NR is the industry standard for 5G, in case you were wondering what that meant. What we are seeing here is support for 5G bands n2, n5 (AT&T), n41 (Sprint), n66, and n71 (T-Mobile). With those bands, you are getting low-band (AT&T, T-Mobile) and mid-band (Sprint) 5G support, which is exactly the types of 5G networks we have live from the carriers we specified. You'll notice I didn't name Verizon there and that's because they are currently only pushing mmW 5G, which is high-band 5G (n261) and not listed. I'm not sure if that's because these phones just don't support that at all or if Verizon is going to have its own models. Additionally, this FCC filing reveals NFC, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), and MST (Samsung Pay). Should we find more, we'll be sure to update this post. // FCC

T-Mobile Launches Own Lineup of 'GoTo' Wireless Chargers, Cables, Cases, and Other Accessories

Tim — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:08:10 +0000

T-Mobile is launching its own line of smartphone accessory essentials, naming the lineup GoTo. The list of accessories under the GoTo name is rather extensive. T-Mobile now has its own 10W wireless charging pad for $30, 10,000mAh power pack for $40, cases for all sorts of devices, screen protectors, and all of the various cable configurations you might ever need. T-Mobile specifies that chargers start at $10, smartphone cases start at $20, and screen protectors start at $25 for film, $40 for glass, and $45 for curved glass. The GoTo line of accessories are available for purchase starting today either in-store or online. Customers can choose to pay up front for the accessories or pay them off monthly via their existing bill. Considering the most expensive items are still under $50, which are select screen protectors, you'd be amazed at how low T-Mobile has the monthly payments set for certain accessories.

Shop GoTo Accessories

// T-Mobile

Google's AirDrop Competitor, Nearby Sharing, Shown Off in Video

Tim — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 08:48:30 +0000

Earlier this month, Google's currently in development competitor to Apple's AirDrop was detailed by XDA, shown to be called Nearby Sharing and scheduled for what we hope is release a little later this year. This morning, a physical hands-on video with the feature was posted by XDA, with a user going over the feature and showing us all how it works between a couple of Pixel devices. It should be noted that Nearby Sharing is expected to work on many different Android devices, not just Google Pixel models. As we already knew from the past dive into the feature, Nearby Sharing uses Bluetooth to first establish the connection between two devices. Google details that this is all made easier if devices trying to establish a connection are within 1ft. of each other. Once connected, you can choose in the settings to utilize WiFi for transferring files, which will allow for much great data transfer speeds. Once all of the settings are gone through, a quick demo is provided on how it works. As you'll see if you watch the video, it works well, but is still clearly in development and not quite ready for major release. Maybe soon, though. I suppose if using Google Drive or some other app is too much or too slow, Nearby Sharing will hopefully do its job well for users looking to transfer data quickly and securely. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVcGDDRMoWg // XDA

Pixel 3a is $50 Off Right Now and You Get $100 Extra to Spend

Kellen — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 07:48:28 +0000

The Pixel 3a remains one of the best value smartphones on the market, even if we are expecting a Pixel 4a to replace it in a few months. At around $400, with Google's software and updates, a really great camera, and a fabulous plastic body, there aren't many phones in this price range to consider over it, if any. When the Pixel 3a gets a discount, well, it becomes about the only option. We have one of those today too! The Pixel 3a is currently $50 off, plus the retailer you buy it from will give a $100 gift card to spend. So that's a Pixel 3a today for $349 with a $100 gift card to spend on top of it. As of post time, B&H Photo and Best Buy have the deal in Just Black, Clearly White, and Purple-ish, but it looks like Amazon is preparing to match it. They've created the listings for it and likely just need to flip a switch on the price.

UPDATE: Yep, Amazon matched.

Shop Pixel 3a:

DEAL: Anker Smart Bulbs, Smart Plugs, and Power Banks All on Sale This Week

Tim — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 15:58:14 +0000

Anker has a new lineup of deals over on Amazon this week, including savings on power banks, connected light bulbs, as well as connected plugs. For specifics, you can get 20,000mAh bank for just $37 (down from $50), 2-pack of Lumos smart bulbs for $26 (down from $40), smart plug for $14 (down from $23), and even a 24-pack of AAA batteries for $7. All of the links and prices you need are below.

Have at it.

Sonos Backpedals, Will Let Legacy Products Live Longer

Kellen — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:02:24 +0000

Sonos pissed a lot of people off earlier this week when they announced that select legacy products would no longer be supported come this May. The announcement for that change was probably made worse by the additional news that those older legacy products would stop your other, modern Sonos devices from seeing new software updates too. It's all been one big disaster of a week for Sonos. Today, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence responded to the criticism, saying that they have some ideas on how to keep everyone happy and their Sonos products working. In the letter showing up in Sonos owner inboxes, Spence says that you should understand that they are not forcing any of your Sonos goods into obsolescence. For your legacy products that were due to be retired, they still aren't going to get new software features, but the goal now is to at least provide bug fixes and security patches to them "as long as possible." As for the issue with legacy products holding back modern products, Spence says that they are "working on a way to split your system so that modern products work together and get the latest features." That's big news, because there were a whole bunch of us not happy with this idea that our still-supported devices might be left behind. The details there are still being finalized and they hope to share more in the coming weeks. Should Sonos run into issues that they can't find a fix for, they will "work to offer an alternative solution." I'm hoping that means bigger discounts on replacement products than the 30% off Trade Up program currently offers. Be sure to read the full letter below if you own Sonos products that were going to be affected in May.

All Sonos products will continue to work past May We heard you. We did not get this right from the start. My apologies for that and I wanted to personally assure you of the path forward: First, rest assured that come May, when we end new software updates for our legacy products, they will continue to work just as they do today. We are not bricking them, we are not forcing them into obsolescence, and we are not taking anything away. Many of you have invested heavily in your Sonos systems, and we intend to honor that investment for as long as possible. While legacy Sonos products won’t get new software features, we pledge to keep them updated with bug fixes and security patches for as long as possible. If we run into something core to the experience that can’t be addressed, we’ll work to offer an alternative solution and let you know about any changes you’ll see in your experience. Secondly, we heard you on the issue of legacy products and modern products not being able to coexist in your home. We are working on a way to split your system so that modern products work together and get the latest features, while legacy products work together and remain in their current state. We’re finalizing details on this plan and will share more in the coming weeks. While we have a lot of great products and features in the pipeline, we want our customers to upgrade to our latest and greatest products when they’re excited by what the new products offer, not because they feel forced to do so. That’s the intent of the trade up program we launched for our loyal customers. Thank you for being a Sonos customer. Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. I hope that you’ll forgive our misstep, and let us earn back your trust. Without you, Sonos wouldn't exist and we’ll work harder than ever to earn your loyalty every single day. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Patrick Patrick Spence CEO, Sonos

New and Official, Free-to-Play Tetris Game Released for Android

Tim — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 13:31:41 +0000

Tetris fans, a new and official Tetris title has launched for Android and iOS, here to replace the now-deleted Tetris app that launched back in 2011. In the changelog for the old Tetris app, EA writes, "We have had an amazing journey with you so far but sadly, it is time to say goodbye. As of April 21, 2020, EA’s Tetris app will be retired, and will no longer be available to play." This new title is licensed by Tetris Company, developed by N3TWORK as part of a new multiyear agreement. So, if you were wondering what all of the Tetris fuss has been about, there you go. The new Tetris game features your classic single player Tetris gameplay, complete with swipe controls and haptic feedback. The game also features online and offline play, meaning this game will be good for your next flight from the airport. Features

Traditional Gameplay – Put your Tetris skills to the test. Clear lines and score BIG!
Intuitive Touch Controls – Place and rotate Tetriminos with ease and accuracy
Offline Play – Play Tetris anytime, anywhere
Themes & Avatars – Show your Tetris style with over 5 themes & 50 avatars to choose from

Tetris is free to download on Google Play, but heads up, there are in-app purchases.

Google Play Link

OnePlus Hints at a Phone Future With Less Glass

Kellen — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 12:13:54 +0000

The introduction of glass to the rear of smartphones has been one of my least favorite industry-wide adoptions of all time. Glass is not a premium material. Glass might be pretty to look at and touch, but by no means has taking care of it been fun. With glass, you are either worrying every time you set your phone down that it may crack or contemplating a case to cover up that pretty design. I'm failing to remember where the glass idea started, though the Galaxy S6 is probably the line of devices that helped take in mainstream. Since then, Samsung hasn't released a premium phone that isn't dripping in glass, plus Google and OnePlus both made the switch in recent years, as have companies like Huawei and LG. Glass is everywhere and no one has shown any signs that they may be willing to leave it behind in favor of something else. Well, that's not entirely true. OnePlus might be our savior. OnePlus stopped by CES a few weeks ago to show off the OnePlus Concept One, a phone that mostly made headlines because it had a disappearing camera and a built-in ND filter. As cool as those two ideas are, it's the material choice for the backside that I'm now more interested in after OnePlus' Kevin Tao shared thoughts today on a possible material change in future OnePlus phones following this concept device. Tao was asked in a Q&A at OnePlus' Community why they decided to put leather on the phone? He said the following:

This is the first time OnePlus explored leather back design. We believe leather is a material that achieves the premium build quality we strive for, providing a soft touch, while also create a thinner handfeel when compared to glass. We worked with McLaren on applying the same premium leather that is used on the 720s.

Where this gets interesting for the future of phones is this comment:

In future, if we intend to apply similar back design, we will look into alternate materials that can achieve the same look and feel with leather, while being more environmentally friendly and easier to keep clean in the long run.

That may not be a promise of different backsides, but they are at least entertaining the idea. The whole point of a concept phone line is to test out ideas like this, get feedback, figure out if a change would improve the experience (this would), and make decisions on whether or not to officially adopt them. In a way, OnePlus, after ditching metal for glass, is openly admitting here that other materials, like leather or something similar, feels better in the hand. As much as I'd love to see them use leather, because it looks incredibly good with age, I appreciate OnePlus acknowledging that a more responsible material would be a better option than straight leather. Let's make it happen! Does anyone know how badly I want the phone below to make a comeback? OnePlus, give it to me.

Six Years After Release, Out There Gets Another Major Content Update

Tim — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:29:45 +0000

We recently learned that a sequel to the original Out There game, titled Oceans of Time, will make its way to gamers at some point in 2020. As a major fan of the original Out There title, I'm ridiculously pleased about this. This morning, though, the studio behind Out There announced a massive content update for the old Out There game, a total of six years after its initial release. Inside, the developers have placed new stories, spaceships, and ending for the game. Additionally, you'll find a new technology called The Cocoon, new mechanics for the game, as well as entirely new landing landscapes. Considering the game is six years old and work should be focused on their next title, this is ridiculously awesome. Here's the full chanelog. What's New in The Alliance

30 new interactive stories
3 new spaceships
1 new ending
1 new technology: The Cocoon
New achievements
Unlock new starting spaceships
1 new mechanics: Alien escort
16 new landing landscapes
Updated graphics

Technical Upgrades

Compatible with iPhone X screens
Optimized for recent Apple and Android devices
Achievements now working again on Google Play
Hundreds of bugs fixed on all platforms

The game is priced at just $1, so if you want to give it a shot, please do. This game has had my stamp of approval for over half of a decade.

Google Play Link

Fresh Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ Renders for You

Tim — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 10:38:12 +0000

We were so hyped on seeing fresh Galaxy S20 Ultra renders this morning that we completely missed that 91 mobiles also posted up new renders for the Galaxy S20 (above) and Galaxy S20+. Sweet! We have already seen these devices via previously published CAD renders, but these are definitely more along the lines of press renders. With them, we can see the front, back, and sides of the devices in all of their glass and metal glory.

Galaxy S20+

Thanks to all of the leaks we've seen, there isn't much we don't know about these phones. You can view the reported specs here, but the big stuff includes a whole lotta cameras with high megapixel counts, 120Hz refresh rate capable displays, no headphone jacks, ultrasonic fingerprint readers, plus centered front camera cutouts for the Infinity-O displays. If you're a Samsung fan, you have to be pretty ecstatic for these phones. Everything is aligning for these to be killer devices, and from the renders we've seen, they look really good.

Galaxy S20+

// 91 mobiles

Samsung's Quick Share Could be an AirDrop Alternative, But It Better Do More Than This

Kellen — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:53:27 +0000

I learned today that iPhone users really love AirDrop and use it constantly throughout a day. The ease with which they can share files from phone to computer and back again (or with people) is a productivity feature I wouldn't mind having in my life. As an Android user, that slick file sharing has never been a thing, but Samsung might try their best to make it one with Quick Share. Discovered by XDA, Samsung is working on an AirDrop alternative for Galaxy phones called Quick Share. As the name suggests, this could work both as a quick file sharing service between nearby phones or to the cloud through SmartThings devices. Screenshots shown here present those two options. If you choose to share with "someone nearby," you should see a list of available folks who own supported Samsung phones or tablets that you could send a file to. If you chose the SmartThings share, you get to upload files to SmartThings devices that are temporarily hosted through Samsung Cloud and then streamed to the SmartThings device. For that, you are limited to files 1GB in size and a max of 2GB per day.

OK wait, that sounds nothing like AirDrop. I know, the world is getting a little ahead of itself here. Instead, this is more of a local sharing service that is limited to Samsung phones/tablets and probably won't be used by any of us. Just share your photos and videos through Google Photos, it's so much easier. Or maybe the similar service that Google is working on will be cool. We might not see Quick Share until they release One UI 2.1 (it's not a part of One UI 2.0) or the Galaxy S20 line. Once it does, we'll try to fill you in on whether or not this is anywhere near Apple's AirDrop. // XDA

Galaxy S20 Ultra Renders Detail Massive Camera Housing, 100X 'Space Zoom'

Tim — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:12:13 +0000

February 11 is the date which Samsung will use to show off a whole bunch of new devices. Not including any new foldable or wearable stuff, we're expecting the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Pro, plus the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Up 'til now, we haven't seen much of the Galaxy S20 Ultra, so we're happy the internet has come through once again and leaked renders of the device have made their way online. Where I'm from, when something is large, whether it be a salmon you just pulled from the river or a bass you pulled from a lake, you call it a "honker." To me, the Galaxy S20 Ultra looks to be a honker, not just from the front with its reported 6.9" Infinity-O display, but from the back as well.

Related: Galaxy S20 Family Lineup Specs

These renders appear to confirm that this particular Galaxy device will sport 100X digital zoom (10x optical zoom), which Samsung is calling Space Zoom. Buyers can also expect access to a telephoto lens, ToF lens, plus an ultra-wide lens. Of course, as the saying from Spider-Man goes, with great power, comes insane pricing. According to this leak, pricing for the Galaxy S20 Ultra won't be for everyone. Pricing will start at EUR 1,349 for the base variant, which could either mean $1,349 in the US or convert up to about $1,500. Due to varying SKUs, the price only goes up from there. I love me a honker and this Space Zoom sounds interesting, so in my mind, February 11 should hurry up and get here quick. // 91 mobiles

Buying a T-Mobile OnePlus 6T for $349 Sounds Like a Decent Idea

Kellen — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 08:55:02 +0000

At just over a year old, we wouldn't normally tell you to consider buying a phone unless there is a steep discount attached. Since that's the case with the T-Mobile OnePlus 6T, well, here we are suggesting this as a great phone for the price. OnePlus has the T-Mobile OnePlus 6T listed at $349, which is $200 off its usual $549 price. For that money, you get 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, Snapdragon 845 processor, 3700mAh battery with fast charging, in-display fingerprint reader, dual camera system (20MP + 16MP), and 6.4" AMOLED display with baby teardrop notch. Find me many $350 phones with those specs. Since this is the T-Mobile version, there are some things to know. For one, updates on the T-Mobile version have been slower than unlocked OnePlus models. For example, the 6T on T-Mo does not yet have Android 10, while the unlocked version does. Also, this is likely SIM locked to T-Mobile, unless you can get them to unlock it, but even then, carrier support could be limited. On T-Mobile with a limited budget? This is a solid choice, which our review will tell you all about. Shop OnePlus 6T

Google I/O 2020 is Coming (Update: Going Down May 12 in Mountain View)

Kellen — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 08:26:20 +0000

Update: We have the official dates for Google I/O 2020, with Google announcing that its annual developer conference will take place May 12 through May 14. The event will happen in Mountain View at the Shoreline Amphitheater. As soon as we have details on how to order tickets and all of that jazz, we'll update you again.

Original post That's it, that's the story. https://twitter.com/googledevs/status/1220360633293533185

Should Probably Buy This Google Home Hub for $53 (Updated: More Deals!)

Kellen — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:26:30 +0000

Gamestop, the gaming store that dabbles in electronics, is selling the Google Home Hub at the moment for $53.97. Ummm, that's an insane deal that you probably shouldn't pass on if you've been considering a smart display. The Google Home Hub started out at $149 and was then reduced to $129 by Google. We have seen it drop to around $67 through odd retailers and $59 at eBay, but at roughly $54, this might be the best deal yet. Gamestop currently has the Home Hub (which is the Nest Hub now) in charcoal or chalk with options for delivery or store pickup. If you have a store near you, you may want to reserve and pick-up quickly before they are all gone. What's cool about the Google Home Hub? It's the best digital picture frame you'll ever own, lets you control your smart home, pull-up recipes, watch video (like YouTube), and gets better every few months through updates. For example, Google just announced that it will soon have digital sticky notes, shortcuts to people you call regularly, and more. Hurry!

UPDATE: Gamestop must be hosting some sort of Google blowout sale or something because it's not just the Home Hub that's discounted. A 3-pack of Google WiFi is just $122, Google Home is $44, and Home Mini is $22.
UPDATE 2: It's all starting to sell out. Good luck!

Gamestop Deal Links:

Google Home Hub ($53.97)
Google WiFi 3-Pack ($122.97, 50% off)
Google Home ($44.97)
Google Home Mini ($21.97)

Why OnePlus Phones?

Kellen — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:05:50 +0000

OnePlus is no longer considered to be a small player in the Android game by this community. Their sales numbers may not place them in the upper echelon of phone makers and they may not yet be a household name, but you've told us time and time again that you love their phones. From the OnePlus One through the most recent 7T launches, it's clear that OnePlus has grabbed some attention. So like we did last week with Samsung (and will probably do next week with Google), we're going to ask for your feedback by asking - Why OnePlus phones? What is it that keeps you coming back to upgrade? For me, it started with that original OnePlus One. I remember the clean software that had countless features (it ran CyanogenMod for those who forgot), the insane battery life, that lovely sandstone texture, and of course, the stupidly-cheap price ($299+) on top of a really nice set of specs. The company had its hiccups along the way, though. The OnePlus 2 was mostly a bust, there was that obnoxious invite system for a while, and their promotional tactics certainly ruffled some feathers. But as the young team behind OnePlus matured, so did their phones and the way they sold them. It was around the time of the OnePlus 3 and 3T that everyone here really started to become fans.

OnePlus began focusing on making the smoothest Android experience possible. They refined their hardware while keeping prices mostly low. They then started innovating in charging technology, stacking even more high-end specs into phones, and found a carrier partner, while making sure their phones worked at places like Verizon. OnePlus started doing (almost) everything right and the DL community noticed. Today, OnePlus has ditched its ultra-low pricing, but has kept the high-end specs in packages hundreds of dollars below the competition. They still provide incredible value, but now they've gotten really good at software updates, are improving in the camera department (with sweet new features like a macro lens), are taking fun risks (like pop-up cameras), and might have another carrier partner lined up. I know why I'm a fan of OnePlus. Why are you?

Skagen Falster 3 Unboxing and Tour!

Kellen — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 13:22:41 +0000

REVIEW: Skagen Falster 3

The Skagen Falster 3 is one of those Wear OS watches that we assumed was in the works, but it just seemed to continue to avoid us. Then 2020 kicked off, we went to CES, and the folks at Fossil blessed us with it. Thank you, thank you. After spending a short amount of time with the watch in Las Vegas a few weeks back, we now have one in-house, on-wrist, ready for testing. I know that this is just a repackaged Fossil Gen 5 for the most part, but look, it's hot and I'm excited to wear it for a while. To recap, the Skagen Falster 3 is the $295 third generation version of Skagen's Falster line of Wear OS watches. It features a round AMOLED display, 42mm stainless steel case, Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, NFC, GPS, heartrate monitor, and lugs that hold 22mm straps. It also has three buttons on its right side, along with a rotating crown. See, it's a Gen 5, only a bit smaller. The big deal here is that Danish-inspired minimal design, and yes, it looks great. You can get silver or dark (pictured here) casings as well as 3 watch band options (stainless mesh, rubber, or this combo/leather). Again, you can swap to any band you like, though. What do we think about the Falster 3? Well, it wears quite nicely at 42mm, even if the top-to-bottom lug width is quite long. In fact, it feels similar on wrist to the larger Gen 5 because of that width. It's probably the best looking Wear OS watch I've had around. I'm expecting performance and battery life to be similar to the Gen 5, but we'll get to testing on that right away. Shop Falster 3: Amazon | Skagen Store https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K975Wb-3quE

Sonos Killing Older Speakers is Exactly Why We Need a New Chromecast Audio

Kellen — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 09:47:09 +0000

The announcement from Sonos that they plan to discontinue support for a number of older products has (rightfully) left a sour taste in the mouth of those who spent hundreds (possibly thousands) of dollars on their expensive, high-end WiFi speakers. My guess is that most who buy Sonos products do so assuming they will last a lifetime, similar to what you may expect from non-smart high-end speaker systems. That's probably a fair assumption too, though maybe it's a bit naive in this ever-changing world of technology. Because even as Sonos speakers are speakers first, with a focus on better sounding audio that can play anywhere in your house, they are still pieces of technology. And technology ages quickly, is ever-evolving depending on customer needs, and requires support from the company that sold it to you. Keep in mind that phone companies can barely maintain two years worth of updates and you spend double the price of a Sonos speaker to get one every couple of years. That's not me making an excuse for Sonos, that's just me pointing out the reality of tech in your life that needs software to keep running. Sonos, for the products that they are now putting to rest, has provided support for 10+ years. While there is a deeper conversation to be had there around the expectations of support for the different types of tech products we buy, my mind this morning as I sent a Spotify playlist over to my non-smart Polk Audio bookshelf speakers from 2012, couldn't help but think, "Where the hell is Google's replacement for Chromecast Audio?" It would solve problems like this and possibly push you away from smart speakers that might end up in the e-recycle bin. For those not familiar, Google's Chromecast Audio was introduced in 2015, took the Cast abilities of the regular Chromecast and brought it to speakers, allowing you to bring new life to your potentially older in-home audio setup. You can Cast almost any music service to one, attach the Chromecast Audio speakers to audio groups in Google Home, and again, bring general smarts to speakers you may have purchased years and years ago for just $35 (or even cheaper when discounted). Unfortunately, Google killed the Chromecast Audio at the beginning of 2019 and has yet to release any sort of replacement. There were rumors at one point suggesting that the new Nest Mini might have an audio out functionality that could then act as a Chromecast Audio replacement, but it arrived without that. It really is too bad, though, because with an affordable option like Chromecast Audio available, you could buy speakers that aren't equipped with Google Assistant or Google Cast or a software component like Sonos uses that needs never-ending support that companies may not want to provide. You could buy the smarts as an add-on without the hefty entry price. Even if Google decided to end support for Chromecast Audio or a future replacement, you wouldn't be out the thousands of dollars like some will soon be because of Sonos' decision. Instead, you could spend another $50 when the replacement device arrives, attach it to your speakers, and be happy all over again. It's actually kind of weird that Google hasn't figured out a replacement. The perfect product would be a copy of the Amazon Echo Input, which attaches to speakers via Bluetooth or AUX while also bringing Amazon Alexa functionality to them. This is exactly what Google should do - create a plug-in device that not only brings audio Casting to speakers, but includes Google Assistant too. It would certainly help further their goal of having Assistant everywhere by hitting another type of customer. Not all of us want the poor sound from Google or Nest Home units, Google. As this relates to Sonos, which people should probably now hesitate a bit on before buying from going forward, a Chromecast Audio might also be able to save the legacy devices that are about to be retired. The Sonos Play:5 units on the list have an audio-in port and Chromecast Audio works when attached to it. Good luck finding an affordable Chromecast Audio today. Either way, we are overdue for a new Chromecast Audio.

Motorola Razr Pre-Orders are Back, Shipping February

Kellen — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 06:00:09 +0000

The hot new Motorola Razr foldable was supposed to go up for pre-order the day after Christmas and arrive at some point this month. Due to what Motorola described as "unparalleled excitement," they had to push the launch of the icon back to prepare proper stock levels that would be able to meet demand. They apparently have what they need now, as pre-orders are set to arrive this week. Motorola told us today that pre-orders open on January 26 (this coming Sunday), exclusively at Verizon, Walmart, and Motorola.com. The old-school-yet-new-school flip phone will then hit stores on February 6. Nothing else is changing as far as we know. The new Motorola Razr will still cost $1500 at full retail or $62.49/mo for 24 months. It still has somewhat-mid-range specs too, with a Snapdragon 710 processor, 6.2" HD foldable display (2142x876), 128GB storage, 6GB RAM, 2510mAh battery, 16MP rear camera, fingerprint reader, and Android 9 Pie. It'll only work on Verizon and there aren't (currently) plans to launch an unlocked model that will work elsewhere. But hey, it folds! It snaps like the old Motorola Razr flip phones, will fit nicely in a pocket, has a cover display that will let you see some notifications and take pics, and owning one will probably make you feel as if you are living in the future earlier than everyone else. If you'd like to get in on pre-orders, head over to the various stores linked below. Shop Motorola Razr:

Verizon Fios Gives Away Google Stadia Premiere Edition for Free

Kellen — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:21:53 +0000

Verizon and Google have combined plenty of products and services over the years in promotional ways. Verizon has helped give away free YouTube TV to Fios and 5G Home customers, sold Pixel phones exclusively, that sort of thing. Starting later this month, Verizon will further their partnership by adding free Google Stadia. On January 29, new customers of Verizon Fios Gigabit will be able to claim a free Google Stadia Premiere Edition ($129 value). The Stadia Premiere Edition includes a controller (in white), 3 months of Stadia Pro service, and a Chromecast Ultra. It's basically the replacement of the Stadia Founder's Edition. For those unfamiliar, Google Stadia is Google's game streaming service that lets you play games over the internet on computers, TVs, and select phones. It's a brilliant concept because Stadia is capable of playing high-end games without the need for a high-end computer or gaming console. As a Pro subscriber, you get access to free games, 5.1 surround sound, and gameplay at up-to 4K/60fps. Stadia has not been without issues, though, and is still a shell of the service Google told us to expect down the line. The game selection is incredibly limited and numerous features are still missing. Both of those areas should improve over time, we just hope it's sooner than later. To be eligible for the free Google Stadia, you'll need to sign-up for a Fios Gigabit package that starts at $79.99. // Verizon

Try These 3 New Google Digital Wellbeing Apps

Kellen — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:33:35 +0000

Google is really trying to prove that it wants you to unplug from your phone more, even as our worlds revolve more and more each day around our phones. It's a weird concept from a company that makes money by you using their services, but Google does unconventional things from time to time. And that's why we have Digital Wellbeing and three new apps you can try to help you step away or at least track how addicted to your screen you are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au14zEGkRaQ The first is called Envelope, and it's from a design studio called Special Projects. They do unconventional things, including making apps for Google in the Digital Wellbeing Experiments platform. This app also falls in there and is quite the concept. For Envelope, you are asked to install the app, download a PDF that you will print to form into an actual envelope. You'll then activate the app, which limits functionality on your phone, slide it into the envelope, seal it, and then see how long you can go before ripping it open to access your phone again. I'm not kidding here. While in the envelope, you'll still be able to place and answer calls, check the time, and take photos/video. Of course, you won't be able to see any of those photos or videos until you take the phone out of the envelope. How weird. Watch the video below to understand it fully. Google Play Link: Envelope

The second app to check out is called Activity Bubbles. It too is a Digital Wellbeing Experiment that will show you how much you are using your phone. As a wallpaper you set, bubbles appear on your home screen with each new unlock, plus the bubbles grow while you stay on your phone. By the end of the day, you will fill up your home screen with different sizes of bubbles for each session, giving you an idea as to how much time you spent on-device. Google Play Link: Activity Bubbles

Finally, the third app is a similar yet more direct concept called Screen Stopwatch. It's a wallpaper that shows you an exact time count of how long you spent on your phone. It works by starting a clock with each phone unlock and counting from there as long as your phone is on and awake. It should stop each time you re-lock your phone. At the end of the day, you get to measure your own level of personal disappointment. Fun. Google Play Link: Screen Stopwatch // Android Police

YouTube TV Now Available on PS4!

Kellen — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 09:14:03 +0000

The title here says it all: YouTube TV is now available on PlayStation 4. That includes both PS4 and PS4 Pro. YouTube TV announced the news this morning by sharing a link to the app that you can install immediately. Not familiar with YouTube TV for some reason? It's Google's streaming TV platform. It once cost just $35/mo, but has since climbed in price like all other streaming TV options. It now costs $49.99/mo, features 70+ channels, free DVR, local sports and news, and no extra fees beyond that $49.99 price. All you need to access it is internet. I've been using it since the day it launched and love it as a TV option. While I'm not happy about the price hike from $35 to $50, it still has all of the TV I need, the sports I need, and DVR without dealing with a cable company, their contracts, and their boxes/fees/other sneaky crap. Oh, the YouTube TV app is pretty slick too. Install YouTube TV on PS4| Sign-up for YouTube TV https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV/status/1219667109304774662

If You Have Older Sonos Speakers, We Have Sad News for You (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 09:02:38 +0000

Older Sonos speakers to be abandoned in May.

UPDATE 1/23: You should read the post below to understand the Sonos situation, but today, the company announced changes that should let your legacy products works longer and co-exist with your modern Sonos devices. Read the story here.

Because Sonos is no longer a new company and has been doing this whole premium speaker thing for some time, we have arrived at a place where support for some of their products is no longer sustainable. Sonos announced today that some legacy products, including the first-gen Play:5, will lose software update support in May of this year. If you own any of these products and have a Sonos account, you should have received an email this morning with the news. Sonos also shared a blog post (linked below), for those who didn't.

What we're looking at as being affected is any product released between 2005 and 2011 from Sonos. The full list includes original Zone Players, Connect, Connect:Amp (launched in 2006; includes versions sold until 2015), first-generation Play:5 (launched 2009), CR200 (launched 2009), and Bridge (launched 2007). Once May 2020 rolls around, Sonos says that because these products "do not have enough memory or processing power to sustain future innovation," they will no longer see updates. For now, the products should all still work, just keep in mind that "over time this is likely to disrupt access to services and overall functionality." In other words, they may work for a while, but don't be surprised if your legacy Sonos products eventually die. In possibly worse news, if you keep older legacy products active in your system that are mixed with newer products, Sonos says that your newer ones may not receive updates either. Because Sonos needs everything in your system to stay on the same software, this is the path they have decided to take. That's...not good. As far as options for the future go, you have a couple. For one, you can just continue using your Sonos goods and hope they don't die. Your second option is to use their Trade Up service and swap out your products for new ones with a 30% credit applied. Super sadface. // Sonos

New Google Pixel Buds Take a Step Closer to Launch

Kellen — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 08:20:31 +0000

The new Google Pixel Buds are the product I'm most looking forward to to start 2020. I'm here for any and all bits of info related to them because I can hardly contain my excitement. I got a touch of that this week, thanks to a listing over at the Bluetooth SIG. The new Google Pixel Buds showed up for certification with the Bluetooth group, revealing their model numbers (G1007, G1008), that they support Bluetooth 5.0, and they run a current software build of CL44373_build20043. Not very exciting, I know, but the fact that they showed up here is worth talking about. The timing doesn't necessarily mean that a launch is imminent, by the way. Like with the FCC, we often see devices stop off for Bluetooth certification weeks if not months before they arrive. As far as we know, Google is still targeting the Spring for a Pixel Buds 2 launch. Why are we so excited for them? Because Google made some bold claims about the way they sound, how they were designed to give your ear some relief, and how the Assistant will bring you the smarts. They also look playfully Google, which we tend to fall for. The real takeaway here is that we know model numbers to keep an eye on as we prepare our wallets to be $180 lighter. // Bluetooth | 9to5Google

We Love 30W Slim Anker Fast Chargers for $22

Kellen — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 13:49:23 +0000

One of my favorite industries to watch adapt and innovate has been the charger industry. As battery technology continues to never evolve or improve, the guys who make all of the products that refill the batteries in our phones keeps making cool stuff. Anker, for example, has a super slim 30W USB-C charger that can handle just about anything, including fast charging of phones. It'll even power laptops and tablets. It happens to be on sale this week too. The Anker 30W PowerPort Atom III Slim Compact charger is currently discounted to $21.99. It retails for $35, so that's a solid $13 discount on a charger that will charge everything in your house. This charger supports Apple, Samsung, and Qualcomm fast charging, is powered by GaN (the hot new charging technology), and is only 0.63" thick. Oh, it comes in black or white too, so you can tuck this slim beast anywhere and match it to your decor if necessary. Amazon Deal Link

Verizon LG G8 Just Got Android 10

Kellen — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 12:36:50 +0000

The LG G8 ThinQ on Verizon picked up the update to Android 10 today in a somewhat surprising move by the phone maker. I say "surprising" because LG is really, really bad at updating its phones. For example, the Verizon LG G7 didn't get updated to Android Pie until June of last year, so if we're comparing the two, well, this is about 6 months early. The update arrives as version G820UM20a with the December 2019 Android security patch and joins the Sprint model as G8s with the latest in Android. Included, LG G8 owners will find not only Android 10, but the following:

Pop-up Window: Apps can be scaled to different sizes. In the Overview screen, tap an app icon to show options from which you can select Pop-up window.
Night Mode: Changes the LG app screens to a dark theme. You can view the screens without any glare even in the dark.
Gestures: The option of navigating the phone with gestures only is added.
One-Handed Screen: Lower the screen for use in one hand by swiping in from the left/right edge of the screen and holding.
Camera Modes: Auto mode has been separated into Photo and Video modes. In Video mode, you can see a preview of the scene before recording.
Switch Camera Button: The button has been moved from the top of the screen to the bottom to make it within a thumb's reach on one hand.
Zoom Wheel: Drag the angle icon to interactively control angle and zoom with one hand.
Steady Cam: Changes from a mode to an option in the Video mode.
Gallery Search Suggestions: The search screen shows search suggestions and categorizations such as when, where and how the photos and videos in your Gallery were taken.
Call-ended Screens: Buttons have been rearranged.
Voice Call: You can make a video call to the same number when the voice call ends.
Attach in Messaging: Attachments preview show files horizontally.
Share via Messaging: When you share a file via Messaging from other apps such as Gallery, you can select an existing conversation to share instead of having to enter the recipient every time.
General Settings: First-depth menu changes due to "Privacy" and "Digital Wellbeing & parental controls" have been added, and "Location" moved up to the 1st depth from under "Lock screen & Security."
WiFi and Bluetooth Settings: The step-by-step tutorial has been removed as the technologies are now familiar enough.
Quick Settings: Screen sharing and File sharing, which were located on the bottom of the panel, have now been changed to regular Quick setting icons. Screen recording has been added.
Volume Panel: You can adjust the media volume on an app-by-app basis.

To check for the update, head into Settings>System updates. // Verizon

Pixelbook Go in Pink is Here!

Kellen — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:54:38 +0000

The Pixelbook Go, Google's newest high-end Chromebook, was introduced alongside the Pixel 4 back in October in Just Black and Not Pink colorways. The black version was the only option to ship initially, with the pink model not coming until a future, unannounced date. That mystery date is here and the Not Pink Go is now available. The Pixelbook Go in Not Pink is available with a starting price of $849 and maxes out at $1,399. The base model Pixelbook Go that starts at $649 is available in Just Black only. At $849, that gets you an Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. To double the RAM to 16GB, you'll pay another $150. IF you want the fully spec'd out model with the 4K Ultra HD display, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage, you'll pay $1,399. Shop Pixelbook Go: Amazon | Best Buy | Google Store

Weirdest Thing About Google Pixel Phones is Lack of a Pro Camera Mode

Kellen — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:06:10 +0000

For all the complaints about Google Pixel phones, like their prices, lack of matching specs to other phones, or design quirks , there's still one area that leaves me scratching my head with every new year that passes. Google Pixel phones, including the Pixel 4, still don't have a manual or pro camera mode. It's so weird. When Google announces a new Pixel phone they are guaranteed to spend a big chunk of time talking about the phone's camera setup. This year, with the Pixel 4, they spent roughly 20 minutes of an hour-long presentation talking about the camera. Marc Levoy, the computational photography guru behind the Pixel camera, talked at length about all of the new tricks up the Pixel 4 camera's sleeves before handing the stage off to Annie Leibovitz. The camera is what sells the Pixel phone line. While Google added dual exposure controls over brightness and shadows that you can control in real-time, Live HDR+, and improved auto white balancing, only one of those items is really a manual control for someone. The rest of the Google Pixel camera experience is left up to Google and its computational photography sorcery. Sure, Google's camera smarts are arguably the best in the business, but what if you don't always want Google to be in full control? What if Google gets it wrong? For example, white balance can be a tough area to get right, specifically in an auto mode. The Pixel 4 introduces an improvement here that was called out on stage, but again, you are trusting Google to get it right. In the example that Levoy showed during his presentation, he talked about how snow may present itself as blue because of the sky above it, while we know that snow is white. The computational photography of the Pixel 4 should learn to correct that, but wouldn't a manual control over that bring more certainty to those who want it? You've probably noticed that whenever Tim reviews a phone that isn't a Pixel, he often talks about how much fun he's had shooting long exposure photography. He doesn't ever bring it up with Pixel phones, because they lack the controls (shutter speed) to do that. You could potentially shoot somewhat of a long exposure shot using Night Sight, but those abilities would be limited to darker times of the day. I'm not a pro photographer and mostly shoot in auto, but even I'm a fan of pulling a manual focus from time to time. Tap-to-focus is great in the majority of situations, until you really want to lock in on a subject, an edge, a flower, etc. Tapping and hoping that the camera responds to the precise spot you need focus can be frustrating. With an on-screen manual focus wheel, and focus peaking like Samsung's pro mode has, that's a control you can't beat. Google's phones can't do any of that in the stock camera app. Of course, you could install a third party camera app, which if I'm being honest, only introduces more uncertainty. We tend to trust the default camera apps on the phones we buy as the best tuned because they are from the company who put the camera in the phone and prepared it for launch. It should give us the best results in the end. And remember, Samsung, OnePlus, and LG all have manual camera modes. Huawei does too. So does Motorola. Google is about the only company on Android not doing it. Why is that? It's probably like their 4K/60fps mindset, where they simply think you don't need a pro or manual mode. Their computational photography is so good that you don't need to manually control anything because Google will get you better results. Maybe in most situations they will, but let's not forget that Google is big on being a camera leader who often finds itself pro photographers to show off its cameras. You can't tell me those pro photographers wouldn't mind seeing how good Google's cameras are if they had that full control.

Samsung Gets New Mobile Boss Just Before It Launches New Phones

Kellen — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:53:28 +0000

When Samsung officially announces the Galaxy S20 on February 11, it'll do so with a new boss at the helm of its mobile division. After an OK year with the Galaxy S10 and Note 10, along with continued competition from Huawei, Samsung has promoted Roh Tae-moon to chief of its smartphone products. What do you need to know since this is mostly boring executive talk?

Roh Tae-moon was previously 2nd in command of the smartphone division and the lead of mobile development
DJ Koh, who has lead the smartphone business, will give up those responsibilities to Roh Tae-moon
He's helped Samsung's push to outsource some handset production, mostly in lower-priced phones, to better compete with Huawei and other Chinese phone makers
We might see him on stage during the Galaxy S20 event

That's pretty much it. To most of us, an executive switch doesn't mean much, but particularly here, because the guy was already mostly running the ship, it seems. S20 in a couple of weeks! // Reuters

Galaxy S10+ Sees Big $300 Discount With Galaxy S20 Looming

Kellen — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:17:57 +0000

In a couple of weeks, we'll be talking about the best Galaxy S20 deals to pay attention to. There will more than likely be BOGO deals, deep discounts with trades, that sort of thing. If you don't want to wait until Samsung's new-new launches, then today isn't a bad day to get last year's top Galaxy. The Galaxy S10+ is $300 off today from Amazon in a daily deal. That drops the price from $999 to $699, which is actually a hell of a discount on a phone that will be good for a long, long time and that already has Android 10. The $300 off deal is available for all colors (black, white, pink, and blue) with 128GB storage. If you want more storage, you'll have to test out the different variants through that Amazon link below. It doesn't look like many (or any) of the 512GB models are a part of the promo, but the 1TB versions are. If you need to learn more about the Galaxy S10+, we have a review for you. Amazon Deal Link

Weekend Deal Drops Pixel 3a to $339 ($60 Off)

Kellen — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 07:58:33 +0000

The Google Pixel 3a picked up another discount this weekend for those looking to get into the Pixel experience at an even better price. Through Amazon, the Pixel 3a can be found at various prices, but the Just Black model is a cool $60 off, dropping the cost of the phone to $339. For just $339, you can get a Google phone that'll get prompt updates for another couple of years, has a best-in-class camera, clean software experience without a bunch of bloat, and a plastic body that is a refreshing change within an industry filled with nothing but fragile glass. Our Pixel 3a review lays it all out. Not interested in the Just Black version? The Clearly White Pixel 3a can be had at $349 ($50 off) too. Also, the Pixel 3a XL is $34 off, in case you want something a bit larger. Amazon Deal Link

Pixel 4 and 4 XL are $100 Off, Plus You Get a $200 Gift Card (Updated: Amazon)

Kellen — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:26:12 +0000

It might not a $400-off Pixel 4 deal, like we saw earlier in the week, but a $100 discount with a free $200 gift card tossed in isn't bad. That's the current Pixel 4 and 4 XL deal at Best Buy and B&H Photo. At this time, it looks like both retailers have the 64GB versions of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL with a $100 discount. Should you buy one, they are including a $200 e-giftcard that can be spent on anything within their stores. B&H is offering the deal on Clearly White and Just Black versions, while Best Buy only has Just Black with the giftcard. A $100 discount on the Pixel 4 drops it to $699 and the Pixel 4 XL to $799. Since these are unlocked, no activation is required, and they'll also work on all major carriers. I have a feeling that Amazon will match this, but haven't been able to find the deal just yet. If we do, we'll update the post.

UPDATE: Amazon posted the special listing with the $200 gift card, we're just waiting for them to reduce the price. Added link below.

Pixel 4 Deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy

How's Performance Been on Your Pixel 4?

Kellen — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:13:46 +0000

You have owned the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL for up to 3 months now, so let's talk about how it has held up. Google jumped the RAM to 6GB this year, included the latest Snapdragon processor, and is utilizing a 90Hz display. All of that should help with general performance. But has it? I feel like for years now, we've talked about how some Android phones (Samsung's) release and then slow down over time. The Pixel 3 was the opposite, though, and instead had a weird RAM management system that didn't allow for great performance out of the gate, plus the camera was a snail to load. Google eventually fixed that stuff, but it still has me curious how the Pixel 4 is doing. With the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, I don't know that I've noticed any major slowness during general use, at least not like I did with last year's Pixel. Sure, things like Face Unlock take longer, but that's more of a design or feature decision than the phone not being able to perform properly. Google Play is a laggy monster these days, but that could be a Google Play Services issue or something along those lines. Firing up the camera, opening apps, swiping through whatever, all of that just works. For now. How has your Pixel 4 performance been?

If You Want Galaxy S20 Specs, They are Here

Kellen — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:15:34 +0000

The gaps are beginning to be filled in for the Samsung Galaxy S20 line-up prior to its unveiling. We've seen fresh photos of devices in the wild, learned more about cameras and software, and now probably know many of the specs for all phones, including the Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20. The folks at mysmartprice posted a table filled with the specs, which we've recreated below in our typical format. The specs layout Galaxy S20 displays, camera setups, battery capacities, water resistance, software versions, and size. Most of this stuff has been outed before, though this seems to possibly be pulled from some sort of official site. What's the takeaway here? Probably that these phones will all be ridiculously large with ridiculous specifications at ridiculous prices. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is basically a 7" tablet with a weight (221g!) I'm not sure you'll want to attempt to secure in a pocket for long periods of time. The Galaxy S20 Plus and S20 are also quite large, but have reductions in the camera department from the Ultra. The camera situation is going to be fun on all models, there will just be special attention paid to the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The 108MP sensor along with ultra-wide and telephoto lenses is going to create a hell of an experience. Assuming Samsung has processing dialed in, prepare to be mind-blown at the capabilities of a smartphone camera. The specs below also show large batteries, ample storage (with SD support), and Android 10 with Samsung's new One UI 2. There will be 5G too, which is to be expected, especially in the US with Qualcomm 865 chips onboard. I don't think these phones will be missing a thing. [table responsive=scroll id=189 /] // mysmartprice

New Pixel 4a Codenames Might Be Here

Kellen — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 16:48:16 +0000

Up until this point, we know very little about Google's upcoming mid-range phone for 2020, a phone we believe will be called Pixel 4a. Other than early renders for what should be a smaller variant, the phone is still mostly a mystery. Today, XDA revealed what it believes to be codenames for unannounced Google devices and they could be related to the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL. The names now on our radar are "redfin," "sunfish," and "bramble." The most interesting of the codenames are "redfin" and "bramble," which XDA noted as being developed with a Snapdragon 765 (sm7250), the new mid-to-upper tier processor that Qualcomm just announced with integrated 5G. The "redfin" device is being produced by an ODM through Foxconn with Android 10, while similar evidence couldn't be found for "bramble," though it is being developed with both Android 10 and Android 11. Why are these interesting? Because that's the newest chip from Qualcomm and it has 5G. While we know that all major flagships for 2020 will have 5G, offering up a mid-range phone with 5G is a power play for those looking to get 5G into the hands of more people at an affordable price point. The only worry there would be a Pixel 4a with 5G that dramatically raises the price over that original $399 from the Pixel 3a. The other of the three to pay attention to at the moment is "sunfish," which appears to be powered by a Snapdragon 730 (sm7150) and could be a regular Pixel 4a without 5G. I say that only because the 730 would bring that nice balance between power, efficiency, and affordability like one might associate with the Pixel "a" line. To recap, we have three new potential Pixel codenames to follow now, two of which might be ready for 5G, while another could be an LTE phone. No matter what, at least we now have names to be on the lookout for even if that 5G portion here worries us on pricing. // XDA

TicPods 2 Pro Review: A Solid, Solid Option

Kellen — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:12:28 +0000

The true wireless earbud market has more options than ever, many of which fall into the "just fine" category and aren't something you'd want to pay more than $50 for. The original TicPods Free, which retailed for far more than that, fell in that category for me after ordering an original pair at a steep discount from an Indiegogo campaign that Mobvoi hosted. Fast forward almost two years to today, where the TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro are here as replacements, and my opinion of Mobvoi as a quality earbud maker has changed. I like the TicPods 2 Pro quite a bit. I'll say that much. The company sent me a pair a few weeks ago to review and I've used them during workouts, runs, on airplanes, and while walking around the show floor at CES. During all situations, outside of one airplane ride, they impressed. To recap, the TicPods 2 ($99) and TicPods 2 Pro ($139) were announced at CES a week or so ago with quite a few upgrades over those old TicPods Free. Since I didn't spend any time with the regular TicPods 2 I can't share much there, so for the rest of this write-up, we'll focus on the TicPods 2 Pro, which I have had in-ear for hours.

TicPods 2 Pro Review

The TicPods 2 Pro come in three colors (blue, white, and pink), have touch controls (including volume adjustment) on a very AirPod-esque bud design, dual-mic noise cancellation, Qualcomm aptX, quick pairing, in-ear detection, Bluetooth 5.0, IPX4 dust and water resistance, fast charging, a case that provides up to 20 hours of use, and some other AI-ish uses. If you are looking for earbud specs, I think it's safe to say that these TicPods 2 Pro have what you need.

The design of the TicPods 2 Pro is (again) going to be familiar. This is that one-size-fits-all approach that Apple has had with EarPods and AirPods, where you get an ear-shaped plastic design that either fits you or it doesn't. In the box, there are no rubber tips or wings that can secure the fit of these and I think that may turn some people off. For me, I'm the guy who used EarPods for years with Android phones because they fit my ears perfectly. These TicPods 2 Pro don't have that same perfect fit (I think they are ever-so-slightly larger), but they do fit nicely and haven't fallen out during workouts or runs. For me, these are the types of earbuds I've been waiting to get in my ears again without having to buy AirPods. For those who like custom fits from tips and wings, these may not be for you, especially because those are the earbud additions that really help you create a seal and lock in sound. If the TicPods 2 Pro don't fit out of the box or you find yourself constantly squishing them deeper in your ear to get better sound performance, I'm afraid looking elsewhere is going to be your best option.

The set of features that Mobvoi included here is quite impressive, though. The Mobvoi app lets you adjust things like automatic in-ear playback, whether you want aptX HD audio on or not (you do), what action should be performed with a double tap, whether or not you want AI controls active, and if you'd like to be able to fire up your phone's assistant with a special "Hey Tico" command. The app also lets you rename your buds, check battery percentage of each bud as well as the case, and update software (I've received two updates since I've had the pair). Pairing is also pretty simple through the app. Some earbuds like this can be a bit confusing and involve opening and closing of a case, but Mobvoi tossed a pairing button onto the case that lets you initialize pairing. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this feature as someone who uses lots of different devices. Speaking of the case, while it does charge the buds quickly, adds hours and hours of extra use, and lets you easily drop the buds in without much effort, it's super cheap. The plastic used feels like something you'd get from a $50 pair of buds, the lid refuses to stay open, and the lid is actually kind of a pain in the ass to open. Hey, at least it charges via USB-C.

On a battery life front, rarely do I listen to earbuds long enough to kill them. For the TicPods 2 Pro, I listen to them in 30-60 minute bursts mostly, so the 4-hour estimated life from Mobvoi never really came into play. With that said, on my flight back from CES (Vegas to Portland), I managed to fully drain them to the point where they shut off. That's a 2-hour flight. On the way to Vegas, they didn't die, though, so I'm wondering if the software update I received prior to leaving introduced some sort of bug. Otherwise, using them off and on during these past few weeks, I've had to charge the case only a couple of times. As an example of correct battery use, I've been sitting here writing this and I tossed the TicPods 2 Pro in and am down to 65% after an 1.5 hours or so. I'm probably going to get close to the 4 hours if I leave them in and on. I know my usage is different from those of you who commute to work or sit a desk with earbuds in, but I've mostly seen acceptable battery life. Plus, you really can toss them back in the case for 5 minutes and get a good amount of juice back. Are these the battery kings? Probably not, but they'll be fine for most people.

One area I do want to point out are the AI features that Mobvoi calls TicHear and TicMotion. TicHear is a set of quick commands you can use at any time without using a wake word to do things like change or pause/play music or answer/hang-up calls. Mobvoi also included a "Hey Tico" assistant activation command for some reason, but it rarely works. In fact, all of those included voice commands rarely work for me and I've found that I refuse to shout at earbuds when I can just as easily tap on them to do those similar tasks. For assistant stuff, I just used the regular "Hey Google" command without issue. For TicMotion, Mobvoi lets you nod your head to answer incoming calls or shake it to ignore them. Just being honest here, but I get like 2 calls a day and have no idea if these motions work. Sorry. Again, I mostly used the double-tap function on each bud to play/pause music, slide up or down each to adjust volume, or press and hold to get Assistant up and ask for a next song.

Alright, let's talk sound! With Qualcomm aptX HD turned on, I quite enjoyed the audio experience here. You'll find decent-enough bass in hip hop modes that might surprise you for a pair of wireless earbuds. I found crispy clean mids and vocals, so much so that I picked up a few surprises from live Gary Clark Jr. tracks I'd listened to hundreds of times and never noticed. My music needs are filled with hip hop (lots of Travis Scott at the moment), R&B (The Weeknd), and bluesy rock (Teskey Brothers!). I thought these buds presented all of them well. I'm not sure I'd call this the most immersive listening experience ever, but I certainly didn't get weak, flat, or tinny sound. I'm not an audio expert, guys, I'm just telling you that as someone who has run through a fair share of true wireless earbuds, I'd put these up there with the Galaxy Buds. They are quite different, though. The Galaxy Buds really tuck into your ear and can be sealed, while the TicPods 2 Pro can't give you that same experience. They still sound great, don't leave you feeling like your ears are plugged, and almost disappear as you wear them because of their weight. So they are different, but as good, if that makes sense. On a related note, the original TicPods Free were far too quiet for me, even at high or max volumes, yet these 2 Pro buds get plenty loud. Volume was not an issue this time around. Should you consider the TicPods 2 Pro? At $140, they certainly aren't on the cheaper end of the wireless bud arena. I tend to think they are a really good choice to add to your list, alongside the Galaxy Buds ($130) and the upcoming Google Pixel Buds ($180). Mobvoi likes to run various sales throughout the year too, so don't be surprised if you can find them lower than their $130 launch price. I'm certainly going to keep using these alongside my Galaxy Buds. Shop TicPods 2: Amazon | Mobvoi

Call of Duty: Mobile Season 3 Brings New 20 vs. 20 Battle Royale Mode, Scrapyard From MW2

Tim — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 10:26:49 +0000

Season Three for Call of Duty: Mobile was introduced this morning, available to all platforms the game is supported. Activision has published a blog to go over all of the changes, and not so surprisingly, it's a really long list. Major changes include an update to the Battle Pass, with plenty of new unlockable content available for players to grind for. Content is king after all, baby! Also, players can expect new maps to be released over the course of the season, but on day one, you'll have access to Scrapyard, which is a fan favorite from Modern Warfare 2. Limited time game modes are also included, including 20 vs. 20 Battle Royale, as well as Rapid Fire for the the multiplayer playlist. Other changes include more weapon balancing, a new Operator Skill (H.I.V.E.), new Scorestreak (XS1 Goliath), as well as account linking for Call of Duty account holders.

What's New

New Battle Pass Season with new rewards
New Multi-Player Maps: Scrapyard at launch, and more later
New Limited-Time Game Modes
- Battle Royale – 20 v 20
- Multi-Player – Rapid Fire
New Ranked Season with new rewards
- Including Python Camo series and Black Ops II items
Battle Royale Map changes
New Battle Royale Class
New Operator Skill – H.I.V.E.
New Scorestreak – XS1 Goliath
Addition of Call of Duty account linking
Various UI updates, weapon balancing, and gameplay optimizations

Wowzers, that's a lot of stuff!

Google Play Link

// Activision

Chrome Browser Gets Dedicated Media Control Hub

Tim — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 09:50:36 +0000

Google is rolling out a new media hub for all Chrome users this week, the same feature that hit Chromebooks back in August. The hub is straightforward. Should you have any media playing through Chrome, be that a YouTube video or a track on Spotify, you can access playback controls via this hub, which is situated in the top right of the browser window, the same area where your Chrome extensions and browser settings are. "Designed to minimize any disruptions to whatever you need to get done in your browser, the new media hub helps you to be more productive by bringing all your media notifications to one place and letting you manage each audio and video playback, without having to navigate any tabs," Google writes in its announcement post. I just updated my Chrome browser and already have the feature. Are you seeing it too, fellow Chrome user? // Google

DEAL: Galaxy Buds, the Earbuds I Use Everyday, on Sale for $99 ($30 Off)

Tim — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 09:18:41 +0000

Thankfully, I know I'm not the only person at Droid Life who loves their Galaxy Buds from Samsung. Kellen's a big fan, too. With good sound, ambient audio settings, and a degree of comfort that I just don't get from plastic buds, these specific wireless earbuds are my go-to buds. Over on Amazon today, you can pick up a pair for yourself for just $99, down from their usual price of $130. Of note, this discount only applies to the Black model and not the White model. In case you're wondering, the buds work over Bluetooth and do work with any Android phone you might use. For added functionality, there's a Wearables app you'll need to download from Google Play, plus the Buds plug-in app. If you want to customize the touch buttons, you'll need the apps. We recently learned that the next iteration of Galaxy Buds is coming, which is cool, but it's reported that they won't feature any noise cancellation. To me, that hardly makes them an upgrade over what's already available from Samsung.

Amazon Link

OnePlus Shows Off 120Hz, MEMC Smoothness Coming to Their Next Phone

Kellen — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 09:06:15 +0000

Now that OnePlus has confirmed it will use a 120Hz in their upcoming phone (likely the OnePlus 8), the teasing of the smoothness has begun. In Tweets only a day apart, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has started posting examples of how smooth your life might soon be. The first Tweet shows how the OnePlus 120Hz Fluid Display might differ from the 60Hz experience on your current phone. The animation shows that jank you are dealing with today alongside the anti-skip party of a 120Hz refresh rate. The short clip goes from fast to sl0w-mo, where you can really see the difference. While I know this is an animation and not exactly a real-world example, you get the point. This sh*t should be hella smooth and you will notice the difference. Most of us notice the difference between 90Hz and 60Hz, so if you are going from 60Hz to 120Hz, prepare for a whole new world, Aladdin. https://twitter.com/PeteLau/status/1217448777524510720 The second example of the upcoming experience shows off the idea of a MEMC chip, which OnePlus says they customized to put into a phone. This chip, which TVs use to artificially ramp up frame rates on video to make it look extra smooth, will take 30fps video on your new OnePlus 8 and crank it to 120fps. It could look great on phones or smaller screens, even if you are the type who doesn't appreciate what a MEMC chip does to video on your big ol' TV. https://twitter.com/PeteLau/status/1217794113115803649 We still don't have a release date for OnePlus' next phone, but we've been told to expect it on Verizon and that it could show up there quite soon. OnePlus' release schedule seems to be moving to an earlier and earlier spot in each new year. Don't be surprised if this new phone drops within a month.

Stadia Sets Expectations for Q1, Says Support for More Android Phones and 4K Web Gaming is Coming

Tim — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:44:36 +0000

Stadia has gone ahead and announced what new features are coming to the cloud gaming platform during Q1 of 2020. Having launched only this past November, they also went over what they've already introduced, which includes adding more games (including titles for Stadia Pro), buying Typhoon Studios to help develop more titles, pushed an update to Chromecast devices to support Stadia streaming, as well as pushing out Stream Connect for Ghost Recon Breakpoint. I don't know how to say this without sounding like a hater, but those additions align with a service that sounds more like a beta than a fully baked gaming platform. Adding games to your gaming platform is something people paying for the service have to applaud and appreciate? Eh. Anyway, Stadia has now gone over what gamers can look forward to in Q1. Highlights include support for 4K gaming on the web, more Assistant functionality, more Android phone support, plus wireless gameplay with the Stadia controller when playing via the web. Here's the major takeaway from Stadia's post.

Gamers can expect more features coming to Stadia in Q1 and beyond. A key benefit of our platform is that we can add these features without any updates or downloads, and we’re starting to roll out the following over the next three months:

Support for 4k gaming on the Web

Add further Assistant functionality when playing on the Web

Support additional Android Phones

Wireless gameplay on the Web through the Stadia controller

There is a lot more in store for this year. In the meantime, we hope gamers are gearing up for some great new games and experiences. Toward the end of this month, we will share more about the games coming to Stadia Pro in February.

Stadia players, get pumped for Q1, I guess. // Stadia

Why Samsung Phones?

Kellen — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:48:17 +0000

Buying a phone around these parts generally means you buy a phone from one of three companies: Google, OnePlus, or Samsung. That may not be representative of the entire Android phone buying world, but our numbers suggest you all have focused on a select few smartphone makers when it's time to upgrade. We'll probably touch on all three in a similar way to this post, but to start 2020, I'm curious - why Samsung? What keeps you coming back to Samsung phones, upgrading to the latest Galaxy S or Note, buying their accessories, and telling Google Pixel fans that their phones will always be inferior? Jokes aside, I can tell you why I've become a certified member of the Samsung Club in recent months. For me, a big portion of the itch to lean towards Samsung is that I know the quality I'm going to get. When a new Samsung phone drops and I'm able to get one in hands (typically later than most because Samsung hates me) I know I'm going to get the best of the best (or close to it) in all categories. I'm talking about displays, cameras, set of specs, and hardware/design. I also know that they'll charge fast, that I'll have color choices (important!), that some might come with a sweet-as-hell S Pen, that no matter the carrier, I'll be able to buy one, and that we now have size choices galore. So while Samsung brings me that reassurance that I'll get what I paid for, maybe more importantly I get to choose what I want to pay for (size, RAM and storage, color, etc.). To top that all off, Samsung's One UI is a quality take on an Android skin. It utilizes parts of Google's design (which I prefer) while adding meaningful features that Google often takes years to bake into its own version of Android. Lately, Samsung has improved its big Android update rollouts and beaten Google at a monthly patch here and there. Finally, picking a Samsung phones means potentially better experiences with their excellent accessories. I use a Galaxy Watch Active 2 as a daily watch at this point, but I also love the Galaxy Buds. Sure, those two items both work with any Android phone, the integration should just be slightly tighter when used with Samsung's own phones. With the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra on the way, I can't imagine any of what I just said will change. If anything, Samsung is going to make it harder than ever to ignore them in favor of Google and OnePlus, the lean Android kings. We are about to get 120Hz AMOLED screens, insane camera setups, and designs that look as refined as any in the industry. To be honest, answering the question of "Why Samsung?" is quite easy. Still, I want to hear from you.

LG's $199 Wireless Earbuds Now Available in US

Tim — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:37:46 +0000

LG has its very own set of wireless earbuds available for purchase in the US this week, priced at a relatively high $199. With the full name being LG TONE Free HBS-FL7 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Earbuds, the company also notes that the buds come with a UVnano Charging Case and Meridian Audio. The UVnano case is supposed to help limit bacteria on the buds, and obviously, Meridian Audio is supposed to let you know these buds sound good.

For features, each buds comes with 55mAh battery, (LG says 6 hours of playback, 21 with charging case), dual microphones, noise reduction and echo cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, Find My Earbud software, automatic ear detection, as well as IPX4 water/sweat resistance. If you're interested in LG's take on wireless earbuds, you can buy them directly from LG by following the link below.

Purchase Links

Best Buy has Your Pixel 4 Deal of the Day

Kellen — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 11:39:49 +0000

Best Buy is hosting a number of deals today, but the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL discount are a couple of the best. If you are a Verizon customer, you can grab either of Google's newest Pixel phones for $400 off. As far as I can tell, this deal is for Verizon customers looking to upgrade or add lines, so that should mean just about anyone. The only catch here is that you'll need to buy on a 24 month payment plan, which is nothing new. The Pixel 4 is $400 off, dropping the monthly payment to $16.67/mo on the 64GB model and $20.84/mo for 128GB. The Pixel 4 XL is $399-$400 off with a monthly payment of $20.84 for 64GB and $25/mo with 128GB. Should you lock in for two years to Verizon on a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL? We've written about this topic on a number of occasions now. I'm not sure I'd recommend the regular Pixel 4 to anyone because of its battery life woes, but the Pixel 4 XL is a really solid phone. It's the phone that Tim and I are still using today because we love the software, trust the camera, like the design of the phone, and know we'll get regular updates. I'm not sure it's the best phone on the market, but it fits what I need. It's OK to like the Pixel 4. Best Buy Deal Link

DEAL: Anker, Aukey Power Banks, Chargers, Wireless Earbuds, and Projectors on Sale This Week

Tim — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 11:20:16 +0000

Anker and Aukey have posted up their Amazon deals for the week and there's some good stuff in there. Highlights include Anker's power banks with Power Delivery (these deals start tomorrow), SoundCore Bluetooth speaker, wireless charging pad with 7.5W output, as well as a combo package of a RoboVac 11S Max + Smart Bulb for $190. Aukey has wireless earbuds for $30, chargers for as low as $6, WiFi smart sockets for $26, plus a 30,000mAh power bank with Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery. Here are all of the links and codes you'll need.

Anker

Deals Already Live

PowerPort Cube - $17 (Click Coupon)
RoboVac 11S MAX, Smart Bulb Combo - $190 (code: EUFYBULBT)
SoundCore Mini Bluetooth Speaker - $17 (Instant Discount)
Roav SmartCharge Bluetooth for Car - $13 (Instant Discount)
PowerWave Pad 7.5W Wireless Charger - $12 (code: AKA25511)

Deals Live on Jan. 16

PowerPort PD 2 Charger - $17 (code: ANKERPD18)
PowerCore Essential 20000 PD Power Bank - $45 (code: ANKERPD18)
PowerCore Slim 10000 PD Power Bank - $31 (code: ANKERPD18)

Aukey

4-Pack Wi-Fi Smart Socket With Alexa - $26 (code: GK28ST2L)
Wi-Fi Dual Outlets Smart Socket With Alexa - $12 (code: HEMXCVTU)
Wireless Earbuds w/ Touch Control & IPX5 - $30 (code: R4SACBOI)
24W/4.8A Dual Port USB Car Charger - $6 (Click Coupon)
39W Dual Port Car Charger w/ 27W PD, 12W USB - $12 (Click Coupon)
USB C Dual Port Car Charger, 36W PD 3.0 - $15 (code: TFDTBWKW)
27W Power Delivery Charger - $11 (code: OCO2VGAB)
40W 4-Port USB Charger - $10 (code: OCO2VGAB)
10-Port USB Power Hub - $24 (code: WQWVLOB7)
Power Strip w/ 5 Outlets, 2 USB Ports - $12 (code: I7HGIZGS)
30000mAh Power Bank w/ 30W PD, QC 3.0 - $50 (Click Coupon)

Have at it!

This Guy Put a Google Nest Hub Max in His Wall

Kellen — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 10:49:01 +0000

The Nest Hub units that Google sells can be very useful smart home controllers, the problem with them is they take up counter or shelf space. Google doesn't make an in-wall smart display, so in order to use one, finding the optimal counter placement where you'll find easy access can be tricky. Or, if you are a crafty beast, you could slap one in the wall. Shared today to reddit, some guy took the bigger Nest Hub Max, cut a hole in his wall, and dropped it in with power. It looks pretty good too! Now, tossing a Hub or Hub Max into a wall sort of kills it as being a speaker, but if you happen to own other speakers in your home that you'd use for music, this is a pretty sweet solution. Again, since Google doesn't make a wall-mounted smart display (they should), this basically gives you that. If you were to do this, you'd have the Google Assistant on a wall, at a level that might make it easier to interact with, almost like a smart home controller. For example, this guy put his on a support wall next to his kitchen where he has light switches that he likely interacts with on a regular basis. It's the ultimate spot for something like a smart display, especially if you want to manually control smart home items from Google Home, chat with the front-facing camera, etc. How'd this guy do it? You'll find more on that at the reddit link below. The picture that was posted is from a mount maker who said they don't plan to make a mount for the Hub Max because of the added woofer it has. I'm guessing he might be the guy behind these regular Nest Hub in-wall mounts. Anyone want to come do this to my house? I am not handy. // reddit

Live Caption on the Pixel 2 is a Thing Now

Kellen — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 09:10:13 +0000

The Live Caption feature that Google introduced with the Pixel 4 is an amazing addition to the Google suite of Android software. For those of us who live with our phones almost always on silent, being able to understand video from any screen without volume on is something I will immediately miss should I switch off of this phone. Unfortunately, up until this point, only the Pixel 4, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3a lines have had access to Live Caption, though that might change soon. A fresh update to Google's Device Personalization Services on Pixel phones appears to bring Live Caption to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Folks at reddit sideloaded the latest version of that app and noticed that Live Caption was working on those older Google phones. I can't tell just yet if anyone actually received the update to Device Personalization Services with Live Caption on there or if everyone has had to sideload. I bring that up only because we're trying to figure out if this is all supposed to be happening or not. Remember, the Pixel 2 is not an officially supported Live Caption device. Whatever the case, we're going to tell you to be on the lookout for an update. Live Caption is awesome, as is the Pixel 2 XL, so hopefully this means they'll be together in your future. If you do sideload or get an update to Device Personalization Services and want to turn on Live Caption, it's pretty simple. You can adjust volume and look for an extra box on the bottom of the volume slider that will enable or disable it. You could go into Settings>Sounds to find it too. Google Play Link // reddit

Google's Phone App May Soon Support Call Recording

Tim — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 09:03:09 +0000

Thanks to a new app teardown performed by the good people at XDA, we're learning this week that the official Phone app from Google may soon support call recording. Hidden within version 43.0.289191107 of the app, strings discovered specifically point to the words "Record" and "Recording." Additionally, elements for a UI and new icon for the recording feature were detailed. I'm confident that everyone here understands what a call recording function can do, but just in case, it would allow users to record calls that are taking place on the device. Files of the calls would then be accessible once recording is complete. Currently, there is no official word from Google as to when users might see this, but there is speculation that the feature may only be for Xiaomi devices. Recently, Xiaomi replaced its own phone app with Google's, but users were unhappy because they lost the ability to record calls. The company stated that in 2020, users would get that feature back, so this new development could be in line with that announcement from Xiaomi. According to XDA, there's nothing in the code that limits the feature to Xiaomi hardware, so we shall see what happens. Make it happen, Google. // XDA

Verizon Created a Privacy-Focused Search Engine You Can Use Today

Kellen — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 13:57:39 +0000

I'm not sure anyone had "Verizon creates privacy search engine" on their big board of pending future announcements, but that's exactly what we got today. Verizon introduced a service called OneSearch that lets you search the internet the way you might use Google, only nothing is tracked. OneSearch is available right now for free if you want to give it a try. Should you do that, OneSearch (supposedly) won't track, store, or share personal or search data with advertisers. Verizon also hopes that companies "with an interest in security" will partner with them to implement OneSearch in their own products. The list of features for OneSearch is as follows:

No cookie tracking, retargeting, or personal profiling
No sharing of personal data with advertisers
No storing of user search history
Unbiased, unfiltered search results
Encrypted search terms

There's also a toggle for "Advanced privacy mode" where the search results link will expire within an hour. That's important for people who share a device with someone else or should you share a search results link. At this time, OneSearch is only available on the web from desktop and mobile, but Verizon plans to release apps on Android and iOS later in the month. Also, this is an ad-supported platform, so you will see ads, they'll just be related to the search results, not based off history. To check it out, head over to www.onesearch.com. // Verizon

Hands-on With Galaxy S20+ Confirms 120Hz Display, No More Headphone Jack

Tim — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 11:51:56 +0000

An early hands-on is confirming a ton of details of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S20+. Samsung isn't announcing its new lineup until February 11, but since the phone appears to be in the wild, don't be surprised if you start seeing a lot of leaked content like this. Thanks to XDA, we can essentially confirm that the Galaxy S20+ will offer a display capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, rumored to be sized at 6.9-inches. Inside the phone's settings menu, users will have an option to select between 60Hz for better battery life and 120Hz for smoother scrolling and improved animations. While the display's resolution is listed at a max of 3200 x 1440, this hands-on has confirmed that owners will be limited to a FHD+ resolution when using the 120Hz setting. Also detailed in this writeup is the phone's usage of an ultrasonic fingerprint reader. This isn't really surprising news, but it should be noted that it's not yet clear if Samsung is utilizing Qualcomm's new 3D Sonic Max reader or a previous iteration. The last piece of info could have a few folks upset, so let's just rip it off like a band-aid. The Galaxy S20 lineup doesn't offer a headphone jack. 💀 Below you can get a look at the phone. Galaxy S20+ 5G Hands-on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3318yIY6_Bc // XDA

Sliding Into Instagram DMs Via Web Browser Currently in Testing

Tim — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 09:38:18 +0000

Instagram announced on Twitter this morning that it's currently testing the ability to access its direct messaging feature via a web browser. Currently, DMs can only be slid into on a mobile device. No timeframe for availability was provided, so right now, there isn't much more to say on the matter. Hopefully it's soon, since messaging has become so much more entangled in the service that was once only for sharing pictures with icky filters. We'll keep you posted. https://twitter.com/instagram/status/1217122528755240960

Tuesday Question: Should Pixel 5 Keep Soli Tech?

Tim — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 09:02:13 +0000

Google released the Pixel 4 lineup in October, so we're officially a few months into the lifecycle of these devices. If you hadn't noticed, Google hasn't updated the phone's software since launch to tap deeper into the Soli radar system that is onboard. At the time of this writing, you can still only use Motion Sense for skipping songs and silencing interruptions. Seems like a waste, right?

Very Related: Anyone using Motion Sense?

Now, the underlying Soli system does more than just power song skipping gestures, but to take you back even further, remind yourself by checking out this post as to why people were so excited to have Soli built into a consumer device. Soli has a ton of potential for controlling a device without ever needing to touch it, and honestly, Google doesn't appear to be tapping into that whatsoever. Is it too much work? Would the user experience simply not be that great? I'm fine with either answer, but because Google lacks transparency on issues of this matter, all Pixel 4 owners have right now is a gimmicky radar that solely recognizes a hand being waved in front of it. If Google doesn't plan to use it for anything else, I'm completely fine with it being excluded from the future Pixel 5 devices and going back to a less prominent forehead. My question to you Pixel fans is, should Google keep Soli for the Pixel 5 or just move on after having provided what's essentially a proof of concept.

Grab a 128GB MicroSD for Your Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G for Just $16 Today

Kellen — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 08:40:15 +0000

You don't own a Galaxy S20 yet, but if you are considering one after seeing various leaks that paint the picture of the ultimate smartphone, then you may want to start considering ways to ease the blow to your wallet that is coming. Saving on storage by picking up a microSD card is one way to do just that. The Galaxy S20 and the numerous models of it will not be cheap. Rumors suggest it will come with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, all of which could change the price by several hundred dollars. Should you opt for the smallest amount of storage available (likely 128GB) to save, you can still easily double that today, thanks to a sale on PNY microSD cards. Through an Amazon deal of the day, PNY Elite-X 128GB microSD cards are down to $15.99, while PNY PRO Elite 256GB cards are down to $32.99. Amazon Deal Links:

PNY Elite-X 128GB ($15.99)
PNY PRO Elite 256GB ($32.99)

Last Day to Get 10% Off New TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro

Kellen — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 16:08:27 +0000

The new TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro that Mobvoi introduced at CES are almost here, which means the pre-order period has not yet ended. That's good news for you because there is a 10% launch discount for those who pre-order that goes away the minute we get general availability. The regular TicPods 2 start at $99.99, but with the 10% off you can grab them in any color (Navy, Ice, and Blossom) for $89.99. For the higher-end TicPods 2 Pro, you have a starting price of $139.99 that drops to $125.99 with the discount. Good deals for both! To recap specs, you should really read the intro post for them or hit that link below. If you don't have time for that, just know that you get support for Qualcomm aptX, Bluetooth 5.0, touch controls, in-ear detection, fast charging, quick pairing, up to 20-23 hour battery life, noise cancellation (dual mic in the Pro model), and more. These really do look like a solid upgrade over the original TicPods Free. Shop TicPods 2, TicPods 2 Pro

Google's AirDrop Competitor, Nearby Sharing, Should be Coming Soon

Tim — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 13:49:47 +0000

Apple's AirDrop is one of Cupertino's features that works like magic. You have a MacOS or iOS device close to one another and you can instantly share files and other data with no real hassle. Sadly, things are a bit different on Android. We have dedicated file managing apps, plus many other means to share files and what have you, but nothing that works as seamlessly as AirDrop. That should be changing quite soon, though, with the detailing of Nearby Sharing from Google. First reported back in July of 2019 to be called Fast Share and now apparently rebranded to Nearby Sharing, this feature that Google is working on will allow users to quickly share files with one another. After establishing a handshake via Bluetooth, the service uses WiFi to transfer files. This will ensure data transfer doesn't take extended periods of time. Details remain scarce on Nearby Sharing, but thanks to a teardown of the most recent Play Services by XDA, we can at least note that devices using it will need to be within 1ft. of each other to establish the base connection. Sadly, Google hasn't announced anything and it's still unclear when we'll see it officially launch. Maybe Google I/O later this year? I wouldn't mind if Google hurried up and released this. // XDA

Do You Actually Miss Removable Batteries?

Kellen — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 13:33:51 +0000

The internet is loving this new Samsung phone with the removable battery, I think only because of that - a removable battery. I'm sure the rest of the phone is fine, even if it is built for Amazon warehouses only. But that battery, it's a thing to pay attention to it seems. Here's my question - do you actually miss removable batteries? I can say that I do miss the convenience of a battery draining and being able to quick swap one mid-day without needing to find a charger. But that's it. Other than that single move, I do not miss removable batteries for a second. Without them, we now have better water resistance (without stupid flaps), better designs that don't need to work around removable parts, and fast charging that is only getting faster. I can charge a phone to 50%+ in a matter of minutes today, so needing to swap because my phone used to charge like a snail is no longer an issue. Plus, swapping a battery meant having to reboot your phone, which is never cool, and remembering to keep a secondary battery charged. While reddit is going nuts over removable batteries, I really want to know if you guys truly miss them. You don't, right? [poll id="533"]

Amazon Sending Out Echo Frame Invites

Tim — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 11:38:49 +0000

Should you have signed up to receive an invite from Amazon to purchase its new Echo Frames, those invites appear to be rolling out. I still haven't received mine, but we have at least one reader (cheers Greg!) who has gotten the invite. Here is what Amazon is sending out.

Your request for an invitation to purchase Echo Frames has been granted! We hope you'll have as much fun using them as we did inventing them. To accept this invitation, go to the Echo Frames detail page, add to cart, and purchase as usual. You will receive a notification when your order is ready to ship. Please note terms and conditions apply to the invitation only price and offer. Due to the high number of requests, this invitation will expire seven days after we've sent it to you. By purchasing Echo Frames during this limited-release period, you agree to receive emails asking for your feedback on the product. As one of the first customers to use Echo Frames, your input will help drive future Echo Frames features.

For a limited time, Frames are priced at $180 and only support Android devices to start. At general launch, they'll be $250. With them, you can interact with Alexa for making calls, adding things to your to-do list, plus a lot more. And because they look much like normal glasses, you won't have to walk around looking like a Google Glass weirdo. Sorry, Google Glass fans. If I get the chance, I may try and snag these. Would you?

Amazon Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmVgPF4ofsE

Galaxy S20 Wallpapers Available for Download

Tim — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:56:06 +0000

Back in the day, getting wallpapers for an unreleased device was pretty sweet and exciting. These days, eh, it's okay I guess. Samsung's wallpapers haven't really been all that cool lately, but here in 2020, the wallpapers for the Galaxy S20 don't look all that bad. Download is available thanks to XDA, and after giving them the once over, it looks like we technically have eight different papers, but 3 of them are copies with different colors. Feeling kinda lazy, Samsung? Their resolution is listed as 3200 x 3200, so all you high-resolution folks should have no problem with them. You can preview just a couple of the papers below, but if you're ready to download, follow the link below.

Download Here

// XDA

These Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Specs Sound Wild

Kellen — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:40:33 +0000

When Samsung announces the Galaxy S20 line-up in a few weeks, they may as well just walk onto stage, say "Hello," post a specs list on a large screen, drop the mic, and walk away. The latest leak of the top-tier Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G paints the picture of a device you will probably never fully take advantage of. According to XDA's Max Weinbach, the man who posted the first pictures of the Galaxy S20+, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (what a dumb name) will feature the following specs:

Cameras: 108MP main, 48MP ~~telephoto~~ with 10x optical, 12MP ultra-wide; here's the setup with a 100x "Space Zoom" too.
Battery: 5000mAh with 45W fast charging (0-100% in 74 min)
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB (SD support up to 1TB)
RAM: 12GB and 16GB options

Pick your jaw up off the ground and nod in acceptance. While I'm assuming the display will be tablet-sized with a super high refresh rate that will eat into battery, 5000mAh is the capacity we are here for. Top that with more storage than you will ever fill, more RAM than you will ever put to use, and cameras that are determined to own the smartphone category, and Samsung's 2020 is looking awesome. Seriously, though, the naming thing needs an industry makeover.

LG: Expanded Lineup With 'Wow Factors' Can Make Mobile Business Profitable by Next Year

Tim — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:23:15 +0000

LG's new CEO of mobile Brian Kwon, who was appointed to the position just last month, is aiming to create a major turnaround for the company's smartphone business. Speaking to Korea Times recently, Kwon stated, "LG Electronics' mobile business is going to be profitable by 2021. I can say we can make that happen as LG Electronics will expand our mobile lineup and steadily release new ones attached with some wow factors to woo consumers." We already know LG has a big software overhaul slated for this year, which we are truly excited for. The company's software has been a pain point of ours for at least the past few years and it became increasingly evident because of Samsung's One UI release. As for LG's supposed "wow factors," my fingers are crossed those don't include ToF-powered hand gestures. To give you an idea of how bad LG's smartphone business has been going, the last time it turned a profit was the LG G3 days, which was 2014. Since then, it's been nothing but losing money in the smartphone business. Thankfully for LG, the company still makes a really good TV and other various home appliances, keeping the company as a whole trucking along. We've seen this similar story from HTC, but because it only had its VR business to fall back on, it's pretty much faded into obscurity as a phone company.

2020 should be the year of LG G9. We haven't heard all too much about this phone, even though we should be nearing its official unveiling next month. While its hardware doesn't inspire much faith that LG will rake in a ton of cash on it, at least from the CAD renders we've seen, we really do have high hopes that LG's software has been stepped up big time. Come on, LG, it's time for a comeback! // Korea Times | Arstechnica

Samsung's New Rugged Phone With Removable Battery Headed to US for $499

Tim — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:04:32 +0000

It looks like Samsung has found a US carrier partner to sell its latest rugged Android device, the one called Galaxy XCover Pro. We know, it's a silly-bad name. Available later this year through Verizon and priced at $499, this phone was making headlines during CES week due to its removable battery. Remember when those were all the rage? Full specs can viewed below, but the highlights include that aforementioned removable 4,050mAh battery, 6.3" FHD+ display that has a Wet Touch and Glove Mode for added sensitivity, Exynos processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, dual rear cameras, an IP68 rating, as well as Android 10. The way Samsung shows this phone off in marketing images, it looks like the phone was made with Amazon employees in mind, both fulfillment center and deliverers. The phone's programmable action button on the left side can be customized to open up apps for scanning barcodes and process payments, but according to Samsung, users can also "take advantage of ready-to-use mobile point of sale (mPOS) whose payment modules are available based on SDK for mPOS solution vendors." XCover Pro will be available in the second half of 2020, priced at $499.

Galaxy XCover Pro Specs

// Samsung [2]

Yep, OnePlus 8 Will Have 120Hz Fluid Display

Kellen — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 07:38:08 +0000

As one of the first to upgrade an AMOLED to a higher refresh rate, OnePlus certainly deserves some credit for the push in 2019 to 90Hz displays by other phone makers. In 2020, they are going to go a step beyond by helping usher in the era of 120Hz displays and an ever smoother experience. The upcoming event we told you about last week from OnePlus that hinted at a breakthrough in display technology happened this morning and the company did indeed announce that for 2020, they'll give us a 120Hz refresh rate in a display. Not only that, but we'll get better brightness, improved color accuracy, and MEMC for video playback. In a post on the company's community forum, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau discussed their new 120Hz "Fluid Display" for 2020. Lau noted first that it is another Samsung OLED, has peak brightness of more than 1,000 nits, and uses MEMC to help up the framerates of video to play at 60 or 120fps like a TV would. That might mean motion smoothing or that fun soap opera look that you either love or hate on your TV, so hopefully OnePlus will let us turn that off if we want. Finally, for the super display nerds, this new OnePlus panel supports 10-bit color and has a 0.8 JNCD (Just Noticeable Color Difference) rating, which will lead to an even truer-to-life color experience. More accurate color should help a lot for those who do a lot of photo editing on phone or want the confidence in their screen to know that what they are seeing on-display is correct. All of these improvements added another 30 seconds on the production line, OnePlus said. I'm fine with whatever it added, because this display is probably going to look incredible. // OnePlus

A First Look at the Galaxy S20+ Arrives With the Best Sticker

Kellen — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:25:15 +0000

Samsung is such a large and important company that almost nothing it makes is ever a secret. That's ringing true once again for 2020, with the first real-life device leak of its upcoming flagship phone, the Galaxy S20, upon us. Yes, the name S20 and S20+ appear to be confirmed at this point, so stop calling the new phones "Galaxy S11." The big leak this weekend arrives from XDA, where they obtained a batch of photos of the device in the wild. They have both front and back shots of the Galaxy S20+, as well as a shot of the boot screen that displays the name "Galaxy S20+ 5G." Below, you'll get a fairly clean look at the rear, where we have a large camera housing that includes 4 cameras, a flash, and what I'm going to assume is a microphone. Rumors suggest a 12MP standard shooter there, plus ultra-wide, telephoto, and macro lenses. You'll notice the Samsung logo too, along with an incredibly perfect sticker that reads, "CONFIDENTIAL," "No photo allowed," and "Do not leak info." Great work, everyone. Just great. The other photo directly below is of the front, where we can see limited bezel, a centered hole punch camera, and Samsung's familiar One UI. It, umm, looks like a Samsung phone with super tiny bezel. The source here did mention that the glass felt mostly flat, though, and more like a Pixel 2 XL, so hopefully that means Samsung is beginning to realize what we all did years ago: curved displays are dumb.

Finally, here is the shot that confirms the name of Galaxy S20 for the line. This model here is the Galaxy S20+ 5G, which normally would hint at this being the most high-end model, only the naming is a bit different for 2020. We actually think the Galaxy S20 will be the replacement for last year's lowest tier Galaxy S10e, so the S10 would be equal to the Galaxy S20+ (seen here), and the most premium model might be the Galaxy S20 Ultra. All clear there?

Gotta say, I'm looking forward to these phones. The S10 line-up was fantastic, yet we should see meaningful upgrades in the camera department, what may end up being a flatter display across the board, and really, really good high refresh rate displays. // XDA

Braun Audio Announces Comeback, Unveils Highly Priced Smart Speakers With Google Assistant at CES

Tim — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:13:17 +0000

If you thought Braun was a name that only dabbled in toothbrushes and shavers, you'd be wrong! Don't worry, I didn't know Braun has a rich history in the audio game either, so we're learning all of this together. Anyway, Braun Audio, located in Germany, is getting back into audio, announcing a full lineup of three smart speakers, each featuring Google Assistant. Available later this year, there's the LE01, LE02 and LE03. Each is a finely tuned and positively sex-ified speaker for your office or home setting, with the largest and most expensive model featuring "two custom 5.25-inch aluminum cone high-excursion fast-transient woofers, three full-range 2.5-inch Balanced Mode Radiator drive units, two quadratic 8-inch x 4.5-inch passive bass radiators, three Monolithic HD class-D power amplifiers, plus a 32-bit ARM multi-core digital signal processor for high accuracy and low noise." While that sounds good (pun!), the LE01 will cost you $1,199. 😳 Thankfully, it only gets cheaper from there! The least expensive of the range is the LE03, coming in at $379. It features a "custom 3.5-inch aluminum cone high-excursion fast-transient woofer, one full-range 1.5-inch Balanced Mode Radiator drive unit, one race-track 5-inch x 3-inch custom passive bass radiator, Monolithic class-D power amplifier," plus what should be the same 32-bit ARM multi-core digital signal processor. The mid-range LE02 is priced at $799. According to the press release, the LE series will debut at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Design Store in New York and online at store.moma.org. It goes on to say that, "Braun Audio is part of MoMA’s collection, and the speakers will be available in February at each of the MoMA Design Store locations in New York City." You should see these speakers have general availability in both Black and White, starting this summer.

OnePlus May Have Landed Verizon as Next Carrier Partner

Kellen — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 11:12:09 +0000

The next phone from OnePlus is expected to be called OnePlus 8 and I think it's safe to say that we would be surprised if T-Mobile wasn't a carrier partner for it. T-Mobile has joined OnePlus for a couple of years now and recently launched a 5G version of the OnePlus 7T Pro. For other carriers, we have most definitely been wondering when and if another would jump on this growing OnePlus success train. For 2020, a report suggests OnePlus snagged the biggest partnership it could: Verizon. To be clear, we're talking about Verizon actually selling a OnePlus phone, likely the OnePlus 8. In previous years, OnePlus was smart enough to get their phones certified and working on Verizon's network, but this is the next (and most important) step. Android Police says they believe Verizon will sell the OnePlus 8 with 5G connectivity and that it will be fully equipped with all of Verizon's bloat, including both preloaded apps as well as their advanced services, like VoLTE and WiFi calling. Because this is Verizon and they've only pushed out the close-to-worthless 5G of the moment, 5G mmW, this phone will likely be able to connect to that portion of our 5G future. While that could mean gigabit speeds, the chances of you ever connecting to a 5G mmW tower from Verizon are incredibly slim. At this time, Verizon only has 5G mmW in tiny portions (like a couple of blocks) of 31 cities and hasn't announced when or if they'll expand that much in 2020. Still, this is a big move for OnePlus. US consumers still very much rely on carriers to hand them phones on the cheap and lock their wallets into years of payments with them. With OnePlus coming to Verizon, they could potentially gain a massive new following and sell millions more phones. Well, that's a big maybe, since Google had Verizon all to itself for the first 3 years of Pixel phones and didn't exactly succeed. What are we looking at for pricing and availability? We don't know either yet, but if we look at the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G that just launched on T-Mobile, and considering that 5G is expensive still, this phone could run hundreds more than you are used to paying for OnePlus phones. // Android Police

Hey Google, Maybe Stick to Just Mid-Range Phones?

Tim — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 10:39:14 +0000

We were asked recently in our Q&A Sessions if Pixel phones from Google still matter. While I said "Yes," even the Google fanboy inside of me can admit that they're becoming less worthy of your money, and to me, it's all because Google somehow doesn't understand what making a premium-priced Android phone is all about. The premium Android flagship space in the US is crowded, but as Android people, we don't mind that. There are options, but I think we as consumers can be realistic and narrow it down to about three choices. There is Samsung, OnePlus, and Google. Even when polling our own readers, of the 15K votes we received, just 5% of people own something other than one of those three makers. When looking at those three options, they actually differ quite a bit, even though we tend to lump them in the same category as each other, which is the premium flagship category. The problem is, and the reason for this post, is that Google has not been good at making a flagship phone the past few years.

Our iPhone, the Pixel 2 XL

Of all the Pixel phones Google has released, I think most people would say that the Pixel 2 XL was the best. At least, it was the most popular. Even then, though, it lacked things that many folks felt were necessary to include on a premium-priced Android phone. Mind you, this was 2017. It lacked expandable storage, wireless charging, a large amount of RAM, as well as a headphone jack. People were pretty sore about losing their headphone jacks back then. The Pixel 2 XL launched with a price of $849 with just 64GB storage and 4GB RAM. At this point, Google had made it clear that the Pixel lineup was all about the camera and software experience, not loading up its phones with high-end specs and things that people may not even need. After all, they want to keep it affordable, but I'd argue that $849 isn't exactly reasonable for those two things. I'll get to why in just a bit. That same year, Samsung delivered the Galaxy Note 8, priced starting at $900+. I don't have enough space to list out everything that phone came with, but in terms of just specs, it's a much more attractive phone on paper, for not much more than the price of the Pixel 2 XL. It's my belief that in 2017, the true divide happened when Pixel fans and Samsung fans had a hard split and told themselves that they were getting the better experience and would defend their opinion to the death in Android blog comment sections. While no one made a bad decision, those who opted to continue down Samsung's road have gotten consistently better phones, even though it has taken a bit for Samsung to get up to speed with Google in terms of Android updates.

Camera + Updates ≠ Premium

With the launch of the Pixel 3a lineup this past year, Google went and proved that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a premium smartphone camera and software update experience. Starting at a mere $400 (and constantly on sale these days), the 3a and 3a XL seem to be more well thought out devices than the much more expensive Pixel 4 lineup, with their clumsily integrated Face Unlock tech and ill-timed inclusion of just 6GB RAM and nearly outdated Snapdragon 855 processor. Google, why would anyone buy your more expensive phones when people get such a better value from your plastic phones? With the first Pixel 4a renders hitting the web, you can actually see that people are excited for Google's next budget phone. From what we can see in the render, the 4a features not just a fingerprint reader that we have been missing like crazy, but it even has a headphone jack for the people who still can't seem to let it go. And because it's a Pixel from Google, we already know it'll be able to take crazy good pictures and should receive very timely Android updates. When it comes to the Pixel line from Google, that's all you should need/expect because we now know, due to Google's inability to pack a premium flagship with the best specs the past few years, that the Pixel 5 lineup will likely not live up to any high expectations and it'll be priced relatively high. I've already argued in the past that this is because of Google's release schedule. You can't get people overly excited about a subpar amount of RAM and a particular Snapdragon processor when it's literally a few months away from being last year's processor.

Mid-Range Apparently Sells

Google doesn't provide sales figures for its devices, that's just how it goes. However, we did get a sense in a recent statement from the company that the 3a and 3a XL helped boost Pixel sales. According to Google, its premium Pixel sales slowed YoY in 2019 and I really can't imagine that the Pixel 4 lineup turned those numbers around. My argument is, Google should focus on making the best mid-range Android device they can. Continue making the camera experience the best it can be and really make those other makers, such as Samsung, question why they're charging as much as they do for its phones. OnePlus has taken this approach from the beginning in a slightly different manner (they target the premium slice of buyers), but Google is in an advantageous position to make mid-range phones very sexy to the average consumer. Let Samsung and Apple sell their $1K+ phones, while Google can dominate the sub-$500 market. There is no shame in that. As a Google phone diehard, I can easily tell you that I'm more excited for the Pixel 4a than the Pixel 5 in 2020, because I'm sitting here thinking, "Hmm, I wonder what gimmicky nonsense Google will come up with this year? Will they just continue to copy Apple?" In 2019, it was Face Unlock. In 2020, who knows what it will be. Meanwhile, the Pixel 4a is going to have a fingerprint reader and the same photography capabilities as a phone that costs twice as much. I think it's about time to focus purely on the mid-range, Google. You've proved that that's where you can succeed.

Podcast: Hello 2020, Our New Friend

Kellen — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 09:52:00 +0000

Welcome to 2020! On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're catching up after an end-of-year break by diving headfirst into CES, the January Android patch, and when the Galaxy S11 (S20?) will be announced. We'll catch you up on our time at CES this week, favorite products from the show, and how Sonos almost stole the spotlight by suing Google. CES, always a somewhat-fun time. Oh yeah, we also donated a really nice chunk of cash to the Cancer Research Institute, thanks to all of your generous contributions. Hell yeah. Trivia will be back too. Prepare to win stuff. We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern).

OnePlus Could Tell Us About 120Hz Displays Next Week

Kellen — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 09:49:16 +0000

I can't wait for phones to start rolling out this year because I think we are about to blow right past 90Hz before it can become standard in displays and see everyone flip to 120Hz. Rumors/hints suggest Samsung is going to do it with the Galaxy S11 (or S20), we know Qualcomm is bringing full support for higher refresh rates in the Snapdragon 865, and now OnePlus is hinting that it might join the party before long. After showcasing their first concept phone this week at CES, invites sent to Chinese press point to some sort of reveal related to OnePlus phones and their displays. The invite for the January 13 event can be seen below, which Google Translate recognizes as saying a "new perspective" and that this is a "2020 screen technology communication meeting." While this could mean hidden cameras under displays, I'm not quite sure that technology is ready. Plus, 120Hz appears to be so close to being used by everyone that I can't imagine what else it would be.

120Hz is going to be awesome, folks. 90Hz also provides an excellent viewing experience over the 60Hz we had for years, but 120Hz is another level that our eyes will thank us for throughout every minute of the day. Shit is going to be so smooth. Assuming all of the companies contemplating 120Hz have figured out battery drain, oh boy, this is going to get good. // Fonearena | Weibo

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Up to $285 Off for Some Reason

Kellen — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 08:24:42 +0000

It's not Black Friday and it's not a holiday shopping season, but the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are at some of their lowest prices ever today at Amazon. I don't know why and I'm also not about to complain. If you want up to $285 off Google's newest phone, now is the time. Amazon has the Pixel 4 with 64GB storage for as little as $571 ($228 off) or the Pixel 4 XL 64GB for $613 ($285 off). For the holidays, these two phones were mostly discounted by $200, so yeah, we're at prices better than during that time. Price here is going to vary slightly depending on color. Also, if you jump up to 128GB, you aren't likely to see the same up-to-$285-off discount. So if interested, hit those links, pick a color (orange isn't typically on sale), and buy. Do we recommend either? Yeah, the Pixel 4 XL is quite good and is the phone that Tim and I are still using for the foreseeable future. I'd pass on the regular Pixel 4, though. Amazon Links: Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL

Report: Galaxy Fold 2 is Called 'Galaxy Bloom,' Galaxy S11 Will Definitely Jump to 'S20'

Tim — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:37:02 +0000

According to a report out of Korea, Samsung hosted a very private information session with select partners at CES this week, disclosing the company's plans for the new year. Most importantly to us Android folk, there were two takeaways from the meeting. Should the information that is reported be accurate, Samsung has a name for its next foldable, opting for Galaxy Bloom over Galaxy Fold 2. To clarify, this is the foldable that folds out into a phone and not a tablet (like the first Galaxy Fold). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time we've heard the Galaxy Bloom name get dropped, and frankly, that's a solid name for a foldable phone.

Previously leaked photo of Galaxy Bloom

The other piece of info in the report aligns with past leaks, that being that Samsung will skip nine numerals and jump all the way to Galaxy S20 in 2020, instead of using Galaxy S11. While it makes sense to have the Galaxy S20 in 2020, I don't know, this one just seems unnecessary and a really cheap way to get way ahead of Apple's own iPhone numbering system. Both the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Bloom are expected to be announced at next month's Unpacked event. Galaxy Bloom, anyone? // Aju News

Oh No: Pixel 4 Owners Getting "Can't Verify Face" Message

Kellen — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:08:47 +0000

A growing list of Pixel 4 owners are experiencing an issue with the phone's Face Unlock that leaves it unable to verify faces. Since this is the only option for a secure lock on the phone, outside of the old school PIN or password settings, you can imagine how frustrating it might be to not be able to use Face Unlock. The list of folks with the issue started in November at Google's Pixel Phone Help forum and has only grown since. Users are seeing a "Can't verify face. Try again." message that they are unable to make go away. Some are also seeing "Can't verify face. Hardware not available," which sounds worse. Some users said that they received a message on their phone to re-enroll their face in order for Face Unlock to continue working. After deleting face data and setting up again, the "Can't verify face" message began to appear. Again, this first popped up in November, but a wave of people jumped in after the January update to echo the issue. What's the fix? So far, a full factory reset on the phone is all that has helped. Deleting and setting up face data again hasn't worked, nor have simpler solutions like rebooting the phone. Should we find out more, we'll update this post. If you are experiencing this issue, I hate to say it, but a factory reset might fix you right up. // Pixel Phone Support

DEAL: AUKEY Hosting Sale on Chargers, Power Banks, and Earbuds (We Have the Coupon Codes)

Tim — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 13:06:48 +0000

AUKEY is kicking 2020 off in a good way, hosting an Amazon sale that has wall chargers, power banks, earbuds, and other miscellaneous tech goodies marked down. For specifics, we have a 24W dual-port car charger all the way down to $8 with a coupon code, 20,000mAh power bank for $27 with a click coupon, Key Series B60 earbuds for $25 (that's 50% off!) with a coupon code, as well as a super fancy 18W with Power Delivery wireless power bank for $105 with a coupon code. That thing is usually $150, so that's $45 off. Not bad at all. Here are the Amazon links you'll need to check out all of the deals.

Amazon Links

DP Car Charger, 15W USB-C, 18W QC 3.0 - $10 w/ code: K3KOTMY4
24W Car Charger w/ Dual USB Ports - $8 w/ code: CKPLMMUA
USB-C 18W PD Charger w/ Folding Prongs - $9 w/ code: D3X527IE
Dual USB Port Charger w/ Folding Prongs - $7 w/ code: D3X527IE
Wall Charger w/ 2 Outlets and 4 USB Ports - $11 w/ code: 96UD3N77
20000mAh Power Bank w/ AiPower - $27 w/ Click Coupon
18W Wireless Power Bank, 45W CP - $105 w/ code: Z23HXYMQ
Wall Outlet Night Light with 2 USB Ports $13 w/ code: 9AX26M4J
Key Series B60 Fitness Wireless Earbuds - $25 w/ code: JICUFZCQ

Have at 'em!

Q&A Volume 56: 'Do Pixels Still Matter?' and Other Questions From This Week!

Tim — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:13:58 +0000

Sorry for the wait on this, but we had CES to attend! We're back home now, so we've gathered your questions for Volume 56 of the DL Q&A Sessions and we have your answers! This time around, we discussed the Super Bowl very briefly (go Niners!), went through our typical day here at Droid Life, went deep into whether Google Pixel phones still matter (yes, of course they do!), and we also discussed if Google should straight up drop their premium phones and opt to only sell "a" phones. Thank you for the great questions! Let's get to it! Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim.

What's a normal day like for a Droid Life guy?

K: Coffee. Write. Coffee. Write. Possibly write bad rant. Tweet. Repeat. T: Wake up, drink coffee, walk my doggies, then start going through my inbox and seeing what's already been posted in the Android world. Since we're on the West coast, a lot of news has already happened, so I like to catch up. Then, we start blogging hard until the day is over.

Does the Pixel series even matter anymore? With other OEM's getting better at software updates, is there a real need for the Pixel line in 2020 and beyond?

K: It'll always matter because it's from Google. The Pixel line might not be the best of the best, but it potentially steers some of the Android vision still, has some of the best cameras in the business, and again...it's from Google. Anything Google does will always be important - they are Google. T: While updates are a big part of the draw to Pixel phones, that's not the only thing and it's not as if Google has just stopped updating phones. They were late for one month and people decided to seemingly freak out over nothing. Were their phones unusable because it didn't have the December patch? Highly doubtful. Google still has a dominant camera and still photography experience, which is very desirable to consumers. Google will keep doing its thing and the people who resonate with Google's experience will likely stick with that.

A couple of years ago the Pixel 2 XL was your "iPhone". Has any phone since come close?

K: Haven't had that same feeling about a phone since. Maybe that's because phones are just so similar to it that they haven't brought any special feelings or maybe that phone really was just that good. I liked the Pixel 3, Pixel 4 XL, and Galaxy S10e, but none of them stand out like the Pixel 2 XL. That combo of curves, amazing rear colorway (the black-white specifically), great software, and that camera, man was that a good phone. T: Some phones come close, but no, nothing has reached Pixel 2 XL levels of love. Call me crazy, but the Pixel 4a device(s) could maybe be pretty special this year. Or maybe the Galaxy S20 line? We shall see!

Which OEM/Phone are you currently most excited for in 2020?

K: I really just want to see what Motorola can do after taking a couple of years off from trying the high-end. I'm not sure I'd say I'm excited about them, but they have my attention. Other than that, here's to hoping Google can make some better decisions. T: I really hope the Pixel 4a phone(s) are sweet. I didn't use the Pixel 3a lineup at all, so in 2020, I will attempt to do that. Also, don't be surprised if I try to snag an iPhone 11s or something and really give iOS a go. You know, even if people think it's just for clicks, I really so want to see want all that iPhone hubbub is about.

Who do you think is going to the Super Bowl?

K: Not the Patriots! Hahahahhahahahahahhahaha. T: Ravens seem like a sure thing. Lamar Jackson is a freak on the field. Would love to see my Niners in there too for a sweet rematch of 2013!

Will Google drop the premium Pixel line in favor of its "A" series, which seems to have a better value prop and sell in larger quantities?

K: Well, no, they want to be in the high-end. I think we should want that too because more players are better than fewer. I like choices. I like seeing companies competing. Even though Google can't seem to quite nail it, I want to see them continue to try. That said, I'm super excited to see what the Pixel 4a pricing will be. That's probably the phone topping my want list at this early stage of 2020. T: I could see this happening. We don't have sales figures for the high-end Pixels, but since we know Google can deliver that same camera experience on the less expensive models, and they seem to sell well, it wouldn't completely shock me if they stopped making high-end phones and focused primarily on mid-range. I mean hey, if it's profitable, why wouldn't they? Does Google really think they can charge $800+ for a phone that doesn't come close to a Samsung Galaxy flagship on paper? Tough decisions ahead for Google.

Are Portland fans happy with their team's current trajectory or are you craving a change?

K: The Blazers suck. Sure, they've had some injury issues this year. Already looking for to next year, though, which sucks to admit. T: Portland has an NBA team? After we lost to the Knicks, Pelicans, and about every other team that we should have beat this year, I'm onto next season. That's the angry fan in me. The optimistic guy thinks that once our injuries are done (Nurk, Collins, etc.), we could be quite competitive in the West!

What big feature will Android include in a future OS update to make a big difference?

K: This is probably lazy of me to say, but Android is so mature at this point that I kind of just want Google to show me what they are thinking. I have no idea what else I need. Easier sharing of files locally might be cool. I still wish gestures were different, as far as the back-swipe goes. Default app selection is super obnoxious, though they might be working on that. But for something big, I just have no idea, sorry. T: Mobile shopping is growing at an insane rate and Google is in a good position to take advantage of that with Android. Don't ask me how, but probably down the road, buying something on your phone that you see right in front of you in person will probably become a lot easier with things like Google Lens and Assistant. "Oh, those shoes are cool" leads to you pointing your phone, identifying them, then buying them all within 10 seconds. You can kinda do that now, but I'm envisioning something even faster. I also assume Google will just keep building out Assistant and in the far future, we won't have phones and we'll just have Assistant in our ears or brains via some sort of biological installation process. Good luck, humans!

Awesome Game 'Zombie Night Terror' on Sale for $2 (Down From $8)

Tim — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:09:30 +0000

Folks familiar with Steam's extensive library have maybe heard of Zombie Night Terror before, but if you're just a casual person who doesn't follow every single title out there, maybe you've missed this one. Regardless, the big news happening is that ZNT's usual price of $8 on Google Play is currently slashed thanks to a sale, all of the way down to just $2. ZNT isn't a traditional zombie game, the kind where you kill the zombies. Instead, you control the zombies and try to kill as many poor souls as you can. As for how you control them, you can provide directions, administer power-ups to certain zombies to get through levels, and you'll also determine in select levels who to infect first for the most advantageous positioning within a level. I'll be honest, the game starts a bit in the deep end and somewhat expects players to just get it, but with a bit of trial and error, no one should have a problem having fun with it. Follow the link below to grab ZNT for just $2.

Google Play Link ($2)

https://youtu.be/xjOwqSe5niQ

Fossil Sport at One of Its Best Prices Ever Today: $99

Kellen — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 09:42:31 +0000

Fossil just got done announcing a bunch of new color options for the Fossil Sport, but if you don't mind the original colors, you can get them at a substantial discount today. How does $99 sound? The Fossil Sport has seen itself at a number of price points throughout its life. It debuted at $255, got a huge Black Friday deal shortly after, then jumped up to $275 for some reason. It has since been given various discounts, only this $99 deal is next level. From $275 down to $99, that's a $176 price drop on a watch that this week picked up the Fossil Gen 5's best software feature. Once the latest update from Fossil arrives on the Sport, you'll be able to choose from 4 battery modes that should help expand battery life on a single charge. The new colors aren't available yet, so those aren't discounted here. However, you will find the classic black version at $99, plus the blue, red, green, and grey colorways.

Shop Fossil Sport

READ: Fossil Sport Review

Verizon Expects 5G Phones to Drop Below $600 This Year

Kellen — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 09:10:39 +0000

The first 5G phones arrived throughout last year, almost all of which were only available with a steep premium over their non-5G counterparts. That was sort of expected, as is the case with any new and expensive technology, but Verizon is already predicting that 2020 will be the time for the average price to drop substantially. If you look at the first significant 5G phone releases from 2019, you'll see that phones like the Galaxy S10 5G and Galaxy Note 10 5G fetched hundreds more than the non-5G S10 and Note 10 options. For the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G, the same was true. Again, we were told that this would happen and it wasn't surprising, though I'm not sure anyone feels great about spending $1300 on a phone that can't hold a 5G signal through a window. Verizon is predicting a price drop over the coming the year, down to as low as the sub-$600 range. During an appearance at the 2020 Global TMT West Conference this week, Ronan Dunne, Verizon's Executive Vice President and Group CEO—Verizon Consumer, talked about a number off their 5G focuses for the coming year, but the pricing is going to be the most important to many of us. Dunne mentioned that in 5G mmW (which is all Verizon has at this point), by the end of the year, we should have phones supporting mmW first below $800 and then down around $600 or under. He said to expect a "significant expansion" in the range of phones they offer, while pointing out that the sweet spot on the average selling price would drop. Why is this so important? Well, because Qualcomm is forcing 5G onto everyone this year, which means forcing a price increase on your next phone purchase, whether you wanted one or not. If Verizon is already expecting prices to even out some, though not necessarily at the high-end, that might make the next year slightly less stressful. // Verizon

A Samsung Phone in 2020 With a Removable Battery

Tim — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:21:43 +0000

Every now and then, we see folks in public forums discuss their desire for a smartphone with a removable battery. They used to be very prevalent, but these days, they're pretty tough to find, especially in the mid to high-end range. Renders, specs, and details for a new phone from Samsung are hitting the web, and for people interested in having a decent phone with a removable battery, there might be good reason to get excited. Apparently called the Galaxy XCover Pro and reported to be headed to Europe first, this device features a 4,020mAh removable battery which can be replaced at any time should the consumer want to do so. Thinking back to the days of replaceable batteries, quickly swapping out a dead battery for a fresh one could be insanely clutch, so I get why this would have people excited. The phone is a rugged device, sporting a mostly plastic body, IP68 certification, 6.3-inch display (2400 x 1080), Exynos processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, plus a push-to-talk button for quick voice communications. The device is also shown to come running Android 10 with One UI 2.0 at launch. For pricing, Galaxy XCover Pro is reported to be just under 500 euros, which seems reasonable enough. Again, though, no US availability has been hinted at. Are you ready for swappable battery phones to make a comeback? // WinFuture

Twitter is Giving You Controls Over Who can Reply to Your Tweets

Kellen — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:33:09 +0000

Twitter sees an opportunity to give you more control over your conversations and plans to test out a new setting that lets you decide who can reply to your Tweets. Since Twitter can be both a toxic hellscape and wonderful social platform, the additional controls will probably be welcomed by many. During a chat at CES today, the social network revealed the image you are seeing above, with four different options over replies. You will be able to set Global, Group, Panel, or Statement while composing a Tweet. Depending on which you choose will indicate who can participate in your conversation:

Global: Anyone can reply, which is basically how Twitter works now if you haven't blocked someone.
Group: The people you follow, as well as those you mention in the Tweet can reply.
Panel: Only the people that you mention in the Tweet can reply.
Statement: No one can reply except you.

Is this a good idea for Twitter to limit conversation and potentially let people live within safer spaces? For the most part, yes, I do think this is a good idea. Twitter is full of really terrible people, bots, and other nonsense that probably needs to be given less power. Those people should be limited from joining in on your conversations. On the flip, I'm not sure that public figures should necessarily be given options that could limit criticism. If anything, I'm at least interested to see how Twitter rolls this out, if they set different rules depending on the user, and then if it needs to tweaked, they do so smartly. We'll let you know once this starts rolling out. // TechCrunch

Samsung Thinks It Sold About 500K Galaxy Folds, Not a Million

Tim — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:55:43 +0000

This past December, it was reported that Samsung sold a million Galaxy Fold devices. Shortly after that number was making the rounds, the company denied it, stating that an executive who mentioned it was confused with actual sales versus projected sales. No worries, it happens. Thanks to CES this week, we're learning that sales for the Galaxy Fold should officially be anywhere between 400K to 500K and that number is straight from DJ Koh, President and CEO of Samsung's mobile division. Speaking to reporters at CES, Koh said, "I think we've sold 400,000 to 500,000 Galaxy Fold smartphones." While that's not a million, it's still pretty darn impressive considering the initial launch issues Samsung ran into with the device. And even with that said, we still wouldn't mind having one in our pocket. Bring on the Galaxy Fold 2! // Yonhap

Mi Box S Gets Amazon Prime Video in Pie Update

Kellen — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:54:13 +0000

Xiaomi's affordable Android TV box, the Mi Box S, is getting a major update today in the form of Android 9 Pie. The update is mostly notable for one reason, though - it includes Amazon Prime Video. Don't get me wrong, the update to Pie is welcomed. The description for it says that it "gives you a better operating system, high speed performance and an increased anti-virus security system," which is fun enough. Well, outside of the random note about an anti-virus security system...weird. But with Amazon Prime Video included as a part of the update, Mi Box S owners can now access the Prime Video catalog. Since Amazon has one of the better sets of original series, as well as a bunch of other free content, this is big. Once you start the update, Mi Box S owners, expect several reboots. Also, if Chromecast functionality isn't working properly afterwards, you may need to find the Chromecast app within settings and clear data or cache on it. There are several reports at the reddit thread below about issues with Casting. Happy updating! // reddit

Shop Mi Box S at Walmart

Virgin Mobile is Shutting Down, Customers Being Moved to Boost

Kellen — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:16:12 +0000

Virgin Mobile USA is shutting down soon and customers of the service will be moved to Boost Mobile starting in February, a freshly posted support site indicates. Some Virgin Mobile customers were notified of the change in recent days via text message. The change could have something to do with the Sprint-T-Mobile merger, possibly as a way to consolidate prepaid brands down before having to sell them off should that reach final approval. Virgin Mobile is a Sprint brand, as is Boost. What's happening to Virgin Mobile customers that are being forced over to Boost? Once February rolls around, Virgin says that customers will be "transferred to Boost Mobile with your device, and a comparable or better Boost Mobile service plan at no extra cost to you." Customers will keep their phone numbers and monthly payment dates too. There are some payment changes happening, though. For example, Boost doesn't accept PayPal as a payment method, so some customers will have to use a different credit card to pay bills. Also, the 45/90 Day Top Up Payment Option won't be available at Boost. Some plan add-ons won't be available either. To learn more about how this might impact you, I suggest you head over to this Virgin Mobile FAQ page. // Engadget

Galaxy Home Mini Might Actually Release in 2020

Tim — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:51:24 +0000

Bloomberg reports that Samsung is readying the Galaxy Home Mini, after what feels like years of talk and speculation that the company would finally release its Bixby-powered speaker lineup. The first iteration, the larger Galaxy Home, was announced in August, 2018, but has never hit the market. There is still no official release date or pricing of course, but from what you'd imagine, the Bixby speaker should be able to connect to your Samsung smart home ecosystem, able to perform tasks via anything connected to SmartThings and other 3rd-party smart devices. According to Samsung's own Hyunsuk Kim, CEO of the consumer electronics division, he's been using a Home Mini in his own home, connected to over 60 products including his blinds and lighting systems. Hopefully his testing is going well, because we're getting a little impatient over here. Will we see Galaxy Home Mini at next month's Unpacked event? It's possible! // Bloomberg

AUKEY Intros 'World's Fastest' Omnia Chargers, Available Later This Year

Tim — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 15:44:05 +0000

AUKEY introduced the Omnia Series set of chargers at CES this week, set to be available in Q2 of 2020. AUKEY is dubbing the Omnia Series the world's fastest chargers, so already, that's pretty exciting. In total, there are five Omnia chargers, featuring three different output levels. The smallest charger is the 61W USB-C PA-B2 and the largest is the 100W dual-port USB-C PA-B6. There are also two 65W options available. While the chargers are fast, they're also quite compact. According to AUKEY, they're up to 66% smaller than a standard MacBook Pro 13" charger. Be on the lookout for these to hit Amazon in Q2. Future DL Show trivia prizes? Quite possible. // AUKEY

Did You Get the January Android Update on Your Pixel Phone?

Kellen — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 14:16:53 +0000

Something weird happened this week. Google posted factory image and OTA files for the January 2020 Pixel update and I didn't have to sideload either one. Instead, I opened up settings, tapped on the "Check for update" button, and an update arrived. We have been told on multiple occasions that it should work this way, yet it almost never does. This month, though, I feel like I won. So, what's your January Pixel update situation like? On your Pixel 2 or Pixel 3 or Pixel 4, did you tap the button and get the update like I did? Are you still waiting? After a couple of months of Google missing their usual rollout schedule, I feel like we need to know if things were better to start 2020. I think they are. I think we all might have won this week.

OnePlus Concept Phone is Cool for Two Reasons

Kellen — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:52:48 +0000

OnePlus is at CES this week showing off the OnePlus Concept One, their first in a supposed ongoing new series of phones where they showcase possible future technology for the phones they actually sell. I played with it for a bit, and well, it has two things going for it. For those not yet familiar, the OnePlus Concept One is basically a OnePlus 7 Pro McLaren Edition with a new backside that includes glass that can un-tint itself. It also has a lot of really orange leather on the backside to at least make it look like something somewhat new. But the basics are that you have a trick camera thing happening on the back as the technology OnePlus is trying to showcase. The first thing that this new technology helps create is going to be beneficial in the future as phonemakers continue to put 25 different cameras on the backs of their phones. Look at the things TCL just announced this week. Phones are going to get uglier because of camera count and OnePlus could fix that problem. For this Concept One, OnePlus is potentially going to be able to hide all of those awful camera housings. The Concept One features a triple camera setup with flash that can barely be seen when the camera isn't active. Once you open the camera, though, the glass covering those lenses clears up to reveal the setup and let you take photos through a clear path. I know this seems like a silly trick, but from a design perspective, it's going to be amazing assuming they can deliver this in phones without an insane price hike and further darken the glass when the camera isn't active. This phone, while an acquired taste with all that leather and orange, looks incredibly slick in person because you aren't constantly staring at cameras. Instead, you get to see OnePlus' design chops in action.

The other item to point to would be OnePlus using that tinting action to create a better camera experience. For now, the Pro mode on this Concept One has an "ND8" option that acts as an ND (Neutral Density) filter for your photographs. When in a super bright, outdoor scenario, this could really make a difference on the quality of photos when enabled by helping control exposure. Again, like the hiding of the cameras, if OnePlus can really dial this in, possibly find a way to add it to the auto camera setting, and optimize it further, it could give their cameras an edge in a category they sorely need one. Camera innovation is hard these days, and the playing field is as level as ever. It's the minor tweaks like an ND filter that could help OnePlus be a serious part of the camera conversation.

Other than that, the Concept One from OnePlus isn't showing anything else. You have to look at the camera situation as a cool trick that has a couple of benefits, but that's about it. Maybe that's enough.

Google Play Movies & TV to Pick Up HDR10+ Support

Tim — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:23:25 +0000

Samsung announced that HDR10+ support is coming to Google Play Movies & TV, with expectations set that UHD titles featuring it should be available for viewing in 2020 on the service. In order to experience Samsung's rival to Dolby Vision, you'll need a television set that also supports the standard, of course. While extremely brief, here is what Samsung wrote.

Consumers will be able to enjoy a superior UHD experience with content from major Studios in 2020.

Sweetness. // Samsung

Google Announced a Bunch of Great New Google Assistant Features Today

Kellen — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 10:00:41 +0000

CES 2020 officially kicked off this morning and Google has once again announced a bunch of new Google Assistant features. For the past couple of years, Google has used CES to show off the latest in Assistant technologies and they didn't hold back this year. There's a lot to take in, so we've broken it down in the easiest consumable way, via bullets. Here's what is coming to the Google Assistant related products over the next year:

Faster setup of smart devices: If you are setting up a smart device through a manufacturer's app, you may see a notification or "suggestion button" to finish setting up within Google Home and the Assistant. That process will help you easily complete setup without needing to re-enter account credentials.
Scheduled Actions: Want to set your coffee maker to run at 6AM? Later this year, you'll be able to say, "Hey Google, run the coffee maker at 6AM," and it'll do that. The feature is called Scheduled Actions.
More appliances get support: Google said this morning that more than 20 new devices will become a part of Google Home this year, including AC units, air purifiers, bathtubs (lol), coffee makers, vacuums, and more.
Smart Display sticky notes: Soon, you'll be able to say to you smart display, "Hey Google, leave a note that says I already fed the dog" or something similar. Your smart display will then show a digital sticky note that everyone in your home can see. This will arrive "later this year."
Speed dial contacts on smart displays: Use your smart display to place frequent calls? Google is adding a feature "later this year" that will let you add speed dial contacts. That way, you can quickly call your brother by voice or by tapping on his contact on a smart display.
Long-form readouts by Assistant: Google is planning to use the Assistant to read long articles or web pages to you with a command of "Hey Google, read this page." They should be able to do this in 42 languages, plus it may eventually be able to auto-scroll as it reads and highlight text to show you where the Assistant is currently reading.
Easily delete Assistant history: Google has continued to make it easier for you to delete your Assistant history, which means you can now use commands like "Hey Google, delete everything I said to you this week." Google today is also acknowledging the command we pointed out a few weeks ago that lets you say "Hey Google that wasn't for you," to delete something Google may have mistakenly heard you say.
Far-field Android TV support: Android TVs (starting with Hisense and TCL) are getting far-field mic support, so you'll soon be able to talk to the Assistant through your TV like you would a smart speaker.
Assistant coming to Samsung TVs: The Google Assistant is coming to Samsung's new voice-enabled Smart TVs that are launching in 2020. That's big!

See, Google had a lot to announce today for the Google Assistant. Which one will you use the most? // Google

OnePlus has an Idea That Might Save Your Battery

Kellen — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 09:07:19 +0000

When you plug your phone in at bedtime and let it charge all night, there's a chance that your phone could "overcharge" and reduce the lifespan of your battery. That sucks, especially since phones are getting more expensive and we are all hanging on to them for longer and longer periods of time. To help, OnePlus is planning to introduce a software feature called Optimized Charging. With Optimized Charging, your phone will recognize your night time charging pattern, charge your phone in the middle of the night to 80%, then pause from finishing up the rest of the charge. Looking at your wake patterns, Optimized Charging will fire up the final 20% charge within 100 minutes of when you typically wake up to make sure you are at 100%. That's pretty cool, right? OnePlus didn't say when we might get Optimized Charging or which phones will support it. They did say that you'll be able to turn it off or on by opening the settings app, tapping Battery, and then looking for Optimized Charging. There will be a shortcut to toggle this off and on in the notification drop down too, as well as special battery icons to let you know when your charging is being optimized. They also said that in the future, Optimized Charging will be able to recognize a changing sleep cycle, like weekends or if you were to change time zones. We'll let you know if/when this new feature arrivecs. // OnePlus

Skagen Falster 3 is Here and Looking Sharp

Kellen — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 09:02:21 +0000

REVIEW: Skagen Falster 3

Skagen and Fossil announced the much anticipated Falster 3 today at CES, delivering that familiar style that made the original Falster smartwatches so appealing. With the new Falster 3, Skagen might not have updated the look much, but it has the goods inside to match the Fossil Gen 5. That's a good thing. The Falster 3 runs the Snapdragon Wear 3100 with 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, heartrate monitor, NFC, GPS, speaker, swim proof to 30 meters, and rapid charging. It's almost identical in specs to the Gen 5, only this Falster 3 packs everything into a 42mm case. You also have 3 buttons on the right side (2 pushers and a rotating crown/button) and at least four different 22mm band options to choose from (black rubber, blue rubber, stainless steel, and brown leather). On a software front, this is (obviously) Wear OS, but Skagen and Fossil included Spotify, Cardiogram, and Noonlight apps, just like on the Gen 5. They also tossed in the sweet new battery modes from the Gen 5, which might be the biggest feature addition to Wear OS to date. The Skagen Falster 3 is available today for $295. Shop Falster 3 at Amazon

Mobvoi Announces TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro With Upgrades Everywhere

Kellen — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 09:00:22 +0000

Mobvoi has new true wireless earbuds you might want to pay attention to, thanks to plenty of upgrades, new features, and reasonable prices attached. The TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro are here. From a design perspective, both TicPods 2 models fall into the AirPods category, where you have open-fit earbuds without any extra fit options. They either fit your ears or they don't. Both models come in Navy (blue), Ice (white), and Blossom (pink). From a specs perspective, this is where the improvements arrive over the original TicPods Free. The TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro use Qualcomm aptX audio for an enhanced, "high-definition" listening experience. You can toggle this on or off too, in case you don't like the way it sounds. Mobvoi says that the TicPods 2, with their 13mm moving coil, will blow "even higher-priced true wireless earbuds competitors right out of the water."

You have 4 hours of battery life while in-use, along with another 20 hours worth of charges in case for the 2 Pro and 23 hours for the regular TicPods 2. Thanks to fast charging, you'll get an hour of play time in just 5 minutes. The case charges via USB-C. Both TicPods 2 also come with an IPX4 rating, so they should be sweatproof. They are connected to your phone through Bluetooth 5.0, have touch controls, in-ear detection, and provide access to your phone's voice assistant. The TicPods 2 Pro also has what Mobvoi is calling a set of "AI-Powered features." Pro users will get quick commands that let you change tracks or pause music or answer calls without using a wake word, head gestures to answer (nod) or deny (shake) calls, and dual-mic noise cancellation.

The TicPods 2 Pro will start at $139, while the TicPods 2 will cost $99. Both are up for pre-order today with a special 10% off launch discount that runs through January 15, which is the end of the pre-order period. Shop TicPods 2: Amazon | Mobvoi

Fossil is Releasing New Styles of the Gen 5 and Fossil Sport

Kellen — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 09:00:21 +0000

Fossil is having quite the week here at CES, with a number of their brands announcing new watches. We've seen watches from Skagen and Diesel already, but there are also new styles of the Fossil Gen 5 and Fossil Sport to tell you about. When we're talking styles, you won't find upgrades to specs, only in the casings or watch bands that come with them. For the Fossil Sport, that means a bunch of new colors with matching jelly bands. For the Fossil Gen 5, that means a new model called Garrett along with a new Julianna color. The Gen 5 Garrett, which you'll see on wrist below, is quite the masculine watch with a diver aesthetic. It's chunky, comes in a variety of colors and bands, and packs all the specs of the original Gen 5. The new Julianna, on the other hand, is simply an all-rose-gold version of the previously released Julianna Gen 5.

Again, none of the specs are changing. The Fossil Sport is still the Fossil Sport, only in new colors and with new jelly bands. The Fossil Gen 5 is still the Gen 5, it now just comes in a new Garrett case. All of the new watches arrive on January 26 at Fossil.com.

Fossil Sport

Fossil Gen 5 Garrett

Epson Android TV-Powered Laser Projector Looks Sweet, Costs $1K

Tim — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:39:38 +0000

At CES this week, Epson introduced the EF-100 mini-laser streaming projector with built-in Android TV. It's a mouthful, but if you're into projecting your movies at home, the idea of having an Android TV-powered projector is a much more enticing idea versus regular ol' Android powering a projector (similar to what Puppy Cube does). According to Epson, the device appears to have full Google Play access, meaning all of your go-to Android TV apps are available for streaming content. That includes Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, and all of the others.

As for the actual projection, the EF-100 is capable of projecting an image size of up to 150-inches (max resolution of 1920 x 1080), complete with plenty of color and brightness.

Here are a few of the highlights that Epson points out for the EF-100 projector.

Highlights

Stunning Picture Quality – Imagine an incredibly bright and colorful projected image up to 150 inches on virtually any wall or dedicated screen – even when the lights are on. This is what makes the Epson EF-100 unique and why the EF-100 is quite possibly the most advanced mini-laser projector ever made.
Included Android TV – Built-in Android TV with a simple-to-use remote – including voice search with built-in Google Assistant. Watch all your favorite streaming channels including Netflix, HBO, YouTube, Hulu, ESPN and more. Even stream live TV with apps like YouTube TV. With over 5,000 apps available, there’s always something to watch on your Epson EF-100.
Integrated Audio System – Internal high-quality bass-reflex speaker for impressive audio performance. Additionally, the EF-100 includes a standard 3.5mm stereo output connection with preset tone controls.
Epson MicroLaser Array Projection Technology – Unique multi-array laser diode technology to produce an exceptional level of brightness while significantly enhancing the black density. The result is an exceptionally bright and clear image – far beyond most projectors in this class.
True 3-Chip Projector Design – Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100 percent of the RGB color signal for every frame. This allows for outstanding color accuracy while maintaining excellent brightness, without any “rainbowing” or “color brightness” issues seen with other projection technologies.
Outstanding Brightness – Capable of displaying high-definition content at an exceptional 2,000 lumens of brightness for both color and white content.This not only provides for an exceptional viewing experience but sets a new standard in this class of projection –allowing you to watch content even when the lights are on.
Auto Picture Skew Correction – Depending upon how the Epson EF-100 is oriented, the projector will analyze the projected image and correct the vertical geometry of the picture for a beautiful viewing experience.

Obviously, $1,000 is a lot to spend on an Android TV box, but considering the amount of tech Epson has stuffed into this hardware, it actually sounds pretty tempting. Thinking about grabbing one for your home theater setup? They'll be available later this month.

Epson Product Link

Suunto is Here With a Serious Fitness Wear OS Watch (Updated: On Wrist!)

Kellen — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:00:31 +0000

When I think about serious fitness tracking watches there are three companies I look to: Garmin, Polar, and Suunto. They all make great products, but to date, only Polar has pushed aside their own software to take a stab at making a true smartwatch with Google's Wear OS. Today, Suunto makes its play. Suunto announced the Suunto 7, its first Wear OS watch with all of the current to specs available. You get the Snapdragon Wear 3100, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 450mAh battery, GPS, heartrate monitor, barometric altimeter, NFC (Google Pay), microphone, and 1.39"AMOLED display (454x454). The case, which is made of a stainless steel bezel and reinforced polyamide body, uses interchangeable 24mm straps, plus you get a design that is shock-proof, water-proof (50 meters), and dirt-proof. There are a variety of colors including black/lime, white/burgundy, black, sandstone/rosegold, and graphite/copper.. The watch weighs 70g.

But can the Suunto 7 live up to the Suunto name as a fitness device knowing that Wear OS and all of its limitations are here? I certainly have worries about battery life for a watch that is probably going to be considered by fitness enthusiasts who might spend hours and hours on the road or trail, miles away from the nearest charger. Suunto is saying that you should get 12 hours of continuous use with GPS or about 48 hours with normal daily wear. Again, knowing that almost every Wear OS I've tested only lasts about 24 hours with daily use and no GPS, I'll need to test to see if it can live up to those lofty numbers. As a sports watch, Suunto is including 70+ sport modes (running, cycling, swimming, skiing, yoga, etc.) and an offline outdoor maps mode, so you can leave your phone behind. They even included a way to boost display brightness to 1,000 nits for those outdoor moments. The Suunto 7 arrives January 31 for $499 but pre-orders should open tomorrow, January 6. I'll see what I can do to try and test one.

Shop Suunto sport watches

UPDATE 1/6: We had a chance to play with the Suunto 7 and toss in on the wrist! In short - very cool watch with some really neat fitness software, but it's huge and we're forever going to be worried about battery life knowing the Wear 3100 is behind it.

// Suunto

Lenovo Smart Tab M10 With Google Assistant's Ambient Mode Arrives This Year, Costs $189

Tim — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:30:51 +0000

Lenovo announced a new Android-powered tablet device called the Smart Tab M10 FHD during CES this year, with expectations set that it will debut sometime this year for $189. When docked, this tablet acts more like a Smart Display, capable of displaying pictures and allowing users to interact with Google Assistant all while hands-free, but when undocked, it's a full-blown tablet experience. Due to the unknown date that it will be released, there is no official spec sheet for the device quite yet, but it is listed that this tablet features a 10.3" FHD display, plus stereo speakers powered by Dolby Atmos. With purchase, the tablet comes with a Smart Charging Station, which docks up your tablet while keeping it charged and "turns your tablet into a smart speaker with a screen." The tablet also features mid-field voice recognition with dual mics (including dedicated digital signal processors) and a dedicated signal chip. As soon as we have official availability, we'll update you. // Lenovo

Fossil Sport, Others Getting Gen 5's Sweet Battery Modes Today

Kellen — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:20:57 +0000

Oh friends, do we have big Fossil Wear OS news to share. Remember those sweet battery modes introduced alongside the Fossil Gen 5 last year that we were told would one day arrive on older Fossil watches? Those battery modes are starting to rollout today! The battery modes I'm referring to are Extended Battery, Daily, Custom, and Time Only modes. On the Fossil Gen 5, you get to pick from these depending on how long you need your watch to run. What's particularly great is the Custom mode that lets you fine-tune your Wear OS experience as far as features, like turning off WiFi and GPS and NFC, but leaving always-on display active. These modes are one of the bigger Wear OS advancements in a while, and they came from Fossil, not Google. At launch of the Fossil Gen 5, Fossil said to expect them on older watches before the end of the year. They missed that mark some, but are now pushing it. Fossil tells us that any of the Snapdragon Wear 3100 watches that don't already have the battery modes should get them over the next week or so via software update. That means the Fossil Sport, Misfit Vapor X, Kate Spade Sport, etc. It's a staged rollout, so if you aren't seeing it right now, keep check throughout the week. Let us know if you see it!

January 2020 Android Security Update Now Available for Pixel Devices (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 10:11:43 +0000

First Android update of 2020!

The new year is here and so is the first monthly Android update from Google. We have updates for all of Google's currently supported Pixel phones, and it appears as if all builds are ready (both factory images and OTA files) to go. I mention that because we had a couple of of month's worth of delays to end 2019, so let's hope Google ships these right away. Currently, we are seeing new 10.0.0 files for Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL (QQ1B.200105.004, QQ1C.200105.004, QQ1D.200105.002), Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (QQ1A.200105.002), Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (QQ1A.200105.002, QQ1A.200105.003), and Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (QQ1A.200105.002). As expected, there is no update for the Pixel and Pixel XL, as they got their last update last month. Do note, there are separate Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL builds for TW & JP (QQ1C.200105.004) and NTT DOCOMO (QQ1D.200105.002). For the Pixel 3 XL, its builds are labeled as QQ1A.200105.003 for T-Mobile and Google Fi, while all other carriers will see the QQ1A.200105.002 build number. Update: Google has published its notable fixes and we've included it below.

You will find 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. To check for the update, head into Settings>System>Advanced>System update. We’ll continue to update this post as Google gives us more information on the update. Links:

Samsung Intros $999+ Galaxy Chromebook, Comes in Red so Automatically the Best Ever

Tim — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 09:18:38 +0000

According to tech journos on the web, Samsung might've just released the nicest Chromebook of all time! Wow! Called the Galaxy Chromebook and priced starting at $999 set for release in Q1 of this year, the specs do align with what you would label as a solid laptop. It features a 13.3" 4K AMOLED touchscreen display, 10th-Generation Intel Core i5 processor, up to 1TB of storage, up to 16GB RAM, WiFi 6 connectivity, fingerprint reader, plus an S Pen built into the body. Full specs can be viewed below.

The main highlight of Galaxy Chromebook is what should be a gorgeous 4K display. According to Samsung's press release, "Galaxy Chromebook will soon come with HDR400 that delivers high-contrast graphics, along with Ambient EQ capabilities, so you get a viewing experience that’s vivid and easy on the eyes, so that you never walk away from your computer feeling strained." Galaxy Chromebook will be available in both Fiesta Red and Mercury Gray in Q1 2020, starting at $999.99.

Specs

// Samsung

Diesel's New Fadelite Wear OS Watch Reminds Me of Those Awesome Jelly Shoes (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 08:00:07 +0000

You remember jelly shoes, right? I don't know that Diesel is going to appreciate this comparison, but their new Wear OS watch totally reminds of those. I think that's fun! Diesel today announced the Diesel On Fadelite Wear OS watch that includes (almost) all of the modern Wear OS specs available, only it has all been encased in a clear-ish case and strap setup that looks playfully 80s and modern at the same time. You'll find the Fadelite in four different colors: red, black, blue, and all clear. The "Fadelite" part of the name is in reference to a fading of colors to a clear state, so the red, black, and blue models all have some clear parts. Seeing my jelly shoe comparison, now?

For specs, the Diesel On Fadelite runs a Snapdragon Wear 3100 in a 43mm case. You have a single pusher with rotating crown on the right side, 4GB storage, 512MB RAM (yikes), GPS, heartrate monitor, NFC rapid charging, and "swim proof" water resistance. Think of it as a Fossil Sport (Diesel is a Fossil brand), only in a much more playful case. Diesel On Fadelite arrives in March for $275.

UPDATE: Had a chance to go hands-on with the new Diesel On Fadelite, so we have on wrist pics below!

Jabra Elite Active 75t Cost $200, Probably the New Active Earbud King

Kellen — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 17:00:38 +0000

If you look around the internet for "best wireless earbuds," Jabra's Elite line has dominated for a couple of years now. The Elite Active 65t was a pair loved by many, but since it's 2020, we've got replacements on the way. Today, Jabra announced the Elite Active 75t with upgrades throughout. The new Jabra Elite Active 75t are 22% smaller than the Elite Active 65t they are replacing. They offer up to 7.5 hours of battery life out of their case, but can then be re-charged within that case for a total of 28 hours of use. As you might expect from an "active" earbud, they are sweat and dust proof (IP57). The Elite Active 75t provides noise-isolation with "optimal passive noise reduction," a HearThrough tech to let you hear surroundings when needed, and access to controls through the Jabra+ app. There's also an option to use a single earbud. The new Active 75t will hit stores in Q2 2020 and cost $199. They'll be available in six colors: Navy (February), Copper Black (Amazon exclusive, February), Titanium Black (Best Buy exclusive, February), Grey (March), Sienna (April) and Mint (April). Shop Jabra earbuds // Jabra

Samsung Confirms: Unpacked is Going Down February 11

Kellen — Sat, 04 Jan 2020 20:01:22 +0000

Samsung confirmed last night's leak: their next Unpacked event is happening on February 11 in San Francisco. They didn't mention the Galaxy S11 (S20?) or Galaxy Fold 2, only that they have multiple devices to show off that "will shape the next decade of mobile experiences." The event kicks off at 11AM Pacific (2PM Eastern) and will be livestreamed. We'll do our best to be there and bring you that next-gen Samsung news.

Galaxy S11 Recap

If you've missed any of this story, then here's what you need to know. The teaser, which is included in video form below, showcases what we believe are two hints about the Galaxy S11 and also Samsung's next foldable, the Galaxy Fold 2. The boxes in place of the "A" letters in Galaxy are the hints. The first box looks a lot like the camera housing we expect to see on the Galaxy S11. It's also the same shape as the newly announced Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note 10 Lite, so we know this to be Samsung's new design language. The only question now is what the Galaxy S11 will be called: Galaxy S11 or Galaxy S20? There have been a couple of rumors pop-up within the past week suggesting that Samsung may change-up the naming scheme of the Galaxy S line entirely to match the new decade. Instead of the Galaxy S11, which would follow last year's Galaxy S10, we might instead see Galaxy S20. This is all a rumor, but reports of the change haven't slowed.

Galaxy Fold 2, clamshell king

The other placeholder for the "A" in Galaxy looks exactly like a folded up clamshell device, similar to the one we saw leak a week ago. This device could very well be the Galaxy Fold 2 and the follow-up to the original Galaxy Fold that launched last year. While that phone unfolded from phone to tablet, this one is thought to be more of a competitor to the Motorola Razr foldable with a more reasonable price point to boot. Other than those two items, it's anyone's guess what Samsung might show off. There could be new Galaxy Buds, plus we may get that Galaxy Home speaker after waiting for two years. February 11 is close! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdwbStaud-s // Samsung

Nanoleaf Intros 'Learning Series' That Will Learn, Then Control How You Use Your Home's Lighting

Tim — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:37:55 +0000

Smart lights are labeled "smart" because they're connected to WiFi and can be controlled by apps on your phone. While that's cool, Nanoleaf is looking to take things further, introducing its new Learning Series bundle of hardware ahead of CES next week.

Related: Nanoleaf Canvas Review!

The Learning Series features a connected switch, button, gateway, and bulb. When working together, they create a learning network that can detect motion as well as ambient light, while also keeping track of your daily schedule and lighting behavior. The main gist is that Nanoleaf wants to have users rely less on apps and smart assistants to turn on/off smart lights. They just want the lights to be smart enough to do all of that themselves. I like this! Here is how Nanoleaf explains the system in its press release.

The core of what makes Nanoleaf’s Learning Series work is Nanoleaf’s U-IQTM Technology. Uniquely engineered by combining a network of sensors and a proprietary intelligent learning algorithm, U-IQTM Technology enables the system to learn from your behaviour and give you the right light, when you need it, and exactly how you want it. Our goal in creating U-IQTM is to minimize reliance on Apps, voice assistants and even the light switch for controlling your lights. The idea is that the system will never stop learning and will be able to shift, adapt and grow with you as your schedules and preferences change.

Nanoleaf will be sharing more details and new hardware at this year's CES, so we'll be sure to stop by the booth and get all of the details we can. After all, we love Nanoleaf. // Nanoleaf

DEAL: AUKEY Hosting Sale on USB-C Power Delivery Chargers, Low as $14

Tim — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:04:46 +0000

Chargers are obviously important these days and we can't help but get a little excited when Aukey decides to host a sale on some of their best gear. Over on Amazon, Aukey has different USB-C chargers currently marked down, all of which are good for smartphones, tablets, or even your Chromebooks. For specifics, you can snag an 18W charger with Power Delivery for $13.50 after an applied discount, but if you need something a bit more beefy, you can get a 36W USB-C charger with Power Delivery 3.0 and Dynamic Detect for $24. That tech allows the charger to recognize how much juice needs to be pumped to a device for an efficient charge. Follow the links below to snag the savings.

Amazon Links

For Headphone Jack Options the Selection is Further Shrinking at the High-End

Kellen — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 10:58:46 +0000

As much as I hoped the headphone jack was on the way back following the release of the Galaxy S10 line, LG G8, and Pixel 3a, all of which had 3.5mm ports, I was a fool. The headphone jack is hanging on for dear life now that OnePlus has fully ditched it, Google continues leaving it out in its flagship series of Pixel phones, and the Galaxy S11 is expected to be USB-C only. Your options for headphone jacks are slimmer than ever. So which Android phones will or still have 3.5mm headphone jacks? At this point, you are looking at last year's Samsung Galaxy S10 series and LG's high-end phones followed by a bunch of mid-rangers. Times are tough.

High-End Headphone Jack Options on Android

If you are fine buying a phone from last year, knowing that it's about to be upgraded and replaced, the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ (review), and Galaxy S10e (review) all still have a special spot for headphones to hard-wire in. All three phones are excellent even today, so if you are not considering them because the Galaxy S11 is only a couple of months away, that's actually sort of silly. Phones don't get that much better from one year to the next anymore. The Galaxy S10 line is quite good and will be for a long time. The LG G8 (review) has a headphone jack, as do all of the LG V40 or V50 variants. It's looking like the upcoming LG G9 will carry on that legacy as well. LG is still doing its Quad DAC thing too, so not only are you getting a headphone jack, you are getting a headphone experience like no one else can deliver. If hard-wiring your audio is a must, LG is and probably should have been your first look for some time. After that, well, you are going to start making sacrifices in processor and other specs if you need a headphone jack.

Mid-Range is All About 3.5mm

Google's Pixel 3a and 3a XL are excellent phones that have 3.5mm ports. You get the Google experience in a phone that starts under $400, has an excellent camera, and will get updates for years. We love the Pixel 3a around these parts. The problems there are in the storage and RAM configurations (they lack much in both), processor and performance, and general premium-ness. Soon enough, we should get a Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL with upgrades over the 3a. We believe - assuming these renders are correct - that the headphone jack will continue to live in Google's "a" line. This might be the phone that tops your list of 3.5mm options, assuming you don't need the ultimate high-end audio experience you'd get from LG. You also have a whole bunch of mid-range Motorola phones, like the One Hyper, One Action, and One Zoom. These phones can be had from $350 to $450 and all feature something unique. That could mean a special zoom camera, super fast charging, or a built-in action camera. All of these phones are some of Motorola's best-designed, plus they still run a clean version of Android. Your only issue here is that their carrier connectivity is limited, mostly to GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. You'll find others sprinkled into this mid-range category (even more from Motorola), because for whatever reason, companies continue to find room for them at budget-friendly prices. But if you want a high-end phone, your options are about to be incredibly slim. LG will carry that torch for now, just don't expect anyone to follow that lead. Samsung appears to be done following the Note 10 release and the upcoming S11 arrival.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite Official: Here are All the Details You Need

Tim — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 09:51:27 +0000

Instead of holding onto this news for CES next week, Samsung opted to announce the Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note 10 Lite this morning via press release, which I suppose makes our lives a little easier. Samsung provided all of the specs and what makes these phones unique compared to existing Galaxy devices, so let's go over all of that in detail since we still don't have official pricing or availability.

Galaxy S10 Lite

In Samsung's press release, all focus is placed on the device's rear-side camera system. As you can likely see, there are three cameras in total on the back: 5MP Macro lens, 48MP Wide lens, plus a 12MP Ultra Wide lens. The company notes that buyers will benefit from a new Super Steady OIS system, allowing for "higher stability for action-focused photos and videos." Other notable specs include a 6.7" FHD+ display with centered front-facing camera cutout, 4,500mh battery, on-screen fingerprint reader, up to 8GB RAM, 7nm octa-core processor (reported to be Snapdragon 855), plus support for expandable storage. Full specs below. The Galaxy S10 Lite will be available in Prism White, Prism Black, and Prism Blue.

Galaxy Note 10 Lite

Somewhat interestingly, the Note 10 Lite differs hardly at all from the Galaxy S10 Lite in terms of specs. There is a slight rear-camera difference, as well as a 10nm octa-core Exynos processor versus a 7nm octa-core Snapdragon on the S10 Lite, but the inclusion of the S Pen is really the major difference. Specs wise, the Note 10 Lite also has three cameras, but it features a 12MP Ultra Wide lens, 12MP Wide lens, and 12MP Telephoto lens. The display is the same at 6.7" FHD+, RAM is the same at up to 8GB, battery is the same at 4,500mAh, and it also has 128GB internal storage with support for microSD. For colors, the Note 10 Lite will be available in Aura Glow, Aura Black, and Aura Red.

What features are coming from the "premium" Galaxy phones?

Samsung goes on to clarify that it's not just about meeting a certain price point with these phones. Even though you may be getting a less expensive piece of hardware, Samsung details that a few premium features you'd find on the standard Galaxy S10 and Note 10 will be available on the Lite models. Those features include:

Uninterrupted Display: Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite offer edge-to-edge Infinity-O displays. With a 6.7-inch screen size, the display provides an expansive and immersive experience, allowing you to fully enjoy and get lost in your favorite multimedia content.
Larger and Long-Lasting Battery: The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite are packed with a large 4,500mAh battery and super-fast charging capabilities, so you can stay connected longer and spend more time doing the things you love.
Services and Security: The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note10 Lite come with Samsung’s ecosystem of apps and services, including Bixby, Samsung Pay and Samsung Health. As you would expect, these Galaxy Lite devices are also protected with defense-grade security platform Samsung Knox.

Specs

[table responsive=scroll id=188 /] Again, we don't have pricing or availability details, but we'll likely learn all of that next week during CES. At least, we hope so! Interestingly, none of this new device news was posted to Samsung's US website, only to its global and mobile press site. That could mean there simply won't be US availability, which aligns with previous reports that India will be the first region to see these devices go on sale. This does makes sense, since we're getting new Samsung flagships very soon in the US, but from a consumer standpoint, that's a downer. // Samsung

CAD Renders Show LG G9 Still Has a Goddamn Notch

Tim — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 09:08:50 +0000

CAD renders for the upcoming LG G9 have hit the web, and boy let me tell you, I thought 2020 could've been LG's year to bounce back bigly. Sadly, at least in my mind, these renders tell a different story -- a story where LG has yet to leave notches in 2018-19 where they belong. Dammit, LG!

Looking over these renders, which were produced by @OnLeaks, the hardware aligns pretty much with what LG gave us in the G8 ThinQ last year. While the notch has shrunk a bit thank baby Jesus, it appears we still have what could be a dedicated Google Assistant button on the left hand side of the device, plus what we're hoping is a camera system on the backside that is flush with the body. If it's not flush, and LG went backwards in this department, I may complain about it on Twitter and believe me, no one wants that to happen. LG G8 availability fired up around early April last year, so we're definitely getting close to LG making this device official. If there's something to look forward to, we have to assume that the G9's potentially smaller notch won't allow it to play host to ToF sensors (aka gimmicky Air Motion gesture nonsense that was a total waste of LG's R&D budget), but we shall see! LG, just give me that sexy new software UI upgrade and I'll shut up and be happy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bb2wSombVE // CashKaro

Samsung's Next Big Galaxy Phones are Coming February 11 (Updated: Confirmed)

Kellen — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 09:00:49 +0000

UPDATE 1/4: Samsung confirmed the event and date tonight.

The internet proved once again tonight that it never sleeps by outing the date that Samsung will unveil its next flagship Galaxy phones. I still don't think we've settled on Galaxy S11 or Galaxy S20, but we know when to clear our calendars for that bit of news. On February 11, Samsung is going to host an Unpacked event to show off new devices. The info comes from a teaser video that was outed by @water819 and confirmed by XDA's Max Weinbach. You can watch it below. https://twitter.com/water8192/status/1213306778001268736 The video doesn't tell us much, but the animation that leads up to the image we featured up top is somewhat revealing. The shapes of the right block that makes up the 2nd "A" in the word "Galaxy" sure does look like a square form factor you might find when a device, like the rumored clamshell Galaxy Fold 2, is folded in half. The first square for an "A" is the shape of the camera housings we have seen in early S11 renders. I'm not saying it's confirmed that we are getting both the Galaxy S11 (S20?) and the Fold 2 next month, but come on, you wouldn't be shocked, right?

OnePlus's New Concept Phone has a Disappearing Camera

Kellen — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 08:33:06 +0000

The concept phone that OnePlus will show off in a couple of days at CES will have at least one trick you can look forward to: disappearing cameras. That's currently the big tease from the company before its reveal, though I'd hope there will be more than cameras hiding behind tinted glass that changes states. In a tease on Twitter this morning, OnePlus showed off this "invisible camera" design, telling us that we can get a sneak peek of it next week. And yes, we'll definitely get our hands on it to let you know if it's awesome or not. https://twitter.com/oneplus/status/1213029733899759617 The idea here is based off of something like the electrochromic glass used by McClaren in their sports cars, where the flip of a switch can take glass in a sunroof from tinted to clearish. OnePlus has put that same technology in glass above a phone's camera system, so that when not in use, you won't see the cameras. Once you open the camera, the glass clears and the cameras appear, ready to take photos or video. Would you buy a phone just for disappearing cameras? I mean, it's cool I guess. Is it weird that I like the fact that the back is flush without camera bumps more than I care about the color changing? If anything, I'm at least excited to see what else is in store for this concept phone, the OnePlus Concept One. For now, it's sounding like a slightly tweaked OnePlus 7T Pro McClaren Edition with a different case and tinted glass. What else you got for us, OnePlus?

AT&T 5G+ Goes Live in Another 10 Cities

Kellen — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 08:02:43 +0000

After upping their regular ol' 5G city count to 19 markets prior to the end of 2019, AT&T just added another 10 to the 5G+ list to start 2020. Keeping track of two types of 5G in different cities is fun! 5G+, which is the ultra-fast stuff that can't reach around a city block type of 5G, can now be found in the following 10 cities as of this week:

Cleveland, OH
Menlo Park, CA
Miami, FL
Miami Gardens, FL
Oakland, CA
Ocean City, MD
Phoenix, AZ
Philadelphia, PA
Redwood City, CA
San Bruno, CA

This brings the total 5G+ list up to 35 markets. The entire list can be found at our running list of US 5G cities. // AT&T

Samsung Shipped Millions of 5G Phones in 2019, New 5G Device Coming Soon

Kellen — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:35:45 +0000

As many times as we tell you that 5G is no where near worth caring about for the time being, Samsung has shown up to tell you differently. While we would say to avoid all 5G phones for as long as you can, Samsung just told us that millions of people avoided that advice. In a statement tonight, Samsung has announced that they moved 6.7 million 5G phones in 2019. Through several available options, including the Galaxy S10+ 5G and Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, people were fine spending hundreds of extra dollars over their 4G counterparts to get next-gen connectivity. I think those people are foolish, but it's your right to spend your money however you see fit. Do you, my good friends! In 2020, Samsung won't slow down on the 5G front, we know that. For one, Qualcomm will force companies like Samsung to include 5G should they opt for the Snapdragon 865. I'm sure they'll want to go 5G anyway, as Samsung has never been one to shy away from new technologies. For example, they are already planning to launch (in Q1) their first 5G tablet early this year, the Galaxy Tab S6 5G. So 5G is "here," Samsung wants you to know that they are off to a decent start with it, and there will only be more in your near future. // Samsung

There's a Simple Reason Samsung Beat Google to the January Update

Kellen — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 14:42:21 +0000

Samsung began pushing out the January Android update to the Galaxy Note 10 in Germany today and folks in tech seem to think this is a noteworthy move by Samsung. It's as if by Samsung pushing a security patch out quicker than Google has, that it's yet another bad mark on Google's recent slowness in updates to its Pixel phones. The thing is, there's a simple explanation for it all. Google, if they wanted to, could more than likely push the January Android update on January 1 at midnight if they so please. They could probably push it even earlier. They don't because they've settled into a release schedule that has been a part of monthly Android updates for years. Google releases new Android updates to Pixel phones with the newest security patches on the first Monday of each month (ex: December, November, October). Since January hasn't had a Monday yet, there isn't an update for Pixel phones. It really is as simple as that. When this coming Monday (January 6) happens, expect Google to post factory image and OTA files for you to flash. Who knows when they'll also push the over-the-air update, but the point is, they make update files available, as well as the security bulletins, on the first Monday of each month. Good work, though, Samsung. We aren't trying to downplay your quickness with updates. In fact, you should be shown praise for this as you were when you pushed Android 10 updates out quicker than we expected. Get your adb setup, Pixel friends. Monday is coming.

Samsung One UI Code Points to Potential Battery Health Indicator, New Camera Features

Tim — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 13:28:12 +0000

New code inside of the latest One UI 2.0 build, dug up by the team at XDA, points to a few potentially upcoming features for Samsung devices. You'll likely find them in the Galaxy S20 lineup, plus there is even a Galaxy Fold 2 tidbit tossed in. For Samsung's camera app, new details for a previously unearthed Directors View are available, said to allow users to focus on and track subjects in a shot. It's also noted that this mode will allow you to get "close ups" of a subject with a tap on the display. To summarize, this feature brings more controls to the shooter, which is always helpful. Another feature detailed is Single Take Photo. This AI-powered mode is for users who aren't very good at framing and timing their own shots. Samsung users might already be aware, but there is something similar to this already on Galaxy devices called "Best Shot," where the camera tries to guide users into well-framed stills. Details for a new Pro Video mode and Bokeh Effects are also inside the code.

Galaxy Fold 2 Tidbits

A couple of Galaxy Fold 2 tidbits are also included in the post from XDA, including news that the next foldable from Samsung could support Super Fast Charging (45W max). This is good news because the latest rumors point to the device, codenamed Bloom, to feature just a 900mAh battery. With a battery of that size, you may find yourself wanting to charge your phone more often, so you'll want those fast charge speeds. Lastly, a new Battery Health Indicator may be onboard for Samsung's lineup of 2020 devices, which will allow owners to check on the overall health of their device's battery. As you likely know, batteries deteriorate over time (like, over years), so if you plan on owning a phone for an extended period, this indicator could potentially help you determine if it's time for a battery replacement down the road. Things are definitely starting to come together and we still have a couple months to go. // XDA

Google Just Killed Xiaomi's Assistant and Google Home Integrations (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:40:06 +0000

UPDATE 1/17: Xiaomi says that this issue is now resolved.

Google just took swift action against Xiaomi products that integrate with Google Assistant and Google Home. After a redditor posted a disturbing security issue involving his Xiaomi-made WiFi camera, the company didn't waste any time making the decision to cut them off. What happened? While using a Nest Hub Max to access a Xiaomi WiFi camera feed (like the one above, the Xiaomi Mijia 1080p Smart IP Security Camera), this redditor noticed that the camera appeared to bug out and then showed a series of imagery, all of which were not from their own camera. Instead, it looked like the camera (through the Nest Hub Max) was feeding them imagery from other people's cameras. The images showed timestamps as well as clear shots from other cameras. There are other people's living rooms, pictures of babies in cribs, people in their living rooms, etc. I don't need to explain how bad that is, right?

Google says that they are already in contact with Xiaomi about a fix, but that they are disabling Xiaomi integrations on their devices until that happens. Here's the statement they are issuing to press:

"We’re aware of the issue and are in contact with Xiaomi to work on a fix. In the meantime, we’re disabling Xiaomi integrations on our devices."

So if you own Xiaomi products that are integrated with Google Assistant and notice those integrations are no longer working, this is why. We'll try to update this post should this story unfold further. // reddit | Android Police

Not Getting Timely Google Pixel Updates? Sideload Them.

Kellen — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:11:46 +0000

One of the biggest benefits to owning one of Google's Pixel phones is the access to quick, monthly updates. At least, that's supposed to be the case. In the past couple of months, and randomly throughout the life of the Pixel line, Google has had to push back the release of updates for a week or month or doesn't make them available immediately, for reasons they rarely explain. While I know you don't want to hear what I'm going to say, I'm still going to say it: you can always sideload the updates. That probably sounds techie and a step you shouldn't have to do to get an update, but trust me, it's not that hard. It's basically a command you run from your computer that pushes the update file to your phone, allowing it to install and get you on new software. By sideloading updates, you'll have new software up and running on your phone in minutes of Google releasing it. This is the way I've updated my Pixel phones for years now because the "Check for updates" button never works, even when Google says it should, and since it's my job to get new stuff quickly, this is how I do it. Also, I agree that you shouldn't have to do this to get updates and Google should make them available immediately to all owners, just like Apple does with its devices. Life with Android isn't always that easy, my friends. Is it hard to get setup? Not really. Plus, once you do set it all up, you don't have to do much going forward to get each month's new update. All you'll really have to do is download the new update file and remember a command or two. I promise, this is not at all difficult. Want to give it a try? Let's run through it.

How to Sideload Google Pixel Updates

This process will work on any Pixel device, including Pixel and XL, Pixel 2 and 2 XL, Pixel 3 and 3 XL, Pixel 3a and 3a XL, and Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

1. Download Android's Platform Tools

What the hell is Platform Tools? This is a set of tools you download and place in a folder on your computer, so that you can sideload updates on your Pixel phones. You can download the newest version from Google's developer site. You will find Mac, Windows, and Linux versions.

2. Unzip and place Platform Tools somewhere you'll be able to easily find it.

This Platform Tools folder is something you'll need to access each month, so make sure you remember where you downloaded it to on your computer. You'll be placing update files in this folder and opening a command prompt from within it. In this Platform Tools folder, you'll want to make sure you have files in there called "adb" and "fastboot." Those are really the most important. If you downloaded from the correct place (that link above), you should be good.

3. Download your phone's update file from Google

To grab the latest update file for your phone from Google, you'll find it at their "Google APIs for Android" site on a page called "Full OTA Images." You DO NOT want the "Factory Images" page - you want FULL OTA IMAGES. Got it? Again, you a want OTA files, not factory images. Once on the OTA page, you'll find your phone from the lengthy list that goes from Pixel 4 XL back through Nexus devices. Tap on the "Link" next to the monthly update you want and the file will download. The files will likely be bigger than 1GB in size, so prepare yourself.

4. Place update file in that Platform Tools folder

Once the update finishes downloading to your computer, toss it in that Platform Tools folder you should have. You may want to rename the update file too. It might be named something similar to "sargo-ota-qq1a.191205.011-48752cc4.zip" which you will have to retype exactly in a step here in a minute. Renaming to "sargo.zip" or "january-update.zip" is going to be easier to type.

5. On your phone, enable Developer options and USB debugging

With Platform Tools and the update file ready to go, we need to get our phone prepared for this sideloading action. That means we need to enable Developer options and then within those options, enable USB debugging. On your Pixel phone, open up Settings>About phone and scroll to the bottom until you see "Build number." Tap on the build number 10 or so times. With each tap, you'll see prompts telling you that you are "X" number of taps away from being a developer. On the final tap, if you have any phone security in place, like a pattern or PIN, you'll have to enter it to move forward. Once done, you'll see a message confirming that you are now a super-duper, awesome developer. Go back a screen in Settings and tap on System, tap Advanced, and then "Developer options." Find the toggle for "USB debugging" and enable it. This setting will give your phone and computer the power to talk together through a command prompt and send over update files.

6. Plug in your phone

Now, plug in your phone to your computer and you should see a prompt asking if you want to "Allow USB debugging?" Tap "Allow." If you plan to use the same computer to do this each month, you can check "Always allow from this computer." Didn't see the prompt below? If you didn't right away, you will at the next step where we try our first command. Feel free to move forward.

7. Open a command prompt from within Platform Tools

We're almost ready to send over that update file we downloaded earlier, but first we need to open a command prompt.

On Mac: Right click on your Platform Tools folder and choose the option "New Terminal at Folder."
On Windows: Hold Shift and right click on Platform Tools to choose "Open PowerShell window here."

Both of those should open a command window within your Platform Tools folder to get you ready to send some commands. Assuming you still have that phone update file in there, it's time for magic. Also, this is basically the step you'll start at each month, once all is setup.

8. Put your phone in Recovery Mode

From your command prompt you'll type the following command:

On Mac type: ./adb reboot recovery
On Windows type: adb reboot recovery
Then press enter or return
NOTE: If you get adb error messages on Windows in PowerShell, it's likely because you need to setup a PATH for Platform Tools. XDA has a good tutorial on how to do that here.
NOTE (Mac): Yes, on Mac you really need the "./" before "adb".

9. Grab phone to enter Recovery

Your phone should now reboot and show an Android bugdroid with his chest opened up and a "No command" line. You need to physically press in your Power button (and hold it) followed by Volume Up. So press Power first and hold it, then Volume Up. You should see the screen change to a list of options.

10. Choose "Apply update from adb"

Using volume keys, move down the list until you are highlighting "Apply update from adb." Once highlighted, press your Power button to select it. Your phone will switch to a screen that says "Now send the package you want to apply to the device with "adb sideload ..."

11. Switch back to computer to send the file

Remember what you called the update file in step 4 (ex: january-update.zip)? Type the following command from your computer:

On Mac: ./adb sideload january-update.zip
On Windows: adb sideload january-update.zip
Press enter or return

Your command window should confirm that the file is being sent to your computer, plus your phone will now show that it is "Finding," "Opening," and "Verifying" the update file. Just sit back and watch this happen. Assuming all goes well, it'll soon run through "Installing update..." and 2 steps. If you grabbed the correct file for your phone, it should complete and finish properly by saying "Install from ADB completed with status 0."

12. Select "Reboot system now" and you are done

The final step is to highlight "Reboot system now" and tap the power button on it to reboot your phone. You are now updated to the latest software from Google.

Was that difficult? It probably seemed like a number of steps that you shouldn't have to do regularly. Thankfully, once you've walked through that setup process, you really won't have to do any of it again outside of downloading update files, dropping them in the Platform Tools folder, rebooting your phone to recovery and then sending the file over. Again, I promise that it only takes a few minutes each month and you'll be updated well before Google gets around to green-lighting the update on your phone.

What to Expect From Samsung's 2020 Naming Scheme

Tim — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:06:13 +0000

Serving as an update to the post where we mentioned Samsung might skip a few numbers and jump ahead to the Galaxy S20 for 2020, reliable Samsung leaker @UniverseIce is back again, this time filling everyone in on how the new naming scheme aligns with what we previously expected. As Ice writes it out on Twitter, Samsung's plan is a little confusing, but I suppose it makes sense if you don't think about it too hard. On the left we have what was expected, versus what's likely to come on the right.

Galaxy S11e --> Galaxy S20
Galaxy S11 --> Galaxy S20+
Galaxy S11+ --> Galaxy S20 Ultra??

The Galaxy S20 Ultra's name is not yet confirmed, and according to the source, the "Pro" moniker is also being tossed around. If they do end up with Pro, we're looking at the Galaxy S20 Pro, which is similar to Huawei's P20 Pro. Thankfully, US buyers need not worry about getting confused due to Huawei's lack of presence here. Frankly, I'm really starting to not care about the name of anything. The name doesn't matter. All I'm concerned with is if it's a good phone or not. Marketing people who probably get paid way too much probably don't agree with me. Samsung Galaxy S2000 (Honda Don't Sue Us) Pro Ultra X2 name confirmed! // @UniverseIce

Stadia Pro Users, Go Claim January's Free Games

Tim — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 08:42:12 +0000

Stadia Pro users are being gifted another couple of gaming titles for the month of January, those titles being Thumper and Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration. If you need a couple of game descriptions.

Lara Croft’s second modern-day adventure is even deeper and more thrilling than her first as she races against insidious forces on a quest to uncover the secrets of everlasting life. Also headed to Stadia Pro is Thumper, the rhythm game of beautiful destruction. Guide your space beetle at terrifying speeds across gorgeous, threatening vistas as you shake and break your way through enemies while racing to the ever-present beat.

To claim these games, you'll need to do so from the Stadia mobile app or on Stadia's website. Once claimed, you'll be playing in a matter of seconds. // Stadia

Pixel 3 Getting Joint January and December Update in Coming Days After Delay

Kellen — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 09:05:54 +0000

The last two months have not been typical Google months in terms of timely security updates. We saw delays to the first two Pixel 4 updates after the phone launched and appear to be under a similar delay for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL with December's patch. Most months, all of Google's Pixel phones are supposed to see a fresh monthly security patch within the first week of each month, but that hasn't been happening for reasons unknown. Today is January 1, in case you didn't realize, and there are a number of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL owners who are still on the November Android update. This morning, a reader of ours with a Pixel 3 XL reached out after Google's @MadebyGoogle account responded to his concerns over not seeing the latest update on his phone, putting him a full month behind in updates. Google sort of acknowledged that there has been a delay, saying that there will be a "joint January and December security update" rolling out in the coming days. They've sent similar messages to a number of other users today. https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/1212076907430400000 "Coming days" in this situation should mean this coming Monday, for those not familiar with how Google's monthly updates work. Why the delay? We have no idea. This lengthy, month-long thread at Google's Pixel support community is filled with Google Fi and T-Mobile customers who claim to have not received the update. It's hard to tell if those are the only Pixel 3 users stuck on November's update, but doing a quick search through that thread shows users swapping to different SIMs (like Verizon) or factory resetting without Fi or T-Mo SIMs active and then grabbing December's patch. If there are carrier delays here, it'd be nice of Google to explain further. After all, one of the major selling points of a Google Pixel phone is that you get monthly security patches at the beginning of each month. Not getting those for a month is unacceptable, especially with no explanation. We'll let you know once the joint December-January update arrives. Cheers Mike!

Am I a Samsung Fanboy?

Kellen — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 12:16:46 +0000

I might be. Let's see: Samsung watch on my wrist, buds in my ears, and phone within reach of not just me, but my wife too. What is happening to the world? Jesus. Someone save your boy. After years of being the ultimate hater of Samsung, at least according to all of the we-only-take-criticism-of-Samsung-products-to-mean-you-are-biased guys around here, my life is filled with a lot of Samsung. Not that the suggestion about us (me, specifically) being impartial to Samsung was ever based in reality, this is still a moment I feel the need to address. 2019 will probably be marked as the year I welcomed more Samsung into my life than any other. I fell in love with the Galaxy Watch Active 2, and will probably recommend it as the only smartwatch for Android users until Qualcomm starts caring. It's so, so good on so many levels (display, battery life, performance, and daily fitness tracking), which is not something you can say about many smartwatches outside of the newest Apple Watch. The Galaxy Buds, I own two pairs of them. They are the only true wireless buds I use when I'm not reviewing someone else's. They look minimal enough in ear, sound surprisingly amazing, and continue to improve through meaningful updates. They're also quite reasonably priced for being this good. For phones, yeah, that's a longer more complicated conversation, but the past 12 months featured more than one Samsung handset I sure liked a lot. Samsung won me over initially with the Galaxy S10e, thanks to its flat display (OK, and camera and software and performance and design). The smallness of it was an added bonus, but I really dislike curved displays and their lack of any legitimate reasoning for existence outside of looking pretty. The S10e was a welcomed change-up or curveball or other-baseball-analogy-thing to their year-after-year curve-and-grow-all-the-things mindset. Of course, the Galaxy Fold also dominated a small portion of my life that I can't seem to forget or move on from. If there's one device in 2020 I can't wait to see a follow-up of, it's the Galaxy Fold. There was a Galaxy Note 10 moment too, which my wife took on after I was done with testing and the Pixel 4 flopped. I'm secretly jealous of her phone, even as I have access to every single phone on the planet in a drawer to my left. She has a Note 10 (the smaller one) and I don't. Everyone she works with keeps telling her how awesome her videos are because they can do that cool bokeh thing. I want bokeh video. Outside of the device side of Samsung, I'm more than impressed with their quickness of Android 10 updates for Galaxy S10 and Note 10 models. I'm not sure Samsung has ever delivered a big Android version update with this speed and to this many phones. No, they still haven't last year's S9 or Note 9, but come on, it's OK to give them props. Am I really a Samsung fanboy, though? Umm, no. Being a fanatic of a tech company I cover probably shouldn't be a part of my job or something I should let happen, but I sure do appreciate the products Samsung is making right now. For the first time in a while, Samsung is the company heading into a new year I can't wait to see more from. Hi, Samsung.

Galaxy Note 10 Lite Sports Flat Screen in New Photos

Tim — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 11:26:38 +0000

We have already seen reported CAD renders for the supposedly upcoming Galaxy Note 10 Lite, but renders aren't ideal when determining what kind of screen curvature we can expect from a device. Thanks to a new set of photos of the phone from SamMobile, it looks like the Note 10 could be a really good phone option for those who appreciate flat screens. In the below photo, we can see the device's S Pen, as well as a pretty flat display compared to the curves we see on the standard Note 10 and Note 10+. While that means there will be more bezel to look at, some people prefer this look and having options out there for everyone has never been a bad thing.

Also noteworthy, wtf is up with this?

Besides that glitch in the matrix, the photos align perfectly with the CAD renders that were previously shown, including the centered front-facing camera cutout, as well as the large triple camera setup on the backside. This is a good looking phone! While it's reported we might see this phone at CES, it was noted that availability for it will begin in India. Could that mean we don't see this phone launch officially in the US? Totally plausible, but we'll have to wait to learn exact launch details from Samsung.

// @SamMobile

Our Favorite Android Phones of 2019, Decade Too

Tim — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 10:48:18 +0000

We somewhat procrastinated with this post, but hey, there's a few hours in 2019 left, so technically we're doing just fine! You see, as the years have gone on, it's getting a bit harder to decide a Phone of the Year. People are becoming increasingly more prone to sticking with the experience they're most familiar and comfortable with. That means, if someone has been using a Galaxy phone for a few years, they'll likely be sticking with Galaxy for years to come. Same goes for iPhones, OnePlus devices, and Pixel phones. How this relates to us is, it's very hard to choose one phone to rule over all others. So, instead of naming a king Android phone for the year and upsetting the world, we're going to pull a 2018 and name three Phones of the Year. All three are kick-ass phones, covering a wide range of budgets. In fact, looking objectively at the list, one could argue this is one of the best Android lineups we've seen in years, but don't go telling Mr. Meh (aka Kellen) that! As you'll see below, we even threw in a bonus Phone of the Decade award. What fun! Let's do this.

OnePlus 7 Pro

OnePlus continued to do what it's really good at in 2019, which is stuff a relatively inexpensive phone with all of the high-priced specs for a given year, provide it with good software support (timely updates), and get all of us media types and YouTube influencers to love it. That's a recipe for success these days, so we're crowning the OnePlus 7 Pro as one of three Phones of the Year. You can check out our full review here, but the main takeaway is that for the price, it's hard to beat the OnePlus 7 Pro. It has all of the specs you'd need in 2019, but beyond specs, OnePlus has proven that it takes Android software updates seriously. While some might shy away from it due to its enormous size, if you like big phones with big displays and big batteries, it's one helluva phone. We might also have to give a bit of credit to OnePlus for making higher refresh rates a priority among the other Android OEMs, even though they weren't close to being the first to include it. You have to admit, the OnePlus 7 Pro's inclusion of it definitely signaled the importance of it to the other Android phone makers, and for that, we thank you, OnePlus.

Buy OnePlus 7 Pro ($599)

Pixel 3a Lineup

Before launch, both Kellen and I were unconvinced that Google had a great idea in releasing a budget Pixel 3. Boy, were we wrong. Plastic Pixels are legit! While we'd lean towards the Pixel 3a XL if we were opting to buy one ourselves, both phones serve their purposes, so we're awarding a POTY award to both the small and large model. With the Pixel 3a (full review here), Google took what was great about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which is primarily the camera and software experiences, stuffed them into a plastic body (inexpensive/budget-friendly), and apparently made a phone that sold really, really well. You won't be blown away by its specs, but at this price, that's not the point. If someone is looking for arguably the best inexpensive Android phone with a great camera, it's so easy to recommend the Pixel 3a lineup. Not only will its camera treat you great, but we also know Google will support it with software updates. When it comes to budget phones, that's not always the case.

Buy Pixel 3a, 3a XL ($359+)

Galaxy Note 10+

My title for our Galaxy Note 10+ review sums up this phone rather easily -- it doesn't get much better than this. This phone is the pinnacle of Android right now, with all of the specs you'd ever need in 2019 and then some. And by "then some" I mean it has an S Pen. Of course, all of those specs means you're looking at a whopping price, but this phone isn't for those who are worried about a phone budget. Highlights of the device include its amazing specs, but more importantly, look at how well Samsung has been supporting its lineup of top devices with software updates this year. The Note 10 lineup is receiving Android 10 as a I write this, which is a huge removal from what we were expecting. If Samsung can continue its rollout of timely updates, it really won't be surprising if more and more Android users make the switch to a Galaxy phone. If your smartphone needs call for having everything possible in a phone, you have to go with a Galaxy Note from Samsung.

Buy Galaxy Note 10+ ($899+)

Phone of the Decade

Moto X

Wood phones! Moto Maker! Active Display! Look at the flicka da wrist! I'd say this phone was ahead of its time, but it had its flaws along with all of its amazingness. Review here. First, the camera was absolute trash by today's standards, but you know what made up for that? Damn good software and a bamboo backside. It's likely the Moto fanboy deep down inside of us, but this phone just brings back all of the good memories. It's hard not to crown this phone as our Phone of the Decade.

Honorable Mentions for POTD

Nexus 5
Moto X (2nd Gen)
OnePlus 3T
Pixel 2 XL

How about you? Feel free to share your vote for POTY and/or POTD down in the comments below!

What Did You Love in 2019 Tech?

Kellen — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 09:47:18 +0000

The final countdown has begun to 2020, with hours remaining until you fall asleep early and fail to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year. So to finish on a productive note these last few moments and be able to say that you did something, we have one task for you: tell us what you loved in tech from 2019. Yesterday, I mentioned that I thought the phone scene wasn't as exciting as it had been in previous years, but that's not to say there wasn't great tech released over the past 12 months. I keep saying that the Galaxy Fold was awesome because I truly believe that. A $2,000 phone with a laundry list of issues was my favorite piece of tech from the year. That makes almost no sense, I know, particularly when you consider that I won't even fork out the cash for one. It's the device I wish I had right now instead of this Pixel 4 XL, yet I know so much is wrong with it that I refuse to invest. Coward, Kellen. 2019 also brought us Google's vision of a budget phone, the Pixel 3a. It's a hell of a value and a great phone for those not interested in spending $1,000 on a piece of tech that probably won't be updated regularly for long. The Pixel 3a has that camera we love from Google, that clean software, and is a joy to use because it's made of plastic. That's not sarcasm. We finally got a really good smartwatch. Samsung sped up updates. OnePlus got even quicker. Google now lets us simply shout "Stop!" at timers now instead of "Hey Google, stop. HEY GOOGLE, STOP. GOOGLE, F*CKING STOP." That might be the biggest win of the decade. That sweet Project Soli tech from Google made it into a phone, even if it is partial-baked and probably will never be as cool as originally shown. Disney+! What else? What did you live in 2019 tech?

Galaxy Note 10's Android 10 and One UI 2 Update is Here! (Updated: Unlocked)

Kellen — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 08:00:38 +0000

Fresh off the Android 10 and One UI 2 update rolling out to US variants of the Galaxy S10, we are now seeing the same update hit the first Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ devices. Up first, it looks like Verizon is leading out of the gate. Readers of ours have grabbed the update today, not in beta either. We're gathering more on the update, but I'm guessing it will be 2GB+, like the S10 update was. Be sure you have plenty of battery life and WiFi turned on before you go checking. To check, head into Settings>Software update.

UPDATE: The builds for each Verizon device are N970USQU2BSL7 (Note 10), N975USQU2BSL7 (Note 10+), and N976VVRU2BSL7 (Note 10+ 5G). All updates include the December security patch too.
UPDATE 12/21: AT&T models now getting the update too!
UPDATE 12/30: T-Mobile too!
UPDATE 12/31: And finally, US unlocked models are now getting the stable Android 10 update.

Assuming Samsung pushes this out to other carrier variants at any moment, a reminder that this is a big improvement over both the Android 9 and Android 8 updates. Anyone else get it? Let us know in the comments which phone you have and the carrier you have it attached to.

Cheers Aaron and @408Boi!

Samsung Might Skip Ahead to "Galaxy S20" for 2020 Lineup

Tim — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 13:11:26 +0000

According to the founder of case manufacturer Schnail, a screenshot of a communication points to Samsung skipping Galaxy S11 through Galaxy S19, going straight to Galaxy S20 for the year of 2020. While we've heard wild things in our time, this sounds so crazy that it actually makes a ton of sense.

While completely unsubstantiated, skipping to Galaxy S20 not only aligns Samsung's naming scheme with the given year, but from a layman marketing perspective, that would put Samsung well ahead of Apple's current iPhone 11 lineup numeral -- instead of being one behind as it currently is. While we in the biz know that a name doesn't mean all too much, someone inside a Verizon store deciding between a Galaxy S20 and an iPhone 11 could be swayed by such a thing. Known Samsung leaker @UniverseIce recently tweeted something along these lines, saying, "Next year is 2020, and 20 is a new beginning." That was in reply to a previous tweet that solely said, "Galaxy S20." Regardless of whatever name Samsung opts for, we should see it announced in the next couple of months. And of course, as we get closer, we'll get a better understanding of what's to happen. // SamMobile

5 Android Stories for 2020 to Get Excited About

Kellen — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 11:25:17 +0000

Was 2019 a meh sort of year? Probably. We had several solid phone entries from your typical players, though I'm not sure any standout from one another in meaningful ways. Foldables didn't get off to the start we hoped. 5G is not here, no matter what the industry tells you. We got one really good smartwatch and a bunch of other average options. Oh, and the Pixel 4 happened. 2019 wasn't the worst of years, it's just that we're ready to move on from it and focus on what is to come. As we now wrap up the final few days and start to look at 2020, I've got to say that there are a handful of stories I'll be paying close attention to as a tech fan. 2020 could be fun!

Pixel Buds are coming

The new true-wireless Pixel Buds that Google showed off at the Pixel 4 event are my top 2020 tech need. While there are countless wireless buds available on the market today, almost all have a downside that keep me from falling in love. Google's check all of the boxes I look for in a true wireless earbud. They have Google Assistant at the ready, which while not confirmed just yet, I'm assuming will mean the full Assistant that gives you rich notification readouts. The battery life is standard at 5 hours of usage, but you get a case that wirelessly charges too. They are sweat and water resistant and the buds have touch controls alongside voice controls. Google says that they should sound great, which we of course can't confirm yet. They did note that they created a custom-designed 12mm driver to deliver "high-quality" audio that adjusts automatically to your environment. They'll create a seal to your ear to enhance music or video sounds, but there's also a "spatial vent" to relieve you of that plugged ear feeling. I'm going to assume they took special care in the audio department to deliver something decent. Otherwise, what's the point in waiting this long to ship their first true wireless bud? But maybe most importantly outside of audio, they look great. Google says they worked some "intricate origami" to make sure the new Pixel Buds have all of the features you want and also aren't massively terrible-looking objects that'll poke out from your ear. They'll come in three colors that should fit close-to-flush while still letting the world know you are rocking Google's not-at-all-cheap ear buds. Pixel Buds are scheduled to arrive in Spring of 2020, so that means we only have a few months to go.

Foldables give us size choice again

The world of foldables didn't get off to a great start this year. We had the disaster of a launch that featured the Galaxy Fold, delays for Huawei's Mate X, and supposed delays on Motorola's Razr from the summer to the winter that has been pushed back further. Foldables are super cool, though, and I can't wait to see more polished designs arrive in 2020 that are less fragile. The Galaxy Fold is without a doubt my favorite tech toy of 2019. Sure, there are concerns about the durability of its screen and the asking price for it is obnoxiously high, but it's so much fun to use. There are rumors of a replacement on the horizon for 2020 that I can only imagine will address the early concerns. We also have differences in foldable styles coming. Motorola, for one, should drop the foldable Razr over the coming weeks, giving us a bit of a throwback sensation and a taste of the future at the same time. Who knows if it'll be a phone for everyone (it does cost $1,500), but it's at least going to prove what can be done to advance the smartphone industry. If there is one thing to take away from foldables in 2020, it's going to be that form factors matter once again. You'll get to decide if you want a mini device that unfolds into a phone or a phone that unfolds into a tablet. Foldables might help us move out of this frustrating world filled with phones of a single shape that grow and grow and grow and grow in size. How is that not exciting?

Motorola returns to the high-end

Speaking of Motorola, they announced a few weeks ago that they plan to re-enter the high-end smartphone market in 2020. After a couple of years filled with Moto Z phones using previous year's specs, Motorola has big plans ahead. Alongside the foldable Motorola Razr, Motorola said that in early 2020, we should see what their vision of a flagship phone is once again. They'll use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865, fire up 5G modems while trying to hit 5Gbps speeds, and aim to re-establish themselves as a major Android player that doesn't just sell mid-range phones. Can they do it? Motorola hasn't had a great high-end phone in a long, long time, so there's no guarantee here. By taking a break, maybe they've figured out a new approach, found new ways to innovate, or at least decided to take cameras seriously. If anything, they will at least give us another flagship option in a smartphone world lacking in just that.

Just give me a Pixel 4a already

Seriously, is it too early to call the Pixel 4a my favorite phone of 2020? Yeah, it is, but you get why I want to say that, right? In images shared over the weekend, we got to see what should be a first look at the Pixel 4a (and 4a XL). In a way, it reminds me of what I wanted the Pixel 4 to be, only we know this will be in an affordable package. We should get the all-display front without the forehead, Google's familiar styling, and a fingerprint reader. It might only have a single camera on the back, but if it's as good as we know Pixel cameras can be, we'll survive if it remains in the $400-$500 range like the Pixel 3a did. It'll get updates for years, work on all carriers, and probably have squeezy sides that are such an underrated feature. Knowing that the Pixel 3a is about the best sub-$500 Android phone you can still buy today, the Pixel 4a with upgrades can't get here fast enough.

Wear OS, this could be your year

I know I need to move on from Wear OS and just hope that one day Google and Qualcomm surprise us, but I want it to be good so badly that I can't help but bring it up again. Yes, I'm looking forward to Wear OS in 2020 because there are rumors of a truly upgraded chip in the works from Qualcomm that might finally (finally) do something for the platform. I say that as someone who spent the majority of 2018 and 2019 with various Wear OS watches on the wrist, yet ditched it all for Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 in recent weeks. As much of a fan of Wear OS I am, even I can admit that Wear OS sucks compared to Samsung's most recent watch releases. In fact, I'm not sure it's even close. But we all know that's because the chip all Wear OS watches run on is ancient in technology years. Sure, Google also needs to put more into Wear OS (like sleep tracking), but for Wear OS to even become an option, it needs to be brought into modern times under the hood. If Qualcomm can do that, 2020 could be the year for Google's wearable platform. What about you? What's on your 2020 radar?

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 56

Tim — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 10:58:25 +0000

2019 is coming to a close! To put a cap on the year and decade, let's do a Q&A Session, yes? If you're new to our Q&A setup, it allows you to ask us anything and everything that might be on your mind, whether it concern Android or not. Want to discuss CES 2020? Want to dissect why the Trailblazers are no good this year? Want to talk about the Pixel 5, even though we're still a year away? We can do all of that! Shoot any questions you have down below in the comments, and then after a few days, we’ll round them up and post our answers. Happy New Years, folks!

DEAL: Unlocked Galaxy S10+ for $699 ($300 Off), Unlocked Note 10 for $749 ($200 Off)

Tim — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 09:23:26 +0000

So Christmas has passed by and you didn't get the new Samsung phone you had your eyes set on. No problem, you'll just have to handle it yourself. Right now on Samsung's website, you can snag decent savings on unlocked models of 2019 flagships, including the Galaxy S10, S10+, and Note 10 series. For specifics, buyers can get an unlocked Galaxy S10e for $599 ($250 off), Galaxy S10 for $649 ($250 off), Galaxy S10+ for $699 ($300 off!), Galaxy Note 10 for $749 ($200 off), or a Galaxy Note 10+ for $899 ($200 off). Just remember, all of these are the unlocked model prices and if you have a decent phone to trade-in, the savings are even better. If you're wondering if now is a decent time to buy, it's not bad at all. Android 10 is officially rolling out to Galaxy Note 10 owners, so that's very exciting. Appears that long gone are the days of Samsung taking forever to ship out Android updates. Very impressive. Have at it.

Buy Galaxy S10 | Buy Galaxy Note 10

DEAL: Google's Pixel 4 Fabric Cases are 50% Off at Verizon

Kellen — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 07:46:57 +0000

Almost all of Google's self-made accessories for Pixel phones aren't cheap. The USB-C earbuds aren't. The chargers aren't. And the cases certainly aren't. The thing is, their accessories are often some of the best fitting or nicest quality compared to 3rd party options, so when deals are here, we point 'em out. Verizon currently has the Pixel 4 Fabric Case at 50% off for both the 4 and 4 XL. Normally $40, that means you can grab one for $19.99 in two different colors. If interested, Big Red has the Just Black and Sorta Smokey colors available. Google also sells coral and blueish versions, though those aren't discounted. For those not familiar with Pixel fabric cases, this is at least the third version that Google has done for its phones. They feature a cloth-like texture or weave, fit like a glove, and offer a decent amount of protection. They look pretty slick too. In the past, some haven't held up well after daily use (Pixel 2), but others have been great (Pixel 3). To be safe, going black here isn't a bad idea. Verizon Links: Pixel 4 Fabric Case | Pixel 4 XL Fabric Case

Pixel 4a Likely Makes Its First Appearance

Kellen — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 07:00:22 +0000

2019 hasn't quite ended and the Pixel 4a leaks have begun.

I can't think of a better leak to send us into 2020 than the first of Google's next phone, a phone we assume will be called the Pixel 4a. And that's what we have today in the form a CAD render that is likely accurate. This first Pixel 4a leak comes from @onleaks, who once again has put together renderings of an upcoming phone months before it is official or much is known about it. These are typically based off of schematics given to accessory makers who are preparing cases and such for phones well before they launch. These are rarely wrong, so for now, feel free to consider this the Pixel 4a. What we have here is a Pixel-esque phone that has been modernized over the Pixel 3a and one that also adopts some of the design language from the recently launched Pixel 4. You have a familiar shape with buttons on the right side, that square camera housing from the Pixel 4, a top 3.5mm headphone jack from the 3a, and a rear fingerprint reader.

The front of the phone is an all-display setup with single hole-punch front-facing camera. You have speaker or earpiece showing too, but no heavy forehead with Soli sensors like on the 4. I'd imagine this phone will lack the radar chip setup to keep costs lower. You certainly have less bezel than last year's Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, though I'd imagine most would consider these to be on the thicker side. Still, it's a pretty clean and minimal front that supposedly features a display around 5.7" or 5.8". On the bottom, you have a USB-C port and speaker grills. The device is said to measure in at 144.2 x 69.5 x 8.2mm. The Pixel 3a arrived at Google I/O in May of this year. With this leak showing up so soon, this kind of puts launch of the Pixel 4a up in the air. Then again, Google is terrible at keeping anything a secret and we could still have months and months to go. With so many being frustrated by the launch of the Pixel 4, I'm going to assume this excites you. This looks pretty great, right? All-display front without the obnoxious forehead. Hole punch setup. The rear styling of the Pixel 4. AND A FINGERPRINT READER. Give it to me now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvndipJ46KM // 91Mobiles

AT&T 5G Network Now Reaches 19 Markets

Kellen — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 15:15:40 +0000

AT&T first fired up its real 5G network two weeks ago in 10 markets. This week, the total number of 5G cities has reached 19, with additions like New York City and Washington, DC. Since that initial launch, we saw AT&T 5G go live in Baltimore (MD), Bridgeport (CT), and Louisville (KY). This week, Detroit (MI), Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Buffalo, New York City, and Washington, DC all went live too.

RELATED: List of all US 5G cities

This is the low-band 5G network from AT&T, not the 5G+ network that runs on 5G mmW. This stuff might not be super fast with Gigabit speeds, but you'll actually be able to connect to it when not standing outside, right next to a tower with direct line of sight. This stuff should work through buildings and around corners and stretch for miles. It could give you a slight bump in speeds over 4G LTE too. This is very much like the nationwide 5G network that T-Mobile recently launched. How do you connect to AT&T 5G? You need a phone that has the capabilities and the only phone available at the moment is the $1,300 Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G. I'd pass on that, ignore 5G, and wait until next year, when every phone will have 5G. Oh, want some 5G maps? Here you go:

// AT&T

Size Limits on Video Recording Could End in Android 11

Kellen — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 14:40:43 +0000

Did you know that your Android phone more than likely has a limitation on the size of videos it records? Did you know that if you record extra long videos, they may be separated into multiple files? Whether you knew this or not, we could see that limit lifted or at least raised with Android 11. Right now, if you record a video on your phone, it'll limit the file size to 4GB. You could reach that limit before ending a video, but you probably didn't notice because your phone is smart enough to continue recording new clips each time that 4GB limit is reached. Should you record a 30 minute video from your phone, you could actually end up with multiple video files that you may not have realized were created. Fun, right? The folks at XDA found an AOSP commit that talks about raising or eliminating that limit. Since Android 11 is the next big Android release, there is a chance that this commit makes its way to your phone via stable Android 11 next year. The details of the commit show that Google has tested eliminating 4GB limits by creating a 32GB video file, as well as another that filled up the entire storage capacity of a phone. Those were successful tests, so that's good news. With 4K video at both 30fps and 60fps pretty common today, and word of 8K video on the way in 2020, it makes sense for Google to do away with this limit that was first introduced in 2014. Phones back then didn't have near as much storage as they do today, nor did they record at such high resolutions. Where 32GB was thought of as a decent amount of storage then, we're now seeing mid-ranger phones with 128GB. // XDA

Prepare for Smartphone Excess in 2020

Kellen — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 11:53:36 +0000

The general idea behind smartphones for years has been to add more of everything as a sign of improvement. More power, more screen, more features, and more GB of this or that has been the selling point for Android phone makers. And as we've become numb to that idea, 2020 is going to be another level of more. Prepare for smartphone excess. We're going to get more cameras. We've already become used to at least three in most phones, but Samsung is about to put at least four in their Galaxy S11 line-up, while I'm sure others will find a way for even more than that. There will be more resolution. We have seen the 108MP sensors pop-up here in late 2018, but everyone is going to do it. Sure, those photos are pixel binned down to "smaller" 27MP photos. That's still huge. We're only a couple of years removed from the 12.2MP sensor becoming the standard, yet we're about to more than double that. There will be more than 4K. Yes, 8K is coming to the video functionality in your camera. It might top out at 30fps, but 4K at 60fps will seem like child's play. There will be more screen size and even bigger phones. Phones haven't stopped growing and 2020 is destined to bring another round of mega-phones. The Galaxy S10e from 2019, with its 5.8" display, was thought to be small because everything else had a display above 6". With 5G chips being forced into all flagship phones (Thanks, Qualcomm!), the size of phones will need to grow and that'll bring display panels with them. Some fool ass company is going to drop a 7-inch "phone" on us, mark my words. There will be more from refresh rates. While gaming phones were the first to go wild with 120Hz LCD displays over the past year or so, we finally saw general phone releases from OnePlus and Google dabble in the idea, now that everyone has figured out how to do a higher refresh rate with OLED. For 2020, if you aren't throwing 90Hz or 120Hz into your flagship phone, you will be ignored. Qualcomm already said they'll support up to 144Hz with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, the chip that everyone will use. Say goodbye to 60Hz. I'm sure that we'll get more storage and RAM too, which no one will ever complain about. We've already seen companies like Samsung hit the 1TB mark on storage, but with companies like Motorola starting out their mid-range line-up at 128GB and Google finally upping RAM to 6GB, are we going to see base models of flagships at 256GB and 8GB? Don't be surprised. Of course, there will be more 5G. I don't know that it matters that much, just try and prepare to have 5G in your next phone. You may never connect to 5G, but it'll be there should you find one of the few towers out there. Qualcomm really is forcing everyone who buys the Snapdragon 865 to also include a 5G modem, so 2020 is officially the year of 5G whether the world and its networks are ready or not. Thankfully, it's looking like we will have more options than ever too. I'm talking about choices in phones. Samsung added more options to its S10 and Note 10 line-ups in 2019 and will likely keep things similar in 2020. OnePlus, who released at least 4 different OnePlus 7-related variants throughout 2019, might be returning to the mid-range in 2020. Google will without a doubt bring back its "a" variants after the success of the Pixel 3a. Motorola says it's coming back to the high-end early next year and Essential may try and sell this weird thing. There will be no shortage of phone options. Unfortunately, you will pay more. Yep, you'll pay higher phone prices than ever in 2020. With higher refresh rates, more cameras with more advanced features, and 5G out of the box, it's going to be an expensive year for phone purchases. We once laughed at the idea of a $50/mo+ payment plan for a phone, but it might be commonplace. 5G phones in 2020 fetched hundreds of dollars more than their non-5G counterparts and I can't see that changing any time soon. Phones in 2020 are going to be more than awesome, assuming we can or want to afford them.

All the Nest WiFi Units are Discounted at the Moment

Kellen — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 09:34:24 +0000

Nest WiFi, the newest mesh WiFi system from Google, is discounted on various levels right now. You can grab bundles or single units, all at varying price cuts. Today, Best Buy has the Nest WiFi 3-pack, which includes the Nest WiFi router and 2 mesh Points, at $50 off ($299). A 2-pack with Router and Point is $30 off ($239), plus the individual Router and Points on their own are $20 off. Nest WiFi features a number of upgrades over Google WiFi, mostly in the Router, with AC2200 speeds. The Points shouldn't be ignored, though, thanks to built-in Nest Mini functionality that both extends your network and gives you additional smarts throughout your home. Also, if you own Google WiFi units, you can use those within Nest WiFi to build out a better network.

READ: Nest WiFi Review

With those discounts, Nest WIFi becomes an incredible option for those looking for an affordable mesh WiFi system. While Nest WiFi shouldn't be mistaken for a powerhouse mesh system, it is a great entry-level option that will work for most people. Shop Nest WiFi at Best Buy

Google Starts Testing New Bubbles in Messages

Kellen — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 08:52:43 +0000

Part of the initial feature set of Android 10, when Google first introduced it as Android Q earlier in the year, was a feature called Bubbles. Bubbles aren't a new concept to Android, but would be a pretty big change to how notifications and messages work together on your phone going forward. Google decided that Bubbles were better off arriving in Android 11, so now we're on the hunt for signs of that happening and one may have just popped up. In the Google Messages app, XDA found a way to enable Bubbles on what appears to be a Pixel phone running Android 10. As you can see in the screenshots here, we do indeed have toggles for Bubbles that are specific to the Messages app as well as the pop-up windows we expect to be a part of the Bubbles experience. For those new to Bubbles, think Facebook Chat Heads, where messages come in and pop-up as a little circle or "bubble" that floats around your screen, giving you access at all times. The bubble will show you who the message is from with a preview of the message, plus you can dismiss it at any time with a swipe to the bottom of the screen. With Bubbles, Google wants to allow all messaging apps to have access to that Chat Heads-like experience, though, so that you can manage many conversations from different apps.

We still don't now exactly when Bubbles will show up, but we like seeing this in testing like this as signs of movement. It still could be until Android 11 and this is simply Google showing everyone how it's done by including Bubbles in Messages, for all we know. You still excited about Bubbles? // XDA

January's Free Stadia Pro Games Include Another Tomb Raider Title and Thumper

Kellen — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:00:08 +0000

December is close to wrapping up, so that means another month with new Stadia Pro titles to grab is upon us. The Stadia team announced that two new games will join the Stadia Pro free list, while another is on the way out. Starting January 1, Stadia Pro customers will be able to grab Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration and Thumper. Once you claim those, they'll become a part of your library at no charge as long as you continue on as a Stadia Pro subscriber. But with new also comes removal, and so Tom Raider: Definitive Edition is leaving. On December 31, at 9AM PT, you'll no longer be able to claim this other Tomb Raider title. So even if you haven't played it yet, it's worth grabbing to make sure you can play it further down the road. Tell us how your Stadia experience has been. // Stadia

You Can Buy the Fossil Sport for Just $104 Right Now

Kellen — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 08:47:31 +0000

Fossil is currently hosting a sale on top of a sale that could save you quite a bit of cash on already-discounted items. The Fossil Sport, as an example, is discounted to $149, but an additional 30% savings on top of that drops it to $104. While not quite the king of Wear OS like its bigger brother, the Fossil Gen 5 is, the Fossil Sport is a capable smartwatch that is an absolute steal at $104. That's a $171 discount on a watch that was our favorite for the good part of the past year.

READ: Fossil Sport review

The Fossil Sport is available from Fossil in a variety of colors and both 43mm and 41mm sizes at this low price. To get the full promo, add to cart and then use code "WINTER30" at checkout. Shop Fossil Sport: Fossil Sport 43mm | Fossil Sport 41mm

New Android Phone? Here are the First 10 Things to Do

Kellen — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 08:35:52 +0000

After weeks and weeks of holiday discounts on new phones, I would imagine that more than a few of you grabbed one or were gifted one yesterday. If you are the new owner of a Pixel 4 or 4 XL, any of the Galaxy S10 phones, Note 10 or Note 10+, or one of OnePlus' excellent releases from 2019, we have the video for you to watch today. You see, with each new big phone release, we put together a video called "First 10 Things to Do," which takes you from setup to ready-to-dominate with your new phone. We show you the settings to tweak immediately, the features to care about and ignore, and how best to keep it all secure yet convenient. It's our most popular video series by a long shot. For 2019, we released "First 10 Things" videos for all of the phones above and listed them below for those of you with any of these wonderful phones.

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxHpyE2jqaw

RELATED: Pixel 3 and 3 XL's "First 10 Things"

Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKJs84P4L2Q

RELATED: Galaxy S10e's "First 10 Things"

Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMGX9nvCyBE

RELATED: Galaxy Note 9's "First 10 Things"

OnePlus 7 Pro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j8AxKCF1hM

OnePlus 7T

https://youtu.be/wYIfrnZlFg8

RELATED: OnePlus 6T's "First 10 Things"

Report: We Might See Samsung's New Galaxy Lite Lineup at CES 2020

Tim — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 12:47:29 +0000

CES, basically the last place you want to be if you care about Android smartphone news these days, may actually have some Android smartphone news this year. In a new report from Korea Herald, Samsung may introduce the Galaxy S10 Lite, as well as the Galaxy Note Lite devices at CES in January, 2020. Said to first be available in India this January, what we know so far about these devices is that they are more affordable versions (cheaper specs across the board) of existing phones from Samsung. We have an idea of what they look like, too. No new details besides this possible announcement are provided in the report, but it does hype us up a bit for CES. It might not be Galaxy Fold 2 hype levels, but it's still hype. Worthy to note, with India availability reported to be happening in January, it's possible that the US doesn't see these phones. The Galaxy S11 will likely be announced in February, so we have to assume Samsung won't want to eat into its own flagship device sales. If US buyers want an affordable yet still high-end Galaxy option, they can opt to buy 2019's Galaxy S10e or the presumably upcoming Galaxy S11e. Thoughts? // Korea Herald

Action Launcher Update Brings Android 10 Gesture Nav Compatibility

Tim — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 11:50:09 +0000

Action Launcher is grabbing a public update this week (was in beta last week), one that brings compatibility for Android 10's gesture navigation. Hooray! Do note, users will need to be running the latest December security patch to see the feature, but for phones on Android 10, that should include most of the popular ones. Also added in the update is an ActionDash widget, ability to pause apps with ActionDash directly from Action Launcher, plus a few other things. Here's the full log. What's New

Android 10 gesture nav compatibility! Note: requires Android 10 December 2019 system update.
ActionDash widget, showing up-to-the-second device usage stats!
Pause apps with ActionDash directly from Action Launcher!
2020 Supporter Badge. The bonus wallpapers are rather spectacular!
Quicktheme supports live wallpapers.
Proper duplicate apps support.

Not exactly related, but I feel obligated to tell you that one of our favorite launcher apps, Nova Launcher Prime, is currently priced ay $0.99. Both are solid launcher apps, if you're into that sorta thing.

Google Play Link

Last Minute Deal: Buy a Google Nest Hub at Target, Get 2 Free Nest Minis

Kellen — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 10:38:15 +0000

Target basically just launched the ultimate last minute Christmas deal that could give you 3 presents for the price of one. If you buy a discounted Google Nest Hub at $79, you'll get two Nest Minis free. What are we talking about for value here? The Nest Hub retails for $129 on most days, but is discounted to $79 for the holidays. That's a $50 savings to start. The brand new Nest Mini, which is barely a month old, typically retails for $50. Since you are getting two for free with the Nest Hub discount, we're talking $150 savings. Hell yes. Since Target has this deal and almost everyone has 16 Target stores near them, this is a fabulous in-store pick-up deal. Take advantage!

Target Deal Link

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers: TP-Link Smart Plug 2-Pack for $20, Anker P2 Wireless Earbuds for $50

Tim — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 09:25:23 +0000

No judgement if you still find yourself hunting down last minute gift ideas. If you have someone who appreciates tech in the family, we have a few recommendations for you. For example, Amazon has deals on both AUKEY and ANKER accessories, such as $10 off P2 wireless earbuds, $12 wireless charging pads, or $16 for USB-C hubs. On Best Buy, you can grab a 2-pack of TP-Link Kasa smart WiFi plugs for just $20, down from their usual $46 price. Not bad! While you might be thinking it's too late for online shopping, many areas in the US support Amazon's 1-day free delivery for Prime customers these days, and if you have a Best Buy close, you can snatch that TP-Link deal in-store. Regardless, you best hurry and stop procrastinating!

Purchase Links

TP-Link 2-pack Smart WiFi plugs - $20 ($26 off)
Anker P2 wireless earbuds - $50 ($10 off)
Anker 10W wireless charger pad - $12 (code: 25112QSD)
Anker Powerport Atom III Slim - $24 ($11 off)
Anker 60W Power Delivery Fast Charger - $30 ($12 off)
Anker PowerCore+ 10,050mAh Portable Charger - $20 ($20 off)
Anker Bolder LC90 Flashlight - $23 ($7 off)
AUKEY Key Series Wireless Earbuds - $40 (20% off)
AUKEY Bluetooth Headphones With IPX6 - $25 (code: 89NRJBD7)
AUKEY Wireless Sports Earphones with IPX5 - $20 (code: JU37TS7J)
AUKEY 20W Eclipse Wireless Speaker - $34 (code: KX6QXDCD)
AUKEY 60W PD Charger with Folding Prongs - $22 (30% off)
AUKEY 1080p FHD Webcam - $28 (code: 738RO3WP)
AUKEY USB C Hub 4-in-1 - $16 (code: ODH9EC2D)
AUKEY 5 in 1 USB Type C Adapter - $9 (code: E3X5RXIC)

Fossil Gen 5 Down to $172 at Amazon ($123 Off)

Kellen — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 08:42:51 +0000

Amazon has a great deal right now on the Fossil Gen 5 that pushes it to one of its lowest prices ever. When added to cart, you'll see the best Wear OS watch on the market drop to an insanely low $172 price from its original of $295. The deal is some sort of combo that includes Fossil's holiday discount to $215 along with another in-cart "extra savings" price drop of $43. Again, you have to add it to cart to see the full promo pricing. While there are 3 versions available from Amazon, only the black Fossil Gen 5 with the black rubber band has this special discount. The versions with the steel and brown leather band are now discounted past the $215 mark. You can get Prime shipping on this bad boy, though you probably shouldn't expect anything you order to get here before Christmas at this point. You could have it shortly thereafter.

Amazon Deal Link

US Unlocked Galaxy S10 Line Gets Android 10, One UI 2 Update Too!

Kellen — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 08:17:12 +0000

Now that all of the carriers models of the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, and S10e have picked up the Android 10 and One UI 2 update, we were curious how long it would take for the US unlocked models to get it. As you are likely well aware, Samsung typically uses the unlocked models for beta testing purposes, only to then take weeks or months to give them the stable build long after carrier versions. It has never made any sense, but it looks like Samsung shortened the wait this year. The US unlocked Galaxy S10 line is now receiving the stable Android 10 and One UI 2 update. Our Galaxy S10e with no SIM card in it received an update from beta to stable this morning. Others are also seeing it, even if they weren't in the beta. We are currently seeing build numbers of G970U1UEU2CSKP for the S10e. If you own a regular S10 or S10+ and see the update, please let us know in the comments what your build number is. To check for the update, head into Settings>Software update>Download and install. What's new in One UI 2? Not a lot, really. Dark mode is now...darker. Colors are more vivid, icons move or something, digital wellbeing has more features, sliders and pop-ups have shrunken, and corners are better-rounded throughout. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxwycoG41fc Cheers Marcus!

Sling TV Raises Prices on All Plans, Adds Free DVR

Kellen — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:52:35 +0000

Sling TV, one of the original streaming TV services that has also been the most flexible, announced a price increase across all tiers this morning. It's the latest in a string of price increases that is making cord-cutting less and less of an appealing option to those looking to shrink cable bills. The big (pricing) news here is that Orange and Blue plans will see $5/mo increases to $30. Previously, each had been $25. Additionally, if you subscribe to both Orange and Blue, the combined package price is now $45. It used to be $40. Other price-related notes:

Sports Extra is still $10 if added to either Blue or Orange; is now $15 when added to both.
4 Extras Deal is now $12
Total TV Deal is now $25 when added to both; remains $20 when added individually to either Orange or Blue.

Pricing out of the way, there are other items here that might make you feel slightly better. Want news on channels? Sling has those. Want free DVR? Sling has that now too. Here's what Sling tells us about channel adjustments:

Sling TV added FOX News, MSNBC and CNN’s HLN to Sling Blue base service.
FOX Business Network (FOX Business) launched into Sling Blue News Extra.
Big Ten Network (BTN) will launch on Sling TV ahead of the 2020-21 college football season.
FXM will launch into Sling Blue Hollywood Extra, which will also add FXX, including the linear feed.
Nat Geo Wild is joining Sling Blue Heartland Extra, including the linear feed.
Sling Orange recently launched Longhorn Network and ACC Network to the service’s Sports Extra, as well as the ability to record Disney and ESPN channels with Sling TV’s Cloud DVR.

As for the free DVR, Sling customers now get 10 hours of free DVR. If that's not enough storage, you can always upgrade further to 50 hours with DVR Plus for $5/mo. The free DVR is available to those "customers who are not already subscribed to the Cloud DVR add-on." So if you are, maybe cancel it and get the freebie? That's assuming you don't need more than 10 hours. OK, Merry X-mas. // Sling [2]

Verizon Hits 5G City Goal for 2019 (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:23:53 +0000

Since Verizon really is going to announce a single new 5G city each day until we hit the 30 they promised for 2019, we're going to keep this short. I don't want to re-write this post another however-many times after doing it 3 times this week already. So here's the deal - we'll keep this short and sweet and update it each day.

DECEMBER 23: Verizon hit the 31 city mark today by adding Cleveland, Columbus, and Hampton Roads.

This is where you'll find 5G in Cleveland, OH:

Customers in Cleveland will find 5G Ultra Wideband service in parts of Downtown, Clark-Fulton, West Boulevard and near landmarks, such as: Progressive Field and the Great Lakes Science Center. Fans attending games at the NFL stadium in Cleveland will also be able to access service in part of the lower seating area, making it the 15th NFL stadium with Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband mobility service. Cleveland is also home to the first 5G Verizon Innovative Learning classrooms. Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband service is available at E-Prep Cliffs and Citizens Leadership Academy, both Breakthrough Schools.

This is where you'll find 5G in Columbus, OH:

In Columbus, 5G Ultra Wideband service is live in Downtown, The Ohio State University, Italian Village, Easton, Polaris, Lewis Center and is available around landmarks, such as: OSU College of Engineering, OSU College of Agriculture, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Easton Town Center, and Polaris Town Center. Additionally, travelers passing through John Glenn Columbus International Airport will be able to access Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband service in parts of the airport’s main ticketing area. This is the first US airport with live, commercially available 5G Ultra Wideband service.

This is where you'll find 5G in Hampton Roads, VA:

In Hampton Roads, 5G Ultra Wideband service is initially available in parts of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Downtown Norfolk, Newport News, Old Dominion University, Hampton, Chesapeake, and near landmarks, such as: The Boardwalk, Virginia Beach Hilltop Shopping Center, Scope Coliseum, S.B. Ballard Stadium, Crossways Shopping Center, Peninsula Town Center and Hampton Coliseum.

DECEMBER 20: Verizon actually gave us 6 new cities today - Charlotte, Greensboro, Grand Rapids, Miami, Salt Lake City, and Spokane.

This is where you'll find 5G in Charlotte, NC:

In Charlotte, 5G Ultra Wideband service can be found in parts of Uptown, Barclay Downs, South Charlotte and near landmarks, such as: Bank of America Stadium, South Park Mall, Park Town Village, Presbyterian Medical Center and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

This is where you'll find 5G in Greensboro, NC:

In Greensboro, 5G Ultra Wideband service will be initially available in parts of East Greensboro, West Greensboro, South Greensboro and near landmarks such as Bennett College, Warnersville Recreation Center, University Village Student Apartments and Old Peck Park.

This is where you'll find 5G in Grand Rapids, MI:

In Grand Rapids, 5G Ultra Wideband service will be available in parts of Downtown, East Grand Rapids, Allendale, Kentwood, Wyoming and near landmarks, such as Grand Valley State University, Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, Woodland Mall, Shops at CenterPoint and Rogers Plaza.

This is where you'll find 5G in Miami:

In Miami 5G Ultra Wideband service will be available in parts of Downtown Miami along Biscayne Blvd and near landmarks, such as: The Frost Museum, American Airlines Arena, Hard Rock Stadium, the surrounding area of Miami Gardens, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

This is where you'll find 5G in Salt Lake City:

In Salt Lake City, 5G Ultra Wideband service will be available in parts of Downtown and near landmarks, such as: Salt Palace Convention Center, Pioneer Park, The Gateway Mall, Washington Square Park and Vivint Smart Home Arena.

This is where you'll find 5G in Spokane, WA:

In Spokane, 5G Ultra Wideband service can be found in parts of Cliff/Cannon, Comstock, Northtown, Nevada Heights and near landmarks, such as: The Glover Mansion, Cowley Park, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Comstock Park.

DECEMBER 19: Verizon's 22nd 5G city is Memphis, Tennessee.

This is where you will find 5G in Memphis:

5G Ultra Wideband service will be available in parts of Downtown, Midtown, Cooper-Young, and East Memphis near landmarks such as: National Civil Rights Museum, Overton Square, Medical District, Liberty Bowl, Eastgate Shopping Center, and Oak Court Mall.

DECEMBER 18: Verizon's 21st 5G city is Hoboken, New Jersey.

This is where you will find 5G in Hoboken:

5G Ultra Wideband service will be concentrated on Willow Ave between 1st and 16th Streets; 5th Street between Marshall Drive and Garden St, Adams St between 2nd and 7th Streets. It will also be located around landmarks such as: Hoboken University Medical Center, Church Square Park, Hoboken Public Library and Mama Johnson Field. Detailed coverage maps will be available on December 20, 2019.

We'll update this post tomorrow.

DECEMBER 17: Verizon's 20th 5G city is Des Moines, Iowa.

This is where you will find 5G in Des Moines:

5G Ultra Wideband service will be available in parts of Downtown, East Village, and West Des Moines around landmarks such as: Iowa State Capitol, Hyvee Hall, Wells Fargo Arena, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Principal Park, Jordan Creek Town Center and MercyOne West Des Moines. Detailed coverage maps will be available on December 20, 2019.

DECEMBER 16: Verizon's 19th 5G city is Los Angeles, California.

This is where you will find 5G in LA:

5G Ultra Wideband service will be available in parts of Downtown, Chinatown, Del Rey, and Venice around landmarks such as: Grand Park, Los Angeles Convention Center, Union Station, LA Live, Staples Center, and Venice Beach Boardwalk. Detailed coverage maps will be available on December 20, 2019.

List of all 5G cities in US by carrier

Reminder: You need a Verizon 5G phone in order to access the limited 5G mmW network that we are talking about here in this city-by-city list. Currently, the only phones that support 5G at Verizon are the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, Galaxy S10+ 5G, LG V50 5G, and Moto Z3 and Z4 with a 5G Moto Mod attached. // Verizon

US 5G Cities for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:15:17 +0000

5G is on the rise in the US, so just like with the 4G LTE rollout of years past, we are seeing a similar trickle out of 5G cities from US carriers. Whether they feature 5G mmW or sub-6 5G tech, there is a good chance 5G is close to your neck of the woods. Since carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint only ever announce a couple of 5G areas at a time, we figured you might want a giant list of 5G cities for each, all in one place, that is (hopefully) updated regularly. You'll find that here.

Verizon 5G Cities

[table id=170 /]

UPDATE 12/23: Verizon now has 5G in 31 cities.
UPDATE 12/20: Verizon added six more cities.
UPDATE 12/16-12/19: Verizon added four more cities.
Learn more about Verizon 5G

AT&T 5G+ Cities

[table id=172 /]

UPDATE 1/3/20: AT&T added another 10 5G+ cities.
UPDATE 12/23: AT&T added more 5G+ cities.

AT&T 5G Cities

[table id=187 /]

UPDATE 12/27: AT&T 5G now in 19 cities.
UPDATE 12/13: AT&T turned on low-band 5G in 10 markets.
Learn more about AT&T 5G

T-Mobile 5G mmW Cities

[table id=173 /]

UPDATE 12/2: T-Mobile turned on nationwide 5G, not just this limited millimeter Wave stuff. To learn more and see all of the 5,000 towns that are covered, head over here.
Learn more about T-Mobile 5G

Sprint 5G Cities

[table id=171 /]

Learn more about Sprint 5G

Updated January 3, 2020.

Galaxy S10, S10+ Now $300 Off With Bonus Free $50 Amazon Gift Card

Kellen — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 17:37:15 +0000

Yesterday's deal on the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ at Amazon was solid, but it just improved substantially. Now, both are $300 off, plus Amazon is tossing in a free $50 gift card. In the previous deal, the S10 was $250 off and the S10+ was $300 off. So today, we have an extra discount on the S10 to match the S10+, and you get free cash to spend on whatever. We now have 128GB starting prices of $599 (S10) and $699 (S10+) with the $50 Amazon gift card included. Almost all colors (black, white, pink, and blue) are in stock. If you want more storage, you'll find 512GB and 1TB also at $300 off with the gift card. These are US unlocked models that work on all carriers. This is a today-only deal that is done in a couple of hours. Amazon Deal Links: Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10+

Nova Launcher Prime is $0.99 Right Now, Time to Buy if You Haven't

Kellen — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 17:25:25 +0000

Nova Launcher Prime, the paid version of one of the most popular 3rd party launcher apps in Android history, is rarely discounted. It's such a good app that its developers don't need to drop its price. But every so often (typically around the holidays), we see a promo show up that you shouldn't ignore if you haven't already bought it. Right now, Nova Launcher Prime is just $0.99. It normally costs $5, so you've got a savings of $4 here that will get you into the wild and exciting world of better customization of your home screens. Nova Launcher is a great app by itself, it's just that the Prime version offers up even more options. You get gestures (like swiping, pinching, and double tapping), app drawer groups, the ability to hide apps, custom icon swipe gestures, scrolling effects, unread counts, and more. Again, this deal basically arrives once per year and that time for 2019 has come. Google Play: Nova Launcher Prime ($0.99)

Podcast: We're 10. Let's Celebrate.

Kellen — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 11:02:49 +0000

On this special episode of the Droid Life Show, well, we're just celebrating. That's all we plan to do. Droid Life is now 10 years old, so to thank you for all of your support over this past decade together, we're hosting a trivia-only show. I know that we do trivia on every DL Show, but this time we have over 30 prizes to giveaway to all of you fine folks that have hung out with us during this long, wild journey. We have earbuds, backpacks, shirts, Google Home goodies, charging products, and yes, phones. Prepare to win fun stuff. Also, a big shoutout to all of the companies supporting this special day, including NVIDIA (win a SHIELD TV!), Aukey, MEATER, Razer, and iFixit. You people are all wonderful. We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern).

Motorola Pushes Back Razr Pre-Order and Launch Because Everyone Wants One

Kellen — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 11:00:11 +0000

Motorola's original goal with their new foldable Razr was to put it up for pre-order the day after Christmas, then ship it to your anxious hands in early January. That's now changed some, so do what you can to save that X-mas cash coming your way a little longer. In a statement provided by the company today, Motorola says that because of "unparalleled excitement" and demand that has "quickly outgrown supply predictions," they have to push the pre-order period and launch timing back. They are suggesting this isn't a significant shift, though, and that it may not be much of a delay at all. Here's the full statement:

Since its announcement in November, the new motorola razr has received unparalleled excitement and interest from consumers. Demand has been high, and as a result, has quickly outgrown supply predictions. Motorola has decided to adjust razr’s presale and launch timing to better meet consumer demand. We are working to determine the appropriate quantity and schedule to ensure that more consumers have access to razr at launch. We do not anticipate a significant shift from our original availability timeline.

Who knew that $1,500 throwback to the good ol' days would have created such interest. OK, that's silly to say - of course a foldable Razr was going to get people zooming. We'll let you know once we know the new pre-order and launch dates.

GIVEAWAY: Win a OnePlus 7T From Droid Life!

Tim — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:30:29 +0000

With the holidays here and the fact that we've reached 10 years of covering Android and hanging out with all of you every single day, let's give away more stuff! We have a OnePlus 7T (read our review!) up for grabs, with the winner able to choose whichever color they want.

Related: We're also giving away a SHIELD TV!

If you aren't familiar with the OnePlus 7T, you haven't been doing yourself any favors. This is OnePlus' $599 smartphone, packed with good specs and great software. It features a 6.55″ display with 90Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 855+ processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS 3.0 storage, 3800mAh battery, in-display fingerprint reader, USB-C port, stereo speakers, and a triple camera system. It's an affordable, beastly phone. This giveaway will be ran through a Gleam system, ensuring that anyone who wants to win has an honest chance at it. If you haven’t used Gleam before, there are various ways to gain entries into the giveaway. You can send out a tweet, like us on Twitter, check out our Instagram, or even join our Discord server. You can choose to do just one action or all of them, it’s up to you. The most important part is providing us with accurate contact info so we can successfully contact whoever wins. Best of luck to those who enter!

Giveaway

Prize

1 OnePlus 7T in color of winner's choosing.

Winner

We’ll select our winner at random next Monday (Dec. 23) at 10AM Pacific.

How to Enter

Achievements are Live on Stadia

Tim — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:21:50 +0000

Achievements are now live on Stadia, so long as you're playing via a Chromecast Ultra or on the web. If you're playing on mobile, they're not quite ready. Achievements are one of those features we thought should have launched on day one for Stadia, but this hasn't been too long of a wait. Important to note, if you did unlock an achievement while they've been unavailable, Stadia has been tracking them in the background and you'll get pop-up windows with all of your unlocked achievements the next time you boot up your game. I can confirm this when I played Borderlands 3 last night. Fun, fun! // Stadia

Galaxy Buds 2 FCC Filing Suggests Bigger Batteries

Kellen — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:56:48 +0000

When Samsung announces the Galaxy S11 family early next year, the company will likely show off a new pair of Galaxy Buds that may be called Galaxy Buds 2. I won't be shocked if they look, sound, and fit the same as the current model, but one thing we know is about to change for the better: battery life. The new Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 stopped off at the FCC today under model number SM-R175. The documents there detail Bluetooth connectivity, as you might expect, but they also reveal an increase in battery size. According to the label on the bottom of the new Galaxy Buds' charging case, will see a size upgrade in the buds to 300mA and to 600mA in the case. I'm assuming the earbuds rating there is combined between buds, so that could mean around 150mAh within each bud.

Keep in mind that these numbers did change (drop) last year from the FCC filing to the finished product. Last year's FCC filing for the SM-R170 (original Buds) showed 150mA earbuds and 500mA charging case, but my retail pair actually says 100mA earbuds and 400mA case. Even if these do something similar by launch, it's still looking like a battery capacity increase on a pair of true wireless buds that might be my favorite in the industry. // FCC [2] EDIT: Changed title slightly to something that's probably more accurate. Apologies, it's our 10 year celebration and my mind is a bit elsewhere.

GIVEAWAY: Win a SHIELD TV From Droid Life and NVIDIA!

Tim — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:30:46 +0000

We are partnering with NVIDIA this week to celebrate 10 years of Droid Life! To do that, NVIDIA has provided us with a SHIELD TV (read our review!) to give away to one of you, so let's just go ahead and get this party started, shall well? I recently dubbed the SHIELD TV the best Android TV box you can buy, which shouldn't shock anyone because NVIDIA has been dominating the Android TV set-top market ever since they entered it. This little tube model offers good specs, features the all new updated SHIELD Remote, plus timely updates straight from NVIDIA. If you like Android TV, you can't really do better than this. This giveaway will be ran through a Gleam system, ensuring that anyone who wants to win has an honest chance at it. If you haven’t used Gleam before, there are various ways to gain entries into the giveaway. You can send out a tweet, like us on Twitter, check out our Instagram, or even join our Discord server. You can choose to do just one action or all of them, it’s up to you. The most important part is providing us with accurate contact info so we can successfully contact whoever wins. Let's do this.

Giveaway

Prize

1 SHIELD TV (2019) package.

Winner

We’ll select our winner at random next Monday (Dec. 23) at 10AM Pacific.

How to Enter

Thank you so much to NVIDIA for providing the SHIELD TV as a giveaway prize. Check them out and give them a follow on Twitter!

10 Years.

Kellen — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:12:25 +0000

10 years is an enormous amount of time. Think about how many things in life you've had around or done for 10 years straight. Friendships and personal relationships often don't last that long. Diets most definitely don't. Hopefully, your hairstyle hasn't. Your TV might. What about your job - have you been there for 10 years? Your phone - owned it for a year, maybe two, right? Here's something that many of you have been doing for 10 years: hanging out at Droid Life. Yeah, man, we're 10. Technically, we hit the 10-year mark back in November, but December 2009 was the time when things ramped up a bit around here, as I sat at my previous job in healthcare, figuring out ways to get Android 2.1 and all of its flashy new apps from the Nexus One onto my original Motorola DROID. Times were so much simpler then, maybe even more satisfying. Simple because we all just had a single phone. We all had the Motorola DROID and all wanted more from it. Satisfying because we could actually improve it, do more with it than we were sold, and meet people along the way that were vying for the same. That's what Droid Life was then - a site to help you get more out of your DROID. That one phone. Not that today is a hellhole of unsatisfying boringness, things are just so advanced that self-improvement on a Galaxy Note 10 isn't really necessary or an option. Instead of toys too early for our visions of what they could and should have been, we now look at phones as realized tools that are the most important piece of technology we have around us. In the 10 years we have been doing this, that's a pretty cool thing to have watched happen. I'd imagine the PC world went through this long ago, but there's something special about having been (what I would like to think is a big) part of the a maturation of smartphones from infancy to adulthood. Here we are together still. 10 years of this damn pink website. 10 years! So today, because I feel like there is another time for me to wax poetic about the life of Droid Life (and I'm also a wuss who doesn't like talking about himself), we really just want to celebrate. I'm forever grateful to so many of you and I don't know that giving sh*t away is the best way to continue to try and tell you that, but that's what we're going to do. We have a lot of stuff, some of which was given to us from some of our favorite companies, to handout through giveaways and also on a special edition of the Droid Life Show. There's a good chance you'll finish this holiday Friday with a new charger, backpack, set of earbuds, a DL t-shirt, or a phone. We have a couple of giveaways (SHIELD TV, OnePlus 7T) that will run for the next couple of days coming up here shortly too, but the DL Show is a trivia-only episode that'll be nothing but prizes to you. If you haven't joined us before, you should think about it. It's actually a lot of fun, even if you aren't a podcast guy. That show will go live at 12PM Pacific (3PM Eastern). Before we go and get started, we need to shoutout some of the homies who have helped put the content you see here before those eyes. Big ups to Eric, Ron, Dan, Matt, Rithvik, Kyle, Kover, Joey, and Mr. Picolas. Also, Octotron and Mark on the moderating sticks. You bunch of beasts. Tim, you guys know the legend. Tim has been here since August 2010, so for almost the entire life of Droid Life minus a few months. He's written 10,000 posts. 10-f*cking-thousand. 10,091 to be exact. From commenter to today, what a massive part of this story he's been. I probably can't properly express my appreciation for what he's done, though I hope you can all look at the time, the work, the growing, and the steadiness that he has brought to the world of Android over this decade. Unreal. Thank you, everyone. I truly, truly mean that. The fun starts momentarily.

DEAL: Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ are $300 Off at Amazon Today (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 08:00:43 +0000

UPDATE 12/21: Amazon beefed up the Galaxy S10 discount to match the Galaxy S10+. Both are now $300 off and there is a $50 Amazon gift card included.

There's still an opportunity to get last minute holidays deals with arrivals before X-mas, should you be doing that type of shopping. Today, for example, you can grab a US unlocked Galaxy S10 for $250 off or a Galaxy S10+ for $300 off. These are some of the best prices of the season. The Galaxy S10 is available in multiple colors, all of which are $250 off. The same goes for different storage amounts (128GB vs. 512GB), those too are $250 off. With the Galaxy S10+, you get $300 off with multiple colors and storage options available too. For prices, we are looking at starting points of $649 for the S10 with 128GB storage and $699 for the S10+ with that amount of storage. Not bad prices! For those not familiar, these US unlocked models work on all US carriers. And yes, Amazon will ship these bad boys promptly with arrival before Christmas. Amazon Links: Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S10+

Don't want a Galaxy S10? The Note 10 and Note 10+ are both $200 off right now.

DEAL: Anker Wireless Earbuds, Car Chargers, Dash Cams, and More at Discounted Pricing on Amazon

Tim — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:02:36 +0000

Anker is hosting a few holiday sales this week, just in case you're looking to scoop a few last minute gifts. According to Amazon's site, most of these products will arrive before Christmas, if that is of concern to you. As for the deals, we have Anker's Soundcore Liberty wireless earbuds for just $50 ($30 off the list price), a 20,000mAh power bank for $33 ($17 off), as well as a ROAV A1 dash cam for $45. Full list of goodies below.

Amazon Links

Soundcore Liberty Air True-Wireless Earphones - $50 ($30 off)
PowerCore Lite 20000mAh Portable Charger - $33 ($17 off)
Roav DashCam A1 - $45 (20% off)
Roav SmartCharge Car Charger - $12 ($5 off)
PowerCore 10000 Redux Power Bank - $25 ($5 off)

Pixel 3 With 120Hz Display Could Have Been Fun, Awkward

Kellen — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 13:26:27 +0000

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are the first form Google to feature displays with a higher refresh rate (90Hz). It's the feature for each that you can't help but highlight when talking about either phone. These are the types of additions to a phone that don't come along often, where they actually improve the experience. Did you know that Google almost chose another Pixel phone to be the first with a high refresh rate? While discussing displays and refresh rates on the Android Developers Backstage podcast this week, the Googler crew of Chet Haase, Romain Guy, and Michael Wright shared a bit of the history surrounding the Pixel 4's 90Hz display and why it almost wasn't their first. As it turns out, the Pixel 3 was close to having a 120Hz LCD panel instead of the 60Hz OLED it ended up with. They said that the original Pixel 3 "wasn't actually going to have an OLED panel for various reasons," and that if not, one of the considerations was a 120Hz LCD, like we have seen pop up on a number of gaming phones in recent years. We don't know the Pixel 3 went from skipping OLED to then releasing with an OLED, but it might have been an awkward launch if the Pixel 3 had what would have arguably been a better display than the larger Pixel 3 XL. As if the Pixel 3 XL and its notch didn't have a tough enough time already, can you imagine if the littler Pixel 3 option brought out 120Hz? My guess is that Google kept them the same to keep a similar package from one phone to the next, like they did in the original Pixel but then went away from in the Pixel 2. Maybe next year we'll get yet another bump to 120Hz in the Pixel 5. // Android Developers Podcast | XDA

Pixel 4 is Free at Best Buy Right Now for AT&T Folks, Free Nest Hub Too (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 10:12:15 +0000

The last minute deal on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL that you were hoping would arrive is now here. AT&T customers, you can get a Pixel 4 for free at Best Buy, plus Sprint customers can grab a Pixel 4 XL as low as $7.49/mo. All customers wanting a 4 or 4 XL can still get a free Nest Hub too. To get these deals, you'll need to upgrade with AT&T or Sprint. That will mean signing some form of a monthly installment plan, aka a contract. To get the AT&T Pixel 4 free, you need to lock-in to a 30-month payment plan, while Sprint will ask for 24 months of payments. I know, I know, these contract deals are kind of shitty. We still point them out because some of you don't change carriers very often. If you are satisfied with AT&T or Sprint, paying very little (or nothing) for a phone isn't a terrible thing. To get the free Nest Hub with purchase, just add it to your cart when you buy the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL.

UPDATE: Availability levels are going in and out out stock. You may want to check back a few times.

Shop Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL at Best Buy

Google Acquires Game Maker Typhoon Studios, Adds Them to Stadia Team

Tim — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 09:46:22 +0000

Google announced the acquisition of Montreal-based Typhoon Studios this week, the studio behind the upcoming Journey to the Savage Planet title. According to Google's blog, this move is all about Stadia, with the Typhoon team to join Google's first Stadia Games and Entertainment studio that is based in Montreal and led by Sébastien Puel, a former Ubisoft executive. For now, Typhoon will continue its work to release its upcoming game on multiple platforms (trailer below) on January 28, 2020. Seems safe to say Stadia subscribers can maybe expect to see this game come to Google's servers at some point. Coolio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_4VzxlT3uI // Google

Galaxy Fold 2 Bends Itself Into a Flip Phone, Not a Tablet

Tim — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 08:50:45 +0000

I previously thought it was way too early to start hyping a Galaxy Fold 2, but as we're learning this week, the next Galaxy Fold may be nothing like the original -- so much so that it would make total sense for Samsung to have both devices on the market around the same time. From the images we can see that have been posted to Weibo, Galaxy Fold 2 is much like the upcoming foldable Razr from Motorola, where it folds top to bottom and not side to side. In other words, it's more like a flip phone and not a tablet. If you've been following my personal preferences regarding foldables, you'll know that this design has got me a little hot and bothered. I like it quite a bit. However, we shouldn't be too shocked to learned this, as Samsung teased this very thing back in October during SDC. Honestly, we assumed we were more than a mere 3 months away from seeing that concept come to life at the time. Regardless, let's go over what we can see.

When the phone is closed, we can see a pretty small secondary display that shows the time. It doesn't appear to be big enough to really be all that useful for anything else. Once you open the Galaxy Fold 2 up, you're met with a very tall display surrounded by pretty thick bezel. The software looks like Samsung software, no surprise there. Basically, picture a slightly taller Galaxy S10 that can fold in the middle and its head can close on its chin. Then give it larger bezels. That looks to be what the Galaxy Fold 2 is.

We have no word yet on pricing or announcement dates, but this phone looks finished and basically ready to go. While CES is right around the corner, I have a hard time thinking Samsung will tease it there, but you never know. Following CES is MWC, which is also around when Samsung hosts its Galaxy announcement events. Regardless, we'll definitely be learning more about this phone in the upcoming future. Thoughts on this fold design?

// Weibo| All About Samsung

Spark Emails Adds Widgets, App Shortcuts, Batch Swipes, and More

Kellen — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 07:07:55 +0000

The folks at Readdle, makers of the popular Spark email app, pushed out a big update today that introduces templates, widgets (!), app shortcuts, and batch swiping of emails. The email template portion of this update is for those in teams or those who send the same email over and over again (quotes, reports, team updates, etc.). Spark templates allow you to setup an email format that you can pull-up quickly, swap out a few pieces of information, and then send. Spark is using blue placeholders that are automatically filled (ex: recipient name), as well as orange placeholders (dates, reports, etc.) that you get to fill with each new email, to help your workflow. These templates can be shared with teammates and they sync across all of your devices. To find templates, head into Spark Settings>Templates.

In more general news that all of us will get some use out of, Spark now has widgets. You can see them in the image at the top of this post, but Spark is giving us a bigger widget that shows a portion of your inbox, plus another mini widget that shows you email counts by category, a compose button, and a quick search option. On a related note, you can now long-press on the Spark app to get to app shortcuts (below) that give you quicker access to your archive, composing of emails, delegated, and pins. Because this is Android, you can use those shortcuts as actual shortcuts on your home screen too. Just press and hold on items to drag them into place.

Finally, Spark introduced batch swiping in this update. So when you are in a category or section of your inbox, if you scroll to the bottom, you'll see a slider that lets you clear out all emails. It looks like this:

The update is live right now, so go grab it, Spark users. Google Play Link // Spark

RCS is the Future of Android Texting, Tell Your Friends

Kellen — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:59:47 +0000

The story of RCS is a long, multi-year tale filled with early unrealized promises, ounces of hope crushed by wireless carriers, the snakiest of moves by those same carriers, and an eventual power play by Google to help establish the future of text messaging on Android. I don't really want to go back into it all as the story has been told enough, but what I do want to talk about is how RCS involves you and what your next conversation with friends and family should be to get everyone on it. RCS, to keep it short, is the future of text messaging on Android. I'm not including iOS and iPhones in there, because they have iMessage and Apple uses it fully to their advantage to not only keep its users locked to iPhones, they also use it to lure in non-iPhone owners who feel locked out of social situations. Apple has shown no interest in supporting RCS. So yeah, RCS is for Android users (for now) and it could be pretty cool once everyone has it.

What is RCS or "Chat" messaging?

RCS or "Chat" is the future because it's an advancement on SMS or old school text messaging. It uses your phone number and lives within a text messaging app, just like you might use now. That means to use RCS, you really don't need to do anything different than you already are outside of making sure you have a supported RCS app as your main messaging app. The big difference between your current SMS or texting solution and RCS is that RCS messages are sent via mobile data or over WiFi, unlike SMS. That basically just gives you better access to messaging, as well as more features. RCS will let you be a part of bigger group messages, send full resolution photos (and possibly videos), send read receipts (letting others know when you read their message), and show typing indicators (so people know you are responding). While those may not sound like super groundbreaking or game-changing features, I think most will really learn to appreciate them once they have them. You'll notice I referenced RCS as "Chat" above and that's because Google has labeled it as such. It's probably a marketing or clarity move, because RCS sounds like a drugstore and "Chat" is a very familiar messaging term.

How can everyone get RCS or "Chat?"

So the thing with RCS at this stage is that Google went ahead and made it available to everyone in the US, but only through their specific Messages application. Since their Messages app isn't on every single Android phone, this is where you might need to do a little work to get everyone on the same page as you. Today, to get RCS or "Chat," you install Google Messages (it's free) and update your Carrier Services app. With those two installed and up-to-date, you will be able to turn on Chat. If your mom or brother or bestie owns a Samsung or LG phone, there is a good chance that they don't have Messages installed. They may have a messages app or another called "Messages," but it's likely the one Samsung or LG built and included with their phone. You'll want them to install Google's, which we've linked below. Google Play Link: Google Messages | Carrier Services

Setting up RCS in Google Messages

Once you have Messages installed and Carrier Services updated, turning Chat on is pretty simple. First of all, Google may prompt you right away to "upgrade" your experience in Messages. A tap on a button to do so will fire Chat right up. If that doesn't happen, all you have to do is open the app, tap the menu in the top right corner, choose Settings then "Chat features." On the next screen, you'll toggle the option to "Enable chat features."

You should see the app attempt to verify your number or ask for a number to verify. It may also just fire right up and work. You'll know when it says "Status: Connected" that Chat is up and working. If you run into issues with it verifying your number, a quick reboot of your phone should do the trick. As you can see from the image above, you are able to turn Chat features on and off that you don't want. For example, if you don't want to send read receipts or let people see when you are typing, you can turn those options off.

Confirming Chat with friends

Getting everyone to install Messages and updating Carrier Services is a big first step, but how can you tell if you are sending RCS/Chat or SMS messages? The app will tell you pretty clearly. When you are in a conversation that has Chat available, the messaging box will say "Chat message." When you are going to send a regular ol' text message, the chat box will say "Text message" and you will lose all of those Chat benefits we talked about.

The other way you can tell is because you will get different colored blue message bubbles. Chat messages are sent with a darker blue bubble, while text messages will show with a lighter blue bubble.

Is Google Messages any good, though?

This whole thing would be silly if Google Messages was a bad app, right? You wouldn't want to switch to Messages and tell all of your friends and family to if the app was bad. As it turns out, Google pays quite a bit of attention to Messages and has packed it full of nice features to play with. You can send group messages and photos or videos, of course, but you get things like the Google Assistant built in, location sharing, easy GIF search and attachments, stickers and sticker packs, contact sharing, and file attachments. It's all pretty much there as a modern messaging app.

You even get access to Google Messages on the web. Should you use a computer all day, you can connect your phone and Messages to any computer you are using by visiting messages.google.com/web and scanning a QR code from within the Messages app on your phone. Once you've done that, you can then send both SMS and Chat/RCS messages.

Just do it.

If we want to get to a place where we all have RCS on our phones, we are early enough in the game that we need to do a little work. We are going to need to ask people to install Google Messages and make sure their Carrier Services app is updated. That's mostly it, though. Once you've done it and flipped a single switch, you then get to enjoy a better messaging experience.

DEAL: Get a Pair of Cowin Noise Cancelling Earbuds for $15 on Amazon ($35 Off)

Tim — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:04:59 +0000

Amazon is currently selling a set of Cowin noise cancelling wireless earbuds for just $15, down from the usual price of $50. By wireless earbuds, I don't mean wireless-wireless, since there is still a tethering wire between the two earbuds. I do mean wireless in the sense that they're powered by Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. According to the product description, the buds feature 1.57" drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, capable of delivering good sound. As for the hardware, it is sweat proof and has magnetic charging with an accompanying case. To get the $35 savings, simply plug in the below coupon code during checkout on Amazon. And yes, they'll arrive before Christmas if you order soon according to Amazon.

Amazon Link (Code: LLW2A5WX)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iom3rUI_Gzk

Gift Idea: Nimble Makes Great Chargers, Offers Free E-Waste Recycling

Tim — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:31:37 +0000

If you're like me, you have a dedicated junk drawer which is designated for holding a whole bunch of stuff. While it used to be filled with random hot sauce packets and takeout menus, in this age of technology, my junk drawer is filled with a bunch of micro-USB cables and other miscellaneous tech crap. Recently, I learned about Nimble, makers of various charging accessories who not only make their products from sustainable materials, but also offer free e-waste recycling with the purchase of any product. As we all try to be a bit more conscientious of our impact on the planet as consumers, it's cool to see a company with this sentiment at the heart of its goal and what it produces. For review purposes, I recently received a package from Nimble containing two different charger models. Specifically, I received a 10W Wireless Travel Kit ($80), plus a 10W Wireless Convertible Stand ($60). The design of the chargers reminds me very much of the Nest and Home products we've been seeing from Google, since all of them appear to incorporate a cloth material in their designs. According to Nimble's website, this fabric is made from a mixture of organic hemp and recycled plastic bottles. On top of that, all of Nimble's packaging features zero use of plastic. Rock on, Nimble!

For contents, the Travel Kit features a wireless pad & dual USB wall charger. For specs, its wireless output is rated at 5W, 7.5W, and 10W (max), plus there's an added USB-A port at 5V,1A. Those ratings are designed for Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone devices, but any Qi-compatible device will wirelessly charge just fine. I've been using my Pixel 4 XL on it and haven't had any issues. The Convertible Stand, as someone who sits at a desk all day, is a bit more up my alley. It offers the same 5W, 7.5W, and 10W (max) output, plus the added USB-A port at 5V,1A. Obviously, the fact that it doubles as a pad and as a phone stand make it ideal for office-dwelling folk such as myself. Again, I placed my Pixel 4 XL on this stand and it works just fine. Both chargers have a good fit and finish to them and I really appreciate the use of the fabric instead of having more plain plastic in my space. It's much easier on the eye when sitting on my desk, and frankly, it just looks cool.

As I mentioned in the beginning, Nimble offers free e-waste recycling with every purchase you make. With your purchase, you'll receive a free "Clean out your junk drawer" e-waste recycling bag. You can see all of the items accepted here, and if they take whatever it is, you can print out a free shipping label and ship off whatever you'd like recycled. This is much better than tossing it in the garbage, believe me. I like what Nimble is doing here and I like the quality of their products. Consider me #TeamNimble.

Shop Nimble Products | Nimble on Amazon

Pixel 3a XL at $120 Off Won't be Around Much Longer

Kellen — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 10:41:40 +0000

The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are without a doubt two of our favorite phones of 2019. The price, the features, and that camera all combine for a heck of a value package. So when you can grab one for $120 off, well, we kind of think you might want to consider if in the market for a phone and have a limited budget. Both phones dropped by $120 over the weekend, but most of those deals have ended except for a couple from a select few retailers. Amazon and B&H Photo still have the Pixel 3a XL at $120 off in all three colors (black, white, and purple). At $120 off, the Pixel 3a XL would cost you just $359. Why would you want a Pixel 3a XL? Just read our review, man. Don't have time for that? I'll keep it short then. It's plastic (which is awesome). The camera is excellent. You'll get software updates first and for 3 years. Battery life is quite good. The display is solid. It's an overall excellent phone for under $400.

Amazon Deal Link | B&H Photo Deal Link

AT&T Starts Validating Calls to Help Combat Robocalls

Kellen — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 09:43:35 +0000

AT&T is now validating calls on select Android phones to fight back against robocallers who spoof numbers. This new validation is a part of the AT&T Call Protect service and will be added at no cost. Using the STIR/SHAKEN technology, AT&T is confirming that incoming calls are legitimate. STIR/SHAKEN is a technology developed by the wireless industry as a means to certify calls in response to spoofers who make incoming calls look like they are from legitimate sources, yet aren't. To start, AT&T will show numbers as a "Valid number" if they can verify it. Owners of the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, and LG V40 are the first to get this portion of Call Protect. Other devices will soon get access too.

Again, validation comes at no cost, but you might need a software update on your phone in order to get it. AT&T also says that you can download the AT&T Call Protect app or turn the service on in your account settings if you want it right away. // AT&T

Verizon Slashes $300 Off Verizon Pixel 4 If You Upgrade, Adds Free Nest Hub

Kellen — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 16:13:40 +0000

All of the best deals on the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL are mostly finished up as we get closer to X-mas. If you want the biggest discount, there is one last remaining deal for the Verizon Pixel 4 that isn't a bad one, as long you don't mind signing a 2-year device payment plan. Google and Verizon are dropping $300 off the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL if you are a current customer and want to upgrade. They are tossing in a free Google Nest Hub too ($129 value). By upgrading with a device payment plan for 24 months, you will save $300 through monthly bill credits for the next 2 years. While not a clean $300-off today, it's not a terrible price to pay if you plan to stick with Verizon for a while. With the discount or credit applied, you end up paying around $20.83/mo for the Pixel 4 and $24.99/mo for the Pixel 4 XL. To get the free Nest Hub (Home Hub) with it, Verizon says that you should expect a coupon code after 12/26 that will allow you to redeem for one in-store or online. This deal is likely own good until Christmas. Shop Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL at Verizon

YouTube Music Gets Personalized Mix Playlists to Let You Just Jam, Man

Kellen — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:52:04 +0000

YouTube Music gets improvements on a regular basis in an attempt by Google to create a music service you might want to be a part of one day. I'm not sure we are quite there yet, but with the introduction of three new personalized playlists based on your listening preferences, we're taking a step closer in that direction today. Google and YouTube Music are now providing the Discover Mix, New Release Mix, and Your Mix playlists that feature music you might like, do like, or need to like. Discover will show you hidden gems or an artist similar to your other favs, New Release will get you the goods from your favorite artists, and Your Mix is straight fire from the artists "you know and love." Here's how YouTube Music describes them:

Discover Mix: Whether introducing you to an entirely new artist you’ve never heard before, or unearthing hidden, lesser-known gems from artists you’re already familiar with, Discover Mix will give you 50 tracks every week that help you expand your musical horizons. With new updates every Wednesday, it’s your go-to playlist to discover music.
New Release Mix: This mix is your one-stop shop for a playlist of all the most recent releases by your favorite artists (and others we think you’ll like). Expect a big update every Friday (when most new releases drop) along with mid-week releases sprinkled in throughout the week to ensure you are always up-to-date on the latest releases.
Your Mix: Your Mix is the perfect playlist for those times when you don’t want to think and just want to play something you know you’ll like. It’s full of songs by artists you know and love, and also mixes in some songs and artists you’ve never heard before, but that we think you’ll love. Small updates are made regularly, so the music never gets stale and there’s always something new in rotation.

So every week, you'll get a new Discover Mix, along with an update every Friday to the New Release Mix. The Your Mix won't change dramatically very often, but will see small updates to keep it fresh. You sign-up for YouTube Music yet? // YouTube

Galaxy Note 10 Lite Renders Have Arrived

Tim — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:43:15 +0000

Thanks to WinFuture, we're getting or first reported look at the upcoming Galaxy Note 10 Lite, a device that should be a bit more affordable than the regular Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+. Hardware wise, we can see the backside with its rectangular-ish camera setup, featuring three cameras. On the front, we have a single, centered camera cutout. Maybe most importantly, it's reported that the Lite model of the Note 10 will be more like the Galaxy S10e with regard to screen edge curvature, which means it should be more flat. I know that might be major news for some of you. And of course, it wouldn't be a Note without an S Pen.

WinFuture didn't provide too many specs along with these images, but from what was posted, we should expect to see a Snapdragon 855 processor inside, a main 48MP rear camera, plus a price of around 670 euros. Just from these images, the phone looks pretty good, especially that Red model. Yes, please. Thoughts? // WinFuture

Moodo Smart Aroma Diffuser a Great Concept Ruined by a Bad App

Tim — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:53:12 +0000

Ahead of getting a Moodo Smart Home Aroma Diffuser in my house for review purposes, I had a simple diffuser in my living room. You know, the kind you put water in with essential oils and it sprays a light mist every few minutes. Diffusers are great for homes with stinky animals, which my two dogs qualify as. When I learned of Moodo, with its smartphone app and WiFi-powered operation that could control scent output and schedule runtimes, I was very intrigued. With Moodo, there is no water, just little scent pods that you install and create smell-based moods with. It sounded easy and cool. However, having a smart diffuser in my home has made me realize that there are just some things that don't need to be complicated and weighed down with technology. The idea for Moodo is great. It's a little diffuser machine with four scent slots on its top. You can opt to subscribe to Moodo to receive different scent pods (priced starting at $24/month) or you can buy whatever scent packages you want. Scent packages start at $30. In a perfect world, you plug in the diffuser, install your scent capsules, open up the Moodo app, and then go about playing with different scents and controlling the fans speed to create whatever type of mood you want. Unfortunately, Moodo's app is not very good at all, and when it comes down to it, the cost of ownership just seems like way too much to justify for a diffuser. For the app, the setup process is clunky, with owners needing to connect to Moodo's own WiFi signal in order to get it hooked up to your home's WiFi network. The first couple tries didn't work for me, but after restarting the app, I finally got it connected.

Once connected and pods installed, understanding its UI looks easy, but it's not a straightforward task. On the bottom, you have pre-made scent profiles based on the pack you have installed, which is neat. To the left of that, there's the fan control, I think. It's not labeled, but either way, nothing seems to happen when I slide it around. As a user, I'd appreciate knowing what that slider is for. Fingers crossed for an indicator at some point in a future app update. The app also suggests integration with Google Assistant, but from what I can determine, that functionality is non operational. When you open up Moodo in Google Assistant, you can either "send to device" or "set up." I've hit both buttons and have also tried discovering the unit inside of the Google Home app, but nothing seems to work and when I ask Google Assistant to control Moodo, it has no idea what I'm talking about. Another feature of the app that only seems to partially work is the interval settings. There are three to choose from, but sometimes, they don't seem to want to work. Users can choose between Powerful Moodo, Efficient Moodo, and Saver Moodo. I try to run Efficient Moodo, which means every 10 minutes the machine takes a 10 minute break. Again, when this function works, it's great, but sometimes when I've enabled the interval feature, the machine simply doesn't do anything. It's all very hit or miss in terms of pure operation. Other times, the app doesn't seem to properly identify if capsules are installed or if capsules are there at all. I've opened the app to see scents I don't have and never have had installed, and currently, I'm seeing an open capsule slot in the app when I most definitely have a capsule plugged in. Again, hit or miss if it all wants to function properly.

In the app you can create your own scent profiles, which is one of the features that drew me into the concept of Moodo initially. Making the profiles is all fine and dandy, but if controlling the unit via the app is a janky experience, the whole thing becomes a mess and not something you want to deal with. Right now, because I've decided to save myself the stress, I limit my usage to simply turning it on and off. Given an aroma diffuser is about the potential for alleviating stress, the fact that operating Moodo stresses me out is something I find very amusing. Classic irony.

When it comes to overviewing a product like this and potentially recommending it to any of you, I think to myself, would my mother be able to set this up on her own? Mind you, she's very tech literate and capable of many things, but having the patience to set up Moodo might be beyond her. However, it really is just the app experience that makes Moodo a poor buy. If they were to revamp this thing and make it easier to set up and use, I could easily see myself enjoying it. If it worked flawlessly, maybe that $24/month subscription wouldn't completely boggle my mind. As it stands right now, there's no way I'd pay that. If you want to give Moodo a try for yourself, it's currently 40% off for the holidays, bringing a unit down to $84. If you pick one up, you'll need the app. Its reviews align with my feelings on the product rather well -- a solid 2-star experience.

Shop Moodo | Amazon

PBS, PBS Kids, and OWN Now Live on YouTube TV

Kellen — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 10:45:52 +0000

Google announced back in July that YouTube TV would add PBS and PBS Kids to its channel line-up at some point in 2019. With days remaining in the year, both channels, as well as OWN, are now live. With the launch of PBS and PBS Kids, you'll get access to live content and on-demand programming, including Antiques Roadshow, Frontline, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, and yes, Sesame Street. For the PBS stations, if you aren't seeing them yet on your YouTube TV account, that's because only 100 stations have launched today. Google says that more are coming in 2020. If you do have access, you will find it live in your channel line-up (see above) or by searching for "PBS" within the app. Why wouldn't your area have PBS available today? That's tough to say. PBS said in a press release that with "more than 100" of its member stations on YouTube TV, their content is available to 75% of US households, though they didn't specify which areas are missing. If yours isn't one of the first 100, maybe give your local PBS affiliate a shout. As for OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), it's available to everyone nationwide. New channels without a price hike! Throw a party, friends. https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV/status/1206983165845409795

Stadia's New Games: Borderlands 3, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

Tim — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:58:54 +0000

Stadia is getting three new titles this week: Borderlands 3, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Gamers will likely know all about these titles, especially anything concerning the Borderlands franchise. According to Stadia, you'll be able to play with up to 3 friends in BL3, which is great news because friends always make gaming better. To make the announcement of new games even more sweet, two of the three titles are available at reduced pricing. Borderlands 3 Reduced Pricing

Borderlands 3 Standard Edition for $38.99 USD (35% off)
Borderlands 3 Deluxe Edition for $51.99 USD (35% off)
Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition for $77.99 USD (22% off)

Ghost Recon Breakpoint will also be available at reduced pricing (50% off), bringing it down to $30 for the standard edition. That game goes live tomorrow morning on Stadia's servers. As for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, it is priced at $50. Get gaming, Stadia fans! https://twitter.com/GoogleStadia/status/1206982744758050818 // Stadia

"Hey Google, That Wasn't for You" is a Good Command to Know

Kellen — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:16:49 +0000

I'm sure that you have been in the middle of a conversation a time or twenty where the Google Assistant fired up in the background, spewing out random unwanted responses based off of the conversation you were having that Assistant should have had no part of. If so, there's one command you should know to respond back with. Say "Hey Google, that wasn't for you" and Google will delete the last thing you said. That's it, that is all you say to stick it to Google, that always-listening little sh*t. Of course, you can say other things to erase your Google activity, with commands like "Delete my last conversation" or "Delete today's activity." Google has certainly made it easier than ever for you to kill off the history they store about you.

Sprint Intros Free Spam Call Screener Service, $3/Month Option for More Features (Updated: It's an App)

Tim — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:08:45 +0000

We all hate spam. To help fight it just a bit, Sprint is offering a new free service to all customers called Sprint Call Screener Basic. The service purely identifies unwanted malicious calls and permits users to block them. If you want anything more than that, you'll need to pay. Priced at $3/month per line on your account, Sprint Call Screener Plus brings a more feature-rich experience for the spam call blocking enthusiast. It features the ability to display details caller ID info even if the caller isn't in your contacts (same for text messages), report numbers as spam, keep a history of blocked/risky numbers, and more. Sprint Call Screener Plus Benefits

Displays caller's name, city and state, even those not listed in contacts.
Shows texter's name, even when they are not in contacts.
Identifies, blocks, and reports additional calls that are lower-risk, but still a nuisance.
Categorizes incoming calls as spam, robocalls or fraud calls.
Reports an individual phone number as spam.
Keeps history of blocked and risky numbers.

The Sprint Call Screener service is available for both Android and iOS devices, with customers able to receive a free 15-day trial of Call Screener Plus. At the end of the trial, customers will be automatically enrolled in the free Call Screener Basic program if they choose not to subscribe to the $3/month Plus service. Enjoy, Sprint customers. Update: Not made entirely clear in Sprint's initial announcement, this "service" is actually an app! It's downloadable by iOS users here, but according to Sprint's site, it'll come preloaded on Android phones. We're not sure how they intend on getting the app onto phones already in the wild, but we'll let them figure that out. If and when Sprint has a direct download available on Google Play, we'll update this post with a link. // Sprint

OnePlus is Going to Show Off a Concept Phone at CES

Kellen — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 07:47:48 +0000

The CES event teased by OnePlus CEO Pete Lau over the weekend has been officially announced. What we'll see during the industry's biggest tech event of the year is a concept phone from the company as it celebrates its 6th anniversary. Dubbed the OnePlus Concept One, we don't actually know what to expect from this new phone. OnePlus pointed out in a press release that hit our inbox that they have introduced 13 phones over the past six years that delivered new technologies to the smartphone field, like the QHD 90Hz display in the OnePlus 7 Pro. With this concept phone, they are promising a new series of phones that show their commitment to continued innovation.

Specifically, the OnePlus Concept line will aim to bring users "an even smoother, faster, and more 'burdenless' experience," while it "demonstrates a vision of both new technology and an alternate design approach for the future of smartphones." That sounds fun, right? The OnePlus Concept One will be a part of a multi-day event that runs January 7 to January 10. We'll be at CES and will do our best to share with you whatever it is that OnePlus announces.

OnePlus Announces Its First Concept Phone Will Debut at CES as Part of its 6th Anniversary Celebration
December 17th, 2019, New York: OnePlus founder and CEO Pete Lau recently revealed that the global mobile technology company will host its own special event at CES next month. Today, on the anniversary of its founding six years ago, the company has announced that it will introduce its first-ever concept phone, the OnePlus Concept One, at CES 2020. For the past six years, OnePlus has been striving to share the absolute best in technology with the world, producing a total of 13 industry-leading smartphones. With this year’s OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus delivered the world’s first QHD+ AMOLED 90Hz display and set a new bar for the industry. OnePlus’ aspirations in technology have evolved from creating peerless flagship phones to finding the true potential of every technology. Now, on the arrival of its sixth anniversary, OnePlus has formally announced that it will unveil its first-ever concept phone, the OnePlus Concept One. The name itself, Concept One, is a clear promise that this device is only the first in a series to come and shows OnePlus’ commitment to applied, innovative technology - bringing users an even smoother, faster, and more “burdenless” experience. The OnePlus Concept One demonstrates a vision of both new technology and an alternate design approach for the future of smartphones. About OnePlus OnePlus is a global mobile technology company challenging conventional concepts of technology. Created around the “Never Settle” mantra, OnePlus creates exquisitely designed devices with premium build quality and high-performance hardware. OnePlus thrives on cultivating strong bonds and growing together with its community of users and fans. For more information, please visit  OnePlus.com.

Verizon Turns on Its 20th 5G City

Kellen — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 07:30:26 +0000

Des Moines gets Verizon 5G.

Verizon announced their 20th 5G city today in a quest to turn on 30 5G cities before 2019 ends. I hope that doesn't mean an announcement for each day to finish off the year, but that would be a way to stay in the headlines during this slow holiday news cycle (like how they announced LA yesterday knowing Des Moines was coming today). Either way, if you live in Des Moines, Iowa, own a 5G phone, and want to access 5G mmW in parts of the city, this is where you will find it:

5G Ultra Wideband service will be available in parts of Downtown, East Village, and West Des Moines around landmarks such as: Iowa State Capitol, Hyvee Hall, Wells Fargo Arena, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Principal Park, Jordan Creek Town Center and MercyOne West Des Moines. Detailed coverage maps will be available on December 20, 2019.

We'll likely be back tomorrow with another Verizon 5G city. Can you guess what it'll be?

List of all US 5G cities by carrier

// Verizon

As Samsung, OnePlus Get Quicker at Updates, Google's Pixel Loses a Selling Point

Kellen — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 16:30:30 +0000

Ask anyone why they own one of Google's Pixel phones and you'll get a short list of items that stick around from device to device. They will say that they love the camera and that it's the best in the business. They'll say that they love the clean Android experience, not the bloated skins from other phone makers. And they'll be sure you know that they care deeply about timely software updates and that Google's phones get them first, sometimes months before any other phone. While the first two items on that list might not change any time soon, that third item is already becoming less and less of a selling point for Google because others - most notably Samsung and OnePlus - are getting faster. Don't take this as me complaining - it's actually a good thing for the Android ecosystem as a whole to get faster updates. But as we've spent the past month talking about how Google's Pixel 4 line-up may not be matching up well with competitor phones, quicker updates from others might further take away some of that Pixel appeal. I'd imagine that Google's phones will always be the quickest. We are talking about day-1 or week-1 updates of monthly security patches and big OS updates. It's Google's OS and their phones, so it only makes sense that they will be first. But we saw with Android 10 that OnePlus was ready to go within a couple of weeks of Google. Google released stable Android 10 on September 3 and OnePlus then pushed the update (after several betas) to the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro less than 3 weeks later. They also released the OnePlus 7T a couple of weeks after that as the first phone with Android 10 out of the box. With Samsung, while not quite as quick as OnePlus was with Android 10, the impact of timelier updates might be a bigger deal. Samsung, who showed big improvements earlier this year with the Android 9 update, is already showing a substantial improvement with Android 10. Samsung began pushing stable Android 10 to several US carrier Galaxy S10 units this morning. We're still in 2019! Samsung also seems to have opened up their Android beta program to more phones this year, updated those beta builds even more frequently, and is now pushing stable builds just over two months from Google releasing it. Some Galaxy S10 owners have had Android 10 (in beta) since early October. For the longest time, Samsung was the butt of Android update jokes, yet here is the biggest smartphone maker in the world showing most of the rest of the industry how it's done and that it can be done.

And that sort of leads us back to what this means for Google and its Pixel line because again, having updates first has been (arguably) the selling point, outside of their cameras. If you take that lead away, well, then you are left having to find other ways to standout. If anything, seeing companies like Samsung and OnePlus do updates at this speed should push Google to do more. I think we have seen one sign of that already. Google released its first "Pixel feature drop" just last week that introduced a bunch of new Pixel-exclusive features. They mentioned that this would be the first of many drops and that owning a Pixel phone will mean constant improvements "to continue to make your Pixel better than ever," they said at the time. That's great news! That's also going to be needed, because one of the other things to keep in mind as it relates to big OS updates is the fact that they aren't typically as big or important as they once were. For example, Android 10's biggest features are a dark mode (not new on almost any other Android phone), improvements to Digital Wellbeing, smarter notifications, and better permissions controls. Android is a mature operating system that doesn't see the drastic changes from one year to the next that it once did. Where we're going in Android, is to a place where Pixel phones won't stand out because they happen to run the newest version of Android first. Instead, they'll have to compete based on features, specs, and price or value like the rest. Today, you can buy a OnePlus or Samsung phone and say, "Yeah, it already runs Android 10, just like Google's phones." Google created this situation and I hope it motivates them with the Pixel 5.

Might as Well Add 200GB Storage to Your Phone for $25 Today

Kellen — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 12:58:59 +0000

An Amazon "Deal of the Day" features SanDisk Ultra microSD cards at some of their lowest prices to date. Currently, there are deals on 200GB, 400GB, and 512GB SanDisk Ultra microSD cards for the day. These SanDisk Ultra cards have an A1 rating, which means they were built for Android phones and to run apps should you need that, plus they feature read speeds of 100MB/s. They all come with a card adapter too, to help you slide them into both computers and phones. The 200GB card is down to $24.99 today, while the 400GB card is at $46.59 and the 512GB card is at $63.99. Great prices, folks. Amazon Deal Link

CES 2020 Might Actually be Cool, OnePlus Teases Announcement (Updated)

Tim — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 12:08:05 +0000

UPDATE 12/17: OnePlus is going to show off its first ever concept phone dubbed OnePlus Concept One.

CES hasn't been the smartphone news wonderland it once was way back in the day, but thanks to OnePlus, it looks like we might actually have a reason to be there besides drinking booze and losing money at the slots. On Twitter over the weekend, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau retweeted an event invite posted by PC Mag's Sacha Segan. The invite says, "OnePlus Special Event" to be hosted on what appears to be January 7 in Las Vegas. Lau tweets, "We'll show you something special."

What could it be?

OnePlus' event could focus on a few different things. The first that popped into my mind was the OnePlus TV, possibly some sort of global availability news. It's been available in India for a few months now. It could also be some type of wearable device or something else that expands the OnePlus ecosystem beyond just smartphones. Basically, my Vegas money is this having nothing directly to do with a smartphone announcement, but that OnePlus 8 Lite news has been circulating. The timing just doesn't seem right, but who knows. What do you think it'll be? https://twitter.com/PeteLau/status/1205472355100897280

Stadia Gifting Founder's Edition Buyers an Extra Buddy Pass

Tim — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 11:26:19 +0000

Have a friend that purchased the Founder's Edition of Stadia and they didn't give you the buddy pass? That was rude of them. Or maybe you bought a Founder's Edition for yourself and have more than a single friend who would be interested in Stadia? Well, good news from Google this week, as they announced that anyone who purchased a Founder's Edition of Stadia will get an extra buddy pass for gifting. Before this, buyers of that edition would receive just a single buddy pass to share, allowing that gifted person to access Stadia as if they were a premium member for 3 months. Now you can have two buddies on the service! This is a great little holiday surprise I'm sure, but I can't help but wonder if Stadia is doing this because initial user numbers are low. Giving the service away for a few months is the easiest way to get new people playing and potentially signed up for the cloud-based gaming future Google is marketing. We shall see. Regardless, go make someone's day and give them the gift of Stadia. https://twitter.com/GoogleStadia/status/1206652265714446336

Galaxy S10's Android 10 and One UI 2 Update is Here! (Updated: Unlocked!)

Kellen — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 11:00:47 +0000

Samsung is delivering an early holiday gift to owners of the Galaxy S10 in the US. Reports of the Android 10 and One UI 2 update showing up on S10 devices have surfaced this morning. At this time, the update does not appear to be widely rolling out to all US models of the Galaxy S10. Instead, at least one of our readers (another one) with a T-Mobile Galaxy S10e is getting the update, as are another few with T-Mobile S10 devices over at reddit and the Samsung Community. We aren't seeing anyone yet with the update on AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint. There are some in Canada receiving the update, though, so this is a wider rollout than just T-Mobile in North America.

UPDATE: At least one of our readers on Xfinity Mobile has received the stable Android 10 update!
UPDATE 2: It's official! T-Mobile just posted changelogs for the update across its S10 line. The builds you'll see are as follows - Galaxy S10 (G973USQU2CSKP), Galaxy S10+ (G975USQU2CSKP), and Galaxy S10e (G970USQU2CSKP).
UPDATE 3: We've got a reader in the comments with the update on Sprint!
UPDATE 4: Verizon S10 units getting the update now too!
UPDATE 12/20: Verizon's Galaxy S10+ 5G got the update today as build G977UVRU3BSL2.
UPDATE 12/23: The US unlocked models are now receiving the update!

The builds arriving are G973USQU2CSKP, G973UOYN2CSKP, and G973USQU2CSKP. The update weighs in at almost 2.4GB. If we do see Samsung and its carrier partners begin pushing stable Android 10 over the next couple of weeks, this would be the earliest we have seen Samsung get a big update out. We saw major improvement earlier this year with the release of Android 9 to the Galaxy S9 and Note 9 lines, but this is another month before that schedule. We're still in 2019! Let's hope Samsung can bring it home.

What's new in One UI 2?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxwycoG41fc Cheers tvBilly, Brian, Phil, and Joshua!

Poll: How Often Do You Use Dark Mode?

Tim — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 10:24:50 +0000

Talk of Android 11 getting a Dark Mode scheduler got us thinking, how often do you use the dark mode setting on your Android phone? Personally, when the sun is going down and I'm relaxing on the couch at night is when I manually toggle dark mode on my Pixel 4 XL. I then turn it off the following morning when I give my dogs their first walk, simply because it's easier to see things outside in the daylight when it's disabled. However, I know for sure there are some people who just leave it enabled all day long. What's your usage of dark mode like? [poll id="532"]

You Should be Able to Schedule Dark Mode in Android 11

Tim — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 09:46:35 +0000

While getting a system-wide Dark Mode baked into Android 10 has been pleasant, having an automatic scheduler for the UI feature would make so much sense. If you didn't already know, a scheduling option was available in the early betas for Android 10, but in discussions Android developers had during AMAs on reddit, it was said that there were issues with it in terms of implementation. With that being said, it appears that the issues have been resolved and a scheduler for Dark Mode should be available in the next version of Android, which is on track to be Android 11. Written by a Googler on the Issue Tracker site from Google, the following is noted.

The issue reported here has been fixed and it will become available in a future Android release.

Currently, anyone who wants to switch between Dark Mode and non-Dark Mode has to do so manually via a system toggle or directly inside the Display settings menu. This isn't the worst thing ever, but still, a scheduler would be nice to have. Thank goodness. // XDA | Google

Two Nest Hub Deal for $100 is a Sweet Deal

Kellen — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 08:18:27 +0000

Here's the best Nest Hub deal just in time.

With days until your holiday shopping spree needs to end, the Google Nest Hub is available in its best promo of the season. You can buy two (2) Nest Hubs for $99.99 right now at Best Buy. Why is that such a good Nest Hub deal? The Nest Hub by itself typically retails for $129. For several of the past holidays weeks, it has been at a $79 promo price when you buy it without a bundle. So no matter which way you do the math there, you can see the savings. Over normal pricing, that's a savings of $158, but you are still saving $58 over holiday pricing. To get the deal, hit up that link below and look for the deal link that says "Last chance! 2 Google Nest Hubs for $99.99." Tap on that link and you'll get a pop-up that allows you to add both for the $99.99 price. Shop Nest Hub at Best Buy

It's OK to Like the Pixel 4

Kellen — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 08:00:11 +0000

This industry is quick to get trapped in narratives that it may never abandon. Early opinions can absolutely dominate the story surrounding a product that it could struggle to shake. Whether fair or not, I feel like this happens more often than not with the phones that Google releases each and every year. We're seeing it again with the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. We certainly saw plenty of criticism with early Nexus phones that had their fair share of issues, but the Pixel line can't ever win. The original Pixel phones with their iPhone clone designs shocked the industry because of non-Nexus prices. The Pixel 2 and 2 XL felt disjointed from the different designs they sported from different makers, plus the 2 XL's display drama centered around the silliest blue-tint controversy I still roll my eyes at to this day. The Pixel 3 XL had this. And now we have the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Are either of the Pixel 4 units perfect? No. Do they deserve some of the criticisms splashed upon them? Absolutely. But here's what I'll say to you - it's OK if you still like them. It's OK if you bought one and love every ounce of it. It's OK if you want an Oh So Orange phone that might not have the best battery life, the full suite of advanced camera controls found on other phones, an ultra-wide angle shooter, and a fingerprint reader. It's OK if you were fine paying $800 or $900 for one and are still comfortable with that decision. In the end, you still bought a phone that will take what most of us think are the best still photos of any phone. Your phone's display will look smoother than anything Samsung has used to date. You are now getting regular feature drops with fresh goodies to play with. Your new automatic call screening is an incredible software feature. Your Face Unlock is pretty damn good. Your phone is the most capable Google Assistant phone on the market. Your software will always be newer than anyone else's. You can squeeze your damn phone. Your phone will tell you the song - without asking - that's playing in this loud bar that you just found yourself casually jamming to. Your phone is pretty sweet. I know that I've done my fair share of pointing out areas of concern with Google's new phones. I'm the guy that told you not to even consider buying the Pixel 4. I still believe you should ignore it. But you know what? If you bought one (or the Pixel 4 XL, which I can't seem to put down), enjoy the hell out of it. Enjoy the things you buy. Please do.

Verizon Adds Los Angeles to List of 5G Cities

Kellen — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 07:31:18 +0000

Los Angeles is the newest 5G city to go live from Verizon, bringing their current total to 19 5G cities. Since this is still 5G mmW ("5G Ultra Wideband") and not the wide-reaching low-band 5G that T-Mobile and AT&T just launched, there isn't much reach here and we need to tell you exactly where you might catch a 5G signal from Verizon. According to Big Red, you should see 5G "in parts of Downtown, Chinatown, Del Rey, and Venice around landmarks such as: Grand Park, Los Angeles Convention Center, Union Station, LA Live, Staples Center, and Venice Beach Boardwalk." That's it. Live in LA and want that 5G access? Don't forget, you'll need a 5G phone like the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, Galaxy S10+ 5G, LG V50 5G, or the Moto Z4 (with 5G Moto Mod). At this time, you'll also need a 5G-equipped plan to get on 5G too. Verizon has a handful of new plans, most of which include 5G access at no charge. However, if you grab one of their lowest plans, 5G access could cost you $10/mo.

RELATED: List of US 5G cities by carrier

Verizon's initial plan was to light up 30 markets with 5G service in 2019 and they are still short with only a couple of weeks left in the year. Will they get there? // Verizon

Best Pixel 3a Deal of the Season is Here: $279 for 3a, 3a XL at $359 ($120 Off) (Updated)

Kellen — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 08:14:50 +0000

UPDATE 12/16: The $120-off discount is gone and the Pixel 3a and 3a XL are instead $100 off everywhere.

Plenty of retailers have slashed the price of the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL since it debuted in May. Few go beyond the $100-off mark, though, as each phone is already reasonably priced and the margins there probably aren't huge. Best Buy and Amazon don't care about your margin thoughts and have dropped prices by $120, leaving us with best Pixel 3a deal of the season. At $120 off, the Pixel 3a at Best Buy now starts at $279, while the Pixel 3a XL starts at $359. These are wild prices for a phone that was one of our favorite surprises of 2019. There may be a Pixel 4a in a few months, but the 3a line is still worth consideration, especially when discounted like this. Remember, the Pixel 3a line is supposed to offer the best parts of the top tier Pixel line, only at a reasonable price. And it delivers on that. You get an excellent camera that no other $400 phone is going to match. You get the software support from Google, the clean Google user experience, and a design that certainly fits the Pixel family. Best Buy still has all colors and sizes, but that could change. Amazon is already having stock issues. These are unlocked phones that work on all major US carriers. Time to last-minute shop! Pixel 3a Deals: Amazon | Best Buy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnPbvjYqJTM

Whoa: OnePlus 7 Pro Now Available for $499 ($170 Off)

Kellen — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 17:24:48 +0000

OnePlus 7 Pro deals keep getting better.

When the OnePlus 7 Pro dropped to $549 for Black Friday, we told you not to hesitate with the credit card and buy one. The phone was good enough at full price to buy, but with any sort of discount, it hit "No Brainer" territory. Now, thanks to a fresh promo, the OnePlus 7 Pro can be had for $499 and even more accessible. Yes! The version that dropped today to $499 is the model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage that retails for $669. The version that previously dropped in price had 8GB RAM and 256GB storage and a retail price of $699. It's still on sale for $549, by the way. For whatever reason, this 6GB-128GB OnePlus 7 Pro disappeared from OnePlus' store for a bit, almost as if it had been out of stock this whole time. Either that or OnePlus wanted you to buy the fully spec'd out version with 8GB RAM. To see it return and at a discount of $499 is quite the treat.

REVIEW: OnePlus 7 Pro

To recap, the OnePlus 7 Pro features a Snapdragon 855 processor, 6.67" QHD AMOLED display at 90Hz, 4000mAh battery with super fast charging, a triple camera for any shooting situation (standard + telephoto + wide), Bluetooth 5.0, stereo speakers, and an in-display fingerprint reader. That big ol' display, which is OnePlus' first QHD display, has no notch or hole punch and instead features a sweet pop-up selfie camera. All storage options feature UFS 3.0 storage too, so performance on all models is as good as it gets. We're big fans of the OnePlus 7 Pro. Shop OnePlus 7 Pro

Podcast: Where's Your OG Droid?

Kellen — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 11:03:26 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we'll do our best to help you survive the slow holiday news season by talking about Google releasing the first ever "Pixel Feature Drop" and what it includes, how many Galaxy Fold units Samsung really sold, how much RCS has changed our lives, and more. We also reviewed the Nest WiFi and Lenovo Smart Display 7 this week, for those looking to beef up their smart homes. We'll tell you if either is worth buying. Trivia is back at the end of the show as usual. We’ll be live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern).

Box Adds Itself to Pixel 4's Small List of Face Unlock Supported Apps

Kellen — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 10:26:42 +0000

The Pixel 4 has Face Unlock and Face Unlock alone as a biometric security option. It works pretty well as a face-scanning feature, I just wish Google had kept a fingerprint reader as an option, mostly because there are like 2.5 apps that support Face Unlock for login purposes. Today, Box has added support, bringing the total count for Pixel 4 Face Unlock apps to 3.75. There isn't much else to say here. Box is a storage app and you can now log into it with your face on a Pixel 4. To find the setting, open Box, tap on your account profile (top right corner), and then scroll down to the Security section. If updated, you should see an "Allow biometric unlock" option that will enable Face Unlock. Google Play Link

Fossil Gen 5 Still Available for $169, Its Best Price to Date

Kellen — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 08:44:36 +0000

Apologies for continuing to point this out, but I'd imagine we won't see the Fossil Gen 5 at this low price for much longer, knowing the holidays will soon be wrapping up. If you want the Fossil Gen 5, the best Wear OS watch around, for $169, go shopping now. The deal, as we shared earlier in the week, involves a price drop to $219 ($76 off) that can be further discounted to $169, thanks to a$50 off coupon code. I don't know why Fossil continues to let this discount fly, but we are not about to complain. So, head over to Fossil's site through that link below, add whichever version of the Gen 5 you like to cart, then apply code "9653422" at checkout. $169 is a great deal for this watch. Shop Fossil Gen 5

AT&T's Low-Band 5G Network Now Live in 10 Markets

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 23:19:40 +0000

AT&T kicked off Friday the 13th with news about its 5G network, announcing that it is now live in 10 markets. We're talking about its low-band 5G network, just to be clear, and not the previously launched 5G+ network that has gone live in parts of 23 cities over the past year. Got it? With the launch of AT&T low-band 5G, the company is moving forward with something similar to what T-Mobile just fired up. Low-band is spectrum that has real reach, can cover large areas, and will form the backbone of a greater 5G experience that will arrive later on down the road. It won't be ultra-fast and offer 1Gbps or 2Gbps download speeds like 5G+ might, but it should give you a better connection than LTE with slightly improved speeds.

RELATED: List of US 5G cities by carrier

The first 10 markets are Indianapolis, Birmingham, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rochester, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. Soon, AT&T 5G will expand to Boston, Bridgeport, Buffalo, Las Vegas, Louisville, and New York City. While not nationwide yet (it will be in 2020), like T-Mobile's is, AT&T's fresh 5G launch will cover great areas that you can check from their recently released maps.

If you are interested in connecting to AT&T's new 5G network, you can do so by purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G. It costs a whopping $1,299 at full retail or as low as $43.34/mo for 30 months. Just be aware that this phone won't work with 5G+. Isn't 5G fun? To recap, AT&T is firing up their low-band 5G network that probably won't change your life or blow away the competition with speeds. This is more like AT&T serving a 5G appetizer that gets your tastebuds flowing for what could be an incredible meal later on. // AT&T

Can't Believe the Motorola "OG" DROID is 10 Years Old

Tim — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:06:47 +0000

Believe it or not, the original DROID from Motorola, or just OG DROID for short, is officially 10 years old as of this past October. Its official release date was October 17, 2009 on Verizon. Time flies, folks! Obviously, everyone here knows the importance of that phone for us. After all, it's the phone that started it all not just for us, but many of you. It's the phone we used to root, ROM, flash custom kernels, and also used to help build an Android community we're still pretty darn proud of ten years later. And as you'll be able to see from these photos, mine has been sitting at the bottom of an old cardboard box out in the garage for quite a few years now. The disrespect. I promise, it'll stay inside cozy and warm in a desk drawer from now on.

We're getting older, people.

What's Your Favorite Google Assistant Command?

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:43:49 +0000

There's been a lot of talk about Google Assistant this week. We reviewed a new Lenovo smart display powered by it, told you how to setup Google Keep as your shopping list in Assistant, and learned about Interpreter Mode on phones. See what I mean? I also feel like I have been using Assistant more than ever during this holiday season. I've been around friends and family where we often spout out Assistant commands looking for answers to random questions from conversations we're having. There has been cooking together and letting the kids bake Xmas cookies, which means timers on timers on timers. The holiday decorations and lights are up inside my house, so voice controls over when those turn on and off are in full swing. Holiday music is so accessible via the Assistant and Spotify. It's Assistant season, I'm telling you. What's my favorite command, though? Because I'm a lazy office cave troll, it's gotta be controlling lights or the temperature in my house. Being able to complete tasks by voice that might otherwise raise my heartrate a touch and require physical movement is the way to live that life. What about you? Finding that you are using Assistant more these days? Whatever the case, what's the Google Assistant command you likely use the most?

RCS is Really, Really Available to All US Users of Google Messages

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:12:53 +0000

We asked you the other day if RCS had changed your life and the responses have been fun to try and recap. We asked because RCS began rolling out in mid-November, so we assumed it had finished and that you all had time to play with it some. As it turns out, we were probably right. Google announced that as of Monday, RCS had fully rolled out in the US and was widely available. Sanaz Ahari Lemelson, who leads Google's communications suite of Messages, Duo, and Phone, took to the Tweets today to confirm the rollout. Lemelson notes that to make sure you have RCS, update both Messages and Carrier Services. If you have done that, opening Messages and checking for "Chat" features in settings should give you the magic. https://twitter.com/sanazahari/status/1205202155650478080 I'd ask again if it has changed your life, but I think the general takeaway today is that it's still so limited that the chances of you having an RCS or "Chat" conversation with someone are slim. Should you get an opportunity, people are loving the higher-res image sharing and the new blue bubble. For the most part, though, this isn't a life-changing addition to tech, only an improvement. With that said, if you want to experience "Chat" and RCS, tell the people you know to install Google Messages. They can all have it as long as they have an Android phone. Not only does it have RCS, it has sweet new spam protection too. Google Play Links: Messages | Carrier Services

You Can Now Use Samuel L. Jackson's Voice for Alexa, But It Ain't Free

Tim — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:03:39 +0000

One of our planet's most recognizable voices is now available for Amazon's Alexa. Yup, I'm talking about the Jedi Master with the purple lightsaber, Samuel L. Jackson. While this isn't Google Assistant, it's still pretty cool. Amazon is selling access to the voice for $1, but that's just the introductory price. Once the introductory price is expired, it jumps to $4.99. We can only imagine how much Amazon had to pay to get Mr. Jackson's voice for the service.

After purchasing, try saying: “Alexa, ask Samuel L. Jackson where he is from.” “Alexa, ask Sam to wake me up at 7am.” “Alexa, ask Sam Jackson to sing happy birthday.”

Amazon explains that while Jackson's voice can do a lot, he won’t be able to help with shopping, lists, reminders, or Skills. Have at it.

Amazon Link

Samsung Might Have Sold 1 Million $2,000 Galaxy Fold Devices (Updated: Maybe Not?)

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:46:47 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Fold, a $2,000 foldable device that was originally built so poorly it broke in the hands of reviewers, forcing Samsung to delay its release by months before still pushing forward to sell it with fixes, has sold a million times. The foldable phone that warns you not to touch it because a fingernail might damage its screen, has been sold to 1M people.

UPDATE: Yonhap News is citing a Samsung spokesperson who said that the 1 million number is not accurate and that Sohn was confused about an earlier projection, not what they have actually sold. Shit.

I'm not alone! Word of the sales figure comes from Young Sohn, Samsung's president and Chief Strategy Officer, during a sitdown at TechCrunch Distrupt Berlin. Young Sohn was talking about innovation when he mentioned the Fold and that Samsung is "selling [a] million of these products," and that "there's a million people who want to use this product at $2,000." I know it sounds crazy that people would buy a phone that expensive. But again, it's a phone that offers something more than just your standard candy bar phone experience. I talked a lot about it earlier this week, where I mentioned that my time with the Fold might have actually changed the way I used my phone. I think it both made me more efficient and also invited me into areas of mobile I hadn't previously paid much attention to. Should we all go out and try to buy the Galaxy Fold now that it's clearly a hit for Samsung? No, hah. Just wait for the Galaxy Fold 2 in 4-5 months that won't cost $2,000. Or ask a rich person to buy you one. What you should take from this is the idea that Samsung might have a new winning category and we'll see them continue to innovate and (hopefully) be able to lower prices. This is exactly what we hoped the Galaxy Fold would accomplish for the industry. // TechCrunch

Verizon Galaxy Note 8, Note 9, S9, and S9+ Updated With Security Patches

Tim — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:36:50 +0000

Four Galaxy devices from Samsung are being updated on Verizon's network this week -- the Galaxy Note 8 and Note 9, as well as the Galaxy S9 lineup. All of the devices except for the Galaxy Note 8 are getting December's security patch, with the Note 8 getting November's patch. New Build Numbers

Note 8: N950USQU7DSK3
Note 9: N960USQS3CSK1
S9: G960USQS7CSK5
S9+: G965USQS7CSK5

Go get them updates! // Verizon [2] [3] [4]

If You Need Samsung Accessories, They are Likely Discounted Today

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:45:32 +0000

Time to buy Samsung accessories for your Galaxy.

Almost all of Samsung's accessories are on sale right now through their online shop, many of which at low enough prices that you should consider stocking up. We're talking deals on Samsung's wireless chargers, cases, battery packs, USB cables, DeX stations, and headphones. Seriously, you need to go browse through this list. Need some examples of good Samsung accessory deals? Here you go:

10,000mAh Battery Pack (USB-C): $14.99 ($20 off)
10,000mAh Battery Pack (MicroUSB): $14.99 ($20 off)
45W USB-C Fast Charger: $37.49 ($12.50 off)
Fast Wireless Charging Stand: $29.99 ($30 off)
Wireless Charger Duo: $49.99 ($50 off)
Wireless Charger Duo Pad: $74.99 ($25 off)
AKG N60 Noise Cancelling Headphones: $150 ($150 off)
DeX Station: $74.99 ($75 off)
256GB EVO Plus microSD: $64.99 ($35 off)
Fast Car Charger: $14.99 ($15 off)
Galaxy Note 10 S Pen: $22.49 ($8 off)

Also, almost every single case they sell for the Galaxy Note 10 or Note 10+, Galaxy S10 line, Galaxy Note 9, and Galaxy S9 line are all on sale. All of their super hero cases are at least $10 off, as are the rest of their first party cases that tend to launch with each phone at extraordinarily high prices. I'm even seeing case deals for older phones, like the Galaxy Note 8 and S8. If you want first party accessories, which is what Samsung sells, hit that link and start filtering by what you need. Shop all Samsung accessory deals

Nest WiFi Review: Great for Mesh Newbies

Tim — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:18:57 +0000

These days in the home WiFi business, it's all about the mesh. People want their WiFi to reach every nook and cranny in the home, and considering how much some folks pay for their internet, we think they deserve that type of coverage. Helping get WiFi where it needs to be across a home is mesh technology, something you've likely seen either marketed from your ISP or on countless tech blogs. If you're new to the mesh game, it's pretty easy to understand. With the Nest WiFi system and the Google WiFi system before it, you hook up a router point to your modem. That router then connects to additional WiFi points that can be strategically placed throughout your home, blanketing your home in WiFi goodness. For folks in 2-story houses or just large homes in general, a mesh network can help solve connectivity issues you may have. In the following review, I'll go over my experience with Nest WiFi, after having upgraded from Google WiFi that I've had in my home since it was first released.

What I Like

Ease of setup - Setting up Nest WiFi is done so through the Google Home app. This is the same app you set-up pretty much all of Google's products, which makes controlling array of Assistant-powered things pretty easy. After you connect your initial router point to the modem, you'll ensure it's connected, then go through the process of connecting additional points if you have any. Once everything is up and running, your Nest WiFi network is controlled inside of the Google WiFi app, though, a lot of minor settings can still be managed via the Google Home app. In total, it should take about 15-20 minutes to have your entire network up and running, with most of that wait time being all of the mesh pieces booting up and connecting to one another. If you do run into issues, Google has a 24/7 phone support service for WiFi customers. I've spoken with them on a couple of occasions and my experience is always pleasant.

Hardware/Audio - I quite liked the look of the original Google WiFi, but this new Nest WiFi also looks pretty good. Like a lot of the other Google and Nest products, it's designed to blend into any household, and if your WiFi hardware is decent enough, you should never really have to mess with it. Once you set it all up, you should be able to forget about it. So far, I haven't had any issues with connectivity or the hardware malfunctioning. Unlike Google WiFi, the additional points for Nest WiFi feature a speaker and Google Assistant built-in. Thanks to that added functionality, you can use Nest WiFi as a Nest Mini capable of streaming music. I'll talk more about Google Assistant below, but if you're curious about sound quality, it's on par with the latest Nest Mini device. While it won't blow you away, it's fine for mellow music playback and feeding you answers from the web or telling you the weather.

For ports, things get pretty dismal. The router point itself features 2 LAN ports (technically one since you'll need one of them to be connected to your modem), which is hardly enough for those who want to hardwire multiple devices, such as a desktop computer and a gaming console. I wouldn't say this is a dealbreaker for me, but it could be for you, unless you want to add on a switch for the system. Even more depressing is the non existence of ports on the Nest WiFi points, which differs even from the original Google WiFi points that had usable LAN ports. I haven't had issues with not being able to hardwire things, but I know a lot of people do prefer the hardwire, so that'll be a personal preference for the buyer. On the upside, Google WiFi points are compatible with a Nest WiFi system, meaning you can use Google WiFi points that have LAN ports available across the home should you choose. You could also opt to use additional Nest WiFi router points instead of non-router points, since they not only offer LAN ports, but also feature AC2200 WiFi versus AC1200 on the WiFi points. That method could potentially provide greater speeds. The last point about the hardware I can made concerns the color options. Yes, Google offers different color options for the WiFi points. While all of the router points come in White, you can get the WiFi points in either White, Mist, or Sand. This may seem a bit silly, but if you have a certain style going in your house and would love for your WiFi to fit in with the feng shui, then colors can help with that. Controls - As I mentioned, comprehensive network controls are handled inside of the Google WiFi app. In the app, users can view every single device connected to the network, usage details for those devices, perform network checks, set priority devices, create guest networks with custom passwords, apply family controls, as well as access advanced network controls for the IT nerds among us. No offense, IT nerds, we love you and would be completely lost without your depth of knowledge. Again, over the course of the week I have had Nest WiFi connected, I haven't run into any issues that would warrant me digging through any of this. That's a good thing, but thankfully, should something arise I know I have an app straight from Google that can probably help my troubleshoot the issue. If the app doesn't do the trick, 24/7 phone support is also clutch. Speed - To talk about speeds, you'll need to be made aware that I have a Gigabit plan from my local ISP, Comcast, but don't currently have a modem capable of utilizing those speeds. I do plan on upgrading soon, but you know, life happens. With Google WiFi and my current Arris SB6190 modem, I would average about 200-300Mbps downloads, with my upload speed capped to 30Mbps. On Nest WiFi, I'm getting about the same, but I have noticed I'm getting better, more solid connections. According to a Network Check in the Google WiFi app, my network's current speed is 290Mbps down and 27Mbps up. That's with my outdated modem and Nest WiFi. Those speeds are great for basically anything you'd wanna do on the internet. You can stream 4K games via Stadia, stream 4K movies from Netflix, plus anything else you can imagine. When hardwired into the Nest WiFi's router, I see the same speeds, but to really see if mesh is worth its price, it's all about WiFi speeds when connected to a secondary point. When on my MacBook downstairs on the couch, and connected to my downstairs point via 5GHz (my router is located upstairs in my office along with my modem), I'm getting 177Mbps down and 29.7Mbps up. Those speeds are just fine for me, considering when I disconnect the secondary point and only have the router point connected, my computer pulls down just 110Mbps. Is this enough proof for me to believe in the magic of mesh WiFi? As someone who is very far away from greatly comprehending WiFi network technology -- yes, yes it is. Google Assistant built-in - Yeah, Google Assistant is available in the additional points for Nest WiFi, but not the router point. My guess is this is due to internal space for the speaker and what not, since the router has the extra LAN port, but regardless, after the first day or so I turned off the mic on the Nest WiFi point because I already have every other speaker in my house listening to me. It works just fine for controlling your smart home or listening to music, so if this will act as a Nest Mini in your home, it's perfect. If you already have better speakers dedicated to this sort of thing, you'll probably do what I did. For clarity, I absolutely hate saying "Ok Google" and then trying to throw my voice so the correct speaker hears my commands. There are far too many Assistant devices in my home, and come 2020, I think it's time for a spring cleaning. Back to Assistant, though. The Assistant experience with Nest WiFi is the same you find everywhere else. It can tell you the weather, play tunes, connect to Digital Wellbeing for some odd reason inside of the Google Home app, and it also supports Duo calling. If you love Assistant, it's great. If you just want the mesh WiFi, just turn off the mic.

What I Dislike

Not exactly future proof - When we first learned that Google would release a followup to Google WiFi, it seemed probable that the company would include the WiFi 6 protocol to ensure some sort of future proofing for the system. Unfortunately, that's not the case, which means eventually, there will likely be another rendition of Nest WiFi that offers it, but likely way after WiFi becomes mainstream. Yes, this is another case of Google behind behind the curve. WiFi 6, in layman's terms, is designed to offer better connections to devices that have WiFi 6 capabilities. It's not all that new either, with phones such as the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 offering support for it, which is why it was believed Google would offer it in its new Nest system. From what I've read, Google opted against including it because of pricing and relative lack of WiFi 6 adoption. One could easily argue that this is a "What came first -- the chicken or the egg?" issue. If this system had WiFi 6, maybe people would be more inclined to seek out a phone with WiFi 6 support, but the device has been released and there's no changing that now. Also, if you're like most people, you aren't upgrading your WiFi hardware on a yearly basis, which means if you buy Nest WiFi and don't touch it for a couple to a few years, the WiFi tech you're running in the home could be considered pretty outdated. It's a pretty weak move on Google's part to say the least.

Should You Buy It?

There are a lot mesh WiFi options out there, but if you're heavily invested into Google's ecosystem and/or want that dual functionality of having a Nest Mini inside a WiFi point, Nest WiFi is a good option. A 2-pack of the system costs $269, with additional points priced at $149 each should you add them on afterwards. That's not an insane price, but there are plenty of other options out there. However, I would argue that the added value of Assistant built-in, the great customer support, and ease of network management is what makes me really enjoy having Nest WiFi. Since I've had it set up, dating back to when I first connected my Google WiFi, the system has just worked and I've never really had to get in and futz with it. I think this is what most people want from their WiFi, so if you had to put a price tag on that, I suppose it'd be $269 for a 2-pack.

Buy Nest WiFi

Amazon ($299)
Google Store ($269)
Best Buy ($269)

Google Adds Spam and Verification Protection to Text Messages

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:01:31 +0000

Protection is coming to your text message experience on Android, thanks to a couple of new features rolling out to Google's Messages app on Android. Going forward, you'll get verified messages from businesses, when you ask for account help, plus Google is going to flag messages as spam if they suspect any foul play. For spam detection, Google is rolling out real-time detection with warnings if a message hits your device from "suspected spam and unsafe websites." The warning (top left) also lets you report back to Google if the message really is spam or not to help their models get smarter. As for the verified SMS or text messaging part of today's announcement, Google is going to attempt to verify businesses as they send you messages. For example, if you need to reset your account password or get a code for 2-factor authentication, those messages (top right) will contain information about the authenticity of the sender. If verified, Google will show the name and logo of the business in addition to a verified badge. To get verified, it sounds like businesses will have to sign-up, which Google says is happening "every day." Again, this is all happening within the Google Messages app, which now has RCS support too. You may want to switch to it as your default text messaging app if you haven't already done so. Spam protection is broadly rolling out in the US, while verified SMS are in the gradual rollout stage in nine countries (US, India, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Philippines, Spain and Canada). Google Play Link // Google

Buying a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL Up to $150 Off Includes Free Nest Hub

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:51:27 +0000

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are more than likely going to stay at some level of promotional pricing through the rest of the holiday seasons, it's just up to you to decide when the deal is sweet enough to pull the trigger. We already ran through the $200-off cycle, so now retailers are getting craftier. Today, for example, the Pixel 4 ($100 off) or Pixel 4 XL ($150 off) are both discounted, plus you get a free Nest Hub with purchase. At $100 off, the Pixel 4 now starts at $699.99, while the Pixel 4 XL at $150 off runs $749.99. Those are decent discounts on phones this new, but with the Nest Hub tossed in for free, we're talking about an additional $129 value on top of the $150 discount. Not bad. To get the deal, you'll hit up either of those links below and add each item to your cart (a phone and Nest Hub). The discount should be applied automatically. Need to know more about the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL before buying? Read our reviews of each.

Shop Pixel 4 + Free Nest Hub:

Best Buy
Google Store

Google Assistant Interpreter Mode Comes to Phones

Kellen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:00:48 +0000

When Google announced its "Interpreter Mode" for smart displays and the Google Assistant at the beginning of the year, I couldn't help but wonder why smart displays were first and not phones. Google didn't clarify that to me today, but did announce Interpreter Mode support for both Android and iOS phones. Hooray! Not familiar with Assistant's Interpreter Mode? It's a pretty cool idea, where you ask the Assistant to be your translator as you stand next to someone whose language you may not speak. As it opens, you both can talk and the Assistant will translate languages to each other out loud to help you have a conversation. As I mentioned earlier, this first arrived on smart displays in places like hotels, but now we're getting the same action on phones. To use Interpreter Mode, you'll simply say something like "Hey Google, be my German translator" to Google Assistant on your phone. Assistant will then kick into mode and prepare to translate for you as you hold a conversation with another person. As each person speaks, Assistant will translate through audio and on your phone's screen. It'll even offer smart replies to help with the conversational flow or the keyboard, should you feel like typing. Today, Interpreter Mode supports 44 languages and begins rolling out right away. If you aren't yet seeing it when asking the Assistant to be your interpreter, as long as you have Google Translate installed, it'll open that to help you. Once the new mode hits your phone, Assistant will then be able to handle it all without the need for Translate. // Google

Using Google Keep Instead of Assistant for Shopping Lists is Tricky but Doable

Kellen — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:32:30 +0000

That weird Assistant shopping list can be defeated.

Google Keep coming back for the 12th or 13th time as a notes & lists option in Google Assistant is certainly welcomed. It's also rolling out now to your Google Assistant-equipped phone after being announced last week in case you needed a heads-up. Before everyone gets ultra excited, just be aware of the fact that Google's awkward-to-access shopping list through Assistant or Google Shopping or wherever it's located, is still there. We have a way to get past it, though! As you head in to Google Assistant settings and then tab over to "Services" and look for "Notes & Lists," just know what you are about to get yourself into. If you choose Google Keep as your favorite notes & lists service, you are actually getting a combination effort that involves Google Assistant handling lists. You can see the acknowledgement of that below, where the choice for Google Keep says "Keep and Assistant work together to help you get more done, quickly." In other words, if you ask Assistant to take a note, it'll add that note to Google Keep going forward. However, if you want to add something to your shopping list or any other list, that'll happen through Google Assistant still. Unless we trick it!

Above, because I had previously used Google Assistant's shopping list functionality, no matter how I tried to create a Keep shopping list to replace it was left with an error suggesting that one already existed. Since I really would rather use nothing but Google Keep for both notes and lists, I went searching for a work-around. What I found is that you can either change the name of your Assistant shopping list or delete it, then create a new list by saying "Hey Google, create list in Google Keep." It'll ask what you want to call it, to which you reply "Shopping list," assuming you got rid of the Assistant shopping list. As it takes that, you'll then be able to add items to your shopping list going forward by saying, "Hey Google, Add beer to my shopping list" and it will default to that Keep list. The only downfall is that if you ask to see your shopping list in Assistant, it won't show you an easily digestible list and will instead force you to open Keep to see it. But hey, at least all of your notes and lists are in one place. Not bad, right?

Time to Setup Google's New Automatic Call Screening on Your Pixel

Kellen — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:51:49 +0000

With the first "Pixel feature drop" this week, one of the big new features set to arrive on Google's Pixel line is a part of Call Screen. Google has taken their previous Call Screen idea and applied a couple of new highly useful options that will let your phone automatically filter out spam and other unwanted calls. The update is either rolling out as a server-side something or other through the Phone app or was pushed behind-the-scenes from Google because I have the new features and the only thing receiving an update today was Google Connectivity Services. Earlier, I was wondering why my phone kept doing single-ring calls, but now I get it. Inside Phone>Menu>Settings>Spam and Call Screen>Call Screen, you'll find a new option that saves Call Screen audio, as well as individual settings for spam calls, possibly faked numbers, first-time callers, and private or hidden numbers. By tapping on each, you'll get to choose to let those types of calls ring through or be screened. Depending on the type of call, you may see an option to "silently decline" and also "Automatically screen. Decline robocalls."

I'll let you decide how you want to set each call type up, but I can tell you that I'm tempted to block it all. Who the hell wants phone calls in 2019? 😎 Google Play Link

Nest Hub is Cheaper at Lowe's - Down to $69 (Updated: Done)

Kellen — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:06:34 +0000

UPDATE: Price back to $79.

The Google Nest Hub has been discounted for a couple of weeks now to some of its lowest prices ever. It's still down to $79 at most places, but Lowe's has topped everyone with a price of $69. For the rest of today, Lowe's has the Google Nest Hub in Chalk for $69, which is $60 off its retail price. Again, everyone else is doing $50 discounts, yet here is Lowe's bringing that extra deal heat. The Nest Hub (or Google Home Hub) is a fabulous little smart display that not only gives you the Google Assistant wherever you place it, you get the best digital photo frame around, thanks to its display and Google Photos. You can control your smart home with one, check what's going on in your day, ask about the weather, and follow a recipe, all thanks to the visual responses on Nest Hub's display. You can even stream video to it, turning it into a little mini TV. I love my Nest Hub. Shop Nest Hub at Lowe's

Xfinity Mobile Adds Google Pixel Phones to BYOD Line-Up

Kellen — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:34:28 +0000

Comcast's Xfinity Mobile has taken a slow approach to adding support Android phones for its BYOD or Bring Your Own Phone program. They've supported iPhones for a some time and Samsung phones since earlier this year, but for whatever reason, never allowed others, like Google's Pixel line. That appears to have changed today! Thanks to a reader tip, we can confirm that Comcast Xfinity Mobile now supports the entire family of Google Pixel phones in its BYOD service. That list of Pixel phones includes the Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 4, according to a recently updated support page. I even tested my Pixel 4 XL IMEI just to be sure and as you can see below, it's compatible.

Why would you want to switch to Xfinity Mobile? For one, it uses Verizon's network, which is still probably considered by most to be the best in the US as far as stability goes. It's also pretty damn cheap. There are "By the Gig" shared data plans that start at $12 (1GB) and go up to $60 (10GB), as well as an unlimited plan that costs just $45 per month. That unlimited plan gets full Verizon speeds up to 20GB. What's the catch? You have to subscribe to a Comcast Xfinity service in order to get those low prices, though I'd imagine a whole bunch of you do. For example, as long as you have Xfinity Internet, you are eligible for Xfinity Mobile, including that $45 plan. If you don't the plan costs $65. So while Xfinity Mobile has been around for a couple of years, with direct selling of some Android phones, this is the first time you are able to bring your own Google Pixel phone to their service. That's big for Comcast customers! Shop Xfinity Mobile Cheers Brian!

DEAL: Unlocked LG G8X With Dual Screen for $699 Online ($250 Off)

Tim — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:14:14 +0000

Let's say you want a folding screen experience, but also don't want to pay close to $2,000 for a Galaxy Fold. Don't worry, LG has the answer -- the G8X with its Dual Screen accessory. Typically listed as a pair for $950 on B&H and Best Buy, the package is currently $699, saving you a total of $250 on either site. For specs, the G8X offers a Snapdragon 855, 6.4″ FHD OLED display, in-display fingerprint reader, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (with SD slot), 4,000mAh battery, 32-bit DAC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Android 9 Pie. For cameras, you have a dual setup consisting of a 12MP standard shooter (f/1.8) and a 13MP super wide lens (f/2.4). The Dual Screen accessory tacks on a foldable, additional 6.4" of display real estate. There's a 2.1″ cover display that’ll show you notifications when you close the case up, too. If you have zero faith you'll win a free G8X from us and Sprint, then I suppose you can always buy yourself the phone.

B&H Link | Best Buy Link

BMW Realizes the World Doesn't Only Own iPhones

Kellen — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:53:20 +0000

BMW and Android Auto about to be a thing.

BMW woke up this morning and noticed that another operating system is pretty popular and that it has a car service some of the BMW ownership clique might want to use. BMW acknowledged that Android Auto is a thing and will begin supporting it in 2020. After supporting Apple's Carplay for years while simultaneously shunning anything related to Android, BMW announced this morning that they will extend the "reach of seamless connectivity" in vehicles and that support will mean wireless Android Auto too. All vehicles from July 2020 with BMW Operating System 7.0 will get Google's car software. BMW is directly integrating Android Auto to give their drivers a view of "all important information not just on the central Control Display, but also in intelligently adapted form in the instrument cluster's Info Display as well as in the Head-up Display." Jesus, that's a lot of displays to keep track of. Google Assistant will be there, as will shortcuts to the apps you use while driving, all within a touch-friendly environment that's safer to use while you drive. On the wireless front, which means using Android Auto without having to plug your phone into your car, you will need a supported phone. How fun and exciting. BMW will join a grand list of car manufacturers, including Toyota after holding out for years, that are now cool with Android Auto. BMW will first show off Android Auto in one of their cars at CES in a month. Hah. // BMW

US Unlocked Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9 Get One UI 2 Beta and Android 10

Kellen — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 21:37:56 +0000

The One UI 2 Beta with Android 10 showed up for non-US versions of the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9 a week or so ago, giving year-old Galaxy phones a taste of what's new in Samsung software. Today, the US unlocked models got their access and can register for the beta now. To do so, as long as you own a US unlocked Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, or Galaxy Note 9, open the Samsung Members app and look for a notice right in the middle of the app's home screen that says "One UI 2 Beta with Android 10" and "Be one of the first to experience the new interface." If you see that banner across the middle of the app, tap it, follow the instructions to register, and prepare to update. After registration, if you aren't prompted to update, head into Settings>System update and try and pull the update by checking for it there. Within a few minutes of registering, the beta builds are often there.

What's new in One UI 2? Not a lot actually, if you are comparing to the One UI 1.0 update from last year. It features an improved dark mode, clearer icons and system colors, cleaner layouts in apps and settings areas, enhanced animations, Digital Wellbeing, and some other minor tweaks throughout Samsung's apps. To see everything, head over to this post. Cheers Tony!

DEAL: Refurbished Pixel 3 Devices for as Low as $289 From Woot!

Tim — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:51:07 +0000

Over on the Woot!, you can pick up a "scratch & dent" refurbished Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL for pretty cheap right now, but of course, that's because these aren't brand new phones. The scratch & dent labeling means you can expect to see wear and tear including (but not limited to) scratches, dents, and dings. If you're up for that, the pricing isn't too bad. With Woot's discounts, you'll end up paying as little as $289 for a 64GB Pixel 3 and $319 for a Pixel 3 XL. They appear to have the different storage options, as well as all of the colors available to choose from. Again, these are refurbished unlocked devices, but have been tested to function properly. We can't stress that enough. One to thing to note, if you end up buying one and aren't happy with the product's condition, it's fully returnable for a refund. Have at it.

Woot! Links: Pixel 3 | Pixel 3 XL

If You Want a New Moto 360, Now is the Time to Order

Kellen — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:46:48 +0000

The new Moto 360 made by a 3rd party company that Motorola licensed their name to, is now up for pre-order at $349.99. Should you take this plunge and order one, your watch should ship around January 10. To recap, the new Moto 360 (3rd gen) is made by a company called eBuyNow eCommerce that appears to license Motorola's name for all sorts of products. I'll let you take that however you want, but this new Moto 360 is packed full of the newest Wear OS specs and is now being acknowledged by Motorola, which means they fully approve of it. Inside, you'll find a Snapdragon Wear 3100, 1.2″ circular AMOLED always-on display, 355mAh battery with fast charging (plus a battery saver mode), 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS, heartrate monitor, and 3ATM water resistance. The case measures at 42.8mm wide and 11.68mm thick, weighs 52g, and is made of stainless steel. It supports 20mm straps. There’s two buttons on its right side, one of which doubles as a rotating crown. It comes in grey, black, and rose gold stainless steel, and matches up almost identically to the Fossil Gen 5, a watch we really like. At $349.99, this new Moto 360 is on the high-end for a Wear OS watch. If interested, hit that link below. Pre-order Moto 360 (3rd Gen)

Motorola's Brand New One Hyper is $340 With Discount ($60 Off)

Kellen — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:22:38 +0000

The Motorola One Hyper, a $400 phone that Motorola introduced last week with pop-up selfie camera and decent set of specs for the price, is $60 off right now with a coupon code. At $339.99, as long as you have a SIM or active service from T-Mobile or AT&T and need a new phone, this is one to consider. It features a Snapdragon 675 processor and has 4GB RAM, 128GB storage (with SD slot), 4000mAh battery (with 45W charging), 6.5″ FHD (1080p) notchless LCD display, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack, fingerprint reader, USB-C port, and a plastic body. For cameras, you get a dual setup that features a 64MP shooter that pixel bins down to 16MP shots, along with an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter. On the front, you’ve got a 32MP pop-up selfie camera that allows the display to lack any notch or cutout. Overall the Motorola One Hyper looks like a great option for the price, but particularly now thanks to this holiday promo. To get the One Hyper at $340, enter code "Motorola15" at checkout. Buy Motorola One Hyper

Aukey's New 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Hub for Chromebook and MacBook Machines is Clutch

Tim — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:12:46 +0000

You probably know that Aukey makes a ton of different accessories, whether they be for smartphones, desktop computers, or your car. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of products to sift through, and sometimes, it's hard to tell if something is any good at all. Thankfully, I can confirm to you that one of Aukey's latest products, the 100W PD 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Hub, is very good. Priced at $45 on Amazon for Prime members, this little accessory sits on your desk, daisy-chained between your wall outlet and your Chromebook with USB-C power or MacBook Pro computer. For me, it's a MacBook Pro. The way the device works is incredibly straightforward. First, use your computer's existing USB-C charging cable and plug it into the hub. Then, attach the hub's own USB-C cord to your computer. Once done, you have your standard flow of power going from the wall into the computer, but you're also gaining quite a few additional ports via the hub and a wireless charger for your smartphone on top of it. Specs wise, the wireless charger outputs a max of 10W, which is perfect for most Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners. I've been using it with my Pixel 4 XL and it works like a charm. As for the ports on the hub, it includes a 4K HDMI output at 30Hz, as well as up to 5Gbps data transfer speed thanks to dual USB 3.0 ports. For me as a MacBook Pro owner, because Apple loves to do non-user friendly things, the added ports are very welcomed.

Aukey sells the hub for $73 on its own site, but on Amazon for Prime members, it's only $45. That's a solid price to pay for all of this added functionality.

Amazon Link ($45)

Pixel 4 December Update Images and OTA Files Now Available

Kellen — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:52:30 +0000

Not only is the December Android security patch for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL rolling out as an over-the-air update, Google has now posted the factory image and OTA files too. If you don't want to wait for the update to show up on your device, manually updating is a fresh option. I do want to point out that there is some confusion now that the images have been posted. On the factory image site, Google has listed out different carriers for builds than what we saw last week. For example, they are calling the QQ1B.191205.011 build the generic build, but last week said this was only for T-Mobile, Google Fi, and EMEIA. Also, they are now claiming the QQ1B.191205.012.A1 is AT&T only, except I already received that build on my Verizon Pixel 4 and it was previously labeled as the generic build for most carriers. The QQ1C.191205.016.A1 is still showing the same, however. Confusion is fun. My guess is that the image site is wrong and that last week's labels were correct, since my Verizon Pixel 4 got build QQ1B.191205.012.A1. Either way, you can manually update if you want to live on the wild side or sit back and wait for your carrier to give the update to you. Links:

Chrome Gets Built-In Password Checkup, Real-Time Phishing Protection

Tim — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:13:38 +0000

Google announced security enhancements for Chrome this morning, including a built-in password checkup (previously was just an installable extension), as well as comprehensive phishing protections. So as not to bore you with details, what you need to know is the following. Now with Chrome, users will be automatically alerted should a password they use be associated with a data breach on any website they visit. If you've already used Google's Password Checkup extension, then you'll know how this works -- it's just a built-in part of Chrome now. For phishing protections, Google details that the Chrome browser now offers real-time phishing protections on desktop devices, which warn you when visiting malicious sites in 30 percent more cases. This is part of Google's Safe Browsing feature, which maintains an ever-growing list of unsafe sites on the web. From Google's data, it looks like there's roughly 1.75 million phishing sites being tracked on the list.

Another change is for when your Google account's Sync feature is disabled. Previously, the company's predictive phishing protection would only alert you to a potential problem if Sync was enabled. Now, it'll work when Sync is not active, ensuring that when you enter your Google account password into a site that Google suspects of phishing, you're made aware.

Lastly, if you're someone who shares a computer/browser with another person, Google is making it easier to spot whose account you're logged into. They say, "On desktop, you’ll see a new visual representation of the profile you’re currently using, so you can be sure you are saving your passwords to the right profile. This is a visual update and won’t change your current Sync settings." For more details, read Google's full blog linked below. // Google

Moar Juice: Samsung Galaxy S11 Pictured to Have 4,500mAh Battery

Tim — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 09:59:33 +0000

We recently learned via a photo similar to the one below that the Galaxy S11+ is expected to feature a humungous 5,000mAh battery. As people who enjoy good battery life, this pleases us. Today, we're learning via SamMobile that the smaller Galaxy S11 will also be no slouch in the battery department, pictured to feature around a 4,500mAh battery. Again, this pleases us. Thanks to this new development, we have a pretty solid understanding of what kind of battery sizes to expect from the entire Galaxy S11 lineup: 3,800-3,900mAh for the Galaxy S11e, 4,500mAh for the Galaxy S11, and 5,000mAh for the Galaxy S11+.

World's most pixelated photo showing capacity

We mentioned in the Galaxy S11+'s battery size post that these phones are going to need every bit of juice they can squeeze out, due to reported inclusion of 108-megapixel cameras, 8K video recording, as well as support for 5G connectivity. Samsung fans, this has to be exciting for you, right? // SamMobile

Galaxy S10 and S10+ are Sizzling at $300 Off Today Only

Kellen — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 09:48:57 +0000

In the final days leading up to Christmas, the deals of our favorite phones keep flowin' on us and we love it. For today only, we are seeing the best Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ deal of the season as a straight $300 off discount through Amazon. The US unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ in various colors and storage options, are $300 off, leaving you at a starting price of $599.99. Now, they don't come with free Galaxy Buds or headphones, but I'd imagine you'll take the extra cash off over the previous discount. The price breakdown is a Galaxy S10 128GB for $599, Galaxy S10 512GB for $849, Galaxy S10+ 128GB for $699, S10+ 512GB for $949, and the 1TB S10+ for $1299. If you'd rather have a Galaxy S10e, well, it's also discounted by $250. As US unlocked models, these phones will work on every single major carrier, including T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. These are the versions we typically recommend, even if their updates can be somewhat slower at times. This is a "Deal of the Day" at Amazon, so you'll want to make a decision today. Prime shipping is most definitely included. Amazon Deal Link

Android 10 on Android TV Now Official, New ADT-3 Developer Kit Too

Kellen — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 09:00:20 +0000

Android TV is not updated at the frequency that we find the version of Android running on phones, in case you were looking for an explanation as to why Google's TV platform is not on Android 10 yet. That'll soon change, though, as Google announced Android 10 for Android TV this morning with mostly behind-the-scenes improvements for the time being. They also introduced new developer hardware in the form of the ADT-3.

Android 10 on Android TV

For now, Google is telling us to expect the Android API level 29 for Android TV, as well as performance and security updates that were a part of Android 10. This should also lead to faster updates (Project Treble!), more secure and encrypted storage, and "hardening for several security-critical areas of the platform." Will there also be UI changes or new features down the road with this release? There could be! At this time, we don't know what those changes would be. Android TV is sort of in a world of its own. You may recall that Android Oreo was first announced for Android TV in May of 2017 with few details, only to show up in 2018 as a full UI refresh. We'll let you know as Android 10 gets closer to a release on your box.

Google's new ADT-3

On a somewhat related note, Google is preparing to release a new developer-only streaming device to help get prepared for Android 10 on Android TV. The device is the ADT-3 (top of this post), the third version of Google's ADT platform that has popped up over the years to help devs build applications and test the Android TV platform. The ADT-2 was released in 2018, so we're probably due for an upgrade. The new ADT-3 features a quad-core A53, 2GB of DDR3 memory, and 4Kp60 HDR HDMI 2.1 output. It'll be available in the "coming months" for purchase from an OEM partner of Google's. // Android Developers Blog

Machine Learning Powers New 'Impromptu' Lenovo Smart Clock Alarm Ringtone

Tim — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 09:00:03 +0000

Google and Lenovo are shipping out an update to owners of the Smart Clock this week, one that brings an entirely new alarm ringtone powered by machine learning, fine-tuned automatic brightness, plus a new music recommendation card for accessing playlists.

READ: Lenovo Smart Clock Review

The big addition is Impromptu, the new alarm ringtone powered by machine learning. Basically, this new alarm fits into its environment, dependent on time of day and local weather. Google offers the example, "If your alarm goes off early in the morning and the weather is less than 50 degrees, you may hear this ringtone." To be honest, it might not be as fancy as it sounds, but it's still neat. As I mentioned previously, Google and Lenovo are also including a fine-tuned auto brightness feature, new music recommendation card, and owners will also find granular control over how long alarms last (now up to 60 minutes). Enjoy that update, Smart Clock owners. // Google

Pixel 4 December Update is Here With Face Unlock Improvements (Updated: Images)

Kellen — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 07:11:07 +0000

After skipping last week's December Android patch party, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are now receiving this month's security update. The update began rolling out to a small group of Pixel 4 units last night and has continued to arrive this morning. We can confirm that at least one of our Pixel 4 units is getting the new build. The update weighs in at around 129.1MB and will bump your phone up to build numbers QQ1B.191205.011 (T-Mobile, Fi, EMEIA), QQ1C.191205.016.A1 (Japan & Taiwan), or QQ1B.191205.012.A1 (all other carriers).

UPDATE: Factory image and OTA files are now available too.

The changelog for the update screen mentions that there are face unlock improvements and that going forward, "when it's on, face unlock images are occasionally used to create improved face models" and that this "helps recognize you better over time." Ummm, what exactly do you mean by "used" there, Google? As far as other new goods, Google's own list of changes from last week says that they fixed static noise issues in Spotify and third party camera apps, added a dark mode to the bootloader, fixed Bluetooth pairing issues, addressed a screen flicker, and more. They also said that something called "Pixel Wallet" will soon show up in the power menu, likely as a way to quickly load up Google Pay and choose cards. We still don't know when Google will make that official. To check for the update, head into Settings>System>Advanced>System update.

Google Fi Customers, Open Your Fi App and Grab a Free Nest Mini

Kellen — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 21:23:05 +0000

If you are or have been a part of Google Fi, you should open your Google Fi app and check to see if Google still has free Nest Minis available for you to claim as a part of the Google Fi Holiday Reward. A number of our readers pinged us with news of the free Nest Mini deal and we too were able to claim one. All you have to do is open the app and check for the promo notification at the top that will say "Get your free Nest Mini," followed by "Happy holidays and thanks for being part of the Fi family!" If you see that message at the top of the app, it should have a "Get your gift" link that will take you to the Google Store to grab a free Nest Mini. When I ran through the process, I could choose from all four colors of the new $49 Nest Mini. At checkout, the full $49 discount will be applied along with free shipping. No longer with Google Fi or paused your account? You should still check the app. I know of at least one person who has their Fi account currently paused and was still able to grab the Holiday Reward. Go, go, go!

Cheers Ryan and Seth!

Pocket Casts Getting New Layout, Custom Toolbar, and Indigo Theme

Tim — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:21:08 +0000

Pocket Casts users, things are happening! Announced this week, beta users will soon see all of the following features, with everyone not in the beta seeing them in a couple of weeks. So, let's go over what's new. The list is actually quite long. I'd apologize, but a list of new features being long is a good thing so I refuse.

What's New

Tab Layout - Show notes can be just as important to a podcast as the audio itself. Swipe between the tabs to quickly switch your view from the Now Playing screen to the show notes, or swipe again to check out the chapters (if they're available).
Custom Toolbar - Everyone listens to podcasts differently, meaning we all have different needs. Who are we to decide which options should be available in your player? Now, you can customize your player toolbar with just the actions you want. Pick your four most used actions to include in the toolbar — the rest are only a tap away. These actions include:
- Playback Effects
- Sleep Timer
- Mark as Played
- Archive Episode
- Share Episode
- Star Episode
- Chromecast
- Output Device / Airplay (iOS only)
- Go To Podcast
Up Next - Instead of being underneath the Now Playing screen, it's now its own screen. You can still swipe up to access it or tap the queue counter, now available on both the mini player and the Now Playing screen. Swipe down on your Up Next to return to your previous view, or tap the Now Playing option to go directly to your player. The most important new feature in our Up Next queue is one you've all been asking for: multi-select! Tap the Select button to enter multi-select mode.
Indigo Theme - Version 7.6 comes with a new theme: Indigo! A light theme featuring a soft off-white background and rich indigo elements.

As soon as build 7.6 hits your device, you'll have all of this sweet new stuff. Our hope is that this update will correct a lot of the 1-star ratings the app currently has in Google Play. It's looking pretty rough in there right now.

Google Play Link

// Pocket Casts

How Much Has Your Life Changed With RCS?

Kellen — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:12:38 +0000

When Google said "Ahhh, to hell with carriers!" last month and started rolling out RCS to US Android users through the Google Messages app, there was quite the celebration. Part of me was proud to see Google finally take a bit of a stand against carriers when it came to messaging, but it also meant we could stop complaining about RCS not coming to the US. Now that it was officially here, we would get to see if RCS could live up to the hype as some sort of iMessage competitor or all-encompassing messaging service for everyone to rally around, right? It's probably unrealistic to think that RCS would be any sort of iMessage competitor in its current state. Sure, RCS or Rich Communication Services is the future of or replacement for text messaging on Android, it's just still so limited. By Google pushing it through its Messages app, we're getting a start. The problem there is that it's only available through that app, not the messages app on your Samsung or LG or OnePlus phone until those companies build it in. In order for someone to get access to RCS, they need to install Google's app. So in that situation, we're in the early days where it's going to be hard to find people to share "Chat" or RCS messages with. Since the big announcement, I can tell you that a Pixel 4 I have sitting here on Verizon does indeed have RCS "Chat" enabled or "Connected." My Pixel 4 XL is running a combo of Google Fi and T-Mobile and doesn't appear to want to take on RCS in that state. I'm blaming that setup not either carrier. I can tell you that I haven't sent a single RCS message from either phone, though. I'm a Google Voice user, what can you do? Still, I'm curious if you've been doin' the RCS thing? Well, first, did you get RCS? Does your Messages app say that you are "Connected" to Chat? If so, who you chattin' with, my friend? Do you have anyone with Messages and that has it? Has your life changed? Let's chat about it. 😉

Man, I Really Want a Galaxy Fold Again

Kellen — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 13:10:25 +0000

When I said that no one should buy the Samsung Galaxy Fold back in October, I meant what I said and still stand by that. You should absolutely not buy a Galaxy Fold for yourself. However, there is a loophole there and it's that you should most definitely ask someone else, preferably a someone else who has loads of cash lying around that they won't miss, to buy the Galaxy Fold for you. Please, someone, buy me a Galaxy Fold because I miss it dearly. The year of 2019 hasn't been the most exciting as far as phone releases go, but there is one that I've had a constant itch to get back in house, it's just that I don't really want to pay $2,000 of my own money for it. I really do wish I still had a Galaxy Fold. Tim and I spent a good week or two with a Galaxy Fold in each of our offices, shared some final thoughts on the device, and put together a couple of lengthy videos to showcase features and explain the goods and bads of it. We deemed it the ultimate "Couch Phone," were scared to let anyone touch it, certainly never set it down near water, and didn't consider letting it join along in workouts or any environment involving dirt and sweat. We both knew the downfalls of the Fold before we got one in our hands and yet I think we both sent our units off with a bit of sadness. You see, phones aren't really as interesting as they once were and their form factors are so familiar that they don't inspire us to change habits or become more efficient or make better use of the tools around us. I haven't changed the layout of my home screen setup in like 4 years because the way it currently works, just works. Not that that's the worst thing to have ever happened to me, but with the Galaxy Fold, things were different and I started to find new ways to enjoy a smartphone again. For example, I had a minimal setup on the cover display that was really good at letting me fire off quick message responses, check notifications, and clear out my inbox in the morning. It allowed me to use a phone less at times, because it was small enough that you don't want to spend much time with it, yet there's enough screen there for completing simple tasks. On the flip side (or the unfolded side?), when I wanted to do more, the beauty of the Fold and its bigger display came into play. Not a tablet-sized screen either, which is probably what's really so great about the Fold. You get a big ass display, yet not one that dives into tablet territory that makes everything in-hand awkward to do. I found that I wanted to play more games (and I'm not really a mobile gamer), that I wanted to consume more media, and that using apps that I typically use throughout a day, were just more fun. I even used multi-window to get Twitter and YouTube TV up at the same time on multiple occasions. I've never adopted multi-window on previous phones or versions of Android because on a regular phone, multi-window sucks. Samsung nailed the experience with the Fold, probably in part because it includes every single top tier spec a phone could have when it launched. It had so much storage (512GB UFS 3.0) that I was never going to worry about all of the junk I installed on it. It had 12GB RAM and was as fluid and quick as can be. It had the impressive setup of three cameras on the back found on the Galaxy S10+. And the battery lasted a really long time, even though there were two screens, one of which was large. "So, Kellen, why not just buy one?" Because! The Galaxy Fold is still $2,000 and is fragile AF. I know the Fold will break at some point under some unfortunate circumstance, long before I'm ready to be done with it. Maybe most importantly, there is going to be another Fold very soon and it probably won't have giant gaps that dirt can get into, a screen that can be damaged with a finger nail, and warnings upon warnings in the box to try and scare you from ever using it. That's why it's not a phone you should spend $2,000 on. That's why it's a phone that I want no business paying for even as I keep looking at Best Buy for stock levels on the unlocked version in hopes that there is a random price drop of $1000 (there won't ever be). Ugh, I want the Galaxy Fold again so bad. Please, 2020, get here and give me a Fold I can keep.

All Google Fi-Supported Android Devices Get Spam Call Warnings, WiFi Calling

Tim — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 12:52:04 +0000

Customers of Google Fi sometimes receive different feature support, depending purely on which phone they have. It's just one of those Android things, but this week, Google announced that it's bringing additional Fi features that were previously announced to its entire list of supported devices -- even one for iPhone users. Today, users with any Fi compatible device (including iPhones) gain support for spam call warnings, plus the ability to block specific numbers. In addition, all Android phones on Google Fi are getting access to the service's "enhanced VPN network" and WiFi Calling.

When you use our enhanced VPN network, all of your cellular and WiFi traffic are encrypted so you have peace of mind, knowing nobody else can see your online activity. And with WiFi calling, you can make and receive calls as long as you have a WiFi connection, even when you don’t have cellular coverage.

If you're on Fi, you can find all of these new features on the dedicated Google Fi app inside the Phone Settings menu. // Google

Lenovo Smart Display 7 Review: $99 No-Brainer

Tim — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 11:24:13 +0000

Whether you're looking to outfit your home with its first piece of Google Assistant-powered smart home tech or you already have Nest Minis and Google Home devices scattered throughout the house, the $99 Smart Display 7 from Lenovo is a great addition to the lineup of products available to those who love having quick access to Google's services. I've had the Smart Display 7 in my kitchen for the past week and a half. It replaced my original Google Home that I've had since launch, so this post will mainly discuss the differences and advantages of having a display to look at versus only having a speaker. Let's get to it.

What's Good

Having a display is cool Since I've only ever had a smart speaker in my kitchen, it's been really nice having an actual display to look at. The biggest example I can provide is for kitchen timers. For example, when you only have a speaker, a lot of times I have to say, "Ok Google, how much time is left on the timer?" I'd then get a response. However, with the display, as soon as you set the timer, the time is shown on the display. That's clutch. Also, depending on how your home is configured, you may not have a view to your living room TV from the kitchen. That's my struggle. Having a display in the kitchen means I can cast video to the "Kitchen Display" to ensure I don't miss an important play of the game while doing dishes or making grub. Again, this is clutch.

Here are the specs This smart display's specs include the 7" display, though, its resolution is nothing to write home about at 1024 x 600. At 7" the somewhat low resolution probably isn't going to bother you. Other specs include a MediaTek 8167S processor, 2MP front-facing camera, dual-band WiFi, and a dual speaker setup. For software, you have the same Google Assistant-powered experience that you'll find on other smart display devices. It's been improved upon a bit from its initial release which we'll go over right now. Minimal, easy to understand software While this is the first smart display I've had in the kitchen, it's not the first I've had in my home. I've had an original Lenovo Smart Display in my office since those launched, and when I'm not casting YouTube videos to that, I use it as a live picture frame. Basically, those two tasks are what these smart displays are best at when in an office setting, but now that I have one in the kitchen, I'm seeing a lot more advantages to having one. For cooking, quick access to recipes and cooking videos is extremely helpful, plus that previous mention about the viewable timers. On top of that, casting music/videos, controlling smart home things, and keeping in touch with family via Duo is just too easy with Google Assistant and the built-in Google Cast tech. Google and company have been somewhat slow to roll out a bunch of new features to the smart display platform, but what they have added and improved upon is all good stuff. Recent updates have included new voice controls for switching where media is currently casted, ability to yell "STOP!" to shut off timers and alarms, plus improved smart home controls. When it comes to onboard controls, if you've never used or seen a smart display in action, it's all about swipes from the display edges. From Home on the Smart Display 7, a swipe up from the bottom accesses your display's brightness, sound, Do Not Disturb, alarms, and other device info/settings. A swipe from the right to the left brings up news stories and weather info. A swipe right from the left dims the display to just a clock. Lastly, a swipe down from the top brings up smart home controls. You can access lights, routines, media, thermostats, broadcast, cameras, and basically everything else. Design Lenovo switched up the design of this Smart Display 7 quite a bit from the original 8" and 10" models. Sadly, they removed all of the bamboo backside, and if we're being honest, this smart display looks a lot like something you'd find from Google and Nest. It has the grey cloth covering up the speaker setup, plus a plain white body. It's extremely basic, but with that basic/minimal look, it can pretty much look fine in any room or on any shelf throughout the house.

What's Not-so-Good

Sound If I had to find something wrong with the device, I'd have to go with the overall sound. It's pretty poor, at least when compared to a set of high quality speakers. To sum it up, music sounds very thin with not much low end, and even when not at full volume (7 out of the 10 max), there can be quit a bit of distortion from the speakers when listening to certain types of music. I can see the speakers and audio quality not being a huge deal for many, but as someone who needs decent speakers to digest the type of music I listen to without getting a headache, Lenovo appears to have cut some costs in this department. If you don't foresee a lot of intense music being played at high volumes on your Smart Display 7, it will likely treat you just fine. All of my test calls, interactions with Google Assistant, and low volume playback of mellow music all sounded fine. This negative is probably going to reflect heavily on the user's usage and not so much the hardware, but at $99 price, I suppose you get what you pay for. If you need better audio and a display, there's the Nest Hub Max.

Is a 7" display big enough for you? This isn't much of a negative at all, but a question you should really ask yourself before picking one of these smart displays up. Is a 7" display big enough for the space you're putting it? I have mine in the kitchen, but it's on the counter somewhat far away from my stovetop and sink. I do this for safety because I'd hate to splash water or hot oil on it. Because of this placement, the display seems very small when looking at it from a distance, so I'd opt for a larger 10" display to compensate for that. It would be much easier on the eyes when watching videos or looking at recipes/timers. Your kitchen probably isn't like mine, so the 7" could be fine. The point is, feel free to take a tape measure, get out 7", then place it diagonally on your counter or wherever and see what you think.

Should You Buy One?

This product has been listed at $99 since it first showed up online in November. It's list price is $130, but if Lenovo and retailers are going to continue selling it at $99, this product is close to a no-brainer. The only thing to consider, if the Google Assistant platform is what you really want, is Google's own 7" Nest Hub device that is currently at $79. Google's sale won't last forever, but when it comes down to it, the experience on both devices is incredibly similar, so I don't think you can make a bad choice in choosing one or the other.

Purchase Lenovo Smart Display 7

B&H Photo ($99)