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Quick Charge 4.0 is coming, but Google might kill it

Andrew Orr
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Qualcomm has been known for its proprietary Quick Charge technology for some time now. Battery technology doesn’t see much innovation when it comes to capacity or materials science. But the rate at which batteries charge is one area that has seen change. And now Qualcomm should be pushing out Quick Charge 4.0 soon. But will Google stand in the way?

Quick Charge

Right now, Quick Charge 3.0 reaches a maximum of 18W. Huawei’s Super Charge technology reaches 22.5W, and Oppo’s VOOC tops out at 20W. Quick Charge 4.0 charging is rumored to either be 5V (4.7A to 5.6A) or 9V (at 3A). Combined with the new Snapdragon 830 SoC and Quick Charge 4.0 should be able to reach 28W charging speeds.

It’s said to even have an innovative new tech called Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage (INOV) [PDF]. This is an intelligent system that fine tunes the charging speed to each device. Since a big problem with lithium-based batteries is overheating, Quick Charge lowers the energy input to your phone as it heats up. INOV should push this even further.

quick-charge-3-charger-cable-960x540Google’s Standard

However, Quick Charge 4.0 might not see the light of day. Google wants to make the quick charge standard USB-PD a universal standard among Android phones, regardless of manufacturer. Standing for USB Power Delivery, it’s said to offer a power/data delivery system over a single cable.

Ideally, this would be built into USB-C cables, which is already becoming its own universal charging system. Features of USB-PD include:

  • Increased power levels from existing USB standards up to 100W.
  • Power direction is no longer fixed. This lets the product with the power, like a host or peripheral, to provide the power.
  • Optimize power management across multiple peripherals. Each device only takes the power it needs, and more power can be requested when required by a running application.
  • Lets low power cases like headsets to negotiate for only the power they need.

USB-PD is already widely used with laptops that charge via USB-C. Since Qualcomm’s chips are used in the majority of premium smartphones, there is an incompatibility when you use your Quick Charge USB-C cable to charge your USB-PD laptop. Since each standard has different power limits, you’re only getting the lowest common denominator when it comes to charging speeds.

usb-pd_example
USB-PD power flow

Now, Google is telling Android OEMs to switch to USB-PD and ditch Quick Charge. The company is pretty serious about this too. Google already started writing quick charging language into the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD).

This document is one that every OEM that licenses Google’s Android apps needs to follow. And the new clause in the Android 7.0 CDD says:

Type-C devices are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to not support proprietary charging methods that modify Vbus voltage beyond default levels, or alter sink/source roles as such may result in interoperability issues with the chargers or devices that support the standard USB Power Delivery methods. While this is called out as “STRONGLY RECOMMENDED”, in future Android versions we might REQUIRE all type-C devices to support full interoperability with standard type-C chargers.

“Proprietary charging methods that modify Vbus voltage” means that Google is referring to Quick Charge, while “Standard Type-C chargers” refers to USB-PD.

For now, the USB-PD standard is only Recommended. This means that Google isn’t enforcing it just yet, but it’s a way of asking OEMs nicely to adopt the new standard. Once again, Google will need to use its own hardware to nudge OEMs in the right direction.

AT&T to help customers save on data usage with Stream Saver

AndroidGuys
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AT&T on Friday announced a new feature for its subscribers which aims to help cut down on the amount of data consumed on its networks. Called Stream Saver, it lets users get more video consumption out of the 4G LTE data network.

In short, the feature takes video streams down from 720p, 1080p, and higher, and converts it to a “DVD quality” picture. This equates to roughly 480p video. Going this route not only lets AT&T subscribers stretch their data bucket further, it should also ease some of the carrier’s network burden, too.

You can still stream video in higher resolution, when available, whenever you choose. You control Stream Saver and can turn it off or back on for any qualified line at any time at myAT&T or Premier for business customers. There is no charge to disable or enable Stream Saver.

According to AT&T, both its tier-one service and GoPhone prepaid service will have the Stream Saver. At launch, the feature will be enabled by default;l AT&T will notify customers that it’s on and educate on how to turn it off. Opting out only has to be done one time and subscribers can manage it on a per-line basis. In other words, parents can leave it on for children who may be prone to chew through data yet turn it off for themselves.

If you are a current or prospective AT&T customer, check out our list of discounts and promotions. Updated regularly, we aim to provide a curated collection of known ways to save on phones, rate plans, and accessories.

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Weatherbug: An oldie but goodie that gets better with time (Review)

AndroidGuys
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With so many apps available these days, it’s easier than ever to stay on top of everything that’s important to you. If it’s sports, entertainment, or the weather, that you are most interested in, mobile apps are there to keep you informed and make your life much more convenient.

weatherbug1One of the best weather apps out there is WeatherBug. You have likely used these kinds of apps in the past, but they probably just gave you information and a weekly outlook, and not much else. With WeatherBug, however, you can go a step further and see how the weather will impact your day-to-day life. If you’re interested in knowing all things weather, then WeatherBug is for you.

The best part of WeatherBug is that it comes from a trusted source. The app has been downloaded over ten million times, and it’s completely free to download and install. You can get up and running in minutes, and anyone can use this app, as long as they know how to navigate the easy-to-follow menu.

Setting It Up

weatherbug2WeatherBug is pretty straightforward. After you download and install it, you open it up, and it will ask you to agree to the terms and conditions. After you accept, you will find yourself on the home page. The app is available for as both a Android weather app and IOS weather app.

At first, the app will search for your general location. However, if you want to save multiple spots or have a more precise reading, you will need to sign up with your contact information. You can do so by signing up with your Facebook login or via email. If you do go through email, you will need to verify it once you’ve entered it. The only information needed is your gender and birthday, and once again you will need to agree to terms and conditions.

App Details

On the main page, the app is set up with a set of widgets that you can arrange to your liking. The top shows your current location, with time, temperature, cloudiness level, real feel temperature, and the high and low for the day. Below that you have a list of widgets, including:

  • Wind and rain meter
  • Home energy usage meter
  • Weather news (for the country and your state)
  • Spark widget (checks lightning nearby)
  • Photos
  • Outlook for the week, including videos
  • Live cams nearby
  • Lifestyle widget

weatherbug3The most useful widgets that are available are home energy use, weather news, outlook, and lifestyle. Spark is most useful if you live in an area with a lot of lightning, and the live cams are helpful if you want to check traffic before you head anywhere.

Highlighted Features

Lifestyle

Our favorite widget is the lifestyle because it will tell you how the weather will impact your daily routine. Want to mow the lawn? This app will show you the best time to do it. Want to know when allergies are at their peak? You can find out here. This widget enables you to take the data provided and apply it in a way that affects you.

Home Energy Usage

This is another powerful tool if you want to save money on your utility bills and conserve energy. Based on the weather in your area, you can sync up your home’s thermostat and find out what the ideal temperature range is for you.

weatherbug5

Weekly Outlook

This is another valuable tool if you want to get an overview of the week. With this option, you get a comprehensive view of the days to come, rather than just a list of highs and lows. Here you will find what expert meteorologists have to say about the weather on any given week.

Other Notable Features

weatherbug4The WeatherBug app gives you the ability to save multiple locations, has customizable settings, includes a temperature readout in your status bar, and hosts interactive maps so you can see what the weather looks like around you visually, rather than numerically.

Conclusion

WeatherBug is a practical app to monitor the weather. We especially like that you can see how the weather impacts your utility bills, your lifestyle, and the traffic. And to top it off, it’s conveniently customizable for your needs.

Getting Started with Google Keep

AndroidGuys
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If you’re looking for a great note-taking and/or task management app, you have probably looked at or tried offerings from Evernote, OneNote, Simplenote, Squid, and others. These are all very good alternatives, with a lot of features, but if you’re well-entrenched in the Google-verse for your daily app and account interaction, there may be a great option for you straight from Mountain View itself.

Google has a ton of apps and services. Most folks have heard of a lot of these, including Gmail, Calendar, Maps, and of course, the search engine that started it all. Google has been tweaking and expanding its app lineup over the years, and a relatively newer application that has become a true standout and popular option in its lineup is Google Keep (or simply, “Keep”). Let’s take a walk through of the Keep and how it can help you get organized in your day-to-day. You can download the app from the Play Store here, and can go to keep.google.com to see the desktop version.

What Google Keep Is

Keep is primarily a note-taking application from Google that allows you to quickly add and organize notes and set correlating reminder notifications, that can sync across all your devices.
But beyond this it can also be a pretty good list and task list app, complete with notification reminders based on date/time, or location (Pretty cool getting a reminder to pick up milk at the store upon arriving back into town from work). You can also record photos, audio, and videos to store on Keep.

google-keep
Color-code your notes! via appsapk.com

And with all these functions, Google Keep also provides functions, using labels and color-coding capabilities. All of these functions are very intuitive and icon-based, both in the mobile and desktop versions.

And of course, being from Google, all your app content syncs seamlessly across all your mobile devices, desktop apps, and the web. There’s even a Chrome extension to add notes right from the web page you’re on.

That’s not all. You can also share notes, lists, and reminders with others; whether they have a Google account or not…email is all that is needed.
Combining all of these results in a pretty powerful (and free!) application.

What Google Keep Isn’t

So Google Keep can do quite a lot for you with just a simple download. But it’s not a panacea. First off, while labels and color-coding are available, you can’t combine sets of notes into larger units (think Evernote’s ‘notebooks’). So if you want to share multiple notes/lists with others, you have to send out share invites for each and every note; it can get pretty tedious and difficult to manage which notes are still being shared over time.

screenshot_20161002-222832
Quite a few options for customizing each note.

While it is very simple and streamlined, it does have some limitations.  Example, and this sounds kinda ironic as we’re talking about Google here, but web article clippings are much more organic on other services like Evernote. These other services allow you to grab some or all of a certain web page, while Keep will only copy the URL; this forces to continually re-open the link to see the actual content.

And while the free-ness of Keep is definitely appealing, what you get is all you get; there is no premium/paid options in which to select should you want to access them. Until the folks at Mountain View decide to add a feature, we’re all just waiting around for it to happen. Other note services allow multiple enhanced features through subscription offerings, features that exceed Keep’s capabilities.

Getting Google Keep

This part couldn’t be more simple; if you have a newer Android phone, chances are Keep is already installed as part of the obligatory suite of Google pre-loaded apps. even if it isn’t you can simple download it from the Play Store. Once confirmed you have it, you just log in with your Google account (a lot of times this even isn’t necessary), and confirm you’re cool with Google’s usual requests to access parts of your phone (camera, contacts, etc.).

keep-desktop
Sample view from Keep’s desktop version.

For the desktop, and as stated before, just go to keep.google.com. No setup required here (assuming you’re logged on to the Chrome browser with your native Google account), less having to login with you Google credentials. All the syncing between devices happens automatically on Google’s end of things.

Conclusion

In my opinion, Google Keep is the best combination of functionality and ease-of-use out there in what can be a pretty cramped marketplace for these types of apps. I personally use it religiously for reminders, lists, and simple note-taking tasks….it’s my digital Post-It note pile, and I would likely be lost without it. You can download the app from the Play Store with this link.

 

When and where to buy: Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

AndroidGuys
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Making its debut in the spring of 2017, the Galaxy S7 Edge is the slightly different and somewhat sexier version of the flagship model.

While it does offer up many of the same features found in the standard bearer, this variant comes with a couple of differences. Chief among them is the bigger, curved display. Tapered along both sides, the 5.5-inch display packs a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution.

Moreover, the Galaxy S7 Edge includes a 3,600mAh battery; the standard S7 comes with a 3,000mAh unit. In terms of cameras, we find a highly-rated 12-megapixel rear camera and front-facing 5-megapixel shooter.

Powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow with a custom user interface, the Galaxy S7 Edge is IP68 rated. This means it can spend up to 30 minutes in water up to five feet deep.

Other hardware details worth noting include a microSD expansion card slot for extra storage to the tune of 200GB. Moreover, it’s capable of both wireless and fast charging so, even if you do have to find an outlet, you can get back out there in no time.

[vc_custom_heading text=”Where to Buy” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23d70060″ google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”]
[vc_cta h2=”Verizon” h2_font_container=”color:%23ef1d1d” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.verizonwireless.com%2Fsmartphones%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge%2F%23sku%3Dsku1900319||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.verizonwireless.com%2Fsmartphones%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge%2F%23sku%3Dsku1900319||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]The 32GB version of the phone is available in Silver, Black Onyx and Gold Platinum options with a full retail price of $792. Qualified buyers can spread payments out for $33.00 per month over two years.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”AT&T” h2_font_container=”color:%23067ab4″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.att.com%2Fcellphones%2Fsamsung%2Fgalaxy-s7-edge.html%23sku%3Dsku8100386||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.att.com%2Fcellphones%2Fsamsung%2Fgalaxy-s7-edge.html%23sku%3Dsku8100386||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]The 32GB version of the phone is available in Coral Blue, Silver Titanium, Black Onyx and Gold Platinum options with a full retail price of $794. Qualified buyers can spread payments out for as low as $26.50 per month.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”T-Mobile” h2_font_container=”color:%23ff009f” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phones%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge.html%23Silver-Titanium||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phones%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge.html%23Silver-Titanium||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]The 32GB version of the phone is available in Silver Titanium and Gold Platinum options with a full retail price of $790. Qualified buyers can spread payments out for $30.00 per month over two years with $70 due up front.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Sprint” h2_font_container=”color:%23fee100″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sprint.com%2Fshop%2F%3FINTNAV%3DNavStrip%3AShopPhones%23!%2Fdevice%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge-32gb-black-onyx%3FskuId%3D103800167%26duration%3D24EP%26contractType%3DeasyPay%26lineId%3D6300766941||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sprint.com%2Fshop%2F%3FINTNAV%3DNavStrip%3AShopPhones%23!%2Fdevice%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge-32gb-black-onyx%3FskuId%3D103800167%26duration%3D24EP%26contractType%3DeasyPay%26lineId%3D6300766941||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]The 32GB version of the phone is available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, and Silver Titanium options with a full retail price of $795. Qualified buyers can spread payments out for $33.13 per month over two years. Those who prefer a two-year contract can get the phone for $300.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Swappa” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fswappa.com%2Fbuy%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fswappa.com%2Fbuy%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s7-edge||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]If you are looking to buy or sell a used smartphone, Swappa is our favorite destination for doing so. With that said, there are plenty of Galaxy S7 Edge’s available today.[/vc_cta]
[vc_cta h2=”Amazon” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2eD48RV||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2eD48RV||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]The unlocked version of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge can be had in a variety of color options and price points. Currently, we’re seeing anything from $590 up to $660 for the 32GB model.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”B&H Photo Video” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1225380-REG%2Fsamsung_sm_g935_32gb_blk_galaxy_s7_edge_g935.html%2FBI%2F20229%2FKBID%2F14505||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1225380-REG%2Fsamsung_sm_g935_32gb_blk_galaxy_s7_edge_g935.html%2FBI%2F20229%2FKBID%2F14505||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]An unlocked international 32GB Black Onyx model typically carries a price of about $700 but it’s currently on sale for $580. Other colors can also be had with prices that range from $580 to $680.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Best Buy” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsearchpage.jsp%3Fst%3Dgalaxy%2Bs7%2Bedge%26_dyncharset%3DUTF-8%26id%3Dpcat17071%26type%3Dpage%26sc%3DGlobal%26cp%3D1%26nrp%3D%26sp%3D%26qp%3D%26list%3Dn%26af%3Dtrue%26iht%3Dy%26usc%3DAll%2BCategories%26ks%3D960%26keys%3Dkeys||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsearchpage.jsp%3Fst%3Dgalaxy%2Bs7%2Bedge%26_dyncharset%3DUTF-8%26id%3Dpcat17071%26type%3Dpage%26sc%3DGlobal%26cp%3D1%26nrp%3D%26sp%3D%26qp%3D%26list%3Dn%26af%3Dtrue%26iht%3Dy%26usc%3DAll%2BCategories%26ks%3D960%26keys%3Dkeys||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]Best Buy offers versions that work with all of the major carriers; prices ranges from as low as $750 up to $792, depending on specifics. Qualified buyers can spread payments out over 24-month and 30-month options.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Samsung” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fus%2Fexplore%2Fgalaxy-s7-features-and-specs%2F||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fus%2Fexplore%2Fgalaxy-s7-features-and-specs%2F||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]Samsung’s official website offers the Silver Titanium version of the phone for $770. This unlocked GSM version works with a variety of prepaid and MVNO brands such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket, and MetroPCS.[/vc_cta]

World’s first Helio P20 6GB RAM smartphone, UMi Plus E, available for $199.99 today

AndroidGuys
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Yes, the wait is over! On Nov.11th at 12.00 (GMT+8) the reservation of the long awaited UMi Plus E will start! You should be able to subscribe on UMI’s UMi Plus E dedicated page to reserve the new powerhouse for just 199.99 USD.

We have seen quite some impressive specifications, but the real star here is the Helio P20, a world premiere on a smartphone.

The performance sees a 20% higher performance on CPU and 25% GPU upgrade over its predecessor, the P10, and when paired with 6GB of LPDDR4 RAM it will be no problem to handle everyday operations with ease.

2016-11-10-3What’s also very important is that the P20 is manufactured on a 16nm FinFET node, for lower power consumption and less heat.

Enter your email address and reserve a spot here and you will receive details on how to purchase the phone at the special price. Look for an email notice from UMi by 23rd of November.

plus-e-%e6%b4%bb%e5%8a%a8%e9%a1%b5%e9%9d%a2_03

There are only 999 pcs worldwide, so it’s first come, first served!

In the meantime, you can also leave your comment to participant UMi’s giveaway to win one UMi Plus E for free at here.

You can find more information UMi Plus E here!

Images of Project Ara developer phone shows us what could have been

Alexandra Arici
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Once upon a time Google had Project Ara in the works. Project Ara was an initiative meant to bring modular phones to the market, but the project proved too costly and too ambitious so Google dropped it. But if like us, you have been left wondering what could have been, then you’ll be glad to know that the folks of Phandroid have managed to get their hands on a later iteration of an almost complete Project Ara and are now showing us what we missed out on.

As you can see for yourself, the pictures showcase the endoskeleton of the device is made from metal with the modules being held in place by strong magnets which can be switched on and off using software.

project-ara-phone-menuThe phone, likely a developer version is pretty chunky by today’s standards. It’s 12.5 mm in thickness and weighs around 190g, so it’s not exactly the skinniest fellow around. But that’s not too surprising given that this Project Ara phone was a first-gen device.

project-ara-phone-detailIn terms of specifications, the phone takes advantage of a 5.46-inch display with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. As for computing power, we have the Snapdragon 810, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage onboard. Quite similar to the HTC Bolt unveiled earlier this, except the HTC model features a QHD display.

project-ara-phone-back-view

project-ara-phone-module-outOther specs include an impressive 5MP/2MP camera combo, a 3,450 mAh battery, 3.5mm headphone jack and USB Type-C. Companies like LG and Motorola have tried offering customers a glimpse into a Project Ara-like future, by offering products such as the LG G5 or Moto Z, but the lack of attention these phones received was not very encouraging.

project-ara-phone-side-view

project-ara-phone-module-slotIt’s worthy to note that Google “suspended” Project Ara, it did not axe it off completely, so there are chances the search giant will reconsider the project at some point. Maybe when the market will seem more receptive to modular designs.

OnePlus 3T could be the first phone to launch with 8GB of RAM

Alexandra Arici
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A few days ago, OnePlus announced on Twitter that the Snapdragon 821 is coming our way and we will learn more on November 15, obviously hinting towards the rumored OnePlus 3T. While we wait for an official release, an interesting rumor has surfaced online.

While previous hearsay had us believe the OnePlus 3T will make it out with 6GB of RAM, The Verge now claims the phone might be the first to arrive with 8GB of RAM onboard. That’s twice the capacity on the Google Pixel and maybe a bit overboard. But this is just speculation at this point.

[graphiq id=”832ZXD3C5Qp” title=”OnePlus 3″ width=”500″ height=”748″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/832ZXD3C5Qp” ]

The phone will bring other significant updates over the current OnePlus 3. According to OnePlus’ CEO the phone will still take advantage of an AMOLED display, despite rumors flying around saying the device will ship out with an LCD screen instead, due to AMOLED shortages.

OnePlus 3 review: King of the budget phones, but no heir to the flagship throne

The OnePlus 3T will trade the Snapdragon 820 for a Snapdragon 821 clocked at 2.35GHz. If coupled with 8GB of RAM the new OnePlus device might be one of the fastest handsets on the market. The current OnePlus 3 features 6GB of RAM.

The phone is expected to be offered with either 64GB or 128GB internal storage. An improved 16MP camera with Sony’s new IMX389 sensor with optical stabilization should be making also be making an appearance. The OnePlus 3T will benefit from Android 7.0 Nougat with the company’s Oxygen OS plastered on top.

The new phone will also be bundled with a hefty 3,500 mAh or 4,000 mAh battery, which will bestow sufficient life.

Are you excited about the arrival of the OnePlus 3T?

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Verizon announces Rogue One – Star Wars 360 experience for Samsung Gear VR

Alexandra Arici
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We have good news for you VR fans out there. Verizon has announced this week it will be offering access to VR content based on the upcoming Star Wars episode called Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

You’ll need to have a Samsung Gear VR headset in order to immerse yourself in the 360-degree Rogue One: Star Wars 360 Experience and luckily you can purchase one right off Big Red.

The carrier says the content will become available on its Facebook page beginning November 14, so in theory everyone who accesses Verizon’s social media account should be able to take a sneak peek at the Rogue One: Star Wars 360 Experience.

new-star-wars-episode-incomingBig Red has another surprise in-store. Starting November 10 and all the way through November 13, the Rogue One: Star Wars 360 Experience will be waiting for you on Samsung Gear VR headsets in Verizon brick and mortar stores from around the country. So those of you visiting a Verizon store will be able to check out the new content before it becomes official online.

The short immersive 360 experience has been created by LucasFilm’s entertainment group ILMxLAB and has the user flying as an X-wing pilot for the Rebellion. Expect to be immersed in the vastness of space accompanied by a R2 Droid sidekick.

Verizon doesn’t share more details on the new content piece, so curious Star Wars fan can just go ahead and drive out to a Verizon store and check it out for themselves.

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Show your love for ZTE and Android and win a trip to CES 2017

Alexandra Arici
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Do you ever aspire of attending the CES event in Las Vegas one day? CES is an annual global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow, where device makers put on display their latest and greatest products. Well ZTE wants to make your dream come true.

The Chinese device maker just announced a contest which offers interested parties the opportunity to win a trip at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Users aren’t required to purchase any ZTE product to be eligible to enter the competition.

zte-launches-ces-contestYou’ll need to be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the United States. ZTE challenges Android fans to express their fanaticism for ZTE, Android, Z-Community or all of the above in a video recording or written post. The company says it’s looking for submissions to make them both laugh and cry, so it advises users to be creative.

Only one subscription per user is allowed and members or the Z-Community Mod Squad will be asked to step in as judges.

And now for the complete list of prizes. ZTE will award 7 grand prizes which include an all-expenses paid trip to CES with ZTE in Las Vegas. This means the roundtrip, hotel stay for up to 4 nights are on ZTE.

12 additional second prizes will also be offered that include a hotel-expenses paid trip to the electronics consumer show. The contest kick starts on November 10 and the dead line for the last submission is 11:59pm EST on November 17, 2016.

So if you too want to fly with ZTE to Las Vegas next year, let your creative juices flow and let the company know how much you love Android and its products. We wish you good luck!

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