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OnePlus announces OnePlus Gear, a series of travel bags and t-shirts

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OnePlus might be busy working on the upcoming OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 4, but the company also has other exciting project you might want to know about.

For example, today the Chinese device maker announced the arrival of a line of lifestyle products called OnePlus Gear. So if you’re a big fan on OnePlus’ work you’ll be happy to know that your favorite company will soon be offering three premium travel bags and two awesome t-shirts.

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The designs are said to be inspired and created by the fans themselves. The first accessory is the OnePlus Travel Backpack – a spacious bag inscribed with the company’s logo. Then there’s the OnePlus Travel Messenger bag which can be purchased in all-black canvas or light grey canvas with blue. Last but not least, we have the OnePlus Leather Messenger Bag, which is perfect for those who appreciate premium travel accessories.

As for the t-shirts, the “Dash Charge” has been designed to support the end of overnight charging campaign, while the other “Never Settle” model has been refined in terms of material and fit.

If you want to jump onboard the OnePlus Gear bandwagon then we recommend you are present during the 24-hour sale, starting November 3 at 11:00 AM CET / 6.00 AM EDT. No word on what prices to expect though.

LeEco announces Flash Sale for smartphones and 4K TVs on November 2

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A few weeks ago, Chinese web video streaming giant LeEco made its debut in the United States by unveiling two smartphones and a two 4K TVs (among other stuff).

If the name doesn’t tell you anything, we can’t blame you. LeEco, previously known as LeTV is a tech company mostly known in its home country for manufacturing and selling lots and lots of stuff, from connected TVs and smartphones to electric bicycles, headphones and VR headsets. LeEco also bought TV maker Vizio earlier this year.

Now LeEco is targeting the US market. The company is confident it can get customers’ attention by offering affordable products packing amazing specs.

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LeEco announced a few products not so long ago and today the company is finally ready to begin sales of its smartphones and 4K TVs , starting at 10 a.m. PTD / 1 p.m EDT via the LeMall web shop.

In order to celebrate the occasion LeEco has announced it will be hosting a massive Flash Sale. To be eligible to participate, customers are required to pre-register for the LeRewards program which will offer instant rebates on new LeEco products.

Customers signing-up will be able to purchase the LeEco uMax85 4K TV for $3,999 (previously $4,999), while the Le Pro3 smartphone will be offered for $299 (previously $399). The Flash Sale will expire as models sell out. Other discounts might be offered as the Flash Sale kick starts.

So if you too want to take advantage of the lowered prices you need to go pre-register for LeRewards by visiting LeMall and signing up before 10 a.m PDT.

For those who aren’t in the loop with LeEco’s newest products, here’s what you can expect to get:

LeEco Le Pro3

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  • 5-inch display with FHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
  • 4GB of RAM
  • 64GB of internal storage
  • 16MP/8MP camera combo
  • 4,070 mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0
  • Aluminum chassis with Gorilla Glass protection
  • NFC
  • Available in Gold and Gray
  • Runs LeEco’s Ecosystem User Interface (eui) with some features found in Android Nougat

 LeEco uMax85 4K TV

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  • 5-inch display
  • 4K Ultra-HD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution
  • Dolby Vision with HDR10
  • Bluetooth 4.1
  • Dual Band 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
  • 2 x USB 3.0 inputs
  • 1 x USB 2.0 input
  • 3 x HDMI 2.0 inputs

If any of these products sound appealing to you, we invite you to go register for the promo, until time runs out!

Google’s Daydream View VR headset starts shipping out November 10

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Are you a Pixel owner who’s craving a bit of VR action? Then you better get your handset ready, because as Google announced this week, the Daydream View virtual reality headset is ready and will start shipping out to users on November 10.

For $79 a pop, Pixel owners will receive the headset per-se plus a controller needed for interacting with virtual reality apps and games. Similar to other VR platforms, the Daydream takes advantage of a compatible handset to deliver the VR experience on.

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Google also made available a list of apps VR fans will be able to enjoy including Hulu VR, Tiny Tee Gold, Gunjack 2, Need for Speed: No Limits, VR and Home Run Derby. Additional content from YouTube VR or Wall Street Journal VR will also be at the disposal of Pixel owners.

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Interested parties should know they can pick up the Daydream View from the Google Play Store, but also from Verizon and Best Buy.

With Daydream Google joins competitors like Samsung, Facebook (Oculus), Valve and HTC in the budding VR market. While VR is still in its infancy today, it does seem companies believe in a future where almost anyone would own such a headset.

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For the time being only the Pixel phones work with the Daydream. But the ZTE Axon 7 is also compatible. Although it will need a software update in order to actually start working in concert with it.

Dropped Xiaomi Mi MIX reveals just how fragile the edgeless phone is

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Not so long ago Chinese smartphone maker, unveiled a stunning handset concept called the Mi MIX. Actually the Mi MIX is more than just a concept, with the first batch sale hitting the market as soon as this week in China.

While the phone hasn’t yet been released, some test units have been given out to a lucky few (most likely Xiaomi employees) for testing purposes. Now a new report coming out from Xiaomi Today shows us just how frail this stunning edge-to-edge phone really is.

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Apparently someone at the Xiaomi store dropped the phone by accident and the results aren’t pretty. As you can see in the image, not only is the glass damaged but the display panel itself. That’s what you get for not including Corning Gorilla Glass Protection into the mix. What’s more, the ceramic frame seems to have been separated from the phone.

It’s not really a surprise that the Xiaomi Mi MAX is super sensible. After all, we’re dealing with a 91.3% screen-to-body ratio phone with a full ceramic body and buttons. Nevertheless, the Mi MAX is a device you can’t just turn your back on.

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The phone features an extra-spacious 6.4-inch edgeless display with Snapdragon 821, 4GB of RAM with 128GB internal storage. A Pro version with even more 6GB of RAM and 256GB storage will also be made available.

In the photo department, we have a 16MP main camera with Phase Detection Auto Focus (or PDAF) and a 5MP selfie camera. The device also takes advantage of a 4,400 mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support, NFC and USB Type-C port. It runs Xiaomi’s MIUI 8.

The Mi MIX is an atypical phone because it comes without the typical earpiece hole. Instead the phone utilizes a process to transmit an electric signal from the Digital to Analog Converter to a piece of piezoelectronic ceramic which turns the electric signal to mechanical energy that reaches to phone’s frame and makes it vibrate. The sound produced will finally reach the human ear.

The new ultrasonic proximity sensor hidden behind the display uses ultrasound to detect proximity. It replaces the usual IR sensor which would have otherwise taken a lot of space.

Given that it will be pretty hard for consumers to ignore the Xiaomi Mi MIX, we recommend buyers also invest in a protective case accessory. Xiaomi also provides users with official accident insurance for $36.9. Make sure you don’t skip it if you’re getting the Mi MIX.

Samsung Gear S3 listed at BestBuy for $349, coming soon

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Earlier this week, ASUS’ new ZenWatch 3 was finally made available for purchase in the US for $299 a pop. But if for some reason you don’t like ASUS, you’ll be happy to know you have an alternative when shopping for circular watches.

Retailer BestBuy appears to be gearing up to accept orders for Samsung’s latest Gear S3 smartwatch, which is listed at “Coming Soon”. Customers can have their pick between Classic and Frontier models for $349.99 a pop. As you can see Samsung’s wearable is a bit more expensive that ASUS’.

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But is it worth it? Samsung certainly does seem to think so. In case you don’t remember, we’ll remind you that Samsung introduced the Gear 3 back at IFA 2016 in Berlin. The watch features a round 1.3-inch circular AMOLED display with the iconic rotating bezel which makes app navigation and messaging a lot easier. The display boasts 360 x 360 pixel resolution and is powered by a dual-core 1GHz chipset.

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The watch is water-resistant and embeds a GPS monitor and a heart-rate monitor. It’s also capable of making contactless payment via Samsung Pay support.

Samsung has upgraded the battery inside the S3, so compared to last year’s model, the wearable features a 50% larger battery (380 mAh). It also boast 50% more RAM power (768MB). We should also note the Gear S3 runs Samsung’s own Tizen OS, so it’s not your “regular” Android Wear wearable.

To give you an idea of how the Samsung Gear 3 compares to the recent ASUS ZenWatch 3, we’ll remind you that the wearable of 1.39-inch AMOLED display with 400 x 400 resolution.

There’s a Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset under the hood with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage and a 340 mAh battery. The watch runs Android Wear out of the box, but there’s no mention of Android Pay working on the device. Note this watch doesn’t have a heart rate sensor or GPS, but it’s water resistant nevertheless.

PBS launches its own kid-friendly tablet, the Playtime Pad

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Device makers aren’t flocking to release tablets like they used to. However, there are still companies who consider that launching a tablet might be beneficial for their business. Like PSB Kids, a subsidiary of American public broadcaster and television program distributor PBS, which just unveiled its first kid-centric tablet computer.

The new Playtime Pad has been designed with the specific purpose in mind of bringing children’s television programming to those kids who prefer the tablet instead of to the good old TV.

The Playtime Pad is technically produced by Ematic and comes pre-loaded with PBS Kids’ entertainment which includes a host of games, videos and more. The company’s own set of applications including PBS Kids Video, PBS Kids Scratch Jr. and PBS Parents Play and Learn, will also come pre-installed. Parents and kids can access new content via the PBS apps which are constantly updated.

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When it comes to specifications, don’t expect anything mind-blowing. The Playtime Pad is pretty average in this department coming in with a 7-inch display with 1024 x 600 resolution, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor with 16GB of internal storage (microSD card slot available for memory expansion). A front and back camera are also provided, although we’re not given any specifics about their sensors.

The Playtime Pad runs a customized version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. But don’t expect Android 7.0 Nougat to make it out on this tablet anytime soon.

Like any self-respecting tablet for kids, the Playtime Pad offers intuitive parental controls. Adults will be allowed to select the content they allow their children to view by being able to approve or block certain videos, online games and installed apps. They will also be able to set up usage limits.

While the PBS tablet isn’t the only kiddie friendly tablet out there (the Amazon Fire Kids Edition is a great example of what the competition is offering) it’s bright design and colorful set of wallpapers might capture the hearts of young users.

The tablet is pretty affordable. Starting November 6, parents will be able to get their hands on it for $79.99 from Best Buy, Walmart and PBS Kids’ own web shop.

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To compare, the Amazon Fire Kids Edition takes advantage of a 7-inch display with 1024 x 600 pixel-resolution and a 1.3GHz quad-core processor on the inside. The tablet packs 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage (expandable up to 128GB via microSD card slot).

It runs Amazon’s own customized Fire OS and offers unlimited, free access to 10,000 kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, and educational apps.

The Amazon Fire Kids Edition it’s a bit more expensive than the PBS Playtime Pad, costing parents $99.

Master & Dynamic releases the ultra premium MW50 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

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Master & Dynamic has made a name for itself as being one of the most premium audio accessory makers in the world. It prides itself on designing products to last by using high-end materials such as stainless steel, lambskin and other premium leathers while others default to plastic and silicone.

M&D spends countless hours perfecting its audio products and doesn’t distract its purpose with other products outside of audio. Its first premium MW60 Wireless Over Ear Headphones are a hit with its users as they appreciate the build, sound quality and attention to detail. WIRED even named the MW60 Wireless Over Ear Headphones the “Best Bluetooth Headphones of 2015.”

As a follow up to the MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Master & Dynamic released a smaller and cheaper MW50 Wireless On-Ear Headphones.

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The next generation headphones are built with 40mm beryllium diaphragms, weigh 240g, and are truly wireless with Bluetooth 4.1 and aptX. The battery is rated at a ridiculous 16 hours, and is one of the very few headphones that uses USB C which is only found on the most current smartphones and laptops. USB C is not only reversible, but it charges at a faster rate than the older generation microUSB.

Following the Master & Dynamic tradition of superior build quality, the MW50 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are made with cowhide and lambskin leathers, and stainless steel and aluminum. They look incredible but feel even better. M&D is one of the few companies who has learned to command form and function.

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If you’ve ever owned a German automobile like a BMW, Mercedes or Porsche, you know the attention to detail is superior to all others. Sure you pay more, but for those who appreciate quality and functionality, you’d be hard pressed to find anything better.

The MW50 Wireless On-Ear Headphones are available now at www.masterdynamic.com for $449.99 and come in black and brown. If you love audio and haven’t tried out Master & Dynamic, you have no idea what you are missing.

Google Assistant may not work with VPNs

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If you use a VPN, and you really should, you might run into issues with the Assistant. (Disclosure: I write for LiquidVPN).

XDA reports that some people have noticed issues. If you use a VPN on Android, you might notice that Google Assistant only works in offline mode. It doesn’t matter what device you have, or how you got Assistant (getting a Pixel, build.prop edits or Xposed module).

The bug seems to be annoying, but benign in nature. Although Google warns you that the Assistant is offline, other features work just like normal. Apparently, some people that use VPN-based ad blocking apps have said that Assistant doesn’t work at  all for them, but so far no one has been able to replicate and/or confirm that issue.

Image credit: XDA
Image credit: XDA

To recreate the original bug, you just need to connect to a VPN, then open the Assistant. Personally, I’ve even had trouble in the past trying to use Google search with a VPN on a mobile device. It only happened once in a while, so it probably wasn’t a bug.

In any case, it doesn’t seem like too big of an issue. Hopefully Google will fix this, but it seems like only a small percentage of users will be affected. The way I see it, the most common use of VPNs is to protect your privacy and stay (relatively) anonymous. So if you’re concerned about privacy, you probably wouldn’t use the Assistant in the first place.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve had issues like this with VPNs and Assistant.

Google considers an update for Nexus phones to add fingerprint gestures

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Google is reportedly “considering” a firmware update for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. This will allow users to have a fingerprint gesture that users of the Pixel and Pixel XL currently enjoy.

The gesture is a simple “swipe”. You swipe your finger down on the fingerprint scanner to access the notification shade on the device. Although a feature of Android 7.1, it wasn’t brought to the 5X and 6P due to a firmware issue with the scanner.

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The Pixel models use the same fingerprint hardware as the two previous Nexus models, but Google says the firmware version of the Nexus scanners was incompatible. According to AndroidPolice, Google gave a short reply to suggest that the team is “evaluating” a firmware update to the 5X and 6P.

So it’s not for certain, but Google is considering it. There is no details about when a possible update would arrive, but Google said to “stay tuned.”

With its unprecedented advertising campaign, Google is pushing the Pixel phones as hard as it can. Some features, like the Assistant and these fingerprint gestures, are Pixel-exclusive. Our own Derrick Miyao said he would consider the Nexus 6P to be a solid choice, even after a year later. So it’s definitely worthwhile for Google to keep Nexus users happy.

Omaker 3-in-1 Universal Car Phone Mount review

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We’ve got a question for you today. When you get in the car to drive somewhere, where do you put your phone? Please tell us you don’t put it in a cup holder or some sort of cubbyhole. If that thing comes out of your pocket, it needs to go somewhere handy and practical. Your phone deserves a mount of some sort.

We have reviewed a number of car mount accessories over the years, some of which suction to the dash or window. Others that have come across our path can be placed in an air vent. Up for review today is a kit that bundles together three different types of mounts in one package; we looked at Omaker 3-in-1 Universal Car Phone Mount and would like to share our impressions.

omaker_1Packed neatly in a small little box, the Omaker kit includes a number of pieces which can be assembled to your liking. If you’d like to mount your phone on the dashboard, there’s a sticky base that grabs hold tightly and ensures your handset doesn’t go anywhere.

Prefer to put your phone up a little higher or in the windshield itself? Opt for the different mount which offers up a flexible yet strong arm that bends to your exact placement. And, if you’re the type of person who would rather stick their device somewhere a little different, you might like the air vent mount.

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Taken as a whole, there are seemingly endless places you can place your phone with the Omaker 3-in-1 Universal Car Phone Mount kit. And, lest you worry that you’re stuck with any one placement, the universal bracket screws and unscrews with minimal effort. It’s a breeze to go from one mount to another. The only downside we saw was that the dashboard one’s sticky bottom doesn’t seem as if it would be as strong if you got in the habit of moving it around.

The bracket itself has a nice foam padding to it on the rear as well as the side arms and bottom. Once snugged up, the phone is protected on nearly all sides with material that ensures your phone doesn’t get scratched. The bottom leaves the center of your phone clear so you can plug in a charger.

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Because of its design, the Omaker 3-in-1 Universal Car Phone Mount lets you change the orientation of your phone at a moment’s notice. Heading out on a long trip and need to use the GPS or navigation function of your phone? Turn the bracket 90 degrees in whatever direction you want and get going.

When it’s time to take your phone out of the mount, there’s a button on the rear near the bottom. It is intuitively placed and lets you loosen the side arms; they slowly expand while you hold the button down.

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We thoroughly enjoy the Omaker 3-in-1 Universal Car Phone Mount as it’s one of the most user-friendly products of its kind. Moreover, it’s flexible and highly customizable to suit needs. At only $14 on Amazon, it also happens to be an incredible bargain. Note that the price was discounted at the time of publication and is subject to rise without notice. With that said, we feel comfortable recommending this one even at $30-$35.