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Corning Gorilla Glass Victus aims to guard against drops and scratches

AndroidGuys
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Smartphone screens are about to get a bit more sturdy yet again, thanks to Corning‘s next generation of Gorilla Glass.

Called Gorilla Glass Victus, it promises better resistance to drops and scratches than its predecessor, Gorilla Glass 6. Indeed, it’s said to feature twice the improvement in scratch resistance than the previous generation.

As for drops, Gorilla Glass Victus is reported to handle drops from up to two meters onto hard, rough surfaces. That’s a fairly noteworthy bump over the Gorilla Glass 6’s handling of up to 1.6 meters.

When it comes to glass and display protection we’ve had to trade scratch resistance for guarding against drops. Often it’s one or the other and most recently it’s been heading in the direction of drops. Gorilla Glass Victus attempts to bring that balance back in line for users.

As much as we like our phones to handle the occasional fall or getting knocked off the table, we equally appreciate if it withstands simple scratches. And given that we’re holding onto phones longer than ever, it’s still too easy to pick up a little bit of surface scuffing over the years.

According to Wired, Corning is ready to meet the demand for its next-generation glass. However, with the pandemic still in full swing, it could be some time before we see it widely available. With that said, don’t be surprised if it’s listed among the features of your next flagship handset.

T-Mobile announces more competitive plan pricing

Josiah Ward
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T-Mobile and Sprint have been merged for around 3 months, and have launched a series of initiatives, from free robocall protection to free unlimited service for first responders.

Now, with the T-Mobile and Sprint brands officially merging on August 2nd, the Un-Carrier is offering 4 lines of unlimited data for $25 per line plus taxes and fees.

In addition, you can get four Samsung Galaxy A71 5G’s for only an additional $5 per line with an eligible trade-in.

If switching from AT&T or Verizon, T-Mobile has their Keep & Switch offer. With Keep & Switch, you can keep your phone and T-Mobile will clear any existing debts with the other carriers up to $450.

You can read more about the offer here and watch the announcement from CEO Mike Sievert below.

Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 promises full phone charging in 15 minutes

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Qualcomm on Monday announced Quick Charge 5, its latest version of its standard for charging battery-powered devices like phones. As one might expect, it takes the already-fast charging technology and dials it way up.

According to Qualcomm, Quick Charge 5 promises to charge a dead phone up to 50% in just five minutes. Moreover, a mere 15 minutes is all that’s required to hit the full 100%.

To achieve this technologically astounding feat, Qualcomm employs a 100 watt/20 volt power supply. And that’s not all; it can support higher wattages and/or voltage, too.

Understanding that typical battery cells and phone charging circuits cannot handle these levels without overheating, it utilizes “stacked cells” which more or less amounts to multiple batteries.

…optimized to take advantage of both USB-PD and Type-C technologies, addressing future Android requirements. Compatibility with industry standards like USB Type-C protocols…

Not only is this new stuff incredibly fast, it’s also more efficient, too. It folds in 12 voltage, current, and temperature protections, and runs 10 degrees Celsius cooler than Quick Charge 4.

Quick Charge 5 is backwards-compatible and works with the USB-PD standard as well as wireless charging.

Mobile devices with Quick Charge 5 are expected to ship as soon as the third quarter of the year (Q3 2020). The feature is already supported on Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 865 Plus mobile processors.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra specs and features leak

Josiah Ward
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When we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, we called it the best phone available at the time. Now almost a year has passed, so as is customary, it is time to renew the Note line.

Also as is customary, there have already been many leaks concerning the Note 20, from specs and renders to a rumored date for Samsung Unpacked 2020.

Now a more definitive leak from WinFuture has come, referring to the Note 20 Ultra as the “Xbox-Smartphone”, along with images of the device.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Specs

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraThe Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a true flagship, with some of the following specs:

  • 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a QHD resolution(3,200 * 1,440 resolution) and refresh rates that can scale up to 120Hz when needed with Gorilla Glass 7
  • The 108MP sensor from the Galaxy S20 Ultra combined with laser autofocus, dual-pixel autofocus, and 2 additional 12MP sensors. One sensor will be a wide-angle whereas the other will be a telephoto lens with 5x zoom
  • A 10MP selfie camera in an Infinity-O punch hole
  • A 4,500mAh battery that can charge from 0 to 5% in 30 minutes
  • The processor listed is the Exynos 990, featured in the Samsung Galaxy S20 phones, but that’s only for the European version, so the North American version’s processor is still unknown
  • 12GB of RAM with either 256 or 512GB of storage expandable by microSD
  • 5G network support

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra featuresSamsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

Flagship specs mean nothing without great features, though. So here is some of what the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra will offer:

  • Integration with Project xCloud game streaming in addition to access to Xbox Game Pass
  • Possible Wireless Dex with ability to project to TV’s and other supported displays
  • A lower-latency S-Pen and reported “Real Feel” to make the writing experience feel more like writing on paper

Motorola Edge will launch in the US with $200 off the price tag

Rizwan Anwer
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The Motorola Edge is a phone that looks almost as good as the recently released LG Velvet but has been held out of the US market since it was announced a few months ago. The phone is now getting an official launch in the US with pre-orders starting today and the phone will be available for sale at the end of the month, on July 31st.

The Motorola Edge – coming to a store near you

The Motorola Edge is a solid budget-friendly phone that’s packed with great hardware and an even better looking exterior finish.

Specs

  • Display: 6.7-inch OLED, with Motorola’s Endless Edge display
    • 90Hz refresh rate with HDR10+
  • Platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
  • Storage: 256 GB internal, UFS 2.1
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Main camera:
    • 64 MP Wide
    • 8 MP Telephoto
    • 16 MP Ultrawide
  • Front-facing camera: 25 MP
  • Battery: 4500 mAh
  • Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Colors: Midnight Magenta and Solar Black

A rarity at this price-range, the Motorola Edge is offering up a 6.7-inch display that features a 90 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. The recently announced OnePlus Nord is the only phone in the price range with a high refresh display, while others like the LG Velvet lack the feature.

The triple rear-camera setup features a 48 MP main shooter which allows you to shoot in 4K resolution, but disappointingly at only 30 frames-per-second (FPS). Many devices with similar processor and camera setups allow you to shoot at a higher 60 FPS which means your video looks much smoother.

Device storage is something that is rarely an issue on Android devices, and the Motorola Edge is no different. It comes standard with 256 GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage. That means you can shoot 4K video until your heart is content. But, if you do manage to fill up all that storage, there is a micro SD card slot for additional storage.

The processor isn’t Qualcomm’s current flagship, the Snapdragon 865+, but you do get a very capable Snapdragon 765G, which includes a 5G modem. Despite not being the absolute best processor on the market, most users will be completely fine here unless they’re playing high-end games. And the inclusion of a 5G modem will make sure you’re not left behind as the new connectivity standard becomes more and more popular.

The Motorola Edge officially goes on sale on July 31, but you can pre-order it right now from B&H Photo, Amazon.com, and Motorola.com for just $499. That’s a $200 discount off of retail so make sure you act fast before this deal runs out.

How to block in-app ads on your Android phone without root or special apps

Rizwan Anwer
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With in-app ads becoming a frequent occurrence, you might find that your gaming or app experience can be a little monotonous or intrusive.

Fortunately, you can use a few simple steps to block in-app ads on your Android Phone. This trick doesn’t require any APK or app to be installed nor does it require your phone to be rooted. All you have to do is be on a device that runs Android 9 or newer.

Keep in Mind

Many developers rely on advertisements to support their development efforts. Whether it’s a small independent group of just three guys or a larger team spread out globally, the revenue generated from otherwise free games is used to pay for hosting, cloud backups, storage, graphic design, and more. In other words, removing ads or blocking them potentially inhibits developers from growth.

How to block in-app ads on your Android Phone

You can find your device’s software version by going to “About Phone” and looking at the Android Version in your phone’s settings menu. This exact process can vary from one smartphone manufacturer to the next, but you can often find it pretty easily.

Another thing to consider is that many newer phones from 2019 and 2020 already run at least Android 9 with most current flagships having Android 10.

Once you have confirmed you’re running Android 9 or higher, you need to look for the Private DNS setting. Here’s how to do so.

Open up your Setting menu, and if you have the search function embedded in there, you can use that to search for Private DNS or DNS. Otherwise, you can try looking in your networking/wireless or connection setting on your phone.

In the case of my OnePlus 7T, the setting was located in Wi-Fi & Internet. On my Pocophone F1, the setting was located in connection & sharing.

Once you find the setting, tap on it and a new box will open up, prompting you to enter a Private DNS Mode.

Choose Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.adguard.com and tap on save.

This will now enable a system-wide setting for your DNS settings to be rerouted through adguard. While this won’t completely get rid of your ads in an app, it can reduce their frequency of occurrence.

Beware!

It’s also worth mentioning that this could also break certain apps. When tested with TurboVPN free version, the app would refuse to connect me to a server. When I turned off the Private DNS, I was able to connect to the VPN once more.

If you have gotten tired of in-app ads, this little DNS hack is very handy. It works on virtually any Android phone or tablet device, as long as it is running Android 9 or above.

Take your Linux skills to the next level with this 12-course training bundle, just $69

AndroidGuys
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Linux is by far the most popular open source operating system kernel on the planet. It’s found nearly everywhere, and is the heart of many desktops, smart devices, routers, TVs, Chromebooks, and Android phones.

How much do you know about Linux? Not just from a deep technical standpoint, but from a casual user. Do you know there are open source alternatives to many of the popular paid programs you use on your Windows or Mac computers?

Linux-based operating systems are increasingly used in commercial computing environments, and that means demand for system administrators is at a constant high. Whether it’s Google, Amazon, Facebook, or someone else, companies are paying top dollar for experts in the field of Linux.

If you’d like to get a better grasp on Linux for yourself, and maybe make a career out of it, you’ll definitely want to check out the Complete 2020 Learn Linux Bundle.

Available for only $69 right now in the AndroidGuys Deals Store, it’s a 12-course online training bundle that’s valued in the thousands.

The Complete 2020 Learn Linux Bundle is comprised of 110 hours of expert-led instruction. Broken into 12 specialized learning segments, each is designed to teach everyone, even a complete novice, with 279 helpful, step-by-step tutorials and hands-on examples.

The Complete 2020 Learn Linux Bundle:

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
  • Linux Shell Scripting: Basics
  • Linux Security Techniques
  • Linux in the Cloud
  • Linux Command Line
  • Linux for Beginners
  • CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004)
  • Getting Started with Linux (CompTIA Micro Course)
  • Becoming a Linux System Admin
  • Becoming a Linux Server Admin
  • Becoming a Linux Power User
  • Linux Shell Scripting: Advanced

Availability

You can purchase a lifetime license to the Complete 2020 Learn Linux Bundle for just $69, but only for a limited time. At less than 50 cents per hour, it’s the sort of investment that pays off at home and potentially work.

Best Sellers

Save even more!

For every $25 you spend in the AG Deals Store you get $1 credit added to your account. And, if you refer the deal via social media or an email that results in a purchase, you’ll earn $10 credit in your account.

First Time Buying?

If this is your first time buying, you are also eligible for 10% discount! Just be sure to subscribe for email updates.

Free Stuff

Not looking to spend any money today? No worries. You can still visit the AndroidGuys section for freebies and pick something anyhow.

Boost Mobile rings up a trio of new phones for summer 2020

AndroidGuys
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Boost Mobile this week began offering three new smartphones as part of its phone lineup. The move comes quickly on the heels of another pair that were launched earlier in the month.

Among the newest are a couple of updated Motorola models and a refreshed handset from French manufacturer Wiko.

All three handsets are priced very low, especially at launch. And even if they rise to their respective retail prices, you’ll be looking at $150 at the most. Let’s take a look at what each of Boost Mobile’s new phone offer.

Wiko Ride 2

A successor to an existing model, the Wiko Ride 2 is exclusively offered at Boost Mobile. Key features include a 5.5-inch HD display, 8-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and 32GB internal storage.

Digging a little deeper we find a Mediatek Helio A22 processor, 2GB RAM, a microSD expansion card slot, FM radio, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 2,500mAh battery

The Wiko Ride 2 is rated with IP52 water resistance and is priced just $40 at Boost Mobile. Standard retail pricing is listed at $90. Effective August 1, the phone will be available from Walmart for $35.

Motorola Moto G Fast

The Moto G Fast is priced as an entry-level phone but its specifications hover a little closer to the middle of the pack. Indeed, it comes with a generous 6.4-inch display,  a triple-camera setup on the back and a 4,000mAh battery that should last far beyond a typical day.

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor, the Moto G Fast is paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. A microSD expansion card slot allows for up to 512GB of external media.

The  triple camera system includes a 16-megapixel standard lens, an ultra-wide camera, and a macro shooter. Around front is an 8-megapixel camera for selfies.

The Motorola Moto G Fast has a retail price of $150, but it’s currently being offered for just $99.99. Customers who switch to Boost can nab the phone for as low as $29.99 for a limited time.

Motorola Moto E

The Motorola Moto E might be priced like a phone on its way out the door but that’s hardly the case. Powered by Android 10, it’s more than enough handset to satisfy the typical Boost Mobile consumer.

Key hardware details include a 6.2-inch display, a 13-megapixel/2-megapixel rear camera setup, and a generous 3500mAh battery. Throw in a fingerprint reader and water-repellent coating and you’ve got a great everyday phone.

Under the hood we find a Qualcome Snapdragon 632 octa-core processor, 2GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage. A microSD expansion card slot lets users add up to 512GB of additional space.

The Motorola Moto E retails for about $120, but it’s currently being offered for just $69.99. Customers who switch to Boost from another carrier can grab it for as little as $9.99 right now.

How to block ads on Google Chrome Mobile without root or apps

Rizwan Anwer
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If you use Google Chrome as your go-to mobile browser, this neat little trick will teach you how to block ads on Google Chrome Mobile. This can be done without root or any third-party apps. All you need is access to the URL bar.

How to block ads on Google Chrome Mobile

The following guide will help reduce the number of ads you will encounter while using Google Chrome Mobile. This helps save you data and make your browsing experience more pleasant.

It is true that this is a more limited approach to tackling ads, but this is the best you’re going to get when you’re going to work without root or a third-party app.

If you pair this guide with our other guide on blocking ads with a system-wide DNS, you might get even better results!

Keep in Mind

Many websites, including this one, rely on advertisements whether on desktop or mobile devices. Removing ads or blocking them inhibits site owners from using generated revenue from paying for staff, services, and more.

Get Started

It’s best to be on the latest version of Google Chrome, so make sure you have the latest version running from the Google Play Store.

Once you have updated, tap on your URL bar and type in Chrome://flags, followed by the enter key. Search for DNS and look for Aysnc DNS resolver.

Change the state of Async DNS Resolver to disabled. Doing so will trigger a relaunch button at the bottom right of the screen, tap on it to save the change.

Once Google Chrome has relaunched, enter chrome://net-internals in the URL bar.

This will take slightly longer to load but it will load eventually.

Once the page is open, look for the DNS tab, and tap on Clear host cache option a couple of times for good measure.

Once you have done so, kill the Chrome app from the tasker and restart it one last time.

While we can’t guarantee that this will completely stop all ads on your web browsing, it should help reduce the number of ads you see on websites.

Hampton Products launches Peace By Hampton smart products

Josiah Ward
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Many people have smart home products, from lights to thermostats to microwaves. However, they can be quite expensive.

That’s where Peace by Hampton a Best Buy exclusive line of smart devices by Hampton Products, comes in.

Peace by Hampton Smart LED Bulbs

Peace by Hampton A19 Bulbs

The Smart Bulbs, available in 4-packs of either A19(traditional light bulb size) or BR30(indoor floodlight for recessed lighting) are Wi-Fi light bulbs that require no hub, are adjustable by app, and feature a color spectrum of 16 million colors.

The 4-pack of A19 bulbs costs $59.99 and is available here.

The 4-pack of BR30 bulbs costs $64.99 and is available here.

Peace by Hampton Single Outlet Smart Wall Plug

Peace By Hampton Smart Plug

The Smart Wall Plug is a 15-amp Smart Wall Plug with scheduling capabilities, a countdown timer, and ability to be controlled via voice commands or through the Peace By Hampton app.

A two-pack of white plugs costs $18.99 and comes with a full two-year warranty. The pack is available here.

 

 

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