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1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones review

Accessory Reviews

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July 20, 2020

There is no shortage of options when it comes to portable audio solutions. Headphones come in over-ear and on-ear designs and then there’s earbuds, earphones, and the endless list of models. Up for review today are the 1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones.

Design

1More’s Stylish True Wireless Headphones come with a medium-sized egg-shaped case. It’s not the largest case I’ve ever seen, but certainly not the most compact one either. While most true wireless cases use magnets to keep the case closed, 1More has gone with a push-button clasp here, simple but effective. However, the buds themselves are held in place with magnets, making it easier to insert for charging while also keeping them held securely in place.

On the back of the case, you’ll find a micro USB port for charging. I was disappointed 1More decided to go with micro USB here, but unfortunately, it’s still not unusual to find this on Bluetooth headphones these days. Especially when it comes to headphones in this price range, where it is usually a toss-up whether the manufacturer will choose to use micro USB or USB-C.

The 1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones come in four different color options, including black, gold, pink, and green. 1More was nice enough to send out a pair in black for this review, which is my favorite of all the colors offered, and I must say, I’m very pleased with the overall look.

Comfort

1More offers a selection of ear tips and earloops in the box allowing you to customize the fit for each ear. Personally, I went with the smallest size for both and found them to be very comfortable, even during long listening sessions. The ear tips fit my ears well helping to isolate sound, while the ear loops ensured they would stay in place, even while exercising.

Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the fit of the 1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones. Unlike with many other brands, I didn’t experience any discomfort while wearing them and they stay securely in your ears, what more could you ask for?

User Experience

First things first, 1More has an app for its Bluetooth headphones, but for the Stylish True Wireless Headphones, it does very little. Essentially, the app gives you the battery level of each bud, but not the case, allows you to update the firmware, and provides you with an overview of what the buttons do. Personally, I would have liked to have seen some more features, such as an equalizer, and a way to view the current battery level of the case.

The version of firmware you are running will determine what the button shortcuts will do. If you upgrade to the latest version 1More has included a new shortcut to control the volume. However, I must stress this point, if you need to upgrade the firmware, you MUST read the instructions on 1More’s blog post first.

If not, then you are doomed to endure one of the most frustrating update experiences I’ve ever had to go through. There is an entire process that involves updating each bud separately, and the app will not walk you through it. Consider yourself warned.

Please read the blog post and follow the instructions or else you’ll be paying for it later. You could end up like me, spending several hours trying to get the buds updated properly and paired back to your phone. This was my experience after assuming updating only required having both buds out of the case when pressing the upgrade button inside of the app.

Besides the upgrade fiasco, the True Stylish True Wireless Headphones worked great. I especially liked the buttons which are clicky and perform much better than the touch-sensitive ones I’ve used on other true wireless headphones. The only thing missing is a sensor which pauses the music when a bud is removed from your ear, however, that’s something I can live without.

Sound Quality

The 1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones are more than just stylish, as the name implies. They are also the best-sounding truly wireless headphones I’ve heard in this price range.

I was immediately impressed with how deep the bass is along with how well balanced the highs are to preserve detail in tracks. This guarantees you’ll be able to hear every instrument in each song without losing any of the low-end.

Whether I was listening to pop, rock, classical, rap, or EDM I thoroughly enjoyed the sound of the 1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones. These sound almost as good as headphones that cost nearly twice as much.

Bluetooth Connection

With the exception of my trouble with pairing after a failed firmware update, the 1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones provide a pretty solid connection. As long as I was within 30-40ft. of my phone, I had no issues, unless there were a couple of walls in the way. At that point, I would experience a drop out here and there, but that’s not unusual.

My only complaint would be that occasionally they wouldn’t automatically reconnect when I took them out of the case. That would require me to open up the Bluetooth menu and manually select them, it’s not the end of the world, but certainly not ideal either.

Battery Life

1More rates the Stylish True Wireless Headphones at 6.5 hours of consecutive listening, with three additional charges from the case, for a total of 24 hours of playback time. In my experience, they live up to this promise. I had no issues with the headphones dying early, or any occasions where I ran out of juice. The case even offers fast charging, which will give the buds up to three-hours of playback after charging them for 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Despite some of the minor issues I encountered with the 1More Stylish True Wireless Headphones, they are comfortable and sound fantastic. At $100 they are well worth the price and if you can find them even cheaper on sale, they are a steal. These are without a doubt my go to for recommending TWS headphones in the $100 price range. No other headphones I’ve tried at this price can compete and I think 1More has really outdone themselves here.

Buy from Amazon Buy from 1More

Just $30, this 62-hour training bundle will turn you into a CompTIA Linux Network pro

Deals

AndroidGuys

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July 17, 2020

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The tech world is heading for the cloud, and it’s doing it at an increasingly faster pace. Consider for a moment, more than half of all professionals are currently using the cloud for projects, or plan to migrate to the cloud.

When it comes to managing businesses in 2020, it takes more than having someone on your team who can “mess with” things. You don’t want that for troubleshooting and configuration and sure don’t want it for security.

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. It’s what enables professionals to be more successful and leads to with industry-leading IT certifications and IT business credentials, IT education, resources, and more.

Show up for a job interview with CompTIA credentials under your belt and your prospective employer will know you not only have IT skills, but you also show a commitment to your career and continued learning.

If this sounds like something that you’d be interested in? Go to the AndroidGuys Deals Store today and you’ll find the CompTIA Linux Network Professional Bundle on sale for just $29.99.

Included in the online training bundle is some 62 hours of instructor-led content on CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004) and CompTIA Network+ (N10-007). What does that mean to you? It means learning the current trends and tools in today’s tech environment and how to work with them.

CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004)

Practice an organized test-preparation routine through the use of proven series elements & techniques
Understand hardware & system configuration
Learn Linux troubleshooting & diagnostics
Learn about systems operation & maintenance along w/ security measures and operations

CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)

Describe the features of different network protocols & products for LANs, WANs, and wireless networks
Understand the functions & features of TCP/IP addressing and protocols
Identify threats to network security & appropriate countermeasures and controls
Install & configure network cabling and appliances
Manage, monitor & troubleshoot networks

Get Started Today!

Valued at nearly $600, this online training bundle is yours for just $29.99 right now, a savings of more than 90%. It’s yours for as long as you want and you’ll even get certificates of completion when you’re done.

Best Sellers

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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.

My Android phone as a car key? Yes please!

Opinion

Andrew Allen

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July 17, 2020

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Apple recently announced something at its WWDC live stream conference that really caught my eye. No, not those things that Android has had for years like better home screen management and widgets. As a matter of fact, it was the concept of digital car keys.

I’ve been on a crusade lately to find a great organizer for my keys. There’s something about what Apple has going that gets me thinking that this could be the final step to my pocket euphoria.

The new partnership between Apple and car manufacturers will allow users to unlock or start their vehicle via Near Field Communication, or NFC. If this sounds familiar, it’s because the technology has been around for a while now. It’s used for beaming files from one phone to another or for tap-to-pay at checkouts.

From the looks of it, this will work almost identically to how wireless payments are processed. Cars will have a receiver built into the door handle to unlock the car and another one in the dash area to allow for ignition.

It’s not necessarily a new idea as companies like Hyundai, BMW, and Tesla have offered this with proprietary apps. What makes this different is that Apple bakes it directly into the operating system. No app to download, open, or learn; just Apple Wallet.

Hey Google, copy Apple

I sincerely hope that Google is working on a similar development path. I would love to have my next car have the ability to be locked, unlocked, and started by my Pixel.

As we move towards a world without a physical wallet or at least one where we’re less dependent on one, digital car security seems like a natural progression.

Google has a great working relationship and blueprints with car OEMs to follow with Carplay and Android Auto. Much like BMW will be Apple’s first, premium carmakers were the first to adopt pluggable infotainment like Android Auto. Google can take these baby steps with high-end cars to hone this new feature and morph it into a standard feature for all vehicles.

Google can also partner with manufacturers that are always looking at technology as an advantage no matter the sticker price of the car. Hyundai and Kia specifically have in-house app solutions with similar features and were also early adopters of Android Auto in the US. I could easily see both brands interested in a feature like this as a unique and compelling selling factor over its (much) more expensive rivals.

Tread Lightly

As we see in all forms of emerging tech, especially those around mobile devices, security measures, and extra precaution will be paramount. Similar to self-driving cars and other areas where we hand permission over to technology, we’ll have to move at a deliberate and measured pace.

With that said, Google has plenty of experience in the area of security. I’m sure face unlock and the new Titan chips for Pixels can both be leveraged. Apple has a quick feature turned on by default but face unlock can be turned on for added assurance in the settings.

Tomorrow Can’t Come Soon Enough

With all that said, I can’t wait to see this as an option for Android. I long for the days for fewer things to carry when leaving the house. An encrypted digital device that never leaves my hands seems like the right place for them to land.

I can already unlock my house, set my alarm, and check my wifi network all from remote locations. Why wouldn’t being able to start and unlock my car on the go be the next frontier?

How About You?

What about the rest of you out there? Do you hope this is in the next version of Android? Do you trust the concept enough to consider leaving a physical key behind? Let us know in the comments.

T-Mobile makes robocall and scam protection free for all customers

News

AndroidGuys

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July 17, 2020

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T-Mobile this week announced a new initiative it calls Scam Shield. Available for all T-Mobile, Metro, and Sprint customers, it’s a suite of technologies designed to stop scam calls and robocalling.

Scam Shield features, which will be made available at no cost, arrive at a crucial time. Scam phone calls seem to be running rampant, especially with the ongoing pandemic. According to T-Mobile, Americans have lost more than $80 million in fraudulent COVID-related activity in 2020 alone.

Scam Shield is the first Un-carrier announcement since the Sprint merger and will be offered to new and existing T-Mobile, Sprint, and Metro customers.

All customers can opt to have all scam and robocolls automatically blocked today, for free, by dialing #662# on their handset. Starting July 24th, T-Mobile and Metro customers can download a free Scam Shield app that features additional options and settings for managing such calls.

Scam Shield

Free Scam ID and Blocking. Suspicious calls are flagged, and customers can turn on scam blocking to never see those calls again.
Free, Enhanced Caller ID. If we know who’s calling, you’ll know who is calling. And with new improvements, you’ll know when the number is verified as coming from a real person or business.
Free Second Number. Introducing T-Mobile PROXY, a second number to keep your personal number personal.
Free Number Change. If your personal number becomes a spam magnet, get a clean slate with a new number.
Free Scam Shield App. The central spot to activate these new protections and, for an extra charge, unlock more advanced call controls. Sprint customers now get free protections — previously an added charge — in the upgraded Call Screener app.
Free Be ID Aware Service. Get ID monitoring and alerts for 12 months from the experts at McAfee, available for a limited time.

Hanging up on Sprint

Effective August 2, the Sprint brand will fully transition to T-Mobile, effectively retiring the name and look. Most legacy Sprint stores will get a refresh with T-Mobile’s signature magenta color.

More Information

If you’d like to learn more about what T-Mobile is offering in the way of Scam Shield, head to the provider’s news room. There’s a deeper dive into each of the various new features.

How to create a QR code with a short message for WhatsApp Business accounts

Tips & Tools

Rizwan Anwer

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July 17, 2020

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As businesses are slowly beginning to open, many of them are moving to digital platforms, with WhatsApp Business being a popular choice for connecting with consumers. A new feature in the app now lets you share a QR code with a quick message to get customers started with placing orders.

WhatsApp recently gave users the ability to share a personal QR code and Group QR code with others. This makes it easier and faster to share and contact via the biggest instant messenger app on the planet.

Prior to this you’d have to exchange phone numbers, including area codes, which could be cumbersome. The same feature has now rolled on to WhatsApp Business, which lets you directly contact businesses and place orders from your own WhatsApp account.

The feature is now available globally, and all you have to do is make sure your app is running the latest version from the Google Play Store.

Once you are updated, start the app and navigate to the three dots at the top right of the app, and open Settings.

You will get a new screen, open Business Tools.

At the bottom of the new page, you will see Short link. Tap on that.

If you wish to change the message that a customer will send once they scan the QR Code, then you can tap the pencil icon (1) to curate a custom message e.g. “Are you currently taking orders?”.

Once you have curated your message, proceed to View QR Code (2).

The last step is generating the QR code.

All you have to do is take a screenshot and share it as you wish. You can also tap Share Code at the bottom to set the QR Code as a profile picture on Facebook, share it to your Instagram, set it as a WhatsApp Status, share it on your personal WhatsApp account, etc.

How to scan a WhatsApp Business QR Code

To scan the code, open your personal WhatsApp account and go back to the first step, after Settings, and press the QR Code icon that you see on the far right next to your name and status.

You will slide to Scan Code by swiping to the right and placing the WhatsApp Business QR code in the square.

This will allow you to scan a WhatsApp Business account and initiate contact with them via a short message which you can if you wish to ask a different question.

How to migrate your data to a Pixel phone

Tips & Tools

Rizwan Anwer

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July 16, 2020

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With smartphones becoming increasingly more affordable, buying one can be a semi-regular occurrence. However, moving data between your old phone and the new one can be cumbersome.

Many people will opt to transfer the data to a computer and then to the new phone. Historically, that was what one had to do. Or, users would back up what they could to a microSD card. Today, smartphone manufacturers have dedicated apps that make this process easy, efficient, and seamless.

This guide will teach you how to move all your personal data (SMS, calls, apps, photos, etc.) from your old phone to a Pixel-branded phone. With this, you won’t have to worry about copying data on a computer or removable storage.

Why Pixel Phones?

You can never go wrong with a Pixel phone. These are the first phones to receive Google’s software updates as well as the developer builds. If you’ve recently pocketed yourself a nifty Google Pixel 3a or a Pixel 4/XL, or plan to grab one, this guide will tell you how to move your data from your old phone to your brand new Pixel.

This guide will teach you how to move all your personal data which includes SMS, calls, apps, photos, etc. from your old phone to your brand new Pixel phone. With this, you won’t have to worry about copying or pasting data on a computer between phones.

Pre-Requisites

Make sure both devices have 80% charge and you have the Quick Switch Adapter that came in the box with your Pixel phone. It looks like the OTG device pictured here.

This guide only more specifically covers the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 4 devices; we can’t guarantee it will work with Pixel 2 or the first generation Pixel.

This guide assumes you’ve already finished setting up your phone and you’re at the home screen.

As this is a physical connection held by two wires, we highly recommend you do all of the steps with both phones on a flat surface. This ensures you don’t have to hold the phones in your hands for the whole process and steady data transfer is taking place.

Let’s Get Started

Navigate to your Settings page and Look for the Finish Setup prompt at the top.

Tap the Start button and Next.

Turn on your old phone, make sure its unlocked, and that you’re able to access the home screen. Connect the cable to its charging port. Tap Next after connecting it.

Now connect the Quick Switch Adapter into your Pixel. You’ll see a rectangular end at the bottom, this is where you connect the other of your old phone cable.

When you’ve connected both your phones by the Quick Switch Adapter, tap on Next.

Check your old phone, choose Copy, and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure the phone is still unlocked and has full access to the home screen.

Come back to your Pixel phone and choose what stuff you want to carry over from the previous phone. Once you’ve selected what you want to copy, Press Copy at the bottom right.

Once everything’s copied, you’ll see a notification on your Pixel.

If you see something incorrect or inaccurate, please feel free to let the author know.

Top five gadgets that you would want to have during the pandemic

Promoted News

AndroidGuys

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July 16, 2020

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EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be viewed as an editorial endorsement.

This worldwide pandemic has taken us all by surprise. Nobody was ready for it, but here we are! Therefore, since we do not really have a choice, we suggest looking at gadgets that can help us get through the tough times more easily and have fun in between. Without further ado, let’s get to our list!

Signal booster

If you have a faulty connection at home, this one is a lifesaver. Right now, our phones and the internet are our only big windows into the world, so losing any of them is no Bueno. Luckily, you do not have to endure bad reception, even if you live in a remote location. What you need is a cell signal booster, or a 4G booster if you need a specific device for the mobile data signal. The objective of this gadget is clear enough: fish the signal coming from the cell tower (even if it is weak), make it stronger, and then broadcast the strong signal all over a certain area. These gadgets use the same frequency as the cell providers, so the devices will differ from country to country. Mobile signal boosters Australia will offer are different from those in the US, or Canada. These boosters can also vary, depending on the area you would like to cover, the signal you would like to enhance (Call, 3G/4G/4G LTE, etc.) and the providers you prefer. So make an effort to research everything before making a decision. Just remember that this great device will keep you connected even if you decide to go deep into the countryside to a location with a weak signal, or just have the comfort of working from home.

3D Printer

If you are social distancing with kids or a couple of teenagers, you will appreciate this next one. Having a 3D printer in the house will help immensely, and not only in the fun department, although we have to admit, is it great fun for both kids and adults. Not only can you make toys and lots of fun stuff, but you can also print useful things for the house, like custom made handers, door handles, in case you need a replacement, etc. If you are looking for a cheap 3D printer, UK has plenty of options, but probably the most useful ones for home are tabletop models. They are cheap enough to purchase and at the same time, they give you and your kids’ endless opportunities for learning and inventing. In addition, if you learn 3D modeling (the pandemic might just be the right time), paired with a printer, you would be unstoppable!

Wireless Headphones

We all need our peace and quiet sometimes. A lot of times, actually. However, having wireless headphones will give you the chance to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or news, while doing any sort of mechanical work, like cooking, house chores, etc. Yes, you could also do it with a cord, but it always ads extra tension, do not you think? Constantly worrying that the phone will fall out of your pocket when you turn too fast or the earphones will get wet when you try to readjust them with wet hands. Wireless over-the-ear headphones are the best choice if you are hoping to get a little peace of mind during all this madness.

Monitor Stand with a Fan

This one is a great opportunity to save on your electric bill by turning off the AC and having a fan right on your desk. It will keep the monitor at your eye level, taking the strain away from your neck and at the same time, keep you cool and your brain fresh while you work. It is a win-win!

Ergonomic Keyboard

Since we are talking about comfort, this one will give your hands a break and allow you to keep your wrists and forearms in a more relaxed position while typing. This is an immeasurable plus if your work involves a lot of it. So give your arms the comfort they deserve with this great keyboard. With a slightly elevated middle section and soft padding at the bottom, your wrists will not hurt even after a long working day. Paired with a super comfortable chair, you will not feel as tired by the end of the day.

Working from home, and generally spending this much time in 4 walls can be very stressful, but at least we can make it a little easier on ourselves by surrounding our home life with a little more comfort and purpose. Stay safe and healthy above all else and good luck!

Image by Junjira Konsang from Pixabay

EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be viewed as an editorial endorsement.

V-Moda M-200 headphones review

Accessory Reviews

Jason England

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July 16, 2020

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In my opinion, V-Moda makes some of the most stylish headphones around. The hexagon-shaped ear covers give them an aggressive modern look while helping them stand out in a sea of headphones that use the standard oval or round shape.

This sharp design also extends to the brackets and even on the headband, it’s clear that V-Moda puts a lot of thought into the style of its headphones.

Not only does V-Moda care about the design of its headphones, but it also uses sturdy high-quality materials. When I first pulled the M-200 headphones out of the packaging I was immediately impressed by how solid they feel. There is no doubt in my mind that these headphones were built to last and will stand up to years of abuse.

I was also amazed by how compact the M-200 is when folded up, coupled with the included carrying case, this makes them one of the most portable pairs of over the ear headphones I’ve ever used.

If you thought the V-Moda M-200 headphones were done impressing me, you’d be wrong. While there is nothing particularly special about replaceable ear cushions on over-the-ear headphones, there is something unique about how the M-200 implements them — and that’s with magnets.

This is the first time I’ve seen a headphone company use magnets to attach the ear cushions, and let me tell you, I’m a huge fan. Let’s just face it, magnets make everything cooler, including headphones.

If you weren’t convinced already that V-Moda goes out of its way to make its headphones as fashionable as possible, then the custom ear shields would like to have a word with you. V-Moda recently added the M-200 series to the list of headphones that support custom designed shields.

The kit starts at $40 and allows you to order a pair of custom designed covers for the ear cups. The kit includes everything you need, including the custom designed shields, screwdriver, and screws.

V-Moda was even nice enough to include a set with our review unit in our signature color with the AndroidGuys logo printed on it. While we may be a little biased, we think it came out looking fantastic, and the metal covers feel high-quality and premium.

Another nice design touch that helps with the usability of the M-200 headphones is the included headphone jack on both sides. An important little option for a pair of wired-only headphones. This will allow you to choose whether you prefer the headphone cable on either the right or left side.

V-Moda also includes two separate 3.5mm headphone cables in the box. One of these is classified as audio-only, while the other is a multifunction cable with a microphone and button for playing/pausing and skipping tracks while listening to music. Unfortunately, the audio-only cable never worked properly for me. It would only output sound to the left side, but at least the multipurpose cable worked without issue.