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The five best Android tablets you can buy right now

Matt Adams
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Even though tablets aren’t the most popular tech right now, there are still some fantastic options on the market. Those who continue to make tablets are really pushing the bar for what we can expect from them. Today, we’ve compiled a list of some of your best options if you want to pick up a tablet from any price range. These are listed in no particular order. Here is our list of the Best Android Tablets!

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4

The brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is putting a priority on getting things done. It comes out of the box with a new desktop mode that gives users more power to open apps in windows, resize those windows and drag and drop content between them.

If you need more screen real estate, you can use a USB C to HDMI adapter and plug this bad boy into a monitor or a television. You can then use the Tab S4 as a trackpad or sketch pad with the included S-Pen to get some work done. And the S-Pen does more than that too! Returning from the Galaxy Note 8 is the screen-off note feature that will let you jot down your thoughts even when the display goes dark.

Read more: Samsung announces the all-new Galaxy Tab S4 with Dex support

If you want a tablet that looks good, you’re probably going to want to start with the Tab S4. Samsung has reduced the bezels just small enough to not impact usability but make it looks sleek. We really love how this one looks and just want to hold it and play with it.

As for specs, the Tab S4 comes with a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display that clocks in at a 2560 x 1600 resolution. It also comes with four speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos. A 7,300 mAh battery keeps things moving while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 4 GB of RAM power the show. If you need to store a ton of work documents or movies for that long business trip, the 64 GB of onboard storage and micro SD card slot capable of supporting up to 400 GB cards should be your best friend.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 purchase links: Amazon | Samsung | Best Buy | Verizon Wireless

Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4-inch

 

The Huawei MediaPad M5 is our pick for a smaller tablet that packs a punch. The 8.4-inch display offers enough space for productivity and media consumption, but it’s not so big that it’s hard to handle. The 8.4-inch IPS LCD display has a 2560 x 1600 resolution and looks absolutely fantastic. You’ll never see a pixel or a fuzzy image on this thing.

Inside, we find Huawei’s own Hisilicon Kirin 960s processor running the show. This octa-core chip provides excellent performance without killing your battery in the process. The rest of the key specs include 4 GB of RAM, 32 or 64 GB of onboard storage, and a microSD card slot that supports chips up to 256 GB.

If battery life is important to you, you’ll love the 5,100 mAh embedded battery. It simply lasts forever. The MediaPad M5 is also one of the only tablets on our list that has a fingerprint scanner. Fingerprint scanners are almost a must on cell phones these days, but for some reason, OEMs haven’t added them to tablets. Huawei bucks this trend and adds a fast and accurate sensor to the front of the device.

Huawei MediaPad M5 purchase links: Amazon | Newegg

Amazon Kindle Fire

Instead of picking one Kindle Fire from the vast lineup, we’re going to recommend them all. No matter your budget, Amazon has a Kindle Fire for you.

Starting with the cheapest option, the 7-inch Kindle Fire 7 offers decent performance for an absolute rock bottom price. For only $50, you get a tablet that offers a ton of apps in the Fire Store, easy web browsing, and access to Amazon’s smart assistant, Alexa. It has a microSD card slot so you can watch all of your movies and shows on it during those long car or plane rides and the battery life is plus.

The Fire HD 8 kicks it up a notch with an 8-inch HD display and double the base storage of the Fire 7. You also get unlimited cloud storage for Amazon content, up to 12 hours of battery usage, and dual stereo speakers with Dolby Audio. For only $80, it’s a steal.

The last Fire tablet in Amazon’s arsenal is the Fire HD 10. As the name indicates, the tablet comes with a 10-inch display that has a 1920 x 1200p resolution and looks great when viewing movies and TV shows. The Fire HD 10 bump its base storage again, doubling that of the Fire HD 8, and comes with a quad-core processor. It’s a little bigger, but the HD 10 delivers as a media consumption workhorse.

Amazon Fire 7 purchase links: Amazon | Best Buy
Amazon Fire HD 8 purchase links: Amazon | Target | Best Buy
Amazon Fire HD 10 purchase links: Amazon | Target | Best Buy

Wireless audio codecs and where headphones are today

Josh Noriega
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Despite how one may feel about wireless headphones, they’re the future. The future is wireless. The industry is well on the path to transition everything it can to the cordless goal.

As an audiophile, I’m one in the reluctant bunch that shrugs at the notion. I can’t say that wireless headphones haven’t come a long way. As a reviewer, I get a chance to try many wireless headphones, and I’ve actually been left impressed a couple times. That said, terrible past attempts have set the bar low in my mind. I can’t deny that the best wireless headphones out there are still acoustically a far reach from their wired counterparts.

The headphone jack is disappearing, pushing us to wireless headphones even more.

But they’ll be there one day. One of the more intriguing developments to push the fidelity of wireless headphones are via the wireless audio codec standard.

Bluetooth isn’t traditionally the best medium for a music signal. Standard Bluetooth doesn’t have the bandwidth to proficiently send that amount of information. As a result, the music information has to be largely compressed to get proper latency.

In audio, “compression” equates to loss of detail. Bits (literally) of the music needs to be trimmed. Sure, music is always compressed and it’s no problem. Most tracks can be cut down drastically with no audible consequence. But we’re talking past that point.

Anyone around in the Napster days will probably relate to hearing terrible quality tracks, because many of us often trimmed the quality down to very low levels to cope with the slow internet download speeds. No, the standard Bluetooth transfer doesn’t result in audio quality that bad, but it is audible.

Wireless codec called aptX emerged, which got commercial recognition when Qualcomm acquired the tech a few years ago. It ups the Bluetooth audio bandwidth to 352 kbps and a 16-bit transfer. This was a fantastic thing. No, it’s technically not CD-quality rates, but that’s actually of little consequence.

Even today, most music streaming services cap out at around 300 kbps bit-rate (and CD’s have 16 bits of resolution), because at this point most would be hard-pressed to tell a difference with higher quality.

Tidal is one of the only streaming services that transmits truly high-quality rates.

But there was a problem with this – it takes two to tango. Qualcomm can do whatever on their end, but if manufacturers aren’t implementing the more capable Bluetooth hardware in their wireless headphones, then the purpose is defeated. And that’s exactly what has happened since the conception of aptX.

What complicates things more is that the codec hardware needs to be on both the player and the headphone, and manufacturers from both ends don’t generally put a priority on it. Maybe it’s that high fidelity listeners are the minority, or cost, who knows.

Is it a lost cause? At first, it was. But now things are finally progressing.

Loads of smartphones in the US use a Qualcomm chipset, and aptX has become standard. It’s also no longer hard to find a wireless headphone with the codec, albeit, it’s still not “widely” used.

Interestingly, you’ll find aptX in lower costing, lesser known brands, as opposed to popular choices like the Bose QC 35 or Beats Studio3 Wireless. This applies to the whole range of headphone types, on-ear and in-ear included. An exception is truly wireless earbuds, because they’re more challenging and it’s a new market. But there are some gems out there, like the NuForce BE Free8 that we reviewed.

The NuForce BE Free8 are one of the only truly wireless earbuds that have aptX.

So what if the vanilla aptX codec doesn’t cut it for you? You’ll have to dig a little deeper for aptX HD support. Unfortunately, not many smartphones cut the guts for it. We’ll go ahead a say that if this is something you care about, stick with LG. LG is the only mobile device manufacturer who strictly values HiFi (even packing in a dedicated DAC with the continual headphone jack support). It has supported aptX HD since the LG G5, and you bet the headphones the company produces has it too.

User selection of wireless audio codecs in stock Android.

We can understand if LG hardware isn’t your cup of tea. Fortunately, Google has begun rolling out support for HiFi codecs starting with the Pixel 2 phones last Fall. It’s actually baked into Android Oreo, so hopefully, this will nudge other phone makers to jump on-board.

There are some notable aptX HD wireless headphones out there, but naturally far less than aptX. We’ve reviewed and recommended the excellent V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless over-ears, as well as the Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless on-ears.

There’s also the highly-rated Bowers & Wilkins PX over-ears. In-ear selection is limited. LG and Sony have a couple around-the-neck offerings with aptX HD. Audio-Technica makes one called the ATH-DSR5BT.

Tip: Qualcomm provides an updated list of AptX and AptX HD supported devices on its site.

Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless Headphones
Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless on-ears, with aptx HD support.

On the subject of Sony, it is another strong electronics manufacturer that values high-quality audio. Though, the company tends to march to its own beat. That can be a good and bad thing.

The good is that they’ve actually developed their own wireless audio codec that almost doubles the bandwidth of aptx HD, at about 990 kbps, called LDAC. This is pretty astonishing.

So what’s the bad then? Well, Sony keeps its tech close to its chest. Only its headphones support LDAC. Fortunately, Sony is really good at making headphones. The WH-1000XM2 over-ears are widely said to be the best over-ear wireless headphones you can buy today (which also include some of the best active noise-cancellation). The company’s new WI-1000X in-ears also pack the LDAC tech.

LDAC support is also limited to Sony smartphones, naturally. But with Android Oreo came a glimmer of hope here too. Google and Sony must’ve worked something out, because LDAC can be found as an option on the Pixel 2 phones.

Final Thoughts

The V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless, with aptX HD support, are one of the best wireless options.

To sum things up, wireless HiFi support is all over the place. This kind of thing makes me envy Apple users and their closed but more orderly system. That said, it’s no longer a struggle these days to achieve at least aptX quality. This will suffice for most people anyways.

Until common streaming services, like Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, etc., push their quality limits, there isn’t merit in asking for more. The desire for HiFi quality is still a minor one, and money is what drives everything.

What is two factor authentication?

Jason England
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Two-factor authentication is known by many names such as 2FA, two-step verification, multi-factor authentication, and more. No matter what name it goes by they all have one thing in common, requiring you to take a second step to verify you are the owner of an account.

Many of you have probably gone your whole lives using two-factor authentication without even realizing it. One of the best examples of this is when you make a purchase with your debit card and you enter your PIN.

Believe it or not, that is two-factor authentication in practice. By requiring you to not only have your card but also know a secret PIN code to prove the account belongs to you. If you’ve ever signed into an account online and been required to receive a security code via text, this is also 2FA.

Why You Should Use Two-Factor Authentication

If you’ve never used two-factor authentication before it’s time to change that. In the past, using only a username and password to protect our accounts was enough to make us feel secure. Unfortunately, as time goes on security breaches have become more common. Most times they include your username, password, and sometimes both.

I’m sure at some point in the past you’ve gotten an alert to update or change your password for a site or service you use. Either due to them being breached or because you used the same username or password on other sites that were breached.

Using two-factor authentication will not prevent this from happening. However, it will prevent someone from using the information in the breach from accessing your account until you’ve had time to update your username or password.

How does Two-Factor Authentication work?

After setting up two-factor authentication it begins the same as any other log in attempt. You start by entering your username and password and then you are forwarded to a page asking for a secondary code. Most times this is sent to you via text but you can also use a dedicated app for this such as Google Authenticator or Authy if it is supported.

The Google Authenticator or Authy apps can take over generating your secondary code without access to the internet and refresh automatically. If you are in an area with a spotty cell signal or internet connection this can be very beneficial.

In some cases, you may come across an app or service that does not support logging in with two-factor authentication. If this happens you’ll need to generate an app password from the original service such as Google. Generally, these can be generated on demand or you can print out a hard copy list to keep track of them.

Are there any downsides to using Two-Factor Authentication?

The truth is, adding another step to the login process is inconvenient. Each time you log into your account you will be prompted for a security code. You’ll then have to wait for the code to be texted to you and enter it before you can access your account. The codes often also expire within a set amount of time, generally around 60 seconds. If you miss this window of time then you’ll have to request another code.

This can be a hassle and we’re often looking for ways to make our lives more convenient not less. However, if you consider the damage that can be done and the trouble it would take to regain control of your account, I think you’ll realize the extra time 2FA takes is worth it.

The other downside is two-factor authentication is still not 100% secure. If someone has access to your username, password, and phone they can still sign into your accounts. There is also still the possibility that hackers can find a way to intercept your texts. It is up to you to ensure your username, password, and phone stays secure as well as changing your passwords often.

Where Should You Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is something everyone should use on all of their important accounts. Whether it’s your social media accounts, Amazon, eBay, or Paypal. All of these services provide two-factor authentication. Any account online that includes personal information about you or is valuable to you should have 2FA enabled.

It is important to check how to enable 2FA for each of these sites and any other essential accounts you have online. Any time you hear someone say they’ve been hacked or their account was stolen most likely could have been prevented by enabling two-factor authentication. Below I’ve compiled a list of links to instructions on how to enable two-factor authentication on some of the most common sites.

While it is not perfect two-factor authentication provides another layer of protection between you and those who would try to access your accounts. The more layers you can put between nefarious people and your accounts the better. If you take the time to set it up now you’ll be grateful for the time and trouble it could save you in the future.

Anker Soundcore Flare+ Review: 360-degree sound and LED lights

Matt Adams
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For some people, me included, music is an essential part of life.  My days are synced to my personal soundtrack and music affects my productivity and mood. At any time, I have a dozen or so headphones, earbuds, and speakers around.

But, I’m no audiophile. I just don’t have that level of sensitivity when it comes to listening to music. I sure wish I did because I’d love to enjoy it even more, but I’m just not built like that. A $30 speaker can make me just as happy as a $300 speaker.

Even though I can enjoy cheaper audio products, you can always tell a difference. To get the price down, companies routinely have to cheap out on parts that make a difference. It’s possible to get cheap headphones or a speaker that provides good bass or a large soundstage, but it’s rare.

Which is why I’m so damn impressed with the Soundcore Flare speaker. Soundcore is a name you might not know yet, but you probably know its parent company, Anker. Anker has a great reputation for producing high-quality products for not a lot of money. It obviously took those lessons and used them for the Soundcore Flare.

Coming in at just $99, this is a speaker that punches way above its weight.

Hardware

Am I crazy to think this thing looks like a vase? But instead of flowers, you get tunes. Alright, maybe I am crazy, but I love the hardware here.

The body’s gentle slope is covered by a soft fabric that reminds us a lot of something like the Urbanears Lotsen speaker. It looks classy and won’t seem out of place in any environment.

That soft fabric is actually highly resistant to dirt too. We saw it pick up the tiniest bit of pet hair during our review period, but that was about it. It never stained or held onto anything from its time around a bonfire or two. If you’re a smoker, you may want to avoid this one because it can hold onto some smells, but that’s about it.

The top of the speaker holds five buttons, play/pause, volume up and down, a button that controls the lighting, and one for extra bass. If there’s one weakness of the Flare+, it is definitely the buttons here. They’re hard to press, provide little feedback and are generally frustrating overall.

The soft touch rubber often holds onto finger grease too. Gross.

The Flare+ advertises 360-degree sound and definitely delivers on that promise. But, there is an obvious front and back. The front has the Soundcore log and the rear houses a wrist strap, a Bluetooth button, and power button. These buttons are equally frustrating to use, but we do love the wrist strap. You aren’t going to take this with you on a nice stroll through the countryside, but the strap does make it a lot easier to carry it while your hands are full of beer and firewood.

The base of the speaker is where it gets really fun. A “halo” LED reacts to the music coming out of the speaker to provide a pretty awesome light show. There are several themes that the speaker follows so you’re not always going to see the same thing. And, if that isn’t enough, you can customize the light show from the Soundcore app. This light really adds a lot to the value of the speaker and I absolutely love it. If you don’t like it as much as I do, you can turn the feature off via the incredibly hard to press the button on top of the speaker.

Rounding out the hardware section, we have a microUSB, full USB, and 3.5mm jack hidden beneath a flap. We really wish there was a USB type-C charging port here. We’re speeding toward the end of 2018 and the USB type-C standard has been popular for nearly two years. It’s time to adapt.

Despite a few rough edges, we think Soundcore did an excellent job here. The speaker is very well built, provides a ton of features, and will stand up great over time.

Sound

But who cares about any of that if it doesn’t sound good, right?

I was initially very impressed with the audio quality of the Soundcore Flare+ and that hasn’t changed. It provides a clear separation of instruments and vocals (as much as you can in a $100 speaker) and some decent bass too.

Now, don’t get your hopes up. Is this going to compete with something from Sonos or a Google Home Max? Absolutely not. It’s about a third of the price and much, much smaller. But, what it will do, is provide the perfect audio for your outdoor party.

Music sounds good and the Flare+ gets INCREDIBLY loud. If you’re in an open-air setting, you’ll have no problem hearing this thing from 30-40 yards away, if not more.

Bass is lovely and present too. With the BassUp (bass boost) turned off, music does feel a little flat so I’ve generally kept it on. The added bass is pretty heavy but doesn’t get muddy which I appreciate.

If you’re willing to invest in two Flare+ speakers, you can pair them together for stereo sound. This is an awesome feature we’ve seen in several speakers through the years. Few get as loud as the Flare+, which is a big advantage for Soundcore. If you’re going camping or hosting an outdoor party, two of these bad boys is all you’ll need.

The only complaint we really have is how distorted the audio can get at higher volumes. Its to be expected since this is a small little guy, but it doesn’t sound wonderful at max volume. We start hearing some distortion at about 75% of max volume and it only gets worse as you increase.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to love with the Soundcore Flare+. Sure, we have our nitpicks, but the number of positives far, far outweigh the negatives.

There are a million Bluetooth speakers out there and even some with flashing LEDs. But we love the implementation here. With the LEDs at the bottom of the speaker, the light bounces off the surface it’s sitting on and gives off a pleasing halo effect. I’m also impressed by how bright it gets. Sure, it looks great at night but even in a well-lit room its very easy to see and is a lot of fun to look at.

Sound is really good for a $100 speaker and I love how much bass you can get out of this little body. Again, you’re not going to rattle the windows, but listening to rock, rap, and EDM was all very pleasing. We even snuck in some Ariana Grande while my daughter was in the room (totally not because I love her voice) and it still sounded great.

I enjoyed my time with the Anker Soundcore Flare+ and think you’ll be impressed if you pick one up too.

Buy the Anker Soundcore Flare+

Android Easter Eggs: The definitive list

Andrew Allen
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For those that may have never heard the term, Easter eggs in this post will not be referring to the wasted pastel omelets you may be used to seeing in April. Rather, they are in reference to hidden UI elements that developers commonly like to stash inside their hard work. It turns out that the folks behind Android also enjoy this tradition and many can be found throughout the evolution of Google’s operating system.

The roadmap to find these “Where’s Waldo” type images has stayed the same over the generations. First, go to the Settings app. Then, System and press About Phone. Got it? Good. Now, tap the Android version repeatedly until you see the hidden treasure pop up on the screen.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

The commonly accepted birth of the Android Easter egg seems to point to Gingerbread being the first OS build with one included. As with most early ideas, it’s arguably the weirdest one on our list. Yep, you see that right. It’s a zombie Gingerbread man hanging with the Android logo being flanked by a crazed zombie mob. Look, at least they are all using phones that you’d assume are running Google’s favorite OS.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Android Honeycomb came with a multitude of changes for the OS. From the “Tron-style” UI changes to the first tablet elements, Honeycomb saw a maturation of the Android operating system that laid the groundwork for where it is today. The Easter egg also saw a much more polished look. Honeycomb stayed true to its moniker and saw a buzzing Android honeybee in the hidden option. Oh, and if you press the Bugdroid you would get the nice “REZZZZ” text, which is another homage to Tron, as Rezzing is the word for creating an object in the film.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Ice Cream Sandwich was seen as a “small” Android release. It did, however, see a new design language that was a continuation of the groundwork laid in Honeycomb. It even got a name: “Holo.” ICS also brought a new twist on one of the most popular internet memes of all-time. Remember Nyan Cat? Yep. The flying rainbow cat. Well, this Android Easter egg borrows heavily from Nyan and starts as an ice cream sandwiched Bugdroid. When long-pressed, the Android mascot becomes a sky riding entity very similar to the Nyan Cat.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Android saw even more additions in 4.1 Jelly Bean. Notifications and the lock screen got an overhaul. It was also the first time that Google moved to Google Chrome as the default browser. Easter eggs were kind of a thing by this point and Google continued the tradition with a sweet, smiling jelly bean.

Tapping and holding the bean-shaped licorice caused the screen to be filled with even more small jelly beans. So, what was the fun part? As the beans bounced around you could manipulate them by flicking them around the screen.

Android 4.4 KitKat

Android KitKat wasn’t seen as a major update, but it was named after one of my favorite chocolate treats. This was news in itself because it marked the first time that Google used a trademarked moniker for an Android release. Google Now is probably the most notable addition found in KitKat but we weren’t denied a new Easter egg.

Once you went through the previously mentioned tapping through the settings. This presented you with a simple splash screen with the letter “K” which you could spin by moving it around with a finger. Tapping it presented a KitKat themed red wrapper with the candy name replaced by the word Android. Tapping this would then drop you into an interesting tile layout with logos paying homage to all the previous Android version.

Android 5.0 Lollipop and 6.0 Marshmallow

I’ve grouped these two together and I promise there’s a reason. Remember the app crazy popular game called Flappy Bird? Well, it was a big deal for consumers and it must have been at Google as well. The company tipped its developer hat to the mobile game on the Easter egg for Android 5.0 Lollipop and 6.0 Marshmallow in back to back releases.

Tapping the Android version opened an image with nice, orange lollipop aptly named “lollipop.” If you continued to tap the stick candy it changed colors, and when long-pressed, you were launched into a very Flappy Bird game avoiding obstacles while flying along as the Bugdroid mascot.

Android 6.0 followed this with a similar scenario, but with a few twists. First, you had to avoid floating marshmallows as your main source of barriers while flying about. The big kicker was that this version of the Easter egg brought multi-player functionality to the encoded game. There are additional plus and minus icons at the top of the screen to allow for up to 6 players to interact at a time and add quite a bit of challenge.

Android 7.0 Nougat

Lollipop and Nougat received closely related versions of their Easter eggs and came with its own duality in a different way. Android 7.0 technically had two releases of its Easter Egg and both were completely different. The first came in the form of another popular internet sensation and the Android N developer preview 4.

“Namey McNameface” is a nod to the Boaty McBoatface meme that swept the web after British intelligence left the internet, yes the internet, to vote on the name of its new research ship. Well, people are funny (and sometimes the worst) and they overwhelmingly chose Boat McBoatface. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long on the dev preview and was replace when Android Nougat became official.

Yep, instead, it was another cat-related game that took over in Nougat’s proper release. Namey McNameface was replaced by Android Neko. This is a nod to a popular Japanese game with the main goal of collecting cats. Just like all the Easter eggs before it the hidden feature is revealed with the same UI combinations from Settings.

One key difference is that once it’s turned on the Neko cat game is played by turning on a new Quick Settings toggle in the notification shade. A new option will be there for “Android Easter Egg” and you can add the new cat-themed icon to the shade toggles. Once launched, you have an empty dish and you have to lure kittens to the plate by adding food to the dish. After this, you can then add, delete, and rename the cats in your collection.

Android 8.0 Oreo

While Android O was monikered with another trademarked name of Oreo, it was also an ode to the latest Easter egg to be found in the OS. Getting to the nugget is the same all story with trudging through the Settings and tapping the Android version several times. Then you are greeted with a giant “O” that looks understandably similar to an Oreo.

After a long-press of the Oreo, you are launched into an ocean scene with a floating octopus with a head that’s actually shaped like an Easter egg. While he’ll happily splash around all on his own, you can use your finger to maneuver the sea creature around the screen. As you slide him across you will see the octopus change size and alter to the corners and edges of the phone.

Android 9.0 Pie

Every one likes Pie. And if you don’t, I simply don’t trust you. Android 9.0 has been a huge overhaul of both the UI and backend processes. We’ve also seen a huge push of Google’s artificial intelligence getting a more user-facing existence within the OS. However, when compared to its heritage, the Easter egg is very colorful but also subtle.

You will need to navigate to your trusty Settings in the Menu and go through the taps of the Android version. Then you are presented with a crazy psychedelic splash screen with a “P” on display. This time, there’s no game or cute creatures. The longer you keep the screen active the rings move and the colors change. You can also pinch to zoom it. That’s it. Simple but don’t stare too long.

Those are all the Android Easter eggs currently available in Android today. People have their own personal favorites, but which one is yours? We’d also love to hear your ideas for what might be there in Android “Q” next year. Hit up the comments to sound off with your suggestions and favorites.

Amazon introduces a truckload of new Echo devices including an upgraded smart display

Alexandra Arici
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Amazon this week took the world by surprise and announced over 70 new devices, customer features and developer tools across its Alexa, Echo and Fire TV platforms.

Amazon wants you to be able to access Alexa from everywhere in your house, office and even front your car or truck, so it has updated its line-up of with a wide range of Echo devices and companion devices.

Here are all the hardware novelties

All-new Echo Show

In response to Google’s upcoming smart display, Amazon unveiled the all-new Echo Show smart speaker. The second-generation device features a vibrant 10-inch screen, instead of the 7-inch one of its predecessor. It’s also wrapped in fabric, a design feature that makes us think of the Google Home family.

The upgrade also integrates a small home hub to allow users to control compatible Zigbee smart home devices. The product will ship with two 10W speakers, Dolby processing for fuller sound, as well as dual 2-inch premium drivers and a passive bass radiator. So compared to the first iteration, the all-new Echo Show should be able to offer big improvements in terms of sound quality.

The second-gen Echo Show is currently up for pre-order for $230. The product is expected to start shipping out on October 11.

All-new Echo Dot

Amazon also unveiled a beefier third-generation Echo Dot device. The new model integrates new fabric covers just like the new Echo Show and also boasts improved audio capabilities. Amazon says the new version is 70% louder.

However, other things haven’t changed on board the new Dot. You still get the basic user experience, complete with the same four-button layout. Interestingly enough, Amazon has removed three of the speaker’s microphones, leaving just four on board.

The all-new Echo Dot is now up for pre-order for $49.99. Shipments are set to commence on October 11, like in the case of the new Echo Show.

All-new Echo Plus

Amazon’s new range-topping speaker also features a new fabric-design. The product has also been updated with much clearer sound and more powerful bass. Moreover, Amazon has included a new temperature sensor, so users can now ask Alexa what the temperature in a room is.

Apart from that, the new Echo Plus retains the main features of last year’s model including the built-in smart home hub.

The device is currently available for pre-order for $149.99 (you’ll get a Philips Hue light bulb included).

Echo Auto

Amazon wants to take over your car as well, so it has unveiled the Echo Auto, a convenient way to get Alexa in your vehicle. This is a peripheral that uses your phone cellular connection (via a Bluetooth link) to offer the convenience of having Alexa in your car.

The device can use location-based routines to trigger certain actions based on where you are. For example, the lights can turn on in your living room, as you’re pulling into the driveway.

While Echo Auto is not yet a finished product, it will eventually cost $49.99. However, Amazon will be offering it at a discounted price of $24.99 for early users. Shipping is expected to start later in 2018.

On top of these fully-fledged Echo devices, Amazon also introduced a series of new Echo accessories, which include the following:

Echo Wall Clock

The Echo Wall Clock is a device that’s designed to display the timers you’ve set with Alexa. To do so, the Clock is using a ring of LEDs around the clock face to display your active timers.

The Echo Wall Clock does not feature any microphones, and it will connect with any Alexa devices you may have around the house via Bluetooth. The product will launch later this year for $29.99.

Echo Input

Amazon also introduced a small device that users can plug into any existing speaker to turn it into an Echo. It’s called Echo Input and comes bundling far-field microphones.

The Echo Input can be considered Amazon’s answer to Google’s Chromecast Audio. The device will sell for $34.99 and will become available next year in several markets across the globe including the US.

Echo Sub

The retail giant is really putting a focus on audio with its latest batch of devices. The company also unveiled the Echo Sub, which is a new subwoofer that can be paired with an existing Echo speaker. It has a total of 100W of power and includes a 6-inch woofer.

The device can be synced with up to two speakers at a time, for those who crave a stereo system-like experience. Customers will be able to get it for $129.99.

Echo Link and Link Amp

Last but not least, Amazon has launched the Echo Link, which is a device you can connect to existing amplifiers to get improved audio.

On top of that, the company has also pulled the wraps off the Link Amp which includes a 60-watt dual-channel amplifier. The two products don’t include microphones and are designed to work in tandem with existing Echo devices.

The Echo Link will go on sale for $199.99, while the Link Amp features a pretty considerable $299.99 price tag.

Why it matters

Amazon is striving to make Alexa a vital component of every-day life and with this new family of devices, the company is definitely one step closer to achieving its ambitious goal. Smart home connected devices are all the rage right now, and Amazon is doing everything it can to stay ahead of the competition. Speaking of which, we might get to see a bunch of new smart home products from Google too, soon enough.

Samsung’s Galaxy A7 is the company’s first tri-camera phone

Alexandra Arici
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Samsung is hosting “A Galaxy” event on October 11 and one of the devices rumored to arrive on that date was the next-gen Galaxy A7. Well, it seems that won’t be the case, as Samsung just introduced the phone via a press release.

What makes the new handset interesting is that it’s the first in Samsung’s portfolio to feature a tri-camera setup on the back. It’s also a middle-ranger, so it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg like the Huawei P20 Pro. Although knowing Samsung’s price schemes for its mid-range offerings it won’t be super affordable either.

The Galaxy A7 is a mid-ranger packed with premium features

Anyway, first thing’s first. Let’s take a quick look at the new phone’s design and specs. The Galaxy A7 features a glass body and has the fingerprint scanner living on the side. In an era where phone’s are getting larger, the A7 boasts a large 6-inch InfinityDisplay with 1080 x 2220 resolution and Samsung’s now signature 18:5:9 aspect ratio.

The company will be offering the Galaxy A7 up with either an octa-core Snapdragon or an Exynos chip, depending on the market.

The phone will ship in three configurations, as follows:

  • 4GB of RAM + 64GB of storage + microSD card slot
  • 4GB of RAM + 128GB of storage
  • 6GB of RAM + 128GB of storage

Other specs include a 3,300 mAh battery and Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box. Sorry folks, no Android 9.0 Pie just yet.

Why this matters?

Because the Galaxy A7 is the first mid-range to come with a tri-camera setup. Speaking of which, the arrangement consist of a 24MP+8MP+5MP combination. The main sensor boasts pixel-binning technology, which is used to combine info gathered by for pixels for finer details. This is similar to what Huawei is doing on the P20 Pro. Although Samsung is using this system to improve low-light shots.

As for the 8MP sensor, it offers f/2.4 aperture and is an ultra-wide, 120-degree lens. While the 5MP one brings f/2.2 and is a depth sensor for portrait photos. On the front, Samsung has outfitted the phone with a 24-megapixel (f/2.0) selfie snapper. Samsung has also thrown in some special camera tricks, like being able to adjust bokeh effect strength as you take a picture.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 will be available in four colors including Black, Gold, Pink and Blue and will initially go on sale in Europe and Asia this fall. The smartphone will eventually roll out to other markets, which hopefully means the US too. Samsung hasn’t said anything about pricing yet, but maybe we’ll get more details during the October 11 event?

Hot Take: Everything announced at the latest Amazon event (Episode 27)

Andrew Myrick
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0

Join us as we sit down and discuss some of the hot tech topics out there today. Amazon held an event at its headquarters in Seattle and unveiled a slew of new products. We take a look at everything being offered and what it means for the smart home industry.

What we talked about today

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All the major smartphone releases we can expect in October

Alexandra Arici
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0

After a rather uneventful summer, it’s high time that we get some action, don’t you agree? Well, as we see it right now October is shaping up to be quite an interesting month. For some reason, a large number of Android OEMs have chosen this month to unveil their latest flagship efforts.

The schedule is pretty tight, so we won’t have much time to breathe in between. So in case, you’re wondering, here are all the big October Android announcements that you need to mark in your calendar. We wouldn’t want you to miss anything.

LG V40 ThinQ is coming on October 4

LG was been super prolific this year in terms of flagship smartphones. The V40 will be the third model from the V family launching this year. It’s set to follow the V30S ThinQ and the V35 ThinQ. Also this year, the Korean company unveiled the LG G7 ThinQ.

And now in a few short weeks, LG is going to take the wraps off the LG V40 ThinQ. Unlike the previous models launched this year, the phone is expected to feature a notched display just like the G7 ThinQ. The screen will be 6.4-inch in size and of POLED variety with 19:5:9 aspect ratio.

The phone’s rumored remaining specs are in line with most of today’s flagships and they include a Snapdragon 845, 6GB of RAM and five cameras on board. Indeed, it seems like the industry is moving in the direction first paved by Huawei with the P20 Pro. If rumors are correct, we should see the V40’s back host a combination of 12MP+16MP+12MP sensors. The front will be also upgraded to two 8MP+5MP sensors.

Other features expected with the V40 ThinQ include Quad DAC, Stereo Boombox and IP68 certification. Hopefully, the phone will launch with Android Pie out of the box.

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are coming on October 9

Five days after LG’s announcement, we expect Google to take the stage in New York and unveil its next-gen Pixel 3 phones. The first alleged press renders showing the phones in their full glory leaked yesterday. Thus confirming that the Pixel 3 will continue to sport a classic design, while the Pixel 3 XL will feature a pretty large notch on front.

At this point, we pretty much already know almost everything about the Pixel 3. Both will bring new features like wireless charging, Snapdragon 845, and improved cameras.

Speaking of which, while some manufacturers are putting three cameras on the back of their phones, Google is sticking to the classic formula: one sensor on the back. However, both Pixel 3s will have dual-front cameras and will launch with Android 9 Pie. Obviously, a few things will vary including display specs, battery size and perhaps even the amount of RAM offered.

Razer Phone 2 is coming on October 10

Right the next day we’re going to see another important smartphone announcement. This time Razer, will introduce its second attempt at making a gaming phone during an event scheduled to take place at the company’s headquarters in California.

However, the current information we have at our disposal hints that the Razer Phone 2 will be quite similar to the first iteration. According to a recent leak, the Razer Phone 2 which is codenamed “aura” will take advantage of last year’s Snapdragon 835. Other specs include 8GB of RAM, a 120GHz QHD display and Android 8.1 Oreo, just like the first generation Razor Phone.

Interestingly, the phone will apparently ship out with the Chroma app pre-installed. This is a Razor-developer LED lighting system which is usually used on the company’s keyboards and mice. Why is the Chroma app on the Razor Phone 2? According to industry insider Roland Quandt, this is because the phone will have the ability to light up when notifications come in.

New Galaxy phones coming on October 11

Samsung has set a highly mysterious event called “A Galaxy Event” for October 11. It’s speculated that the tech giant will unveil a new phone(s) from the formerly (?) mid-range Galaxy A lineup.

The teaser “4x fun” seems to suggest Samsung is prepping a device will have either four cameras on the back or a total of four cameras. Or maybe we’ll see two devices during the event.

Some recent leaks have suggested one of these devices could be the Galaxy A7, which is rumored to come with a triple camera assembly on the rear, as well as a Bixby button. On top of that, the Galaxy A9 Star Pro could also be in the cards. Word on the street has it, this might be the first Samsung phone to feature four cameras on the back.

Later edit: Samsung has just unveiled the Galaxy A7 with a tri-camera setup on the back. The phone will launch in select European and Asian markets at first, and then will expand into other markets.

Huawei Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro coming on October 16

Huawei’s next-gen flagships the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro will be unveiled in London on October 16. The two handsets will be the first to take advantage of Huawei’s newly announced Kirin 980 processor, which is based on a 7nm process.

On top of that, we heard the Mate 20 will probably come with a 6.3-inch LCD display, while the Mate 20 Pro will take advantage of a 6.9-inch OLED one. Both devices will feature a unique teardrop-shaped notch at the top.

We also expect at least one of the two models to feature a triple camera setup, which will be distinctively arranged in a square, together with the LED flash.

OnePlus 6T coming on October 17

This one wasn’t officially confirmed by the company. The date was deduced from a screenshot released by OnePlus which shows the date October 17 on what we assume to be the 6T’s display.

Last year, the OnePlus 5T was unveiled in November, so it appears this year the Chinese company will launch its second flagship for the year a little bit earlier.

The device is expected to feature a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a tiny notch on top. It will include a Snapdragon 845 processor, in-display fingerprint scanner and Android 9.0 Pie out of the box.

What’s more, it appears OnePlus has partnered up with US mobile carrier, T-Mobile which will exclusively sell the device in America.

Notch-less smartphone showdown: Sony Xperia XZ3 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Alexandra Arici
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0

It’s autumn, so we’re expecting a new wave of shiny flagships to be hitting soon. In October, we should see Google unveil the Pixel 3. LG will also launch the V40 ThinQ, while Huawei is expected to introduce the Mate 20 series. And if rumors are correct, the OnePlus 6T will also make a debut during the very same month.

But also in October, Sony’s latest Xperia XZ3 should go on sale in the US. The phone was announced at IFA 2018 in late August and seems to have some potential.

If you feel like you can’t wait until October, and you need to feel a new phone in your hands right now, you could opt to buy the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung’s latest flagship device. The handset is already available for purchase from major retailers and carriers in the US.

But should you spend your money on the Note 9 now or wait for the new devices to hit the market? Well since some of them haven’t been announced yet, we’re going to take this opportunity to compare the Xperia XZ3 against the Galaxy Note 9 and see if it’s worth the wait or not.

Do looks matter?

Of course, they do. Everyone wants to flaunt a sleek smartphone, right? Well if you love Samsung’s curved InfinityDisplay, you’ll be more than satisfied by the Galaxy Note 9. Compared to what we’ve seen on the Note 8, Samsung kept the overall design with the Note 9.

You’ll get the same curved front and sandwiched metal rim which makes the smartphone feel distinctly modern and premium. But the biggest design difference compared to the previous model is that now the fingerprint sensor sits below the camera, and not next to it.

The glass back also means the Galaxy Note 9 has wireless charging. It also includes an IP68 rating for water damage and a headphone jack. Thankfully for some, the Note 9 foregoes the notch, that display cutout which we have seen on so many 2018 smartphones.

Similarly, the Sony Xperia XZ3 is also a device for the classical smartphone user. It does not have a notch, although it does feature a modern elongated body and 18:9 aspect ratio. The phone features a 6-inch HDR OLED display, which is a bit smaller than the Note 9’s 6.4-inch Super AMOLED one.

The highlight here is the display which is powered by Sony’s Bravia TV image processing technology. The company says this means the phone will be able to deliver more accurate details, depths, and texture in every scene when watching video and pictures.

What’s more, the screen also takes advantage of Sony’s Triluminous Display which should deliver an abundant palette of colors, as well as more natural shades and hues. Sony also uses what it calls X-Reality for mobile image processing engine to make pictures appear sharper, reduce noise and offer better contrast.

Like the Galaxy Note 9, the Xperia XZ3 is a glass/metal sandwich. Sony has used an all-new 7000-series aluminum alloy frame, which is apparently among the highest-strength available today.

Unlike the Samsung flagship, the Xperia XZ3 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, although it is IP65/IP68 rated. It’s also Qi wireless charging enabled.

Taking a look at the entrails

When it comes to performance, the two flagships are pretty similar. They both rely on a Snapdragon 845, although the Note 9 arrives with up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. As for the Xperia XZ3, it will ship with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage with up to 512GB microSDXC card support. Which is still a petty solid configuration.

When it comes to battery, the Sony flagship relies on a 3,330 mAh battery, while the Galaxy Note 9 has a large 4,000 mAh powerhouse. It has Quick Charge, so once it gets depleted, you’ll be able to juice it back up again in no time.

Other Xperia XZ3 features worth mentioning are the speakers. Compared to the previous device they gotten 20% larger. Sony has also expanded the range of bass and treble frequencies for overall louder volume and included Hi-Res Audio.

There’s also the experimental force-feedback experience included with this release. It’s called the Sony Dynamic Vibration System. This is a more powerful, more advanced haptic feedback system that enhances music, movies, and games.

On the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung is taking advantage of its acquisition of Harman and associated audio brands, so the Note 9 external stereo speakers are tuned by AKG. You also get two drivers. So overall the speakers should manage to deliver sound that’s far fuller and bassier than most.

Cameras

The Sony Xperia XZ3 didn’t get massive upgrades in the photo department compared to its predecessor. There’s the same 19MP Motion Eye main camera system with 4K HDR recording and 1080 FHD super-slow-motion video capture at 960 fps. Yet, this time around you’ll get a more streamlined camera interface.

Users will also be able to enjoy the benefits of a new 13-megapixel sensor with f/1.9 and improved viewfinder. This means you’ll be able to take advantage of bokeh and beauty functions in real-time in the front camera interface.

As for the Galaxy Note 9, it gets the dual camera treatment with two 12-megapixel sensors on the back. The phablet also imported one of the biggest features of the Galaxy S9 duo, and that’s mechanical aperture. This allows the camera to manually switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 modes while capturing images.

Samsung has also added a new shooting mode called Intelligent Camera which should “intelligently recognize what you’re looking at“.  From there, the phone will automatically optimize various settings to make the picture look their best. Other phones like the LG G7 ThinQ and Honor 10 offer similar features.

Other features

Obviously, the Galaxy Note 9 ships with the iconic S Pen which is new and improved. For example, the stylus now has Bluetooth built into it, so you can simply press the button on it to control the camera.

The phone also comes with DeX mode that will simply turn on when you connect an HDMI to USB-C adapter to the Note 9 and any monitor. No additional dock needed. Samsung is aiming to provide a second-screen experience with DeX, instead of trying to mimic a desktop. Basically, you can use the extra screen to play a video, using the phone as you normally would.

You also have two voice assistants: the Google Assistant and Bixby. Samsung’s own virtual helper is in version 2, so you should expect an improved experience.

While the Sony Xperia XZ3 doesn’t have all that, it does ship with the latest version of Android currently available, Android 9.0 Pie.  And knowing Samsung, we won’t see that too soon on the Galaxy Note 9.

Price

Both of these phones are super expensive devices. The Sony Xperia XZ3 will hit the market on October 17 and will take you back with $899.99. It will available from Amazon and Best Buy.

As for the Galaxy Note 9, it starts at around $1,000 depending on where you choose to buy it from. The 8GB of RAM + 512GB storage model is even more expensive at about $1,250.

The Galaxy Note 9 is indeed the most feature-rich here, but the Xperia XZ3 has its highlights including a great display and superior camera. So what will it be? Well, it depends on your preferences, of course.

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