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New Kylo Ren expansion is coming for Star Wars: Jedi Challenges

Jason England
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Last year Lenovo graced us with a Star Wars experience of a lifetime when they launched Star Wars: Jedi Challenges. Utilizing special hardware and offering an augmented reality experience Star Wars: Jedi Challenges allowed us to become a Jedi without even leaving our living room.

Darkside Expansion

Offering four different modes you were able to have one on one lightsaber matches, lightsaber battles, play Holochess, or command armies. This year Lenovo is expanding upon that with a free expansion pack.

The new Dark Side Expansion update will now allow you to play as Kylo Ren. Get ready to test your might against Yoda, Rey, and more as you battle as Kylo Ren for the fate of the dark side. This free update is expected to roll out beginning this winter so start training now.

New Lightsaber

The new Darkside Expansion update wouldn’t be complete without Kylo’s legendary lightsaber. Which is why they are releasing the limited edition lightsaber this winter for $99.99.

Huawei announced today the Honor Play is going global

Jason England
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The Honor Play is not a new phone from Huawei’s sub-brand, it was actually released in China back in June. However, the “crazy fast, crazy smart” Honor Play is now branching out to new markets.

Crazy Fast, Crazy Smart

Powered by the Kirin 970 AI NPU (neuron process unit) and GPU Turbo technology the Honor Play promises a faster and smarter performing smartphone. The GPU Turbo technology, in particular, boasts a 60% increase in performance with a 30% decrease in battery drain.

That sounds great on paper, but it is in comparison to the previous Kirin 960 and only for supported games. At this time, the only games that appear to be supported by GPU Turbo are PUBG and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. More games are slated to be supported in the future but for now, GPU Turbo might not benefit you that much.

The Honor Play claims to be crazy smart making use of an independent AI NPU. According to Honor this makes AI smart applications run faster, improves camera performance, and face unlock. It also claims to help with providing 3D sound and 4D smart shock vibrations.

With 4D smart shock your phone will vibrate differently to certain actions in games such as switching or shooting guns and the use of special skills. Supposedly, Honor claims this will offer a more console-like haptic experience while gaming mobile. Currently, only PUBG supports this technology though.

Specs

  • Display: 6.3-inch 19.5:9 2160×1080
  • SoC: Kirin 970 AI NPU 4 x 2.4GHz A73 + 4 x 1.8GHz A53
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB; microSD up to 256GB
  • Cameras: Rear 16MP f/2.2; Secondary Rear 2MP f/2.4; Front 16MP f/2.0
  • Battery: 3750mAh
  • OS: Android 8.1 Oreo; EMUI 8.2

Availability and Colors

The Honor Play comes in Midnight Black, Navy Blue, and Ultra Violet. There is also a special Player Edition of the Honor Play that comes in Red or Black with some added gaming style. As far as pricing goes the Honor Play will start for 329 Euros while the Player Edition will set you back 349 Euros.

Olloclip’s new Multi-Device Clip lets Android users take professional pictures with their phone

Alexandra Arici
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Not so long ago it was a given you’d take your camera on vacation. But in 2018 your smartphone may well be the best camera you’ve owned. And even if you don’t have a high-end smartphone like the Galaxy Note 9, there are still things you can do to make sure you take excellent mobile snaps.

For example, you could invest in some mobile photography accessories. Speaking of which, Olloclip just unveiled one recently and you might find it of interest. The company has been making lenses for the iPhone since 2011, but their latest Multi-Device Clip is now compatible with leading Android smartphones.

The product features an expanding clip design and works even with phones that have screen protectors and cases on (up to 12mm in thickness). Compact in size, the Multi-Device Clip can easily be switched from the front camera to the rear one.

For best results, users will need to pair with Olloclip’s line of Connect X interchangeable lenses. The company offers a series of options all meant to enhance photography on the go.

You can choose from the following models

  • Super-Wide: a four-element lens which offers more than 120-degree visibility
  • Ultra-Wide: 155-degree field-of-view lens for action shots
  • Telephoto: brings 2X optical zoom
  • Fisheye and Macro: for 180-degree wide-angle spherical effect and microscope-like magnification
  • Macro 7X + 14X: for detail-oriented shots
  • Macro 21X: turns your phone into a microscope

If you too are looking for ways to improve your mobile snaps, let us tell you the Olloclip Multi-Device Clip for Android devices is going to be available in mid-September on olloclip.com with any of the Connect X lenses, starting $59.99. Additional Connect X lenses will also up for order separately for $44.99 and up.

It’s also worth mentioning that the official website offers free shipping for those in the US who place an order over $50. So keep an eye out for the new Multi-Device Clip this September.

Sony launches the Xperia XZ3 with a display powered by Sony Bravia TV technology

Alexandra Arici
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Today at IFA, Sony unveiled its next-generation flagship device, the Xperia XZ3. The handset sports a larger 6-inch 18:9 display, compared to its predecessor, the Xperia XZ2. This translates into an increase in viewing area with 11%, although it’s only 5% bigger in overall size.

The Xperia XZ3 is the first smartphone to come with an HDR OLED display powered by Sony Bravia TV image processing technology. This allows the device to deliver more accurate details, depths, and texture in every scene when you’re watching images and videos.

Sony’s new flagship has an impressive display

Additionally, the display also takes advantage of Sony’s Triluminos Display which enriches viewing by offering a abundant palette of colors, as well as more natural shades and hues. On top of that, Sony also uses the X-Reality for mobile image processing engine to make pictures appear sharper, reduce noise and improve contrast.

The new Xperia XZ3 features Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, as well as the front. Sandwiched in between there’s an all-new 7000-series aluminum alloy frame, one of the highest-strength available, according to Sony.

The company notes it has made the speakers on the new device 20% larger compared to the Xperia XZ2. It has also expanded the range of bass and treble frequencies for overall louder volume.

The Xperia XZ3 also brings a few upgrades in the photography department. The main 19-megapixel Motion Eye main camera now offers a new streamlined interface that lets you switch between photo and video more easily. It also keeps the innovative 960 fps FHD Super Slow-Motion mode and 4K HDR video recording.

As for the selfie camera, it’s now a 13-megapixel sensor with f/1.9 and an improved viewfinder. This will allow users to take advantage of bokeh and beauty functions in selfie mode at the same time.

It’s also important to note that the Sony Xperia XZ3 is the first phone to be announced with Android 9.0 Pie pre-installed. Below you can check the device’s full list of specifications:

Sony’s Xperia XZ3 will become available for purchase in the US via Amazon and Best Buy from October 17. Pre-orders on Amazon are set to start on September 24. Unfortunately, it won’t be cheap, as the suggested retail price is of $899.99. However, customers that will pre-order the device via Amazon will also get the Xperia Ear Duo with their purchase.

Soundcore launches the Flare S+ Bluetooth speaker with Alexa, Anker charging tech

Alexandra Arici
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The wireless speaker market is getting more and more competitive with each day that passes. And this week at IFA 2018 we’re probably going to see quite a few new products from this category.

Case in point, Soundcore just announced the expansion of its popular Flare series with the Flare S+. The newcomer is a cylindrical-shaped speaker that’s wider at the bottom and narrower at the top.

The Flare S+ is Soundcore’s first Alexa speaker

The speaker features a cloth-covered body that incorporates back-to-back full range drivers, bass radiators and dual-tweeters to deliver 360-degree sound. The Flare S+ also takes advantage of Anker’s charging technology which allows the speaker to act as a charging station for your other mobile devices. According to the producing company, the audio device can offer up to 16 hours of playtime on a single charge.

Given that this product is marketed as a party speaker, the Flare S+ is IPX7 rated for water-resistance. So you’ll be able to take it with you at the pool or the beach.

Perhaps the coolest thing about the Flare S+ is that is has a LED ring at its base so it can deliver an intensified beat-driven light show. On top of that, the Flare S+ is Soundcore’s first speaker to come with Alexa built-in. So you’ll be able to do things like control your smart home devices, check the weather, order pizza and much, much more.

Soundcore says the Flare S+ will be available just in time for the holiday season via Amazon.com for $129.88. If you don’t think you can wait that long, the company is currently selling the Flare+ for $99.99. This speaker might not have Alexa enabled, but it can still deliver a unique light show and promises 20-hours of playtime instead of just 16. For those who want something smaller, the standard Flare is also available for $59.99.

On top of that Soundcore by Anker also unveiled a bunch of other products which you can find listed below:

PowerHouse Mini

Price: $299.99

This is a portable power charger that can deliver up to 1 week of power for any of your mobile devices. It’s expected to launch in mid-September.

Life Journey U

Price: $129

The Life Journey U are a pair of earbuds that can be worn around the neck. They take advantage of 12mm drivers to deliver professional-tuned sound. The accessories also boast Hi-Res audio compatibility and offer u to 10 hours of playtime. Expect them to land on the market in October.

RoboVac 30C

Price: $299

A smart robot vacuum that features Alexa and Google Assistant controls. It will go on sale in the US in September.

 

IFROGZ’s new Second Hub Sync buds double as a wireless receiver

Alexandra Arici
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Audio accessory specialist IFROGZ launched this week the new Sound Hub wireless earbud family which includes the Sync, XD2, Tone and Plugz.  Each of the new earbud pairs come with IPX-2 rating for water resistance and a warranty.

The accessories are already available for purchase from the official IFROGZ website and other select retailers. So let’s see what they offer:

Second Hub Sync

Price: $49.99

The Second Hub Sync is an earbud system that also doubles as a wireless receiver that can turn any device with a 3.5mm jack into a wireless device. This includes headphones, speakers or other earbuds.

The Sync wireless buds incorporate 8mm drivers for immersive audio experience and ship with four sizes of earbud tips. They also provide up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge. Available in Black and White.

Sound Hub XD2

Price: $39.99

The XD2 feature 6mm dual neodymium drivers in each ear and can sustain up to 8 hours of battery life. You can grab them in Black, White or Navy.

Second Hub Tone

Price: $29.99

Equipped with 12mm drivers, the Second Hub Tone were created for those who never seem to find a comfortable fit with their earbuds. Thanks to the adjustable earbud tips, the Second Hub Tone perfectly mimics the shape of the ear. The audio accessories can deliver up to eight hours of playback and are available in several color options. These include Black/Gray, Coral/Gray, White/Gray and Navy/Red.

Sound Hub Plugz

Price: $29.99

The Sound Hub Plugzz rely on 8mm neodymium drivers to deliver quality audio. They have an estimated battery life of six hours and come with three earbud tip sizes. Get them in Black/White, Red/Gray, White/Gray or Purple/Pink.

Additionally, we should also note that the Sound Hub XD2, Tone and Plugz come with three EQ settings that let users choose custom sound profiles to suit whatever you’re listening to. On the Sound Hub XD2, you get Signature Sound, Bass Boost and Podcast.

While on the other two models users can take advantage of Music (a setting created to deliver the perfect experience no matter what you play), Movie and Podcast.

On top of announcing the new Sound Hub family, IFROG also took the opportunity to roll out the Flex Force 2 and Free Rain 2 wireless earbuds.

Flex Force 2 Wireless Neckband Earbuds

Price: $29.99

The around-the-neck Flex Force 2 feature 8mm drivers, IPX-2 water resistance and a battery life of up to 8 hours. Available in Black/Gray, Rose Gold/White and Silver/White, these magnetic buds help you eliminate the annoying problem of getting your cords tangled.

Free Rein 2 Wireless Earbuds

Price: $19.99

Free Rein 2 are a very budget take on the idea of wireless earbuds. They are magnetic and feature 8mm drivers and a battery that can support up to 6 hours of play time. They ship with three sizes of earbud tips. Get them in White, Red, Purple or Black.

HTC’s new U12 Life mid-ranger looks pretty in a two-tone design

Alexandra Arici
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HTC is among the first Android phone makers to make an announcement at IFA this year. The Taiwanese brand just unveiled a new member of its flagship U12 family. It’s called the HTC U12 Life and it’s a middle-range device that positions itself below the top-of-the-line U12+, which launched a few months ago.

Despite not being a fully-fledged flagship, the HTC U12 Life does pack some great specs and features a premium design. The new handset uses a 6-inch FHD+ (2160 x 1080) display with the trendy 18:9 aspect ratio. And while a lot of Android phone makers have eagerly joined the notch hype, HTC is once again bucking the trend. So the U12 Life features the classic design with relatively slim bezels, although the chin and forehead remain relatively prominent.

HTC U12 Life seems like a promising mid-ranger

But the big highlight here is aesthetics. HTC’s new mid-range offers a beautiful two-tone design in two color options: twilight purple and moonlight blue. With soft, subtle stripes on the back, the acrylic glass unibody offers a premium metal-like feel.

When it comes to performance, the U12 Life is using a Snapdragon 636 processor which is backed up by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. A 128GB model will be available for purchase in Taiwan. The device also includes a dual-camera setup which pairs a 16MP sensor and a 5MP one on the rear. Both have f/2.0 aperture lenses. The front is reserved for a 13MP selfie camera with LED flash and HDR for better selfies in low-light.

The U12 Life also includes stereo speakers and a headphone jack. Rounding up the package is a 3,600 mAh battery. The only negative aspect about this release is that the phone will ship with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box and not the new Android 9 version. We should also note that this won’t be an Android One device, so expect some to see some Sense customization on board.

HTC plans to start selling the phone in Europe starting late September for €349 / $407. Unfortunately, unlike the HTC U11 Life, the U12 Life won’t be available for purchase in the US.

Casio announces their PRO TEK WSD-F30 smartwatch with offline map support

Jason England
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Casio has kicked off IFA with a bang with their all-new Wear OS PRO TEK WSD-F30 smartwatch. The WSD-F30 continues with the tradition of their previous outdoor smartwatches. Including a rugged build and specialized features for all the tech-savvy outdoor lovers out there.

This time around they have shaved down the body a bit making it slightly less gargantuan. It might be slightly smaller but the WSD-F30 is still just as durable featuring MIL-STD-810 military certification, while also keeping the 5 bars water resistance up to 50 meters.

Offline Maps

The headlining feature is the new ability to store full-color offline maps for your adventures for up to three days. The fantastic battery life is accomplished using their dual display technology which utilizes an organic EL monochrome display.

By choosing to primarily use the monochrome display it saves battery life and can extend usage up to three days. The monochrome display is also more visible for viewing outdoors, making it perfect for all of your hikes and adventures. If you prefer a color display then don’t fret, the secondary color display is only one button push away.

Improved Display

Casio has again chosen a dual layer display including a 1.2-inch 390 x 390 color OLED screen paired with a secondary monochrome LCD display. The new and improved EL display on the WSD-F30 allows for finer detail. Casio has also updated the layout to provide even more detail than before. The monochrome screen can now show atmospheric pressure, altitude, and your compass bearing. All the details you could need for a hike and with plenty of battery life until you get back to civilization.

Multiple Modes

Another way the Casio WSD-F30 stands out from other smartwatches on the market is with their different display modes. On Normal mode all features and functions of the WSD-F30 are available and it provides up to 1.5 days worth of battery life.

With Extend mode enabled the Pro Tek WSD-F30 uses both displays and can last up to three days on a single charge without Bluetooth or WiFi enabled.

When using Multi-Timepiece mode the WSD-F30 turns off Wear OS which provides smartwatch functions. You’ll still enjoy all the useful data on the monochrome screen but without using the smart functions or color screen the watch can last for up to one month on a charge.

Availability

The WSD-F30 will be available beginning in January of 2019 from select jewelers and retailers for a price of $549. It will come in a choice of colors including black, blue and orange.

Big changes are coming to your Wear OS watch

Jason England
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Wear OS formerly Android Wear is continuing to evolve as Google attempts to improve the platform. With this new update comes a lot of visual changes as well as functional. Wear OS appears to be making a shift to focus on being smarter, more useful, and I can’t wait.

Wear OS is getting smarter and more practical gestures

First up the UI and gestures are getting a bit of an overhaul. Swiping to the left or right no longer changes your watch faces and instead becomes more practical. From now on, swiping to the right now brings up Google Assistant.

The new revamped Google Assistant has gotten smarter and will provide you with helpful info based on your location. For instance, if you’re on the way to the airport it would show your flight status or hotel reservation. It might even give you the weather forecast for your destination, and the more you use it the more relevant the information will become.

 

Swiping to the left brings up the all-new Google Fit putting a larger focus on using your watch as a fitness device. The recent upgrade to Google Fit brought the addition of Move Minutes and Heart Points.

Google worked with the AHA and WHO to provide better ways to track your health. It only makes sense to give you quicker access to your health information. Which is why your health info will only be a swipe away from now on.

Improved notifications and shortcuts

With the world being so connected now and more information flying at us than ever, Google has revamped the notification system as well. Swiping up still reveals your notifications except now you will see them in a continuous stream.

In order to manage them better, Wear OS makes it easy to reply by simply tapping one and providing you with smart replies. All of this without ever leaving your stream. Talk about streamlining your communications.

Swiping down has always revealed shortcuts and that hasn’t changed. However, the shortcuts you see will be changing. Find my phone and Google Pay have both been added making it quicker than ever to locate your phone or make mobile payments.

When can you expect the change

Over the next month, these changes will be rolling out to Wear OS watches. However, some of the features may vary by phone OS, watch, or country.

Honor puts the View 10 and 7X on sale for Labor Day

Donovan Jeska
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Just in time for Labor Day, it looks like Honor is having a sale on two of its most popular phones, the Honor View10 and the Honor 7X. The latter starts its sale on August 31st and ends September 5th, while the former runs from September 3rd through the 30th. Both are getting a pretty significant discount: the Honor View10 will drop down to $429 (from $499) while the 7X will cost just $179.99 (down from $199.99). Great deals, all around.

Honor 7X

The Honor 7X is a value phone, and as such your expectations for its specifications should be tempered somewhat. It features a 5.93″, Full-HD LCD display, a Kirin 659 CPU, 3/32GB RAM/ROM (expandable), a 3340mAh battery, and a 16+2MP dual sensor rear camera. While its WiFi (802.11n) and Bluetooth (4.1) specs are a little outdated, it comes preloaded with Android 7.0 – not bad for a budget phone. It can be had for just $179.99 from August 31st to September 5th – a great bargain.

Amazon | Newegg | HiHonor | B&H

Honor View10

The Honor View10, by comparison, is more of a traditional flagship-style phone. It features a 5.99″, Full-HD display, a Kirin 970 CPU, 6/128GB RAM/ROM (expandable), a 3750mAh battery, and a 16+20MP dual sensor rear camera. It won’t compete with the true flagships – or even the so-called Flagship Killers – on the market, but it can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it admirably, and save you a pretty penny in the process. The Honor View 10 will cost $429 from September 3rd through the end of September, which is significantly less than any other flagship-style phone on the market.

Amazon | Newegg | HiHonor | B&H

Don’t miss out! Honor is a brand of phones made by the massive Chinese OEM Huawei, and as such is one of the better-made phone brands out there. Huawei’s run into its own problems Stateside lately, but the quality of its phones has never been in question. Don’t miss out on a pair of great phones at even better prices.

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