It’s no secret that we love icon packs, wallpapers, and other ways to customize our phones. There’s just something about switching up your wallpaper every once in awhile that adds some fresh flavor to your device, even if you’ve had it for some time.
This is especially true for those of us who don’t have the deepest of pockets and still want a taste of the latest and greatest device. However, for the rest of us, we usually rely on various wallpaper applications.
That brings us to a roundup of some of the best wallpaper apps you can find on the Play Store. Some of these are community favorites so you’ve already heard of them, but there are a few others that may surprise you. Others, should be new to you.
We would be remiss without kicking off this roundup without mentioning the official Google Wallpapers app. The app was released back in 2016, but the cool thing here is that you’ll be able to find the same geographical wallpapers that are found on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
Chances that if you have been searching the Play Store for wallpaper apps, you’ve come across Backdrops. This app has been out for a few years and has turned into the best app on the Play Store thanks to the sheer number of different options that are offered. While there is a paid version available, there is an ad-supported version for free.
It seems that I have been living under a rock as I have been using Backdrops for so long, that I never noticed Walli. However, this application has become so popular that Google has started using some of the offerings in its own Google Wallpapers app. With a 4.9 rating and 5 million downloads, Walli is a great option.
Material Design has been the bread and butter for Android for some time now, and Wallrox has been the de-facto option when it comes to MD wallpapers. All of the wallpapers offered by Wallrox feature a 2K resolution, and there are over 800 different walls to choose from.
This next application is for those who love having a “minimalist” setup on their devices. Aptly named “Minimal Wallpapers”, This application features more than 1000 different wallpapers and every option features an HD resolution. Plus, the developers have confirmed that regardless of what happens, Minimal Wallpapers will always be free.
As indicated by the name of the app itself, Super AMOLED Wallpapers is designed for folks whose devices sport an AMOLED display. The benefit of having wallpapers designed for AMOLED displays is that you should be able to save a bit of battery life while getting some awesome way to show off that excellent display.
Zedge has by far been one of the most popular customization apps on the Play Store for as long as I can remember. Not only does the app feature a slew of high-quality wallpapers, but you can also use Zedge to get new ringtones, app icons, and more customization options. Best of all, Zedge is free and has just recently seen a new update.
Muzei has also been one of the most popular options on the Play Store for a few years, as it offers a different take on “live wallpapers”. Instead of the wallpaper constantly moving, you can use Muzei to change your wallpaper depending upon the time of day, or if you want something fresh every day. Plus, there are a slew of other wallpaper apps that feature Muzei integration, so you aren’t limited to just one app.
Tapet may be the most unique wallpaper app on our list, as it actually generates high-quality wallpapers “right on your device”. The app will generate a unique wallpaper based on your preferences, and the app automatically recognizes the resolution of your display, to ensure that you have the best-looking wallpaper possible.
Obviously, there are so many different options on the Play Store, so this is where we want to hear from you. Be sure to sound off in the comments below and let us know what your favorite wallpaper application is.
When looking for a new pair of Bluetooth headphones, we’re often faced with a few choices. Do we want to spend more money for better audio quality? Does it need water resistance? How much do we care about looks?
While some audio companies are trying to compete on price alone and some are trying to compete on features alone, MPOW is trying to straddle the line of both of those segments to provide a pair of Bluetooth headphones that look great, sound great, and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Recently, MPOW sent over a pair of headphones, the MPOW M3 headphones for us to take a look at.
While doing research for this review, I came away honestly surprised that MPOW sent them over to us. Right now, the M3’s are listed at the #1 option on Amazon for Bluetooth Headphones. It seems like they’re doing pretty well on their own, but more credit to MPOW to send them over to use for a critical look anyway.
When unboxing the headphones, you’re greeted by plenty of accessories. We received a charging cable, a 3.5mm cable, and a carrying case as well. While the M3 is marketed as a budget Bluetooth headphone option, you can use it wired too. This is great if you run out of juice on a long car trip or on your way to work on the subway in the morning.
The headband offers a ton of soft padding.
The M3’s have a hard plastic shell on the outside of a very soft plastic inside. Everything that touches your head, ears, or skin is a soft material, while the exterior of the headphones consists of hard plastics that will stand up to bumps, bruises, and being thrown into gym bags. The headphones also have a hinge on both sides so they can collapse down taking up less room in your bag.
The earcups are a soft material that honestly feels pretty decent after long (2+ hour) listening sessions. The cups are just big enough to encompass my entire earlobe which I appreciate. I’m not a big fan of on-ear headphones. I was also pleased by how tightly the headphones held onto my head and my earlobes. I did my fair share of trying to shake them off and only the most violent of shaking could dislodge them.
The second component of headphone quality is audio quality. Here, I was a little less impressed with the MPOW M3’s, but I still thought they were pretty quality. You definitely get a LOT of bass in these things. I wouldn’t say they’re quite Beats-level bassy, but they certainly provide more bass than your standard Bluetooth earbuds. But, all that shimmers isn’t gold. The bass is pretty muddy and not the most enjoyable of experiences. While I did get more used to it as time went on, the initial listening periods were pretty rough.
MPOW did much better in the mids and highs than it did in the lows. I was pleasantly surprised how good voices, guitars, and other instruments sounded. The soundstage isn’t huge (we are talking about $35 Bluetooth headphones here) but it does well regardless. I listened to several podcasts and had zero qualms about how the audio came across. If you’re looking for something to wear while listening to podcasts in your hammock on a lazy summer day, you can’t go wrong here.
The controls on the side are pretty easy to learn, but sometimes hard to locate
Battery life is another strong point of the MPOW M3’s. MPOW rates the headphones at about 13 hours, but I got more along the lines of ten hours at higher volumes. Don’t get me wrong, ten hours is a really long time on battery and I was pretty pleased with that number. The M3’s took about 3.5 hours to recharge from the first low-battery warning so I’d assume that from completely dead you’re looking at 4 to 4.5 hours. That’s a pretty long time to recharge, but if you throw them on a charger overnight once a week, you’ll never have to worry about it.
I made five test calls with the headphones and four of the five said I sounded fine with one person saying I was a little quiet. These are perfectly serviceable headphones for taking calls while you’re on your run or commute, but I wouldn’t recommend setting up business conference calls or anything where the call quality is uber important. Stick to your business solutions for that.
All-in-all, I was pretty impressed with the MPOW M3’s. I can see why they’re the #1 seller on Amazon right now. While not perfect, they’re a great option for someone looking for half-decent sound and great build quality without breaking the bank. If you’d like to grab a pair, head on over to Amazon and pick a pair up.
Fiio has been killing it lately when it comes to performance for the price. Earlier in the year, the company gave us the chance to test drive two ends of their audio player spectrum, from the tiny $50 Bluetooth BTR1 DAC to the top-end $650 X7 Mark II Android-powered HiFi player. We were left impressed either way.
But being that Fiio’s has beginnings in the mobile DAC market, the most promise is held in its latest flagship DAC, dubbed the Q5.
Unboxing the Fiio Q5.
Right from a glance, it’s apparent that Fiio is carrying over design cues from its metal-clad DAP (digital audio player) series. This is fine with us; we loved the brushed metal and chiseled aesthetics of the X7 II. We’ll examine what you get with the $350 Q5 DAC, and if it’s the right Fiio player for you.
Design
We’re tempted to sum up the Q5 DAC as a X7 II without a screen (especially with a brushed-metal panel on the front that looks like where a display should be). The two devices look very related, from their block-of-Aluminum form to that slit that glows an adjustable light.
We loved the X7 II’s premium feel and attractive, angular aesthetics, so we’re glad to see the same build quality in a device half the cost. That said, there are plentiful differences around the Q5’s exterior that give it its own identity.
For instance, turn it around and you’ll a substantial deviation – a classy-looking, black leather lining taking up most of the back. We love this contrast and break from the otherwise completely silver Aluminum look. The leather also helps the DAC stay still on a tabletop – a small contention of the smooth, relatively slippery X7 II. We also no longer have to worry about scratching the pristine metal surface.
Maybe this is why Fiio did not include a case in the box, like it did with the X7 II (or maybe it’s because the Q5’s lower price). We would’ve still liked to see a case, as the rest of the chassis is vulnerable to the elements. At least there’s a quality, draw-string bag for transport.
Speaking of the packaging, in typical Fiio-fashion, we get an array of accessories. Though, it’s not as extensive as we’ve seen before (like the omission of a protective case); basically what would be essentials for usability, like a charging cable and a couple I/O methods.
We were disappointed to only see a Lightning-to-MicroUSB cable for passing through the digital signal. Fiio is ignoring Android users, making us get our own digital cable before being able to use the DAC with our phones. It’s not a big deal, as these cables are cheap. But for a device that’s mobile and depends on that cable, it should’ve been included.
*Update: We’ve discussed the Android cable concern with Fiio and compatibility is in fact not promoted with the Q5 (although it works fine in many cases) because of the wide differences among Android smartphones. We can understand the frustration, as we’ve run into phones where the OTG audio out function did not work or required toggling a certain setting. Because it’s an unsure thing, Fiio is choosing not to promote Android compatibility and thus, not include the cable in the box. Though, as we’ve showed, it should work just fine with newer phones. You can see their official word about the issue here.
Back to the unit itself, we catch a lot of the same ports and controls around the perimeter as seen in its X7 II brother. The 3-button playback controls are on the left side, primarily consisting of back/forward track and play/pause in the middle button. This is also how you turn Bluetooth on and pair, by holding down the middle button.
The Q5 has separate microUSB ports for charging and digital audio pass-through (Boo for no USB-C). You’ll see the charging port under the playback controls on the left side, and the digital out is on the bottom of the device, in between the two headphone output options, 3.5mm standard or 2.5mm Balanced. Yes, Fiio carries over the capability of Balanced audio as seen in the X7 II.
On the right side, we see a rotary volume dial significantly larger than the one on the X7 II. There’s a dot indicator so you can see where the volume level is set. Right under that is the power button, with an LED at the center to indicate if the device is on or not.
Volume dial firmly and smoothly rolls.
Function
Of course, the DAC can be used for better audio out of a computer (you can use the supplied USB-to-microUSB cable for this purpose, as well as charging the device).
Fiio takes flexibility a step further by making the Q5 Bluetooth-capable, and it remembered about the aptX codec for transmitting a higher-fidelity signal. However, it’s our opinion that any “HiFi” player today shouldn’t be incorporating any less than aptX HD bandwidth (352 vs 576 kbps). Both standards are a far cry from “high res” but if you’re going to do Bluetooth in this kind of device, you should be using the best standard available.
There’s plenty of affordable USB-C to microUSB OTG cable options on Amazon.
However, first and foremost, the Q5 is meant for wired pairing with a mobile device. Once we got a USB-C to microUSB cable, getting the digital audio signal passed through from our Galaxy S9 worked like a charm.
At the top of the unit, you’ll see a couple other I/O options. One port handles all of the other input support: optical (using the supplied adapter), coaxial, and aux line in. The other hole is simply a line out, for sending the audio signal to another system.
The top of the Q5.
This is also where the basic signal tweaks live. If you have higher impedance headphones and the volume level isn’t quite cutting it, you can toggle the gain to High. Similarly, if the bass isn’t tickling your fancy, there’s a one-setting boost.
Speaking of which, another feature that the Q5 borrows from the X7 line is the ability to change out the amp. It uses the same design/form as on the X7, so you have access to all the modules available for that platform. Pretty neat.
The removable amp module is located along the bottom. Fiio provides a screwdriver for the screws on both sides. The Q5 comes with the same AM3A module as the X7 II, which can power most headphones and has Balanced output.
Via the presence of the X7 line, various different amp modules exist, providing different jack configurations and higher power output for more beastly headphones.
Going back to that glowing light on the front, Fiio added some functionality this time around. It has RGB access, and uses color coding for different things. When the unit is turned on and connected (but not playing), it’ll show as White. Different signal inputs light different colors, and the color Blue is used when Bluetooth is running.
Lastly, it will flash red when the battery is low or the device is charging. Though, we wish there was a way to know the battery status above that point.
Red glow when charging.
Speaking of battery life, the Q5 packs a 3,800mAh capacity that reaches about 10 hours of playback. This is either using the DAC in wired or wireless mode.
Audio
Judging by the rest, we were expecting audio quality and a sound signature from the Q5 like that of the X7 II. This would be a fine thing. We adored the well-rounded and lively audio from the X7 II, and we’d be getting that top-notch experience at half the price with the Q5.
However, where the X7 II uses a SABRE ES9028Pro DAC for sound processing, Fiio opts for a solution from AKM for the Q5 – the AK4490EN, to be exact. Both mobile DACs are from trusted manufacturers (for instance, AKM is found in many of Astell & Kern’s high-end audio players). The AK4490EN is actually a dual-DAC chip, so we were really interested in how it sounded in comparison.
The Shure SE846 have a gorgeous sound paired with the Fiio Q5.
Despite hardware difference, Fiio’s excellent tuning can still be heard in the Q5. That is, an exceptionally balanced spectrum and authoritative mid-range. The Q5’s price isn’t “cheap” in the grand scheme of things, but when you hear the cleanness, articulation, separation, and detail that this DAC pumps out, the reality comes into focus. This is true audiophile-grade quality that usually costs closer to $1K.
Like with the X7 II, we can’t say enough good things about the mid-range. Its in-your-face reproduction (in a good way) and exemplary airyness really enhances the listening experience.
You get engaged with the music in a level not achieved by most. None of the ranges miss the opportunity to utilize the open soundstage. Dynamical play is free-game, and if you have a high-end headphone that can resolve depth, you’ll hear the dimensional sound it’s capable of with the Q5.
Regarding specifics, the neutral sound signature may not suit bassheads. This is more true of sub-bass than mid-bass, of which there’s plentiful punch for us. The sub-bass is subtle, but you’ll hear its nicely rounded quality and rumble when the track dictates it. The mid-bass more tamed than what you may be used to, but it’s super clean in return (complimenting the mids perfectly rather than interfering with them). You have the bass boost option via the switch we talked about, but it bloats the low-end too much for us.
The treble range shares the same cleanness and articulated kind of response that we’ve noted of the rest. With many reproductions, the treble can get pushed back when there’s a lot going on. Not so here; it’s as present as the rest. Actually, its spacious and high-reaching quality and pin-drop clarity many times captured our attention most of all. You’ll be able to pick up detail you may not have heard before in your favorite music.
Ultimately, some folks may find that the Q5 is “light” in some ranges. But it’s apparent that that’s done for cleanness, detail, and balance, all of which is important for true, high-end audio. That said, the Q5’s overall sound is far from sterile. It’s very lively and pleasing. Fiio has become very skillful at this craft, and we’re glad that it is still standing by its “value” ideal, rather than continually upping its prices like its competitors do.
Final Thoughts
Suffice to say, the Q5 is a winner. It’s not just that it’s solidly constructed with premium materials and is packed with features, but its biggest success is in what it’s ultimately meant for – stellar audio. At $330, it may not seem like a great value to those new to this field, but it really is when you look at the high-end portable DAC market. The Q5 can stand toe-to-toe with them at half the cost. We’re really glad that Fiio is continuing to show them how it’s done.
It hasn’t been an incredibly smartphone space over the last few days but that doesn’t mean we don’t have things to talk about. In this episode, we chat more Google Pixel 3 rumors and even get started on the Samsung Galaxy S10. Also, Google Photos gains a web-based tool and Google Home learns a new trick. And, just before we got together, Verizon introduced new data plans.
It’s our goal to keep these podcasts short but there’s a reason we lovingly refer to it as “The 15-minute podcast that’s never 15 minutes”. We hope you enjoy the show!
Hisense has announced the availability of the H9E Plus ULED 4K Smart TV Series, featuring best-in-class picture quality, Android TV with Google Assistant built in, and an elegant bezel-less design. 55″ MSRP $699.99; 65″ MSRP $1199.99
The HUAWEI MediaPad M5 Series of tablets are now available in the U.S. at top consumer electronics retailers Amazon and Newegg. Available in 8.4-inch and 10.8-inch versions in Space Gray and a 10.8-inch Pro version in Champagne Gold. Priced at $319, $359 and $449 respectively.
Looking for a new phone? We’ve just released our Best Flagship Phones list for June. Check it out here!
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The recently announced LG G7 ThinQ is a compelling device. But, if experience has taught us anything, you need to protect your investment. Even the most well-built phones need some extra protection. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of great LG G7 ThinQ cases we think you should consider.
If you’re looking for a case that provides protection without a ton of bulk, the Protective Armor case from VRS Design is what you need. VRS Design is a reputable company that we’ve personally reviewed several times here at AndroidGuys and come away impressed each time.
The Protective Armor case has a strong TPU design that can take numerous hits and still function like day one. It also has grooves in the back of the case to not only help you with your grip but also to provide some design flair. We absolutely love it.
VRS Design Protective Armor LG G7 case purchase link: Amazon | VRS Design
TopACE Rubber Gel Case
Another name on our list you may recognize is TopACE. Even though they’re not the biggest case maker in the world, they do have a solid reputation for putting out quality cases for a decent price.
This entry on our list is TopACE’s Rubber Gel case. This case is designed to take the shock of a drop and protect your case without covering up the beautiful phone underneath. The clear design lets everyone know you just picked up an awesome new LG G7. The case will help cut down on drops too as the gel case adds a better grip onto your phone.
TopACE Rubber Gel LG G7 Case purchase link: Amazon
Ringke Fusion-X series
If you’re looking for series protection, look no further than Ringke’s Fusion-X series. The case does a really nice job of protecting your phone from falls with its embellished corners for shock absorption. The Fusion-X also does a great job of proving stability and support but without adding a ton of bulk to the device. Sure, we want our cases to protect our phones, but we don’t want them to feel like the size of a Zach Morris phone, right?
If it’s looks you’re after, the Fusion-X series does a great job there too. It’s not your standard boring case that no-one will notice. It features a clear back so you can see your device clearly, but it also has some nice cut-ins for visual flair. You can get it in Black, Gray, and Lilac Purple for that added splash of color.
Ringke Fusion-X series LG G7 case purchase links: Amazon | Ringke
Spigen Tough Armor
Spigen makes so many excellent case lineups, it’s hard to choose just one. Today, we’re going with the Tough Armor for the LG G7 because it provides a kickstand, some serious protection, and looks great in the process.
Let’s get this out of the way first, the Spigen Tough Armor case does its name proud. The case is made out of materials designed to cushion your phone in case of a fall. In fact, it even has a military certification to back that up (MIL-STD-810G-516.6)! The (reinforced) kickstand is there to make media viewing even better on the gorgeous LG G7 display and there are two colors to choose from, Black and Gunmetal Gray.
Spigen Tough Armor LG G7 case purchase links: Amazon | Spigen
C&U Frosted Shield Case
The Frosted Sheild Case from C&U looks like the best of both worlds: protection without bulk. It has a faux brushed metal back that stands out in a crowd as more than just your normal boring case. It also has two areas, one at the top and bottom of the rear, that have a carbon fiber look to them. This is a nice touch that adds a bit of flair to the case.
Protection is key here and the Frosted Shield Case has it. The corners of the case offer extra grip and protection just in case you happen to drop it. And if you’re not feeling black, the case comes in five different colors. Each looks better than the last!
C&U Frosted Shield LG G7 case purchase link: Amazon
The FIFA World Cup started today with Russia vs. Saudi Arabia, with 63 more games to come before a winner emerges victorious. In celebration of that momentous event, Koogeek is rolling out a sale on some of its popular products, as well as offering a pick-the-winner style activity that could win you a hefty prize pack.
Prize Packs
To participate, just sign up at Koogeek’s website and start choosing who you think will win each match at the World Cup. Each correct pick will net you 10 points, and you’ll receive different prizes at the end for reaching certain milestones. Third Place (achieved at 400 points) will get you one o Koogeek’s smart LED strips. Second Place (530 points) gets you said LED strip and a smart bulb from Koogeek’s lineup. First prize – 640 points – gets you all of the above, plus a smart socket, door/window sensor, and a bluetooth blood pressure cuff.
In addition to the Pick-the-Winner activity, Koogeek is also offering steep discounts on its most popular products. These discounts change weekly leading up to the World Cup finals, so we’ll keep you informed! These discounts include a smart LED strip (60% off), smart light socket (30% off), bluetooth blood pressure cuff (30% off), smart light switch (30% off), and a smart bulb (30% off). To stay in the know, keep an eye on Koogeek’s website stick around right here.
Editor Note: This article is a paid or sponsored publication. AndroidGuys has vetted the links at the time of publication; however, the articles should not be considered a blanket endorsement for the products or services highlighted herein. In some instances AndroidGuys may receive a small percentage of revenue derived from purchases through affiliate links. Money generated here is used to help pay for the site and/or staff. AndroidGuys does not endorse the products listed here.
Back at CES 2018, Hisense was one of the brands that announced a partnership with Google to bring the Android TV platform to an upcoming line of products. Now that line called the Hisense H9E Plus is available for purchase in the US.
There are two models to choose from:
Hisense H9E Plus with 55-inch display (55H9080E Plus) – starting at $648
Hisense H9E Plus with 65-inch display (65H9080E Plus) – starting at $998
These are 4K ULED TVs that pack Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10 and 240Hz motion rate (120Hz panel). They are also as bezel-less as they can get with an appealing and very modern design.
What’s more, the TVs include four HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, dual-band Wi-Fi, as well as a variety of audio outputs and Gigabit Ethernet too.
Hisense aims to attract sports fans with its new 4K Smart TVs
Oh and the TVs include a special app to stream the 2018 FIFA World Cup, of which Hisense is an official sponsor.
Except for size, the two models differ in one other aspect: the smaller one (55-inch) offers 30W Harmon/Kardon sound.
But perhaps the biggest highlight with Hisense’s new TV models is the presence of Android TV. Which means users will be able to access the Google Play Store and install countless apps.
On top of that, the products have Google Assistant built-in. The accompanying remote even has a dedicated Assistant button to make it easier to summon the virtual helper anytime you feel like barking a command.
Even though the H9E Plus now only went on sale in the US this week, the devices were first announced during CES 2018 alongside other TVs such as the H10E TV.
The product should also run Android TV and feature a 75-inch display. So if you think the H9E Plus models are too small for your taste, you might want to wait for the H10E model. Although, we’re not sure when it will hit the market.
But if you’re interested in the Hisense H9E Plus line, both TV models are currently available at Walmart and Best Buy. Although, the Walmart versions are priced a little bit more affordable.
The world cup is just around the corner and the hype is getting real. The biggest sporting event in the world is expected to draw in an audience in the billions and showcase some of the best athletes in the world.
32 teams will head to Russia with the dream of raising the FIFA World Cup Trophy. From June 14 until July 15, they’ll battle it out to see who reigns supreme. Can Messi finally win the World Cup? Can Ronaldo power Portugal to the trophy or will Germany repeat? Only time will tell, but one is for sure, it’ll be fun to find out.
It’s almost impossible to watch every match. The matches will take place in Russia this year so many of them will take place during the workday in the United States. Since we’ll need some help staying up on the games, we’ve put together this list of apps that’ll help you stay informed during the World Cup.
The Score
If you’ve looked for a great sports app, you’re probably already familiar with The Score. It is one of the leading apps in the Play Store to keep you updated on news, transactions, and scores for all of your favorite teams.
The app recently got an update to bring special World Cup 2018 features. You’re now able to get real-time scores for every single match of the World Cup. All the way from the group stages to the championship game where (hopefully) Germany will raise the statue again (I’m totally not biased).
The Score also lets you compare teams, look at the top performers in the tournament, and has a minute-by-minute feed for news around the games. It’s crazy good and we suggest you pick it up now.
Tandem isn’t your typical sports app. In fact, it’s not a sports app at all. Tandem’s developers describe it as a “social language learning app.” You join the other four million users and learn a language through conversations with others. You can learn and teach others those little intricacies that it’s hard for non-native speakers to learn.
So, why is on our list? Tandem recently launched a new Fanzone feature that allows users to show support and talk about their favorite teams at the World Cup. If you choose to join the special Fanzone section, you select your favorite team, and then are given a conversation starter so you can strike up a convo with other Fanzone members. It’s a really cool concept and should help people learn a new language even easier.
Forza features a community of over 3 million crazed football fans. It recently updated and now features a World Cup tab that gives users the most important content related to WC2018. The tab contains pre and post match content from FIFA including highlights and premium video content from providers like Sky and BeIN.
Forza keeps an eye on stats too. You can easy see who is on top in the race for the Golden Boot or who leads the tournament in assists. And, if you want to watch the matches, Forza provides TV listings which allow users to quickly know where to go to watch the game on live TV.
If you’re like me and have a ton of your favorite players from your club team going to the world cup, you can track them all with Forza’s player tracker. Whether you’re a Mesut Ozil fan or a Germany fan, Forza gives you the tools to track exactly what you want to know.
FotMob is widely recognized as one of the best football apps in the Play Store. The app offers up live scoring so even if you can’t watch the games, you can follow live. Match reports give you real-time in-game reports like cards, substitutions, injuries, and goals. The app has a wonderful layout that makes it easy to see how your team is doing in its group and a handy schedule to see when they’ll play next. FotMob has a free version that contains ads and a paid version that removes them.
What could be better than the official app, right? FIFA has published a fantastic app that allows you to select your favorite teams and stay up to date on everything you need to know. From news, match alerts, and schedules, the Official FIFA World Cup 2018 App is a perfect companion for the month-long tournament.
If you’re lucky enough to head over to Russia for the World Cup, Google Translate could be your best friend. Unless you speak Russian, there’s definitely going to be a language barrier at some point during your trip, so why not load up Google Translate and download a few languages now? It could save you some heartache in the future!
Fox has the broadcasting rights to the World Cup in the United States this year. That means that it’ll be streaming all of the games on its app so you can watch on the go. The Fox Sports Go app also has casting built in so you can show the games on your Chromecast-enabled television! You will need a valid cable subscription to stream through the Fox Sports Go app, but if you don’t, check out our next entry.
YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, PlayStation Vue, or DirecTV Now
Credit: cordcuttersnews.com
We all know that one of the downfalls of cutting the cord is losing out on live programming. But, when there are special events like the World Cup going on, you may want to consider signing up for one of these cordless services. All of the streaming services listed offer some sort of free trial before they’ll charge you. In fact, YouTube TV gives you an entire month which is just about long enough to stream the entire World Cup! Even if you don’t keep the service, you can use it in the meantime to log into apps like Fox Sports Go to stream games that aren’t on TV.
The Huawei Mate 10 Pro has been available since October of last year. The handset marked Huawei’s 2017 idea of a flagship, and has held up against the test of other devices.
That was until the Huawei P20 lineup was introduced. However, the Mate 10 Pro is still a great option to consider, especially if you are looking for an unlocked device.
Huawei Mate 10 Pro Specs
6-inch Display (18:9 Aspect Ratio)
Huawei Kirin 970 SoC
6GB RAM
128GB of Expandable Storage
8MP Front Camera
12MP + 20MP Rear Cameras
4,000mAh battery
IP67 Water Resistance
In our review, we gave the Mate 10 Pro a score of 4 out of 5. The biggest gripe that we saw came from the software department, which sports Huawei’s EMUI software interface.
However, the performance gained a score of 4.5 out of 5. This is thanks to Kirin 970 chipset, along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage.
Additionally, the device also features a dual-camera system with a primary 20MP lens and a secondary 12MP sensor. These combine to help take some amazing photos, and even some great videos.
For those of you in the market for a new handset should definitely consider the Mate 10 Pro. To help encourage you to pick one up, Amazon has discounted the device by $250, bringing the price down to just $550.
This is a great deal and one of the best prices we’ve seen for such a powerful smartphone. If you want to pick one up for yourself, you can hit the button below.
In a few months, Samsung will unleash upon the world yet another flagship. The Galaxy Note 9 will, according to the most recent rumors, will see the light of day in New York on August 9 during an Unpacked event.
As we’re drawing closer to the date, more and more leaks centering the upcoming smartphone have started emerging online. For example, we just heard the Note 9 will ship with a 4,000 mAh battery and now another leak reveals the colors the device will be available in.
You might remember the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ were announced in four different colors. Well according to the folks at AllAboutSamsung, the Galaxy Note 9 might get five colors.
Would you be interested in a Brown Galaxy Note 9?
Obviously, we’re going to see the classic Black version and also a darker Titanium Gray one. Another color option will be similar to the Lilac Purple of the Galaxy S9, albeit of a different share. It’s going to be called Lavender instead. A darker blue model, which will apparently have a golden frame, is also in the cards.
But perhaps the most intriguing color option is the Brown one. Remember the brown Galaxy II? Well now we might see the shade make a comeback on the Galaxy Note 9.
Yet before you get all excited, we should tell you that for the time being only the Black, Lavender and Gray variants are confirmed. But as was the case with the Gray Galaxy S9, the Gray Galaxy Note 9 will probably be limited to a few markets. And so will the Brown one, most likely.
The Galaxy Note 9 is rumored to make an appearance with a 6.4-inch display and upgraded internals. This means, a Snapdragon 845 on the inside, backed up 6GB of RAM and 128GB. A 256GB version might also be in the works. What’s more, the phone is expected to borrow the variable-aperture lens technology for its rear camera from the Galaxy S9.
Muzei has also been one of the most popular options on the Play Store for a few years, as it offers a different take on “live wallpapers”. Instead of the wallpaper constantly moving, you can use Muzei to change your wallpaper depending upon the time of day, or if you want something fresh every day. Plus, there are a slew of other wallpaper apps that feature Muzei integration, so you aren’t limited to just one app.
