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How to stop apps from automatically updating

Alexandra Arici
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A few months ago, Snapchat rolled out a massive redesign. People hated it with a passion. The update basically shuffled around core features, such as putting Snapchat Stories from your friends on the Chat/Friend screen to the left of the camera.

The redesign turned out to be a disaster and it actually led to Snapchat’s user base to shrink in March. But earlier this month, CEO Evan Spiegel announced a big reversal of the redesign’s worst part.

Yet a lot of people feel like this attempt is still a mess. Unfortunately, there is no easy to downgrade the app once the new version has been installed on your Android device. Honestly, the best way to avoid the whole mess is to turn automatic updates off.

Turning automatic updates off on your Android device is pretty simple. But the benefits are great.

True, it’s kind of nice to not have to worry about updating your apps all the time. However, there are a lot of downsides to having automatic app updates.

For example, updates can have issues that can actually ruin the app’s functionality for you. If you have automatic updates enabled, there’s a big risk of being subjected to the bonked update without having control over it.

Another great reason to disable automatic app updates is to get a better idea of what brings to the table. Sometimes, app updates are nothing more than just basic bug fixes or stability improvements that aren’t so crucial to the basic user.

Yet, like in the case of Snapchat’s controversial overhaul, some upgrades are pretty big and might have important consequences. Like altering user experience in a huge way.

But if you had automatic app updates disabled, you’d be able to choose whether or not to install the update, after you had a chance to do a bit of reading about it.

How to turn automatic updates off

On your Android device

  1. Open the Play Store on your Android smartphone
  2. Tap on the hamburger menu in the top left
  3. Tap on Settings
  4. Tap on Auto-update apps
  5. Select the “Do not auto-update apps” option

Turn off auto-update just for Snapchat or a particular app

  1. Go to Snapchat’s page on the Play Store
  2. Tap on the three-dot menu located on in the top right corner
  3. Tap Enable auto update

Pretty simple right?

If you want to make sure a particular app (or all apps) doesn’t update without your say-so, make sure you follow the instructions above.

Dirac Panorama Sound aims to bring next-level audio to smartphones

Alexandra Arici
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Speakers and audio quality can be an important parameter for those who rely on heavy video streaming or love to listen to music. Unfortunately, it’s a fact that smartphone speakers aren’t very good, although some Android OEMs are trying to change that.

It’s the case of Smartisan, an obscure phone maker, which just released an interesting smartphone in China. It’s called the Nut R1 and it’s the first handset to launch with Dirac Panorama Sound on board.

For those unaware, Dirac is a Swedish audio company that works with OEMs to optimize sound quality in smartphone speakers.

For Smartisan, Dirac has developed a mobile audio solution that according to the two companies can offer a level of immersive audio that’s unprecedented in small-sized smartphone speakers.

The technology debuted in the Smartisan Nut R1 smartphone

In the Smartisan Nut R1, the main speaker is located at the bottom, while a receiver for calls sits on top. This is not unlike many other phones offered on the market.

But Dirac uses “multiple-input and multiple-output” technology to allow the speakers to coordinate with each other. An extra-wide sound field is created as a result, which gives the usesr a surround sound experience from the two small speakers.

Dirac claims their solution is unlike any other mobile audio systems. They have patented a sound field control/synthesis technology that can isolate the left and right stereo channels. The channels are then delivered directly into the listener’s corresponding ears. By doing so, the listener will be able to hear in each ear sound that is isolated despite audio coming from speakers that are very close together.

On top of this new audio technology, the Smartisan Nut R1 also packs some beastly specs. The phone has a 6.17-inch display with FullHD+ resolution and 18:7:9 aspect ratio. It packs a Snapdragon 845 processor and up to 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage!

Like most flagships launching today, the Nut R1 takes advantage of a dual-camera setup. It’s comprised of a 12-megapixel sensor + 20-megapixel sensor to capture depth information.

The phone is exclusive to China, so the availability of Panorama Sound is pretty limited at the moment. However, Dirac hopes more Android OEMs will be interested to implement the new audio solution into their upcoming mobile products.

How mobile is revolutionizing the way we play games (Promoted)

AndroidGuys
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Our mobile devices are, quite simply, taking over the way we live our lives. From the way we entertain ourselves, to the way we make payments or manage our finances, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to our smartphones. For some of us, the thought of using our phones to play anything more than the classic ‘Snake’ was something akin to sci-fi movie but today, that thought is very much a reality. Whether you’re a fan of building massive creations on Minecraft or you prefer the casual gameplay of Crossy Road, here is everything you need to know about how mobile is truly revolutionizing the way that we play games.

The Growing Popularity Of Mobile Gaming

For some, it can feel like only yesterday that we’d be breaking out our gaming consoles on a nightly basis. Okay, so some of us still do exactly that but how many can confidently say that it’s their main gaming method? For the most part, the simplicity, convenience and accessible nature of mobile gaming has pulled more and more of us away from bulky, static consoles and towards the portable alternative of our smartphones. More and more companies are focusing on building devices that can host even the biggest and most demanding of apps, with Atari even bringing out a new gaming smartwatch that comes with popular titles like Pong, Asteroids and Crystal Castles pre-installed.

So, we know that mobiles are a popular choice for our gameplay, but not many truly realize just how revolutionary this style of play really is. Our smartphones have stormed the gaming industry, becoming the most popular device for women, parents and commuters in particular when it comes to their device of choice. Studies have shown that around 71% of gamers are using smartphones, with just 26% using consoles overall which is quite the switch considering just how popular consoles seem to have been over the years! Whether this is simply down to the fact that more of us are carrying smartphones, or because these games are extremely easy to download, the popularity is undeniable.

The Revolution

Mobile gaming really has revolutionized the way we play games, from the device that we’re using to the style of games that we choose. In fact, it’s even revolutionized the market as a whole! While the gaming industry might’ve once been stereotypically restricted to teenage boys playing in the dark hole of their bedrooms, the reality of today is very different. More and more people are taking on new styles of gaming, whether it’s the players themselves or the designers putting together the games we love to play! Here are ways that mobile gaming has revolutionized our gameplay:

Convenience

If there’s one thing no one can deny, it’s that mobile devices have made gaming more convenient than ever before. Nowadays, consumers are more and more concerned with convenience, whether it’s ease of access to information online, or shopping on web-based e-commerce sites and having things delivered straight to our doors. Of course, gaming is certainly no exception and everything from a quick jump on Crossy Road to a quick check on our virtual farms is something very few are willing to go to great lengths to do. Convenience has become a huge necessity for all types of digital media and online experience, and is now a big part of the betting world, too, giving bettors and customers the opportunity to quickly react to any breaking news as it happens.

Unique Gameplay Styles

While console gaming is hardly behind in this sense, mobile gaming has given us a whole host of new gameplay styles, whether mobile-based or through new gear like VR headsets. Some of our favorite Android games are well known for providing unique styles of gaming, including the augmented reality of the revolutionary Pokémon Go, to the modernization of traditional ‘matching’ games, such as Candy Crush. Of course, each of these games has their own unique style and when you consider the sheer number of apps available on the markets today, it’s easy to see how the gaming industry could benefit from these new additions.

Design

The designs of the games we play, from the actual graphics to the storylines they follow, are all being affected by mobile gaming. Of course, it’s fairly common knowledge that mobile apps are gaining better and better graphics with every passing day, but did you also know that things are changing from a production point of view? Of course, the ease of app stores makes it simple for producers and developers to sell or give away the apps that they make, but Google has even announced a goal to empower young women to design games, too. With this in mind, mobile gaming could easily lead the way to create equality in gaming.

If you didn’t already think that mobile gaming was changing the industry as we know it, hopefully, this article has helped show you just how it really is doing just that. While there is plenty of room for growth and expansion in the coming years, mobile gaming is currently at an all-time high, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.

ASUS’s new ROG Phone wants you to forget all about the Razer Phone

Alexandra Arici
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Present at Computex 2018 in Taiwan, ASUS today unveiled its own take on the Razer Phone. The gaming smartphone category is becoming more prominent, as the ranks of mobile gamers continue to increase exponentially. So in order to cater to this particular niche, ASUS announced the ROG Phone.

Featuring the unmistakable Republic of Gamers branding, the phone is the first to feature a 3D vapor-chamber cooling system designed to keep the hardware inside from overheating. Together with a large copper heat spreader and vents at the back, it ensures the phone is kept cool even as you’re blasting Fortnite.

The hardware in questions is a “speed-binned” Snapdragon 845, backed-up by 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The processor’s clock speed has been pushed to 2.96GHz, compared to the normal 2.8GHz. On top of that, ASUS says the integrated Adreno 630 GPU has been gaming-optimized.

The smartphone also has a 6-inch 18:9 display with 2,160 x 1,080 HDR display with 90Hz refresh rate and response time of 1ms (on paper). It’s not the 120Hz of the Razer Phone, but you’re getting an AMOLED display instead of LCD.

There’s also a dual-camera setup on the back consisting of a regular 12-megapixel sensor and a wide-angle 8-megapixel rear camera. On the front, ASUS is offering an 8-megapixel selfie camera. Other specs include front-facing stereo speakers, NFC support, 3.5mm headphone jack and customizable RGB lighting. Last but not least, a 4,000 mAh battery keeps the lights on.

A phone truly optimized for gaming

To make the new product truly special in the eyes of gamers, the company has added a bunch of unique features. For example, the company has included three AirTrigger ultrasonic touch sensors. These act as bumper buttons on top of the phone when it is held in landscape mode for gaming.

What’s more, ASUS has installed so-called stereo force-feedback haptics which deliver different vibrations for left of right impacts, thus further helping with the immersive gaming experience.

But wait there’s more! The phone features a side-mounted USB Type-C for an optional WiGig gaming dock. You get a standard USB Type-C port at the bottom like in normal phones, as well.

To go with the new ROG Phone, Asus is also offering some cool peripherals. For starters, there’s the AeroActive Cooler that can be attached to the phone via the WiGig proprietary port on the side. This accessory will be included in the box with the phone.

What’s more, there’s the clamshell-type TwinView Dock which facilitates a dual-screen handheld mode. The clamshell houses an extra 6,000 mAh battery, to ensure you don’t run out of battery in the heat of battle.

A Mobile Desktop Dock resembling Samsung’s DeX station will allow users to use the phone for a desktop-like experience. While the additional 6,000 mAh battery will ensure you won’t run out of juice in the heat of battle.

A WiGig Dock to wirelessly cast your gaming sessions to a big screen and a GameVice controller will also be offered.

When to expect it?

ASUS revealed the ROG Phone will hit the market sometime in Q3, 2018. What about pricing? The company hasn’t shared that information just yet, but we don’t expect it to be cheap. If you remember the Razer Phone launched with a price tag of $699.

Nokia 8 users get new Pro Camera mode via global update

Alexandra Arici
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Own a Nokia 8? Then you might want to check it for new updates. HMD recently announced it has started rolling a new update for the Nokia 8 which brings a Pro Camera mode.

The new mode will allow users to control the individual elements of the camera and thus, take better pictures.  Once the update is installed, you will be given manual control over things like focus, white balance, ISO, shutter speed and more.

Perhaps the coolest aspect of the new update, which weighs about 600MB, is that it allows you to view what your finished photo will look like in real-time on the screen.

The Pro Camera mode was on the most popular features of the camera app of the Lumia phones. And now we’re seeing it brought to Nokia’s Android crew, as well.

New Nokia 8 update is aimed at advanced photographers

The new update will be available across the globe. HMD is currently rolling out the update on a country-by-country basis, so don’t worry if it hasn’t reached you yet.

Here’s the complete list of countries getting the Pro Camera mode:  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Cambodia, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands (Not VF), Norway, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam.

As a quick refresh, the Nokia 8 takes advantage of a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display with 2560 x 1440 resolution. The phone is a proper 2017 flagship bundling a Snapdragon 835 processor and up to 6GB of RAM + 128GB of storage.

One of its biggest highlights is the dual 13-megapixel camera with phase detection & laser autofocus, Zeiss optics and OIS. Made from a single block of aluminum, the Nokia 8 originally launched with Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Since then, HMD has released the Android 8.1 Oreo update.

And with the new update on board, the Nokia 8 just got a lot better.

Silk White OnePlus 6 will be available on June 5

Alexandra Arici
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The OnePlus 6 has been available for purchase for a few weeks now. But so far customers could only get either the Mirror Black model or the Midnight Black one.

Well if you don’t fancy these options, then you’ll be interested to know that a third version will soon go on sale. The beautiful Silk White model is due to launch on June 5 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage on board. It’s a limited edition, so if you want one you’re advised to act quickly when the day comes.

The Silk White OnePlus 6 will go on sale for $579.00

The Silk White OnePlus 6 is definitely the most intriguing version of the new flagship and comes with a glass back that includes crushed pear. This gives the rear a matte finish that doesn’t really resemble glass. When light hits it the right way, it shows off a subtle blue, pearl-like color.

For an even more luxurious feel, the OnePlus 6 has a light rose gold accents, from its metal frame and logo to its fingerprint reader located on the back.

Beyond the aesthetics, everything else is pretty much the same. The limited edition also ships with a 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED display with 19:9 aspect ratio and a notch. There’s also a Snapdragon 845 processor and a 3,300 mAh battery under the hood.

Customers purchasing the Silk White OnePlus 6 will also be able to take advantage of the phone’s dual 16-megapixel+20-megapixel rear camera. Out of the box, it runs the proprietary Oxygen OS that’s based on Android 8.1 Oreo.

So if you have been holding off the purchase of the OnePlus 6 in anticipation of the Silk White model, tomorrow you’re going to be able to place your order.

Or, if you don’t think you need all that RAM and storage, you can opt for the 6GB of RAM + 64GB of storage model in Mirror Black. It’s available for $529.00 and ships immediately.

Get the Silk White OnePlus 6

What’s your favorite game ever played on a phone? (Question of the Week)

AndroidGuys
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With myriad games to choose from on Android and iOS, chances are you’ve played your fair share of titles. Surely you’ve hopped on the hot game of the moment and tried out Doodle Jump, Flappy Bird, Draw Something, Candy Crush Saga, or Pokemon Go. What about favorite game?

Tell us and Win!

Thinking back over the years, what have been your favorites to play? Now, trim that list to just one game. Which title rises to the very top? What game is that you simply cannot live without? What is your favorite game for Android or iPhone?

Share your opinion and win a $25 Google Play Gift Card!

Leave us a comment below with your favorite mobile game of all time. Let us know what your all-time classic is and you’ll be entered in a drawing. If your name is drawn, you’ll win a $25 Google Play Gift Card. Use it to buy apps, games, movies, eBooks, or music — you decide!

Comments entered before saturday, June 9 (11:59PM PST) will be counted. As long as you’re on point and stick to the topic, we’ll consider you for the drawing!

Saturday Savings: Tech and Gear on sale this weekend

Andrew Myrick
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Another weekend means even more sales and discounts for you to take advantage of. Saturday Savings is a weekly roundup of some of the best deals on tech that you can find.

This week, we are showcasing the brand-new Moto G6, along with some steep savings on the Google Pixelbook. On the accessory side of things, there are some great deals on Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and more.

Save on new tech

Moto G6 Unlocked – $249.99 $234.99

Back in April, Motorola finally announced its latest slew of handsets, with the Moto G6 at the helm. Earlier this week, the company confirmed that the standard Moto G6 would be added to the Prime Exclusive lineup.

The handset features a 5.7-inch FHD display with the Snapdragon 450 SoC and up to 4GB of RAM. Additionally, there is a dual-camera system and a respectable 3,000mAh battery.

For a limited time, you can save a few bucks on the G6 and get the device for just $234.99. This handset is unlocked, meaning you can take it to Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile for use.

Buy the Moto G6!

Save on Accessories

JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth Speaker – $99.95 $59.99

It’s just about summertime, which means cookouts, pool parties and spending as much time as possible outside. For these various occasions, you will want to make sure that the party is rocking with your favorite tunes.

JBL is one of the most trusted brands in speakers and music, and the Flip 3 speaker is now on sale. For a limited time, you can pick up the JBL Flip 3 for just $59.99, down from the retail price of $99.95.

Buy the JBL Flip 3!

 

How to unlock Samsung Galaxy S9 – Everything you need to know (Promoted)

AndroidGuys
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You are here on this page because you were searching about how to sim unlock Samsung Galaxy S9, right? Thankfully, you’ve come to the exact place because we have a comprehensive guide here for you that will cover everything you need to know about unlocking your Samsung Galaxy S9. Apart from the things like network you are using, your phone is brand new or used and in which corner of the world you live, here you will be able to find everything that will help you unlock your galaxy s9 to use it with different carriers.

Reasons behind unlocking your Samsung Galaxy S9

Circumstances are not always in our favor. Often times we need to move a new territory due to a lot of different reasons and chances are always higher that a current provider doesn’t have good network coverage in the new area and you may need to shift another carrier.

See Also

Possibly, you will need a new SIM card right after quitting your current job as your boss was paying your mobile bill.

Or most importantly, you have come to know about a fantastic deal with another services provider that vigor you to move from current carrier.

According to the all above mentioned reasons, you will definitely need to unlock your Samsung Galaxy S9 as it may not support a new carrier to provide you best possible services that you really want. Luckily, according to the recent law in the United States and many other countries & states around the globe, a carrier has to allow you to unlock a device that using you are without creating any difficulties.

How to SIM Unlock your Galaxy S9

Let we guide you to SIM unlock your galaxy S9 for all those carriers or network services providers that already have a SIM unlock code for you upon shifting to the network or buying a new SIM card.

You have to simply follow the below provided instructions in order to unlock samsung Galaxy S9 using code if you already have a code provided by the carrier.

Instructions to follow

  • First of all you need to dial *#06# from your dial pad to find the unique IMEI number of your Galaxy S9.
  • Tell the IMEI number to your carrier’s customer services agent to get SIM unlock code (there is no need to take the step if you already have a code).
  • Turn your device off
  • Once your Galaxy S9 has successfully been powered off, remove the SIM tray and insert the new SIM card you are about to use
  • Now turn the phone on and you will see a pop-up box asking for the SIM unlocking code
  • Enter the SIM unlock code accurately in the given place and then click the unlock button

Once the correct code entered and the device unlocked successfully, everything will happen automatically on your Samsung Galaxy S9 and it would be free to use for the chosen carrier

Sometimes the very first SIM unlock code provided by the carrier doesn’t work and you will need to request for another one to get your Galaxy S9 Unlocked. The whole process of unlocking your device for a new network will take a few moments to accomplish.

Unlock your Samsung Galaxy S9 through third party unlocking services

If you are in hurry to use your brand new Samsung Galaxy S9 with a new carrier but the carrier is not providing a free SIM unlock code, then you can unlock your Samsung Galaxy S9 through third party unlocking services by paying them some bucks in return.

According to a big number of mobile users, buying a SIM unlocking code is the simplest and quickest way to free your phone for any carrier. However, you should always buy an unlock code for your Samsung Galaxy S9 from online resources like codes2unlock. You can ask them for a fresh SIM unlock code for your new device by telling its IMEI number and then follow the process explained on the site to add code into your phone successfully.

Buyer’s Guide: Bluetooth Speakers (June 2018)

AndroidGuys
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With so many options to choose from, picking the right Bluetooth speaker might seem like a daunting challenge. Let us help steer you in the right direction. Here’s a guide to what to look for in various models.

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