Facebook on Wednesday introduced a new way for its users to find a home service professional. Already a place for users to buy and sell items in a local area, the refreshed Facebook Marketplace aims to be your destination for finding a handyman, too.
The new approach to Marketplace is designed to help regular Joe types find a contractor, plumber, house cleaner. By pairing with the likes of HomeAdvisor, Porch, and Handy, the service hopes to be your all-in-one source for your next home project.
With hundreds of thousands of top-rated professionals across the country, Marketplace will curate information as well as houses ratings, reviews, and credentials. Moreover, it will allow for real-time communication with a service professional over Messenger, making it easy to get quotes or help.
The new services begin rolling out immediately and will be available across the United State in the coming weeks. To get started, head to Marketplace in the Facebook app on your phone.
Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) FreedomPop on Wednesday announced the launch of Unreal Mobile, a new MVNO. Launching ahead of the proposed T-Mobile and Sprint merger, it aims to give consumers more than just affordable rate plans.
With plans that start as low as $15 per month, the spin-off MVNO begins service in early summer 2018. Those interested in signing up, though, can get in early with a beta registration.
More than half of Americans use less than the nationwide average of 1.6GB of data per month, yet are forced into expensive unlimited plans that cost upwards of $50 a month for data that goes unused,” said Samantha Lewe, UNREAL Mobile CEO
What’s the difference between FreedomPop and UNREAL, you might ask? The former competes with the likes of Boost Mobile and Cricket and leverages Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and streamlined customer support. UNREAL, by contrast, will be a full-service product to compete with the postpaid business of T-Mobile and Sprint.
Using the same 4G LTE network as the tier-one provider, UNREAL plans will include VPN for anonymity, built-in encryption, the ability to use your UNREAL number on any device, and mobile ad blocking. Yes, this means the same phone number for tablet, another phone, or a computer.
Lingering Questions
Although no firm date has been revealed UNREAL Mobile is slated to launch within 90 days of the Sprint/T-Mobile merger announcement. It’s not clear what sort of handset portfolio the carrier will offer, if any. Moreover, we don’t know there will be bring-you-own-device (BYOD) support. Head to unrealmobile.com to learn more or sign up.
These devices cater to different markets, while also offering some different features. Today, we’re going to take a look at how each device matches up to determine which is the best for you.
Design & Display
If you release a flagship device, it better have a great build quality. It seems that both LG and OnePlus recognize this, as we have Gorilla Glass on the front and back, sandwiched with a metal frame.
The OnePlus 6 sports a 6.28-inch AMOLED display, while the G7 ThinQ features a new IPS LCD panel. On the OP6, the company went almost full bezel-less with a unique 19:9 aspect ratio.
Meanwhile, it seems that LG can’t quite get away from the chin, as the G7 ThinQ sports a standard 18:9 ratio. Both devices have a notch at the top which house various sensors and the selfie camera.
While OnePlus opted to use a more power-efficient AMOLED panel, LG decided to turn things up a bit. The panel used on the G7 ThinQ is capable of reaching a brightness of 1,000 nits while. This will make life much easier for those who want to use their phone in direct sunlight.
WINNER: Tie
Power
On the spec-side of things, it’s a pretty even battle, for the most part. Both handsets are powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset, and both have an option for 6GB of RAM.
OnePlus 6 Specs
However, the OnePlus 6 gets the nod here thanks to its base 6GB configuration and a bigger 8GB option. When it comes to storage, LG offers a 64GB and 128GB option, while OnePlus offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. LG takes the “W” here though, as the G7 ThinQ features a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
All of this power and you’re going to need to keep an eye on the battery, right? That may not be the case for the OnePlus 6 with its 3,300mAh battery. The G7 ThinQ may lead to a bit of disappointment as it only includes a 3,000mAh battery.
The near-stock OnePlus software also gives the company a bit of an edge, while LG includes a bit more bloat. However, fast-charging works with both devices, so you can top off during the day with ease.
Speaking of battery, a questionable omission from the OnePlus 6 is wireless charging. This comes as a surprise as the company made the move from Aluminum to Glass for the build. The G7 ThinQ keeps wireless charging as an option to give you some juice at a slower rate.
WINNER: OnePlus 6
Camera
With the release of the OnePlus 5, the company finally made the move to a dual-camera system. However, instead of adding mechanical apertures or a wide-angle lens, OnePlus did something different.
The OnePlus 6 sports a standard 16MP sensor and another regular 20MP sensor. LG, on the other hand, sports a 16MP standard sensor, and a wide-angle 16MP secondary lens.
LG has obviously packed quite a few software enhancements to the camera, including AI Cam. This allows your device to automatically recognize the scene and provide the best camera settings.
It’s a bit too early to really tell how well these cameras perform, but we’ll be sure to provide a future comparison.
WINNER: Tie
Software & Extras
We have already mentioned that OnePlus takes a near-stock approach in the software department. There are not a large amount of extra frills and features to clog up your RAM, so you will be given a smooth experience.
LG opts for a more muted approach when compared to the likes of the Galaxy S9. However, the software interface itself feels childish at times, and doesn’t really provide a stock experience.
A new feature coming to Android P is gesture navigation, and OnePlus was already riding the hype train. The company released beta software for the OnePlus 5T last year, which included gestures.
The same can be said for the OnePlus 6, although it is no longer considered to be a beta feature. Now, you can get rid of the navigation buttons and get around your device with just a few swipes.
For the time being, the G7 ThinQ sports Android 8.0 Oreo and does not have any gestures to speak of. Those will have to wait until the release of Android P, and whenever it comes to LG’s latest device.
Finally, the G7 ThinQ is launching with something that the OnePlus 6 is not, and that’s the dedicated Assistant button. On the left-hand side of the device, a hardware button rests below the volume rocker.
Pressing this will activate Google Assistant, while holding it down will launch Google Lens. The OnePlus 6 does not include this hardware feature, but has seemingly perfected the mute switch on the frame.
WINNER: OnePlus 6
Value
On the pricing front, it’s hard to argue with the OnePlus 6 here. The handset starts at just $529 for the 6GB/64GB model and goes up to $629 for the 8GB/256GB variant.
As for the LG G7 ThinQ, things are a bit dicier. The handset is priced at $750 from T-Mobile, which is even more than the Galaxy S9 currently.
It’s tough to sell the G7 ThinQ if you are tied to a GSM carrier, as the OnePlus 6 will work on T-Mobile and AT&T. However, if you’re looking for a new phone on Verizon or Sprint, you will only have one choice as there are no CDMA bands active in the OP6.
WINNER: OnePlus 6
What’s the best?
If you have been keeping track, it seems that the OnePlus 6 wins by a land-slide. However, looking at these two devices closely and you will need to decide whether you want LG’s dedicated hardware Assistant button and dual-camera system.
Only time will tell, as we will wait to see how the sales for these two devices turn out. Now we want to hear from you. Sound off in the comments below and let us know which option you will be looking to pick up.
Matt, Scott, and Andrew discuss the latest smartphone from HTC, the HTC U12 Plus. The specs keep pace with everyone else, but there’s a lot more than just bullet points. Will the user experience be enough to make this a hit?
Where does this fit against the likes of other recent phones from LG, Samsung, and OnePlus? In the battle of flagships, is there something that helps HTC’s newest rise to the top? What would we do differently with this phone?
All things considered, is HTC U12 Plus worth the money?
We’re currently beta testing this podcast and doing it in the real world. We’ll iterate and improve and be on track with the formal numbering convention in no time!
Nowadays, mobile devices are something that everybody needs. While searching an app for your Android device, Google Play is the place to do it. This platform was released in October 2008 and was called Android Market. Moreover, it was designed to give its customers a wide variety of music, magazines, books and films. To get back to the point, by the end of 2009, Google Play store had to offer just 1,600 apps. Further, by December 2017, there were over 3,500,000 apps to download.
If we take a look at mobile casinos, there is the same story. Their number is increasing and there is no sign that it will stop. Try searching for “mobile casino apps” and GooglePlay will give you wide range of apps to choose from. With so many results, is not easy to select the right online casino that fits your preferences.
What to Look for in a Casino App
While searching for one, look for one that offers numerous games, has welcome bonuses and does not need a registration to play your favorite casino games. One of the most successful casino app that meets the conditions mentioned above is Slotpark App. Here you’ll find one of the most wanted slot games like: Book of Ra or Sizzling Hot.
The first slot machine mentioned is about spinning a set of reels that has a theme based in ancient Egypt. With 5 reels and 10 paylines, there are enough winning combinations. Over the years this virtual reel earned the reputation of being one of the most played slot.
The other one is Sizzling Hot. While most of the online slot games have fancy graphics, flashy colors and many bonuses, this slot is very simplistic. Having fruit symbols and a simple graphic, this game is a classic among all its rivals.
In Brief
As has been noted, the app world is expanding each year. If there were only 2.1 billion smartphone users in 2016, by the end of 2019 there will be about 2.5 billion users. Hence, casino apps are the future of land based casinos.
Editor Note: Our editorial stance on including links to apps or games with gambling and/or casino links is as follows: We will only consider them if there is an official app in the Google Play Store and/or Apple’s iTunes. The sentiment being that if it’s good enough for those outlets, it’s good enough for us to mention. Slotpark Free Slots Casino can be found in Google Play now.
When Razer introduced its first smartphone last year, it was hailed as an exciting and innovative device, all except for the camera which was of mediocre quality.
But the good news is that Razer is taken steps to improve its quality. This week, following the recent upgrade to Android 8.1 Oreo, the company started rolling out a new update which brings some welcome improvements.
What changed with the latest update?
First off, the new software adds a new camera mode. Most premium smartphones today offer a Portrait Mode which allows users to take pictures where the subject is in focus and the background is blurred. Now you’ll be able to do the same with your Razer Phone.
Secondly, the update delivers the May security patch, alongside a few bug fixes. These fixes cover a number of issues like the multi-touch malfunction many users have been dealing with after the Android 8.1 Oreo update.
Last but certainly not least, Razer has updated the Privacy Policy for GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance.
GDPR is a regulation that requires businesses to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens for transactions that occur within EU member states. The new rules around protecting consumer data will be effective starting May 25. You can read more about it on the Razer website.
The update weighs 370MB, so make sure you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi and have plenty of battery left before downloading and installing it on your Razer Phone.
The new build is rolling out in waves. Hence some users might get it sooner than others, depending on geographical location. If you see the notification on your phone, you can go ahead and install the update. If not, you might have to wait a few days.
Earlier this month, the Razer Phone landed at Best Buy. Previously, the device was available only via Amazon.
Now customers can go down at a Best Buy location and give the Razer Phone a go before deciding whether they actually want to purchase it. The handset is up for grabs for $699 a pop.
Introduced a few generations back in Android 5.0 Lollipop, Trusted Places are a way of getting around your device’s lock screen. Because, let’s face it, PINs, patterns, and fingerprints are great security, but they can get redundant.
Consider how many times you want to check your phone at home. Depending on what sort of lock screen security you’re using, it can be a real nuisance to unlock just to check messages.
Smart Lock, interestingly, isn’t a smarter way to lock your phone; it’s a smarter way of unlocking it. One aspect, Trusted Places, turns security and concern into something you don’t even have to think about. At least when you’re at home.
In short, Trusted Places are just that – a place you trust enough to leave your phone virtually unlocked. For many of us this means our homes. For some, we also feel safe at school, work, or a particular friend’s house.
We’re here to help you set up a Trusted Place, or two, to your phone. But first, a couple of things you should know.
Know This First
Trusted places work best when based on Wi-Fi, and are approximates. You’ll want to have your phone’s location accuracy set as high as possible to get the best results. Keep in mind that walls, ceilings, trees, and other things can affect your GPS signal. Moreover, the estimate is based on a radius of up to 80 meters.
Add a custom place
In the Smart Lock menu, tap Trusted places
Tap ‘Add trusted place’ and you’ll see a map open to your current location
To use this current location, tap ‘Select this location’ and then Select
To pick a different location, tap ‘Search’
Name your trusted location (such as “Work”)
Tap ‘OK’
Edit or remove a custom place
In the Smart Lock menu, tap ‘Trusted places’
From the list of trusted Smart Lock options, pick the place you’d like to edit or remove
Instagram is consistently making changes to improve its app for its users. We’re always writing up about a new feature weekafter week. This week’s new feature is the ability to mute posts from your feed. Muting allows you to no longer see a specific users’ post (or story) without unfollowing them.
You will be able to mute posts straight from your feed. All you need to do is tap the three dots next to a post, select “mute posts,” and confirm. Now you’ll no longer see their posts in your feed, but you’ll still be able to visit their profile and see posts. You’ll also have to go to their profile to unmute their posts to start seeing them in your feed again.
This new mute feature was created as a way to better personalize your feed based on what you want to see. It can also be helpful for managing different types of accounts and dynamics.
Today starts the rollout as the feature is coming “over the coming weeks.” If you don’t have the feature now, wait and keep updating the app and hopefully it will appear soon. Currently, I do not see the feature on my Android or iOS devices. Who out there is anxious for this feature to appear? I may stick with just unfollowing people…
LG announced its new flagship, the G7 ThinQ, earlier this year which we found out everyone would be carrying, besides AT&T. Soon the phone will be available in stores and deals are starting to appear. T-Mobile is showing one of the first advantages of buying from their carrier with a pre-sale starting a week earlier.
T-Mobile is having a pre-sale of the LG G7 ThinQ starting this Friday, May 25th. In which you can go online beginning at 8:00 am EST at T-Mobile’s website and order the phone. This way, you are more than likely going to receive and have the phone before the official June 1st release.
In general, though, T-Mobile will be selling the G7 ThinQ for just $30 down and $30 a month. The carrier is also carrying an exclusive, unique Raspberry Rose color variant to offer as well.
Also coming from T-Mobile is a buy one, get one deal! When you get two LG G7 ThinQ’s on the company’s installment plan, one will be eligible to receive monthly bill credits. As long as you keep both phones on your T-Mobile account, one is virtually free. Great stuff is coming from T-Mobile! Don’t forget to check your T-Mobile Tuesday app today!
TCL on Tuesday confirmed that its Alcatel 3V phone will be available for purchase from Amazon starting next week. First introduced earlier this year at Mobile World Congress, the unlocked Alcatel 3V will carry a $150 price tag.
As a GSM smartphone, the handset is compatible with carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and their respective prepaid brands. Powered by Android 8.0 Oreo, the 3V houses a quad-core MediaTek processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage.
Design & Specs
The first of its kind to feature Alcatel’s SIMGANIC design; the new philosophy includes a “balance of organic and simplicity from a human centric perspective”. In other words, it has 2.5D contoured edge glass and curves everywhere you look.
The 3V boasts a 6-inch display at 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution. With an 18:9 aspect ratio, and a nearly bezel-free edge, it will be easier to hold than older devices with smaller screens.
Cameras & Extras
As for cameras, the 3V as a 12-megapixel rear sensor with a 2-megapixel secondary sensor for depth and bokeh-style photos. Around front you’ll find a 5-megapixel shooter with LED flash. Moreover, the front-facing camera can be be used for Face Key, or facial recognition for security.
The phone also includes a number of extra touches for user experience including Social Mode (photo editing tool), Social Square (side-by-side viewing of pics next to camera), and Instant Collage (image mashups).
Availability
The Alcatel 3V will be available in the US in black for $149.99 starting next week at Amazon. Best Buy and Walmart are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.
