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Alexa calling and messaging now available on Android, iOS and Fire tablets

Alexandra Arici
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Have a tablet at home? Well starting today you’ll be able to make calls, video calls and send messages using Alexa on your Android, iOS or Fire tablet.

So far, Alexa calling has been limited to Echo devices and smartphones. Well with this new update, tablet owners can simply download the Alexa app on their device and start making calls and send out texts. You’ll need a slate running Android 5 or higher, and iOS 9 or later to do so.

Use your tablet to communicate with anyone with the Alexa app installed

If you are a Fire tablet owner, all you need to do is tap the home button and ask Alexa to make a call for you. Easy breezy!

Android and iOS setup includes extra steps.  To get things going, you’ll need the latest version of the Alexa app installed on your device. You then have to verify your phone number and import your contacts.

Users have to manually open the Alexa app before they can talk to the virtual assistant, but it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds. Once you’re done, you’ll be able ask Alexa to call your friends from your tablet.

So from now on, you can keep in touch with basically anyone who has the Alexa app installed on their device.

The app also supports something called Drop In. This is a feature offered for owners of multiple Echo devices which enables users to instantly connect with other Echos in the home from their tablet. Provided you’re on a pre-approved list of contacts that is.

Basically, the feature allows users to send the message through without the person at the other end having to “pick up”. It’s like setting up a private intercom system inside your home.

While the new feature is very useful, you still need an Echo device to be able to make calls to a landline. The feat is limited to the US, Mexico or Canada for now.

Google looking to rebrand Android Wear to Wear OS?

Alexandra Arici
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Not so long ago, Google rebranded its Android Pay service to Google Pay in an attempt to homogenize its mobile payment solutions. Well, it seems that the search giant might be looking to give its wearable operating system, Android Wear a makeover too.

According to the evidence made available by a user on Reddit, Android Wear could soon become Wear OS.

User H3x0n shared a screenshot taken during an Android Wear setup in which the system is refereed to as Wear OS. What’s more, the image also shows a new logo in the form of a “W” that uses Google’s familiar color scheme of blue, yellow, green and red.

Android Wear could soon transform in Wear OS

The new logo popped up as the user was exploring the latest Android P Developer Preview and installed the new Google Play Services beta.

While this doesn’t necessarily mean the announcement is imminent, the new discovery does seem to indicate the rebranding will happen at least by the time Android P gets released.

The Android Wear ecosystem has been in a precarious state as of late. A while back, companies were racing to unveil new Android Wear gear. But that’s no longer the case (remember Motorola?). As MWC 2018 came and went, we didn’t see any notable Android Wear devices get unveiled.

Major brands skipped smartwatches this year (and last year too) and only Huawei talked about releasing the Huawei Watch 3 sometime this year, although the company is in no rush to release it.

Android Wear was completely absent from Google’s keynote at its I/O 2017 conference, so it’s pretty obvious the search giant needs to do something fast if it wants to revitalize the platform.

A name swap could be what Google needs to put the spotlight back on Android Wear. But it’s also going to need the support of good hardware (maybe a Google Pixel smartwatch?) and fast updates to keep things moving in the right direction.

Motorola reportedly cancels the Moto X5, looking to scale down Moto Mods efforts

Alexandra Arici
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Were you looking forward to the successor of last year’s Moto X4? Unfortunately, we have some bad news to share with you. There’s probably not going to be an Moto X5 this year.

A source talking to the Android Police revealed that on top of laying off part of its Chicago team, Motorola also canceled plans for the upcoming Moto X5. The phone leaked online in full glory a few months ago.

Nope.

According to the rumor mill, the phone should have launched this year with a 5.9-inch FHD+ display with 18:9 aspect ratio and …an iPhone X-like notch.

The company’s current main goal is to simplify and streamline its product lineup, abandon markets that aren’t bringing profits, and concentrate only on phones and Moto Mods that are producing revenue.

Lenovo abandons plans for new Moto X phone

So moving ahead, Motorola will continue to develop only the E, G and Z series.  Furthermore, the company will apparently also scale back efforts to partner up with third-party Moto Mods makers.

This doesn’t mean we won’t see some new official Moto Mods grace the market this year or beyond. Actually come June, when the company should unveil the new Moto Z3 and Moto Z3, we also expect to see a few new Mods make an appearance too.

Like the Virtual Viewer.  The new accessory was revealed over the weekend by prolific leakster Evan Blass. This is actually a VR head, so it’s going to be one of the beefier Mods out there.

The Virtual Viewer looks quite similar to Google’s Daydream View headset, the only difference being that the latter can be used in concert with any Daydream-compatible Android phones, while the former will play nice only with the Moto Z family.

No word on the pricing or availability just yet. But when it arrives, the Virtual Viewer Mod will join the exotic Moto Mod family which includes snap-on Polaroid photo printers, Alexa speakers, gamepads, and keyboards.

iFixit tears down the Galaxy S9+ and it’s not good news

Dan Bartram
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As with any new smartphone release, iFixit has done the honors of carefully deconstructing the Galaxy S9 to see what powers Samsungs latest flagship. By doing so, iFixit also gives the device a score based on easy it is to DIY repair, and it’s not great news for the Galaxy S9+.

Having taken the screwdrivers and heat guns to the shell of the Galaxy S9+, the device is given a very mediocre score of 4 out of 10, which it shouldn’t be too surprising that it shares that score with the Note 8.

The teardown shows a single rear panel comes off after some treatment from the heat gun to reveal the talking point of the Galaxy S9, the variable aperture lens.The battery of the Galaxy S9+ is extremely well secured, with iFixit requiring an adhesive remover to get it to budge. In fact, the battery is so secure that iFixit said it would need “lots of heat, a pry tool, a fire extinguisher, a bucket of sand, and nerves of vibranium” to remove it.

The display is equally secured with a generous spattering of glue and requires some extensive heat gun treatment, and opening picks to detach.

It’s this combination of glue that contributes to the difficulty of replacing the screen and battery, which are the components most DIY attempts involve. The Galaxy S9+ gets points for the modularity of the elements that, once detached, can be replaced without the need for a soldering iron.

However, with a score of 4 out of 10, it’s probably best to leave repairs to the professionals with this one.

Five best Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus cases you can buy right now (Vol. 2)

Matt Adams
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The recently announced Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are truly beautiful devices. But, if experience has taught us anything, phones with glass backs need to be protected! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best cases you can order RIGHT NOW to have on your doorstep by the time your new phone gets there.

Read more: Here are the five best Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus cases you can buy right now (Vol. 1)

Spigen Rugged Armor

If the Spigen Rugged Armor lineup isn’t one of the best selling cases around, I’d be extremely surprised. I see the case everywhere on the street for a variety of phones. It offers just enough protection without making the phone super bulky and looks pretty good in the process. It costs under $15 with free Prime shipping.

LOHASIC Crystal Clear Series

If you want protection without hiding the beautiful design of the Galaxy S9, this might be the case for you. This clear case has a raised lip to protect the screen and camera, as well as enhanced bumpers to prevent damage from falls. The clear design means that you can still marvel at the best looking phone on the market right now while keeping it safe.

Caseology Parallax Series

The Caseology Parallax Series is hands down one of the best looking lineups on the market right now. Available in several colors, the Parallax Series offers stunning looks, excellent protection and a price tag that can’t be beaten. I love the Burgundy/Rose Gold combination pictured above, but there are others to chose from if that’s not your thing. I highly recommend them.

OtterBox DEFENDER Series

When you think about cell phone protection, who is the first name that comes to mind? Yep, I thought of OtterBox too. The company has a reputation for keeping phones looking new from the day the case is put on until the case is taken off. The DEFENDER series offers all the protection you could want and a handy holster so your phone doesn’t have to fit in your pocket anymore. If you’re looking to protect your investment long-term, there are few better choices than OtterBox.

Maxboost mWallet Series

While I am certainly not a folio case lover, I can see the logic behind them. A cover for the front of your phone to protect it from scratches is a smart route to go and adding convenient features like credit card slots is just downright smart. The Maxboost mWallet Series has both of those features and more. The case can also be opened up to prop up your phone for hands-free media viewing and the magnetic lock means your phone will stay protected even when it’s in your bag or purse. We also love the design with the folding flap over the front. Not bad, Maxboost.

Bonus – Screen Protectors

Screen protectors for phones with curved screens are a tricky thing. They either don’t grip the entire screen, leave halos, or have no suction in the middle. While we can’t endorse any of the screen protectors listed below because we haven’t tried them, they do look promising enough for you to take a look at it.

Arctis 3 Bluetooth review: Did these headphones change the game on gaming?

Luke Gaul
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Gaming headsets are pretty standardized in 2018. Generally speaking, they are comfy, lightweight headsets made for the long sessions of smashing your friends and enemies, trying to win that chicken dinner.

One brand we’ve reviewed in that space, SteelSeries, also happens to work well with smartphones, too. Personally, I’ve been a fan of the company for years and appreciate the build quality; its products work as advertised. I recently had a chance to try out the newest models, the Arctis 3 Bluetooth, so I jumped at it.

As I expected, the latest in the Arctis line is no different from its predecessor. Right away I found the ear cups to be super comfortable. In testing, I played multiple hours with them, finding the Arctis 3 Bluetooth just as nice as my normal headset.

The headphones have an adjustable “ski goggle” suspension band for comfort and security. Finding the right fit shouldn’t be a problem, regardless of head size and shape. The ear cups feature AirWeave Performance Fabric for keeping your ears dry and cool. You’ll want this for those endless nights of raiding or base defending.

The Clearcast microphone is good, offering broadcast quality with acoustic noise cancelling to ensure your team never misses an order. In my review time I noticed it’s a little bright for my taste but my teammates never seemed to mind.

Having the ability to retract the microphone when not in use is great in theory, but I found that then I wanted it out, had a hard time keeping positions. The flexible mic wanted to keep to the form of the curve that it has when retracted into the ear cup. Also, and this is minor, when retracted, it looked weird having a mic cover stick out even though I was wirelessly connected to my phone.

The variety of connections for the Arctis 3 Bluetooth make them a no-brainer for daily use. When I think about all the places and ways I game, the idea of having one headset for all needs is nice. I’d love to be able to throw one headset in the backpack and know that no matter if I’m gaming on my phone, my home console, mobile with my Nintendo Switch, or my PC, I’m covered. The fact that the headphones are Bluetooth-enabled in addition to all the hardwired adapters gives me confidence this headset is up to the task.

SteelSeries advised that these headphones would work with the Nintendo Switch, something I was anxious to check. Does it? Yes, and it’s awesome. The voice chat on the Switch works through Nintendo’s Switch Chat App over Bluetooth while the in-game sound is delivered over the wired adapter. That might be my favorite part.

Some of the most popular games right now work with multiple people accessing the same game from different devices. Meaning, I can be on my PC while my friends can be on their PS4’s. Until now I would have to jump on a party chat on my PS4 while my in-game audio would come from speakers on my computer.

With the ability to use multiple streams into the Arctis 3 Bluetooth I can have my chat through Discord on my phone (connected via Bluetooth) and wired directly to my PC. Now my in-game audio is in-ear and I don’t have to fight noise bleed from speakers. This is a true game changer if you’ve ever had to deal with audio from multiple sources involving voice chat.

 

I have been very pleased with the Arctis 3 Bluetooth and think they are almost perfect. While the Clearcast microphone sounds good enough, I’d like the ability to detach it from the headset. Also, it would be nice to have a small case to hold all the wired connections for on-the-go purposes.

At $129.99 they are definitely worth the investment for me. The sound quality is good and the ease of connection with any device I can throw at it makes it so I don’t have to think about how connect. I can just hop in and game! For those who do not want, or need, the Bluetooth option, SteelSeries offers a variant for only $79.99. Each is available in a variety of colors.

Google Assistant and the paradox of “Tomorrow”

AndroidGuys
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I have been a fairly heavy user of Google Assistant ever since I purchased the Google Pixel 2 XL and received the free Google Home Mini. I use it multiple times a day to do everything from turn lights on, to play music, to schedule reminders. One of the things I love about the Google Assistant is how smart it is. It’s so smart that it is able to interpret what certain words mean depending on the day and time. The best example of this is something I utilize frequently and was discussed over at Android Police; Google Assistant will view the word “tomorrow” differently depending on the time of day. However, the more I use the Google Assistant, the more I am convinced Google isn’t sure how it wants the Google Assistant to respond to “tomorrow.”

As a college student, I am almost always ending my days after midnight, whether it be from studying (unlikely) or video games (likely). If I need to remember something to take with me to class the next day, I ask the Google Assistant, “Remind me to take X to class tomorrow at 8 AM.” Because it is usually around 1 AM, when I say tomorrow, I actually mean later that same day. Thankfully, Google Assistant is smart enough to know this and schedules my reminder accordingly. This works for all reminders set between midnight and 5 AM. Unfortunately, I have found the interpretation of the word “tomorrow” is anything but consistent.

Let’s take another example of a command I use several times a week. If I am getting ready for bed and it is 1 AM on Wednesday, I will ask the Google Assistant, “What is my schedule for tomorrow.” It is quite obvious to me that I am asking for any calendar events I have for Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Google Assistant reads off my events for Thursday. When asking about calendar events, it will always take tomorrow to mean the next day even regardless of what time it is.

This is also the case when creating a calendar event through the Google Assistant. I cannot count the amount of times I have created a event using Google Assistant just after midnight and had the event get scheduled 24 hours later than I expected. This is extremely confusing since scheduling other things like reminders take the time of day into account.

The same inconsistency exists when asking about the weather, too. If it is 1 AM and I ask the Google Assistant, “What is the weather for tomorrow?,” it will tell me what I am looking for – the weather for later that day, not for the following day.

I think that Google Assistant is a wonderful and smart tool that has definitely made my life a little bit easier; however, the confusion around how it interprets “tomorrow” needs to be remedied with some standardization on Google’s end. I hate having to remember that it means one thing when setting a reminder after midnight but another when creating a calendar event. It’s early in the morning and the last thing I want to be doing is racking my brain for how my virtual assistant thinks. Google, if you want the Google Assistant to become the virtual assistant for the masses, you have to iron out basic commands.

Looks like the Galaxy Note 9 won’t get under-display fingerprint recognition after all

Alexandra Arici
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At some point in time, the Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S9 were all rumored to come with a fingerprint scanners under the display. But due to various reasons, none of these models made it out on the market with the new tech on board.

The same has been assumed about the Galaxy Note 9, but a recent report coming via famed analyst Min-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities reveals the phablet will not get the new authentication tech after all.

Due to technical difficulties, Kuo expects Samsung to drop plans for putting an under-display fingerprint tech inside the Note 9. According to the analyst, both ultrasonic and optical solutions have failed to meet Samsung’s self-imposed standards.

Samsung will continue working to perfect its in-display fingerprint sensor tech

We’ve already seen companies like Vivo release smartphones with an in-display fingerprint sensor. But Samsung is apparently aiming to produce a superior solution. Which will obviously require more time.

The report reveals that the feature malfunctions when screen protectors are involved, or when the phone is placed in certain environments.

A few weeks back a report published by Korean website, the Bell suggested the same. The source explained that due to technical issues, Samsung won’t be able to release a phone fingerprint sensor under the display in 2018.

This means that at least for the time being, the Vivo X20 Plus U20 is going to be the only phone with an in-display fingerprint scanner. The device uses technology developed by Synaptics and comes with upper mid-range specs including a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and 18:9 aspect ratio.

The device takes advantage of a Snapdragon 660 and 4GB of RAM with 128GB of native storage. A 3,905 mAh battery with fast charging keeps the lights on.

The phone went on sale in China on February 01, 2018, but it’s quite unlikely the device will go on sale on the Western market. Which is why a lot of folks excited to try out the new technology were expecting the Galaxy Note 9.

Kuo has a great reputation when it comes to making predictions. Last month he released a similar report about the Galaxy S9. So unfortunately, at this point it doesn’t look like the Galaxy Note 9 will get an in-display fingerprint scanner.

Love TV shows? Try these games inspired by popular series

Alexandra Arici
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Do you ever feel sad and empty after you finish binge-watching a great TV series? Do you find yourself actually missing the characters from the show?

The good news is that you might able to bring them back to your Android smartphone and tablet in a form of game characters. And this time around, you won’t be just a spectator, you’ll be allowed to get into the action too.

Below we’ve rounded up some of the best Android games out there that were inspired by popular TV shows. Hopefully, they will help you keep the post-binge-watching blues away.

Desperate Housewives

What it is:

A game inspired by ABC’s drama series that follows the story of neighbors Bree, Lynette, Gabrielle, and Susan, who appear to live a postcard-perfect suburban existence. But it doesn’t take long before viewers realize things aren’t what they seem. 

Why you might want to try it:

  • As the player, you’ll be thrown in the intricate universe of suburbia as the newest resident of Wisteria Lane. Team up with your favorite characters from the show in order to solve a dark murder case, but also to build a life for yourself.
  • The app lets you create your own story. You can decorate your house, expand your wardrobe and collect items.
  • The game also has a romantic component that allows gamers to mastermind their own fairytale relationship.

Install Desperate Housewives

Narcos: Cartel Wars

What it is:

Narcos represents a major achievement for Netflix in its endeavor to produce original content. The show is based on the life of larger-than-life drug lord Pablo Escobar whose criminal career continues to amaze to this day. And now there’s also an Android game inspired by Escobar’s tumultuous life. 

Why you might want to try it:

  • Think you have what it takes to become a powerful Capo? Inspired by the award-winning TV show, Narcos: Cartel Wars challenges gamers to develop a successful operation on their mobile.
  • Create your empire by taking over rival cartels or teaming up with other players to form alliances.
  • Develop your operations in the jungle, while building defenses and hiring sicarios.

Install Narcos: Cartel Wars

CSI: Hidden Crimes

What it is:

The app is based on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation which is part of the CSI franchise. The show follows a team of crime-scene investigators, employed by the Las Vegas Police Department, who use physical evidence to solve murders.

Why you might want to try it:

  • CSI: Hidden Crimes has you playing detective, as you try to solve intricate murder mysteries.
  • This is a hidden object game in which you find clues and interrogate suspects to get to the truth.
  • The app lets you customize your avatar, and as you progress through the game unlock all sorts of achievements and bonuses.
  • The game is perfect if you’re looking to develop your logic and observational skills.

Install CSI: Hidden Crimes

Doctor Who: Legacy

What it is:

A game inspired by the iconic Doctor Who television show. The story follows The Doctor, an interstellar time traveler, who always seems to get into trouble.

Why you might want to try it:

  • Are you a huge fan of the longest-running Sci-Fi TV Series on TV? Then installing this app on your Android is a must. It’s a gem-match game, but you won’t be simply swapping gems here, there’s a backstory too.
  • You are tasked to create a party of characters and match gems to help them fight Daleks and Weeping Angels.
  • You level up characters as you go and earn points which you can be put into one of the three states: attack, health or healing for countless hours of fun.

Install Doctor Who: Legacy

Fear the Walking Dead: Dead Run

What it is:

Fear the Walking Dead is a companion series to The Walking Dead. It follows a dysfunctional family who is living Los Angeles when the zombie apocalypse begins.

Why you might want to try it:

  • Inspired by the Walking Dead spin-off set in Los Angeles, the game lets you play alongside your favorite character from the show.
  • Your goal is to stay alive by using your extensive weapon arsenal (up to 50 different arms).
  • The game gives you access to levels that expend the TV shows’ storyline.
  • Dark gloomy atmosphere and graphics, so gamers can easily immerse themselves in the apocalyptic scenario.

Side note: The Walking Dead has been turned into a game a few times too. If you want to check out the best The Walking Dead-inspired games for Android check out our earlier piece on the topic.

Install Fear the Walking Dead: Dead Run

X-Files

What it is:

A game inspired by the popular 90s show which stars agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who are always investigating unexplained and mysterious cases classified as “X-Files”.

Why you might want to try it:

  • It’s a hidden object game placed in the X-Files universe in which you uncover clues, collect and process new evidence in order to solve cases.
  • The app lets you use your moral compass to determine the outcome of the case.
  • Players can customize their appearance and unlock achievements as they play.

South Park: Phone Destroyer

What it is:

The app brings the big world of South Park to your Android device. Developed by Ubisoft, it’s a free-to-play collectible card game with a focus on PvP gameplay.

Why you might want to try it:

  • Players have to assemble a card deck that features their favorite South Park characters and face their opponents in PvP matches.
  • Cowboys and Indians are the stars of the game, but other characters such as cyborgs and wizards are also part of the package. Oh, and you get the ability to kill Kenny too!
  • South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone are voicing their characters, along with another member of the TV show’s voice cast.

Did we miss something?

Know any TV shows that has been turned into a fun Android game? Can’t find it on our list? Share it us in the comment section below!

Gear Up: SōLIS intros line of Google Assistant-enabled home audio solutions

Luke Gaul
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One of the increasingly common themes we’ve seen popping up in 2018 is that of connected home devices. Whether it’s a simple Bluetooth speaker or smart home device featuring Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri, the space is exploding. As these devices become more common, a new challenger has entered the arena: SōLIS. In short, the SōLIS speaker line is comprised of very high end audio devices featuring Google Assistant.

There are five models to choose from in its portfolio, each with different budgets and aesthetics in mind. We were lucky enough to get our hands on the product family. Here’s our impressions of each.

Solis Tubes

Before reading on, do note that all of the products in the SōLIS speaker family share these features:

  • Chromecast built-in – choose from millions of songs from popular music services like Spotify, Google Play Music, and Pandora, or catch up on current events with NPR podcasts. New apps are constantly being added so there’s no end to the music, online radio stations, and podcasts you can enjoy
  • Hi-res audio compatible – stream lossless audio from select streaming services that support hi-res audio
  • Multi-room streaming and wireless control from anywhere in your house with Chromecast built-in
  • Auxiliary input jack for connecting your iPod, MP3 or other sources with analog outputs

SO-3000

The first in the product line is the SO-3000. This entry level model features dual band wireless that is 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant and supports Bluetooth 2.0. It has an auxiliary 3.5mm input jack for wired connection with included cable in the box.

On the top of the unit are five buttons for power, play/pause, Bluetooth, and volume up/down. The sound on this toaster sized (6.3”H x 11.8”W x 3.7”D) unit is surprisingly powerful. It is powered by two 3″ Hi-Fi long throw, full range stereo speakers. The SO-3000 packs a surprising punch for $199.99.

SO-6000

The SO-6000 shares a lot of similarities to the SO-3000 having the same wireless and wired functionality as well as the top-mounted button controls. It also has the same 3″ full range, Hi-Fi stereo speakers enclosed in a wooden cabinet.

While the the SO-3000 is made to seemingly blend in with its surroundings, the SO-6000 stands out. This looks like something from a hip cat’s den or off the set of Mad Men. The 5.5″x9.5″x7.1″ speaker housing is oval with nice rounded spindle legs supporting. For $269.99, it’s sure to make a statement in anyone’s room design.

SO-7000

Next up, this one really starts to stand out in volume. The wood cabinet with high gloss accent is surprisingly small compared to the images on the box.

 

At 7.9″ square, the SO-7000 is a cubed speaker that looks way more interesting sitting in the office than what we thought it would. We expected a paper shredder-like design based on the image on the outside of the box. The sound of the four 2″ full range drivers and one 5.25″ subwoofer were more than enough to fill our office on about a third of the volume. At $299.99, the sound from this small cube is crystal clear and unobtrusive in the room.

SO-7500

Here is where it get’s serious. From the audiophile to the weekend listener, the next product in the SōLIS line is a quality ramp up.

The SO-7500 is the perfect mix between Bluetooth and high performance audio. It features a Vacuum Tube/Solid State hybrid amplifier powering two 6″ 2-way Hi-Fi bass reflexive stereo speakers. Also for wireless streaming, the device features Bluetooth v4.0 with aptX™ for high fidelity audio. Audiophiles will be pleased with the 2 RCA inputs for attaching any host of audio devices to this compact amplifier system. At $399.99, it’s now definitely much easier and affordable to step up your audio game.

SO-8000

The final voice in this chorus of offerings from SōLIS is the SO-8000. Featuring everything a music lover wants in a complex, high-end system in this relatively compact package.

The classic black gloss cabinet pairs a tube pre-amp with a solid state power stage to achieve the best of both worlds. What you get is clear, crisp highs paired with the warm, natural mids rounded out by deep, precise bass.

Solis Tubes

Also on the cabinet is the Magic Eye VU meter for visualizing amplifier output. The amplifier powers two 7″ 2-way Hi-Fi bass reflexive stereo speakers that fill room easily despite their relative small footprint.

The SO-8000 also features Bluetooth v4.0 with aptX™ for high fidelity audio streaming. As with the previous model you get 2 RCA inputs for attaching your own audio devices to the amplifier. The highest price of the bunch at $529.99 is still a fraction compared to other high-end audio devices for similar audio quality.

Conclusion

We’ve been pleasantly surprised by this SōLIS product line having tested these in our office and in our homes. While the Google Home integration featuring Google Assistant and multi-room play are fairly standard today, the game changer for us is richness and clarity in sound from the high-end build quality. When you add in the design aesthetic we have no doubt the offerings of the SōLIS speaker line can fit any style and budget and without sacrificing quality or features.

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