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Xiaomi confirms the Mi MIX 2S is coming, will run the cutting-edge Snapdragon 845

Donovan Jeska
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In a recent tweet, Xiaomi’s official Spokesperson Donovan Sung unveiled the upcoming Mi MIX 2S, along with a short message about the device:

As you can see, the device will run the bleeding-edge Snapdragon 845 – the latest and greatest from Qualcomm. The Mi MIX 2S will join the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus as the first devices to run the Snapdragon 845. Sung also confirmed that the device will release on March 27th, though he revealed little else about the device.

Mi Mix 2S Theories and Hypotheses

Android Authority muses that the Mi MIX 2S may have similar specifications to the current Mi MIX 2. That stands to reason, given the “-S” branding, which has come to designate an incremental update of an existing smartphone. In addition, AA also hypothesizes that the number in the mysterious image Sung tweeted could be a reference to the Mi Mix 2S’s AnTuTu score – a score of 273,741 would put it squarely atop the AnTuTu rankings, handily beating out Apple’s iPhone 8 Plus’ current-best score of 217,385.

We’ll find out more in the coming days, I’m sure – possibly even by the end of MWC.

Samsung unveils the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus

Matt Adams
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After one of the most successful launches in recent history with the Galaxy S8, Samsung is back again. Today at Mobile World Congress 2018, Samsung officially debuted the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus to eager fans and tech press. How do the devices differ from last year’s models? Let’s take a look.

Samsung appears to be embracing Apple’s iPhone strategy. Apple releases two devices with very small, yet meaningful differences. Samsung previously released two devices that were basically identical except for screen size. That’s all changing this year with the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus.

The Galaxy S9 will come with 4 GB of RAM and a 5.8-inch display. It’ll also feature a single 12 MP camera. However, the Galaxy S9 Plus will feature 6 GB of RAM, a larger 6.2-inch display, and a dual camera setup. The cameras on the S9 Plus are a Dual Pixel 12 MP sensor with a dual f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures. Owners will get a 12 MP wide-angle lens and a 12 MP telephoto lens.

The devices will also be slightly smaller than last year’s models. Samsung was able to shave off a little more than 1 mm by reducing the top and bottom bezels on both devices. Samsung stated that the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus had one of the most popular designs in company history, so why try to fix something that isn’t broke, right?

In addition to making the devices smaller, Samsung also finally moved the fingerprint scanner. One of the most frustrating aspects of the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 Plus, and Note 8 was the placement of the fingerprint scanner. Too high up the phone and too close to the camera, it was almost impossible to reliably hit the scanner. Now, Samsung has finally moved it under the camera to a more sane position.

One of the biggest changes to the devices this year is in the camera technology. Samsung is using a new technology to mimic how the human eye processes light. When in a bright environment, the Galaxy S9 will use a f/2.4 aperture and let in less light. In lower light situation, it’ll flip over to a wider f/1.5 aperture and let in more light. This should result in more true to life shots.

Samsung has also included a new Image Sensor Processor in the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus that aims to help bring down the noise in your shots. The device will process pictures in groups multiple times until it comes up with it thinks is the best photo. The process happens in the background so you can continue snapping shots or using other functions on your device.

Read more: Five clones that can offer the Samsung Galaxy S8 look on the cheap

The new ISP also means that the devices can shoot in super slow-mo. This has been rumored for awile now, but now we’re finally getting confirmation. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will be able to shoot at 960 fps at 720p resolution. The devices have an automatic slow-mo feature so you never have to toggle it on. As long as you’re shooting video, the camera is also capturing it in super slow-mo mode so you can go back and see it later.

In addition to a better camera, the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus will also have an improved speaker setup. For years, Samsung has only had a bottom firing speaker on its flagships. It sounded okay but certainly not great. Now, Samsung is upping its game and using a dual buttom + front facing speaker. The headset earpiece will act as a second speaker. Samsung says the speakers are 1.4 times louder than the speakers on the S8 and S8 Plus.

So, when can you get them? Pretty soon, actually. Pre-orders will start March 2 and the phones hit stores on March 16.

Samsung is hosting a pre-order promotion called Trade Up and Save where customers can trade in their old devices for credit toward a new Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus. Flagships that are a year old and newer, you can expect to get about $350 toward your new device. The offer is available to customers switching to the Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus from non-Samsung flagships.

What do you think of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus? Let us know down in the comments.

The Huawei P20 will have three cameras and be unveiled next month

Dan Bartram
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The Huawei P20 has been hovering on the rumor mill for some time, but Huawei has now confirmed the device exists and will launch at its event next month.

Huawei’s next device has been going backwards and forwards between being called the P11 or P20 with arguments warranting each direction. Huawei has finally settled the debate confirming the P20 name. It also sent out a reminder about its event to launch the Huawei P20 next month just before the focus turns to MWC 2018 next week.

In addition to confirming the name, Huawei also revealed in the teaser that the P20 will have three cameras. Yep, you read that right. The three cameras will work together to offer a unique feature for the camera experience that will focus on AI.

According to Richard Yu, the product chief of Huawei, claims that the P20 will wipe the floor with the iPhone X in an interview with Forbes.

“Next month, the P20, we will have some big, bold innovations of camera technology. It will be much much better than all the other phones…”

Yu then picks up someone else’s iPhone X from the table and says, “including this.”

He continues: “I know I may not be humble, but [the P20] will be much better. It’s not going to be a little bit better, but much better.”

He continues to state that the P20 has been subject to heavy R&D and is presumably referring to the enhanced AI features.

Huawei will announce the P20 on March 27 in Paris.

Google ARCore 1.0 released publicly to 100 million devices

AndroidGuys
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To sustain the competition in the AR market brought in by Apple in the form of ARKit, Google announced a similar AR based platform for Android devices called Google ARCore a few months back.

While initially it was made available to only to the Google Pixel devices, Google later partnered with other OEMs and app developers to expand ARCore to more devices and services.

Google has now announced version 1.0 of ARCore ahead of the Mobile World Congress 2018 and it is initially made available to over 100 million devices across the world.

Google ARCore allows you to use your phone’s camera to integrate virtual content to the real world as seen through your camera. This platform gives the developers to integrate augmented reality apps to Android smartphones without the help of any additional hardware.

Google ARCore 1.0 Availability

Currently, ARCore 1.0 is rolling out to a list of 13 Android smartphones which includes Google’s Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL; Samsung’s Galaxy S8, S8+, Note8, S7 and S7 edge; LG’s V30 and V30+ (Android O only); ASUS’s Zenfone AR; and OnePlus’s OnePlus 5.

These 13 flagship smartphones of the most popular Android OEMs constitute a total of over a 100 million devices making Google’s promise to bring ARCore to a 100 million devices at the MWC 2018 come true.

Google is also working with other OEMs like Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi, HMD/Nokia, ZTE, Sony Mobile, and Vivo to bring ARCore to their existing and upcoming flagship devices.

The version 1.0 of Google ARCore comes with improved environmental understanding which enables the developers to place virtual object on any kind of surface irrespective of the shape of texture unlike Apple’s ARKit which is primarily designed for flat horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Google ARCore

Google will also be partenering with non Google Play devices like Xiaomi and Huawei to bring the functionality of ARCore to China, making it one of the first Google based service to launch in China as they have virtually no Google service not even the Google Play Store or any of the other popular Google apps.

Google Lens preview update

Besides ARCore, the company is also working on to bring the Google Lens which was previously only available to Google Pixel devices to other Android devices. It is embedded into the Google Photos app and allows you to get more details about the images you capture using your device’s camera.

The new update to Google Lens preview might make your device’s camera more smarter by adding features like recognizing the breeds of animals, types of plants and so on. It can currently detect events, contact numbers and even translate in some instances from the photos you capture.

ARCore app and experiments

The ARCore app is now available for download from the Google Play Store here. You can download and install it on your device and can use it to try out the latest AR based apps and stickers using your device’s camera.

Google ARCore

You can also go through the list of AR experiments of Google based on ARCore here. Google might showcase the ARCore features and the compatible Augmented Reality based apps desgined based on it in the upcoming weeks at the Mobile World Congress.

LG will unveil K8 and K10 series smartphones at MWC 2018

Dan Bartram
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LG confirmed that it will unveil the K8 and K10 at Mobile World Congress 2018 next week in Barcelona with advanced features that it says will rival premium flagships.

Both models will roll out globally in key regions such as Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The new K series focuses on advanced camera features such as high-speed autofocus and noise reduction for better performance in low light conditions. Both the K8 and K10 feature a 2.5D Arc Glass design and will be available in Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue, and Terra Gold.

The LG K10 comes with a 13-Megapixel camera which is the same as found in the LG G6, despite being aimed at the mid-range price tier. The K10 is also equipped with Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) which is 23 percent faster than traditional autofocus.

The LG K8 will come will some improved camera UX features new for the 2018 model that will offer better low-light performance. Low Light Noise Reduction feature and High Dynamic Range (HDR) look to provide the advanced features usually found on a flagship at an affordable price.

“LG’s 2018 K Series range of smartphones is focused on delivering even more value to consumers looking for the right device that fits their lifestyle and needs,” said Ha Jeung-uk, senior vice president and business unit leader for LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “We’re confident we can capture the hearts and minds of consumers in the fast-moving market with our smartphone camera technology and other convenient features.”

You can see the K8 and K10 in all its glory at MWC 2018 next week at LG’s booth in Hall 3 of Fira Gran Via from February 26 until March 1.

K10 Key Specifications:

  • Chipset: 1.5 GHz Octa-Core
  • Display: 5.3-inch HD In-cell Touch (1280 x 720 / 277ppi)
  • Memory:
    • K10+ : 3GB RAM / 32GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
    • K10: 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
    • K10α : 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
  • Camera:
    • K10+ : Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP (Wide)
    • K10: Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP (Wide)
    • K10α : Rear 8MP / Front 5MP
  • Battery: 3,000mAh (embedded)
  • Operating System: Android 7.1.2 Nougat
  • Size: 148.7 x 75.3 x 8.68mm
  • Weight: 162g
  • Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g, n) / Bluetooth 4.2 / USB 2.0 Type B / NFC
  • Colors:
    • K10+: Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
    • K10 : Aurora Black / Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
    • K10α: Aurora Black / Terra Gold
  • Other: Fingerprint Scanner / FM Radio / Flash Jump Shot / Music Flash /

K8 Key Specifications:

  • Time Helper / Quick Capture / Quick Shutter
  • Chipset: 1.3 GHz Quad-Core
  • Display: 5.0-inch HD On-cell Touch (1280 x 720 / 294ppi)
  • Memory: 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM / microSD (up to 32GB)
  • Camera: Rear 8MP / Front 5MP
  • Battery: 2,500mAh (removable)
  • Operating System: Android 7.1.2 Nougat
  • Size: 146.3 x 73.2 x 8.2mm
  • Weight: 152g
  • Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g, n) / Bluetooth 4.2 / USB 2.0 Type B
  • Colors: Aurora Black / Moroccan Blue / Terra Gold
  • Other: FM Radio / Flash Jump Shot / Music Flash / Time Helper / Quick Capture / Quick Shutter

Smart Launcher 5 update comes with a pool of new features

AndroidGuys
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Smart launcher is one of the popular Android launchers that has been around from the Gingerbread days. The initial layout of the launcher was designed to go with smartphones with screen size of 3.5 inch or less allowing the user to access all the apps and features within a single screen.

Over the years, smartphones have grown a lot in terms of size and features and maintaining the same old layout for devices over 5.5 inches in size didn’t make much sense as users wanted the most important things to be at the bottom of the screen, easier to reach.

Keeping this mind, Smart Launcher has finally released the beta update to the 5th version of their popular Android Launcher after working on it for almost 2 years, this time with a complete overhaul of the user interface changing every possible aspect of the launcher to make it future proof.

If you have used Smart Launcher in the past and have shifted to some other launcher because you felt it lacked something you wanted, you might reconsider coming back once you know about the new features that has been added to the latest update.

New Acrylic Design

Just like the Material design language the stock Android is based on Smart Launcher 5 is based on a design guideline they named Acrylic Design. This makes sure that all the elements of the launcher including the fonts, icon shapes and sizes and the layout looks consistent.

Smart Launcher 5

The new design also brings all the important stuff like app icons and folders to the bottom of the launcher while reserving the top most part for visual information and widgets. This makes sense as most Android devices these days come with a large display making it difficult for the users to reach the top to access the apps they want to use.

Ambient Theme

With the new Ambient theme, the launcher will now automatically change the background and colours of the folders and other UI elements to match the colour that has been extracted from your current wallpaper. By this way you can get an unified and an ambient look across the launcher

Adaptive Icons

Google introduced the concept of Adaptive icons to Android Oreo 8.0 as an attempt to give a consistent look to all the app icons on your launcher despite the difference in their shapes and logos. This means all icons could either be circular, square or a combination of both.

Smart Launcher 5

While this feature is currently available only in Android Oreo, Smart launcher 5 brings it to other versions of Android with its new adaptive icons feature supporting upto Android 4.0 making it extremely backward compatible. You also have the option to disable it if you want.

Smart Search

This is probably one of the best new features added to the Smart Launcher 5, the new search bar has been moved from the top of the launcher to the bottom making it easily accessible and it now comes with a few smart features.

For instance, you can directly use it as a calculator, to add new contacts to your device or even perform a web search. Of course it is still used for searching for apps, files and contacts across your device.

New homecreen layout

The homescreen now comes with a new design where instead of the classic side bar for automatically created categories of your app, there is now a new bottom bar in the launcher making it easier to access.

Also, there is also now a new clock widget which comes with weather information, alarm and even your upcoming events. Smart Launcher 5 has also redesigned the preferences page which now has a cleaner look with more organized options.

Sorting icons by colour

Besides the usual name, size and install time for sorting the icons that are normally found on launchers, Smart Launcher 5 introduces an option to sort your icons by colour, making it easier to find and awesome to look at.

Smart Launcher 5

Notification Plugin

Just like the Touchwiz launcher of Samsung and other popular OEM launchers, Smart Launcher 5 now comes with integrated plugin for displaying the notification count on the app icons.

Smart Launcher 5

Apart from these most important changes, the new update has brought in a lot of minute but noticeable changes across the app, like new animations, popup menus, new wallpaper picker, option to share your homescreen layout, backing up your wallpaper and many more.

If you want to try out the new Smart Launcher 5 update right now on your device, just head over to the app page here on the Google Play Store and sign up for their beta program at the end of the page.

You should be able to download and install the beta update after a few minutes. Let us know in the comments below what you think about these new features of Smart Launcher 5 and would you consider selecting it as your default Android Launcher.

Mark your calendar: Google I/O 2018 will be held May 8-10

Dan Bartram
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Google has opened up ticket purchases for Google I/O 2018, which will take place between May 8 and May 10 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA.

Google I/O is an opportunity for developers around the globe to come together and see demonstrations of all the new software features and APIs Google is working on. For consumers, it is also of notable interest as Google I/O is also typically where we get sight of the next version of Android.

General admission to Google I/O costs $1,150, similar to last year. Academic admission remains the same at $375 for full-time students, professors, faculty and staff at a high school or higher education institution. There is also a new “Community partners” tier at $750.

The specific themes called out by Google on the I/O landing page is Grow & Earn, Building on Mobile, and Beyond Mobile. The consumer-focussed keynote will be on Tuesday, May 8 at 10 AM and runs until 11:30 AM, before breaking out into the developer focused sessions.

You can apply for tickets here. Applications for tickets closes on February 27 at 5 PM PST.

Join our team! We’re looking for app and game reviewers

AndroidGuys
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Are you looking to pick up a part-time job or test the waters of blogging? We might be able to help you out! We’re expanding our staff again and are looking for some new candidates. Specifically, we are looking to grow our dedicated app and game review team.

Are you passionate about Android apps and games? Can you articulate your opinion in written format? If so, we’d like to hear from you. We have a couple of entry-level blogging positions that we’re hoping to fill!

Heads Up!

Applicants will need to be knowledgeable about Android in general terms and have experience with the platform. More importantly, they must possess strong writing skills and have a sincere desire to blog on a part-time basis.

Candidate must

  • …have a strong grasp of English
  • …be organized, motivated, and reliable
  • …be able to meet deadlines and adhere to schedules
  • …be able to take constructive criticism and advice
  • …be able to contribute an absolute minimum of two posts per week

Bonus points if you

  • …have previous blogging experience
  • …have familiarity with WordPress
  • …have free time during the work day

Details

Interns will typically work within our system for a few weeks, getting the feel of things, and learning whether this is something they want to do. Our culture allows for writers who have a full or part-time job, school, and/or other obligations.

As much as some candidates think they have the free time, it’s not uncommon to learn that desire outweighs availability.

Depending on previous experience and abilities we may offer something immediately.

Available Positions

  • App and Game Review Team – Candidate will be responsible for conducting reviews of Android apps and games. With an expectation of 2 reviews per week, the staff member will work with other members of the AndroidGuys team to facilitate, compose, and schedule reviews. About half of your reviews will be assigned with the others being self-selected.

For more information, or to submit an application, please click here.

Pokémon GO Legendary Week starts today with some added bonuses

Dan Bartram
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Niantic has announced that the popular Pokemon Go Legendary Week is back and begins today and will run through until March 5.

The long-anticipated event sees the return of Groudon and Kyogre back to Raid Battles alongside Rayquaza in Raid Battles around the world. There’s an added challenge for trainers around the world where if Trainers defeat Rayquaza more than both Kyogre and Groudon, they’ll see special bonuses emerge. Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza each have their own strengths and weaknesses so beating them will take some doing. The reward for such an achievement is Pokémon that typically prefer windy weather (for example, Bagon) are more likely to hatch from Eggs from March 5 to March 16. If not, Pokémon that prefer sunny or rainy weather (like Trapinch or Lotad) are more likely to hatch.

Now is the time to test your strength! Legendary Pokémon Kyogre and Groudon return to Raid Battles alongside Rayquaza for a limited time. Now is an excellent chance to finally catch all three ancient Legendary Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region!

There are also new special boxes containing Raid Passes that will help trainers prepare for the Pokemon Go Legendary Week.

That’s not all – Saturday, February 24 also marks the second Pokémon GO Community Day which will last three hours around the world. This event will see increased spawns for the rare Dragon Pokémon Dratini that can be used to Dragonair then on to Dragonite. What’s more, those who do so during this period will obtain a Dragonite with the rare and powerful move, Draco Meteor.

Are you going to be participating in the Legendary Pokemon Go Week? Drop us a comment below.

Cat Phones intros rugged, waterproof S61 with enhanced thermal imaging camera

AndroidGuys
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Cat Phones this week introduced the Cat S61, an updated version of its S60 smartphone. Rugged, waterproof, and packing a thermal imaging camera, it’s not the sort of phone you might expect to see advertised on television. Indeed, it’s a niche device with a rather targeted demographic.

Cat S61 on workbench

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor, the Cat S61 has 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, a 16-megapixel rear camera. In essence, it’s a mid-range experience as far as phone configurations are concerned. It runs Android 8.0 Oreo with an expected update to Android P.

Cat S61 front

Featuring a 5.2-inch HD display with Gorilla Glass 5 protection, the S61 screen has glove sensitivity and wet finger tracking. The front of the phone houses an 8-megapixel camera.

Tough as nails

The phone itself is waterproof (IP68), dirt-proof and able to withstand extreme temperatures. Not only that, but it’s built to handle salt water, shaking, vibrations, and anything else you want to throw at it.

Perhaps the most interesting and unique feature in the Cat S61 is its FLIR Lepton thermal imaging camera. Able to read temperatures from -20C up to 400c, it can deliver it in high resolution imagery.

Electricians, for example, can use thermal imaging to analyse a fuse box or wiring system, and the laser assisted distance measurement to estimate how much cable is required for the job.

The S61 also picks up an indoor air quality sensor which can alert users to dangerous levels of air pollutants like solvents or paint. Rounding things out, the phone also includes a humidity sensors and a laser-assisted area and distance measuring tool with a range of up to 32 feet. Other specifications include a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, and a 4,500mAh battery with Quick Charge 4.0.

The S61 is expected to go on sale in the second quarter with MSRP of €899 / £799 / $999.

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