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2017 Holiday Shopping Guide: Best Android tablets

Alexandra Arici
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Interest in tablets has been waning for the past few years, but even so, some customers still like to have a good slate around the house. But the reasons someone might want a tablet these days are a little bit different than what they were a few years back.

A lot of people purchasing a tablet today want a device that’s good for watching video, playing games and reading. It also has to be thin and light and provide a decent battery life. So if you are on the market for a tablet ahead of the holiday season, here’s a list of (some of) the best Android tablets available to buy right now.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

Price: $479.99

Looking for a premium tablet with a crisp display and a fast processor? If that’s the case, then you might want to take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. It comes with a gorgeous 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 2,048 x 1,546 resolution that supports HDR content.

And even if the tablet doesn’t rely on the latest high-end chipset available from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 835, it includes a Snapdragon 820 which will do a very good job at sustaining most of the activities on board. Check the full spec list below:

  • 9.7-inch AMOLED display with 2,048 x 1,546 resolution, 264ppi
  • Quad-core 2.15GHz Snapdragon 820 chipset
  • 4GB of RAM
  • 32GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD cardslot)
  • 13MP (f/1.9, autofocus, LED flash) / 5MP (f/2.2) cameras
  • 6,000 mAh battery
  • Android 7.0 Nougat
  • Stereo speakers
  • S Pen included
  • Keyboard accessory available (sold separately)

As part of Black Friday, you can get the tablet with $120 off if you buy it from Samsung.

Google Pixel C

Price: $599.99

Despite being a 2-year old device, the Pixel C is still a great tablet, although it’s still horribly over-priced. On the bright side of things, Google-branded tablets (as well as smartphones) are first in line to get Android OS upgrades, so owners will get to try the latest features ahead of everyone else. Here’s what else the tablet has to offer:

  • 10.2-inch IPS LCD display with 2,560 x 1,800 resolution, 308ppi
  • Quad-core 1.9GHz NVIDIA Tegra X1
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 32GB/64GB of storage
  • 8MP (f/2.4) / 2MP cameras
  • 9,240 mAh battery
  • Stereo speakers
  • Upgradable to Android 8.1 Oreo

While the tablet is no longer available directly from Google, you can still pick it up from Amazon for $599 a pop.

Lenovo Moto Tab

Price: $299.99

Lenovo recently announced this tablet, which is exclusively sold via AT&T. The device was made for entertainment and to be shared and can be used with two optional accessories: a Home Assistant dock and full-size Bluetooth keyboard bundled with an additional 400 mAh battery.

  • 10.1-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 224ppi
  • Octa-core 2.0GHz Snapdragon 625 processor
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 32GB of storage (expandable up to 128GB via microSD cardslot)
  • 8MP/5MP cameras
  • 7,000 mAh battery
  • Android 7.1 Nougat
  • Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos sound

Interested parties can get it from AT&T for either $299 in full or $15/month for 20 months with an AT&T installment plan.

Huawei MediaPad M3

Price: $289

Huawei’s iPad Mini alternative, the MediaPad M3 is a very stylish tablet that comes with a sleek aluminum body. It’s light and thin and very easy to hold and also can deliver the best sound thanks to the Harman Kardon partnership. Learn more about the tablet below:

  • 8.4-inch display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 359ppi
  • Octa-core 2.3GHz Kirin 950 chipset
  • 4GB of RAM
  • 32GB/64GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD)
  • 8MP (autofocus) + 8MP cameras
  • Android 6.0 Marshmallow
  • 5,100 mAh battery
  • Harman Kardon sound

The tablet is currently listed on Amazon for $289, but come November 23 and until November 27 you will be able to save $70 on the tablet from Amazon or Newegg.

ASUS ZenPad S8

Price: starts at $179

ASUS might not be so well known for making tablets, but alas the company does offer some pretty decent models. Like the ZenPad S8 which is currently available on Amazon. Here what it brings to the table:

  • 8-inch IPS display with 2048 x 1536 resolution, 320ppi
  • Quad-core 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z3530 chipset
  • 2GB/4GB of RAM
  • 32GB/64GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD)
  • 8MP + 5MP
  • Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • Up to 8h battery
  • Stereo speakers

Interested parties can get the 2GB of RAM + 32GB storage version from Amazon for $179.99, while the 4GB of RAM + 64GB of storage is available for $350.

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017)

Price: $79.99

If you’re looking for a really affordable Android tablet, you can’t go wrong with a Fire tablet. Although the small price entails the device will not be the fastest on the market or have the best screen, the Fire HD 8 (2017) it’s a solid choice for those who like to read e-books through the Kindle app or watch videos via Amazon’s streaming service.

  • 8.0-inch with 1280 x 800 resolution, 189ppi
  • Quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT8163
  • 1.5GB of RAM
  • 16GB/32GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD)
  • 2MP / VGA cameras
  • Customized Android 5.1 Lollipop
  • Up to 12h battery
  • Dolby Atmos sound
  • Stereo speakers

NVIDIA Shield K1

Price: between $319 and $399

Looking for a gaming tablet? Then you might want to consider the NVIDIA Shield K1. The slate is a heaven for gaming enthusiasts and although the Shield Hub (formerly known as TegraZone) is the place to get games that are optimized for Tegra processors and as a result look better, users can also run apps and games from other places like the Google Play Store.

The tablet is available with some accessories including the Shield Tablet Cover or Shield Wireless Controller. Oh, and it also has a stylus.

  • 8.0-inch display with 1920 x 1200 resolution, 283ppi
  • Quad-core 2.2GHz NVIDIA Tegra K1 chipset
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 16GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD)
  • 5MP (autofocus) + 5MP (HDR) cameras
  • Upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat
  • 5,200 mAh battery
  • Stereo speakers

Although the NVIDIA Shield K1 is no longer available for purchase directly from NVIDIA, you can still grab one from Amazon, although only used or refurbished models are currently available.

Pre-Black Friday deals: Amazon discounts select Prime Exclusive Phones

Alexandra Arici
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This is probably the best time of the year to be shopping for a new phone, so if you too have joined the ranks of customers hunting for deals, you’ll find the next tidbit quite interesting.

In preparation for Black Friday, Amazon has discounted select models from its Prime Exclusive Phones lineup. All of these phones are unlocked and come bundled with Amazon ads and deals on their lock screen. But if you’re willing to disregard this aspect, Amazon is currently selling these drool-worthy Android models with discounted prices tags:

Moto X4 – $299.99 (you save $30)

  • 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with fullHD resolution, 424ppi
  • 148.4 x 73.4 x 8 mm
  • Octa-core 2.2GHz Snapdragon 630
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 32GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB)
  • Dual 12-megapixel (f/2.0) + 8-megapixel (f/2.2, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash) / 16-megapixel selfie snapper
  • Android 7.1 Nougat (planned upgrade to Android 8.0 Oreo)
  • 3,000 mAh battery
  • Compatible with AT&T/T-Mobile/Verizon/Sprint networks)

LG G6+ – $449.99 (you save $50)

  • 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with 2880 x 1440 resolution, 18:9 aspect ratio, 561ppi
  • 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm
  • Quad-core 2.35GHz Snapdragon 821
  • 4GB of RAM
  • 128B of storage (expandable up to 2000GB)
  • Dual 13-megapixel (f/1.8, phase detection AF) + 13-megapixel (f/2.4) / 5-megapixel selfie snapper (f/2.2)
  • Android 7.0 Nougat
  • 3,300 mAh battery
  • IP68 water and dust resistance
  • Compatible with AT&T/T-Mobile/Verizon networks

LG Q6 – $179.99 (you save $50)

  • 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with 2160 x 1080 resolution, 18:9 aspect ratio, 442ppi
  • 142.5 x 69.3 x 8.1 mm
  • Octa-core 1.4GHz Snapdragon 435
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 32GB of storage (expandable up to 256GB)
  • 13-megapixel (f/2.2, LED flash / 5-megapixel selfie snapper
  • Android 7.1.1 Nougat
  • 3,000 mAh battery
  • Compatible with AT&T/T-Mobile networks

Moto E4 Plus – $119 (you save $20)

  • 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 267ppi
  • 155 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm
  • Quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6737
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 16GB of storage (expandable up to 128GB)
  • 13-megapixel (f/2.0, autofocus, LED flash) / 5-megapixel selfie snapper
  • Android 7.1.1 Nougat
  • 5,000 mAh battery
  • Compatible with AT&T/T-Mobile/Verizon/Sprint networks

We don’t know how long these deals are going to be available, so if you’re interested in buying any of these phones you should definitely hurry up and order yourself one.

Modern trading apps: How smart investors are leveraging this revolutionary software (Promoted)

Guest Blogger
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What images tend to come to mind when a smartphone app is mentioned? The majority of consumers will reply with answers including social media communications, phone filters and the occasional online casino game. However, it is just as important to recognize that the humble mobile phone app has made its world into the realm of online trading (and with truly impressive results). How are knowledgeable traders leveraging the power of this software to enhance their investment strategies and what are some takeaway points that novices should appreciate?

The Real-Time Advantage

The processing power of even the average smartphone has increased exponentially over the past few years. It is now possible for traders to access real-time data when it is required the most. However, they are no longer required to physically navigate to an online investment portal. Many applications are now equipped with “push” notifications; predetermined alerts that will notify the user in the event that an asset reaches a certain value. Appropriate actions can then be taken when the time is right. This is particularly advantageous during fast-paced binary trades and similar methods which require immediate (and informed) reflexes.

Taking Advantage of the GUI

GUI is an acronym for “graphical user interface”. This is most often represented as a dashboard or a similar centralized access point that contains all of the most important personal financial information. Smart traders are now beginning to customize these interfaces based off of their individual preferences.

This will provide superior levels of insight and clarity; both important metrics when making snap decisions. Some of the areas which can be modified include charts, lists of currently held stocks, trading information and historical analyses. This streamlined capability was all but fictional only a few years ago.

Learning the Ropes

Much like any journey, setting off with the correct foot forward will often equate to the difference between financial success and failure. Educational trading apps are therefore important to mention. They will clearly illustrate trends and define basic principles. Some are considered to be “practice” applications and no money is involved with a trade. Beginners will be able to hone their strategies before moving across into the real world.

Trading When the Time is Right

Money never sleeps, but the trader requires rest in order to make informed and logical decisions. Intuitive and streamlined applications such as those designed by CMC Markets can be accessed 24 hours a day and seven days a week. This provides a superior sense of flexibility. Whether one is on a business trip or wishes to quickly check on the price of a blue-chip holding while on holiday, these applications aim to please. Responsible trading involves knowing when to become involved and appreciating those times when it is better to abstain from further action. Both of these options are available via modern mobile apps.

The Power of Diversification

The best trading applications will provide the user with a host of investment options. These include:

  • Forex positions
  • Binary trades
  • CFDs
  • Indices
  • Blue-chip holdings

The ability to access these from a centralized portal is a final advantage of robust applications. Astute traders appreciate that a diverse portfolio will be able to stand up to the inevitable volatility associated with the markets.

On a final note, we need to remember that financially based applications are available to traders of all ages, locations and skill levels. They are beginning to transform the ways in which the average investment takes place and we should expect their importance to grow as technology continues to advance.

Honor 7X is coming to the US soon

Alexandra Arici
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Introduced earlier this year during CES 2017 in Las Vegas, the Honor 6X proved to be a fantastic deal for those looking to give dual-camera phones a try. Fast forward a few months later and Huawei’s sub-brand unveiled the next-generation model, the Honor 7X in China.

So far limited to this particular market, the Honor 7X will soon exit the country and land in other regions across the world. And the good news is that, according to 9to5Google, the phone will also be coming to the US.

For those who missed the announcement, the Honor 7X brings the line into the age of 2017 design. It comes boasting a 5.93-inch LCD display with 18:9 aspect ratio FullHD+ resolution (2,160 x 1,080) and brushed, anodized aluminum chassis. The phone takes advantage of the latest of Huawei’s mid-range Kirin processors, the Kirin 659 and runs in combination with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (expandable via microSD).

Like in the case of its predecessor, photography is the focus on the Honor 7X. You’ll find a 16-megapixel main sensor with phase detection autofocus is living on the back, backed by a secondary 2-megapixel secondary sensor. On the front, lives an 8-megapixel selfie snapper with portrait mode enabled.

The phone relies on a 3,340 mAh battery and still retains the 3.5mm headphone jack. It runs Android 7.0 Nougat, but the Android 8.0 Oreo update will come at some point.

Honor will be hosting an event on December 5 in the UK, where more details about pricing and availability will be shared. The Honor 6X launched with a $250 price tag, and we expect the Honor 7X to feature a similar under $300 price.

Ulefone is working on an 18:9 bezel-less phone with a big battery and Android 8.1 Oreo

Alexandra Arici
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It has been almost three months since Google debuted the eight major version of its Android mobile operating system, dubbed Oreo. So you’re probably wondering, where are all the Oreo-running devices?

According to Google’s own numbers which show the proportion of active Android devices on each version of the OS, Android Oreo is at 0.3% as of November 9. And with new smartphones like OnePlus 5T or the Razer Phone launching without the latest version of Android on board, what else is to expect?

Other Android OEMs aren’t any faster when it comes to rolling out the Android 8.0 Oreo update either. Samsung, for example, recently pulled the latest Oreo beta update for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ after a critical bug.

So what are the options for someone who wants to get a phone with Oreo out of the box? There are few at the moment including:

  • Pixel/Nexus phones
  • Sony Xperia XZ1
  • Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
  • HTC U11+ (only sold in select markets)
  • OnePlus 3 / OnePlus 3T (the Oreo update started rolling out recently)

But what if you’re looking to try Oreo on the budget? Then maybe you should look towards China. According to a teaser image, Chinese phone manufacturer, Ulefone is working on a new phone called Power 3 that will come with Android 8.1 Oreo – which is currently present even on a smaller number of devices – out of the box.

The current Ulefone Power 2

What’s more, the new device will also include a generous 6,100 mAh battery and a sleek 18:9 bezel-less display.

The phone should make a debut in December, as a successor of the Power 2 model and should come with an affordable price tag.

Don’t miss: Ulefone Power 2 review

While we wait or the new model to land on the market, customers can still pick up the Ulefone Power 2 with a 6,050 mAh battery (said to be able to last up to 4 days) for only $156 from GearBest.

Refer people to Project Fi and win a Moto X and Chromecast

Alexandra Arici
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The holiday season is just around the corner, so Google wants to make the winter celebrations even sweeter.

Remember Project Fi’s referral program which awarded subscribers who referred friends and family a $20 gift card? Well, things have gotten a lot better with the new “Fi it Forward” challenge.

Now when a Project Fi subscriber refers two people, he or she can win a free Chromecast. Refer 7 people and you will be able to win the grand prize – a new and shiny Moto X4 (the Android One version).

Don’t miss: Android One Moto X4 review

What’s more, as part of the challenge, Google will also donate $50,000 to the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC).  There are no further steps you need to take in this direction, because as Google puts it: “You’re already helping support this gift just by being part of Project Fi.”

To be a part of the referral challenge, you’ll need to generate a unique link to be shared with friends and family over text, social media or email. To do that, you’ll have to access the Project Fi app or website.

Fancy a new and shiny Moto X4? Then get to work and start referring people. You have until December 17 to do so.

Android 8.0 Oreo now rolling out to OnePlus 3/3T

Dan Bartram
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OnePlus recently announced its latest flagship smartphone to bring the company into 2017 but the company is still remembering its other devices as the OnePlus 3 and 3T will be getting an update to Android Oreo.

Android 8.0 Oreo has been in open beta for the OnePlus 3 and 3T since around October but it seems the testing phase has finally finished as the update will be delivered via an OTA in the coming weeks.

Naturally, OnePlus have complimented the Oreo operating system with its own Oxygen software so you’ll get some added bells and whistles on top of the Oreo goodies such as Autofill API, picture-in-picture, and notification dots. One such goodie is the Parallel Apps feature that allows you to run two separate instances of the same app on your OnePlus device.

The OTA comes with the September security patch baked in and has begun distributing to a few users. OnePlus say that the rollout is gradual and will incrementally increase to a wider audience as time progresses.

Drop us a comment if you’ve already got Android Oreo on your OnePlus 3 and/or 3T and let us know what you think.

ROK Mobile Black Friday 2017 promo offers three months of unlimited data for $99

AndroidGuys
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Black Friday 2017 is not far off (try next week), and we’ve seen a few promo deals surface that definitely have your mouth watering and your money ready. Best Buy is offering some sweet deals on high-end Android-powered smartphones such as the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, and the LG G6 that let you save as much as $360 on phone pricing and activations. Microsoft’s own webstore is offering unlocked Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ models for $150 off, so there are some good deals to be had if you look.

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint MVNO ROK Mobile doesn’t want to be left out of the party, so it’s offering a Black Friday 2017 promo on its wireless service. Starting today, new ROK Mobile subscribers who sign up for the Black Friday promo can get three months of unlimited talk, text, and data for just $99 (that’s right: $99 for 3 months of service). After the three-month promo expires, however, know that prices will return to normal. You’re also getting Sprint wireless service, so keep that in mind.

Along with the $99 unlimited deal, new ROK Mobile subscribers will also get a free ZTE Prestige (worth $36) with the deal, letting you use a smartphone that has few (if any) bragging rights but may be worth it to try out ROK Mobile for the first time. The ZTE Prestige comes with a 5-inch screen, HD video recording (720p), 5MP front camera, 2MP back camera, and features Android 5.1 Lollipop pre-loaded. Yes, you read it right: you won’t get Android 8.0 Oreo, or Android 7.1.1 Nougat, but instead, Android 5.1 Lollipop.

You can still get the $99, three-month, unlimited plan, even without the ZTE Prestige, if you already have a smartphone you want but still want unlimited data.

The ROK Mobile deal is pretty sweet, and the phone is good for someone who wants to “get their feet wet” with smartphones. And yet, even if you desire something a bit more high-end, three months of unlimited data for $99 plus a free phone is worth the effort.

What do you think? Have a relative or friend you think will be grateful for this deal?

Huawei’s Black Friday / Cyber Monday list of deals is revealed

Alexandra Arici
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With the holiday season just around the corner, many customers will be shopping for Christmas gifts during Black Friday.

And with the countdown to one of the biggest shopping days of the year officially on, Huawei has revealed its list of deals for Black Friday (and Cyber Monday).

Huawei Logo

Starting Thursday, November 23 and up until November 27, customers will be able to purchase select Huawei products with a discount from various retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Newegg, and Walmart. Check out the complete list below:

Huawei Mate 9 – save $100 at Amazon/Best Buy/B&H/Newegg

Huawei Honor 6X – save $50 at Amazon/Best Buy/B&H/Newegg

Huawei Watch 2 Sport – save $120 at Amazon/Best Buy/B&H/Newegg

Huawei Watch 2 Classic – save $150 at Amazon/Best Buy/B&H/Newegg

Huawei MediaPad M3 8-inch – save $70 at Amazon/Newegg

Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8-inch or 10-inch – save $30 at Amazon/Newegg

Huawei MediaPad T3 8-inch or 10-inch – save $20 at Amazon/Newegg

Huawei MediaPad T3 7-inch – save $20 at Walmart

Huawei MateBook X (Microsoft Signature Edition) – save $300 + Plus, Portfolio Keyboard & Office 365 Personal included at Amazon/Newegg

Huawei MateBook E (Microsoft Signature Edition) – save $300 + Plus, Portfolio Keyboard & Office 365 Personal included at Amazon/Newegg

YouTube TV app arrives on select LG and Samsung smart TVs

Dan Bartram
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Google is constantly expanding the platform that is YouTube with an aim to take the fight to cable TV. One such initiative is YouTube TV and the feature just got a whole lot more useful.

The YouTube TV team said back in October that it would be rolling out to more platforms and promised to make it easier to consume the service across a variety of devices. Today that promise comes to fruition as YouTube TV adds support for Android TV, Xbox One, and Apple TV. Not only that but also owners of LG and Samsung smart TV’s will also be able to download and install YouTube TV directly on their TV’s.

Current support devices:

  • Android TV (excluding Xiaomi Mi Box)
  • Xbox One, Xbox One S, and the upcoming Xbox One X
  • Samsung & LG smart TVs (2016 & 2017)

Google says that all 2016 and 2017 models of LG and Samsung TV’s should support YouTube TV, with 2014 and 2015 models supported soon.

If you have a Samsung-branded smart TV that’s from either 2016 or 2017, open the Apps section on the TV and search for YouTube TV. For supported LG smart TVs, go into the LG Content section and search for YouTube TV to download it.

Let us know if you use YouTube TV and what you think of it in the comments below.

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