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Qualcomm takes a jab at Apple by reminding us that Android did it first

Alexandra Arici
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A few hours before the grand iPhone X reveal, Qualcomm wants to make sure consumers don’t forget about Android. To this end, the chip maker has published a list of Android firsts that were made possible thanks to Qualcomm technology.

For example, the post credits the HTC One M8 for being the first device to take advantage of fast charging/quick charge, while the Xiaomi Mi MIX is listed as the first to boast a bezel-less design. You can check out the full list below.

As you’d expect for a post essentially meant to counter Apple’s flagship launch, Qualcomm kept mum on things like iOS, iPhone and related. The chipmaker only briefly noted that “inventions from Qualcomm lay the foundation for so many technologies and experiences we value in our smartphones today – on Android and other platforms.”

Qualcomm is deliberately keeping any Apple references out of its blog post for one good reason. The chip maker and the Cupertino company are currently involved in a legal battle against one another in three different countries. Apple is accusing Qualcomm of charging too much for its Standard Essential Patents – which manufacturers are required to license in order to build their own devices and of forcing it to pay a percentage of its iPhone revenue. Apple’s iPad and iPhone manufacturing partners including Compal Electronics, Foxconn Technology Group, Pegatron Crop. and Wistron Corp. have joined Apple in the fight against Qualcomm.

Going back to the laudatory Android blog post, Qualcomm has also taken the opportunity to highlight the successful working partnerships it has set up with top Android OEMs around the world including Samsung, LG, HTC and Motorola/Lenovo which enables it to lead innovation in the mobile space. The chip giant also notes it’s working closely with new players in the global smartphone market like Oppo and Vivo and will continue to do so, in a bid to make Android even greater.

Want a Daydream-ready phone? Here are the devices that support Google’s VR platform

Alexandra Arici
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A few days ago Samsung confirmed that its latest flagship, the Galaxy Note 8 will be Daydream compatible at launch. Thus, the Note 8 joins a select family of devices which comply with Google’s set of standards in order to effectively deliver Daydream VR content.

An important player in the VR arena, Google has been actively working towards getting cheaper devices into people’s hands with the Google Cardboard.

Now with Daydream – which was unveiled in 2016 as new VR platform for Android devices, Google is moving to the next level. Daydream comes built right into Android Nougat, is supported by Google’s own headset, the Daydream View and essentially simplifies access to VR content on a mobile device.

As we mentioned above, there aren’t so many phones compatible with Daydream. That’s because Google imposes some strict requirements for phones that are to be part of the select Daydream club. Here’s are a few examples:

  • MUST have at least 2 physical cores
  • MUST support OpenGL ES 3.2
  • The display MUST measure between 4.7-inch and 6.4-inch diagonal
  • MUST have an embedded screen, and its resolution MUST be at least be FullHD(1080p) and STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO BE be QuadHD (1440p) or higher.
  • MUST support sustained performance mode.
  • The display latency on Gray-to-Gray, White-to-Black, and Black-to-White switching time MUST be ≤ 3 ms

The full list of requirements can be viewed here.

So what are the devices you can purchase which are currently Daydream-ready?

  • Google Pixel
  • Google Pixel 2
  • Moto Z
  • Moto Z Force
  • Huawei Mate 9 Pro
  • Huawei Mate 9 Porsche Design
  • Samsung Galaxy S8
  • Samsung Galaxy S8+
  • ZTE Axon 7
  • ASUS ZenFone 3 Deluxe
  • ASUS ZenFone AR
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8
  • LG V30

That’s it, so far! Other companies like Xiaomi and Alcatel have committed to launching Daydream-ready phones in the near future, thus expanding the search giant’s list of VR partners. Google’s next-gen Pixel 2 models are expected to support Daydream out of the box, as well as Huawei’s upcoming flagships. And who knows maybe HTC will unveil a Daydream-ready phone at some point, given that the company pledged to launch one and the HTC U11 isn’t among the Daydream supported devices (for lack of AMOLED display).

The gear makes the phone: four unique gadgets you need

AndroidGuys
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Technology’s rapid growth has led to the rapid advancement of smartphones. However, companies aren’t just investing their time into phones anymore. They are now using their knowledge of technology to create unique and intelligent devices and software to connect to our phones.

Although smartphones continue to impress us, they do so even more when combined with advanced gear. We’ve compiled a list of some of the coolest gadgets to enter the field.

Deeper – The fish tracker
Do you like fishing or do you want to try it?
This floating ball connects to your smartphone and locates fish via their movements so you know where to cast your reel. It connects to your Android Smartphone and uses Sonar technology to show you where to get the best results.

Deeper works in both regular fishing settings and extreme conditions such as ice fishing.
Furthermore, it maps the floor of the body of water it’s in, as well as the temperature and other conditions. Get some quality fishing equipment and try out this great new gadget.

BlueSmart Luggage

Love traveling but hate packing your luggage? BlueSmart Luggage is a new kind of suitcase that takes the hassle out of it. It connects to an app installed on your phone and helps you keep track of your luggage.

As well as weighing itself and having a built in charger, it also has a SIM card for remote tracking and distance alerts. No more worrying about weight, where you left your suitcase, or whether your battery will last the flight. We definitely want this!

Huawei Talkband B2

Let’s face it – the time of smart watches has all but come and gone. Not when it comes to the Talkband. It has all the features of a regular smart watch, but better – and
in a smaller, sleeker design.

A touchscreen, step counter, activity measure, sleep tracking, and a phone locator make this the better alternative to traditional smart watches. It also doubles as a Bluetooth headset. Simply take out the middle part and clip it to your ear for hands-free phone calls. We’re sold.

MyFC JAQ Charger

This portable charger dominates its competitors. Unlike traditional ones, you don’t have to charge it, as it creates its own electricity. It consists of a sleeve and thin plastic cards that are inserted into them. This turns the contained water and salt into hydrogen and starts charging your phone.

This is a safe and simple alternative to traditional portable chargers, which need charging
themselves. The MyFC JAQ charger is also incredibly light, so it is easy to slip into your bag or pocket.

With many companies investing time into new technology, it’s worth keeping an eye on all the new gadgets that are available to you. Smartphones now have an endless amount of features and collaborating devices. So, get your new Samsung Galaxy, treat it to a Galaxy S8 case, and explore all the interesting opportunities.

Sprint is giving away Essential Phones and a $5,000 cash prize

Alexandra Arici
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Sprint – the exclusive carrier of the Essential Phone – is now giving its customers the chance to win one.

As part of its “Rake in the Cash” Sweepstakes, the carrier announced it will be giving off a $5,000 cash price plus an Essential Phone with a 360-degree camera. Don’t worry if you win the grand prize, Sprint is also offering an additional 20 prizes consisting of an Essential Phone each, complete with a 360-degree camera.

How do you go about entering the sweepstakes? Well, you can go ahead and visit the carrier’s official website or go on Twitter and follow @Sprint and then write a tweet in which you mention @Sprint and the #RakeItInSweeptakes hashtag. In the tweet, you are required to describe exactly how you’d spend the cash using words, a photo, and a video.

You can enter the sweepstakes daily both via the Sprint page and Twitter, but only an entry each is accepted daily. The contest is open to US citizens who are 18 years of age or older and customers in good standing at Sprint. You can go through the Full Terms and Conditions here.

Remember – you need to enter the sweepstakes before September 22 if you want to win the grand prize. But scoring a free Essential Phone wouldn’t be so bad either given that the full retail price of the device is $699.

An Android One smartphone from Motorola might be coming soon

Alexandra Arici
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Remember that back in January we heard that Google’s Android One initiative might be coming to the US? Well, it seems this will indeed be the case if a recent leak coming to us via well-known leakster Evan Blass is to be believed.

Google – who recently teamed up with Xiaomi for the Mi A1 handset – will be partnering up with Motorola (a company which it once owned) for an Android One handset. The device in question already leaked (well only its back) and as you can see, it seems to be a Black version of the recently unveiled Moto X4.

But given that Motorola’s devices already run a near-stock version of Android, the difference between the standard Moto X4 and the Android One version isn’t likely to be a huge one. However, at least in theory updates will come faster and users will find fewer pre-installed apps onboard.

Most importantly the Moto X4 might become the first Android One phone to be sold in the US. So far, Google has been offering these budget handsets in developing markets, but soon customers in the United States will be able to purchase one.

A few months ago, the same Evan Blass also revealed the Moto X4 will be the first affordable phone to be sold under Google’s Project Fi. THE MVNO currently supports only a handful of devices including the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6.

When will these devices make a debut on the market? We don’t know at the moment.

Google wants to make sure you don’t forget about Android Wear 2.0 this autumn

Alexandra Arici
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Despite a slow and bumpy rollout of Android Wear 2.0, Google has a series of new smartwatches hitting the shelves this fall just in time for the holiday shopping season.

And to remind us that Android Wear smartwatches can make for great accessories this season, Google recently published a new post in which it details some of its latest models. All the wearables come with the latest Android Wear 2.0 version on board which means they also provide access to the company’s virtual helper, the Google Assistant.

Google highlights the wide range of choices customers have when looking to buy an Android Wear smartwatch. For example, the Alphabet-owned company has parented up with fashion companies like Diesel, Emporio Armani, Fossil, Guess, Hugo Boss or Michael Kors to deliver stylish wearables perfect for fashionistas.

Luxury brands are also getting in the game, so if you like the classic watch look you can get an Android Wear watch from Tag Heuer or Montblanc. Then there are the models designed for those who lead active lives. Products like the Huawei Watch 2, Polar M600 or Ticwatch S&E come equipped with GPS and a heart rate monitor in order to be able to track every aspect of an workout.

In the same blog post, Google also highlights the Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon – a smartwatch targeting frequent travelers that comes pre-installed with travels apps such as my LV Guide and My Flight, as well as the Casio Pro-Trek Smart which can make for a great outdoor companion thanks to its rugged exterior and vast array of sensors. Oh and there’s also the super affordable ZTE Quartz (which by the way is currently available with 75% off).

Are you getting an Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch this fall? Google sure hopes so.

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 boasts a 6-inch display with 18:9 aspect ratio, smaller battery

Alexandra Arici
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A day before the grand iPhone 8 reveal, Xiaomi – which used to be dubbed Apple’s China at one point – pulled the veil off the Mi MIX 2.

The successor of last year’s stunning Mi MIX, the new phablet comes with an improved design and top-of-the-line specs. While the bezel-less look has been adopted by other companies in 2017 (see Samsung and LG), Xioami has managed to take things to the next level by slimming down the bottom bezel (12% reduced “chin” size, as Xiaomi calls it) which still houses the frontal camera.

Nevertheless, Xiaomi took note of this year’s existing trends and designed a phablet with an 18:9 aspect ratio, instead of the 17:9 of the previous model. Another notable change is that the company shrunk the Mi MIX 2 which comes with a 5.99-inch panel with 2160 x 1080 pixels, down from last year’s 6.4-inch one. On top of that, the experimental piezoelectric speaker which got a lot of people excited last year got replaced by an earpiece above the screen. The phone takes advantage of an aluminum alloy frame, as well as a ceramic back and boasts a sleeker 7.7mm frame (the original Mi MIX was 7.9mm thin).

When it comes to raw specs, the flagship is pretty solid, as it takes advantage of a Snapdragon 835 coupled with 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Xiaomi also announced a Special Edition of the Mi MIX 2 which is made of a single piece of ceramic and includes upgraded specs in the form of 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. This version boasts a 18K coating around the camera and the fingerprint sensor rim (located on the back).

In the photography department, the Mi MIX 2 goes against the grain by including a singular 12-megapixel main camera (the sensor is similar to the one found in the Mi 6) with 1.25μm pixels, 4-axis optical stabilization, and f/2.0 aperture. It can record 4K video at 30fps and 720p at 120fps. As for the selfie camera, we have a 5-megapixel shooter like last year’s model.

The phablet houses a disappointingly small 3,400 mAh battery (the Mi MIX included a 4,400 mAh one) and runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box with MIUI 9 on top. Will it get Android 8.0 Oreo? Hopefully…

At launch, Xiaomi revealed the Mi MIX 2 will be compatible with a total of 43 wireless bands, most importantly WCDMA ones. This means the device should work properly on US LTE networks. However, keep in mind that Xiaomi doesn’t officially sell products in the States yet, so you’ll probably have to get it from third-party resellers if you want it.

How much for a new and shiny Xiaomi Mi MIX 2? It depends on the model you’ll be getting:

  • 6GB of RAM/64GB storage – approx. $500
  • 6GB of RAM/128GB storage – approx. $550
  • 6GB of RAM/256GB storage – approx. $610
  • 8GB of RAM/128GB storage – approx. $720

The standard versions will be available in Black, while the Special Edition variant will be up for grabs in either Black or White.

Is the $449 Monster Superstar Ravebox Bluetooth speaker the ultimate party speaker? (Review)

Matt Adams
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If you’re looking for a little bit more premium of a device than the standard $20 Bluetooth speaker on Amazon, you might want to check out the Monster Superstar Ravebox. You probably know the company Monster even though you don’t realize it. It’s the company that makes the premium HDMI cables, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that it makes an entire host of high-end Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, headphones, battery banks, and other cables.

The Monster Superstar Ravebox is at the highest-end of the price spectrum for Bluetooth speakers. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen another portable speaker at the $449.95 MSRP of the Superstar Ravebox. The only thing close is the Fluance Fi70 which is a stationary speaker, but like the Fi70, the Ravebox puts out an insane audio experience. It’s easily the loudest speaker I’ve ever heard and will be perfect as the main audio source for a large outdoor gathering.

The Ravebox gets pretty loud and bass is extremely well represented. The only thing keeping this thing from vibrating off the table is its very noticeable heft. Highs, mids, and lows are all pleasing and well represented. There’s no muddy bass or screeching highs to be worried about like in some other big Bluetooth speakers. If you’re going to be expected to pay something crazy like $449.95 for a Bluetooth speaker then it’s going to need extremely high audio quality and Monster checked the box there.

Another area where Monster can hang its hat is build quality. This thing is an absolute tank. It’s heavy as all get-out (16 lbs), but the handle on top helps for portability. It would be damn near impossible to carry it around with the handle due to how long and heavy it is. The hard plastic is great for long-term durability and keeping the speaker lighter than it could’ve otherwise been.

The Ravebox comes rated at IPx5 which means it’s water resistant. Monster claims it will perform wonderfully even in a torrential rainstorm but I’m not sure I’d risk something this expensive without a true IP68 rating. If you do break your speaker through water damage or some other fault of your own, Monster offers a one-time replacement for orders placed from its website. That’s a pretty excellent hidden feature.

Water resistance is almost a requirement at this price point as leaving out any essential features when asking a premium price would be assinine. It also comes with a gigantic disco ball on the end which is not essential, but it is amazing.

The light that comes from the “kaleidoscope of sight and sound” as Monster describes it, pulses to the beat of your music. If you’re listening to pounding and pulsing EDM, the light is going to be harsh and abrasive like you might find at a rave. If you’re listening to more chill music, you’re going to get a smooth and soothing light show. It really adds to the experience but it’s not the killer feature that Monster might make it out to be. It’s nice to have and my five-year-old loves it, but it’s just a party trick.

While Monster may have killed it in audio and build quality, I think there are improvements that can be made. First off, this thing is made for parties with the light show and massive sound, where’s our mic for karaoke? This seems like such an obvious addition that it could be a huge marketing advantage over other speakers.

Additionally, the Bluetooth connection is something that I believe should be worked on for future revisions. You get the standard 30 or so feet of range, but if you put anything between your phone and the speaker, like say a wall, you’re in for some trouble. It didn’t reliably cut out for me, but there were some drops. When you’re controlling the entertainment for a big outdoor party, that can be a killer.

I almost overlooked that there were no play, pause, and advance track buttons on the Ravebox. I suppose I never use them so I didn’t notice at first, but this seems like a weird omission. Monster is trying to market the Superstar Ravebox as the spiritual successor to the boom boxes of old, but when I think of those boom boxes, I think of switches and sliders and things sticking out from the face. It’s the complete opposite here.

The biggest issue, for me anyway, is the price. This is an amazing speaker and is definitely one of the best on the market, but are you going to pay $450 for a Bluetooth speaker? If you have the money, I say go for it but I think it’s out of reach for most people. Hilariously, Monster is financing for the Superstar Ravebox for only $28 a month on its website. Financing a Bluetooth speaker is something I hadn’t ever really considered before.

If you’re interested in picking up the Monster Superstar Ravebox, head on over to Monster’s website or Amazon.

Google testing a new design for the Google Play Store

Dan Bartram
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Google frequently rolls out A/B testing for some new designs that may or may not make it into the final versions of apps. The latest test that Google is trying out is that of a new design to the Google Play Store.

As shown in the screenshot below, the text that previously was in a scrollable bubble format has now been switched to icons and rearranged.

Don’t panic if your version of the Google Play Store doesn’t look like the screenshot since it seems to have only rolled out for a few users while Google tests the response.

What isn’t clear from the screenshot is if the new icons are scrollable like the previous bubble format but it certainly does fit the design of the Play Store better. As for if it’s more user-friendly, I’ll leave that down to personal preference. I for one prefer it but can see it getting cramped and cluttered especially if it doesn’t scroll and Google decide to add more icons in there.

Drop us a comment and let us know what you think.

Momentum 720p Wi-Fi Camera review

AndroidGuys
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As we head into the end of 2017, it’s easier than ever to throw together a connected home setup. Whether you’re looking to swap out your entire lighting system with smart bulbs or install a new thermostat or appliance, it’s fairly simple. This goes double for those who are looking to get their feet wet; you can set up a Wi-Fi camera, for instance, in no time at all.

We were sent a review unit of the Momentum 720p Wi-Fi camera which we tried in different locations at home and at the office. Retailing for about $40-45, it’s available at Target, Walmart, and other online outlets. Here are our thoughts after a few weeks of using it.

Setup is rather easy in that you simply plug the camera into a wall outlet via its included USB cord and install the app. At six feet the cable is plenty long enough to reach from most outlets for placement in inconspicuous spots.

As for the app and its setup, that was also fairly simply in at least two of the instances we tried. Once plugged in and powered on, you’ll pair the camera to your phone. You will need a 2.4GHz or 5GHz router (802.11bg/n) on your home or office system for Wi-Fi connectivity. We did run into a few snags trying to factory reset the camera and connect to other networks. It seemed to take a few tries to get things right; pulling up the live feed proved tricky at times.

Features of the Momentum 720p Wi-Fi camera include two-way communication between the phone and camera, support for microSD storage cards up to 128GB, sound and motion detection, and trigger alerts. For under fifty bucks the list of options and details is pretty sizable.

We found the 110 degree viewing angle to be adequate, giving us quite a bit to look at on our phone’s display. Quality was sharp and consistent, but it did depend on your network settings. In cases where our router was being taxed with Netflix streaming, online gaming, and other heavier demands we found the Momentum to stutter and lag.

Our initial setup gave us our best impressions of the camera. Once we moved it from the office to home and started to use other networks, the experience suffered. Specifically, we never really got the camera to give us a true live stream; things were lagging and communicating with people on the other end wasn’t always pleasurable.

The motion detection and sound detection have variable sensitivity settings. This was frustrating to figure out, especially with push notifications showing up at a seemingly endless clip. A door shutting in another room would trigger the camera and it would start to record. Someone coughing down the hall, a car honking outside, or sound from a TV would be all it took. On the other end, you could dial it down to where you had to put too much effort into making noise in order to get it to trigger.

As a camera to keep an eye on the office over the weekend, the Momentum works quite well. We don’t expect the doors to be opened, but the times when cleaning staff comes in, we like to know they’re sticking to the job and not poking about. This works great for that sort of setup. Or, maybe you want to peek at what’s going on downstairs while working in the office. The Momentum fits that bill.

As a camera that sits in the kitchen and lets you keep an eye on the comings and goings of your pets, well, that’s a different story. Your mileage may vary, but we never really loved how things worked. We were getting notifications from the dogs running through the room some 30 seconds earlier. We would have trouble getting the live stream to pull up. It got pretty aggravating at points.

It takes more time that we like to configure recording alerts and notifications. This proved to be a real nuisance when we wanted to just hop in and see the live feed. See, the camera was trying to capture these little videos every time the motion and sound settings fired. So, rather than giving us a quick glimpse, we had the camera recording video that we could watch on a short delay. So much for telling an intruder to get out of the house. By the time we could see what was happening real time, they would have been out of sight. Perhaps you’ll have an easier time setting things up.

The night vision was a nice touch, but the camera isn’t designed to work outside in different elements. Setting it by a window works, but motion detection triggered for us every time a headlight passed by in the distance. Or, if someone flips on a light inside and it reflects off the glass. We envision this working better if you wanted to put the camera up in a hallway so you can capture your teen sneaking out of their room. Good luck getting a timely alert or being able to catch them in the act.

If it sounds like we’re hating on the camera, we really don’t meant to come off harsh. As indicated above, the first time we set it up we loved it and found it to be ideal for the needs. We had a good spot for placement, lighting was ideal, and we didn’t expect to need live stream very much. If someone came into the office and took something that didn’t belong to them, we would have solid, HD proof.

If you’re considering picking one of these up, be sure to keep an eye on your return policy. Moreover, make sure you’re able to test all of the features out that you want. Is this a camera you expect to move around? Try that a few times in the early days. Forty five dollars isn’t a crazy amount to spend, but it’s certainly nothing to sneeze at.

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