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Maze Alpha available for pre-order as super cheap Xiaomi Mi MIX alternative

Alexandra Arici
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A few months ago we brought you news that industry newcomer, Maze was working on a bezeless smartphone in the vein of the highly acclaimed Xiaomi Mi MIX, called the Alpha.

Well, the phone has been made available for pre-order on GearBest. And the biggest surprise is the super low price tag. While the Xiaomi Mi MIX with a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage onboard can take you back with $523, prices for the Maze Alpha start at $179 (!!!).

For this amount of money, customers will get a phablet with a 6-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. The side and top bezels are almost non-existent, but the bottom bezel remains quite consistent while also housing the physical home button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner.

The Maze Alpha embeds an octa-core MediaTek Helio P25 processor clocked at 2.5GHz working in combination with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

On the photography front, the phone includes a dual camera setup featuring a 13-megapixel sensor made by Samsung and a secondary 5-megapixel one for collecting depth and lighting info. The main camera has f/2.2 aperture, but doesn’t offer optical image stabilization. As for selfies, there’s a 5-megapixel snapper living up in front.

The phone includes a pretty hefty 4,000 mAh battery and runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

For the time being, only the Maze Alpha variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage is up for pre-order. Until June 30, customers will be able to secure a unit for $179.99, afterward the phone will be sold for $219.99.

If you’re interested in Xiaomi Mi MIX lookalikes, the Doogee MIX is also an alternative. The phone is available for pre-order for $169.99 and up depending on configuration.

LG G6 now comes with a two-year warranty instead of one (in the US)

Alexandra Arici
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Do you own an LG G6 or are planning to get one? If you are in the US, we have some good news to share with you. LG just announced the “LG G6 Second Year Promise” program which extends the phone’s warranty from 1 year to 2 years.

The program is available for users who purchased the LG G6 from any mobile carrier or authorized retailer and will require registration on LG’s official website. Customers will need to provide a proof of purchase, on top of the phone’s IMEI/MEID and serial number within 12 months since they bought the phone. Those who are looking to purchase the LG G6 today or very soon, are given 90 days to register.

The LG G6

Why is it a good idea to join the program? For starters, it’s free. Secondly, LG will award you a new phone in case your LG G6 gets damaged and it’s not your fault. Under LG’s new initiative you’ll now be covered for two full years.

Most handsets in the US come with the standard one-year warranty, but as LG itself notes, customers tend to use a new phone for an average of 18 to 24 months. The company pledges to replace faulty G6 units within two business days after the original device shipment date, with all shipping costs being covered by the company.

However, it should be noted that LG’s Second Year Promise does not cover damage from drops or other accidents, so if the phone accidentally slips from your hand and ends up on hitting the concrete sidewalk, LG won’t replace it. Regardless, knowing you’ll be protected against issues like bootloops, which LG has become infamous for, certainly brings some piece of mind.

Exclusive: Google Assistant could replace Siri on iPhone 8

Matt Adams
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Google and Apple are giving it another go. The search giant is teaming up with Apple for closer integration of Google Assistant according to a source. Our source indicated that the launch of Google Assistant on iOS devices that we saw at Google I/O 2017 was indeed a soft launch for future plans between the two.

Currently on iOS, you can use Google Assistant like any other third party app. You open it up, have a chat with Assistant and close the application back down. What’s lacking is the first party integration that Siri on iOS or Google Assistant on Android enjoys.

Our source confirms that a plan is in motion to make Google Assistant a full Siri replacement should the user decide that they want to use Google Assistant instead of Siri. What we do not know right now is where Google and Apple are in this process.

How to get Google Assistant on any device running Android 5.0+

Unfortunately, our source could not confirm that this will be an official partnership ala Google Maps on the first several iPhones. They could also not confirm the limits of the functionality of Google Assistant on iPhone but did compare it to other phone manufacturers integrating Alexa into their phones, namely Huawei.

Another tidbit that our source passed along is that there will indeed be three iPhones released this year: the iPhone 7S, iPhone 7S Plus, and the iPhone 8. We’re light on details about what these phones will look like, but the iPhone 8 is said to carry a premium price tag.

We reached out to Google for comment on this rumor but it stated it had no comment on the matter.

Three tips to help you choose a high-quality case for your new Galaxy S8

AndroidGuys
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“No phones are more sleek, more stunning, or more powerful.” – BGR

There is no doubt that the new Samsung Galaxy S8 is pure quality, both inside and outside. In fact, the official Samsung website states that the S8’s features “mark the beginning of a new way to experience the world.” CNet.com gives the phone a score of 8.8 out of 10 as well as noting that, while the S8 is an “extremely fast, highly competent, visually stunning device”, it is a good idea to purchase a high-quality case with your phone as it is not worth risking breaking the phone should an accident occur. Tech Surprise, specialists in smartphone technology, recommends that you remember these important things.

What constitutes a high-quality mobile phone case?

It might be stating the obvious, but the most important function of a case is to protect the phone from damage as a result of being dropped, liquid spills, and scratches, etc. Even though modern design technology is producing tougher and possibly even waterproof mobile devices, there is no doubt that the vast majority of phones will not survive an accident without some damage of sorts. Furthermore, your phone might not show outward signs of damage after being dropped the first time, there will more than likely be invisible damage, and it will eventually break after being dropped more than once.

Therefore, a high-quality case needs to be well-constructed from shock- and water-proof materials. It also needs to look good and stylistically flattering to the design and shape of the phone. Additionally, the mobile device case needs to follow the latest industrial design trends as well as function as a fashion accessory.

What to look for when purchasing a Galaxy S8 Case

It is easy to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest mobile device and forget about buying a high-quality case to protect your new device. As stated above, this is not necessarily a good idea as your new phone could end up being seriously damaged or even destroyed without a phone case to protect it. Therefore, here are several tips to help you choose a high-quality phone:

Type of case

How do you typically carry your phone – on your belt, in your pocket, bag, or in your hand? The answer to this question will determine what type of case you should consider. The most popular cases are constructed as holsters, side cases, skins, cases with lids, and pouches, etc. Do not dismiss any option as you never really know which one is the best for you until you get to see them.

Level of protection

The next step is to decide how much protection your phone needs. For example, do you work outdoors on a dusty construction site? If so, it is advisable to purchase a cover that is rubberised, dustproof, and waterproof. Unfortunately, rugged, protective cases tend to be bulky and heavy. On the other hand, should you use your phone in a fairly sanitized, protected environment, a slim or basic case will suffice.

Fashion accessory or not?

Does your phone case need to complement your outfit? It is possible to purchase an assortment of mobile device cases and exchange them depending on your outfit as well as the function you are attending.

Related: Caseology cases for the LG G6

Final words

The good news is that mobile device cases are interchangeable. You can buy one to suit your working environment as well as another protective cover for your weekend and vacation adventures. The salient point; however, is to ensure that your phone is adequately protected at all times. It is not worth risking having to replace your phone because of accidental damage.

This $1,600 tablet is actually just a fancy music player

Alexandra Arici
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Streaming music from your smartphone to your Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connected speakers isn’t enough for you when you’re at home? Then you’re probably going to like the Nativ Vita music system. At least on paper.

You’re also going to appreciate its aesthetic qualities. The Nativ Vita looks like a sleek tablet with an 11.6-inch tablet and a stand. But don’t go thinking you’ll be able to install apps on it or edit a spreadsheet, as the Vita was designed with a clear purpose in mind – to allow users to play, store and control music.

It features 108p resolution and is powered by a Cortex-A9 processor running alongside 4GB of RAM. What’s more, the product includes up to two HDDs that bring support for a total of 4TB of storage, so it can easily host your digital music collection.

If you want to go beyond it, the Vita also offers access to some of the most popular music streaming platforms out there including Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and Apple Music. Given that it has an 11.6-inch display, the Vita can of course, also play music videos.

Since it does not have built-in speakers, the Vita includes USB, SPDIF, HDMI, AES/EBU ports, but also Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi connections, to play your music.

What’s more, it has a companion Android, iOS or smartwatch app and can be used to stream over AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect or Sonos systems. Users can also interact with it by virtue of voice commands.

The product supports a wide range of audio formats including MP3, OGG, AIFF, WAV, FLAC and Apple’s ALAC in 32-bits and 384 kilohertz. It also ships out with an IR remote.

On paper, the Nativ Vita sounds pretty great. It features a gorgeous, minimalist design and can do a lot of things. But your enthusiasm will decrease considerably when you see the price.

The standard model without a storage drive and an oak stand can take you back with $1,599, while a unit with a walnut stand and 4TB of SSD storage can cost a whopping $3,099. Sadly these huge rates are probably going to do a good job at keeping customers at bay.

LG G7 could arrive as soon as January 2018

Alexandra Arici
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LG’s next-gen G7 flagship might arrive sooner than we expect. The Korean tech giant introduced the G6 during the MWC 2017 convention this February, but next year it might not wait for the event to introduce its newest premium design.

According to a report coming out of The Investor, LG has already kick started R&D operations for the G7 with the goal of launching it in January 2018. Like this year, when it rushed to launch the G6 even though the Snapdragon 835 processor wasn’t yet widely available, LG is probably hoping to get a head start on Samsung and other competitors.

Take into consideration that the information hasn’t been confirmed by LG, so you should treat it with a healthy degree of skepticism.

This year’s LG G6 with Snapdragon 821

The same report also reveals LG also plans to launch the V30 ahead of schedule. Its soon-to-be predecessor, the V20 launched in September 2016, but this year the V30 could go official as soon as August.

As we previously heard, the LG V30 is expected to take advantage of an OLED display, a Snapdragon 836 processor (an updated version of the current Snapdragon 835) and dual camera setup on the back.

According to the rumor mill, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 will be the first handset to take advantage of Qualcomm’s second premium chipset for the year. The V30 and Google Pixel 2 will be given the same treatment.

As for the LG G7, the phone will reportedly take advantage of the Snapdragon 845. This information is corroborated by an older piece of information which stated LG has already started working with Qualcomm to ensure the G7 won’t miss out on the Snapdragon 845.

Hopefully, the decision to unveil the phone earlier won’t negatively affect the LG G7. After all, Samsung rush to launch the Galaxy Note7 in a bid to overshadow the iPhone 7, proved to have disastrous consequences.

OnePlus 5 gets revealed earlier by case manufacturer

Alexandra Arici
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In a few days popular Chinese smartphone maker, OnePlus will unveil the highly anticipated OnePlus 5 flagship.

While we wait on that, case maker Case Fanatic has all but outed the device by posting a series of images showing the OnePlus 5 in all of its glory meant to advertise for its lineup of dedicated cases for the phone. However, until the OnePlus 5 is officially announced, we urge you to treat these images with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Anyway, in related news, Technoblog allegedly leaked the complete spec list of the OnePlus 5 with pricing in tow.

The report confirms the phone will come boasting a 5.5-inch 1080p display and a Snapdragon 835 processor under the hood. We’re also told that OnePlus’ next flagship will come with a 6GB of RAM/64GB of storage configuration, as well as an 8GB of RAM/128GB of storage – one which will be sold in Asia, India included.

The report goes on to reveal the phone’s dual camera setup will pair a 20-megapixel sensor with a 16-megapixel one with f/2.6 and f/1.7 apertures respectively. A 3,300 mAh powerhouse will be in charge of keeping the handset operational. And with the Dash Charge feature included onboard, users will be able to charge from 0% to 92% in one hour.

Additional details about the display are also shared with us. It seems the phone’s screen will boast DCI-P3 colors, which means it will be able to reproduce more accurate tones than even the iPhone 7. A “ceramic coated” fingerprint sensor embedded in the physical home button living on front, will allow users to unlock the phone in mere 0.2 seconds.

Last but not least, the OnePlus 5 will reportedly go on sale starting at $479. Last year’s variant arrived with a price tag of $439 and up.

Previously we reported, the OnePlus 5 could end up selling for $100 more than the OnePlus 3T, but we’d be more than glad if the info at hand proves to be correct.

Motorola Moto E4 to land at Verizon soon

Alexandra Arici
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Earlier this week Motorola unveiled the Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus, both of which will be sold on the US market. At launch Motorola didn’t specifically say when the two phones will become available for sale, noting customers will be able to pick them up by the end of the month.

A later Moto US Tweet revealed the Moto E4 will become available June 22. But now thanks to a bunch of leaked renders, we can tell you the Moto E4 will arrive at Verizon to be sold with the carrier’s branding on its back. The Moto E4 will also become available as an Amazon Prime Exclusive Phone.

At this point we can’t tell you exactly when Verizon plans to start selling the phone, but if we’d had to guess we’d say soon.

As a memory refresh, the Moto E4 offers a 5-inch display with 720p resolution and a Snapdragon 427 processor as the powerhouse. The product also includes 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and an 8-megapixel/5-megapixel camera combo. It relies on a 2,800 mAh battery and runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box. Motorola announced a $129.99 price-tag for the phone and so far, there’s no reason to assume Big Red will ask for more.

What about the Moto E4 Plus, you might be wondering? For the time being, we have no indication whether Verizon plans to offer the Moto E4 Plus alongside the Moto E4, but who knows.

The phone will be sold for $179.99, but right now information is a bit fuzzy regarding its availability. Anyway, the device carriers more spacious 5.5-inch display as well as a larger 5,000 mAh battery, so you might want to keep an eye out for it.

Kickstarter of the week : STREAMZ – Voice Controlled Smart Streaming Headphones

AndroidGuys
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I do love a good Kickstarter, who doesn’t right?

I dread to think how many hours I’ve lost trawling the ever expanding gadget tech innovations all vying to be the “next big thing”. One thing I am less so enthusiastic about, however, is parting with my hard earned cash, this particular part takes something quite special. As a music junkie, Kickstarter can be the so-called pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and in this particular case, I must say, the STREAMZ “voice controlled smart streaming headphones” are most certainly making my pledging senses tingle.

Now, I know what you are probably thinking… ” WOW, they are BIG” …but bear with me on this one. As much as the photographers and developers would love to imagine us gently jogging along a beach, working our core to the max while engrossing ourselves in the musical pleasure of our favorite artists, realistically, let’s be honest here. Sat on the sofa with a bag of crisps with some dip while stalking friends of future past on Facebook is a far more likely scenario.

So what exactly is so special about what STREAMZ have to offer?

Essentially STREAMZ are “Smart Headphones” with a built-in WIFI Android HD Music Player. The headset will allow you to instantly play your tracks without the need of a separate music player or smartphone, allowing playback of ultra-high quality music that’s stored onboard or directly streamed from Pandora, Spotify and even more impressively GOOGLE DRIVE.

Only STREAMZ have a built-in 96kHz/16 bit DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and feature an HD Music Player that allows you to play HD quality music, meaning all you Audiophiles out there can now wirelessly play their HD quality FLAC, WAV, AIFF and other HD quality music.

It’s also important to remember here we are not just talking music, STREAMZ will also connect to your TV and other Android-based smart tech.

STREAMZ will play standard formats including MP3, iTunes AAC music, Audiobooks, and Podcasts. STREAMZ Wi-Fi allows users to stream high-quality, uncompressed music over Wi-Fi with a range of 100 meters, which is over three times greater than Bluetooth’s range of 30 meters or via a mobile smartphone hotspot.

STREAMZ “VOXXI” voice control offers simple and safe listening with sight and hands-free voice commands while biking, jogging or just hanging out. Just “Say and Play” your stored HD music or online streaming music using VOXXI voice commands

All in all, it’s a pretty impressive package!

and they can be shipped to anywhere in the world.
For those of you wanting to know more, head over to the official STREAMZ Kickstarter page

App Highlight: My Disney Experience

Dan Bartram
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The App

Developed by Disney, who is tagged as a top developer, My Disney Experience is the must have app for any Disney fan. My Disney Experience is the companion app to plan, manage, and share your Disney vacation.

What it does

My Disney Experience allows you to manage every element of your vacation at Disney. You can check attraction wait times, manage your photos, find your way around the park, and make reservations including fast passes.

You’ll be able to see the menus of all the restaurants around the park so you can chose what you want to eat without having to walk there. You’ll also find parade showtimes and events.

Why we like it

Our house is a huge fan of everything Disney so this app is perfect and a must have when we head on vacation to Disney, which we do a lot. It’s very well designed and works perfectly, allowing us to book fast passes and restaurant reservations right from the app. If you are heading to Disney, this is a must have app.

How to get it

My Disney Experience is available for free from the Google Play Store. You can download it right here.

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