Microsoft’s Xbox controller will soon support Samsung Gear VR headset

Microsoft is embracing Samsung. Sort of.

Microsoft has said it will bring Xbox Wireless tech to PCs and other gaming accessories – and that includes Xbox Wireless Controller support for Samsung Gear VR. The Redmond, WA-based company, which is developing its own augmented-reality headset that competes with Gear VR (well, in general, the two companies compete on many levels when it comes to mobile products), announced the news on Xbox Wire.

The first game you’ll be able to use with the Xbox Wireless Controller is Minecraft: Gear VR Edition, though you’ll eventually be able to use it with any Gear VR title. Keep in mind Microsoft bought Minecraft in 2014 for $2.5 billion. An update for the game, which is already available to play, is scheduled to release in October, bringing compatibility to all Gear VR headset owners.

You’ll need to have the latest update for the controller as well, so then all you’ll have to do is download the virtual reality game’s update whenever it arrives next month, then connect your controller via Bluetooth, and start playing.

Microsoft said it is actively working on Xbox controller support for both old and upcoming Gear VR games and will announce more details soon.

The FRANKLIN Bluetooth Headphones deliver top audio you can take anywhere (18 per cent off)

We choose headphones for their comfortable frames, but their bulk makes them difficult to pack on the move. Fortunately, the FRANKLIN Bluetooth Headphones are here, and they make toting your listening gear around much easier.

For a limited time, Pocket-lint readers can get a pair of FRANKLIN Bluetooth Headphones on sale for only £30.21 ($39.99 USD).

Compact and foldable, these headphones are quick to stow when not in use, and their Bluetooth compatibility makes tangled wires a thing of the past. Plus, with a generous 33-foot range, you should have no issue syncing your headphones to your mobile device.

While the headphones cut down on size, they still produce high-quality audio, and they’re proven to last for up to six hours on a single charge. What’s more, you can check your battery status on your phone screen at any time, so you’ll always know when you need a boost.

Of course, receiving a phone call while you’re jamming out is a real possibility. Fortunately, the FRANKLIN Bluetooth Headphones come equipped with a built-in microphone and call controls, allowing you to answer, end, and reject calls without being pulled away from your music.

When it comes to on-the-go listening, the FRANKLIN Bluetooth Headphones offer a smart and comfortable solution. The FRANKLIN Bluetooth Headphones normally retail for £37.02, but Pocket-lint readers can get them for a special discount. For a limited time, these headphones are on sale for just £30.21.

Get a lifetime of uncensored web streaming with SimpleTelly (74 per cent off)

If you’re willing to pay premium for web streaming content, it’s only fair that you should be able to access it anywhere. Unfortunately, with many streaming sites locked down by geo-restrictions, viewing your favorite shows abroad can be a hassle.

Thankfully, SimpleTelly lets you bypass those pesky geo-restrictions anywhere, and Pocket-lint readers can get a lifetime subscription for just £29.46 ($39 USD).

SimpleTelly is a smart DNS service that lets you sneak by geo-restrictions to access streaming sites normally censored abroad. Similar to a VPN, SimpleTelly lets you view under the radar, but it doesn’t tax your bandwidth, allowing you to stream your favorite shows at peak performance.

With SimpleTelly, you can access your favorite sites like Netflix, Hulu, ABC, NBC, and more straight from your laptop, tablet, console, or any other internet-connected device. Plus, SimpleTelly lets you stream from an unlimited number of devices.

SimpleTelly also puts zero limits on your streaming time and lets you binge-watch your favorite shows using your own internet speed. Unlike other services, SimpleTelly doesn’t make you suffer through buffering videos. With this service, you just intercept the content you need.

What’s more, SimpleTelly’s service extends to over 130 channels and even lets you bypass live event blackouts like NFL games. With a network that’s available in 36 countries and counting, this DNS service is sure to have your back when you travel.

A lifetime subscription to SimpleTelly normally goes for £113.33, but Pocket-lint readers can save big for a limited time. On sale for over 70% off, a lifetime subscription to SimpleTelly is available for only £29.46.

Best Android Phone Under $400

Tired of overspending for the latest and greatest? Get flagship-level performance at half the price.

Best overall

OnePlus 3

See at OnePlus

The OnePlus 3 is, simply put, the best package under $400. You’re basically purchasing Samsung-level performance at an unlocked price.

Inside, the OnePlus 3 is like any other flagship: It has a powerful Snapdragon 820 processor, a solid 3000mAh battery, and a stellar 16-megapixel rear-facing camera with capable low light performance. The OnePlus 3 also has 6GB of RAM, which might not seem entirely significant at first, but the extra bit of memory really does come in handy over time. And though its 5.5-inch display is a mere 1080p in a Quad HD world, you’ll come to appreciate the energy savings.

Do keep in mind that if you bring home this aluminum-bodied beauty that you won’t have Google behind the software updates. OnePlus is in charge of its OxygenOS, and while it provides a near-similar experience as Google’s Android, it’s packed with extra features that you’d typically have to download a third-party app to implement. Still, it’s a better alternative to the other versions of Android floating around out there.

Bottom line: Flagships are expensive without a subsidy, so if you’re looking to save some cash but you don’t want to skimp on the features, the OnePlus 3 is a worthy choice.

One more thing: Because of its unlocked nature, the OnePlus 3 is only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile (and their respective MVNOs) in the U.S.

Why the OnePlus 3 is the best

The phone to get if you want bang for your buck.

For a mere $400, you get the top of the line specifications, stellar smartphone performance, a rear-facing camera that’s almost as good as the competition, and solid battery life. And sure, the OnePlus 3 may be the “alternative” flagship, but it hardly looks it.

It might not appear exemplary at first, but Andrew Martonik’s review of the device earlier this year makes a convincing argument for why it’s so stellar:

Every edge, every join of materials, every cutout, every transition from curve to flat — every placement is perfect. This precision is hardly exclusive to OnePlus nowadays, as just about any manufacturer can now do things with metal and glass that were previously reserved to multi-billion-dollar companies just a few years ago. But just because you can do it now doesn’t mean every phone is built as well as the OnePlus 3.

The design on this device is stunning, and it’s even more attractive after you pop on one of OnePlus’s fashionable back covers.

OnePlus hasn’t typically had the best track record when it comes to its device launches and software updates, but the company is quickly changing its tune. OnePlus ditched its archaic, invite-only business model and made the phone readily available for anyone who has cash to burn.

The only drawback of the OnePlus 3 is that its software and security updates depend entirely on its small software development team, which historically hasn’t kept up with the industry leaders in updates. But the OnePlus 3 is a hell of a deal at its price point, so if you’re looking to save some cash without compromising much, this smartphone is your best bet.

Best shiny phone

Honor 8

See at Amazon

Do you like shiny things? The Honor 8 is plenty shiny for those of you attempting to add more sheen into your life. I mean, just look at the blue color featured here. It’s even more gorgeous in person, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

The Honor 8 is Huawei’s second attempt at entering the U.S. market. It’s got a 5.2-inch 1080p display, a 3000mAh battery, 4GB of RAM, and Huawei’s in-house developed Kirin 950 processor. The Honor 8 also has dual 12-megapixel rear-facing cameras, both of which work in conjunction to produce the best possible photo you could want. As we discussed in our review, it’s plenty capable of being your primary shooter.

The only drawback of the Honor 8 is that Huawei’s EMUI is a bit of a doozy to get used to. Its default launcher doesn’t offer an app drawer, so you’ll have to find another launcher if you’re used to having one. It also comes with a bit of bloatware and extra apps you might find redundant alongside Google’s offerings, though you can thankfully uninstall and deactivate them at will.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for last year’s flagship performance at an affordable price point, the Honor 8 is an impressive little package.

One more thing: Like the OnePlus 3, the unlocked Honor 8 is only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks, along with their associated prepaid MVNOs.

Best to try something new

ZTE Axon 7

See at Amazon

You might have forgotten that ZTE is a major player in the U.S. smartphone wars, but that’s okay. The good news is that the company is the brains behind the very impressive Axon line and the Axon 7 is a worthwhile choice if you don’t mind dealing with a clunky Android interface.

The ZTE Axon 7 offers a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 3250mAh battery. It also has a 20-megapixel rear-facing camera, though it’s not the best shooter in low light environments. But if you’re an audiophile, the Axon 7 might make your ears perk up.

Bottom line: If you’re tired of the same old smartphone brands in your life, the ZTE Axon 7 might be that “something new” that becomes your “something constant.”

One more thing: The Axon 7 is equipped with the bands necessary to work on a network like Verizon Wireless, but your best bet is to be an AT&T or T-Mobile (or their prepaid brands) subscriber before purchasing this device.

Best for even less

Moto G4 Plus

See at Amazon

Not everyone wants to wield the latest and greatest. The Moto G4 Plus will do just fine if you’re simply in the market for a solid smartphone. The G4 Plus offers a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a 1.5GHz Snapdragon 617 processor, and up to 3GB of RAM. It also has a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and a front-facing fingerprint sensor, so you can be just as secure as all your friends with their cool flagships.

Take heed that there are several versions of the Moto G4. Here’s a look at what’s different between the two primary models, the Moto G4 and G4 Plus.

Bottom line: If you love living the unlocked life and only need the basics to get you through it, the Moto G4 Play Plus is the way to go.

One more thing: Motorola’s been pretty consistent with its software updates.

Best overall

OnePlus 3

See at OnePlus

The OnePlus 3 is, simply put, the best package under $400. You’re basically purchasing Samsung-level performance at an unlocked price.

Inside, the OnePlus 3 is like any other flagship: It has a powerful Snapdragon 820 processor, a solid 3000mAh battery, and a stellar 16-megapixel rear-facing camera with capable low light performance. The OnePlus 3 also has 6GB of RAM, which might not seem entirely significant at first, but the extra bit of memory really does come in handy over time. And though its 5.5-inch display is a mere 1080p in a Quad HD world, you’ll come to appreciate the energy savings.

Do keep in mind that if you bring home this aluminum-bodied beauty that you won’t have Google behind the software updates. OnePlus is in charge of its OxygenOS, and while it provides a near-similar experience as Google’s Android, it’s packed with extra features that you’d typically have to download a third-party app to implement. Still, it’s a better alternative to the other versions of Android floating around out there.

Bottom line: Flagships are expensive without a subsidy, so if you’re looking to save some cash but you don’t want to skimp on the features, the OnePlus 3 is a worthy choice.

One more thing: Because of its unlocked nature, the OnePlus 3 is only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile (and their respective MVNOs) in the U.S.

Evening brief: Google’s ready to launch a Wi-Fi router … and then buy Twitter

Google’s making splashes out there, but it’s not the only news!

Twitter has been rumored to be for sale for … well, forever. The latest rumors claim that Google’s in the running to acquire the social network — maybe this one will work out better than Google+ did. In further (and far simpler) rumor news, it sounds like Google may be planning to launch its own Wi-Fi router, but it won’t be part of the OnHub brand. It also won’t be part of Google Home, which is a separate device.

And now a little bit of carrier news. Verizon rolled out all of its advanced calling features to prepaid accounts today, further legitimizing the choice of going with a simple, cheaper plan from the carrier. With a compatible device, you can now get HD voice calls, simultaneous voice and data, and six-way calling. Over in the UK, EE is teasing upcoming phone announcements in October — I wonder what those could be? Go forth and catch up with today’s news!

Google reportedly among suitors for potential Twitter buy

According to CNBC, Google (likely parent company Alphabet) is one of several companies, including Salesforce, considering a bid.

Twitter’s board of directors is said to be largely desirous of a deal, according to people close to the situation, but no sale is imminent. There’s no assurance a deal will materialize, but one source close to the conversations said that they are picking up momentum and could result in a deal before year-end.

Suitors are are said to be interested as much in the data that Twitter generates as its place as a media company.

TechCrunch reports that Verizon and Microsoft are also interested.

@Android Twitter account teases a “big day” tomorrow

The tweet shows an adorable bugdroid working with some baking supplies, joined by nougat, marshmallows and KitKats. (Missing lollipops, but whatever.) Today’s date is significant as the 8th birthday of the HTC G1, but beyond that we’re not sure what Google has in store for us.

Google could be prepping a self-branded Wi-Fi router

No, not an OnHub … something basically like an OnHub but with “Google Wi-Fi” branding. Android Police claims the $129 router will have some smart functions and can simply bridge together multiple units to scale up to a larger network. They also claim it’ll come at Google’s event on October 4.

Leaked pricing for Google Home and new Chromecast

Staying in the same realm, Android Police also has expected price listings for Google Home and a new 4K Chromecast, to be revealed on October 4. Not really surprising on either one — $129 for Google Home, and $69 for a new “Chromecast Ultra.” The most exciting part is how they actually work and their big selling points, not the completely average pricing.

Huawei and Leica launch new innovation center for cameras, AR and VR

Huawei and camera brand Leica are stepping up their partnership. The two firms, which collaborated on the P9 series’ cameras, are setting up shop in Germany. The Max Berek Innovation Lab will live at Leica’s global HQ and focus on optics and software, in partnership with “German and international universities and research institutions.” Interestingly, Huawei mentions that the two will also work on AR and VR solutions, as well as computational imaging — which could mean something like Google’s Tango project.

Verizon brings HD voice and Wi-Fi calling to prepaid lines

The features that have come standard for postpaid lines are now available for those on simpler prepaid plans. Per usual, HD voice is only offered for Verizon-to-Verizon calls. W-Fi calling will require a compatible device and simultaneous voice and data is limited to certain areas.

UK carrier EE has a sign-up page teasing October phone announcements

Where you can be the first to hear about the carrier’s plans to offer the phones. You can probably guess what phones they’re expecting.

Google Home speaker will likely cost a lot less than Amazon Echo

Google is going to take on Amazon Echo in two weeks when it unveils a similar, voice-activated speaker that costs significantly less.

According to Android Police, the Mountain View, CA-based company plans to launch a speaker called Google Home during its #MadebyGoogle event, where it is also expected to introduce two flagships under the brand “Pixel”, rather than Nexus, though they’re still designed to showcase Android. The new speaker will apparently cost $129, which is $50 less than what Echo costs.

Google will likely demo the Google Home during its event, giving consumers a better idea of how it works. It’s suppose to function as a Bluetooth speaker and be able to answer questions using Google Search. Keep in mind Google is marketing its event under the “Made by Google” tagline, which suggests everything we see at the show will be Google-branded and maybe Google-made.

Other things expected to be unveiled on 4 October include an $80 Daydream headset, a $69 4K-capable Chromecast dubbed Chromecast Ultra, and a $129 home router product called Google Wi-Fi. Pricing for those three devices were also revealed by Android Police, which has a pretty accurate record when it comes to leaking Google-related details, on Friday.

You can read more about Google’s event from Pocket-lint’s roundup.

Jawbone dropped by customer service provider for failure to pay

It’s been a rough year for Jawbone. A few months back, the company had reportedly halted production on new fitness trackers, and was said to be selling itself off after missing a payment to a creditor. Today, the Jawbone rumor mill churns just a little harder: according to a new report from Business Insider, the company’s customer service provider, NexRep, has cut ties with the company for failure to pay. “Jawbone is not able to pay us for past services,” claims an internal email to NexRep employees. “Their ability to pay us in the future is uncertain at this point.” The report also asserts that Jawbone’s inventory is almost completely exhausted.

Jawbone itself claims he report is a bit overstated, calling the story “imbalanced” with “multiple inaccuracies and omissions.” Specifically, Jawbone says that it’s reviewing NexRep’s invoices, and stated that the customer service provider has “no basis or knowledge form which to make the statement that Jawbone is struggling financially and couldn’t pay NexRep for it services.” The company also asserts that NextRep never had access to Jawbone’s inventory system, and has no way to guess the status of their remaining stock.

So, is the company in trouble? It’s hard to tell — Jawbone’s official statement refutes NexRep’s speculation on its financial situation, but stops short of explaining why it hasn’t paid the company. It also doesn’t address other oddities in report, such as how almost every product on Jawbone’s website is listed as “out of stock.”In any case, Jawbone doesn’t seem ready to fold. “There are no current plans to sell the company,” Jawbone concluded.

Source: Business Insider