Huawei Watch 2 Classic now on sale in the U.S. for $369
A classier Android Wear 2.0 option.
Huawei’s higher-end Android Wear 2.0-powered Watch 2 Classic is now widely available in the U.S. from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, B&H and more. This is the nicer, classier, metal version of the Huawei Watch 2, which had numerous design and quality shortcomings. The Watch 2 Classic is much better looking and feeling on your wrist, though it isn’t exactly a successor to the original Huawei Watch in terms of design.
The all metal case and leather bands feel much nicer than the plastic and cheap rubber of the standard Watch 2, and those bands are replaceable with any standard watch band. Functionally, though, things are identical to the Watch 2: a 1.2-inch display, Android Wear 2.0, the standard slate of internal specs and a 420mAh battery. The Watch 2 was good for two full days in our time with it, and this should be no different.
If you’re going to go with Huawei, this is the one you want.
The only internal differentiator between the two models is the Watch 2 Classic lacks an LTE option. For most people that won’t be an issue — especially considering the Watch 2 Classic retains GPS and NFC even without the LTE connection.
The product listings for the Watch 2 Classic can actually be a little difficult to find at first, as Huawei simply lists the product name as “Huawei Smartwatch for Universal/Smartphones” … only to list the real name further down in the description. You can hit the links below to go straight to the product pages.
See at AmazonSee at Best Buy
Press release:
HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC MAKES THE RIGHT STATEMENT
Premium Hybrid Leather Strap Takes the Watch from Workplace to Workout with Ease
PLANO, TX – May 30, 2017 – Huawei is setting a new standard for premium watch adaptability. The company announced today that the second model in its second-generation smartwatch line, HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC, is now available in the U.S.
What separates HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC from other premium smartwatches is the ease with which it fits in, no matter the occasion. The sweat resistant hybrid leather/rubber band is fashionable enough for a business meeting, and functional enough for the gym, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
“We specifically designed HUAWEI WATCH 2 to feature cutting-edge technology while being stylish,” commented Robin Zhu, President of Huawei Device USA. “Now, with the introduction of HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC, we have added versatility to the mix and offering consumers a watch that is equally suited to professional and recreational settings.”
HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC features a stainless steel casing and ceramic bezel with a classic watch aesthetic. It has a high-definition AMOLED display with a 390×390 resolution, and a 45-mm (1.8″) diameter and ratio, the same as a traditional wristwatch. Thoughtful details such as the dual-crown design and highly integrated antennae (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) make it practical and premium.
In addition to its versatility and adaptability, HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC integrates fitness guidance and scientific health-management functions to help consumers proactively improve their lifestyles. It provides consumers with all of the tools they need for connected well-being.
HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC measures daily activities through three key indicators: number of steps, duration of medium and high-intensity exercise, and stand-up times. It closely monitors the user’s activity and sends smart reminders to stand up or begin exercising, and will remind users of their daily fitness targets when sedentary.
Other HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC features:
- Android Wear 2.0 and is iOS compatible
- Updates to Google wearables OS are available, including Google Assistant
- Ability to add both offline and online music through Google Play™ Music app
- IP68 water-resistant classification
- Optimized 420mAh battery lasts up to two days with regular use, up to 10 hours in training mode with the heart-rate sensor and GPS on, and up to three weeks in watch mode with the pedometer function on
- Fast-charging technology powers up the watch from zero to 100% in less than an hour
Pricing and Availability
HUAWEI WATCH 2 CLASSIC will be available in Titanium Grey at a MSRP of $369.99. It is available now in more than 600 Best Buy stores and on BestBuy.com, as well as e-retailers Amazon (www.amazon.com), Newegg (www.newegg.com), B&H (www.bhphotovideo.com), Jet (www.jet.com) and Kohl’s (www.kohls.com).
Essential Home is set to take on Google Home and Amazon Echo with ambient intelligence
This space is getting a little more crowded.
Alongside its first phone, Essential is also unveiling the Essential Home — a clear direct competitor to the likes of Google Home and Amazon Echo. Though it’s tough to get a sense of scale from a simple product page with a few images, the Essential Home looks relatively compact and sleek. Rounded and smooth, the top surface is cut at an angle and shows off a large circular display that you can interact with.
The core of the Essential Home experience is what it calls Ambient OS — the software that ties it all together. Essential shows off the Home doing the typical home assistant features: playing music, setting a timer, answering questions and controlling smart home devices. Other features sound a whole lot like Google Home, such as alerting you when you have to leave for an appointment or you have an upcoming anniversary on your calendar.
The idea behind Essential Home is that technology is there, supportive, and proactive enough to be helpful, without forcing you to ask or type a question. It’s in your environment; you can tap or glance at it, but it never intrudes or takes you away from the things that are important to you.
Essential is positioning this new technology as being “ambient” in that it will bring information to you rather than expecting you to ask for things all the time. The base of the Essential Home can glow to let you know about information, but you can of course tap the screen to activate it or just ask it verbally.
When it comes to controlling your smart home devices, Essential Home is supposed to be able to automatically “introduce” itself to your existing devices in order to help you set them up quickly. Essential is also offering an open SDK to build applications or hardware that can interface with Ambient OS on the Essential Home.
Unlike the Essential Phone, we don’t have details on pricing or availability of the Essential Home. We get a link to sign up to receive more information in the future, but right now we have this single product page and a couple of simple blog posts to go off of. We’ll need to see far more information and actually interact with the Essential Home before we can see where it fits in among the established players from Google and Amazon.
Best Waterproof Phone
Updated May 2017: The Galaxy S8 is now the best waterproof phone you can buy, though the introduction of the LG G6 and HTC U11 make for a crowded lineup.
- Best overall
- Best for photography
- Best for clean experience
Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S8
See at Verizon
See at AT&T
See at T-Mobile
See at Sprint
See at Best Buy
Last year’s best waterproof phone was the Galaxy S7, so it’s no surprise this year’s would be its sequel. Samsung made a number of important and meaningful improvements to the Galaxy S8, but it also left alone what matters: the phone’s IP68 rating. That means it is safe to be immersed in more than a meter of water for a pretty good length of time and — more importantly — you can take photos and video underwater without worrying about covering it with a bulky case.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S8 is an all-around great phone that is a no-brainer if you’re looking for the ultimate in waterproofing.
One more thing: Both the Galaxy S8 and the larger S8+ have the same waterproofing, but the regular S8 may be the better fit since it’s more manageable in one hand.
Why the Galaxy S8 is the best
There’s something nice about being caught in the rain.
It’s truly reassuring to know that your phone can withstand inclement weather — whatever form that may take. The Galaxy S8 not only withstands wind, rain, snow, and other torrents, but it doesn’t have to cover anything to do so; its USB-C port, speaker, and headphone jack are fully exposed and don’t need any silly covers.
But water protection is only a bit of the Galaxy S8’s story: it comes with the latest Snapdragon 835 processor, along with 64GB of memory standard, and has a beautiful 5.8-inch Infinity Display that practically does away with bezels. It also has better battery life than the Galaxy S7, which means it will last longer when you’re either walking down the street in your home town or walking the history of Machu Picchu.
Having a waterproof phone also allows for some cool underwater experiences: the Galaxy S8 can take photos and shoot videos below the meniscus, which saves you an expensive case and a bunch of anxiety.
Best for underwater photos
LG G6
See at Verizon
See at AT&T
See at T-Mobile
See at Sprint
See at B&H
The first LG phone with waterproofing is also its best phone, period. The LG G6 does it all and adds IP68 water ingress protection to its already enviable spec sheet.
What’s really cool about the LG G6 is that its dual camera setup is perfect for underwater photography; the main lens has a “regular” 71-degree field of view, but the second lens goes really wide, at 125-degrees, making it perfect for getting the entire vista in a single underwater shot. Add in great performance, an awesome screen, unique design and enjoyable software, and you have the perfect package.
Bottom line: The LG G6 is a great phone on its own, but if waterproofing is what you want, it’s a fantastic option for those who don’t want to go Samsung.
One more thing: The LG G6 supports Qi wireless charging, but only in North America.
Best for clean software
HTC U11
See at Amazon
See at Sprint
See at HTC
Like LG, this year’s HTC flagship, the U11, is also the first phone protected against significant water ingress. Unlike the Galaxy S8 and LG G6, though, it’s IP67 water-resistant, which limits its splashiness to one meter of water for 30 minutes. That’s still plenty of time to get your awesome underwater photos, though you may want to take photos of the HTC U11 instead. This phone is beautiful.
Featuring an amazing reflective glass build and all the spec fixin’s, including a Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM and an excellent 12MP rear UltraPixel 3 camera, HTC is back and better than ever. It’s also got the simplest, cleanest and fastest software of the bunch, which, if you’re yearning for a waterproof Pixel, is your best alternative.
Bottom line: The HTC U11 is an amazing phone made even better for its IP67 water resistance rating.
One more thing: It’s a Sprint exclusive in the U.S., but if you’re on one of the other carriers you can always buy it unlocked.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S line continues to reign supreme when it comes to waterproofing. This is Samsung’s third waterproof flagship (after the misstep that was the Galaxy S6) and it shows: there are no port covers or seams anywhere here. But thanks to some innovative design, LG and HTC are nipping at Samsung’s proverbial heels, and that’s good news for anyone in the market for a waterproof phone.
Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S8
See at Verizon
See at AT&T
See at T-Mobile
See at Sprint
See at Best Buy
Last year’s best waterproof phone was the Galaxy S7, so it’s no surprise this year’s would be its sequel. Samsung made a number of important and meaningful improvements to the Galaxy S8, but it also left alone what matters: the phone’s IP68 rating. That means it is safe to be immersed in more than a meter of water for an pretty good length of time and — more importantly — you can take photos and video underwater without worrying about covering it with a bulky case.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S8 is an all-around great phone that is a no-brainer if you’re looking for the ultimate in waterproofing.
One more thing: Both the Galaxy S8 and the larger S8+ have the same waterproofing, but the regular S8 may be the better fit since it’s more manageable in one hand.
Rugged phone ratings: Everything you need to know
Ever wonder exactly what the IP rating on your phone means? This reference has your answers.
IP ratings are a way to describe the ingress protection of your phone. IP itself stands for International Protection Marking, but you might see it called ingress protection because it fits and describes exactly what it is. Phones like the Galaxy Note 7 are rated with an IP specification (IP68) to tell you how resistant to dust and water they are.
IP ratings are broken into two numbers. The first number is the level of protection against solid objects — things like fingers, tools, wires, and dust. The second number is the liquid protection rating and is tested using water (no water specifications for things like salinity or TDS are referenced) and not other liquids unless specifically mentioned.
Because there are so many different combinations in use, a set of charts will help explain it all.
Solid particle protection
| IP number | How effective is it? |
| 0 | Not protected at all against any size particle. |
| 1 | Particles larger than 50 mm can not enter in enough quantity to affect the normal operation. |
| 2 | Particles larger than 12.5 mmThis is the minimum rating to protect against putting your finger(s) into a thing. |
| 3 | Particles larger than 2.5 mm can not enter in enough quantity to affect the normal operation. |
| 4 | Particles larger than 1 mm can not enter in enough quantity to affect the normal operation. |
| 5 | Dust ProtectedDust must not enter in enough quantity to affect the normal operation. |
| 6 | Dust TightDust can’t enter, even in a vacuum. |
The type of dust used for the last two tests could matter and no specifications or particle sizes are given like they are in the first five tests. If you’re working with something like a dry stone saw that creates really fine particles, you might want to assume you’re not protected. For everyday use, though, dust is dust.
Liquid ingress protection
| IP number | How effective is it? |
| 0 | Not protected at all. |
| 1 | Protected against dripping water. |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water when tilted up to a 15-degree angle from its normal position. |
| 3 | Protected against spraying water when tilted up to a 60-degree angle from its normal position. |
| 4 | Protected against splashing water at any angle. |
| 5 | Protected against water sprayed from a 6.3 mm nozzle at 12.5 Liters/minute and 30 kPa (pressure) from three meters away for three minutes. |
| 6 | Protected against water sprayed from a 12.5 mm nozzle at 100 Liters/minute and 100 kPa (pressure) from three meters away for three minutes. |
| 6K | Protected against water sprayed from a 6.3 mm nozzle at 75 Liters/minute and 1,000 kPa (pressure) from three meters away for three minutes. |
| 7 | Protected against immersion in water up to one meter at normal pressure for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | Protected against immersion in water one meter or deeper at specifications detailed by the manufacturer. |
| 9K | Protection against water sprayed from high-flow and high-pressure jets at high-temperatureWater volume of 14 to 16 Liters/minuteWater pressure of 80 to 100 barWater temperature of 80-degrees Celsius Distance of 0.10 to 0.15 meters |
Ratings of 5, 6, 6K and 9K are pretty extreme protection and something we’ll never see on a phone or watch or tablet. I’m pretty sure 6K testing would damage your skin, and 80-degree Celsius liquids are a bit above the comfort level of most of us. For phones and other electronics, the 7 and 8 ratings are more important.
In addition, the IP Code has letter designations for additional protection. Like any K rating, you’ll never see these on a cell phone.
Additional protection designation
| Letter code | What it means |
| f | Oil resistant |
| H | High voltage protection |
| M | Motion during any testing |
| S | No motion during any testing |
| W | Weather resistant |
Note that these additional ratings aren’t mandatory. Their absence doesn’t mean your phone (or any other IP rated product) will not survive exposure. It just says that nobody is certifying it.
Most importantly, having an IP rating doesn’t mean you can do anything you like with your phone. Phones aren’t tested individually and they are mass produced. Your phone might fail if you take it into the pool, even if rated for water resistance. Having the IP rating does mean that the people who made it should be willing to stand behind it for any warranty issues.
We wouldn’t use an IP certification as the only reason to buy a phone, but having it certainly can be an added bonus!
Samsung DeX review: You got your computer in my phone
Samsung DeX promises a lot. With nothing more than the DeX dock and a monitor, keyboard and mouse, you’re supposed to be able to “leave your computer behind” and “make anyplace a workplace” … by converting your smartphone into a desktop computer. And you know what? It works pretty well.
If Microsoft’s competing Continuum product weren’t already dead, DeX would stand a pretty good chance of killing it. Plus, it’s not that hard to imagine a laptop-less future where everyone just plugs their phone into a dumb terminal when they need a computer. But that future is still far off … and DeX doesn’t deliver quite enough to get us there all on its own.
Get the feel for it in MrMobile’s Samsung DeX review – and after that be sure to check out the full take in Android Central’s Samsung DeX review!
Stay social, my friends
- YouTube
- The Web
- Snapchat
Best Galaxy S7 Cases
What’s the best case for Galaxy S7? These should do the trick!
Updated May 2017: Added the durable OtterBox Symmetry and the blinged out MagicSky cases.
If you have a Galaxy S7, then you probably didn’t upgrade to the Galaxy S8, because the S7 still holds up wonderfully a year later.
That being said, if you want you phone to feel brand new, why not dress it up in a new case? Here are the best available.
Here are our favorites!
- Spigen Liquid Crystal
- LifeProof FRE
- Speck Candyshell
- Urban Armor Gear
- Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro
- Ringke Fusion Crystal Case
- Vena vCommute
- Spigen Tough Armor Case
- Samsung S View Cover
- Caseology Wavelength
- OtterBox Symmetry
- MagicSky
Spigen Liquid Crystal
You don’t have to hide the beauty of your phone to keep it protected, and the Liquid Crystal case from Spigen proves that. This case offers protection without sacrificing the ability to see the color choice that you made on your initial purchase.
You’ll get a nice form fit from this case, and the embossed buttons are easy to press while the case is on the phone. You can grab one on Amazon for just over $10.
See at Amazon
LifeProof FRE
For the ultimate protection, LifeProof is a brand that sits at the top. While the Galaxy S7 may already be waterproof, some additional waterproofing along with drop protection is a no-brainer for many.
The case is designed this time around to be thinner than previous generations, while still providing the same amount of worry-free protection for your phone. You’ll pay for the added protection, but it beats the constant worry about breaking your new investment.
See at Amazon
Speck Candyshell
If you want to keep your phone protected, but also want it to be as stylish as possible, you may want the Speck Candyshell case. Available in a variety of different patterns, Speck does a great job of combining style and protection in their cases.
The single piece construction makes it easy to slide your phone in, and keep it protected. From a clear case to show off the beauty of the phone itself, to a fully decorated floral pattern, there is a case here for just about everyone.
See at Amazon
Urban Armor Gear
Urban Armor Gear is known for its rugged designs and great protection with a unique style. The company has announced a variety of cases for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, including one that will also double as a wallet with a place to store some of your credit cards. You can order your case now, with shipments starting around the release date of the phone.
See at Amazon
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro
Searching for something a little more on the rugged side? The Unicorn Beetle Pro provides front and back protection for the Galaxy S7, including a durable swivel holster for quick-draw access at your side. On the front is a built-in plastic screen protector that’s surrounded by a thick rim to keep the display raised from flat surfaces. The case itself utilizes a shock-absorbent TPU and durable polycarbonate to handle harsh impacts. The Unicorn Beetle Pro’s rugged design is great for enhancing grip, too, with plenty of texture on each side of the case. This protective bundle is only $10 and available for pre-order right now.
See at Amazon
Ringke Fusion Crystal Case
For those who prefer to protect their Galaxy S7 with a case while still showing off the phone’s sleek appearance, Ringke’s Fusion crystal case is definitely one the best options out there. Its simple design is protective enough to handle common drops without bulking things up. Port plugs on the bottom help to keep out dirt and debris, but can always be permanently removed if they’re more of a nuisance. Side buttons are easily accessible through the clear flexible plastic along the edges, and the smooth polycarbonate shell sports a large cutout for the S7’s camera features.
See at Amazon
Vena vCommute
This is probably the most innovative wallet case I’ve come across. It’s basically a fusion-style case, featuring a TPU bumper and a PC shell, with a wallet slot on the back. The slot is covered by a strong magnetic flap that’s three-tiered, so you can open it just a smidge to grab something quickly or open it all the way to fill it up.
I comfortably fit three cards in this one, but you can snugly fit four, though it’s a little difficult to get a card out when they’re that tight. If you have three, however, it’s incredibly easy to remove cards, right down to the last one.
This case is the perfect blend of wallet and protective cover.
Comes in gold/black and silver/black.
See at Amazon
Spigen Tough Armor Case
Spigen’s Tough Armor case rocks military-grade protection with its dual-layer design and Air Cushion Technology. The inner skin features a webbed design that the Galaxy S7 rests on, including air pockets in all 4 corners that help handle shock. The raised lip around the front ensures the Galaxy S7’s display is always clear from rubbing on flat surfaces, and the glossy bezel around the camera grants clear photos at all times. Unlike the Spigen Slim Armor, the Tough Armor case comes without a flimsy kickstand, leaving a smooth look and feel to its exterior plastic shell. This case comes in gunmetal, champagne gold, and black, starting at $19.
See at Amazon
Samsung S View Cover
Samsung’s S View Cover series for the Galaxy S7 is just about as cool as it gets for phone cases. So long as you have NFC enabled on your phone, you essentially get a small window to your Galaxy S7 that lets you answer and decline calls, view message previews, activate the camera, and a bunch more.
Your Galaxy S7 clips into the bumper inside and then you just fold the cover over and, though the display is turned off, the preview screen still shows up through the window. Many folks want a flip cover to protect their phone, but it can be cumbersome to pull it out and open it up, and it’s definitely conspicuous in class or at a meeting.
The S View Cover is available in black, gold, and silver to match your Galaxy S7. If you want a super cool, interactive case that does a lot more than just protect your Galaxy S7, then the S View Cover is definitely worth a look.
See at Amazon
Caseology Wavelength
Caseology’s phone cases are excellent. I have yet to come across one that doesn’t fit perfectly and doesn’t feel great in the hand.
The Wavelength series has a wavy pattern on the back (duh!), which offers a wonderfully textured grip. The buttons are covered, but the tactile response is very present, so you’re not pressing multiple times wondering if you’re even hitting a button.
If you want a great-fitting case with precise cutouts, at phenomenal price (about $15), then check out the Caseology Wavelength. In fact, check out its whole collection — you can’t go wrong!
Comes in five color combinations.
See at Amazon
OtterBox Symmetry
Everyone’s perennial favorite case, OtterBox comes through yet again with the Symmetry Series, which offers guaranteed protection and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns so that you can add a bit of your own flair.
Keep in mind that this case will add some bulk to your S7, but it’ll also make it feel substantial in your hand, protected all around by the blend of silicone and polycarbonate plastic for excellent shock absorption and drop protection.
If OtterBox has always been your go-to, then why mess up a good thing? Check out the Symmetry Series.
See at Amazon
MagicSky
If you really wanna dress up your Galaxy S7 and bling is the name of the game, then check out MagicSky’s studded rhinestone dual-layer cases, which feature and array of patterns and colors. The edges are a soft silicone bumper, while the rest is harder plastic, which makes for great shock absorption and drop protection.
These cases go on and come off easily, thanks to a snap design, and the prints are actually gorgeous, not tacky (unless you opt for the tackier few that are available — to each their own!).
See at Amazon
What’s your favorite Galaxy S7 case?
Those are just a handful of the best cases to consider protecting your Galaxy S7 with. If you’re holding out for a different case, we’d love to hear about it!
Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge
- Galaxy S7 review
- Galaxy S7 edge review
- U.S. unlocked Galaxy S7
- Should you upgrade to the Galaxy S7?
- Best SD cards for Galaxy S7
- Join our Galaxy S7 forums
Unlocked
AT&T
Sprint
T-Mobile
Verizon
The best tech deals that you don’t want to miss out on
Our friends at Thrifter post some great deals every day, and here are the best ones available right now!
From mobile phones to general tech, home goods and much more, the team at Thrifter is scouring the web every single day to find the best deals. Whether something hits a new all-time low, gets discounted for just a limited time, or has a new coupon code available for it, you won’t want to miss out any of them. If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!
So, what are the best deals that you should be looking at right now? Well, let’s take a look at them so you can see which ones are best for you!
Anker PowerPort 2 – $8.99 (Normally $12.99)
We’ve all been there before. We think we have enough wall chargers in our house to keep our devices charged until your phone shows 1% battery remaining and you can’t find one. Whether you think you need one or not, you should probably pick up one of Anker’s 2-port PowerPort 2 wall chargers for just $8.99 with coupon code AABB2023. This is a savings of $4 from its regular price and makes it a must-have for anyone with more than one device in their house.
See at Amazon
iXCC Lightning Cable – $4.35 (Normally $6.49)
There is no shortage of options when it comes to Lightning cables, and trying to understand what makes them different can drive you nuts. If you’re looking for a cable that is extremely well rated, you’ll want to check out this option from iXCC which is down to just $4.35 at Amazon with coupon code iXCCUHJK. This is a savings of more than $2 from its regular price and brings it down near the lowest it’s ever been.
See at Amazon
Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 router – $89 (Normally $109)
Having a good router in your home can make all the difference in the speeds that your wireless network is delivering to your devices. You may think that a router is a router and that there is no need to pay a bunch of money to get a new one, but you’d be wrong. Netgear’s Nighthawk AC1750 (R6700) is an extremely powerful, highly-rated dual-band Wi-Fi router, and right now you can pick one up for just $89 when clipping the on-page coupon. This is a $20 savings from its regular price.
See at Amazon
More great deals!
- Vanksy Bias TV Lights – 9.99 with coupon WOA5L6NA) (Normally $14.99)
- LIFX Wi-Fi LED Smart Bulbs – $44.99 (Normally $59.99)
- TEKTON Repair Kit – $19.39 (Normally $24.99)
- 1TB Xbox One S Gears of War 4 Bundle – $239.99 (Normally $349.99)
- WD 1TB Portable Hard Drive – $39.99 (Normally $54.99)
- Nintendo Switch Carrying Case – $7.97 with coupon 7NAFDUZA (Normally $13.99)
- Movie bundles at iTunes – $20 each
For even more great deals, and to see these discounts as they become available, be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!
Grab a Google WiFi 3-pack for just $260 right now!
Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a discount on Google WiFi you won’t want to pass up!
Google WiFi, the company’s first mesh internet setup, has been quite popular since its release. At first, it was pretty hard to find, and we’ve never really seen any great deals on it, until now. You can pick up a 3-pack from Newegg for just $259.99 with coupon code EMCSRFDR3. This is a savings of $40 on the system, making it the same costs as buying only two of them on their own.
With Google WiFi you can easily set up and manage your network right from your phone. The mesh system allows you to bring the internet to parts of your home or office that didn’t get a good signal before. If your current system is struggling, or you are looking for something new, be sure to pick up the 3-pack now!
See at Newegg
For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!
Are you buying into the hype of Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone?
The Essential Phone has plenty going for it, but without wireless charging, water resistance, and a headphone jack, is it something you’d consider?
The Essential Phone — is it really that essential? And with Android smartphones seemingly generating more buzz than ever before, does Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone have a chance against the current crop of competition?
If you’re wondering what we’re even talking about here, take a quick gander at some of what’s promised with the Essential Phone: an edge-to-edge display, a modular system that accepts accessories like a 360-degree camera, and an entire phone chassis crafted out of titanium and ceramic. But what it doesn’t have might make you tick, especially considering its $700 price tag. The Essential Phone is without wireless charging, water resistance, or a headphone jack. As commenter Retinella put it in the original announcement post:
No. No IPXX rating on a $700 device is an automatic no from me. You could say it’s non-essential.
The Essential Phone.
The smartphone isn’t the only part of the equation. Essential also hopes to find a place inside your home with the aptly dubbed Essential Home. It’s a definite competitor to the Google Home and Amazon Echo, with the main difference being an actual display that you can interact with. The brains of the Essential Home experience is Ambient OS, which helps assist with things like playing music, setting a timer, and answering questions—just like Google Home. From the Essential Home site:
The idea behind Essential Home is that technology is there, supportive, and proactive enough to be helpful, without forcing you to ask or type a question. It’s in your environment; you can tap or glance at it, but it never intrudes or takes you away from the things that are important to you.
So, what do you think? Where do you stand on all this? Is the Essential Phone or Essential Home sounding essentially like something you’d want to adopt into your home?
James Falconer
05-30-2017 10:36 AM“
Anyone read the news about the upcoming Essential Phone from Andy Rubin? Looks pretty intriguing, with an edge-to-edge display, Snapdragon 835, dual cameras, and a modular system that lets you attach accessories. Looks like it’ll run Android (although the version is still unknown), and priced at $699 – it could be a good choice for many.
What do you think? Would you be interested? Would you…
Reply
Et tu, Brute? Join us in the Android Central forums. And then be sure to tune in later today when Andy Rubin appears live at the Recode Code Conference to talk about the new endeavor.
Join the discussion in our forums!
Best Android Launchers
Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.
Updated May 2017: Best Launchers has been overhauled and expanded into three categories. We have also removed Google Now Launcher ahead of its removal from the Google Play Store.
The way we arrange, organize, and interact with our apps on Android is called the launcher. Launchers usually consist of a series of home screens, where we can arrange app shortcuts and widgets and an app drawer. Every phone comes with a launcher, but when they drop the ball, there are endless third-party launchers that not only pick it up again but knock it clear out of the park.
Previous incarnations of this article have tried to claim that there is one launcher to rule them all, that there truly is a best launcher out there. I don’t really believe that’s possible, even though I have a launcher I personally value over all others. You use your phone differently than I do, and I use my phone differently than my co-workers do or my friends or my family. Everyone has their own perfect launcher, but if you haven’t found your favorite yet, then here are a few launchers we think will satisfy users of every type.
Best light and easy launchers
Are you someone who doesn’t want to mess with a lot of bells and whistles? Do you just want to put your most-used apps front and center, maybe a widget or two, and get one with your Android experience? You want a fast launcher, a light launcher, one that doesn’t need a lot of fussing and tweaking, and these are the launchers for you.
Best light launcher: Evie Launcher
Evie Launcher is a relative newcomer to the launcher scene, especially next to storied launchers like Nova Launcher, but Evie is a light little launcher that doesn’t quit and uses gestures in a few really good ways. First and foremost, like so many recent launchers, Evie has a swipe up gesture to open the app drawer. Another popular launcher gesture Evie has is the ability to double-tap the screen to put your phone to sleep, either using the phone-locking Instant Lock or Smart Lock-friendly Timer Lock. There’s even a gesture shortcut to take you into Google Now, if you miss that dedicated page from Google Now Launcher.
Evie is easy to set up and run with, but you can customize the desktop grid and turn gestures on and off as needed.
Read more: Evie Launcher review
Download Evie Launcher (Free)
Runner-up: Arrow Launcher
You’d think that if Microsoft was going to bring a launcher to Android it’d be a launcher that matches the launcher on Windows Phone… and you’d be wrong. Arrow Launcher doesn’t look a thing like Windows Phone, and if you didn’t see the login prompts for OneDrive when you try to back up Arrow Launcher, you’d probably never guess it was one of its products.
Arrow Launcher is a browser that’s centered around a clean home screen, an orderly utility page for widgets and cards, and a speedy app drawer where you can easily find your apps. Arrow is easy to set up and a breeze to navigate. It’s not quite as bare-bones as Evie, but it is a light launcher that’s well-worth considering, especially if you have an Outlook account for work or school that it can tie into for email and calendar appointments.
Download Arrow Launcher (Free)
Best customization launchers
Do you want full control over your home screens? Want to set more than just an app grid and a widget or two? Want to make your home screen look and act the way you want? Then you want a customization-based launcher. Often called theming launchers because theming is one of their more obvious uses, these launchers are for far more than just making your home screen look pretty; they’re for making your home screen function more efficiently and more effectively for your life.
By giving you control over gestures, advanced UI controls, and almost every aspect of your launcher experience, these launchers let you customize the way you interact with your phone in ways that truly exemplify the Android experience. These two customization-based launchers dominate much of the third-party launcher market, and there’s a very good reason: they’re awesome.
Best customization launcher: Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher turned 5 this past winter, and this storied launcher has been a major player in the Android launcher market longer than most of us have used Android. The reason is simple: Nova’s mix of customization, convenience, and cunning are unparalleled. Nova lets your phone look more Pixel-y than a Pixel and more TouchWiz than a Galaxy S8 and does it with ease and grace. In fact, Nova’s biggest strengths are things that are hidden in plain sight, like its pocket ace Subgrid Positioning or its excellent backup system.
When we build themes for our Android Central readers, 9 times out of 10 the launcher we use to build it and to share it with you is Nova Launcher. It’s an excellent launcher if you want to build complex themes or if you just want a smartly laid out launcher with excellent gesture controls.
Read more: Nova Launcher review: Still king of the mountain
Download Nova Launcher (Free, $4.99)
Runner-up: Action Launcher 3
Action Launcher 3 is one of the most popular launchers on the market, and the watchword of both the launcher and its users is QUICK. Quicktheme, Quickdrawer, Quickpage, Quickbar, quick, quick, quick. Action Launcher is determined to be a launcher that gets what you need done quickly so that you can get back to doing what really matters on your phone: wasting hours on gaming and Netflix. To ensure that Action Launcher 3 can be the quickest and best launcher for users who want to set everything up just so, Action Launcher 3 has taken it upon itself to be one of the most customizable launchers on the market, from its robust gesture controls to its ubiquitous Covers and Shutters to hide folders and widgets under a seemingly plain looking app shortcut.
There’s a reason it’s the only launcher Phil uses (miss you, Modern Dad!), and that’s that Action Launcher 3 is damn good at what it does. While it’s not quite as intense as Nova Launcher, it’s a launcher that’s incredibly… well, quick about getting you set up and on your way.
Download Action Launcher 3 (Free, in-app purchases)
Best smart launchers
Tired of having to tell your launcher where you want everything? Want a launcher that will learn which apps you like and use more and put them at your fingertips? Want a launcher that knows where you are, what you’re doing, and wants to help? You’re looking for a smarter launcher, and luckily we’ve got some launchers that are looking to learn from you and bring the most intelligent launcher experience they can to your phone.
Best smart launcher: Yahoo Aviate Launcher
Yahoo bought its way into the launcher game with Yahoo Aviate Launcher years ago, and the launcher’s done fairly well since its acquisition. Aviate uses a combination of the Google Now-like Smart Screen and predictive collections to help you find what you want quicker and keep your launcher experience light and quick. Aviate figures out where you are and what time of day it is and serves up relevant collections, so you can better handle those activities. For example, if you plug in your headphones, it offers you quick access to media controls and your favorite music apps.
Aviate excels for having a high amount of polish and minimal maintenance, even though you might lose out on some customizability.
Read more: Aviate Launcher review
Download Aviate (Free)
Runner-up: Smart Launcher 3
Smart Launcher 3 is a lot more customization-based than Aviate, but it’s still a launcher with algorithms and intelligence at its core, sorting your app drawer into five categories and putting a search bar at the top of your launcher screens. Smart Launcher 3 has some interesting theming support, including its iconic “Flower” QuickStart layout for the apps on your home screen and its new Icon Pack Studio, but its implementation of widgets and item placement on its home screens keeps us from calling it a true theming launcher.
Smart Launcher 3’s real magic come from the app drawer and the search bar, where optimization and search can help you find the apps and information you need quickly and easily.
Download Smart Launcher 3 (Free, $4.49 – $8.49)
What’s your favorite?
Do you have a favorite launcher? What’s on your Android phone now? Sound off in the comments below.
AIVAnet 