The OnePlus 6 must have a great camera to justify its higher price

There’s still a lot of work to do here.

OnePlus phones have always provided great value. Excellent specs, solid design, wonderful performance and clean software have all been pillars of the OnePlus sales pitch. Even as the prices have gone up, we haven’t really complained — the phones have always offered more than you expect for the money. That is, except for the camera.

With the OnePlus 2, 3 and 3T, you could always say the camera experience was befitting of the mid-range price — and to be fair, OnePlus didn’t really talk up the photography experience as being a major feature of those phones. But despite the focus on photography with the OnePlus 5, trotting out dual cameras and an imaging-focused marketing campaign, it was thoroughly underwhelming considering the flagship-level aspirations and $479 starting price. The OnePlus 5T didn’t change that perception either — the camera experience on both of its latest phones was good but nowhere near great.

Having a great camera is about more than the specs — and unfortunately, OnePlus loves to focus on specs.

Less than two weeks from now, OnePlus will announce the all-new OnePlus 6. It’ll be a major update from the OnePlus 5T, which by nature was a subtle bump over the 5. With a new design, new specs and new capabilities, we’re expecting another jump in price — maybe as high as $599. Even if OnePlus manages to keep the price lower, perhaps to $549, that crests into a realm where I can no longer give a “for the price” helping hand to evaluations of the camera. At that price, we expect it to properly compete with the top-end phones available today.

As you’ve probably noticed, smartphone cameras have gotten really good in the last couple of generations. That’s coincided with the fact that people regularly rank camera quality as the most important feature to consider when buying a phone. That’s true no matter the price — but it’s non-negotiable when buying a phone at this level.

With the OnePlus 6, I won’t be taking the company’s word for camera performance.

One of the reasons why OnePlus has struggled with cameras is that there’s a considerable amount of nuance and expertise involved — especially when working with the limitations of smartphone-sized components. Year after year the progression for OnePlus phones has been pretty simple: get a solid design, fill it with good specs and run solid software. But that doesn’t work for cameras — there’s a meld of art and science that takes time, expertise and opinionated engineers. This isn’t the same kind of spec checkbox as adding waterproofing, screen brightness or battery size to your phone — getting the right megapixels and apertures don’t create a camera that takes great photos.

That’s why with the OnePlus 6, I won’t be able to give it the benefit of the doubt when it comes to camera performance. OnePlus can’t simply say it has a new 12MP sensor, f/1.7 lens and some kind of new shooting modes. Showing off some beautiful images in marketing materials isn’t going to sell me on it, either — any expensive smartphone in the last five years can take a handful of great photos if the conditions are right. Individual components or cherry-picked sample images don’t tell the whole story, nor do they erase the history of mediocre OnePlus cameras. The only way we’ll know if OnePlus has done the heavy lifting to make its processing and software produce great images will be getting it in my hands (and everyone else’s) and using the camera alongside the best in the business.

With a price of $549 or more, you’re getting within a stone’s throw of the Google Pixel 2 and Galaxy S9 — not to mention being more expensive than other great 2017 cameras like the HTC U11 and LG G6. At that point, the camera has to be great; and not just great for the price.

OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6: News, Rumors, Release Date, Specs, and more!
• OnePlus 5T review: Come for the value, not the excitement
• OnePlus 6 has 19:9 notched display, Snapdragon 845, top benchmarks
• Join the discussion in the forums

Multiplayer lightsaber battles come to Star Wars: Jedi Challenges

Grab a friend and two headsets for nonstop duels.

Star Wars fans screamed in delight following the release of Lenovo’s Star Wars: Jedi Challenges AR headset last year, and those screams are about to get much louder following its latest expansion. Starting today, Jedi Challenges will allow you to go one-on-one in local multiplayer lightsaber battles.

Assuming you’ve got access to two of the Jedi Challenges headsets, you and a friend can engage in lightsaber duels like never before. Your headset will allow you to see you and your friends’ saber and virtual cues will tell you when to strike your opponent and defend yourself.

Per Lenovo’s Senior VP and General Manager of Consumer PCs and Smart Devices, Jeff Meredith –

One of the most popular fan requests since the launch of Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is to enable 1-on-1 local multiplayer mode for fans to duel one another in lightsaber battles. We’re excited to continue collaborating with Disney to fulfill fans’ wishes by testing the frontiers of augmented reality. The introduction of the Lightsaber Versus Mode is another step in our journey to offering consumers one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences made possible by AR.

Similar to the Last Jedi-themed update that dropped in December, the lightsaber multiplayer mode will be available as part of a free update to the existing Star Wars: Jedi Challenges mobile app. The update’s rolling out today, so you can start living our your Jedi dreams right now.

See at Amazon

Google’s Assistant-enabled Pixelbook Pen is down to just $83

Unleash your inner creativity.

Amazon currently has Google’s Pixelbook Pen down to $82.94, which happens to be the lowest price it’s ever sold for. The Pixelbook Pen normally sells for closer to $100, and this deal makes it only a few bucks more than a used version of the pen costs. It works with Google Assistant to help you get quick answers and does much more. You can use it to take notes any time by using Google Keep without even unlocking your Pixelbook. It can also be used to draw, sketch, and create designs.

If you don’t already have a Pixelbook, Amazon is offering its Prime Student members 10% off the purchase of one right now.

See at Amazon

AT&T might sell the LG V35 instead of the G7 this year

No notch in sight.

The LG G7 ThinQ was recently announced as LG’s newest flagship for 2018. The phone looks interesting enough with a promising dual-camera setup and quad DAC for the 3.5mm headphone jack, but for whatever reason, AT&T won’t be selling it. The company confirmed this news shortly after the G7’s announcement, but now we might have our first look at the phone that’ll be replacing it – the LG V35 ThinQ.

A spokesperson for AT&T recently said that it would be launching “a new LG device this summer only from AT&T” in place of the G7, and now AndroidHeadlines has shared renders of what that exclusive phone may look like. The V35 branding on the back indicates that it’ll be a continuation of the V30 from last year, and the current specs make it sound like a Frankenstein between it and the G7.

In less than a year, LG will have released the V30, V30S, G7, and V35.

The 18:9 6-inch OLED display on the front sounds exactly like what we saw on the V30 and V30S, but the dual 16MP cameras are expected to be the same setup found on the G7 (albeit in a horizontal position rather than a vertical one). There will also be a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC with a big push on AI, and all of this is housed in a black or gray body with a “premium glossy finish.”

And, unlike the G7, the V35 doesn’t have a notch.

AT&T’s yet to elaborate on that “summer” release date, and similar to the G7, we have no idea what pricing will look like.

It’s certainly an interesting move on LG’s part to release a third entry in the V30 lineup in less than a year’s time, especially with the G7 just announced and a V40 expected to drop later in the fall. I personally don’t see how this many device variants will help LG get out of the rut it’s currently in with its mobile business, but I suppose we’ll have to wait and see if this turns out to be the right move for the company.

Assuming this V35 turns out to be the real deal, would you rather buy it or the G7?

LG G7 ThinQ hands-on preview: All about that bass

LG G7

• LG G7 hands-on preview: All about that bass
• LG G7 Specifications: Everything you need to know
• Join the LG G7 forums

Hunt down the galaxy’s baddest dudes in Space Pioneer! [Game of the Week]

Update May 4, 2018: Become the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy in Space Pioneer! Then marvel at the insane anime-style action in Honkai Impact 3rd!

Space Pioneer

Space Pioneer is my new obsession. In this game, you play an intergalactic bounty hunter trying to hunt down a gargantuan space creature that keeps getting away just at the last second, leading you on a quest to capture it while exploring the planets of different star systems.

This is a top-down shooter with RPG mechanics for upgrading and leveling up your character and gear. It’s a free-to-play game that does a great job of balancing in-app purchases so that you don’t need to spend money to keep progressing through the game, although some of their deals might be worth it if you want to supercharge your character.

The variety of enemies across the different types of planets are great, and there’s a good mix of objectives and bonus objectives to complete for coins. There’s no time limit on each level with enemies constantly respawning, so you can farm coins to get that new weapon you want or whatever. It’s up to you.

The graphics are great, the gameplay is smooth, and it’s just a ton of fun to play. Check it out this week!

Download: Space Pioneer (Free w/IAPs)

Honkai Impact 3rd

I’ll be honest that I don’t quite understand everything that’s going on with Honkai impact 3rd — this is a game that was hugely popular in Japan and other Asian countries and was only released globally over the last month.

I was drawn to the game because the trailer showcased some of the best cel-shaded graphics for a mobile game I’ve ever seen. this game is essentially an anime-inspired brawler with RPG elements that has you command a team of kick-ass female warriors who are on a mission to beat up bad guys.

I’ve only scratched the surface for what this game offers, but the graphics are the real deal and the gameplay is simplified in ways but still pretty amazing with some great battle animations. If you’re a big fan of anime, you may recognize some of the voice talents here, too, so definitely check it out if that’s your thing.

Download: Honkai Impact 3rd (Free w/IAPs)

Android Gaming

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These powerful Oontz Angle 3 Bluetooth speakers have never been more affordable

Keep the party going.

As part of its one-day Gold Box deals, Amazon has a pair of Oontz Angle Bluetooth speakers on sale, with prices starting at just $29.99. The most affordable option is the Angle 3 Ultra, which has side volume controls, 14W of power, and up to 20 hours of playback per charge. It normally sells for closer to $60.

The larger version, the Angle 3XL Ultra is down to $89.99 from its regular $130 price tag. It has volume and playback controls on the top of it, and offers 24W of power which is a lot more than the smaller one. With more power comes less battery life, but it still has an impressive 8 hours of playback per charge.

Both options are splashproof and rainproof, though they are not designed to be fully submerged.

See at Amazon

Google discounts games, audiobooks, and more for this year’s Star Wars Day

Save big on Star Wars-themed games, audiobooks, and e-books/comics.

It’s that time of year. The time to take a sick day off of work, curl up on a couch, and consume every ounce of Star Wars content you can. In other words, it’s May 4th.

May 4th is celebrated as Star Wars Day all around the world, and not wanting to miss out, Google’s discounting a number of Star Wars-themed items on the Play Store. Starting first with audiobooks (one of the most recent additions to Google Play), you’ll find discounts on titles like The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition, Catalyst: A Rouge One Novel, and Star Wars: Aftermath.

Google’s also discounting e-books and comics, with popular titles such as Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1, and Star Wars: The New Republic – Dark Empire Trilogy seeing savings as big as $15.

If books aren’t your sort of thing, there are plenty of game discounts to be found, too. We won’t run through every single one, but some of the highlights include:

• Get 25% more crystals with Crystal Bundles + free Raid Han shards for Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
• Score a free Crystals Crate + 20% bonus content on certain packs with Star Wars: Commander
• Buy Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for 50% off

Last but not least, new Google Play users can rent any movie for only $0.99. The movie doesn’t have to be a Star Wars one, but why would you get anything else?

See at Google Play

10 Things You Need To Know About Nest Temperature Sensors

What you need to know about Nest’s Temperature Sensor before you buy.

It’s not the same temperature in every room of your house. A room without windows might be warmer or cooler than a room with them, rooms downstairs might be cooler in the summertime, and we all know how hot the kitchen can get when you’re cooking a big meal. This makes it hard for your thermostat to make your whole house the temperature you want.

This is why Nest makes a remote Temperature Sensor. Most homes don’t have multiple systems to heat or cool them so using multiple thermostats isn’t going to work out very well, but a remote sensor that can tell your thermostat to ramp up the air conditioner for a little bit because it’s kind of warm in the den. The key is knowing what you need and how to use it.

Here are 10 important things you need to know about Nest’s Temperature Sensors.

See at Best Buy

When should I use one?

Even if you have a multi-story house that has warm or cold spots, you might not want to use a Temperature Sensor. It all depends on where you spend your time and where the main thermostat is.

If you spend most of your time in a spot that’s too warm or too cold you can put a Temperature Sensor in the room so your Nest knows it needs to adjust. If you’re comfortable where you spend most of the time but another spot in your house gets too warm or too cold, you won’t want one. You can’t easily move your thermostat, but if you wish you could, a Temperature Sensor is probably for you.

Do I have to have a Nest Thermostat to use one?

Yes. Nest Temperature Sensors are not stand-alone products nor do they work with other brands of thermostat. They’re basic thermometers that are hard-coded to talk to your Nest, and only your Nest.

See at Amazon

Which Nest Thermostats support Temperature Sensors?

Temperature Sensors only work with these models:

• Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd generation
• Nest Thermostat E

Nest vs. Nest E: Which one is for you?

The Nest app will tell you which model you have underTechnical info.

• Open the Nest app
• Choose your thermostat on the app’s home screen
• Tap the Settings icon in the top right corner
• Tap Technical info

The first digit of theDisplay model number tells you which model you have. 1 is a first generation Nest, 2 is a second generation, 3 is a third generation, and 4 is a Nest Thermostat E. You can also look at the box it came in if you still have it. Look at the first two numbers of the Serial Number. 01 is a first generation Nest, 02 is a second generation, 09 is a third generation, and 15 is a Nest Thermostat E.

More: Nest Thermostat Gen 1 through Gen 3 and Nest E: Comparison and main differences

Do I need any wires?

Nope! The Nest Temperature Sensor connects to your Nest using Bluetooth and has a range up to 15 meters (5 about 50 feet). That measurement is in a straight line that can go through walls or floors so you’ll probably be good unless you have a very large house. Sometimes house wiring can monkey with Bluetooth and shorten its range, but those issues are relatively rare.

How many Temperature Sensors can I use?

You can have up to six Temperature Sensors in the same house running from the same Nest Thermostat. If you do have multiple Nest Thermostats in one home, that means you can have 18 Temperature Sensors.

Can I use a different temperature sensor with my Nest?

Nest Thermostats will only work with Nest branded Temperature Sensors.

Can I check the temperature on all my sensors in the Nest app?

Yes. When you tap on a thermostat in the app you’ll see all the sensors attached along with the current temperature of each and some information about how much warmer or cooler that usually are compared to your Nest Thermostat. This information can be helpful; it lets you know if you should move the Temperature Sensor to a different spot.

Do I need to plug it in?

No. A Nest Temperature Sensor is powered by a small Cr Lithium coin battery. They last a long time and are easy to change.

Do the Temperature Sensors know when I’m in the room?

No. there are no sensing abilities or motion detectors in the Temperature Sensors. They are designed to only read the temperature and let the main thermostat know what the reading is. They won’t affect any smart sensing your Nest Thermostat might be set up to do in any way.

Will using one save me money?

Probably not. In fact it will probably cost a little more to heat and cool your home when you use one. Remote Temperature Sensors are designed to keep you comfortable in the room they are in, which means they might have to run the heating and cooling system a little more often.

A Nest Temperature Sensor isn’t something everyone needs. But if you do need one, they are simple to set up and easy to use. And best of all, they’re not going to break your wallet at only $40.

See at Best Buy

Grab two of TP-Link’s energy monitoring smart plugs for just $40 today

Monitor your usage from anywhere.

Amazon currently has this 2-pack of TP-Link smart plugs marked down to $39.99, a match of its lowest price. We’ve seen the price drop this low in the past, but for the better part of this year, they’ve been selling for $50. The 2-pack of Mini smart plugs is $5 off at $55 if you prefer to be able to stack two smart plugs in the same wall receptacle.

The HS110 smart plug can be scheduled from anywhere in the world to automatically turn on and off as you wish, allowing you to enhance your daily life in a multitude of ways, like setting up your lights to turn on right before you get home from work each day or connecting it to your kid’s TV so you know they’re not watching cartoons while they’re supposed to be doing homework. You can even control these smart plugs with your voice when paired with an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device like the Amazon Echo Dot or the Google Home Mini.

See at Amazon

Next ‘Minecraft’ update will be the last for older consoles

If you love playing Minecraft on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U or PS Vita, the game’s developers have some bad news for you. The next update, called “Update Aquatic,” will be the last that is compatible with these platforms.

Only about 5 percent of active players use Minecraft on these older consoles, and the team has chosen to put its resources where the majority of people who play the game are. The PS4 will continue to receive updates, as will mobile and Windows 10 versions.

The Xbox One and Switch versions of the older game will not receive the Update Aquatic because users can upgrade to the newer version. Therefore only the newer version of the game on these two consoles will continue to be updated. But don’t worry, this isn’t a cash grab: Xbox One users can download the upgraded version of Minecraft from the Microsoft Store for free, and Switch users will receive the update as a free patch to the existing game.

Via: Kotaku

Source: Minecraft