HTC U12+ vs. LG G7 ThinQ: Which should you buy?

Wide-angle photography versus pressure-sensitive actions.

There are all kinds of great flagship phones to choose from these days, and while the average consumer might only see Samsung and Apple in stores, those aren’t your only options. HTC and LG have been making sleek and shiny phones for years, and their latest phones are no exceptions.

With the G7 ThinQ now available for purchase and the U12+ following soon, which phone is best for you?

Specifications

The U12+ and G7 ThinQ are pretty evenly matched when it comes to their internals; both feature a Snapdragon 845 processor, up to 6GB of RAM, and great hardware features like microSD expansion and IP68 ingress. But from physical dimensions to camera specs and battery capacity, they’re not completely identical.

Operating System	Android 8.0 Oreo	Android 8.0 Oreo
Display	6-inch 18:9 Super LCD 6 2880 x 1440, 537PPI	6.1-inch 19.5:9 IPS LCD 3120 x 1440, 564PPI
Chipset	Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, four 2.8GHz Kyro 385 Gold cores, four 1.7GHz Kyro 385 Silver cores	Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, four 2.8GHz Kyro 385 Gold cores, four 1.7GHz Kyro 385 Silver cores
GPU	Adreno 630	Adreno 630
RAM	6GB	4GB/6GB
Storage	64GB/128GB	64GB/128GB
Expandable	Yes (microSD slot)	Yes (microSD slot)
Battery	3500mAh	3000mAh
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8 + 16MP f/2.6, PDAF + laser autofocus, 4K at 60fps	16MP f/1.6 + 16MP f/1.9, PDAF + laser autofocus, 4K at 30fps
Front Camera	8MP f/2.0 (x2), 1080p video	8MP f/1.9, 1080p video
Connectivity	WiFi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, USB-C	WiFi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, USB-C
Security	Fingerprint sensor (back), face unlock	Fingerprint sensor (back)
SIM	Nano SIM	Nano SIM
Dimensions	156.6x 73.9 x 8.7mm	153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9mm
Weight	188g	162g

What the HTC U12+ does better

HTC may not be doing as well as LG in terms of sales, but the U12+ is no slouch. Built with HTC’s Liquid Surface design, the U12+ is rounded and comfortable to hold. The finishes are absolutely gorgeous, from the ceramic black and flame red to the flashier translucent blue, and it brings on HTC’s most modern look yet. The fingerprint sensor sits easy to access around back beneath the dual cameras, and the 6-inch 18:9 display helps fill most of the face of the phone.

That’s all pretty standard fare for a 2018 flagship, though. The most unique hardware feature of the U12+ is its Digital Buttons, which actually aren’t buttons at all. With a bit of pressure, the protrusions vibrate back at you without actually clicking. There’s also HTC’s Edge Sense 2, which detects when you squeeze or tap the sides of the phone to activate shortcuts. You can configure them to do whatever you want, from launching certain apps to toggling the flashlight or pulling down the notification shade. Edge Sense 2 also detects when you’re holding the U12+ in portrait mode and prevents the screen from rotating or timing out in your hand.

When it comes to software, HTC has taken a conservative approach to its Sense interface in recent years, with minimal bloatware or customizations. The U12+’s software interface is close to stock Android, though HTC adds optimizations for features like BoomSound, where you can switch between music and theater modes depending on what kind of content you’re viewing.

As far as cameras go, the U12+ features a wide-angle primary camera (though not quite as wide as the G7’s) and a secondary 2x zoom lens. Both cameras feature both OIS and EIS, which aids in shooting smooth 4K video — you can do that at up to 60fps. You can also shoot in slow motion, up to 240fps in 1080p. We haven’t finished our review of the U12+ just yet, and we’re still testing the quality of the cameras (so far, so good), but it received a DxOMark score of 103. Not too bad.

See at Amazon

What the LG G7 ThinQ does better

You may not love the G7 ThinQ’s name, but it’s a pretty killer phone. Just like the U12+, the G7 features a rounded back, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and dual cameras, but instead of pressure-sensitive sides, the G7 has an additional hardware button. Resting a bit below the volume buttons, the extra button is a quick shortcut to the Google Assistant — no Bixby anywhere to be found. The display is also a bit bigger, with a 6.1-inch display, but you’ll have to live with a notch at the top. Sorry.

The G7 may not have HTC’s BoomSound stereo speakers, but LG made use of the phone’s metal enclosure to form a resonance chamber and amplify the single speaker. LG calls it Boombox, and it’s loud enough to fill a room when placed on a flat surface like a table. Speaking of audio, the G7 still features a 3.5mm headphone jack, unlike the U12+, and even better, it features LG’s Quad DAC from the V30. This means the G7 can deliver better wired audio than just about any other phone on the market, no USB-C hassle required.

The G7 ThinQ also has a great pair of cameras around back. The standard 16MP sensor takes great photos with a wide ƒ/1.6 aperture and OIS, and the ultra wide-angle secondary lens, while not stabilized, allows for more creative shots than most phones, capturing more of the room in your photos with having to back up. The camera software is also easy to use with excellent manual controls, and the phone’s subtle haptics click away at you while you’re adjusting your settings.

LG’s biggest advantage over HTC this year? Availability. Unlike the U12+, which can only be ordered directly through HTC or Amazon, the G7 ThinQ is available through most U.S. carriers, with the exception of AT&T. It’s also a bit cheaper at $750, versus the U12+’s heftier $800 price tag. With wider availability and a lower price, the G7 is much more likely to reach consumers’ hands and pockets.

See at LG

Which is right for you?

Both phones are great choices, and you really can’t go wrong with either option, but one may be better than the other depending on your priorities. If you prefer wired audio to loudspeakers, or wide angle photography over zoomed shots, the G7 may be right for you. On the other hand, HTC is putting a lot of focus on its Edge Sense technology, and if that rings a bell with you — or if you just can’t live with a notched display — maybe you should aim for the U12+.

Which phone would you pick? And do you plan on actually buying one? Let us know in the comments below!

YouTube: Everything you need to know

From user-uploaded videos to movies and music, YouTube’s got you covered.

In February 2005, a small company by the name of YouTube was founded. YouTube was trying something new by giving people a free, easy-to-use platform for uploading videos, and a little over a year later, it was purchased by Google.

While YouTube continues to be the largest and most popular user-uploaded video site around, it’s since expanded into the markets of music streaming, live television programming, and even creating original content similar to Netflix and Hulu.

It can be difficult to keep track of everything the YouTube brand is attached to these days, so to help keep you in the loop, here’s everything you need to know.

YouTube

No matter what new ventures YouTube decides to tackle, the company’s bread and butter will always be its main YouTube service for user-created content.

Anyone can upload videos to YouTube, and with enough hard work and dedication, make money on them, too. You can subscribe to channels/users you’re particularly fond of, search for specific videos, and catch up with the most popular videos that are currently trending.

You can access YouTube just about anywhere, be it your Android phone, computer, or even a TV.

YouTube has always been free to use, and while there are paid versions we’ll dive into in just a minute, the main service itself can be accessed without spending a dime (as long as you’re okay with advertisements before your videos).

How to use YouTube for Android

YouTube Music

In an effort to compete with the likes of Apple Music and Spotify, Google’s using its YouTube brand to take them head-on with YouTube Music.

YouTube Music follows in the footsteps of its competitors with a price tag of $9.99/month, and for that price, you get access to unlimited on-demand streaming, curated playlists, offline downloads, ad-free music videos, and plenty more.

The end goal is to have YouTube Music eventually replace Google Play Music, and to ensure that transition process is as seamless as can be, Google’s confirmed that all of Play Music’s best features will eventually come over to YouTube Music — including a digital locker for storing all of your locally owned songs!

YouTube Music is still in early access and gradually rolling out to users, but even in this inaugural stage, is showing a lot of promise.

In addition to completely revamped mobile apps for Android and iOS, you can also access YouTube Music via a brand-new desktop site.

YouTube Music: Everything you need to know!

YouTube Premium / Red

If you’re already paying $9.99/month for YouTube Music, you might as well throw in another two dollars and get YouTube Premium, also known as YouTube Red.

YouTube Premium is a subscription service that costs $11.99/month, and in addition to full access to YouTube Music, you also get ad-free videos on YouTube, background playback, and the ability to watch YouTube Originals.

This basically gives you the experience previously found with YouTube Red, and even though it now costs a couple bucks more each month, is still a tremendous value.

What is YouTube Premium? Everything you need to know!

YouTube TV

Last but not least, the YouTube brand is also used to offer an Internet-based live television service via YouTube TV.

YouTube TV costs $40/month, giving you access to more than 60 channels with local sports/news, cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to three screens at a time.

You can watch YouTube TV from your Android or iOS device, computer, or right on your TV through a number of smart TV apps (such as Roku, Android TV, Xbox One, and more).

YouTube TV costs a bit more than competing services such as Sling TV and Philo, but for folks invested in the Google ecosystem that want to supplement their live television shows with YouTube programming, too, YouTube TV is still worth checking out.

YouTube TV: Everything you need to know

How do you use YouTube?

Which YouTube do you use most?

OnePlus 6: Everything you need to know

Unlock the secrets.

The OnePlus 6 is now available, and it’s a compelling option for someone looking for an unlocked phone at a reasonable price — starting at $529 to be specific. But price aside, it’s a great choice for anyone, even those considering more expensive options, thanks to a combination of hardware and software, and a community that continues to support the company and one another.

Here’s everything you need to know about the OnePlus 6!

The latest OnePlus 6 news

June 4, 2018 — Silk White OnePlus 6 and Bullets Wireless earphones launching June 5 @ 10:00 AM ET

About two weeks following the OnePlus 6’s launch, the limited edition Silk White version of the phone and OnePlus’s Bullets Wireless earphones are officially going on sale.

The Silk White OnePlus 6 is “the company’s boldest design to date” featuring six layers of white glass that have been mixed with pearl powder and gold accents for the frame, fingerprint sensor, and more. It’s a downright stunning look and will cost $579 USD with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage “while supplies last.”

Along with the Silk White OnePlus 6, the excellent Bullets Wireless earphones are launching, too. Andrew recently gave these a glowing review, praising them for their surprisingly great sound quality, USB-C charging, comfortable design, and competitive $69 price tag.

Both the Silk White OnePlus 6 and Bullets Wireless will be available on June 5 at 10:00 AM ET.

May 31, 2018 — Battery percentage coming to the status bar, fix for rear camera autofocus issue, and more

As part of a Q&A session OnePlus held of its forums, the company answered a lot of burning questions on users’ minds. You can read through the full rundown here, but the highlights include:

• The three dots in the status bar will be removed in the next update.
• A battery percentage is coming to the status bar in the next update.
• Scheduled Do Not Disturb will be added in the next update.
• The next update will fix low volume for calls and notifications.
• Future updates will correct issues with the rear camera’s autofocus.
• Your network will properly work when using an IDEA as a non-data card in the next update.
• A fix in the next update will resolve an issue that causes sound to stop working when switching to the speaker from the earpiece.

Read our review and watch the video

First thing’s first, watch the video and read the review. There’s plenty about the phone to learn, even though much of it is familiar. But the essential question a review tries to answer is, Should you buy this thing? And the response is an unrestrained, Yes.

The OnePlus 6 is the company’s finest phone ever, with excellent design, build quality, battery life and, for the first time, cameras.

Read the review

Review the specs

Once you’re done reading the review, you should, ahem, review the specifications. The phone is powerful — like one of the most powerful on the market today — with plenty of headroom and legroom (it’s proverbially spacious is what I’m trying to say) for whatever you want to throw at it. Apps-wise, not like object-wise.

OnePlus 6 specifications

How does it compare to other phones?

Of course, the OnePlus 6 doesn’t exist in a bubble — you have to compare it to other devices if you’re going to decide whether you should buy it. Thankfully, we’ve done most of the work for you, comparing it to the best flagships on the market right now.

• OnePlus 6 vs. Google Pixel 2 XL: Which should you buy?
• OnePlus 6 vs. Samsung Galaxy S9+: Which should you buy?

What about to other OnePlus phones?

Yeah, OnePlus owners like to keep it in the family, so to speak, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see many upgrading, or thinking of upgrading, from an existing OnePlus device, like a 3, 3T, 5, or 5T. Of course, with the company releasing two phones a year these days, it won’t be long until the next upgrade cycle hits, but that also means that the existing phones age quite well, thanks to frequent software updates (the joys of not going through carriers).

If you have a OnePlus 5 or 5T, you can probably hold onto those phones for a bit longer — unless you need the camera improvements. OnePlus’s 2016 phones, on the other hand, may be getting a bit long in the tooth and could use a replacement.

• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: Should you upgrade?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?

Is the OnePlus 6 camera that much better than before?

This photo was taken in nearly pitch-dark conditions. OnePlus ramps up the light sensitivity to ISO6400, which would normally produce a lot of grain, but this photo is totally usable thanks to better software processing.

Yes! The OnePlus 6 has a larger 16MP sensor than previous OnePlus devices, with pixels that are 19% bigger, so low-light photography is immensely improved. It’s not going to overtake the Huawei P20 Pro or Pixel 2 for Low Light Champion Of The World, but it’s reliable in all conditions, and that’s more important than anything else.

The camera is probably the biggest improvement over previous OnePlus models.

The phone’s main sensor is aided by a fast ƒ/1.7 aperture, so true depth of field is a thing, along with drastically improved image signal processing from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845. Together, the phone is able to detect the correct settings more quickly, take multiple shots if necessary, enable HDR mode automatically, and reduce or eliminate grain in dark conditions.

There’s also Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which was in the OnePlus 3 line but removed in last year’s series for unknown reasons. It’s back now, and paired with a larger sensor and faster main lens, the results speak for themselves.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 6’s secondary camera has less to do — it’s a 20MP sensor with an ƒ/1.7 lens, but its main purpose is to facilitate portrait mode which, while good, isn’t enough reason to have a second sensor in the first place.

Is the notch distracting?

The notch is what it is. You may hate it out of an aversion to all things Apple, or you may learn to live with it and forget it’s there. Most people will fall somewhere in the middle — it’s a character trait, like a freckle or a certain hairstyle.

What it does, though, is open up spme additional real estate on the 6.28-inch screen, which is great. But it also limits the number of icons that can be seen in the notification area, which is a bummer. Plus, the clock on the left side of the notification bar will never make sense. If you watch the video below, though, you can see ways to tweak the notification area to your liking. And you can also disable the notch altogether if you want to.

How’s the software?

It’s good! Running Android 8.1 Oreo, OxygenOS has turned into one of the most enjoyable, reliable versions of Android to date. OnePlus has also added a number of additions to make the whole thing run more smoothly, especially if you’re looking to maximize your screen real estate.

One of the more interesting changes to the software is a set of gestures that eliminates the bottom navigation keys, relying on swipes up from different areas of the bottom edge to go back, home, and enter multitasking. It’s different, but not bad. You’ll have to try it yourself.

As for tips and tricks, we’ve already got that list going, so if you’re looking to make the most of your OxygenOS experience, we have you covered.

• How to enable navigation gestures on the OnePlus 6
• How to disable the notch on the OnePlus 6

What’s it cost?

The OnePlus 6 starts at $529 USD for the base model and goes up to $629 for additional RAM and storage. There are three configurations and three colors, though one of the colors, Silk White, is only going to be available in early June and will be manufactured in limited capacities.

Here’s how the pricing breaks down in various regions.

6/64	$529	€519	£469	$699
8/128	$579	€569	£519	$769
8/256	$629	€619	£569	$839

See at OnePlus

Tell me more about the colors

There are three colors: Mirror Black, Midnight Black, and Silk White.

• Mirror Black is going to be the most common, since it’s the only color offered in the cheapest tier. It’s shiny, reflective glass, so it gets fingerprint-y, but that’s OK because you’ll likely put the phone in a case (see below). It’s also a little slippery, which is to be expected. Mirror Black is offered in 6GB / 64GB configurations for $529.

• Midnight Black is the color we’ve come to expect from OnePlus over the years, though the matte-looking finish belies a glass back, too, like the Mirror Black. Midnight Black is only available in 8GB / 128GB and 8GB / 256GB configurations for $579 and $629, respectively.

• Silk White is the most limited of the three colors, and will be available June 5. It’s also covered in glass, but like the Midnight Black model it has a matte finish and is easier to grip. Its white back has rose gold accents, and it’s definitely the nicest and most unique of the three colors. It will only be available in the 8GB / 128GB configuration, for $579, and once the run is sold out, OnePlus is not making any more.

I heard there’s an Avengers version — TELL ME EVERYTHING

Yes, you heard right: OnePlus has once again worked with Disney on licensing a special version of the OnePlus 6 for the Chinese and Indian markets. Last year, OnePlus offered an understated Start Wars variant of the OnePlus 5T, and now the Avengers version takes advantage of the hype behind the recent film release.

The Avengers version comes in a unique box and includes an Iron Man case and a OnePlus/Avengers co-branded medallion, which is neat. And while there’s a familiar glass back on the Avengers Edition, it has a Kevlar-style design underneath. Because Kevlar=superheroes, or something.

While the special edition isn’t coming to the U.S. officially, I’m sure that some entrepreneurial Indian and Chinese resellers will do the dirty business of importing some of them at a huge premium to this side of the world.

This is the OnePlus 6 Marvel Avengers Edition

The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Sprint or Verizon

The OnePlus 6 technically supports the CDMA bands for Verizon and Sprint in the U.S., but the phone lacks certification for their networks, so those users — just under half the smartphone-wielding U.S. population, is out of luck.

We’ve got your full technical explainer below.

The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Sprint or Verizon

Do you like cases?

As it does with all of its phones, OnePlus has unveiled a series of first-party cases for the OnePlus 6, and they’re all pretty great.

This year, there’s a fancy new protective bumper made of woven nylon, and while it adds a bit more bulk than the typical snap-on, I think it looks and feels awesome.

These are the official OnePlus 6 cases you can buy at launch

What are your thoughts on the OnePlus 6?

Let us know in the comments!

OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6 review
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: How much changes in six months?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?
• These are the official OnePlus 6 cases
• The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Verizon or Sprint
• Join the discussion in the forums

Which color OnePlus 6 should you buy?

Make sure you make the right OnePlus 6 decision.

“Most people put their phones in a case, so why does it matter what color you buy?” I hear a variation of that sentence very time I talk about phone colors and materials.

But if that were the case, companies would release phones in one color — “Model T” black — and call it a day. Instead, we’ve seen color trends come and go, and increasingly a variety of hues, materials, and shimmer to suit anyone’s tastes. And while many people do cover their phones with gaudy cases, there are an increasing number that choose to go naked, or use a clear case, to see the phone as it was intended.

The OnePlus 6 comes in three colors, and each feels as distinct as it looks. Choosing which one to buy won’t be easy, but hopefully, we can help.

Mirror Black

Mirror Black is the obvious choice for the OnePlus 6 because it’s the default choice — if you want the cheapest variant of the phone, you have to choose Mirror Black.

Given that the OnePlus 6 is covered in glass, the Mirror Black variant looks the most traditionally reflective, with OnePlus “coating it with a mirror sheen, giving it the look and feel of ceramic.” While the coating means it picks up fingerprints quite easily, it’s also surprisingly grippy, allowing you to safely use the phone without a case. You’ll be wiping it down every few minutes, but when fresh and clean the phone looks incredible, and picks up on the strongest light source in the room.

Who should buy the Mirror Black OnePlus 6?

If you’re looking to get a OnePlus 6 that looks as far from a previous OnePlus device as possible, Mirror Black is where it’s at. Or, conversely, if you loved the short-lived OnePlus X (OnePlux), this is your only real option.

At the same time, given that the Mirror Black model is the only one offered at the $529 starting price, for 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, it should be considered the frugal pick.

Midnight Black

Midnight Black is the more traditional-looking variant of the OnePlus 6, harkening back to the halcyon days of the OnePlus 3T, where the “matte black everything” was all the rage. While this particular variant is covered in glass, it looks very much like metal, and offers a cleaner, more sophisticated look to the OnePlus 6.

It’s also available in both 128GB and 256GB variants, both of which have 8GB of RAM.

Who should buy the Midnight Black OnePlus 6?

If you long for the days when the OnePlus line was made of metal, the Midnight Black OnePlus 6 is the closest thing you’ll get. At the same time, it actually looks better than the metal versions because despite the matte underlay, the glass catches the light and looks really nice in almost any lighting condition.

That said, it’s not as striking as the Mirror Black model, so it’s easily covered in a case without regret.

Silk White

Only available in one storage combination — 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage — the limited-edition Silk White OnePlus 6 features a glass back, but underneath is a crushed pearl design that looks slightly pocked in the light. With rose gold accents, the Silk White OnePlus 6 is striking and unique, and will definitely be more coveted given its limited-edition nature.

Who should buy the Silk White OnePlus 6?

If you’re looking for the only OnePlus 6 color that actually has any color, Silk White is the obvious choice. If you enjoy rose gold, or just want a phone that looks a bit different, it’s the way to go.

At the same time, it’s possible, given the Silk White’s limited manufacturing run, that it may become something of a collector’s item, so you better get on it fast if you want one.

See at OnePlus

What’s your color?

Have you chosen a OnePlus 6 color? Are you lusting after the Silk White version? Let us know in the comments below!

Updated June 5, 2018: This article was updated to reflect the Silk White OnePlus 6 going on sale.

OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6 review
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: How much changes in six months?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?
• These are the official OnePlus 6 cases
• The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Verizon or Sprint
• Join the discussion in the forums

Add Ring’s 1080p Video Doorbell 2 to your home for only $169

Knock, knock. Who’s there?!

It’s no surprise that we are fans of Ring’s video doorbells around here, and that’s because they are kind of hard to beat for the money. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is probably the best value of all the doorbells, and at this newly-discounted price, it’s an even better one. It normally sells for $200, and rarely drops from that price.

It has a rechargeable battery so you can install it anywhere and it has the ability to be hardwired so you don’t need the battery, and it captures 1080p video. If you’re looking for the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Amazon has it down to just $211.65 for a limited time. The money you save on either of these can be used towards your first year of cloud storage so you can always access your videos.

See at Amazon

OnePlus Bullets Wireless review: Great affordable Bluetooth headphones for everyone

Leave it to OnePlus to make simply great Bluetooth earbuds you can use with any phone.

We’re well past the point of no return when it comes to removing headphone jacks from smartphones. High-end phones, in particular, have dropped the headphone jack as quickly as companies could get enough consumer research to show that it wouldn’t materially affect buying decisions. This has boosted an already-strong market for Bluetooth headphones of all shapes and sizes, as USB-C audio just hasn’t taken off and people would rather go wireless than deal with a bunch of dongles.

Most of the big smartphone makers also have a line of audio products, and you can buy Bluetooth headphones from dozens of known — and hundreds of unknown — companies. They run the gambit from cheap $20 pairs up to $300 and beyond for over-ear noise-cancelling cans. But leave it to OnePlus, which continues to include a headphone jack on its phones, to make a pair of sensible mid-range headphones — the Bullets Wireless, which go for just $69.

OnePlus Bullets Wireless

Price: $69

Bottom line: For just $69, which is only a little more than you’ll spend on a solid pair of wired earbuds, the Bullets Wireless are a great pair of Bluetooth headphones that work well with any phone and provide great value without trying to woo you with advanced features and tricks.

The Good

• Above-average sound quality
• Clever connect/disconnect with magnets
• Light and comfortable for neckbuds
• Simple USB-C charging
• Great price and value

The Bad

• Not particularly flashy or good looking
• Ear tips and hooks are basic
• Splash-resistant, not fully waterproof
• No Google Fast Pair pairing

See at OnePlus

Bluetooth earbuds for all

OnePlus Bullets Wireless What I like

If you’ve had a OnePlus phone or any of its accessories like chargers or wired headphones, you know what you’re getting into when it comes to the Bullets Wireless. These are simple and well-made from end to end, with quality higher than the price would suggest — from a hardware perspective, I wouldn’t balk if OnePlus had set the price at $89.

Dead-simple design focuses on comfort and ease of use.

OnePlus went with a modified neckbud design in that the Bullets Wireless don’t have a hard or fixed neck ring. It’s easily flexible, meaning it can expand and contract to fit around a large or small neck, or even around the collar of your jacket. It’s also very light, and the soft touch rubberized coating doesn’t get hung up on clothing or hair. The earbud cords don’t retract like some neckbud models from LG, but they’re long enough that your ears are never supporting the weight of the neck portion of the headphones — at the same time, they aren’t long enough to swing around and be annoying. As a result, the Bullets Wireless are very comfortable to wear.

The earbuds themselves are rather basic — they have a standard design to go in your ear, and they’re left/right ergonomic with a curve to better fit. There’s also a rubberized loop portion designed to help keep the earbud positioned in your ear and not yank out, but this is entirely removable if you don’t feel like you need the extra in-ear security. You get three sets of tips and loops, and once you go through the familiar guess-and-check method of finding the right combination, they feel fine. The fact that the earbuds are super small and light means there aren’t any bad pressure points, at least in my ears, but the earbud tips aren’t anything special — just generic rubberized material, and the only part of the experience that feels a bit on the cheap side.

OnePlus talks about some sort of “Energy Tube” for better sound, and I can’t really speak to the physics of all that. But I can say the earbuds sound really good. I didn’t experience any distortion problems with high volume or lots of bass. It’s clear to me that the 9.2 mm drivers are more capable than the quality of music you’re going to be sending them over a Bluetooth connection, though the aptX audio tries to give you as much wireless quality as possible. Oh, and that connection was always solid — I didn’t experience any unexpected cutouts or dropped connections.

Bullets Wireless sound great, have good battery life and thankfully just charge over USB-C.

There’s a regular in-line remote on the left earbud wire with dedicated volume up/down buttons and a play/pause button. You can do a press-and-hold on the center button to invoke Google Assistant (just like any other headphones), or do a quick double-press to skip tracks. After using touch-controlled earbuds recently, it’s so refreshing to be able to just reach up and press a button, without a second thought, to change the volume or pause.

And if you don’t want to even do that much, you can simply pull the earbuds out and snap them together. Soon as they get close, magnets in the back of the earbuds pull them together — that pauses your music and disconnects the earbuds. Separate them again, and they’ll re-connect to the last device you were using. There’s a power/pairing button along the left side of the neck, but it’s almost never necessary since the earbuds are always on and ready to go when you disconnect their magnets.

OnePlus quotes 8 hours of battery life for audio or 10.5 hours for calls, which matches my observations. That’s probably fine for most people in real-world use but will seem low if you’re used to larger neckbuds or over-ear headphones that offer 15 to 25 hours of listening. Unless you’re a heavy user you’ll probably be recharging these things every couple days, and it’s a painless experience because they use USB-C — you get a short cable in the box, but you can use any one you can get your hands on. And with just a 10 minute charge, the tiny batteries inside give you up to 5 hours of battery life again — easily assuaging your battery anxiety.

Not much wrong

OnePlus Bullets Wireless What’s not good

As a slight counterpoint to all of that simple design discussion, one could argue that people often use headphones as a fashion statement or an extension of their personal style, and the Bullets Wireless do basically nothing in this respect. They’re simple and all black save for a small red ring around the earbud. You could mistake these for any other generic pair of Bluetooth headphones you bought on Amazon for $25 from a random company you’ve never heard of. OnePlus interestingly didn’t even put its logo on the typical spot of the earbud endcaps, only putting a light grey printed logo on the left side of the neckbud and an embossed logo on the carrying case.

The design isn’t particularly unique or eye-catching, and that case sure is dopey looking.

The included silicone carrying case definitely stands out, being bright red and all, but the case is otherwise a little funky to me. It’s a good way to wrap up the earbuds and the included charging cable when you won’t be using them for a while and want to keep them safe in a bag, but it’s too big to be a daily-carry case and provides no other function. There’s no separate pouch for replacement earbud tips or loops, and the case lid simply closes with one magnet rather than some sort of seal or zipper — so it doesn’t keep dust or water out.

I shouldn’t be entirely surprised considering this is OnePlus we’re talking about here, but I’m slightly upset that the Bullets Wireless aren’t properly waterproof. Like the OnePlus 6 they’re merely splash-resistant, which means you’ll have no issues sweating all over them but you shouldn’t ever submerge them in water. While you somewhat understand not having an IP67 rating on a phone that has lots of components, it seems like a relatively trivial manner to get a real waterproof rating on something as simple as a pair of headphones. Not because I want to swim with my Bullets Wireless, but because I never want to have to worry about getting them too wet.

Lacking Google’s ‘Fast Pair’ system is an odd omission.

OnePlus touts the ability of the Bullets Wireless to auto-pair with modern OnePlus phones, which is neat, but that functionality unfortunately doesn’t extend to any other phone. It would’ve been great if OnePlus simply went with Google’s “Fast Pair” pairing system that’s compatible with almost all modern Android phones, and accomplishes the same goal. Aside from this restriction there’s nothing else proprietary about the Bullets Wireless, and they’re a great to use with any phone — why not keep the whole thing open? A small negative mark on what’s otherwise a great no-nonsense experience.

Great value, great headphones

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Review

For me, reviewing the Bullets Wireless is an interesting juxtaposition to the review of the Google Pixel Buds I just finished. At $69, the Bullets Wireless are less than half the price of the Pixel Buds, and in dropping the price have stripped away the “advanced” part of the equation — there are normal physical controls, a regular charging system, no fancy headline-grabbing features or any extra nonsense. But actually, that’s a good thing.

With the Bullets Wireless, every dollar you spend goes toward the things you actually care about with a pair of Bluetooth headphones: quality sound, simple design, good comfort and basic features executed properly. Sure the carrying case is a little dopey and they’re just splash-resistant, but those are small negatives compared to all of the advantages they have over both the super-cheap and high-end competition.

4.5
out of 5

For just $69, which is only a little more than you’ll spend on a solid pair of wired earbuds, the Bullets Wireless are a great pair of Bluetooth headphones that work well with any phone and provide great value without trying to woo you with advanced features and tricks.

See at OnePlus

These are the Chromebooks that can run Android and Linux apps

Android and Linux apps on your Chromebook is awesome.

Not every Chromebook available today was released with Android app support out of the box — these need to be updated after the fact to add Google Play support. Many will be updated, but are in a long testing process.

We all hate waiting. And we all hate updates that break things. Google and the people who made your Chromebook are trying to make sure everything is good and keep the wait time to a minimum, but still — we all hate waiting!

Things are progressing. Here’s the current state of Android on Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.

Android

Chromebooks with Android apps available in the stable channel

Make sure you have the latest version of Chrome and look in your settings if you don’t have a Play Store app. You can enable it there by checking the box.

Acer

• Acer Chromebook R11
• Acer Chromebook R13
• Acer Chromebook Spin 11
• Acer Chromebook 14 (CB3-431)
• Acer Chromebook 14 for Work
• Acer Chromebook 15 (CB3-532. CB5-571, C910)
• Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731, C731T)
• Acer Chromebook 11 (C771, C771T, C740)

ASUS

• ASUS Chromebook Flip C100PA
• ASUS Chromebook Flip C101PA
• ASUS Chromebook Flip C213
• ASUS Chromebook Flip C302
• ASUS Chromebook C202SA
• ASUS Chromebook C300SA / C301SA

Dell

• Dell Chromebook 11 (3180, 5190)
• Dell Chromebook 11 Convertible (3189, 5190)
• Dell Chromebook 13 (3380, 7310)

Google

• Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)
• Google Pixelbook

HP

• HP Chromebook 11 G5
• HP Chromebook 11 G5 EE
• HP Chromebook 11 G6
• HP Chromebook x360 11 EE
• HP Chromebook 13 G1
• HP Chromebook 14 G5

Lenovo

• Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook
• Lenovo N23 Chromebook
• Lenovo N23 Yoga Chromebook
• Lenovo IdeaPad N42 Chromebook
• Lenovo N22 Chromebook
• Lenovo N42 Chromebook
• Lenovo Thinkpad 11e Chromebook (Gen 3)
• Lenovo ThinkPad 11e Chromebook (Gen 4)
• Lenovo Thinkpad 11e Yoga Chromebook (Gen 4)
• Lenovo Thinkpad 13

Samsung

• Samsung Chromebook 3
• Samsung Chromebook Plus
• Samsung Chromebook Pro

Chromebooks with Android support in the beta channel

You’ll need to switch to the beta channel to enable Android support. Further instructions on switching channels can be found here.

• Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015)

Chrome devices that will be supported sometime in the future

These are the devices that will officially be updated to use Google Play. There is no word on when to expect the update, only that they will be supported.

Acer

• Chromebook 11 CB3-111 / C730 / C730E / CB3-131
• Chromebook 15 (CB3-531)
• Chromebox CXI2
• Chromebase 24

Asus

• Chromebook C200
• Chromebook C201PA
• Chromebook C300
• Chromebox CN62
• Chromebit CS10

Dell

• Chromebook 11 3120

HP

• Chromebook 11 G3 / G4 / G4 EE
• Chromebook 14 G4

Lenovo

• 100S Chromebook
• N20 / N20P Chromebook
• N21 Chromebook
• ThinkCentre Chromebox
• Thinkpad 11e Chromebook Gen 2
• Thinkpad 11e Yoga Chromebook

Samsung

• Chromebook 2 11″ – XE500C12

Toshiba

• Chromebook 2

Linux

Chromebooks with Linux app support available in the developer channel

Google

• Google Pixelbook

Samsung

• Samsung Chromebook Plus (apps complied only for x86 systems won’t work)

Updated June 2018: Cleaned up the list and added a new section for Linux app support!

We will continue to monitor the list and add any new Chromebooks that Google notes will support the feature.

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Chromebooks in education: Everything you need to know
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Chromebook Buyers Guide
• Google Pixelbook review
• Join our Chromebook forums

3 Great Keyboards for your Samsung Tab S3

Working and messaging are made even easier with a compatible keyboard.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is the best tablet you can buy in 2018, but if you want to get more done on your Galaxy Tab S3, you’re going to want a Bluetooth keyboard.

The best come built into a case, which is what we’ve highlighted below!

• Samsung Keyboard Cover
• Fintie Keyboard Case with S Pen Holder
• Cooper Cases Backlit Keyboard Case

Samsung Keyboard Cover

We’ll start with Samsung’s own Bluetooth keyboard cover which is designed to snap onto the built-in POGO pin connectors on the tablet itself. Whereas other cases rely on a Bluetooth connection for connecting the keyboard, Samsung’s is a direct connection which should result in the most responsive typing.

The cover folds back to become a handy stand so you can type comfortably on your lap or on a table. When you’re not typing away, the cover provides protection for your screen.

Samsung’s keyboard cover is lightweight, adding very little bulk to your Tab S3, so your tablet remains as portable as ever and even more convenient. The keyboard is so thin that you’d hardly know there was a keyboard tucked in there with the case closed.

This case is available in multiple color options at Samsung for $130, or you can get it on Amazon for just $72.

See at Amazon

Fintie Keyboard Case with S Pen Holder

Fintie is known for making quality affordable accessories and their keyboard case for the Galaxy Tab S3 is a great value.

This folio-style case is slim and made of a leather-like finish that’s available in traditional colors or with some more stylish print styles. The Bluetooth keyboard is made with hard plastic with spring mechanisms under each key providing that tactile feedback that makes a HUGE difference for typing accuracy.

The keyboard is removable for the times when you might not want to carry it around and the case also includes a stylus holder for your S Pen or another stylus.

Get this functional keyboard case for your Tab S3 in a variety of cool styles for just $31.

See at Amazon

Cooper Cases Backlit Keyboard Case

This Cooper Case keyboard cover is a universal product that’s designed to fit any tablet around the same size as the 9.7-inch Galaxy Tab S3. the tablet is held in place with brackets that wrap around the corners and hold it securely.

But the real hero here is the Bluetooth keyboard which features backlit keys so you can work easier at night, and also includes 14 shortcut keys specifically for controlling different Android functions. You’re able to change the backlight color and you won’t need to charge the keyboard too often with 100 hours of usage on a single charge.

The case itself includes a kickstand and comes in your choice of four colors. Get this stylish case with a backlit Bluetooth keyboard for just $45.

See at Amazon

What do you use?

Are you using a great keyboard cover with your 9.7-inch Tab S3? If it’s not on our list and you think it’s tops, sound off in the comments below!

watchOS 5 Beta Adds ‘Edit’ Button to Control Center for Adjusting Icon Layout

Testers of the new watchOS 5 Beta that Apple released yesterday have discovered a new function that allows Apple Watch users to change the arrangement of icons in the Control Center menu, which is accessed by swiping up on a watch face.

As shown in this image shared by Reddit user brooksdbrewer, the option appears as an Edit button when you scroll down to the bottom of the Control Center menu. Tapping the button then allows you to drag the icons around into a new arrangement – placing the icons you most often use up to the top of the menu, for instance.

So for example, if you use Theater Mode frequently, you could locate the associated icon next to the battery percentage icon at the top, and move the Ping iPhone icon to the bottom of the menu to prevent accidental taps. Likewise, you could drop the Expel Water icon right to the bottom of the screen if you never use it.

Whether or not the Control Center’s new Edit function makes it to the final public release of watchOS 5, due in the fall, remains to be seen. However, there are plenty of other features to look forward to, including Activity Competitions so you can compete on workouts with friends, Automatic Workout Detection and new Workout types, a new Walkie-Talkie app, and more.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4Tag: watchOS 5Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
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Game Devs Express New Fears Over Future of Mac Gaming as Apple Deprecates OpenGL and OpenCL in macOS Mojave

Yesterday at WWDC 2018, Apple revealed macOS Mojave, which is set to bring users a Dark Mode, redesigned Mac App Store, organizable Stacks, streamlined screenshots, and more when it launches wide in the fall. Alongside the new features, Apple has confirmed that it is deprecating OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) and OpenCL (Open Computing Language) in favor of Metal.

This means that apps built using OpenGL and OpenCL will still run in Mojave, but they will no longer be updated after macOS 10.14 launches. Apple encourages games and “graphics-intensive apps” built with OpenGL to adopt Metal ahead of Mojave’s launch, and apps that use OpenCL for computational tasks “should now adopt Metal and Metal Performance Shaders.”

Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration is one of the latest Mac games to run on Metal
Launched four years ago, Metal is Apple’s own 3D graphic and programming interface that combines the functions of OpenGL and OpenCL under a singular API. In explaining the move of deprecating the “legacy technologies” of OpenGL and OpenCL, Apple said that “Metal avoids the overhead inherent in legacy technologies and exposes the latest graphics processing functionality” of GPUs found in devices across iOS, macOS, and tvOS.

Although Apple’s decision to deprecate the older technology in favor of its own graphics API may not be surprising, some game developers have begun criticizing Apple for the move, particularly how it affects the future of gaming on Mac. Notably, OpenGL is an open-source, cross-platform solution that made it simple for developers to build games on both Mac and PC at the same time, providing some parity to a platform that many have agreed is lacking as a gaming hub.

Since “many games and apps continue to use OpenGL,” particularly those that released prior to Metal in 2014, the shift to Metal-focused development is leaving Mac developers worried about any potential to grow as a gaming platform (via PC Gamer). Game developer Sam Loeschen tweeted that he feels “conflicted” about the decision, calling Metal a “really, really good” graphics API but admitting that “this decision alienates macOS further as a gaming platform.”

Speaking with PC Gamer, game designer Rami Ismail said that while “it’s not doomsday,” it appears that Apple is preparing for such an occasion in regards to fully terminating OpenGL/OpenCL on Mac. He explained that for now, “the worst that’s going to happen” is that parts of old apps will “break,” and pointed out that lacking a single cross-platform graphics API is a “pain” and “not very good for developer confidence” in Apple.

“With deprecation, abandonment can vary from ‘soon’ to ‘never’, so until we have information on that, we can’t really say,” he said. “All we know is Apple seems to have shown intent to rid itself of OpenGL in favor of its own graphics API, Metal. The problem with Metal is very similar to the problem with DirectX: it’s not cross-platform.

“It’s not doomsday, it’s more like Apple building a giant EMP machine and saying ‘we might or might not use this.’ The worst that’s going to happen is old stuff will break, and our engines and libraries will grow a bit to support both Direct3D and Metal. Not having a clear guideline for future actions Apple might take in this regard isn’t very good for developer confidence, I’d guess, and not having a single cross-platform graphics API is just a pain.”

More developers and programmers chimed in on the news to PC Gamer, including Alex Austin, who ultimately said that while he likes to develop on Mac to “support fans if I can,” he’s most likely “not going to spend any time on Metal because Macs are a pretty small percentage of the market and really probably not worth it even now.”

Related Roundups: iMac, macOS MojaveBuyer’s Guide: iMac (Don’t Buy)
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