Huawei MediaPad M5 now available in the U.S. for $319 and up

You can buy it at Amazon and Newegg.

Android tablets are an ugly duck in 2018, with most OEMs leaving them in the dust to focus on bigger and better things. Huawei is one of the few companies that continues to kick out Android-powered tabs, and its latest series — the MediaPad M5 — is now available in the United States.

We got an early look at the MediaPad M5 during MWC in February, and it’s available in 8.4-inch and 10.8-inch flavors. No matter which screen size you choose, the M5 tablets are powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 960 processor and 4GB RAM with 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card).

You’ll also find a 13MP camera on the back of the tablets, an 8MP front-facing one, and Android 8.0 Oreo with EMUI 8.0.

Both models also share the same resolution of 2560 x 1600 despite their different screen sizes, but the 10.8-inch model has a much larger battery at 7,500 mAh compared to the 8.4-inch one’s 5,100 mAh unit.

If you’re interested, The MediaPad M5 8.4-inch costs $319 while the 10.8-inch model goes for $359. Huawei’s also selling a Pro variant of the 10.8-inch M5 ($449) that comes with the Huawei M Pen Stylus and a keyboard dock that enables a custom desktop UI to help you stay as productive as can be.

The MediaPad M5 is available now from Amazon and Newegg.

See at Amazon

Vivo NEX hands-on preview: One step closer to a bezel-less future

Here’s a look at the next evolution of smartphone hardware.

Vivo isn’t a name we hear about in Western markets, but it’s a huge force in India and China — and most of us were introduced to the brand when it showed off a crazy concept phone at MWC 2018. It had tiny bezels, an in-display fingerprint sensor, a pop-up camera and all sorts of futuristic tech. We thought there was no way this would make it to market in any form.

Less than four months later, here we are — Vivo has just announced the NEX, which is effectively a refined and improved version of the Apex concept phone, but this time it’s a real product.

In a world of increasingly homogenous high-end smartphone design where every company seems to have settled on the same metal-and-glass look, Vivo is trying some crazy stuff to differentiate the NEX. It all starts with the display: Vivo claims it’s “truly bezel-less,” but in reality that’s kind of a misnomer — not because Vivo is being deceptive, but because there will always be a bezel of some size where the display meets the frame. And there’s a bezel here, it’s just absolutely tiny.

This is as close to bezel-less as we’re going to get for a while.

Bezels of 2.16 mm on top, 5.0 mm on the bottom and 1.71 mm on the sides push the screen-to-body ratio over 91%, meaning Vivo could get this 6.59-inch display into a phone that’s large but not too oversized. Compare that ratio to something like the Essential Phone, which sits at 85%, or the Galaxy S9+ at 84%. Although it passes the eye test, the numbers back it up as well — the NEX really does have absolutely tiny screen bezels. You also won’t find a display notch here, which is something Vivo is also happy to point out.

So how does Vivo do it? Well, it starts with three technologies: a pop-up front-facing camera, sensors embedded in the display, and removing the traditional earpiece speaker.

The pop-up camera, or “elevating front camera” as Vivo calls it, is still the coolest trick I’ve seen in a smartphone in a long time. As soon as you switch to the front-facing camera, the module holding an 8MP sensor swiftly pops up from the top of the phone. The action is smooth and quick, completing in about a second, and Vivo rates the component for at least 50,000 actions. The micro-step motor inside is capable of lifting 500 grams of weight, so there’s no need to worry about it giving out if you happen to bump it while it’s extended.

All you get is screen — no notch, no sensors or anything else.

Instead of a rear- or side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Vivo has once again stuck with the differentiating feature of an in-display sensor. This is the third generation of the sensor technology, which Vivo says is both faster and more accurate than the one it rolled out earlier this year. Recognition accuracy is up 50% thanks to a wider recognition area, and overall unlocking time has improved by 10%. And that’s a good thing, because these optical sensors under the display panel have consistently been much slower than the lightning-quick capacitive sensors we’re all used to in modern phones.

Vivo has a handful of tricks for hiding the rest of the sensors that are traditionally found on the top bezel or in a display notch. The proximity sensor has been integrated into the display panel, and is nestled in the 2.16 mm top bezel.

There’s no traditional earpiece speaker here either — that’s been replaced by a bone conduction-style tech that uses the entire display to transmit sound to your ear. That’s technology we’ve seen before in various executions, typically in rugged phones that want to reduce points of ingress. And speaking of ingress, there’s no water resistance rating here — with that pop-up camera, it’s going to be extremely difficult to keep liquids out.

Now, how about the rest of the phone that isn’t display? This is hardly a boring device to look at. There’s a super-glossy coated metal frame that’s rounded off to a near-seamless transition to a 3D curved glass back that’s gorgeous to look at. Depending on the angle and lighting the color shifts from blue to black to purple to grey, and there’s a tiny geometric pattern that creates refractions of rainbows at various angles. The only break in that delightful patterned back is the camera arrangement, which highly reminiscent of both the iPhone X and Huawei P20 Pro.

While it looks textured, it isn’t — and to that point it’s just as fingerprinty as any other glass-backed phone. There’s a soft touch-coated hard case in the box, though, which I suspect many owners will make use of just to get a good handle on the NEX — even though it covers up a delightfully designed exterior.

Despite the huge display and awesome pop-up camera, there are very few oddities to the layout of the NEX. Buttons are placed where you expect and work just fine, the USB-C port is dead center on the bottom, there’s a traditional loudspeaker, and you even get a regular 3.5 mm headphone jack on the top.

Vivo NEX specs

High-end specs aplenty — except for water resistance.

Internally the NEX has all of the typical high-end specs: a Snapdragon 845 processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage. A 4000mAh battery inside is above-average in size for this segment, and there’s even a headphone jack. Charging happens over USB-C, and not wireless charging despite the glass back.

In the rear camera department, we’re looking at a 12MP dual pixel sensor with OIS and an f/1.8 aperture lens. There’s a secondary 5MP sensor with f/2.4 lens used primarily for portrait mode effects. I obviously haven’t had time to do any testing, but all of the right hardware is here for good photos — and hopefully the quality is there considering how great the high-end competition is.

This is my first time really looking at Vivo’s software, which carries the cringe-inducing name of “Funtouch OS 4.0” and isn’t demonstrably changed on the NEX from its other recent phone offerings. Like every other company Vivo is touting a whole bunch of AI features, including the “Jovi Smart” assistant and tons of other smarts throughout the system. Remember that because this phone is launching in mainland China it doesn’t have any Google apps or services, so the inclusion of its own smart assistive features make sense for Vivo. Now if this phone were to launch outside of China, such as in Hong Kong or India, perhaps it wouldn’t be received in the same way.

The NEX is also launching on Android 8.1 Oreo (and the June 1 security patch), which is a big move for Vivo considering how many of its phones have launched (and remained) on extremely old versions of Android. How much of that fresh software continues into the future of course remains to be seen, because getting platform updates out the door has also not been a strong suit for the company.

This is also the most faithful recreation of iOS I’ve seen, blowing away Huawei’s and Xiaomi’s attempts. The launcher, buttons, font, animations, colors … it’s a dead ringer for iOS 11. Every single app looks the same, there’s no app drawer in the launcher, there’s a control center accessed from the bottom of the screen — it’s downright shameless. I’m not at all a fan of this approach to software design, but the least I can say is this is a dedicated and extremely well-executed interface. I’m sure this software sells phones in China, but it wouldn’t fly in many markets around the world.

Vivo’s launching the NEX in China, and at this point doesn’t have anything to say about Western markets. And even with all of this crazy hardware, the NEX is going on sale for ¥5,000 (about $780). There will also be a slightly cheaper ¥4,498 ($700) model with only 128GB of storage, and a more mid-range version with the new Snapdragon 710 processor for ¥3,898 ($610) — this isn’t some unattainable phone that nobody can afford.

But despite its limited release to a single (albeit massive) market, I’m excited to see some actual interesting hardware innovation coming out of this company. Just having good-looking and well-made hardware isn’t enough anymore, you need to do something unique — and Vivo has certainly raised the bar in that respect.

Google Home can now handle up to three commands at once

More natural phrasing for commands is live, too.

In late-November last year, Google made it much easier to issue multiple commands/questions to your Google Home by allowing you to perform two actions at once. Now, that functionality is expanding even more with support for up to three commands.

Google made this announcement on its Made By Google Twitter page, and at the time of publication, it’s rolling out to users across the United States. Now, you can ask about the weather, check your calendar, and turn on the kitchen lights while only saying “Ok, Google” once.

Additionally, as noted by Android Police, it would appear that the Multiple Actions feature is live, too. Announced at I/O this past May, Multiple Actions allows you to issue multiple commands in a much more natural way. For example, instead of saying “Ok, Google, what’s the weather in New York and what’s the weather in San Francisco?”, you can simply say “Ok, Google, what’s the weather in New York and San Francisco?”.

These two new features, while small on their own, should make talking to your Google Home a lot more natural. Support for three commands and Multiple Actions are both live on my regular Home and Home Mini, but if they’re not working for you yet, be sure to keep trying over the next couple days.

What’s new in Google Home and Assistant at Google I/O 2018

Google Home

• Google Home review
• Google Home Mini: Everything you need to know!
• Google Home Max review
• These services work with Google Home
• Google Home vs. Amazon Echo
• Join our Google Home forums!

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How to get started with Android Things

Android Things can help bring out your inner Maker. Here’s how to get started.

Android Things just might be one of Google’s best projects ever. Designed to help build small embedded smart “things” by being simple and consistent, it’s a great way to get started with any type of small connected project even if you’ve never done any type of programming before.

It can run on low cost hardware and has great support material to point you in the right direction no matter what your dreaming of building. I have been looking at it for a few weeks and think it’s where everyone with any interest in building cool tech and not just using it needs to start.

Maybe the best part is that at its core it is just Android. The same Android that runs on over a billion phones, countless tablets, watches, televisions and most any other small smart thing you can imagine. Learn by doing with Android Things’ great tutorials and you will be well on your way to understand how writing apps for Android is done. You don’t need to have dreams of being a successful Android app developer — it’s a great way to learn even if you just want to learn. Best of all, getting started takes just a few simple steps.

Android Things: Everything you need to know about Google’s plan to disrupt IoT

What you need: Hardware

You don’t need a Christmas dog blanket to work with Android Things, but it doesn’t hurt anything if you have one.

To get to work at development with Android Things you need a few basic pieces of hardware. For starters, you’re going to need a computer. It doesn’t have to be a fancy computer, only powerful enough to run Android Studio. Any modern Windows PC or laptop will be fine, as will any Intel Mac or a Linux PC.

Many years ago, I started fooling with Android development on a small Acer Netbook I had lying around, and it was more than enough on the hardware side. Of course, a powerful PC will cut down on the time it takes to compile your creations, but you don’t need one.

You don’t need a lot of expensive hardware to get started.

At the other end, you’ll need some hardware that can run Android Things.

If you’re familiar with small single-board-computers and tinkering around, you can get started with a stand-alone PICO-IMX7-AT board or a Raspberry Pi 3. I love the Raspberry Pi because it has such broad support and is adaptable to do almost anything, but if you’re more serious about building smart embedded projects the Pico is a better choice because it also has Alexa development support.

An even better choice is to spend $200 and buy a complete Android Things developer kit. You’ll not only get the Pico board, but also a 5-inch multitouch display, an HD camera, a Pimoroni Rainbow HAT and all the cables and fasteners to put it together. These are the same kits Google gave to attendees at Google I/O 2018, and they’re great. It’s worth spending a bit more to get everything you need as well as have the exact hardware used in all the demos and tutorials.

What you need: Software

Every piece of software you need to develop for Android Things is free. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, only that the developers of it want you to be able to use it and aren’t charging anything.

It consists of three parts: the Android Things image for your development hardware, Android Studio for your computer, and an Android companion app to get your system up and running and connected to Wi-Fi if you’re using the kit from Google.

All the software you need to develop for Android Things is free.

Android Studio is the very same Android Studio that app developers for Android phones use. It has a few basic requirements, and you already have those installed if you’re using Windows or macOS.

If you’re installing on Linux you’ll need a few basic dependencies that you probably already are using. You can download Android Studio from the Google Developers website, and it installs like any other program. You’ll also find full instructions about setting up your development environment after the installer walks you through getting set up.

Android Things is available as a pre-built image from Google at the Android Things portal. Google provides updates and patches you can install so using the pre-built image is a good idea. If you purchased a developer kit, you already have the software you need to get started installed to the board. You’ll also want to sign up for your own Android Things dev console to help fetch and send data through the Google Cloud. If you didn’t buy a kit, the dev console has the tool you need to flash the latest build of Android Things to your board.

It’s also a great idea to install the Android Things companion app to your phone. If you bought a kit, you’ll need it to get set up and connected to a network. You can find it at Google Play.

Next stop: Anywhere

Believe it or not, that is everything you need to develop for the Android Things platform. If you’re familiar with software development, you have a good idea of where to go next, but most people aren’t familiar. That’s OK because Android Things was designed to be the thing that will teach you.

Google provides a complete tutorial to get started once everything is put together.

This is why I love the Android Things platform. You have a handful of hardware that can tell you the temperature, but no idea where to go next once you have everything connected. Google has an awesome tutorial that takes you through the basics (making an LED light up) to advanced techniques in its Android Things training docs.

You can use these tutorials with any development hardware so if you didn’t get a kit you can still learn whats what and how to make it all happen. You’re walked through the I/O pins and what each is used for (and even what they are if you are starting from scratch!) and told exactly how to connect any hardware and have complete code examples available.

Completing the Android Things training Google Provides gives you everything you need to know to get started building apps as well as familiarity with embedded computing and how other peripheral hardware works. It’s wonderful no matter what your skill level is.

I know most people are more interested in using cool gadgets than they are making them. But if you have even a passing interest in IoT / mobile application development or embedded hardware, Android Things is a great way to learn more and something you should have a look at.

Pre-order your favorite games from E3 and get 20% off with Amazon Prime

Play all the games!

As more companies share E3 announcements, one thing we know for sure: this year’s E3 is all about games. We’ve seen plenty of games announced already, from indie projects to hundred-million-dollar AAA blockbusters. Sony revealed more of the beautiful and amazing The Last of Us: Part II and a sequel to the action role-playing game Nioh among other games. Although those two are still a ways off, there are plenty of other PlayStation E3 games you can pre-order on Amazon. If you’re an Amazon Prime member you can get a 20% discount for pre-ordering as well, even without knowing the official release date. The pre-order bonus only works on standard versions of the game, bringing the prices down to $47.99 from the normal $60.

If you’re a My Best Buy member instead, slide over to Best Buy where you can get a $10 gift card with any pre-orders available.

I don’t always recommend pre-ordering E3 video games, and that’s a sentiment shared with a lot of sites like Polygon, Wired, and Kotaku. Partially because many of these games are a year or two away from even being released and partially because what you’re seeing at E3 isn’t necessarily what the final product will even look like. There are a few other reasons, too, but if you’re really interested in some of these games there are definitely a few that can’t miss. With pre-ordering you’re guaranteed the price you pay, even if something changes between now and release, and of course you can cancel at any time.

Some games just fall into that category of “too big to fail” because they’re genre-defining and made by huge companies. Fallout 76 (PC/PS4/Xbox) and Kingdom Hearts III (PS4/Xbox) are can’t miss options. If you’re interested in those IPs, you know the games are going to be worth playing. Plus, pre-ordering Fallout 76 gets you access to the multiplayer beta.

Other games like the Resident Evil 2 remake and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (PS4/Xbox) are known entities. They are games that you know and love from franchises you understand. Chances are if you are already into Resident Evil, you’ll play the new one when it releases, so you might as well save money now.

Then there are a few games like Rage 2 (PC/PS4/Xbox) and Just Cause 4 (PS4/Xbox) where it doesn’t really matter if they’re bad or not because they’ll be a crap-ton of fun regardless.

You need a Prime membership to take advantage of the pre-order bonus, but you can sign up for the free 30-day trial and use it if you want to.

Check out all the other games you can pre-order right now. E3 continues throughout the week and Amazon will certainly add more as they are announced.

See on Amazon

Cyberpunk 2077 for PlayStation 4: Everything we know so far

If you want to know all there is to know about Cyberpunk 2077, then this is the place to be!

High fantasy has long maintained a stranglehold on the world or RPGs. As a die-hard fan of science fiction, I have always wanted more deep sci-fi experiences in my video games. Don’t get me wrong, I play the heck out of some fantasy, but every time a major title gets announced in a sci-fi world, I get excited.

When at E3 this year, we got a nice solid look at Cyberpunk 2077, my sensors went wild. If you’re like me and you can’t wait to find out more about Cyberpunk 2077, then you can check it all out here.

What is Cyberpunk 2077?

Cyberpunk 2077 is being developed by CD Projekt Red. This is the same group of folks that absolutely knocked it out of the park with The Witcher 3. As development wound down on the various Witcher expansions, the team’s considerable talents were turned toward the dystopian sci-fi title. If CD Projekt Red uses the same care and attention they did with The Witcher 3 and puts it into Cyberpunk 2077, then we could be in store for one heck of a game.

A little background

Cyberpunk 2077 is based on a pen and paper roleplaying game created by Mike Pondsmith in 1988. When the original pen and paper game was released it was called Cyberpunk 2020 and it borrowed heavily from 60’s sci-fi writers like Philip K Dick and Harlan Ellison. However, much of the vibe was gleaned from the works of William Gibson, who many point to as a founding father of the genre.

As far as Cyberpunk 2077 goes, we are fortunate that CD Projekt Red dumped a single frame easter egg into the trailer, which gives us some tantalizing tidbits about the forthcoming game. First of all, they call it a “true single player, story-driven RPG”. When it comes to DLC, it seems that we can expect it to be free as we can, “expect nothing less than you got with Witcher 3”. They are not yet willing to divulge map size but they won’t start talking about pre-orders or asking anything of us until they can tell us the size. Finally, Red takes a swipe at microtransaction culture when they say, “In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?”

The story so far

We are looking at a classic dystopian cyberpunk future. Think Bladerunner with a lot more mohawks. This sci-fi world will be set in Night City, California where massive mega-corporations have taken control of everyone’s lives.

Life on the street of Night City is marked by every illegal activity imaginable and a whole lot that can only be thought up in the mind of a sci-fi writer. There are so many stories from which to glean ideas and color that it would be hard to imagine that they should ever be at a loss when it comes to making this kind of world feel real.

When will Cyberpunk 2077 be released?

Despite the fact that we have seen a lot more and know a bit more it seems that we are going to have to continue to play the waiting game. CD Projekt Red only asserts that they will, “release the game when it’s ready”.

I am not going to hold my breath because I would never live to see this game released, but I will be keeping my sensors set to listen mode.

As more comes out about this game we will be sure to keep you in the loop and update you here.

PlayStation 4

• PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
• PlayStation VR Review
• Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome

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The best over-the-air streaming box, according to CordCutters.com

Clockwise, from bottom left: AirTV, Tablo, and HDHomerun.

HDHomerun, Tablo and AirTV are great options — but one stands out above the others.

Whether you use Android TV or Apple TV, or Roku or Amazon Fire TV, or Xbox or PlayStation, one things remains true — streaming video often leaves a hole where your local channels used to be. While that’s gotten a little better in recent years, streaming a local channels generally isn’t as good, quality-wise (and certainly isn’t as free) as using an over-the-air antenna.

And making these antennas even better is the ability to hook them up to an over-the-air streaming box. You plug in the antenna, plug the box into your network, and fire up an app. Then you can watch your local channels on your Android phone. Or your iPhone. Or your iPad or Fire TV or Apple TV or Xbox or … You get the idea.

There are three main players in this space. HDHomerun, Tablo, and AirTV. Each has its merits. Each has its annoyances.

But in the end, one stood out above the others and is CordCutters.com’s pick for the best over-the-air streaming box.

Read: The best OTA streaming box according to CordCutters.com

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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 12, 2018 — The OnePlus 6 in Silk White is back on sale for a limited time!

If you missed out on the opportunity to grab a sexy OnePlus 6 in sexy Silk White, now’s your chance — though it will probably sell out pretty quickly.

See at OnePlus

June 6, 2018 —Bullets Wireless earphones and Silk White OnePlus 6 sell out in 24 hours

Just 24 hours after they were made available for purchase, both the $69 Bullets Wireless earphones and $579 Silk White OnePlus 6 both sold out.

If you didn’t get a chance to grab either of these yesterday, OnePlus says the Silk White OP6 will be back in stock on June 12 with the Bullets Wireless following shortly after.

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?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 3T & 3: 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, and here’s a breakdown of which one to buy.

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 is selling out fast. 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’s only available in the 8GB / 128GB configuration for $579, and once the run is sold out, OnePlus is not making any more.

What color OnePlus 6 should you buy?

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

Pick up a year of MLB.TV for $50 and watch it on a discounted streaming stick

Don’t strike out this Father’s Day.

For a limited time, you can grab a one-year MLB.TV subscription for just $49.99, which is more than 50% off its regular price. The All Teams package normally sells for $115.99 per year or $24.99 a month. If you only care about one team, you can grab the Single Team subscription for $39.99, a savings of $50 compared to its normal price. There’s still plenty of the 2018 baseball season to enjoy, especially since the World Series doesn’t begin until October 23.

The best part is that you can stream MLB.TV on a wide variety of devices, including the Xbox One, Roku, Apple TV, and more. If you really want to earn some extra points this Father’s Day, pair the discounted subscription with some discounted streaming hardware to make a complete package. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is down to $29.99 and the 4K version is only $49.99. The Roku Express is only $29.99, but for $10 more you can step up to the more powerful Roku Streaming Stick. The Xbox One S is down to $199.99 for a limited time as well.

DIRECTV NOW has a pair of streaming offers as well, and this adds another layer to your gift. Pre-paying for one-month of service (just $35) gets you a free Roku Streaming Stick, and pre-paying for three months ($105) can score you an Apple TV 4K.

You can’t go wrong with any of these options, but with Father’s Day rapidly approaching, you won’t want to wait long before getting your order in.

Best Heavy Duty Cases for Moto G6

Keep your Moto G6 well-protected with one of these heavy duty cases!

The Moto G6 is a great option for anyone on a budget. Despite its budget pricing, the Moto G6 sure looks premium with Motorola opting for a glass back on this phone.

For that reason alone you might be more inclined to buy a heavy duty case to keep your phone safe from harm, but especially if your work requires you to use your phone in situations where you might drop your phone on concrete or other harsh surfaces.

We’ve rounded up the best heavy-duty cases for your Moto G6!

Check out our roundup of the best cases overall for the Moto G6

• Poetic Revolution Full-Body Heavy Duty Case
• NageBee Heavy Duty Case w/ Holster
• Cimo Carbon Armor Case
• OEAGO Shockproof Defender Case
• Spigen Rugged Armor Case

Poetic Revolution Full-Body Heavy Duty Case

Poetic is a case maker known for its unique cases that blend heavy-duty protection with sleek design elements and its Revolution case for the Moto G6 is a great place to start for the Moto G6.

This two-piece case offers 360-degree protection that includes a built-in screen protector along with a case that combines rugged polycarbonate with shock-absorbing TPU. There are dust flaps covering the ports to prevent dirt and pocket lint from getting into your phone, while the exterior of the case is covered in accents that help with grip and give it a unique look.

You can get this case in your choice of three colors for just $17.

See at Amazon

NageBee Heavy Duty Case w/ Holster

Often the added bulk of a heavy duty case makes it hard to carry the phone in your pocket, which is why you often see the most heavy duty cases coming with a belt clip holster — as is the case with this NageBee Heavy Duty case.

This case combines a TPU inner sleeve with a rugged polycarbonate shell that features a pop-out kickstand for hands-free media viewing. The design of this case allows for the TPU to come through the sides, which will provide you with a bit of extra grip and it’s available in a camo finish for the outdoorsy types. Use the included holster if you need quick access to your phone in the field but want to ensure that it’s kept safe when not in use.

Not a fan of the camo finish? This case is also available in black for the same low price of just $10.

See at Amazon

Cimo Carbon Armor Case

From here on, we’ll be highlighting rugged cases that are a bit more sleek and manageable. Cimo has you covered with its Carbon Armor case.

This dual-layer case features a rugged outer shell combined with a silicone sleeve that features a carbon fiber finish along the top and bottom of the case. There’s a cutout for the camera and also the Motorola logo for those who care about branding, and everything is designed to keep your Moto G6 well protected and functional.

You can get this case for just $8 with three color styles available.

See at Amazon

OEAGO Shockproof Defender Case

This case from OEAGO basically a triple-layer case that offers you excellent protection for your G6.

It starts with a robust TPU sleeve, which is wrapped by a polycarbonate shell, which is then plated with another layer of TPU complete with a grippy texture to ensure your phone doesn’t slip off the table or out of your hand.

It all adds up to a pretty solid case available in multiple color options and just happens to be among the most affordable on this list at just $8.

See at Amazon

Spigen Rugged Armor Case

Spigen’s Rugged Armor case is my go-to case style for any new phone, so we’ll definitely recommend it here for the Moto G6.

It’s got that carbon fiber finish at the top and bottom with a matte finish elsewhere, along with Spigen’s air cushion technology in the corners to help absorb impacts. It’s a slim, one-piece case that might not appear as rugged as the other cases on this list, but looks can be deceiving — this case is the real deal!

You can check this one-piece case out for a low $11!

See at Amazon

What’s your favorite heavy duty case?

Which of these cases we’ve highlighted caught your eye? Got a fave that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below!

Moto G6, G6 Plus and G6 Play

• Moto G6 Plus review: Mastering the art of the mid-range phone
• Moto G6 review: Finding success in compromise
• Moto G6, G6 Play, and G6 Plus specs
• Join our Moto G6 forums

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