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27
Jun

The BlackBerry KEY2 is MrMobile’s next phone (for better or worse)


It takes a special combination of keyboard clacker, nostalgia buff and privacy seeker to carry a BlackBerry in 2018. In one respect that makes the reviewer’s job simple, boiling it down to the simple calculus of “do you want a keyboard? If yes, buy this phone.” Last year’s BlackBerry KEYone earned my recommendation based largely on that distinction – and in spite of some software sluggishness that ultimately ousted the device from my daily rotation.

The BlackBerry KEY2 corrects for that shortfall while upgrading the specs and introducing a much more refined fit and finish. Also, the keyboard has been totally re-worked, with larger keys bearing a new matte finish and a button dedicated exclusively to the kind of multitasking that power users demand. Those improvements are welcome, as is the retention of the previous model’s outstanding battery life. But the display is the same dim panel from last year, and the camera, for all its dual-lens trickery, ultimately fails to impress. That wouldn’t be as big a problem if BlackBerry weren’t asking $649 for this device, but it is. That’s the same price as a Google Pixel 2, over a hundred dollars more than the OnePlus 6. The question then becomes: is It worth it anyway?

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of snapping up the best BlackBerry in years, lend a click to the BlackBerry KEY2 Review above. Then, let me know which way you’re leaning (or how much you’re enjoying your new KEY2) in the comments below!

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27
Jun

Google Pixel 3: News, Rumors, Release Date, Specs, and more!


Everything we know about what’ll likely be one of the year’s best phones.

Google first introduced its Pixel series in 2016, and since then, has been hard at work to establish itself as a serious player in the smartphone market. Google may be one of the most powerful and iconic companies in the world, but when it comes to hardware, is still very much a newcomer.

We saw vast improvements with the Pixel 2 compared to the original Pixel line, and we’re expecting to get that again with the Pixel 3. Google’s quickly learning what it takes to compete with the likes of Samsung and Apple, and seeing as how the Pixel 2 was one of 2017’s best phones, there’s a lot riding on this year’s entry.

Ladies and gentlemen, here’s everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 3.

The latest Pixel 3 news

June 27, 2018 — Pixel 3 and 3 XL renders show the phones from every possible angle

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As if previous leaks of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL haven’t been revealing enough, MySmartPrice teamed up with OnLeaks to share a boatload of both photo and video renders of the two phones.

These renders confirm a lot of what we’ve previously seen, including things like an all-glass back for both phones, single rear cameras, and a notch on the larger Pixel 3 XL.

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However, while earlier rumors suggested that only the 3 XL would have two front-facing cameras, these renders show that the regular Pixel 3 will have them, too.

The Pixel 3’s display is said to measure in at 5.4-inches with an 18:9 aspect ratio, whereas the Pixel 3 XL will have a 6.2-inch screen and 19:9 setup. As for the dimensions, we’re looking at 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9mm for the Pixel 3 and 158 x 76.6 x 7.9mm for the 3 XL.

June 18, 2018 — Case render confirms Pixel 3 XL design

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Ice Universe on Twitter has built up a reputation for being pretty accurate about leaks/rumors in the mobile space, and on June 18, they shared a case render that further confirms the Pixel 3 XL’s design.

Like we saw with the hands-on photos on June 7 and 8, the Pixel 3 XL will have a notch in its screen, dual front-facing cameras, stereo speakers, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a single rear camera.

It’s rather peculiar that Google’s choosing to use two cameras on the front while keeping just one on the back, but based on how excellent the Pixel 2’s single rear camera is, I don’t expect this will be a downside at all.

When will the Pixel 3 be released?

In 2016 and 2017, Google held its hardware event on October 4. We don’t have a concrete date for this year’s event quite yet, but there’s no reason to believe Google will deter from this pattern.

Another October 4 event isn’t out of the question seeing as how that falls on a Thursday this year, but at the very least, we should be looking at some point in early October.

Pre-orders for the Pixel 3 will likely open shortly after it’s announced that same day with shipments going out at least a couple of weeks later.

How much will the Pixel 3 cost?

Over the past couple years, pricing for Google’s Pixel phones has remained mostly the same. The MSRP for the Pixel and Pixel 2 series is as follows:

  • Pixel w/ 32GB — $649
  • Pixel w/ 128GB — $749
  • Pixel 2 w/ 64GB — $649
  • Pixel 2 w/ 128GB — $749
  • Pixel XL w/ 32GB — $769
  • Pixel XL w/ 128GB — $869
  • Pixel 2 XL w/ 64GB —$849
  • Pixel 2 XL w/ 128GB — $949

I imagine we’ll see similar numbers with the Pixel 3, but don’t be too surprised if we get a Pixel 3 XL variant that crosses the $1000 threshold.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

  • Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
  • Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
  • Google Pixel 2 specs
  • Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
  • Join our Pixel 2 forums

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27
Jun

BlackBerry KEYone on Rogers finally getting Android 8.0 Oreo on June 28


Other models should follow shortly.

With the BlackBerry KEY2 out in the wild, KEYone owners might feel the urge to upgrade to BlackBerry’s latest and greatest. However, if you hold on to your KEYone for just a little longer, it’ll soon get a new lease on life.

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Starting Thursday, June 28, Canadian carrier Rogers will begin rolling out Android 8.0 Oreo to the BlackBerry KEYone.

This is the first and only Oreo announcement we’ve heard for the phone so far, but if Rogers is ready to start pushing the new software out, there’s reason to believe that other models of the KEYone will receive Oreo updates soon, too.

In addition to 8.0 Oreo, Rogers’ upgrade schedule notes that this June 28 update will also bring Wi-Fi calling to the KEYone.

BlackBerry KEYone

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27
Jun

DirecTV Now and Android TV — where the hell is it?


directvnow-androidtv.jpg?itok=8q2KPsut Womp, womp. No DirecTV Now on Android TV. Because reasons.

One of the best streaming services still isn’t officially on one of the best platforms.

We are nearly halfway to 2019. More people are cutting the cord than ever and turning to devices like Android TV and the NVIDIA Shield TV for all of their video needs. Streaming services like Sling and PlayStation Vue are better than ever. Same goes for AT&T’s DirecTV Now service.

Which … still isn’t officially available on Android TV.

Why in the world is that still a thing? We’re asking at CordCutters.com — and we’re not liking the answers we’re getting.

Read: Where is the DirecTV Now app for Android TV at CordCutters.com

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27
Jun

Common Galaxy S7 problems and how to fix them


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The Galaxy S7 is an awesome phone, but it’s not without its problems. Here are some of the most common issues and how to fix them.

Way back in March 2016, the Galaxy S7 and larger S7 edge launched — followed a bit down the road by the rugged Galaxy S7 Active. They’re great phones, and have sold in amazing numbers. But given that the phones are now over two years old, it’s not surprising that some issues — both hardware and software — have arisen in that time.

Samsung has been generally good about correcting the major problems through software updates, but there are some big issues that users can address on their own rather than waiting for an update.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Oreo review: What to expect from your final software update

Battery life problems

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The Galaxy S7 suffers from battery issues more so than the larger Galaxy S7 edge — the former has a 3000mAh battery to the edge’s 3600mAh cell — but they’re both prone to getting beaten by the daily grind.

  • The first thing you’re going to want to do is eliminate any errant battery-sucking apps that you’ve downloaded from the play store. Facebook and Facebook Messenger continue to be two that are repeatedly brought up by members of the AC community as being the worst battery offenders. Facebook can be accessed from the mobile web, and Facebook Messenger, well — consider using another app like WhatsApp instead and call it a day.
  • To check whether an app is using an unreasonable amount of battery, dive into Settings, Device maintenance, Battery to isolate the misbehaving apps.
  • These potentially problematic apps extend to bloatware installed by your carrier. If you use a Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T model, in particular, you’ll benefit from deleting or disabling some or all of the pre-installed carrier apps on the phone.
  • You can also disable the always-on display by going to Settings, Lock screen and security, Always-on display and turning it off. You can also choose to compromise by setting it to only run on a schedule, perhaps through the middle of the day.
  • In both Nougat and Oreo, Samsung sets the screen resolution to just FHD+ to save battery. If you’ve turned that back up to QHD+, or enabled “High performance mode,” you can save battery by returning the screen to its default. Do this in Settings, Display, Screen resolution.

How to fix Galaxy S7 battery life problems

Finally, realize that at this point in its life, the Galaxy S7 series have batteries that simply don’t hold the same amount of charge as they did a year (or two) ago. Batteries degrade over time, and after they’ve been charged and discharged hundreds of times they lose their ability to get back up to their theoretical 100% capacity. Know that no matter what you do in software, your Galaxy S7 is likely to get less battery life than it did in the past.

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth issues

Among the most common problems on a smartphone today, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems can be caused by a number of factors, many of which are outside of your control.

When troubleshooting these wireless connections, it’s important to establish whether the issue is indeed your phone or the object(s) you’re connecting to, and the fastest way to determine that is to use another phone or tablet to connect. If that other product has no connectivity issues, then it’s worth pursuing a fix on the Galaxy S7 or S7 edge itself.

Make sure you turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, wait a few seconds and turn it back on. If that doesn’t fix the problem, head to the next step.
Restart your phone. Sometimes all that’s needed a quick kick to the reset button and you’re good to go.
If Wi-Fi problems persist, try forgetting the network by holding down on the SSID (name) and tapping Forget network. Then re-enter the password.
If Bluetooth problems persist, try unpairing the object from your phone and re-pairing. To do that, tap on the little cog icon next to the product’s name and hit Unpair. Put the speaker or whatever you’re connecting to in pairing mode and connect again.
To delete and reset all of your network settings to start fresh, go into General management, Reset and then Reset network settings. Remember, this will remove all of your saved networks and Bluetooth devices — but it may also fix your problems.

How to fix Wi-Fi problems on the Galaxy S7

Slow performance

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This is a big category, and pretty hard to pin down, but we’ll go through some of the most common solutions. Obviously, slow performance can be indicative of an errant app that may also be sucking up battery life, so dealing with this may help the other. Phones are known to slow down over time as people add more and do more with them.

Free up internal storage

The Galaxy S7 has 32GB of internal storage, and once you fill that up, the phone may begin to chug. The system will alert you when you get really close to the edge, but even before then, deleting some of those larger apps and games may do the trick.

In the Apps area of your settings, you can sort them by size to see the largest files and decide whether you should keep them around. If your Galaxy S7 has Nougat or Oreo, you can also use Samsung’s built-in Device maintenance settings to “clean” your storage by deleting old unused files and app caches.

It may also be a good idea to upload your photos to Google Photos so you can delete them locally. Google Photos offers unlimited free high-quality backups, along with at least 15GB of full-quality backups, on any phone, including the Galaxy S7. It’s also likely pre-installed on your device — just look for it in the Google folder on your home screen, or in the app drawer.

Reset settings

If you still feel like something’s just not quite right with your phone, you can try to reset its settings. This isn’t a full factory data reset, but merely an option to change all of the phone’s settings (think sound, display, network, etc.) back to their default state. You’ll lose a lot of your personalization, but perhaps this could fix whatever problems you’re seeing as well.

Go to your Settings.
Scroll down to General management.
Tap on Reset.
Tap on Reset settings.
Read the warning and then tap the Reset settings button.

  • If you have a lock screen pattern or PIN, you’ll have to confirm it

Your phone will restart, and when it comes back all of its settings will be changed to their defaults.

Change launchers

On the surface, changing launchers may not seem like it will do anything, but it does: Samsung’s default launcher is notoriously slow, especially with all the features enabled (like Flipboard Briefing, which you should probably turn off).

To fix that, you may want to change launchers to something a bit more lightweight and performant. May we suggest one of the following?

The best Android launchers

Problems after updating to Android 8.0 Oreo

If any of your issues have come on in particular after receiving the Android 8.0 Oreo update, things get a bit tougher to diagnose.

  • To start, give your phone time to settle into the new update. For the first few hours, or even a whole day, your phone can be sluggish after taking on such a big update. Many apps are updating or rearranging themselves after the new software is put in place.
  • Now is also a great time to reevaluate what apps you do and don’t need. If you haven’t used an app in a while, delete it. Taking on a big software update and keeping around a bunch of old apps (and their data) can slow your phone down further.
  • If an individual app is misbehaving, clear its data (aka uninstall and reinstall) and restart your phone.
  • If battery life is a concern, look at some of the tips above to see if you can clear it up. Switching to FHD+ display resolution, in particular, is useful.

And last, but certainly not least, you may just have to perform a factory reset on your phone after updating to Oreo. If you haven’t reset your phone since you bought it, and have since received both major updates to Nougat and Oreo, there’s a lot of cruft stick in that phone. A factory reset may be just what the doctor ordered to restore your GS7 to its former glory. We detail the steps on a factory reset below.

Random restarts and boot loops

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A common occurrence, especially in more recent months, has been Galaxy S7 units randomly freezing while in use, restarting, or what’s known as boot looping, which finds the phone stuck in a cycle where it attempts to boot into Android but somehow gets stuck and performs the process all over again.

Like with all the above issues, there are a number of potential issues causing this, from errant apps causing overheating to problems with an Android update to a corroded or damaged mainboard.

To troubleshoot, work from easiest solution to most difficult.

If your phone boots into Android but is randomly restarting, it may be overheating or have a problematic app. Follow the instructions above to isolate the malefactor.
If deleting all potentially problematic apps doesn’t work, reboot into the recovery and clear the cache partition.
If that doesn’t work, it may be time to factory reset the phone completely. If you can’t get into the phone, follow the instructions to factory reset the phone from the recovery menu.

How to factory reset your phone

There are myriad reasons your phone may be bogged down, and merely deleting apps, changing launchers or disabling some features may not do enough.

If you’re running into a virtual brick wall, back up everything in Google Drive, Google Photos, Dropbox, or wherever else you tend to store your virtual goods, and start over.

How do you do that on your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge?

Go to your Settings.
Scroll down to General management.
Tap on Reset.
Tap on Factory data reset.
Read the warning, scroll down and tap Reset device.

  • If you have a lock screen pattern or PIN, you’ll have to confirm it

Once the phone restarts, it will be as though you’ve never used it — sign back into your Google account, and let it restore your apps and data from the cloud.

Other issues?

What are your main issues with the Galaxy S7 or S7 edge? We’ll keep this article updated as new information becomes available!

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

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Update June 2018: Improved our help and tips for those who have been using their Galaxy S7 for over two years, and finding bugs after updating to Oreo.

27
Jun

Google Duplex will begin testing in the real world this summer


Early demos of the tech have been quite promising.

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Among all the announcements that came out of Google I/O this past May, the most exciting was definitely Google Duplex — Google’s new artificial intelligence system that can make phone calls to book reservations and appointments on your behalf. The demos that we saw at I/O almost seemed too good to be true, but according to The Verge, Duplex works just as well as it did in May and will officially begin testing in the real-world this summer.

Google recently let a few people demo Duplex before it’s widely released to the public, and based on the impressions coming out of the demos, Duplex is every bit as futuristic as we remember:

The demos we saw had many of the same elements that made the original demonstration at Google IO so impressive: the voice sounded much more human than normal, complete with ums and ahhs. It also featured something we didn’t hear last May: each call started with an explicit statement that the call was being recorded.

As noted above, the public version of Duplex does alert people on the other end of the call of what it is. In the announcement video Google published, the first thing Duplex says is “Hi! I’m the Google Assistant calling to make a reservation for a client. This automated call will be recorded.”

If someone interrupts the Assistant and says they don’t want to be recorded, Duplex will acknowledge the response, say “Ok, I’ll call back on an unrecorded line”, and then have a human operator call back. Speaking of humans, Google has an entire fallback system in place just in case something goes wrong with Duplex. If Duplex gets confused, a human can take over the call at any point to finish things up.

Initially, Duplex will only be available for a small group of testers Google’s chosen.

All of this is immensely exciting, but when will you actually be able to use Duplex?

In the next few weeks, Google will initially roll out Duplex to “a set of trusted tester users” that can use Duplex to call businesses Google’s explicitly partnered with. Duplex will only be able to call about holiday hours at first, but at some point this summer, it’ll be able to make full restaurant reservations. The ability to book haircut appointments is still coming, but that’ll be the last thing we see added.

Google Duplex will first be available in the United States with support for English, but as we saw during the demo in May, it’ll understand a variety of accents and dialects.

It’ll likely still be quite a few months before you can use Duplex like any old Google Assistant feature, but even so, it’s beyond exciting that this technology works as well as it does and will soon begin testing in real-world situations.

Are you excited to start using Duplex?

I’m ecstatic to live in a Google Duplex world

27
Jun

Cover a large home in strong Wi-Fi with the $250 Netgear Orbi 3-pack system


Wi-Fi Blanket.

The Netgear Orbi home mesh networking system 3-pack is down to $249.98 on Amazon. This same kit sells for around $294 usually, and this price is a match for the lowest we’ve seen.

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If you’re in the market for a cable modem to go along with this system, you can still save a few bucks with this bundle we shared a week or so ago. It features the same Orbi system and a CM700 cable modem for $314 total, which is still about $30 in savings even with this new deal price on the Orbi.

The Orbi mesh networking system covers up to 6,000 square feet in high-performance Wi-Fi. It can produce speeds up to 2.2Gbps, and these satellites are designed to be compact so they can be placed conveniently throughout your home. All the satellites share a single name so you won’t have any network interruption when you go from room to room. Use the free Orbi app to set it all up in minutes.

See on Amazon

27
Jun

Best Accessories for OnePlus 6


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Get more from your new phone, for less.

The OnePlus 6 is another great phone release for 2018 that did a good job of adopting some of the latest trends (that screen notch tho) while avoiding others (still got that 3.5 mm headphone jack).

With a new phone comes the need to stock up on some accessories. OnePlus does a fine job supporting its own devices with a wide range of accessories available from their store. We’ll be highlighting some of the best bundles available directly from OnePlus itself, along with some other quality third-party accessories that are worth considering.

  • OnePlus Accessory Bundles
  • Orzly Ultimate Pack
  • Spigen Rugged Armor
  • Ringke Fusion clear case
  • IQ Shield LiQuidSkin screen protector
  • OnePlus Dash Type-C Cable
  • OnePlus Bullets V2 wired earbuds
  • UE BOOM 2 Bluetooth speaker

OnePlus Accessory Bundles

There’s a number of reasons why you might be inclined to shop at OnePlus.com for your phone and accessories. They’re one of the few companies out there that offer a referral program that let you earn points by referring your friends and family to get a OnePlus phone. They also offer some pretty fantastic accessory bundles which include nearly everything you’d want for your brand new phone. Check them out:

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  • OnePlus 6 Prime Bundle: includes a bumper case, tempered glass screen protector, OnePlus Bullets (V2) earbuds, OnePlus Fast Charge Power Adapter, and a OnePlus Fast Charge Type-C cable starting at $84.78.

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  • OnePlus 6 Ultimate Bundle: includes a OnePlus bumper case, a tempered glass screeen protector, and a pair of OnePlus Bullets earphones starting at just $62.86.

oneplus-6-total-protection-bundle-press.

  • OnePlus 6 Total Protection Bundle: includes a OnePlus bumper case and a tempered glass screen protector for just $37.90.

These bundles are your best value if you need to stock up on multiple accessories for your OnePlus 6 and you want them to come straight from the source. Each accessory is available to be purchased individually, too if you prefer.

See at OnePlus

Orzly Ultimate Pack

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Like the OnePlus bundles but looking for something a bit more affordable? Orzly has got you well-covered with this fairly comprehensive accessory pack on Amazon.

With this pack, you get three different case styles (a fashionable wallet case, a minimalist clear case, and the Orzly Lux case with a card slot on the back), an Orzly tempered glass screen protector, and an in-car charger adapter, USB-C cable, stylus pen, and style ring.

That’s eight different accessories all yours for just $27! This also makes a great gift for any OnePlus 6 owner in your life.

See at Amazon

Spigen Rugged Armor case

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If you’re just after a minimalist, one-piece case to keep your brand new phone safe without much unnecessary bulk, the Spigen Rugged Armor case can’t be beat.

This case is form fitted for your OnePlus 6 with little pockets of air built into the corners to provide a bit more protection for nasty drops. There’s an ample cutout around the well-designed camera and fingerprint sensor on the back. The matte finish is paired with a carbon fiber finish around the top and bottom to give it a unique and stylish look.

Get yours for just $13 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

Ringke Fusion Clear Case

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Eager to show off the look and design of your brand new phone but also want to ensure it stays safe and secure? This Rinke Fusion clear case gives you the best of both worlds, offering a shock absorbing TPU bumper around the perimeter and a tough polycarbonate plate on the back. You’ll get quality drop protection for your OnePlus 6.

There’s also an optional wrist strap included with this case because sometimes the best way to protect your phone from drop damage is to not drop your phone.

Get yours for just $10 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

IQ Shield LiQuidSkin

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Typically we would recommend a third-party tempered glass screen protector, but beyond the ones offered in the OnePlus accessory bundles we really can’t recommend any others because the user reviews on Amazon have been pretty disappointing across the board. This is because the curved screen has seemingly causd some issues this time around.

So instead, we’ll recommend a quality film screen protector from IQ Shield. This kit includes everything you need for a wet installation, including an installation tray, spray solution, and a squeegee for squeezing out any air bubbles. Once installed, the display glass will be protected from scratches and it’s designed to be case friendly, too.

Buy this screen protector for just $8 and be confident knowing that IQ Shield backs up their products with a lifetime warranty.

See at Amazon

OnePlus Dash Type-C USB cable

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When it comes to charging accessories, USB-C is still a bit of a mixed bag. That’s why we recommend picking up an extra OnePlus Type-C cable because 1) they look great and 2) it’s always better to use proprietary accessories with your phone when possible.

Since these cables are designed by OnePlus itself, you can be sure that they won’t cause any damage to your phone and they’re also specifically designed for use with the OnePlus Dash wall charger.

Get this backup cable for just under $8 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

OnePlus Bullets V2 wired earbuds

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The OnePlus 6 made a point of calling out Apple again for ditching the headphone jack, so as you’d expect they included it in their latest flagship phone. One thing they didn’t include, however, is wired headphones in the box.

Fortunately, they do offer some great earbuds which are included with most of the accessory bundles from their site. If you want to buy them individually you have that option as well. These are surprisingly great little earbuds that include features you’d expect such as inline volume control and great sound quality for their compact size.

Get yourself a pair for just $40 on Amazon (or get them along with other goodies from OnePlus)

See at Amazon

UE BOOM 2

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It’s summertime, which hopefully means plenty of time spent enjoying the sun. A Bluetooth speaker always makes for a fantastic accessory, and few speakers can top the UE BOOM 2.

This is a waterproof speaker that’s perfect for the beach or poolside, featuring a battery that will last you approximately 15 hours of playing time. The Bluetooth range is around 100 feet, which allows you to keep your phone tucked away some where safe.

Get yourself a UE Boom 2 starting at $100.

See at Amazon

What are your go-to accessories?

These are our top picks for the OnePlus 6, but what are your must-have accessories? 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

27
Jun

Play Impossible Begins Selling Smart ‘Gameball’ Through Apple After Inking Exclusive Retail Deal


Seattle-based startup Play Impossible has inked a retail deal with Apple for its smart inflatable “Gameball” that encourages people to play both single player and multiplayer games through a connected iOS and tvOS app (via GeekWire). The Gameball connects to iPhone, iPod, iPad, or Apple TV through Bluetooth, and games emphasize hand-eye coordination, agility, and creative thinking, according to the company.

Games include “Splash,” a virtual water balloon toss game where you have to keep the Gameball in the air longer by catching it as softly as possible since handling it roughly will result in a “popped” balloon. There’s also “Jostle,” a play on a game of keep away where you have to try to keep the Gameball as still as possible while friends attempt to make it move.

There are versions of Hot Potato and a volleyball-like “Rally,” all aimed at ages 9 years and older. The device includes games related to STEM as well, encouraging younger players to grasp how physics plays into sports by keeping track of airtime, height, speed, or catch force in games like “Skyscraper” and “Sports Lab.” Additionally, Gameball’s session data can be exported from the iOS app to spreadsheet software for classroom activities.


Gameball records airtime as experience points every time you play a game, building into each user’s own level system and achievements that are available to unlock. Experience can be gathered through playing the device’s games or completing daily missions discoverable through the connected app.


In a profile shared today by GeekWire, the company confirmed that Gameball is now an exclusive to Apple Store locations across North America and on Apple.com, after previously being available at Target and Amazon. At Apple stores, Play Impossible CEO Brian Monnin explained that visitors will be able to go hands-on with the Gameball to better understand what it does:

“It’s a place where people can come touch and play with the Gameball,” said Play Impossible CEO Brian Monnin. “In a few seconds, you fall for it.”

Gameball sells for $99.95 in Green and Purple on Apple.com. The device supports play sessions that last for up to 2 hours, and an included Rapid Charger refuels the Gameball in approximately 20 seconds.

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27
Jun

Logitech Updates Slim Combo and Slim Folio Keyboards With Support for 6th-Generation iPad


Logitech today announced that its popular Slim Combo and Slim Folio Bluetooth keyboards have been updated with support for sixth-generation iPad, which means they’re now available for Apple’s most affordable tablet.

The Slim Folio was previously available for the fifth-generation iPad and is also now compatible with the sixth-generation model, while the Slim Combo was previously limited to the iPad Pro. The new Slim Combo is compatible with both fifth and sixth-generation iPads.

Priced at $100, the Slim Folio is designed to turn the iPad into a laptop replacement, with a lightweight design and well-spaced mechanical scissor keys, along with iOS shortcut keys. It also serves as a protective case for the iPad, keeping it safe from scratches, drops, and spills.

There are two different viewing angles, so it can be used in a typing mode or a mode for watching videos and playing games, and the new version includes a holder for the Apple Pencil.

The $120 Slim Combo offers similar features, but it has a detachable keyboard and an adjustable kickstand for more versatility. Like the Slim Folio, the Slim Combo is a lightweight Bluetooth keyboard case that lets you type anywhere.


For the sixth-generation iPad, there is a built-in Apple Pencil holder to store an Apple Pencil when it’s not in use, plus it comes with backlit keys. Unlike the iPad Pro version of the Slim Combo, which connects to an iPad Pro using the Smart Connector, the Slim Combo for iPad connects via Bluetooth.


The Slim Combo and the Slim Folio can be purchased from the Logitech website starting today.
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