Best Android apps for finding a new job

Job hunting has changed a lot in recent years. Now thanks to mobile technology, you can take your job search on the go, and apply for the positions that seem appealing to you anytime, anywhere.

The era of looking for job offers in the local newspaper is long gone, and today you’re most likely going to have to rely on that Android phone of yours if you want to get a new job.

So for the purpose of this article we’ve rounded up seven great job apps every one looking for a new position should know about.

LinkedIn

What it is:

The most popular social network for professionals. LinkedIn is for anybody and everybody who wants to take their professional life more seriously by looking for new opportunities to grow their careers.

Why we like it:

• Allows you to quickly create a profile/resume page.
• The app allows you to quickly discover and connect with people that matter in your industry.
• It’s a great way to search and apply for new jobs opportunities.
• Recruiters can easily find you and your profile and invite you to interviews.
• With LinkedIn, you can stay up to date with the latest business and industry news.

Install LinkedIn

Upwork

What it is:

Upwork gives you access to one of the largest databases of freelance/remote jobs.

Why we like it:

• Clean and intuitive interface, Upwork lets you search, view and apply to jobs quickly.
• Employees can also send you job invitations.
• Upwork offers its own in-app chat feature which allows you to send and receive screenshots and files.
• Easily get paid via PayPal.

Install Upwork

Indeed

What it is:

One of the most comprehensive jobs searching tools for mobile available. Let’s you find jobs in over 60 countries and in 28 languages.

Why we like it:

• The app features a huge database of jobs of over 16 million jobs.
• You can create an Indeed Resume (to apply for select jobs) or simply upload or import a resume from your computer.
• Gets you the newest jobs delivered to your inbox.
• Allows job seekers to see how companies rate, as reviewed by employees.

Install Indeed

Snag

What it is:

A job finding app that puts an emphasis on applying fast and finding you flexible positions.

Why we like it:

• Snag wants to make the job application process easier. You can apply with one click for some of the positions available in the database.
• The app offers localized job search.
• Perfect app for students and teens who are looking to work flexible hours or part-time jobs.
• Let’s you take Employee Personality Quizzes to show off your strengths to prospective employers.
• You can spice up your resume with a video showcasing your wonderful personality.

Install Snag

Glassdoor

What it is:

A job searching app backed-up by a comprehensive career community.

Why we like it:

• It’s super easy to start searching for a job. Just use a keyword and your location.
• Glassdoor offers access to in-depth info about companies, as well as salary reports by job title.
• App has a unique “Know Your Worth Tool” which shows you how your market value has trended over time and how it compares to typical workers in the same field.
• The app allows you to read opinions from current and former employees about specific companies.

Install Glassdoor

Trovit

What is it:

A job searching app that wants to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Why we like it:

• Trovit lets you look for jobs in 46 different countries and 19 languages.
• Use a relevant keyword to search for jobs, but also add filters to narrow down your search.
• Create personalized alerts, so when a new add that fits your criteria gets posted you’ll know.

Install Trovit

Good&Co

What it is:

Good&Co is not a traditional job searching app. Instead, its main goal is to help you discover yourself and to find the career best suited for your style.

Why we like it:

• Good&Co is a self-discovery tool based on science that will help you understand your personal strengths so you can fulfill your true potential.
• Provides a fun way to get to know yourself via various personality assignments.
• Discover the company culture that’s a match for your personality and see how you fit with companies that are after you.

Install Goo&Co

Extra

Free resume builder CV maker

What it is:

This app lets you easily create a custom CV that will make your application stand out.

Why we like it:

• Allows you to create a custom resume or cover letter.
• You can choose from various templates.
• Easily fill out information by categories including Personal Info, Education, Work Experience and more.
• Print the resume directly from the app or download it to your device as .PDF.

Install Free resume builder CV maker

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Stanford A.I. can realistically score computer animations just by watching them

In the early days of cinema, organists would add sound effects to silent movies by playing along to whatever was happening on screen. Jump forward to 2018, and a variation on this idea forms the basis of new work carried out by Stanford University computer scientists. They have developed an artificial intelligence system that’s able to synthesize realistic sounds for computer animation based entirely on the images it sees and its knowledge of the physical world. The results are synthesized sounds at the touch of a button.

“We’ve developed the first system for automatically synthesizing sounds to accompany physics-based computer animations,” Jui-Hsien Wang, a graduate student at Stanford’s Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), told Digital Trends. “Our approach is general, [meaning that] it can compute realistic sound sources for a wide range of animated phenomena — such as solid bodies like a ceramic bowl or a flexible crash cymbal, as well as liquid being poured into a cup.”

The technology that makes the system work is pretty darn smart. It takes into account the varying position of the objects in the scene as assembled during the 3D modeling process. It identifies what these are, and then predicts how they will affect sounds being produced, whether it be to reflect, scatte,r or diffract them.

“A great thing about our approach is that no training data is required,” Wang continued. “It simulates sound from first physical principles.”

As well as helping more quickly add sound effects to animated movies, the technology could also one day be used to help designers work out how products are going to sound before they are physically produced.

There’s no word on when this tool might be made publicly available, but Wang said that the team is currently “exploring options for making the tool accessible.” Before it gets to that point, however, the researchers want to improve the system’s ability to model more complex objects, such as the lush reverberating tones of a Stradivarius violin.

The research is due to be presented as part of ACM SIGGRAPH 2018, the world’s leading conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques. Take a second to feel sorry for the poor Pixar foley artist at the back of the hall who just bought a new house!

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Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs. Apple iPhone X: Battle of the ultra-premium smartphones

Samsung has unveiled its latest and greatest flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. The new device features a beautifully big display, top-tier specs, and should be at least as good as any other flagship from this year, if not a whole lot better.

But there’s one flagship phone that could still beat the Galaxy Note Note 9, and it’s not even from this year. This is a classic case of Android vs iOS. Can the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 beat out the iPhone X? We put the two phones head to head to find out.

Specs

Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Apple iPhone X

Size
161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.35 inches)
143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 inches)

Weight
201 grams (7.09 ounces)
174 grams (6.14 ounces)

Screen Size
6.4-inch Super AMOLED display
5.8-inch Super Retina AMOLED display

Screen Resolution
2,960 x 1,440 (516 pixels-per-inch)
2,436 x 1,125 pixels (458 pixels-per-inch)

Operating System
Android 8.0 Oreo
iOS 11

Storage Space
128GB, 512GB
64GB, 256GB

MicroSD Card Slot
Yes
No

Tap To Pay Services
Google Pay
Apple Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
A11 Bionic

RAM
6GB, 8GB
3GB

Camera
Dual sensor 12MP rear, 8MP front
Dual sensor 12MP rear, 7MP front

Video
2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps
2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1080p at 240 fps

Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
USB-C, Headphone Jack
Lightning

Fingerprint sensor
Yes
No

Water resistance
IP68
IP67

Battery
4,000mAh
2,716mAh

App Marketplace
Google Play Store
Apple App Store

Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Colors
Ocean Blue, Lavender Purple
Space Gray, Silver

Price
$1,000
$1,000

Buy From
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Amazon, Samsung

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Apple

Review Score
Hands-on
4.5 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

It’s always difficult to compare the performance of an Android phone with an iPhone, and that holds true here. The iPhone X features Apple’s A11 Bionic chip coupled with 3GB of RAM, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. It also features a special water-cooling system, which should help the phone push the Snapdragon 845 that little bit further. What really matters, however, is day-to-day use — and thankfully both of these phones will perform perfectly well for the vast majority of users. We’ll have to wait for benchmarks from the Galaxy Note 9 to see which phone is truly the more powerful one.

In terms of battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 comes in with a 4,000mAh battery, which is far more than the iPhone X’s 2,716mAh battery. Still, considering the larger and more dense display, it’s possible the actual battery life could even out.

Both devices can be charged through the charging port, whether it be the Lightning or USB-C, and both also support wireless charging.

Winner: Tie

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Apple has always been at the forefront of great design in the tech industry, and the iPhone X represents the culmination of a decade of iPhone development. It’s really a great-looking phone with a beautiful edge-to-edge display and a stunning glass back. The device does feature the infamous notch, though many have gotten used to that now, and most users of the device argue that it’s not really a big deal in day-to-day use.

The Galaxy Note 9 is a stylish device too, but it’s a very different-looking phone. It features a big display with curved edges on each side, and a glass back. Also on the back is a dual-sensor camera, and a fingerprint sensor — which is one thing that the iPhone X doesn’t have to offer. It’s worth noting that the Note 9 is significantly taller, wider, thicker, and heavier than the iPhone X.

When it comes to durability, neither of the phones is particularly drop-proof considering the abundance of glass used in their construction. They do both feature water resistance, however, with the iPhone X’s rating coming in at IP67, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 9’s rating coming in at IP68. The difference is that IP67 allows a phone to last up to 30 minutes in up to one meter of water, while IP68 means it can withstand 1.5 meters.

It’s hard to move past the beautiful design and edge-to-edge display of the iPhone X.

Winner: iPhone X

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Apple has stepped things up with the display in the iPhone X, but Samsung has been putting top-tier displays in its phones for years now — and it shows here. While the iPhone X features an OLED display with a resolution of 2,436 x 1,125 pixels, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 boasts an OLED display with a resolution of 2,960 x 1,440 pixels. Not only that, but the Note 9’s display is also much bigger, coming in at 6.4 inches, over the iPhone X’s 5.8 inches.

No matter how you look at it, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 display is better in every way.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The camera is becoming increasingly important for smartphones, and both of these devices offer top-tier cameras. The iPhone is known for having a great camera, and while there has been increased competition in the past few years, the iPhone X still boasts an excellent camera that’s great at taking photos in a range of conditions. The camera on the iPhone X boasts a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, coupled with a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture. Both lenses offer optical image stabilization, and the front-facing camera comes in at 7 megapixels, but it offers a range of extra features, like Face ID, Animoji, among others.

The camera in the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also set to be pretty spectacular, though we’ll have to wait and see just how well it performs. The camera is a dual 12-megapixel camera, and both sensors offer optical image stabilization. One of the sensors has an adjustable aperture of f/1.5 to f/2.4, while the second sensor has an aperture of f/2.4. The front-facing camera on the device comes in at 8 megapixels. The hardware looks very similar to the S9 Plus camera, which is particularly good in low light, but Samsung has added some A.I. smarts that could elevate it even further. However, it has very tough competition in the iPhone X.

Both devices clearly have nice cameras, but we’re going to have to wait and see how well the Galaxy Note 9 performs. Until then, this one’s a tie.

Winner: Tie

Software and updates

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

When comparing an iPhone with an Android phone, software is always a point of debate. We’re not going to get into the whole Android vs. iOS debate here, but we can point out a few of the major differences between the two.

The iPhone’s iOS is known for being stylish and easy to use. Everything is pretty much where you expect it to be, and once you get used to how iOS works, you’ll be able to get around it very easily. There’s another big advantage to iOS: Apple controls both the software and the hardware of the iPhone, so that means that you’ll get updates as soon as they’re available, assuming your phone supports the update. That’s not true of Android, especially when it comes to non-Google smartphone manufacturers — like Samsung.

Still, there are some big advantages to Android, too. Android is generally a little more flexible. You can install apps from third-party sources if you want (though we don’t recommend it), and there are more settings and options to tweak. You can also customize where you want widgets to show up, and more. Samsung Experience user interface, which sits atop Android offers some handy extras, though it isn’t as slick as stock Android.

We’re not going to award a winner based on whether Android or iOS is better — but considering Samsung’s track record with updates, we are going to award one based on the fact that the iPhone X will get updates quicker. The iPhone X already has the latest version of iOS, whereas the Note 9 is launching with Android 8.0 Oreo, even though Android 9.0 Pie is out.

Winner: iPhone X

Special features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the iPhone X have a number of special features on offer, but they’re pretty different in many ways.

Let’s start with the iPhone X, which has a few special features. For starters, the iPhone X is the first iPhone to feature Face ID, Apple’s new facial recognition tech and the reason for the iPhone’s notch. Face ID essentially allows you to unlock your phone quickly and easily by simply looking at it. Then there’s 3D Touch, a way for users to interact with different aspects of their phone by pressing down on the display a little harder than they otherwise would.

Of course, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has its own fair share of special features. For starters, it supports Samsung’s DeX, which allows you to plug into a monitor and use the phone as a desktop computer replacement. The Note 9 also comes with Samsung’s S Pen, freshly equipped with Bluetooth, which can act as a remote control for the phone’s camera. We think the phone has a few more helpful special features than the iPhone X.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Price

Phones are getting increasingly more expensive, and these two devices represent some of the most expensive phones on the market. Both the iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 start at $1,000, which is no small amount. For the 256GB model of the iPhone X, you’ll need to shell out $1,150 — and for the 512GB Galaxy Note 9, you’ll pay $1,250. They’re widely available from all the major carriers and retailers so it’s worth shopping around for deals.

Overall winner: Apple iPhone X

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the Apple iPhone X are excellent phones, and you’ll be happy with either of them, but we think the iPhone X is going to suit more people than the productivity-focused Note 9. If you prefer Android to iOS, and you think you’ll use features like the S Pen, then the Note 9 is the one for you. If this is your first smartphone, then we recommend going for the iPhone — it’s just a little easier to use, and probably a better choice for the first-time smartphone user.

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No keyboard? No problem. Masterkey will project you a virtual one to type on

In most cases, the kind of swipe-based gestures available on mobile devices are analogous for the input devices we have available on traditional personal computers. For example, a stylus or finger can easily stand in for a computer mice and on-screen cursor. It’s not quite so easy when it comes to typing, however. Sure, mobile devices are getting better at recognizing our voices, but there are some times you really just need a keypad to tap away on.

That’s where an intriguing new Kickstarter campaign comes into play. Called Masterkey 4.0, it’s a wireless projector that connects to your smartphone and is capable of both projecting a functioning virtual keyboard onto your desk and a display onto a nearby wall. And a whole lot more, too.

“The laser keyboard has a built-in sensor and laser,” creator Adi Zabkar told Digital Trends. “The sensor picks up finger movements. An algorithm then converts the coordinates to identify characters. The detection rate is over 350 characters per minute. Typing might be a bit slower, but still acceptable.”

According to Masterkey’s creators, the projector is capable of giving you a virtual screen of up to 120 inches. Masterkey claims resolution is high enough that you can use it to enjoy projected movies on it.

There are two versions of the device promised. The first is a “home edition” that’s designed for offering cinema-on-the-go or basic laptop functionality. But the more interesting version is the so-called “business edition,” which also includes a built-in kinesthetic sensor and facial- and gesture-recognition technology.

“Imagine this situation: You have a presentation in front of up to six people,” Zabkar continued. “Masterkey will track people’s faces, and the software will give you answers on who is interested in your presentation, at what point they are interested, and who isn’t interested. As a result, it’s much easier for you to focus on what works best in a presentation and be more successful.”

If Masterkey can deliver on their idea, it sounds very exciting, although it’s certainly ambitious. As ever, we offer our usual warnings about the risk inherent in crowdfunding campaigns, which can fail to deliver on their promises or schedule. If you do want to get involved, however, head over to the project’s Kickstarter page to pledge your support. Prices start at 155 euros ($177 U.S.), with shipping planned for February 2019.

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Researchers hack John McAffee’s ‘unhackable’ Bitfi cryptocurrency wallet

Antivirus pioneer John McAfee’s cryptocurrency wallet has been hacked again by security researchers. McAfee announced a partnership with Bitfi in late July to promote the security of that company’s cryptocurrency wallet. However, it seems that Bitfi was prematurely confident about the security of its digital wallet, as hackers have been able to penetrate the McAfee Bitfi account numerous times. In the latest hack, researchers were able to send signed transactions with the wallet despite Bitfi’s security mechanisms.

After completing the hack, researchers are confident that they have fulfilled the requirements needed to claim the $100,000 bug bounty prize announced by McAfee. “For all you naysayers who claim that ‘nothing is unhackable’ & who don’t believe that my Bitfi wallet is truly the world’s first unhackable device, a $100,000 bounty goes to anyone who can hack it,” McAfee tweeted in July. The bug bounty required hackers to demonstrate that they’re able to modify the device, connect to Bitfi’s servers, and send data from the device.

Researchers were able to gain root access to the device two weeks ago, and they have confirmed that the device was still connected to Bitfi’s servers. To fulfill the last requirement, security researcher Andrew Tierney confirmed that he was able to send the device’s private keys and passphrase to a remote server, The Next Web reported.

“We have sent the seed and phrase from the device to another server — it just gets sent using netcat, nothing fancy.” said Tierney. “We believe all [conditions] have been met.”

The latest hack on McAfee’s Bitfi wallet comes within days after 15-year-old Saleem Rashid demonstrated that he was able to crack the wallet to play Doom on the device. In that attempt, even though Rashid was able to hack the wallet, he was not able to access the cryptocurrency that was stored in McAfee’s account. McAfee had downplayed Rashid’s hack in a tweet, noting: “A video played on your Bitfi wallet has nothing to do with the safety of your funds. This is amateur hour, not a hack!” McAffee has not offered any comment about the most recent hack conducted by Tierney.

Since announcing his partnership with Bitfi, McAffee said on August 13 that he is now CEO of Luxcore, a company that works on enterprise blockchain solutions.

If you’re a cryptocurrency investor, be sure to check out our guides to some of the best bitcoin wallets.

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Google tracks your location — even when you deny it permission

Google is tracking your location — even when you tell it not to, according to an investigation by the Associated Press. The findings, which were confirmed by computer science researchers at Princeton University, prove that many Google services on both Android and iPhones store location data — regardless of whether privacy settings say otherwise.

The AP first started looking into the issue when K. Shankari, a graduate researcher from University of California, Berkley, turned off her Location History on her Android device — but still received a notification asking to rate a shopping trip to Kohl’s.

While Google does ask permission to use location information (such as requesting access for use in navigation), the issue lies within the Location History setting. Google’s support page states: “You can turn off Location History at any time. With Location History off, the places you go are no longer stored,” but the AP’s investigation found this to not be true.

The in-depth report includes a map that illustrates the commute of Gunes Acar, a Princeton privacy researcher. Even with “Location History” turned off on his Android phone, the map pinpoints exactly where he traveled and saves the data to his Google account.

Even if users “pause” Location History to keep the company from noting where they’ve been, the AP says “Google apps still automatically store time-stamped location data without asking.”  AP found that pausing it doesn’t keep the company from being able to store a snapshot whenever you open Maps, or pinpoint where you are when your Android device automatically updates to give you the weather.

A quick Google search for random items on your device apparently isn’t safe from tracking either. Even though your search isn’t related to location, it still allows the device to determine your location and save it to your Google account.

In response to the findings, Google issued a statement to the AP:

“There are a number of different ways that Google may use location to improve people’s experience, including: Location History, Web and App Activity, and through device-level Location Services. We provide clear descriptions of these tools, and robust controls so people can turn them on or off, and delete their histories at any time.”

The tech giant says that users can turn off another setting called “Web and App Activity,” which is enabled on your device automatically. It’s a setting that stores information from Google apps and websites to your Google account.

Turning it off will prevent Google from saving location markers, along with information based on your search and activity. But the AP also notes that turning this setting off could alter how effective Google Assistant is, which could greatly affect those who rely on it often.

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Should you buy the Galaxy Note 9 or wait for the Google Pixel 3 XL?

The Samsung versus Google battle continues.

No matter what phone you’re looking at, there’s always a new one on the horizon poised to supplant it. The Galaxy Note 9 has just launched, and many potential buyers are torn between buying it and waiting for the new Google Pixel 3 XL. Even though the Pixel 3 XL isn’t official yet, we know both are big, powerful and filled with all of the latest specs — but we also know that they’ll have different philosophies about what’s important in the smartphone experience.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when you’re weighing the choice between buying a new Galaxy Note 9 now or waiting it out for the Google Pixel 3 XL.

Who should buy a Galaxy Note 9

If you’re a Galaxy Note fan, using a Note 5 or Note 8 today and enjoying the power of the S Pen, you’re likely going to be happiest just buying the Note 9 even before the Pixel 3 XL is announced. The Note line in particular has an extremely strong loyalty, and if you’re using a Note generation after generation it’s unlikely that you’ll be willing to give up all that it offers for something so dramatically different like a Google Pixel.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9: Everything you need to know!

Those tied to an S Pen won’t need to see any other phone — just get the Note 9.

Samsung’s software can be overbearing and cumbersome, but the Note users don’t care about the possibility of inconvenience because they understand just how much you can get done with a Note. That huge screen and all of the software features make it a fantastic tool for productivity and play. The Galaxy Note 9 is filled with features and software that you just aren’t going to get on a Pixel 3 XL (or just about any other phone) — if you want to tweak and truly customize the experience, you’ll still like the Note more than the Pixel.

And of course, it’s the only phone in the world that has the S Pen. The latest edition of the stylus adds wireless functionality to make it useful for more than just drawing and writing, adding on to what’s already a super-powerful input device. Whether you’re using it as a precise pointer for normal phone actions, using it write notes and sign documents, or using the great pressure sensitivity to draw, doodle and paint, the S Pen is great — and it’ll be tough to give it up if you’re already using a Note today.

Reasons to wait for the Google Pixel 3 XL

If you’re using a Google Pixel XL or Pixel 2 XL, you know the appeal of this Google-optimized Android experience. No extra cruft, duplicate apps or crappy services to deal with. No carrier bloat, delayed software updates or maintenance to be done. Just purchase the phone, put a SIM in, and start enjoying it. There’s a lot to be said for waiting to use your phone to the fullest for every possible situation, but the reality is we don’t all need a desktop-like experience in our pocket — and if you don’t, the Pixel 3 XL is going to offer a less frustrating and frankly more empowering feeling.

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

Pixel owners know what it’s all about: simplicity, fluidity and power.

I’ve discussed how Note fans will want to just go straight to the new version, but there are lots of people out there who are looking at these two phones coming from some other device that isn’t a Note, or even another Samsung phone. From a more neutral perspective with less allegiance to one brand or another, the Pixel 3 XL will have extra appeal.

We have few details about what standout features Google will launch on the Pixel 3 XL, but we have an early look at Android P that shows Google is focusing on simplicity, fluidity and just a few features that make you say “wow” without being overwhelming. We know Google is making some of the best smartphone cameras in the business, and its hardware prowess was on display in the Pixel 2 XL. Let’s just hope it has picked a far better display than last year, because Samsung’s Note 9 is expected to once again be the best in the business.

If the Note 9 doesn’t immediately speak to you, the Pixel 3 XL may push all the right buttons.

The Pixel 3 XL is rumored to have a 6.2-inch display, which means it will only be marginally smaller than the Note 9 — so screen real estate alone won’t be a main factor in your decision. It remains to be seen just how much the Note 9’s bigger battery will mean for battery life, but following the trend of the Pixel 2 XL shows that both phones should be on par in that department. If you don’t see the value in having an S Pen, perhaps the Note in itself doesn’t seem all that appealing — and even if you like the Samsung software in that case you can get a Galaxy S9+.

The Pixel 3 XL will likely be a bit tougher to buy considering the Note’s international launch on just about every carrier and any retailer you walk into. But if the Note 9 doesn’t immediately align with everything you want in a phone, you should wait and see what Google does with the Pixel 3 XL — you may just be surprised by all that it offers.

Are you going to buy, or wait?

With the Note 9 already available and the Pixel 3 XL still a longer ways off, what are your thoughts on the two phones? Let us know which phone you’re using now, and whether you’re considering these phones or something else!

Update August 2018: Now that the Note 9 is available, we’ve updated this article to reflect its finalized specs and features compared to the latest rumors about the Pixel 3 XL.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hands-on preview
• Galaxy Note 9 vs. Note 8
• Where to buy the Galaxy Note 9
• Galaxy Note 9 specifications
• Is the Note 8 still a good buy?
• Join our Galaxy Note 9 forums

AT&T
Verizon
T-Mobile
Samsung

Sony headphones, flash drives, and more are discounted today

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on Sony’s noise-cancelling headphones, SanDisk flash drives, a Brother desktop scanner, and more! Most of these prices will be gone when the day ends, so don’t miss your chance to save big!

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

Fortnite’s Android beta is now available for non-Samsung phones

The hottest game of 2018 has finally arrived on Android.

Fortnite has been blowing up lately. Millions of people have become obsessed with the game, both as players and just watching popular Twitch streamers play the game.

Interested to learn more about what the heck Fortnite is all about? Just keep reading.

What’s new with Fortnite?

August 13, 2018 — Epic opens the Fortnite Android Beta to a ton of non-Samsung phones/tablets

Fortnite’s short-lived exclusivity on Samsung devices has come to an end. After a few days of being limited to select Galaxy-branded gadgets, Epic’s now expanded its Fortnite Android Beta to a heap of other phones and tablets.

Hey Android owners! We’re excited to open up the #FortniteAndroid Beta to more devices starting… TODAY! Check your email as the first wave of invites have started to go out. Not signed up yet? Head to our website for more info: https://t.co/AvolyySFZ1 pic.twitter.com/DuW5yzpcqd

— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) August 13, 2018

You can find the full list below in the Where can I download the game? section, but some notable additions include the Google Pixel 2/2 XL, OnePlus 6, Razer Phone, and the LG G7.

If you haven’t already received an invite to join the beta, head to Epic’s website, enter your email to sign up, and wait for the invitation to come through.

August 10, 2018 — Google now warns players that Fortnite isn’t available on the Play Store

Epic’s decision to not release Fortnite on the Play Store is a controversial one for a lot of reasons — mainly because it gives crooks a field day with tricking people into downloading fake versions that serve to do nothing but cause trouble.

In an effort to combat this, searching for “Fortnite” on the Play Store now returns a message that reads, “Fortnite Battle Royale by Epic Games, Inc is not available on Google Play.”

It’s a small heads-up to let people know the legit version of Fortnite isn’t anywhere to be found, and hopefully, it’ll be enough to stop people from downloading bad actors.

Users will also see the warning pop up when searching for “Fortnite Battle Royale”, “Fortnite Mobile”, etc.

All the big details

What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is what would happen if you combined two of the most addictive games out there — Minecraft and PUBG.

Fortnite offers a free 100-player Player Vs Player (PvP) Battle Royale game mode. Just like PUBG, you’re dropped onto the large island map and must arm yourself and outlive your competition. But in Fortnite, you always start out armed with a pickaxe which can be used as a melee weapon or to harvest raw supplies for building walls, ramps, and shelters.

It certainly adds extra layers of strategy to the format, creating essentially a perfect storm of addictive gaming action that’s as fun to watch as it is to play. Oh, speaking of storms all the action takes place in the eye of a deadly electrical storm meaning you can’t just hunker down and hide out the whole game. You got to keep moving.

How do you play the game?

Just like PUBG, your goal is to be the last man standing — with up to 100 players involved in each match, that’s no small task.

Each game starts with the players jumping out of the flying “Battle Bus” and parachuting down onto a giant island. Once landed, you must loot nearby buildings for items, guns, and ammo to defend yourself and attack other players.

You also need to keep an eye on the map, as every few minutes the storm closes in on the play area. If you’re caught in the storm, you slowly die so you do not want to forget to regularly check where you are on the map. Eventually, the play constricts to a tiny area for the final showdown between the remaining players — there can only be one winner!

Unlike PUBG, you’re able to carry more than two guns. Instead, you’re limited to the number of weapons and items you can carry at one time. Also, guns are color-coded to denote their rarity — from grey (common) to orange (legendary) — and the rarer the gun, the deadlier it is.

Then there’s the crafting element. Every player starts out with a pickaxe which can be used as a melee weapon or used to break down trees and buildings to harvest the raw resources. You can then use these raw resources to build your own structures, whether it be a defensive wall to provide cover from an advancing enemy, a set of stairs to reach the second floor of a building or your own watchtower to snipe players from across the map. The resources you mine will determine the strength. Steel is stronger than brick, which is stronger than wood.

The latest update to the game for the Season 5 Battle Pass has introduced a slew of new map areas and gameplay features including the All-Terrain Kart (ATK) which let you and your squad move around the map faster than ever before. You can read more about the latest tweaks in the full release notes.

Where can I download the game?

Since Epic Games has decided to release Fortnite for Android outside the confines of the Google Play Store, you’ll need to download the Fortnite Installer APK to get the game on your phone.

Epic struck a deal with Samsung to make Fortnite available for select Samsung devices right now, so if you head to the Galaxy App Store on your Galaxy S9/S9+, Note 8, Galaxy S8/S8+, Galaxy S7/S7 Edge, Tab S3, or Tab S4 and search “Fortnite”, you can download the 4MB installer to get the game on your handset right now.

If you own a non-Samsung phone, you can head to Epic’s website and enter your email to sign up for an invite to the beta. The first round of invitations went out to users on August 13, and according to Epic’s site, Fortnite for Android is compatible with the following:

• Google Pixel 2 / 2 XL
• Google Pixel / Pixel XL
• LG G7
• LG V35
• LG V30 / V30+
• LG G6
• LG V20
• LG G5
• Essential Phone
• OnePlus 6
• OnePlus 5 / 5T
• Razer Phone
• Huawei Mate 10 / Mate 10 Pro
• Huawei Mate RS
• Huawei P20 / P20 Pro
• Huawei Nova 3
• Honor 10
• Honor Play
• Honor V10
• Asus ROG Phone
• Asus Zenfone 4 Pro
• Asus Zenfone 5Z
• Asus ZenFone V
• Xiaomi Blackshark
• Xiaomi Mi 5 / 5S / 5S Plus
• Xiaomi Mi 6 / 6 Plus
• Xioami Mi 8 / 8 Explorer / 8SE
• Xiaomi Mi Mix
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
• Xiaomi Mi Note 2
• ZTE Axon 7 / 7S
• ZTE Axon M
• ZTE Nubia Z17 / Z17S
• ZTE Nubia Z11

How to download the Fortnite Beta on your phone

Is it free to play?

Fortnite for mobile includes the PvP Battle Royale game that’s free to play across all platforms. The console versions have a paid game mode called Save The World that’s Player vs Environment (PvE). Save The World plays more like Minecraft, where you’re harvesting more resources and stocking up on loot to survive waves of AI enemies in a sort of tower defense-style of gameplay.

The PvE mode will not be available in Fortnite Mobile due to CPU limitations and, frankly, it’s the PvP mode that everyone is crazy for so that’s quite alright with us.

Having said that, there are some reasons to spend money in Fortnite. The best way to spend money is to buy a Battle Pass which gives you daily challenges over the span of a Fortnite Season (typically lasts 10 weeks) which let you unlock a ton of cool outfits, dance emotes, and other goodies to customize your character. You can also spend V-Bucks, the in-game currency, to buy cosmetic items for your player and people sure have been buying stuff. According to this report from Sensor Tower analtyics, Fortnite Mobile players spent more than $1 million during the first 72 hours of its release on iOS. Fortunately, nothing you can buy will give you an actual advantage in the game to prevent people from paying to win. In this case, its a matter of playing to look cool

So, to answer the question, you have the option to spend money on Fortnite if you want a cool looking character, but the game is free to play and you won’t need to pay to win.

Where’s the support for Bluetooth controls?

Epic Games has confirmed that Bluetooth controller support is coming, but as of right now only touchscreen controls are available.

Is it cross-platform?

Epic Games have indicated that you will be able to play Fortnite across all platforms. Your Fortnite profile can be connected to all the platforms you play on so you can add to your stats however you connect to the game.

Don’t be worried about getting mismatched as the one mobile player in a server of PC and console players. If you’re playing solo on mobile, you will only be matched up against other mobile players. If you join a squad with friends playing on another platform, then that squad will be matched against a multi-platform population, essentially making cross-platform play opt-in.

• Learn more about Fortnite Mobile

How does it compare to the PC or console version?

If the iOS version of Fortnite is anything to go by, the Android version will enjoy feature parity with all other platforms, including PS4, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. There will be minor differences to account for the form factor, such as (hopefully) support for Bluetooth controls, on-screen controls for those not using a controller, and certainly toned down graphics capability. But if you want to jump in for a quick game of Battle Royale, you won’t need to worry about playing a vastly different game. Fortnite on Android is still Fortnite.

Are you hyped for Fortnite?

We’ll be sure to let you know when the game launches for Android. Until then, you can create your Epic Games account and start playing on one of the other platforms to start getting a handle on the game

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MacRumors Exclusive: Gear Up for Back-to-School With Twelve South’s Cases, Stands, and Chargers

MacRumors and Twelve South are partnering up for another discount event, this time centering on a collection of nine products that should help students, parents, and teachers gear up for the new school year. In the MacRumors exclusive sale, you’ll find 15 percent discounts on Twelve South products like the BookBook Vol. 2, Fermata headphone stand, Curve for MacBook, and more.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

To take advantage of the discounts, browse TwelveSouth.com for any of the accessories listed below and enter the promo code MacRumorsBTS during checkout. The code is live beginning today, August 13, and will run for just under two weeks and end on Friday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

MacRumors readers around the world can take part in the sale, although shipping costs will vary by region. Twelve South offers users in the United States free FedEx Smart Post on all orders (5-10 day shipping estimate), and free 2-day shipping on all orders over $95.

Note: While all items in the sale are the cheapest available online, there are some exceptions. For these Twelve South accessories, we have marked Amazon’s better deals (as of writing) in a section directly under our own exclusive promo price. Amazon’s prices fluctuate daily, however, so we can only ensure consistent savings through our own coupon code on TwelveSouth.com.

BookBook Vol. 2 for MacBook and MacBook Pro

Promo Price: $67.99, down from $79.99
Colors: Brown leather
Compatible Products: 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro (USB-C), 12-inch MacBook
Description: Carry your MacBook around campus in BookBook’s six-sided protective case, which also hides an interior pocket for storing class papers.

BookBook for iPad

Promo Price: $67.99, down from $79.99 (9.7-inch and 10.5-inch); $84.99, down from $99.99 (12.9-inch)
Colors: Brown and Rutledge
Compatible Products: 2018 9.7-inch iPad, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd Gen
Description: Designed to protect and enhance your iPad experience, BookBook for iPad includes a built-in typing or drawing angle in a sturdy case with a crush resistant spine. As a bonus, all three discounted cases in this sale include Apple Pencil storage in the spine.
Note: The 2017 iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini BookBook cases are not compatible with the promo code.

Curve for MacBook

Promo Price: $42.49, down from $49.99
Colors: Black
Compatible Products: 12-inch MacBook, 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro
Description: Twelve South’s Curve is an aluminum stand that elevates your MacBook, providing better line-of-sight for lengthy school projects (when paired with a wireless keyboard and mouse) and organizing messy desks.

ParcSlope for MacBook and iPad Pro

Promo Price: $42.49, down from $49.99
Amazon: $39.99 with on-page coupon
Colors: Black and Silver
Compatible Products: 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 12-inch MacBook, 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air, 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro
Description: Gain a more comfortable typing angle during lectures this semester with ParcSlope, a hybrid stand that both slightly elevates compatible MacBooks while also providing an 18-degree drawing angle for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

HiRise Duet

Promo Price: $84.99, down from $99.99
Amazon: $80.60
Colors: Black
Compatible Products: Lightning-enabled iPhones, Apple Watch, Apple Pencil, Siri Remote
Description: Looking to clear up charging clutter in your dorm? The HiRise Duet provides double-duty charging for any Lightning-enabled iPhones and Apple accessories, while housing an included Apple Watch charging disk that charges Apple Watch in Nightstand mode.

HiRise 2

Promo Price: $33.99, down from $39.99; $50.99, down from $59.99 (Deluxe)
Amazon: $29.99 for regular; $44.99 for Deluxe
Colors: Black, Silver, and White
Compatible Products: Lightning-enabled iPhones and iPads (excluding 12.9-inch models)
Description: If you don’t have an Apple Watch, you can also get the advantages of HiRise thanks to HiRise 2, which focuses on charging and displaying iPhones and iPads, without an inductive charging puck.

Fermata

Promo Price: $59.49, down from $69.99 (promo code also covers international version)
Amazon: $56.99 in Silver only
Colors: Black and Silver
Compatible Products: Micro-USB powered wireless headphones
Description: The Fermata stand charges and displays any micro-USB powered wireless headphones — like Beats Studio3 — ensuring that your headphones are always ready to block out noise so that you can stay focused during long study sessions.

ActionSleeve

Promo Price: $25.49, down from $29.99
Colors: Black and Red
Compatible Products: Apple Watch 38mm and 42mm (all generations)
Description: Stay in shape and de-stress using Twelve South’s workout-friendly ActionSleeve for Apple Watch. The accessory places Apple Watch on your bicep so that you can keep tracking your activity even during workouts that require protective sports gear, like Kickboxing, CrossFit, and Kettlebell training.

Inspire Candle

Promo Price: $25.49, down from $29.99
Description: Twelve South’s Inspire [mac candle N°2] takes inspiration from a Steve Jobs quote, promising scents that will help to clear your mind and stimulate creativity during school projects, while also ridding your dorm of unpleasant smells.

Head over to our Deals Roundup for even more of the latest offers happening this week, and remember to use the exclusive Twelve South promo code before it expires on August 24.

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