Asus claims ‘world’s thinnest’ with its new Zephyrus S gaming laptop

The Republic of Gamers arm at Asus is claiming “world’s thinnest” with the introduction of its new Zephyrus S gaming laptop measuring just 0.58 inches at its thinnest point. The company also revealed the Strix SCAR II that crams a 17.3-inch screen into a 15.7-inch chassis.

First, Asus will sell two variants of its new ROG Zephyrus S laptop. The GX531GS model sports Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q discrete graphics chip designed for the best performance in thin-and-light notebooks. It also ships with 8GB of system memory (but supports 16GB) and a 230-watt power adapter. The GPU has its own 8GB of GDDR5 dedicated video memory as well.

Meanwhile, the GX531GM ships with a discrete GeForce GTX 1060 graphics chip with 6GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory. This system also includes 8GB of system memory but supports a larger 24GB capacity, and relies on a 180-watt power adapter.

With both models, you will see Intel’s Core i7-8750H six-core processor powering a 15.6-inch screen crammed into a 14.2-inch chassis. This screen’s maximum resolution is 1,920 x 1,080 but at a hefty 144Hz refresh rate. It also has a three-millisecond response time and support for 100 percent of the sRGB color space.

As for ports, both models include one USB-C port supporting 10Gbps, one USB-C port supporting 5Gbps, one USB-A port supporting 10Gbps, two USB-A 2.0 ports, one HDMI port and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Wireless connectivity consists of Bluetooth 5.0 and Wireless AC.

Other notable features in this new gaming notebook include a 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD, a second M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD option ranging from 256GB to 1TB, a backlit chiclet keyboard with four RGB zones and support for Aura Sync. This laptop weighs 4.6 pounds and measures 14.17 x 10.55 x 0.58 inches (0.62 at its thickest point).

Unfortunately, the Zephyrus S won’t arrive until September for an unknown price.

If you’re looking for something larger, the ROG Strix SCAR II (GL704) also arrives in September packing a 17.3-inch screen. You will have an option of two “IPS-level” screen variants with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution: One with a 144Hz refresh rate and another limited to 60Hz.

Backing this laptop are two processor options: Intel’s Core i7-8750H and its Core i5-8300H. Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) will be your only discrete graphics option while the laptop will support up to 32GB of system memory at 2,666MHz. Storage will include an M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD from 128GB to 512GB and a second 2.5-inch 1TB hybrid drive or hard drive.

For ports, you will see a larger arsenal. There will be one USB-C at 10Gbps, three USB-A at 5Gbps, one USB-A at 10Gbps, one Mini DisplayPort 1.2 jack, one HDMI 2.0 port, one Ethernet jack, an SD card reader and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.0 and Wireless AC.

Finally, the Strix SCAR II weighs 6.39 pounds and measures 15.74 x 10.76 x 0.98 inches (1.03 at its thickest point).

Pricing for this laptop will be made available just before it ships next month as well.

Intel teases new dedicated graphics card slated for 2020 release

Intel is looking to make the dedicated graphics market a three-horse race within the next couple of years. It teased a brand-new graphics card at the Siggraph 2018 show, where it announced plans to “set [its] graphics free.” A silhouette of a full-size graphics card completed the hint at future potential and has PC users cautiously excited about what it all might mean for the industry.

Although the graphics card market in the 1990s was contested by a number of companies offering competing architectures, the only two industry giants who survived those wars were Nvidia and AMD. Since the turn of the century they’ve been the only two graphics card companies that have really mattered in the gaming space, and even then, AMD has often played a distant second-fiddle. Intel has always had its place in graphics with its Intel HD onboard solutions offered in almost all of its CPUs, but 2020 could see it introduce its first dedicated graphics card in decades.

We will set our graphics free. #SIGGRAPH2018 pic.twitter.com/vAoSe4WgZX

— Intel Graphics (@IntelGraphics) August 15, 2018

Intel confirmed it was working on a graphics card earlier this year, highlighting at the time that there was a very good reason it had hired Raj Koduri, ex-head of AMD’s Radeon graphics division, to aid in its development. Koduri is currently the chief architect, senior vice president, and general manager of Intel’s Core and Visual Computing Group.

The announcement and the subsequent tweet embedded above give us precious little additional detail, but do suggest Intel is putting a lot of its manufacturing and marketing muscle behind the project. It makes the claim that the project will “set our graphics free,” which is a relatively hyperbolic comment, but the fact that it follows it up by saying that this is “just the beginning,” suggests that Intel may be making a permanent move into the GPU development and manufacturing market.

Considering companies like Nvidia seem poised to refocus their efforts on A.I., automation, and machine learning, that’s exciting news for gamers who have suffered under pricing and availability issues for the best part of a year and a half.

Although it has technically been 20 years since Intel’s last graphics card, it has worked on dedicated graphics hardware in the intervening years. Project Larabee was an ambitious design which ultimately turned into a multicore co-processor rather than a graphics card, but did offer impressive enough performance to find its way into supercomputers.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Look out AMD and Nvidia, Intel will make graphics cards in 2020
• Nvidia vs. AMD
• Intel finally ships an updated Radeon driver for its all-in-one ‘module’ CPUs
• Cryptocurrency may be why you still don’t have Nvidia GTX 11 Series graphics
• AMD vs. Intel

Samsung talks about what it took to make the Note 9 so darn pretty

It’s finally here. After relentless leaks, rumors, and more, Samsung’s finally unveiled the Galaxy Note 9.

Even though we already knew a lot about the phone prior to its official announcement, there’s still plenty to talk about. What colors does it come in? What are the final specs? Were we impressed during our hands-on preview?

All those questions and more are answered right here, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

The latest Galaxy Note 9 news

August 15, 2018 — Samsung talks about what it took to make the Note 9 so darn pretty 😍

It’s no secret that Samsung makes stunning phones, and with the Galaxy Note 9, the company put all of its design prowess on full display. However, as much fun as it is to look at and hold the Note 9, it’s even more exciting to take a closer look at just what goes into crafting a device of its caliber.

Samsung’s Infinity Display is once again being used on the Note 9, and measuring in at 6.4-inches, is the biggest the company’s created to-date. Samsung also says that the Note 9’s screen is an ever deeper black compared to past handsets, which “allows it to blend in with the bezels when the device is off and enhances the overall aesthetic.”

A process called Die-cutting was used to craft the Note 9’s frame, and as a result of this laborious process, the frame of the Note 9 ” features an interplay of glossy and matte finishes that complements the Galaxy Note9’s premium design cues.”

To read more about the Note 9’s design and the time/attention that went into its S Pen, check out Samsung’s full deep dive below.

Beautiful From Every Angle: The Design of the Galaxy Note 9

All the big details

Check out our hands-on preview

Before you do anything else, be sure to check out our initial hands-on preview of the Galaxy Note 9!

This is Samsung’s biggest and most powerful phone of the year, and during our early look, we got a chance to check out the Note 9’s design, new S Pen features, cameras, and more.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hands-on preview: $1000 well spent

Here are the specs

Like past Notes before it, the Galaxy Note 9 is packed to the gills with all of the latest available tech. That means it has the latest processor, a massive battery, an insane amount of RAM, and much more.

Here are all the specs you can look forward to.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 specifications

The 4,000 mAh battery is huge

Samsung’s Galaxy Note phones have typically been known for packing huge batteries, but following the disaster that was the Note 7, Samsung decided to play it safe with the Note 8 by including a fairly modest 3,300 mAh battery.

With the Note 9, Samsung’s going all the way with a seriously huge 4,000 mAh pack.

It’s being touted that the Note 9 will offer XX hours of use on a single charge, and while we’ll certainly need to put the phone through its paces to see how accurate that claim is, we’ve got high hopes considering the battery’s size and power efficiency of the Snapdragon 845.

When you do finally drain the Note 9, you’ll be able to top it up via wired and wireless fast charging.

Should you upgrade from the Note 8?

As exciting as the Galaxy Note 9 is shaping up to be, last year’s Note 8 is still one heck of a smartphone.

The Note 9 offers the expected improvements in regards to RAM, camera performance, etc., but really gets a strong edge over its predecessor thanks to its improved S Pen and a massive battery.

Then again, if you already have the Note 8 and don’t feel like throwing down $900 (?) on a new phone, maybe upgrading isn’t the right move for you?

Let Andrew break everything down for you in his comparison of the Note 8 and Note 9

How’s it compare to other phones?

That’s fine and dandy, but how’s the Note 9 hold up against other non-Note devices?

Without a doubt, one of the Note 9’s biggest competitors comes from Samsung itself with the Galaxy S9+. A lot of features are shared between the two phones, including a large Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845, Samsung’s custom software, excellent dual cameras, and more.

The Note 9 is obviously the only one of the two that uses the S Pen, but is that reason enough to make the pricey upgrade?

Similarly, there are still plenty of other phones that are scheduled to come out before 2018 is over — most importantly the Google Pixel 3 XL. Rumors and leaks are hinting at a phone with considerably slimmer bezels, an even better camera package, and an all-glass back (not to mention the ginormous notch).

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs. Galaxy S9+

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

A lot is new with the S Pen

The S Pen is easily the biggest reason so many people flock to the Note series year after year, and this time around, Samsung’s giving the S Pen one of its biggest upgrades in years.

For the first time, Samsung’s adding Bluetooth Low Energy to the S Pen. With this new connectivity, the S Pen picks up a heap of new features that allow you to control the Note 9 from a distance.

Some use cases include being able to use the S Pen and its button as a camera shutter, navigating through presentations, and more. The presence of Bluetooth also means this is the first S Pen to have a battery, and as with all things that have a battery, the S Pen will need to be charged.

Thankfully, seeing as how the S Pen seamlessly charges in the background when stored inside the Note 9, this shouldn’t ever prove to be an issue of any sort.

Get the official wallpapers right here!

New Samsung phones always come with striking wallpapers to help jazz up your home screen, and even if you don’t have the funds/interest to get a Note 9 right now, you can still bring its look to your exisitng handset with its official wallpapers.

We’ve got all 12 listed above for your viewing pleasure, and if you want to throw one (or all) of them on your phone, feel free to download ’em as you see fit.

These are all the colors

Samsung’s typically one of the better OEMs when it comes to offering a good variety of colors, and with the Note 9, that’s no different.

In the United States, buyers will be able to choose from Ocean Blue and Lavender Purple. In other parts of the world, Samsung’s releasing Midnight Black and Metallic Copper.

Here’s where you can buy the Note 9

There are a lot of reasons you may want to pick up the Note 9, and whatever those reasons may be, you’ve got a lot of options for deciding where to get it.

In the United States, pricing starts at $999.99 for the 128GB model and goes up to $1249.99 for the 512GB one.

You’ll be able to get the phone at Best Buy, Amazon, Samsung’s website, all of the major carriers, and more.

Where to buy the Galaxy Note 9: Best deals for your new phone

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

Updated August 10, 2018: Added the Note 9’s official wallpapers!

How you can manage a Synology NAS with Android

Making your smart storage even smarter.

Setting up a Synology Network Attached Storage at home or in the office is a great way of creating a centralized location to store large amounts of data, be it important documents, media, or system backups. Since Android is used by millions worldwide, Synology has some form of support for the mobile OS in both the browser and in the form of an app collection on the Play Store. If you’re considering a Synology NAS, here’s all you need to know.

Related: Choosing the best Synology NAS for you

Manage a Synology NAS on the go

The NAS itself can be initially set up and managed through a browser on a PC or on your mobile. All you need is the internal IP address of the server (depending on how tech savvy you are with your router and LAN), external IP of your network or respective assistant apps. There’s software available for major desktop operating systems, as well as a few apps on mobile too (more on the latter below). Once connected to the NAS on mobile, you’re free to manage most functions of the unit.

For instance, I have the Synology DS1618+ configured on the internal IP address of 192.168.0.15, which I can access by entering that into the browser on my OnePlus 5 — so long as it’s connected to the same network. Not only is it possible to quickly check the status of the Synology NAS, installed drives, and services running, you can easily update the DiskStation Manager (DSM) to a more recent version, manage users, and more.

Synology tries to make this process as simple as possible, which resulted in the creation of QuickConnect. This essentially requires you to create an account, which then ties itself to your NAS. Should your external IP address change (your ISP may have a habit of doing this on a regular basis), your NAS will notify Synology to change it on your account. There’s also the added bonus for mobile by allowing you to remain connected if you hop between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

Setting up QuickConnect

You can configure QuickConnect through the installation wizard when initially setting up your NAS, but if you fail to do so and wish to get started after it’s already up and running, here’s how:

Enable QuickConnect on your NAS from the control panel.
Head to https://account.synology.com/.
Register an account.
Complete necessary profile fields.
Head to Devices.
Choose Add Device.
Enter your NAS serial number. (This can be located in the settings on the NAS or using the desktop assistant suite or mobile app.)
Complete the wizard, creating a QuickConnect ID.

This QuickConnect ID URL (https://quickconnect.to/YourQuickConnectID) can be loaded in your browser (both on mobile and a PC) to quickly access to the NAS.

Using Synology apps

Synology has a bunch of apps available on the Play Store, some being more useful than others. DS Finder is a great app to start with to get the initial connection established.

• DS Cam – Check the feeds of connected cameras to your Synology NAS.
• DS Cloud – Allows you to configure the automated backing up of media from your phone to a connected NAS.
• DS Drive – For the office when productivity can be enhanced with connected storage.
• DS File – Check out everything stored on your Synology NAS and move files to and from a mobile device.
• DS Finder – Locate, connect to and manage your Synology NAS. A good place to start.

Whether or not you’ll find any of these apps useful depends on what you want to do with the NAS as well as how technically minded you are. It’s possible to only use Chrome on your Android device and get the most out of your NAS. Play around to get the setup that best matches your needs.

Even more Synology

• How to pick the best NAS for Plex
• How to backup media from your phone to a Synology NAS
• Best hard drives for your Synology NAS
• Comparing Synology DS218 NAS models

Google will soon begin mandatory quality reviews for Wear OS apps

Better Wear OS apps are coming soon 🙏

While it may be in something of a slump right now, one strong suit that Wear OS has had for some time is its developer support. There are a ton of apps available for Google’s wearable platform, and starting this year, Google will be implementing measures to ensure that apps created for Wear OS are as high quality as can be.

Google currently has an optional review process that Wear OS apps can go through, but starting October 1, 2018, all new apps that are created will be required to go through and pass it.

As Google notes in its blog post on the Android Developers Blog:

We hope this lightweight app review process will improve the quality of Wear app experiences across the wide range of devices available to your users. In addition, since screenshots are required for the Wear app review, this will improve the discovery and presentation of your Wear apps in the Google Play Store.

This review process was first introduced alongside the release of Android Wear 2.0 in February 2017, and for existing Wear OS apps, they’ll need to follow it starting March 4, 2019.

While this announcement isn’t particularly exciting on its own, it’s yet another reminder that exciting things on the horizon for Wear OS. Qualcomm will be announcing its first wearable processor in two years on September 10, and later in October, we’re expecting Google to finally announce its first-ever Pixel Watch.

What are you hoping to see from Wear OS this year?

TicWatch Pro review: A best-of-both-worlds hybrid

Google Wear OS

• The best Wear OS smartwatches
• Discuss Android Wear in the forums!

This tempered glass screen protector for the Note 9 is worth it

Under the Dome, is Life.

It is time, the wait is over. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has just been unpacked, but if you missed the live stream in New York you don’t need to be left out. The phone officially goes on sale in two weeks, so once you get yours, you need to decide what protection is best for you. Well, Whitestone has the answer, and it is DOME GLASS. Whitestone Dome Glass is a specialized brand for the entire high-end market of cellular bezel-less devices, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

In today’s world, everyone wants smartphones that are thinner and lighter, but still want to watch videos and play games on the biggest possible screens. Therefore, edge phones and bezel-less phones are leading the way. They make use of limited screen size and maximize it to its fullest extent. The Note 9 is no different. It has increased the screen size to 6.4 inches (up from 6.3″) and slimmed the screen bezel.

With the larger screen and slimmer bezel, it is that much more important to protect every inch. Whitestone provides the first true “full-screen adhesive” tempered glass screen protector for curved bezel-less phones. They do this by using their patented LOCA technology which stands for ‘Liquid Optical Clear Adhesive’. LOCA is a liquid glass which evenly disperses over the entire screen, including repairing existing scratches and scuffs and sets to create a watertight edge to edge protection. Their revolutionary liquid glass adhesive forms around the curved screen to create a single, solid layer of anti-shatter glass. Thus, giving you (and your new Note 9) complete security.

Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Glass
Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Case

Now, Whitestone Dome Glass is not cheap, but nor should it be. It was created for high-end model smartphones. Whitestone is the only tempered glass screen protector recognized by SMAPP (Samsung Mobile Accessory Partnership Program) and as such is the best option for your Note 9. The other plastic or urethane protectors have no true protection, are vulnerable to scratches, and even can reduce transparency. Also, most other well-known brands of tempered glass protectors only cover the flat side of your device and falsely advertises themselves as a full-cover tempered glass. They attempt to trick you by using a black cover adhesive along the side to hide lifts, or they cover the areas between glass and screen with dots which makes the device prone to touchscreen errors. But that’s not the case with Dome Glass. Get your Note 9 the security it deserves. Why invest in the top of the line phone and settle for second-rate protection?

Why invest in the top of the line phone and settle for second-rate protection? Get your Note 9 the security it deserves.

The one major difficulty with this screen protector is because it really works so well, you only get one shot at putting it on, so you need to do it right. It’s not hard, but you can’t rush through it. Quality is reflected through commitment, so make sure you have enough time and patience to get an undeniably perfect result.

To prevent errors and air bubbles, an install frame and UV curing light are included. If you just want to throw on a screen protector in a minute before you walk out the door, then this is not the one for you. But, if you follow the simple installation steps, you will get the best shielding available. For help with installation, here is a link to some of their reviews and tutorial videos that show you step-by-step how to do a proper installation.

On top of the comprehensive 3D glass curved surface protection and liquid dispersion technology, it also provides protection against Blue Light. As more and more people are so reliant on their cell phone, it has become even more important to identify the harmful side effects. One of the negative effects of smartphones is the emitting of shorter wavelengths called Blue Light. Studies suggest that, over time, exposure to blue light (especially at night), can cause insomnia or even more serious long-term damage to your eyes. Whitestone Dome Glass decreases the strength of blue light by up to 25%, protecting you and your smart device!

Dome Glass, which is already a top seller on Amazon Worldwide and AT&T and is touted as one of the best-tempered glass protectors by NTT Docomo (the largest cellular provider in Japan) has the maximum strength and scratch resistance rating of 9H (hardness measurement) provides full touch and total edge to edge coverage without any gaps or bubbles and does not fade or fog with extended use.

To top it all off, every Whitestone Dome Glass product comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty which means that if your Dome Glass is damaged or worn, you could request a replacement through Whitestone’s webpage. Also, for a limited time, our very own Android Central readers can use the code ANDROIDCENTRAL to save 30% off Whitestone Dome Glass for their Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Just click here to order today and for their web page and more information on these screen protectors visit whitestonedome.com. Whitestone Dome Glass protector is #1 in protecting your entire screen and is an essential accessory for any new Note 9 owner. So, with the Samsung Galaxy being unpacked today, it is only right to get it the protection it deserves.

Don’t forget to use coupon code THRIFT30 to save 30% off the Note 9 Dome Glass 2 pack and Note 9 Dome Case on Amazon for a limited time!

Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Glass
Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Case

Win a Galaxy Note 9, Dome Glass 2 pack, and Clear Case! [U.S. Only]

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has just been unpacked, and the phone officially goes on sale in two weeks, but we wanted to give you a chance to WIN one along with some cool accessories from Whitestone to keep it safe.

Whitestone’s Dome Glass, which is already a top seller and is touted as one of the best-tempered glass protectors by the largest cellular provider in Japan, has the maximum strength and scratch resistance rating of 9H (hardness measurement), provides full touch and total edge to edge coverage without any gaps or bubbles, and does not fade or fog with extended use.

Created from Samsung’s original blueprints, the Whitestone Levitation case exhibits precise cutouts that align perfectly with your Note 9. This durable, shock absorbing clear case provides the ultimate protection for the best smartphone. And with only 1 mm between you and your phone, this clear case is light and not bulky; it’ll feel like your device is completely bare. You will definitely want to check out these products to protect your new Note 9!

For a limited time, Android Central readers can score 30% off these accessories on Amazon with coupon code THRIFT30!

Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Glass
Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Case

Enter to win a Galaxy Note 9 and more!

THE PRIZE: One Android Central reader will receive Galaxy Note 9, a 2 pack of Dome Glass, and a Clear Case. An additional 10 runners-up will receive a Dome Glass 2 pack and a Clear Case.

THE GIVEAWAY: Use the widget at the bottom of this page. There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values. Complete all of the tasks for maximum entries and your best shot at winning! Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. Please note that this giveaway is available in the U.S. only.

The giveaway is open through August 22, 2018, and the winner will be announced right here shortly after the closing date. Good luck!

Win a Galaxy Note 9, Dome Glass 2 pack, and Clear Case from Whitestone and Android Central!

By entering you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Text forwarding on Project Fi will be shut down on September 12

Google’s own carrier offering definitely has appealing features.

If you’re an Android enthusiast, you likely know about Project Fi. But that doesn’t mean you necessarily know everything about it. And for everyone out there who doesn’t have one of the handful of phones that work with the carrier are unlikely to have looked into Project Fi deeply. So we’re here to give you the high-level view at the carrier option that comes directly from Google. Namely, just what the heck it is, how it works compared to other carriers and maybe a few reasons why you’d want to try it.

See at Project Fi

The latest Project Fi news

August 15, 2018 — Project Fi is getting rid of text forwarding

Project Fi is chock-full of helpful features, one of which is text forwarding — the ability to have all of your text messages that are sent to your Fi number also go to other numbers you set up.

Unfortunately, text forwarding is going away after September 12 😞.

Call forwarding will continue to work (i.e. calls to your Fi number are sent to other numbers), but text forwarding will be no more. Google didn’t provide any reasoning for this move, but in any case, we’ll play our sad violin for any of you that relied on it. And in any case, if you need access to your Fi texts on other devices you can use the Hangouts app, which for now still has Fi integration.

🎻🎻🎻

July 16, 2018 — Get a $300 credit when pre-ordering the G7 or V35

It’s been almost a month since the LG G7 and V35 appeared on Project Fi, and if you’ve been holding off on picking one up for yourself, a new promotion for a $300 Fi credit might finally push you over the edge.

Between now and July 29 (while supplies last), you can get a $300 credit that’s applied towards your monthly Project Fi bill when pre-ordering either the G7 or V35 for $749 and $899, respectively.

If you already pre-ordered either of the phones when Google was running its $100 Fi credit promo, you’ll be receiving an email shortly on how to claim your other $200.

See at Project Fi

What you need to know about Project Fi

What is Project Fi?

At the highest level, Project Fi is a phone carrier operated by Google. It works by giving you mobile data service on three mobile networks, which your phone will intelligently switch between — it also uses Wi-Fi to make calls and send texts whenever available. Project Fi is a “prepaid” carrier, meaning you pay upfront for your service in the trailing month, which is the opposite of a traditional carrier (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) that bills you after you use the service.

It’s all about simplified billing with no hidden fees or overages.

Project Fi is focused on simplified billing. You pay $20 per month for unlimited talk and texting, and a flat rate of $10 per gigabyte of data used. At the start of each month you simply estimate how much data you’ll use (by the gigabyte) and pay for that amount — at the end of the month you’ll receive either a refund for data you didn’t use, or pay a little extra on the next bill for data overages. You’ll always pay at the same $10 per gigabyte rate either way. Bill Protection applies to international data usage the same as home usage.

The only time that doesn’t apply is when you hit a level called “Bill Protection” — effectively an unlimited plan tier for Fi. Once you’ve used 6GB ($60) of data in a given month, your bill is then capped at that point for the month but you continue to get data service. You can use as much data as you want for the month without paying over $80 total ($20 base + $60 data). The only caveat here is that once you hit 15GB of total data usage, your speeds are slowed to 256kbps — alternatively, at the 15GB point you can choose to start paying $10 per GB again for full-speed data if needed.

The huge benefit here is that you don’t have to pay for an “unlimited” plan every month — it’s simply there if you use beyond 6GB of data in a month. All other months when you use less than 6GB of data your bill will be less than $80.

You can also set up a “Group Plan” on Project Fi for up to six people to share a single account and billing source. With a Group Plan, all of the same features of an individual plan apply, but you save $5 per person per month on the base plan charge. Billing is handled centrally by the account owner, along with data limitations for each user (if needed) — Bill Protection data usage limits are also handled on a per-person basis. Project Fi charges the group owner for everyone’s bill collectively, but can also facilitate payments back to the account admin from each member to pay their share. Individuals can come and go from a Group Plan as they wish, without any contract.

Unlike most other prepaid carriers, Project Fi is available for just a handful of phones: the Google Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 2, Moto X4, Pixel XL, Pixel, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6. You can also use a data-only SIM card with any tablet that supports the T-Mobile network.

How does it work?

Project Fi works with a special SIM card — and a little software on your phone — that can authenticate you on T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular, and switch between them on the fly based on a variety of factors. On the new Pixel 2 and 2 XL, an integrated eSIM lets you use Project Fi without a physical SIM card and quickly switch between Project Fi and another carrier’s SIM.

Using Wi-Fi for calls and texts, you can keep using your phone in places where mobile data isn’t that great. Extra software called a “Wi-Fi assistant” will automatically connect your phone to open Wi-Fi access points when you’re out of the house, reducing your data usage without any intervention on your part.

You get the power of three mobile networks, plus Wi-Fi, in a single SIM

When you use Project Fi, you also get some of the same features that have made Google Voice popular over the years. You can forward phone calls to your Fi number to any phone you want, as well as view voicemail, make calls and send texts with that number from any device using the Hangouts app and website.

Project Fi also works internationally in 120 countries around the world with no additional cost for data use or texting. You can call at a flat rate to any number while on the cellular networks abroad, or pay much lower rates when calling on Wi-Fi. You can also call back home to the U.S. on Wi-Fi for free. Data used internationally just comes out of your standard $10 per gigabyte bucket, but speeds can vary depending on the country you’re in.

What phones are available?

When Project Fi launched in 2015, the only phone that supported it was the Nexus 6. Google’s been expanding this list over the years, and while the list of compatible phones isn’t nearly on the same level as carriers such as T-Mobile and Verizon, it’s one that’s growing all the time.

Along with Google’s own Pixel 2 and 2 XL, other phones that work on Project Fi include the Moto G6, LG G7, LG V35, and others.

These phones work on Project Fi

Why do I want it?

Well, this is really a personal question of whether you actually want to try Project Fi. Chances are if you’re reading Android Central you’re at least one step closer to being the target audience for the Google-powered carrier, but there are a few other boxes to check that make it the right choice for you.

Simplicity in the service and billing are paramount to the experience.

The only big issue for most people is the limited phone choices. Google lets you use its latest phones, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, on Project Fi, in addition to a small selection of handsets from Motorola and LG — including the Moto G6, LG G7, and a couple others.

If you’re okay with that limitation, you don’t have many other hurdles to jump over. You can sign up for Project Fi online in minutes, and you can either buy a Pixel phone at the same time or Google will send you a SIM card to put in your existing Pixel or Nexus. Once it arrives, you can start the typical porting process of bringing your current phone number to Fi, or can start fresh with a new number. You can use Project Fi for as long or short as you want, as there aren’t any contracts or commitments involved.

There are lots of cool features that make Project Fi a good choice, like the simplified billing, included international features and improved network coverage through the use of three carriers and Wi-Fi networks. Each one will have a different amount of draw for different people, though.

Project Fi’s pricing isn’t dramatically lower than other carriers out there, and whether it makes a good choice financially for you depends on your data usage and which features you want. We encourage you to do your pricing research before choosing which carrier is the best.

And whether you’re still on the fence or just curious about it, be sure to follow all of our Project Fi coverage here at Android Central!

See at Project Fi

Google Project Fi

• What is Project Fi?
• Get the latest Project Fi news
• Google Pixel 2 review
• Moto X4 review
• Discuss Project Fi in our forums
• Sign up for Project Fi!

Update June 19, 2018: Started a blog roll for the latest Project Fi news and added a section about the available phones.

Xiaomi Mi A2 vs. Honor Play: Game, set, match

If it’s sheer performance you’re after, you’ll love what the Honor Play has to offer.

Xiaomi became the largest handset manufacturer in India at the end of last year, and it was all because of a strong showing in the budget category. Xiaomi now accounts for one out of three sales in the country, and over 95% of its market share comes from the sub-₹15,000 ($215) segment.

It isn’t hard to see why Xiaomi is so dominant in this category. Earlier this year, the manufacturer launched the Redmi Note 5 Pro, offering robust hardware in the form of a Snapdragon 636, upgraded cameras, and a massive 4000mAh battery.

The Mi A2 builds on that by offering a Snapdragon 660 — normally featured on devices that cost twice as much — along with even better cameras and an 18:9 screen. The main draw, however, is the fact that the Mi A2 runs Android One, ensuring it receives timely updates.

Honor is also on the rise in India, with the company emulating Xiaomi’s strategy. Its latest phone — the Honor Play — is interesting for several reasons.The Honor Play is powered by the Kirin 970, the same chipset behind the Honor 10 and the Huawei P20 Pro.

The Kirin 970 is just as powerful as the Snapdragon 845, and it’s incredulous to think that the Honor Play is offering such enticing hardware for the equivalent of $290 (₹19,999). For gamers in particular, there isn’t a device that comes close to the Honor Play in this segment.

Xiaomi Mi A2 vs. Honor Play: Specs

What the Mi A2 does better

The $250 Mi A2 is all about delivering a user experience that’s devoid of clutter. Android One drives Google’s vision for Android and makes it more accessible across various price points, and the Mi A2 is one of the best examples the program has to offer. For its part, Xiaomi has done a masterful job with its 2018 Android One phone, and if clean software along with timely security updates is a key factor in your purchasing decision, the Mi A2 is one of the best options for under $300.

Neither device is particularly striking on the design front — but the Mi A2 has a slight edge in this area as its back is subtly curved, facilitating better in-hand feel.

That said, the camera sensor on the Mi A2 protrudes quite a bit from the body, making the phone wobble when using it on a flat surface. On the subject of camera, the dual 12MP + 20MP configuration at the back is one of the best in this category. The Mi A2 consistently takes great photos in daylight and low-light scenarios, and the front camera is leagues ahead of what the Honor Play has to offer.

Xiaomi Mi A2 to the left, Honor Play to the right.

While the Honor Play did outshine the Mi A2 in a few scenarios, mainly because of the AI, the Mi A2 is a more consistent shooter that delivers great images in any lighting condition.

What the Honor Play does better

The Honor Play is designed to do one thing, and one thing only: beat every other budget phone when it comes to performance. The Kirin 970 allows it to do just that, and although the Snapdragon 660 in the Mi A2 is plenty capable, it isn’t quite as fast as the Kirin 970. In synthetic scores, the Kirin 970 is closer to the Snapdragon 845.

As a result, gaming is a delight on the Honor Play. The phone handles visually demanding games with aplomb, and playing PUBG on the device is loads of fun. Honor is also offering custom haptics in titles like PUBG that enhances the gaming experience.

With a 3700mAh battery under the hood, the Honor Play also delivers much better battery life. The phone consistently delivered over a day’s worth of use, and it comes with Huawei’s fast charging tech that delivers up to a 50% charge from flat in just 30 minutes.

And unlike the Mi A2, the Honor Play has a 3.5mm jack and a microSD slot.

Which should you buy? Honor Play

With the latest batch of budget phones, it’s easy to see that manufacturers are positioning their devices in such a way that there’s a single marquee feature. The Mi A2 scores a double whammy as it comes with Android One and great cameras, but on the downside, it’s missing out on key features like the 3.5mm jack and the microSD slot.

The Honor Play, meanwhile, is all about sheer performance. You’re buying the device for the Kirin 970, and if you’re a gamer, there isn’t a phone that offers quite as much power. The Honor Play delivers performance that’s on par with the likes of the OnePlus 6 for half the cost. That’s a huge deal, but then again the camera isn’t quite as good as the Mi A2 and you have to deal with EMUI.

Honestly, with so many great options in this segment, it’s hard to go wrong with any one pick. Ultimately, it comes to what set of features you value over others. If you’re more interested in playing visually intensive games on your phone, then the Honor Play is an easy recommendation. But if you want a clean user interface and fast updates, then the Mi A2 is a better bet.

The Honor Play is available for ₹19,999 ($290) for the variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. That’s ₹3,000 ($40) more than what the Mi A2 costs in the country, and the premium is justified when you look at the hardware on offer.

See at Amazon India

Moto P30 goes live with iPhone X design, Huawei P20 paint job

The Moto P30 is the latest Android phone to copy the iPhone X design.

We’ve reached a point where Android manufacturers aren’t trying to hide the fact that their designs are blatant iPhone X copies. The Moto P30 broke cover earlier this week with a design that looked more like an iPhone X than any of Motorola’s previous devices, and the company has formally launched the phone in China.

As the leaks indicated, the Moto P30 follows in the footsteps of the ASUS ZenFone 5Z and the Xiaomi Mi 8 in offering a design that’s essentially an iPhone X knockoff running Android. Whereas ASUS and Xiaomi were content with just ripping off Apple, Motorola went one step further and applied a gradient effect of the back of the P30 that’s eerily similar to what we’ve seen on the Huawei P20 series.

The Moto P30 features a 6.2-inch FHD+ 19:9 display with Gorilla Glass on the front and back, Snapdragon 636, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, MicroSD card slot, 16MP + 5MP rear cameras, 12MP front shooter, 3.5mm jack, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3000mAh battery with Motorola’s TurboPower fast charging.

On the software side of things, the Moto P30 is running Android 8.1 Oreo, and the company’s standard UI is being switched out for ZUI 4.0. We’ve seen Motorola go down a similar route in China in the past, but the phone should come with Motorola’s default interface in global markets.

There’s no mention if the Moto P30 will make its way outside of China, but the phone is set to go on sale in the country later this month for ¥2,099 ($305). That’s for the model with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage; the variant with 128GB of storage will be available for ¥2,499 ($360).

Would you be interested in the Moto P30 if it were made available outside of China? Share your thoughts in the comments below.