The best cases for the Moto X4

The Moto X4 is a big departure from past Moto X devices, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad phone. In fact, it’s one of the best mid-range Android handsets on the market right now. It’s the first entry in the Moto X series to feature a glass back, and while it looks downright gorgeous, this also makes the X4 rather fragile and easy to break. To ensure that doesn’t happen and your phone continues to look as good as can, these are the cases we recommend checking out.

Looks good and offers great protection

Dretal Full-Body Protective

Dretal’s Full-Body Protective case is made out of an anti-stretch TPU rubber material and keeps your Moto X4 protected from just about anything. A multi-texture design on the back adds some flair, you’ve got your choice of five different colors, and there’s a 30-day warranty.

$7.98 at Amazon

Best clear case around

Spigen Liquid Crystal

Spigen’s case is made out of a durable and anti-slip TPU material, and in addition to keeping your phone nice and safe, it still manages to remain light as a feather. The unique dot pattern helps to keep fingerprints at bay, and for just under $13, you won’t be out too much at all.

$12.99 at Amazon

Maximum protection

Mustaner Dual Layer

Mustaner’s case features a two-layer design – including a soft TPU base layer and hard shell frame that goes on top of it. This combo allows for maximum safety no matter what happens to your Moto X4, and the built-in kickstand on the back is a really nice touch.

$7.99 at Amazon

Holster cases are cool again

Encased Slim Fit Holster Shell Combo

This case is made out of a reinforced polycarbonate frame, and as expected, offers ample protection against any accidental spills. You’ll find a subtle texture on the back for increased grip, and along with a kickstand that can prop up your phone vertically or horizontally, Encased also includes a holster that your Moto X4 can slide into so you can easily attach it to your belt.

$13.46 at Amazon

Available in three flowery designs

Swoders Flower Case

A rubberized polycarbonate back combined with TPU bumper shields allows for maximum protection against any accidental drops, and the slim design makes it easy to carry with you no matter where you go. To make things even better, the three flowery designs add a lot of pop to the Moto X4’s appearance.

$7.99 at Amazon

The slimmest case on our list

Anccer Colorful Series

This is the thinnest case on the list, measuring in at just 0.3mm, but even with the thin design, Anccer’s case still manages to protect against drops, bumps, and shocks. It’s available in black, blue, red, rose gold, gold, and silver and costs just about $11.

$10.99 at Amazon

Durable, stylish, and not too thick

KuGi Flexible Soft TPU

The TPU material that’s present on this KuGi case does a fantastic job at housing your X4 in a secure home from just about any element imaginable. Non-slip sides allow you to always have a confident hold on your device, bumper guards protect against unwanted shock during a drop, and the faux-leather material on the back looks and feels like a million bucks.

$7.95 at Amazon

Our favorite wallet case

KwMobile Wallet

Available in black, black/brown, and grey/black, for about $11, the fabric design of the case is great for both looking and touching, and the plastic shell the X4 sits in offers ample protection against any mishaps. The front of the case is held together by magnets, and you have access to a three-card compartment for carrying around your most important plastic.

$10.40 at Amazon

Awesome protection on the cheap

Cimo Heavy Duty

Cimo uses a lightweight design here, and this allows your Moto X4 to stay safe and secure without adding much bulk. The two-layer design offers more than enough protection against most all drops, raised bezels help to protect the X4’s screen, and the grippy back is something we always love to see.

$4.98 at Amazon

As you can clearly see, there are a lot of great cases that are available for the Moto X4. Whether you want something ultra-slim like the Anccer Colorful Series or a heavy-duty beast such as the Mustaner Dual Layer, there’s a Moto X4 case on this list that’s perfect for you.

Updated September 2018: These are still the best cases for your Moto X4!

Samsung launches Fortnite contest for Note 9 gamers with $5250 grand prize

You could win big just by playing a game you’re probably already playing.

Samsung’s exclusive on the Fortnite launch didn’t last long, but the company now has a new contest specifically for Note 9 gamers. From now through September 30, anyone playing Fornite on the Galaxy Note 9 (or Tab S4) using the “Galaxy” game skin will be eligible to enter a contest for a considerable prize pool. Samsung will be picking four winners for a $5250 prize that includes a 65-inch Q9FN QLED TV, a 49-inch CHG90 QLED gaming monitor and a pair of AKG N700NC headphones.

This is a prize package anyone would love to win — and you just have to play Fortnite.

Yeah, that’s a serious prize package anyone would love to have. The whole contest is being run in partnership with popular streamer Tyler Blevins, aka “Ninja,” and they’re calling the whole thing the “Ninja Galaxy Squad.” Why? Because one grand prize winner will get an invitation to stream Fortnite with Ninja, which is pretty awesome.

Here’s how you can enter to win. Load up Fortnite on your Galaxy Note 9 and claim your Galaxy skin, then play matches and record your gameplay using the skin with screenshots or video. (Remember Samsung’s “Game Tools” menu makes it dead simple to record your gameplay.) Then, you have to share the recording via Twitter or Instagram to enter. You must follow @SamsungMobileUS on Twitter, or @samsungmobileusa on Instagram, and include #NinjaGalaxySquad and #contest in your post. (It’s complicated, I know, but this is how these things are.)

The fine print says there’s a limit of one entry per person, so it’s a long shot that you’ll win one of the four grand prizes — but Samsung is also handing out 100 pairs of the same AKG N700NC headphones to runners-up. And hey, all you’re doing in the first place is playing a game — it’s win-win.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 review
• 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

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These are supposedly the Pixel 3’s official press renders

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

September 18, 2018 — These are supposedly the Pixel 3’s official press renders

Although leaks for the Pixel 3 aren’t new at this point, the latest one from Nieuwe Mobile is the first time we’ve gotten an official press render for the 3 and 3 XL.

The renders show a lot of what we’ve already seen. The regular Pixel 3 is a fairly unoffensive device with relatively slim bezels on the top and bottom. The Pixel 3 XL, on the other hand, has a notch and chin at the top that’s been ridiculed to death.

The large “3” for the wallpaper is the same one present on the Google Store’s promo page, and if you look at the Google Search bar at the bottom, there’s an Assistant icon that we haven’t seen before.

There’s obviously no way to confirm whether or not these are legit renders, but as this point, it’s about as close as we’ll get until October 9.

September 17, 2018 — The Pixel 3’s fourth color might be pink

Following up on our previous entry from last week, there appears to be a fourth color for the Pixel 3 hidden on Google’s teaser page.

There’s a fourth color in the source code 🎨 #Pixel3 (@frontpagetech) pic.twitter.com/zutFwTRzKp

— Cas van Dinter (@CasVanDinter) September 16, 2018

Along with black, white, and mint that are visible to everyone, a quick look through the page’s source code reveals a fourth color referred to as “pink.” Google’s only ever launched three color variants for its Pixel phones at a time, so the fact that we could be getting four right from the get-go is pretty exciting.

However, a deeper look through the source code does reveals even more. Although we’re currently seeing black, white, mint, and the new pink color, there’s also mention of blue and green — suggesting that we might possibly get five total colors at launch time.

September 14, 2018 — Pixel 3 mint color teased in new promos from Google

With a little over three weeks to go before the big October 9 event, Google’s shared two new teasers to get people excited for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL.

The first of these appears to be live on all versions of the Google Store and is pretty basic. There’s a large 3 and some text next to it that reads “Stay tuned! Looks like you’ve already enrolled for updates from the Google Store. Be on the lookout for some news from us on Oct. 9.”

In addition to that, a Google page in Japan has a much fancier promo page that also potentially reveals a new color that we’ve yet to see in any of the leaks.

If you visit the page on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll see large text at the top that says “Coming Soon.” Below that is an outline of a phone with Google’s “G” logo at the bottom.

You can rotate your device side-to-side to move the outline of the phone on the page, and tapping on your screen cycles between a white, black, and mint background. These background colors also fill in the phone outlines, suggesting that these are all colors that’ll be available for the Pixel 3/3 XL. We’re already expecting white and black, but this is the first time we’ve ever seen a reference of a mint option.

September 6, 2018 — Google officially announces October 9 event for Pixel 3

Google has just sent out invites to the press for a hardware event in New York City, and just as rumored it will take place on October 9. The invite came in with a delightfully designed (and very swiftly swoopy) animated gif that honestly doesn’t give us any hints as to what we’ll be seeing. But there’s no reason why this wouldn’t be the launch event for the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL.

The only question is whether we see more than the two phones. Last time around, Google had a blockbuster event that was ostensibly for the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, but also included the launch of the Google Home Max, Google Home Mini, Pixel Buds and Pixelbook. If Google pulls out all the stops once again, we could be in for a huge hardware launch event.

Last year’s event was in San Francisco (and on October 4), but it’s hard to read too much into a venue switch to NYC — it’s an easy place for press from all around the world to get to, and Google maintains a large presence in the city. Google will be streaming the event live, as well.

August 31, 2018 — Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL swing by the FCC

Before we head out for the week, let’s end our Friday on another Pixel 3 tidbit.

Today, FCC listings A4RG013A and A4RG013C from Google appeared — likely relating to the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, respectively. These numbers line up to last year’s phones where the Pixel 2 was G011A and the 2 XL was G011C.

Although no new information is revealed in these listings, it’s once again confirmed that Foxconn is the manufacturer rather than HTC or LG like we saw with the Pixel 2 series.

August 30, 2018 — Regular Pixel 3 appears in first hands-on photos, might not be a Verizon exclusive

Although the Pixel 3 XL has been leaked to death at this point, we still haven’t seen much on the regular Pixel 3 outside of device renders. However, thanks to a user over on Reddit, that’s now changing.

The photos confirm that the Pixel 3 will not have a notch and instead have slightly thicker bezels on the top and bottom compared to its XL sibling. The screen measures in at 5.5-inches, the resolution is 2160 x 1080, and there’s an aspect ratio of 18:9. The smaller battery also appears to be a 2,915 mAh unit.

Other specs from the 3 XL are carried over to the Pixel 3, including the Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB RAM, dual 8MP front cameras, etc.

Also, in an update to the Reddit post, it’s said that the Pixel 3 in the above photos is part of a carrier testing program that isn’t Verizon. Contrary to reports we heard earlier this year, this suggests that Verizon’s exclusivity of the Pixel line may finally be over.

August 27, 2018 — Unboxing video shows off the Pixel 3 XL and its packaging, October 9 announcement date revealed

It’s pretty difficult to be surprised by a Pixel 3 leak anymore, but that certainly hasn’t stopped them from flowing in.

Most recently, a YouTube channel by the name of In DIGI uploaded a high-res 1080p Full HD unboxing video that shows the Pixel 3 XL being taken out of its packaging in one of the crispiest clips we’ve seen yet.

In addition to the Pixel 3 XL itself, the box is also home to the Pixel Bud-like wired earbuds that definitely appear to be included with the phone, #teampixel stickers, USB-C charging cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, and AC wall adapter. The video gives us an up-close look at the front and back of the phone, as well as a few camera samples.

Lastly, we also got another hint as to when the Pixel 3 will officially be unveiled. In a Bloomberg article published by Mark Gurman this morning, it’s noted that:

Alphabet Inc.’s Google also plans to debut new Pixel phones on Oct. 9 at a media event in New York City, other people familiar with the plans said.

Google declined to comment on this news, but that lines up with earlier rumors and the press events for the company’s previous Pixel announcements for the past two years.

August 23, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL reported to have new Pixel Visual Core and a wide-angle selfie camera

We’ve known for quite some time that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL will have dual front-facing cameras, but up until now, it’s been a mystery as to what the second sensor will actually do. Thanks to a report from 9to5Google, we now have some more info as to what these sensors will be used for.

According to one source the site spoke with, the two cameras will allow for a new “Super Selfie” mode with another mention of there being an “improved Portrait Mode.” A leak from earlier today revealed new Portrait settings in the camera app, so that all lines up quite nicely.

As for the second sensor specifically, another source claims that this will act as a wide-angle lens so that users can fit more people in the frame in a single shot.

Details on the single rear camera are still pretty scarce, but 9to5 also mentions that one of their sources mentioned a “new Visual Core chip” and that Google is “doubling down on making a single camera powerful enough to not need a second camera.

August 23, 2018 — Another Pixel 3 XL leak highlights an updated camera app, included earbuds, and more

Kicking things off with a bang this morning, Russian website Mobile-Review recently published a “first look” at the Pixel 3 XL using a prototype model that was sent to it by “an anonymous well-wisher.” This hands-on is very similar to other ones we’ve seen already, but there are a couple new tidbits worth mentioning — specifically with the Pixel 3 XL’s camera app.

The UI shown here is a bit different from what we currently have on the Pixel 2. Rather than swiping open a hamburger menu to change shooting modes, the app now has them listed above the shutter button. Users can cycle through Panorama, Portrait, Camera, and Video. Tapping the More icon gives options for Google Lens, Slow Motion video, and Photo Sphere.

Portrait mode now allows you to choose between Natural and Soft face-retouching in addition to toggling it off altogether, a new “Google Lens suggestions” mode is featured, and the rear camera is confirmed to be 12.2MP while the front-facing camera is 8MP. For whatever reason, only one front-facing camera is mentioned in the app despite the Pixel 3 XL clearly having two.

As for the included earbuds, the instruction manual that comes with them indicates you’ll be able to use the in-line controls for controlling music, answering calls, and prompting the Google Assistant.

August 22, 2018 — Stolen Pixel 3 XL handsets are apparently being sold on the Ukranian black market

It’s not an uncommon practice for smartphones to be leaked ahead of their official release, but with the Pixel 3 XL, the quantity and quality of leaks we’ve been getting lately has been somewhat staggering. The first hands-on photos of the Pixel 3 XL were shared all the way back in June, and since then, it’s been a nonstop flood of leak after leak.

According to a new report from 9to5Google, a large portion of the leaks have been appearing thanks to a black market dealer over in Ukraine.

Essentially, this dealer somehow acquired multiple models of the phone and is shipping them from London at a price of $2,000 USD per phone. They’re said to be pre-release versions of the Pixel 3 XL, with it noted that “everything looks and works exactly the same” compared to the final versions that’ll be released in October.

We aren’t sure how many units this seller has or how they obtained them in the first place, but it’s further reported that people are still buying the phones and that more leaks are coming soon.

August 22, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL poses for more hands-on photos, Active Edge appears to be making a return

The Pixel 3 XL has reared its head in a number of hands-on photos at this point, but for the most part, they’ve been pretty low-quality and not the prettiest to look at. Thanks to user @wylsacom on Twitter and Rozetked, that’s no longer the case.

These photos don’t reveal a whole lot that we haven’t seen before, but they show off the Pixel 3 XL in a much more professional manner and, more importantly, a higher resolution.

The notch is as big as ever, the back is definitely all glass, and thanks to a shot of the settings page, it appears that Active Edge is returning so you can squeeze the sides to prompt Google Assistant.

August 22, 2018 — Leaked video confirms wireless charging on Pixel 3 XL; Camera samples shared on Instagram

Thanks to various hands-on photos, we’ve known for a while that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL will come with all-glass backs. However, up until now, it’s been a mystery as to whether or not wireless charging will make its way to the phones.

At least for the larger Pixel 3 XL, a video that was shared by user @khoroshev on Twitter confirms that this feature is, in fact, present.

pic.twitter.com/XtAtAeWreH

— Максим Хорошев (@khoroshev) August 22, 2018

The video above shows the Pixel 3 XL being placed onto a wireless charging pad, and when it makes a contact, a small animation appears on the screen to show the current battery percentage and to indicate that charging has begun. Google’s obviously yet to confirm the legitimacy of this video, but it sure does seem like wireless charging is a go for the Pixel 3 lineup.

Along with the video, that same person also took to Instagram to share a heap of photos that he supposedly captured with the Pixel 3 XL. Just like the Pixel 2 before it, the pictures showcase great dynamic range, excellent colors, and more. We don’t have access to the full-resolution files seeing as how these were uploaded to Instagram, but even so, it’s a great early look at what’s to come.

You can check out all of the photos here and here.

August 17, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL and its unforgiving notch pop up in Toronto

Surprise, surprise — another Pixel 3 XL leak!

A reader of the Canadian tech site MobileSyrup recently snapped the above photo while riding a streetcar in Toronto. As you can see, the phone shown in the picture appears to be none other than the Google Pixel 3 XL.

While Google’s yet to formally unveil the phone, the device lines up with everything else we’ve seen so far. It’s running Android P, has a chin below the display, and its large notch is impossible to miss.

This photo doesn’t reveal anything we didn’t already know about the phone, but the fact that Google’s got people using these out in the wild confirms that we’re not too far off from an official launch.

August 10, 2018 — Another hands-on video shows the Pixel 3 XL in use while also confirming some specs

The same person that shared those Pixel 3 XL photos and unboxing video from a couple days ago has returned with yet another video that reveals even more about the phone.

In this video, we can see the Pixel 3 XL actually being used. It’s running Android 9 Pie (no surprise there) and appears to have the same UI of the Pixel and Pixel 2 running the new software.

A couple benchmarks results are also shown during the video, and as such, a handful of specs have been confirmed. They include:

• 1440 x 2960 screen resolution
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor w/ Adreno 630 GPU
• 3,430 mAh battery
• 12.2MP rear camera
• 8.1MP front-facing camera (x3)

The most interesting of those specs are the front-facing cameras. Antutu lists three 8.1MP sensors up front, although in the video we can only see two. This could be nothing more than a glitch in the app, or Google could have implemented some sort of mystery camera up there. We really aren’t sure about that one.

August 8, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL appears in more hands-on photos and unboxing video

Previous renders and real-world pictures have already given us a clear look at the Pixel 3 XL’s design, and to help make that image as clear as humanly possible, SlashLeaks recently shared three additional hands-on photos and an unboxing video of the phone.

One of the photos shows the back of the white Pixel 3 XL while the other two showcase the front. We once again see that Google will be sticking with just one rear camera and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and unfortunately, that notch hasn’t shrunk at all since the last time we saw it.

Moving over to the unboxing video, it’s apparent that Google’s using very similar packaging compared to the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. The box does contain a pair of wired USB-C earbuds in addition to the Pixel 3 XL, but seeing as how Google experimented with this idea for last year’s release, we aren’t entirely sure if the free buds will stick around for the final retail packaging.

August 6, 2018 — October 4 launch date leaked for the Pixel 3

While we’ve seen plenty of leaked renders and specs for the Pixel 3, talk about its release date has been fairly quiet. That is, up until now. As spotted by Brandon Lee from the YouTube channel This is Tech Today, the Pixel 3 is shown to be released on October 4 according to the website Famebit.

Famebit is a website that allows companies to connect with content creators and work out deals to create sponsored content for YouTube videos, Instagram posts, etc. An ad on the site was recently created by Google and asks for Canadian creators to switch to the Pixel 3 and then making a video talking about their experience.

In this listing, it’s stated that “The Pixel 3 phone is launching October 4, 2018.”

While there’s no way to confirm if this ad really was created by Google, that October 4 date is what we were previously expecting anyways. That’s the same day Google used to announce the Pixel and Pixel 2 before, so it makes sense that it’d keep the trend going this year.

July 30, 2018 — Clearly White Google Pixel 3 XL shows up in new leak

We just got our best look at the Google Pixel 3 XL courtesy of XDA. The images in question show off the Clearly White color option, and the live photos confirm a cutout at the front and a single rear camera. We can also make out a single speaker located below the display.

The XDA leak once again reaffirms the presence of a glass back on the Pixel 3 XL, with the finish alternating between glossy and matte. A glass back opens up the possibility for wireless charging, but for now there’s no further information as to whether the feature will make its way to the device.

July 28, 2018 — ‘Pixel Stand’ could be a wireless charger for the upcoming Pixels

A teardown of the Google app by the folks at XDA has served up interesting information. The code references something called a Pixel Stand, leading to suggestions that it will be a wireless charging dock for the upcoming Pixels.

According to XDA, the Pixel Stand will feature Assistant integration, and will be able to offer personalized suggestions and answer queries when the phone is docked.

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

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.

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

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 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.

June 8, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL shown off in six more hands-on pictures

Less than a day after those first two hands-on photos of the Pixel 3 XL surfaced, six more have appeared.

These additional photos showcase the Pixel 3 XL from every possible angle, and when XDA Developers reached out to their forum member that shared them, they were able to confirm that the phone has a full glass back. In other words, it’s possible this year’s Pixel line may finally adopt wireless charging.

The front and back photos are pretty similar compared to what we saw yesterday, but the other images showcase a reflective glass frame around the phone, volume rocker and power/lock button on the right side, and a USB-C port and SIM slot on the bottom.

Also, as 9to5Google pointed out, that mysterious logo on the back of the Pixel 3 XL was used previously with old Pixel 2 prototypes.

June 7, 2018 — Hands-on photos apparently showcase a Pixel 3 XL prototype

Out of the blue, XDA Senior Member meraz9000 shared two photos on the XDA Forums showing what’s supposed to be a prototype of the Pixel 3 XL. There’s obviously no way we can confirm whether or not this is the real deal, but it sure does line up with the display panels that were leaked last month.

The photos show the Pixel 3 XL from both the front and back, with the front reiterating the point that the 3 XL will more than likely have a notch in its screen. For what it’s worth, it does look like we’ll be getting two front-facing cameras and a chin at the bottom to retain stereo front-facing speakers.

Around back, this Pixel 3 XL prototype looks nearly identical to that of the Pixel 2 XL. The glass panel seems to be ever-so-slightly smaller, but that could just be the way the photo was taken.

In any case, what do you think about how the Pixel 3 XL is shaping up?

June 4, 2018 — Google’s apparently working on a mid-range Pixel phone

According to one tipster, Google’s in the process of developing a mid-range Pixel phone that’s codenamed “Bonito” and is powered by the Snapdragon 710 processor.

Rumors of a mid-range Pixel first popped up in April, but the old claim of it launching this July has since been replaced with a release scheduled for the first half of 2019.

That would suggest that Google may launch this new Pixel phone during I/O next year, but with so much discrepancy surrounding the release date, it’s entirely possible it’ll be announced alongside the Pixel 3 in October.

May 30, 2018 (part 2) — Verizon is said to be the exclusive carrier for the Pixel 3, again 😕

A report from Bloomberg recently surfaced confirming a few details about Google’s upcoming phones per a source that’s familiar with their production. According to the report:

• The Pixel 3 series will once again be exclusive to Verizon Wireless in the U.S.
• A notch will be present on the larger Pixel 3 XL
• Google will announce/launch the phones in October
• Foxconn will manufacture the Pixel 3/3 XL
• Stereo speakers will be present on both phones
• The Pixel 3 XL will have dual front-facing cameras
• “Both models will include upgraded, single-lens cameras on the back”

May 30, 2018 — LG will reportedly manufacture the Pixel 3 XL’s OLED display

Just a couple days after the Pixel 3 XL’s notched panel leaked, a report’s come out of Korea claiming that Google will once again use LG to manufacture and supply an OLED screen for the phone.

Furthermore, an official from LG Display that remains anonymous said, “We have maintained close ties with Google and the volume will not be much different from the previous one (the Pixel 2 XL).”

If this turns out to be true, one can only hope that LG’s improved the quality of its mobile panels since last year. The LG-made Pixel 2 XL display was the center of a lot of controversy for the phone’s first few weeks out in the wild, and Google really can’t afford to go through that again with gen-three.

What do you think about LG making the Pixel 3 XL’s display?

May 28, 2018 — The Pixel 3 goes 2:1 and the Pixel 3 XL gets a notch

Here’s an interesting leak that, while not necessarily all-telling, gives us an indication of where Google is taking the series in 2018. Specifically, the larger Pixel 3 XL looks to have a notch while the smaller Pixel 3, though moving to a 2:1 aspect ratio, will lack one. At the same time, we see some sensors that may indicate Google is adding either a second front camera to the phones or, more likely, some sort of dedicated biometric sensor for faster/more reliable face unlock.

The leak comes from Weibo (by way of Slashleaks) and reportedly shows two front glass panels for the new phones. Given that we’re almost in June, this would be the time for accessory makers to begin testing products for the final phone design. It’s also good to see Google maintaining dual front-facing speakers for the lineup.

What do you think of this latest leak?

May 10, 2018 — The Pixel 3 could be joined by second-gen Pixel Buds and a Pixel Watch

Google’s hardware events surround the Pixel phones with a heap of other product announcements, and this year, it’s reported that we’ll see a second-gen version of Pixel Buds and Google’s first Pixel-branded smartwatch.

Specifics on these gadgets are still up in the air, and as excited as I am to see how Google improves its wireless earbud game, I’m beyond ecstatic to see how the company’s first smartwatch turns out.

Wear OS is in an awkward stage right now, but a proper Pixel Watch and new silicon from Qualcomm could bring it back into the limelight. Assuming Google handles this right, the Apple Watch may soon be faced with some of its stiffest competition yet.

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.

A Bloomberg article reports that the event will be held on October 9, and while that’s a few days later than the past two announcements, is still within the general ballpark we were expecting.

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

Best Buy
Verizon
Google Store
Project Fi

Use this discounted 8-pack of Sugru to fix your frayed cables and more

Don’t throw it away, fix it!

Sugru’s 8-pack of moldable glue (black) is currently down to just $15.67, one of the best prices we’ve seen on it all year. This pack normally sells for closer to $22, and has only been more affordable than this a few times in the past, most recently around Black Friday of last year.

Sugru is a self-setting rubber which can form to the shape of your choosing to repair, modify or add onto another object. When you first remove Sugru from its package, it has the consistency of Play-Doh allowing you to mold it into whatever you wish. After 30 minutes of being out of the package and up to around 24 hours afterward, the Sugru will harden and stay in the shape you formed permanently.

Many people use Sugru to accomplish simple tasks such as covering up exposed wiring of cables or re-attaching tiny pieces to broken household items, but really there are countless ways to use this product if you put your mind to the task. The restrictions of this product are slim, and Sugru will even stay firm in wet places like your shower and laundry machine making it applicable in every room of your house.

Read our article about all the things you can do with Sugru.

See at Amazon

Can I use a Galaxy Watch even if I don’t have a Galaxy phone?

Best answer: If you have an Android phone, even one not made by Samsung, your Galaxy Watch will work great with it.

Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Watch ($350)

If you have a modern Android phone, you can use a Galaxy Watch

In the past, Samsung locked its wearables to the Samsung experience. You needed to have a Samsung phone, and a fairly new one at that, to use its watches and fitness bands. The biggest reason for this was integration. Samsung has special software on its phones that only works when you have a Samsung account, and it’s a lot of work to guarantee every phone would have the ability to run the additional Samsung apps without running into other problems. Instead of supporting the entire Android ecosystem, it was easier for Samsung to support only its own products. Since Samsung is the top Android manufacturer in the world, there was a good chance most of the people buying these wearables already had a Samsung phone.

But the Galaxy Watch is a continuation of some forward progress in Samsung’s support of more than just itself. During the announcement of this watch, Samsung made it clear there was support for more than just Samsung phones. On its website, a terribly incomplete list of supported devices exists to show you it works with more than just Samsung phones. For example, Samsung lists the Google Pixel is supported, but not the newer Pixel 2. It also lists the budget-focused Moto G4 Play and Moto G5 Plus, but none of the more capable Moto Z phones which all work just fine with the Watch in our testing.

How can you be totally sure your phone works with the Galaxy Watch if it’s not on this list? As a general rule, if your phone was released within the last two years you have nothing to worry about. If your phone is a little bit older, it may be worth checking our Forums to see if someone else has tried using that combination before making a purchase.

How does the Samsung Galaxy Watch pair with non-Samsung phones?

As mentioned earlier, Samsung uses special custom software to make some of its features work particularly well with Samsung phones. For the same experience on a non-Samsung phone, there needs to be a little bit of extra work done on another. On a Samsung phone, all you need to do is install the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app from the Google Play Store. This app gives you all of the basic connection assistance for pairing to the watch, as a well as a manager tool for doing things like choosing your preferred watch face and shopping for new apps to install on the watch.

On a non-Samsung phone, after you install the Galaxy Wearable app you’ll be prompted to install something else. This app is called the Galaxy Watch Plugin, and its job is to handle all of the data syncing from non-Samsung experiences. Things like Google Hangouts, Calendar, Location Services, and anything else your Watch may need would be accessed through this other app so the Watch can behave the same way it would on a Samsung phone. This plugin also allows Bixby and Samsung Pay to function, neither of which work when paired to an iPhone because a plugin like this doesn’t exist on that platform.

This Galaxy Watch Plugin app won’t be seen from the App Drawer like the Galaxy Wearable app once it is installed, but it is nonetheless a vital part of making the Galaxy Watch work well with every Android phone.

Our pick

Samsung Galaxy Watch

$350 at Amazon

A watch that could almost replace your phone.

It’s a high-end fitness tracker, a powerful connection to everything on your phone, and even a little game console if you really wanted it to be. Samsung has stuffed every possible feature into this watch, and it looks nice too.

HQ Trivia sequel will be a Wheel of Fortune-style game called HQ Words

This is where we go next after HQ Trivia.

The team behind HQ Trivia is readying to deliver a brand new game for 2018, and this one is for the word nerds. According to reporting from Digiday, the new game will be called HQ Words. Based on Wheel of Fortune format, players will be tasked with guessing phrases one letter at a time while competing live against other players. The game is expected to launch sometime in October.

It’s been just over a year since the world was first introduced to HQ Trivia, a daily trivia game show that you play on your phone. After a few months of iOS exclusivity, it eventually launched on Android by the end of 2017 and has maintained a cult following throughout 2018 thanks to its mix of charming hosts, challenging trivia, and of course the prospect of winning real cash.

One key to HQ’s success has been strategic partnerships with brands and film studios, along with piggybacking on major events such as the Super Bowl, national holidays, and big award shows — such as last night’s $100,000 last-man-standing game tied into the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Details of how the new game will work are scant at this point, but much of the core gameplay seems to be stripped straight from phrase guessing games like Wheel of Fortune — or perhaps Hangman if there’s no actual wheel involved. Players will be given a blanked-out phrase with a clue and a list of letters to choose from, with points awarded for selecting the right letters and strikes given out if you guess wrong. The top player or players with the most points will split the daily jackpot. According to Digiday’s reporting, HQ Words is but one of several new show concepts that the HQ team is working on at it’s New York headquarters.

There’s no word whether the game will be available for both iOS and Android right at launch, but we’ll keep you up to date with the latest news and information as it becomes available.

HQ Trivia for Android: Everything you need to know

This is the Google Home Hub that’ll launch with the Pixel 3 in October

Google’s take on the Smart Display will ship with a 7-inch screen.

This past August, a report surfaced claiming that Google was planning on launching its own Smart Display this fall with shipments expected to exceed 3 million units. Now, we’ve got our very first look at the device.

The images come courtesy of MySmartPrice who claim the gadget is called the Google Home Hub. The Home Hub reportedly has a 7-inch LCD touchscreen display and a speaker setup that’ll probably be comparable to the screenless Google Home.

Similar to the Lenovo Smart Display and JBL Link View, the Google Home Hub is powered by the Google Assistant. That means you can use it to find out about the weather, add events to your calendar, make calls, and more. Thanks to the addition of the screen, you can also use it for watching YouTube, HBO, and videos from other content providers.

We still aren’t sure how much the Home Hub will cost, but it’s very likely we’ll learn that on October 9 when Google announces the Pixel 3, Pixelbook 2, and its other big hardware for 2018.

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

How to change the quick settings in your notification drawer on Android Pie

Make your quick settings shortcuts even more convenient by having what you want in place.

Everyone loves the quick settings feature on their smartphone. There will always be a short list of things we’ll want or need to change often enough that digging into the device settings to do them becomes a chore so the “one tap” solution of a quick setting toggle is a lifesaver. Since everyone has different things they need and different ways to use their phone, it pretty awesome that you can set those quick settings up to best fit you.

Here’s how you do that on Android Pie!

Pull down twice

You change everything about the quick settings from the notification shade of your phone. That’s not obvious at first because like previous versions of Android, the notification shade has two stages. You pull it down to see the top row of settings and any notifications you might have, but you can pull it down again to expand the card and see more. You’ll need to do that to make any edits to your quick settings.

Pull down on the notification shade twice as described above to expand the card.
Tap the pencil icon in the bottom right to open the quick settings menu.

Long press any icon to allow you to move it to any slot in the quick settings lineup.

• The first six icons are visible without expanding the notification shade with a double-pull.

  

Near the bottom, you’ll find quick setting icons that aren’t displayed while you aren’t in editing mode.

• You can hold and drag these icons to add them to your quick settings card.
• You can drag any icon there to remove it from your quick settings card.

At the very bottom of the edit interface are quick setting icons added by third-party applications. These can be added to your quick settings card the same way built-in icons are.

Other important information

This describes the method to change quick settings icons for the Google Pixel and other phones that run the “standard” version of Android Pie. Manufacturers are able to implement a different way of altering the quick settings card so your phone might not use the same method. If this is the case, we’ll have a separate guide about the process that you can find using the search feature on our home page.

Android 9 Pie

• Android 9 Pie review: Greater than the sum of its slices
• Everything you need to know about Android 9 Pie!
• Will my phone get Android Pie?
• How to get Android 9 Pie on your Pixel right now
• Join the Discussion

Osmo coding toys are coming to Amazon Fire tablets soon

High tech at a lower cost.

Up until recently, Osmo products were only compatible with iPads, but no longer. Osmo products are coming for Amazon’s fire tablets. You can pre-order the Creative Kit for $70 or the Genius Kit for $100. Character-themed expansions include the Incredibles 2, Mickey & Friends, and Disney Princesses. The two base kits will start shipping in November, and the other items will be available sooner.

This is a pretty big development for the popular STEAM toy manufacturer, and it is especially nice considering the money you’ll save. While it’s true that the base kits themselves cost a bit more than your average toy, they’re totally worthwhile. However, it can be hard to justify buying a $600 iPad for your kindergartner. Right now Amazon Fire 7 Tablets are only $35. Even if you want to go all-out and purchase the Fire 7 Kids Tablet, you’ll still only be spending $100 and you’ll be getting a no-questions-asked warranty. This is a fantastic solution for parents who want their kids to have smart learning tools without spending an arm and a leg.

Osmo takes your tablet and turns it into a fantastic learning tool. Math, spelling, phonetics, shape recognition, motor skills…. the list goes on and on. Since they’re also getting screen time and playing fun games, kids won’t even realize how much they’re learning. The kits can be adjusted based on skill levels and a storage system is included for any little pieces. Be sure to head to Amazon to pre-order yours.

See at Amazon

MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone XS Max and a Copy of AnyTrans

For a special giveaway this week to celebrate the launch of Apple’s new iPhones, we’ve teamed up with iMobie to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a 64GB iPhone XS Max and a copy of the company’s AnyTrans software, which is designed to let you manage the content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

The iPhone XS Max is Apple’s latest flagship device, equipped with a 6.5-inch OLED display, Face ID support, an impressive dual-lens rear camera system, an A12 Bionic chip, Gigabit LTE, more durable glass, and improved water resistance.

The new iPhone, like other iPhones and Android devices, is compatible with the AnyTrans software. AnyTrans is an iTunes alternative that lets you transfer files to and from your iOS devices, moving music, photos, contacts, messages, and more from device to device with a click.

AnyTrans lets you manage your music and create custom ringtones, backup your photos, clean up your lists of contacts and messages, and manage your apps from the desktop. It also creates complete backups through a wireless Air Backup feature and it has a built-in iCloud Manager option for handling your iCloud files.

AnyTrans is a useful solution for everything from securely creating device backups on your computer to switching to a new device to moving content like music from one iPhone to another without a hassle. It’s also handy if you want to switch from Android to iPhone.

The AnyTrans returns many of the features that Apple eliminated in iTunes with iTunes 12.7, allowing users to save apps for local backup, install app updates with one click, categorize and arrange apps on your iPhone or iPad’s home screen, and backup home screen layouts.

AnyTrans is available from the iMobie website, and while it costs $39.99, a free trial is available. We have one free copy of AnyTrans to giveaway alongside an iPhone XS Max. To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

a Rafflecopter giveawayThe contest will run from today (September 18) at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 25. The winner will be chosen randomly on September 25 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.

Related Roundup: iPhone XSTag: giveaway
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