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See at Android Central Digital Offers!

OnePlus Switch gets update ahead of impeding OnePlus 6T event

Have a OnePlus phone? Here’s what’s new with your latest update.

OxygenOS is the software that powers OnePlus phones, and even if you’re not enrolled in the Open Beta, it’s still frequently updated with new features and bug fixes to keep an eye out for.

It can be tough to keep track of what’s new, so we’ll be updating this guide with each new OxygenOS update that’s rolled out.

September 23, 2018 — OnePlus Switch gets big update ahead of OnePlus 6T event

If you’re going to update your device transfer application, right before you launch a new phone that uses will be upgrading to sounds like the perfect time. OnePlus is gearing up for the launch of the OnePlus 6T, which we believe is coming in October, and those upgrading from another OnePlus phone — or phones from other manufacturers — will be able to transfer over a little more using the OnePlus Switch app:

• Support migrate launcher, wallpapers, and arrange of application
• Support manual connection to mobile hotspots
• Support backup application data
• Compatible with more Android models

In addition to application data, downloads, contacts, call/SMS backups, and so much more, OnePlus Switch will be able to transfer your wallpaper to your new phone and your default launcher selection. If you used OnePlus Launcher on your old OnePlus phone, you’ll also be able to transfer your home screen application layout. As a reminder, widget data is super weird is still super hard to backup properly, even on the most advanced launchers on the market.

See at Google Play

August 22, 2018 — August security patch and Project Treble come to the OnePlus 5 and 5T

OnePlus has started pushing the OyxgenOS 5.1.5 update to the OnePlus 5 and 5T, and at first glance, the official changelog looks pretty barebones:

• Updated Android security patch to August 2018
• Confirm lock screen PIN without tapping the checkmark (Settings -> Security and lock screen -> Screen lock-> PIN)

However, thanks to numerous reports on Reddit and confirmation from our friends at Android Police, it would appear that this update also brings Project Treble to all 5 and 5T owners.

Project Treble previously came to these phones as part of the OyxgenOS Open Beta back in early July, so it’s exciting to see that OnePlus is now bringing this feature to the official public build of the OS.

Google designed Project Treble to make it easier for OEMs to update their phones to new Android versions, and should everything go as we hope, this will allow the 5 and 5T to be updated to Android 9 Pie in a timely manner.

August 15, 2018 — OnePlus 6 gets better HDR camera performance and a fix for screen flickering

OxygenOS 5.1.11 is rolling out now to the OnePlus 6, and there are a couple big highlights that users should be quite excited to see.

For one thing, this new software further improves the HDR mode for the OP6’s already great camera. Along with this, there’s also a fix for a screen flickering issue that various owners have been complaining about.

Other goodies included with this update are:

• Optimizations for network connections
• Better stability for Wi-Fi connections
• Confirm your lock screen PIN without tapping the checkmark (Settings -> Security and lock -> PIN)
• General bug fixes and improvements

July 30, 2018 — Improved photo clarity, group messaging, and more come to OnePlus 5/5T with OxygenOS 5.1.4

The OnePlus 5 and 5T are getting a new OTA update to OxygenOS 5.1.4, and while it’s not a particularly large upgrade, there are still a few welcome changes we’re excited to see.

First off, you’ll find a new feature in the battery settings called Sleep Standby Optimizations. Once turned on, your 5/5T will learn your sleeping patterns and turn off network usage when it detects you’re catching some zzz’s. Right before your wake up, your network access will be re-enabled so you don’t miss out on emails, Twitter mentions, or other notifications you got while asleep. OnePlus says this helps to reduce battery usage throughout the night and can be enabled by going to Settings -> Battery -> Battery optimization -> Advanced optimization -> Sleep standby optimization.

Along with this, you’ll also find improved photo clarity with the camera, support for group text messaging, the July 2018 Android security patch, and general bug fixes with the Gallery app.

July 20, 2018 — OnePlus 3/3T get July 2018 security patch with OxygenOS 5.0.4

Have a OnePlus 3 or 3T? You should be getting an OTA update soon that updates it to OxygenOS 5.0.4.

This is a pretty minor update, with the highlight being the July 2018 security patch. On the camera side of things, OnePlus has added a fix for an issue when adjusting manual ISO in third-party camera apps and improved the image quality for the front-facing camera.

You’ll also find bug fixes for a parallel WhatsApp crash issue and problems users have had when zooming in with the front camera in Snapchat.

This update is rolling out to all OnePlus 3/3T owners now, and if you have the phone but it’s enrolled in the Open Beta, OnePlus says it’ll update the download link once the global rollout is finished so you can switch back to a stable build now that the beta program has ended for the two older phones.

July 17, 2018 — OxygenOS 5.1.9 brings better dynamic range to OnePlus 6 camera, Google Lens integration

OnePlus is starting to roll out OxygenOS 5.1.9 build, with the update focusing on the OnePlus 6’s camera. The update will bring improvements to the autofocus and edge detection in portrait mode, as well as further enhancements to image clarity and dynamic range.

Additionally, the update will also bring Google Lens integration to the OnePlus camera app, allowing users to scan QR codes and get information about real-world objects. OnePlus says Google Lens will be making its way to the OnePlus 5 and 5T in addition to the OnePlus 6.

The update should be rolling out to select regions starting later today, and will be available more widely from July 20.

June 18, 2018 — OxygenOS 5.1.7 and 5.1.8 bring bootloader fixes

OnePlus is rolling out the OxygenOS 5.1.7 build, which includes the usual bug fixes and stability improvements along with a fix for the bootloader vulnerability that was discovered a few days ago. The build also includes fixes for scheduled DND settings.

The OxygenOS 5.1.7 build won’t be making its way to Indian users, and OnePlus is instead rolling out the 5.1.8 build, which offers the same fixes as the global build. The 5.1.8 build also includes system and network stability fixes, and features optimizations to the call quality.

June 8, 2018 — OnePlus 6 gets Portrait Mode for the front-facing camera and scheduled Do Not Disturb

OxygenOS 5.1.6 is now rolling out to the OnePlus 6 around the globe and comes with a bevy of new features to play around with.

There are two big updates to the camera situation, including a Portrait Mode for the front-facing camera and a Light Bokeh effect that can now be used with the rear camera.

Also included with this update is the ability to schedule Do Not Disturb to turn on at set times and dates. Additionally, you can create your own custom rules for DND to make it work just the way you want.

Other improvements with 5.1.6 include:

• Battery percentage can be seen in the status bar
• Improvements for sound quality and volume with ringtones
• A dual 4G option now available in SIM & network settings
• Stability improvements for dual SIM cards
• Idea VoLTE now working in India
• Optimized call clarity
• Added smart answer for Bluetooth – automatically answer incoming calls when connecting to Bluetooth devices
• Optimized power consumption and Improved system stability

June 1, 2018 — May security patch comes to OnePlus 5 and 5T

OnePlus pushed out a small update to the OnePlus 5 and 5T on June 1 (OxygenOS 5.1.2), with one of the most notable changes being an upgrade to the May 2018 Android security patch.

OxygenOS 5.1.2 adds a few smaller fixes/features as well, including:

• Fixed auto-rotation stability issue
• Fixed Wi-Fi connection issue
• Fixed microphone not functioning issue for AKG earphones
• Added double-tap to lock screen
• Gallery app updated with Places (map view of where your photos were taken) and a Recently Deleted folder.

May 25, 2018 — Face Unlock comes to the OnePlus 3/3T with OxygenOS 5.0.3

The OnePlus 3 and 3T may be getting up in their age, but that doesn’t stop OnePlus from pushing new features to them. OxyenOS 5.0.3 is rolling out to the phones now, and the highlight here is easily the addition of Face Unlock.

This is the same technology introduced on the OnePlus 5T, allowing you to quickly unlock your 3 or 3T by just looking at it. Other items included with the update are as follows:

• Android security patch updated to May 2018
• Refined UI for the Shelf
• New app shortcuts design
• More options when long-pressing an app icon
• OnePlus Gallery gets Places menu, ability to share photos to Shot-On-OnePlus, and Recently Deleted collection
• Large Files category in File Manager
• OnePlus Weather app gets new widget, improved positioning accuracy, and refresh interval setting

May 24, 2018 — OxygenOS 5.1.5 adds May security patch and super slow motion video to OnePlus 6

OnePlus just opened sales for the OnePlus 6 a few days ago, but even so, the company already has a new software update that’s rolling out to it.

This isn’t a particularly big update, but two notable additions include the May 2018 Android security patch and a super slow motion mode for the camera that records video in 720p at 480 FPS and 1080p at 240 FPS.

Other goodies include:

• Preloaded OnePlus Switch app
• Toggle for showing/hiding the display notch
• Quick capture when the camera’s in portrait mode
• More actions for recently deleted files

OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6 review
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: How much changes in six months?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?
• These are the official OnePlus 6 cases
• The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Verizon or Sprint
• Join the discussion in the forums

Watch media anywhere with these Anker projectors on sale today only

Create your own theater anywhere.

Amazon has two Anker projectors on sale today. This is one of Amazon’s daily deals so don’t expect the prices to stick around forever.

The first deal is the Anker Nebula Mars Lite portable cinema for $229.99. This mini projector has been selling for closer to $400 recently. The last deal we shared on it was when it dropped to $270 at the beginning of September. Turn any wall into a movie theater screen, even when you’re at a party or outside somewhere. It has a battery that’s large enough for three hours of runtime and can be plugged in for a longer time.

You could also go for the Anker Nebula Prizm 480p LCD multimedia projector for $109.99. That’s $40 off its regular price and the first real discount this projector has ever had. It has built-in 5W speakers, plenty of connectivity options including HDMI and USB, and a worry-free 12-month warranty.

See on Amazon

Happy birthday to Android!

Here’s to ten years of chaos, coolness, and customization — and here’s to ten more.

Ten years ago today, the world of smartphones changed. The T-Mobile G1 made its debut with little fanfare, a small phone trying to claw its way out of the shadows of BlackBerry and the still-AT&T-exclusive iPhone, which was entering its second generation.

Our original G1 review said “despite some complaints about UI hassles, the G1 is an achievement. It’s a full-featured smartphone that’s a bit rough around the edges and is missing a few features here and there that might be deal-breakers for some. Those features shouldn’t be long in coming, though.”

And indeed, they were not.

Some of us knew this little gem would be a game-changer; there were few Android-centric websites back then, but the little bits of news we all got from Google about the Android project let us know they had big plans. An open-source platform for manufacturers to build apps and access the web was a lofty goal — a goal we’re glad the folks in Mountain View had.

A previous birthday anecdote from our resident Android guru Jerry Hildenbrand

“The G1 was the phone that got me hooked. It wasn’t quite good enough to replace my BlackBerry, but the nerdy side of me was excited and looked forward to the day when the Android platform was robust enough to be my daily driver. Now that those days are here, I’m happy.

I still have one of my original G1 phones, and every now and then I throw the SIM card in it and use it. It’s no barn-burner, and pales when compared to today’s monster-spec’d phones, but it’s one I’ll be keeping forever.”

Today, the world of Android is beyond anything we could have imagined. Android passed 2 billion monthly active users last year, and they’re firmly focused on how to better reach and serve the Next Billion Users. Android phones have gotten more powerful than ever with flagships like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Perhaps even more importantly, affordable phones are reaching new standards of performance and stability, as projects like Android One seek to keep Android phones current and secure whether they’re big or small, pricy or budget-minded, fashion-forward or fastidiously functional.

And from the wildfire of innovation the G1 and Android OS sparked came Chromebooks, and Chromecasts, and Wear OS smart watches, and the Google Home line, and so much more. So whether you still have a G1 kicking around in a drawer somewhere or you came to the party more recently, raise a glass — or a glass-backed phone — to the original Android and all that it’s made possible today.

August smart locks, 500GB SSDs, 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 the August Smart Lock Pro, the WD Blue 500GB SSD, the 400GB microSD, and more!

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!

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is $30 right now

Streaming made affordable.

Right now, you can pick up an Amazon Fire TV Stick for for $29.99, which is $10 less than it normally sells for. This deal is $5 more than one we posted recently, but it presents you with a nice opportunity to hop on a discount if you missed the last one.

The Fire TV Stick is Amazon’s most affordable streaming hardware that provides quick and easy access to popular services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and more. It has an Alexa-enabled voice remote, which means that you can speak to it and get your favorite shows played without having to search for them manually.

You can also save on the Fire TV 4K and the Fire TV Game Controller for a limited time.

See at Amazon

3 affordable alternatives to the Samsung Wireless Charger Duo

Samsung’s new Wireless Charger Duo is an elegant solution to an inelegant problem: having to charge multiple phones (or a phone and a watch) at the same time overnight. Rather than using two different chargers, you can buy this one big pad that has an angled stand on the left and a flat segment on the right. The problem is you pay for that simplicity: the Wireless Charger Duo is $115, which is more expensive than buying two separate chargers! You’d think you’d get a discount. Thankfully, there are alternatives out there.

Fast dual wireless charging

ZENS Dual Qi Pad 2X 15 Watt

You can charge up two Qi-compatible devices at once with this sleek pad from ZENS. There’s 15W output for both coils, which will charge phones incredibly quickly, and it’s even sleeker than Samsung’s version because it’s completely flat. It’s also much cheaper.

$80 at Amazon

Dual-wireless charging for even less

IBIS Wireless Dual Fast Charging Station

This dual wireless charger from IBIS doesn’t look particularly nice, but it will get the job done wirelessly charging two devices at once. It also has a USB-A port for wired charging of a third device. And best of all, it’s about one-third the price of Samsung’s dual charger.

$40 at Amazon

Or get two of these

AUKEY Qi-Enabled, Ultra Slim Wireless Charging Pad

The cheapest solution to this problem is to just buy two separate slim and small wireless chargers, like this one from Aukey. It’ll take some configuration (and maybe double-sided tape) to get them set just right, but the result is wirelessly charging two devices for just $26.

$13 each at Amazon

We don’t blame you for not wanting to pay big money for Samsung’s Wireless Charger Duo, so you can save by going with one of our picks instead. The ZENS dual wireless charger will give you the best and most Samsung-like experience for about $35 less, which is great savings. However, you can save even more by getting a less expensive dual charger, or just run your own by getting two small and inexpensive wireless chargers.

Echo, Echo, Dot, Dot, you just got a… [#acpodcast]

Daniel Bader takes a break from dirty diapers and sleepless nights to join Andrew Martonik and Jerry Hildenbrand for an in-depth look at the staggering number of devices Amazon unveiled at a recent event in Seattle. This is a serious shot across the bow of every smart home company. Amazon excels at automation — now they’re looking to Echo all the things into just about every facet of life imaginable.

What are your favorite voice assistant and smart home devices? Let us know in the comments!

Listen now

• Subscribe in iTunes: Audio
• Subscribe in RSS: Audio
• Download directly: Audio

Show Notes and Links:

• Here’s everything Amazon announced at its 2018 hardware event
• Amazon just asked Alexa to declare war on every smart home company
• Amazon Alexa does a whole bunch of new stuff
• Amazon announces upgraded Echo Dot with vastly improved sound quality
• The Amazon Echo Sub is a subwoofer for your Echo speakers
• Amazon’s new Echo Show has slimmer bezels and dual side-firing speakers
• Amazon Will Consider Opening Up to 3,000 Cashierless Stores by 2021
• Fire TV Recast sends local TV to your Echo Shows and Fire TVs
• Amazon offers its latest Echo devices in discounted bundles, so pre-order now

Sponsors:

• Lenovo Smart Display
• Techmeme Ride Home Podcast —New episodes every weekday covering all the top stories from techmeme.com! Just search your podcast app for “Ride Home” and subscribe today!

Nokia 5.1 Plus preview: Robust hardware backed by excellent software

Nokia brings its latest design language to a much more attractive price point.

HMD Global is starting to gain momentum in India following the launch of the Nokia 6.1 Plus. The phone introduced a notched design and improvements on the hardware front, but more than that it signaled HMD’s intent to become more aggressive in the Indian market. Retailing for just ₹15,999 ($220, the Nokia 6.1 Plus goes up against of the likes of the Redmi Note 5 Pro and the ZenFone Max Pro M1 in the country.

With the Nokia 5.1 Plus, HMD is continuing the same strategy. The phone shares most of the same design elements as the Nokia 6.1 Plus but is available at a lower ₹10,999 ($150) price point. To accommodate the price tag, HMD had to make a few changes on the hardware side of things, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Nokia 5.1 Plus is a fantastic budget phone.

Nokia rolled out its first device with a notch with the 6.1 Plus, and the company is fully embracing the cutout with all the Plus models. The Nokia 5.1 Plus has an even wider cutout at the top of the display, and it looks like the upcoming Nokia 7.1 Plus will follow suit.

At 5.86 inches, the Nokia 5.1 Plus is marginally taller than the 5.8-inch Nokia 6.1 Plus, but the screen resolution has been lowered to HD+ (1520×720). The overall design aesthetic is near-identical to that of the Nokia 6.1 Plus, with the only major change being the lack of chrome accents around the power and volume buttons and the camera sensor.

The power and volume buttons have a decent amount of tactile feedback, and it’s great to see HMD make the switch to USB-C charging. There’s also a 3.5mm jack located up top, and the hybrid SIM card tray lets you fit in a MicroSD card in the second SIM card slot.

Android manufacturers have done little to justify the presence of the notch, and the Nokia 5.1 Plus doesn’t fare any better. There’s a sizeable chin at the bottom of the display that includes the Nokia logo, and while Nokia is trying to free up some real estate by offering the cutout, in this particular instance it would have made more sense to go with a traditional 18:9 setup. It’s not even fully clear why the Nokia 5.1 Plus has a wide cutout, as it doesn’t look like the entire space is being utilized.

Both the front and glass feature 2.5D glass panels with a polycarbonate chassis sandwiched in between, and just like the Nokia 6.1 Plus the 5.1 Plus has excellent in-hand feel. While it isn’t as conducive to one-handed use, it is better than most other devices in this category.

When it comes to the hardware side of things, the Nokia 5.1 Plus has all the bells and whistles. There’s 3GB of RAM along with 32GB of storage, a MicroSD slot, 3.5mm jack, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4.2, dual 13MP + 5MP cameras at the back, 8MP front shooter, and a 3060mAh battery. Interestingly, HMD has decided to go with MediaTek’s Helio P60 in lieu of Qualcomm hardware, and we’ll have to wait and see if that decision ends up hurting the phone when it comes to software updates.

HMD is pushing the Nokia 5.1 Plus as a gaming phone, and the Helio P60 is just as capable as the Snapdragon 636 in this area. The Helio P60 has two 2.0GHz Cortex A73 cores paired with two 2.0GHz Cortex A53 cores and a Mali-G72 MP3 GPU, so the device isn’t exactly lacking when it comes to power.

That’s evident in day-to-day usage — the Nokia 5.1 Plus doesn’t really slow down or lag during everyday tasks, and the 3060mAh battery is more than adequate to last an entire day with room to spare.

There is a 409MB day-one software update available for the device that offers a host of bug fixes and stability improvements, and the software experience is largely unchanged from what you get on other Android One phones. There’s zero bloat to be found, and while the phone comes with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, HMD says the device is ready for Pie, with an update planned in the coming months.

The Nokia 5.1 Plus will be available in India starting October 1, and you’ll be able to pick up the phone from Nokia’s website as well as Flipkart. The phone will be sold in a single 3GB/32GB option that will retail for ₹10,999 ($150), with Gloss Black and Gloss Midnight Blue color options available. For the price, the Nokia 5.1 Plus definitely looks like a great phone, and the design combined with HMD’s track record with updates should give it a leg up in this category.

The only unknown is the Helio P60 and if HMD will be able to deliver timely updates. If it manages to do so, the Nokia 5.1 Plus will have no issues taking market share away from Xiaomi and others in this space. I’ll have much more to share about the Nokia 5.1 Plus in the coming weeks, but what do you think of the device? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

See at Flipkart

Jaybird X4 vs. Bose SoundSport Wireless: Which should you buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. An Android phone is only as good as the earbuds you have to accompany it, so let us help you find the best way to jam out to your favorite tunes.

Jaybird X4

Battery champ

$129 at Amazon

Pros

• Eight hours of battery.
• Fully waterproof.
• More compact.

Cons

• Proprietary charging clip.

The Jaybird X4s are the best wireless sports earbuds for most people. They’ve got excellent battery life, are fully waterproof, and offer really great sound for $20 less than the SoundSport Wireless.

Bose SoundSport Wireless

Superior sound

$149 at Amazon

Pros

• Top of the line sound.
• Bluetooth and NFC pairing.

Cons

• Expensive.

Although the battery life and water resistance rating isn’t as good as what’s offered with the X4, the Bose SoundSport Wireless are the best sports earbuds you can buy if sound quality is your top concern.

For most people, the Jaybird X4 earbuds offer the best overall experience while giving you a good value for your money. However, if you want the very best sound quality around, the SoundSport Wireless are tough to beat.

Which earbuds should I buy?

If you’ve narrowed your search for wireless sports earbuds down to the Jaybird X4 and Bose SoundSport Wireless, you’re in a great position. We’ve got a feeling you’ll be happy no matter which one you choose, but even so, the X4s will likely be the best fit for most people.

For starters, the Jaybird X4s offer fantastic battery life. Jaybird rates them for eight hours of use on a single charge, and in our testing, we saw closer to 10 hours. Whether you’re running a marathon or hitting up the treadmill at your gym, this kind of endurance is great to have. Bose’s SoundSport Wireless last an admirable six hours per charge, and while that’s good, you definitely get more juice in between top-ups with the X4s.

Another area where Jaybird takes the lead is with the X4s durability. The IPX7 rating means the X4 are fully waterproof and can be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. Comparatively, the IPX4 rating for the SoundSport Wireless only offers guaranteed protection against water sprays and splashes — not actual submersion.

Both earbuds come with a carrying pouch and customizable ear tips, but once again, Jaybird gets the upper-hand with a more compact design.

All of that may make the SoundSport Wireless sound like a pretty inferior product, but there’s one area where these puppies really shine — sound quality.

The Jaybird X4s sound really, really good, but like we’ve come to expect over the years, Bose is still one of the undisputed kings in these regards. The sound that comes out of the SoundSport Wireless is downright fantastic, and you’d be hard-pressed to not get a huge grin on your face when listening to them.

Jaybird X4

Battery champ

$129 at Amazon

The best choice for most people.

Jaybird’s X4 earbuds offer the best all-around package when it comes to wireless sports earbuds. With excellent battery, full waterproofing, solid sound quality, and a comfy design, it’s hard to go wrong.

Bose SoundSport Wireless

Superior sound

Awesome sound at the expense of other features.

$149 at Amazon

The Bose SoundSport Wireless aren’t quite as complete of a product as the Jaybird X4, but if you’re okay with worse battery and a lower IP rating for top-notch sound, these are for you.