More than 60 percent of Steam gamers have finally moved to Windows 10

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Despite trailing Windows 7 in overall market share, Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system is the preferred OS among gamers. Statistics published by online streaming platform Valve revealed that the 64-bit version of Windows 10 accounted for 60.62 percent of the market share on Steam in August, representing an increase of 6.62 percent from a month prior. Microsoft’s Windows operating system commanded a combined market share of 96.44 percent. Valve’s numbers show that Windows 10 is twice as popular as its next closest competitor, Windows 7, which earned a combined 30.93 percent market share for the 32- and 64-bit versions of the operating system.

Only 2.87 percent of Steam gamers use MacOS and 0.59 percent of gamers are playing on a Linux system. The increased adoption of Windows 10 among gamers is likely fueled by upgrades to newer systems with better hardware specifications. Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, for example, was the most popular graphics card among users, and the card commands a market share of 13.31 percent among Steam gamers. This represents an increase of 0.81 percent from a year prior. Other popular hardware configurations include a 1080p primary display, quad-core processors, and systems with 8GB of RAM or higher.

Migration to Windows 10 has been slower by non-gamers — August statistics published by Net Applications revealed that Windows 10 is installed on 37.8 percent of all personal computers and commands a 43 percent market share when compared with other systems running Windows. In contrast, Windows 7 commanded a 40.3 percent market share against all PCs and 45.9 percent market share compared to other Windows-based systems. Analysts now predict that Windows 10 will supplant Windows 7 as the world’s most popular operating system by as early as October, ComputerWorld reported. Combined, Windows accounted for 88.1 percent of the operating system market share, while MacOS had a market share of 9.17 percent.

Although adoption for Windows 10 has been growing among gamers and non-gamers, businesses and enterprises are still stubbornly sticking to Windows 7. Support for Windows 7 will end in early 2020, and Windows 10 adoption will likely accelerate as that date inches closer.

When Microsoft debuted Windows 10, it had lofty aspirations. The company had a goal of a billion Windows 10 installs in the first three years. Microsoft announced earlier this summer that it was shy of that goal, revealing that its operating system was installed on more than 700 million systems. Microsoft’s numbers include a variety of different devices, including convertibles, laptops, desktops, Xbox gaming consoles, Hololens, and even the now-defunct Windows 10 Mobile platform that was used on the company’s Lumia-branded line of smartphones.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Steam survey shows PC gamers are still mostly playing in 1080p and lower
• SwiftKey is coming to Windows 10 to improve touchscreen typing
• The Pixelbook could soon run Windows 10
• How to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7
• Microsoft confirms Redstone 5 as Windows 10 October 2018 Update

Soul Electronics’ new Emotion wireless earphones are sleek and affordable

Your favorite tracks are waiting.

Just yesterday, Soul Electronics took the chance to show off its brand new Emotion wireless headphones for the first time ever. Releasing right on time for the new school year, these earphones are so affordably priced that even casual listeners might want to grab a pair.

Designed as a more cost-effective alternative to Apple’s AirPods, the Emotion headphones are truly wireless and include a built-in microphone and an answer button for hands-free telephone calls. They utilize Bluetooth to connect with your device from up to 33 feet away and provide up to six hours of listening time on a single battery charge. A compact charging case is included with the pair too, allowing you to recharge them twice while on-the-go before needing to recharge the case.

The Emotion earphones are now available to purchase exclusively at Amazon in white or black for a special introductory price of $39.99. Beginning October 1st, they’ll see an increase to a regular price of $50. If you’re looking to spend a bit more on your headphone purchase, check out Anker’s Zolo+ Liberty Wireless Headphones which are down to $100 right now.

See at Amazon

Google hardware event set for October 9 — start your Pixel 3 countdown

It’s time to see the latest from Google, in phones and so much more.

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.

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

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.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

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

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Everything we know about the Google Pixel 3!

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 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

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Google’s New Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Smartphones Likely to Debut at Upcoming October 9 Event

Google today sent out invitations to members of the media for a “Made by Google” event that’s set to be held in New York City on Tuesday, October 9.

At the event, Google is likely to unveil its Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones, which will be competing with the trio of new iPhones that Apple is set to unveil next week.

It’s official, Google sends out invites for its annual event https://t.co/3YOk9wsQnq pic.twitter.com/1L5wzy7YEU

— CNET (@CNET) September 6, 2018

Details about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have already leaked thanks to multiple hardware units and images that have surfaced from Russian bloggers and a device that was left in a Lyft.

Image via Mobile-review.com
The 6.2-inch Pixel 3 XL will feature a deep iPhone X-style notch that’s been the subject of jokes on the internet since early images leaked, while it looks like the smaller 5.5-inch Pixel 3 will be notchless.

Wireless charging will be available on both devices through glass rear shells, and the two smartphones will feature single-lens rear cameras and dual front-facing cameras. A fingerprint sensor is located at the back of each device, and given the inclusion of USB-C headphones and a USB-C to audio jack device, it looks like the Pixel 3 will not feature a headphone jack.

Image via Mobile-review.com
In past years, Google has unveiled multiple other products at fall events, so there are likely other devices Google is set to debut aside from the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

Apple is unveiling its own new 2018 smartphone lineup a month ahead of Google on Wednesday, September 12. Rumors suggest we can expect to see a 5.8-inch OLED iPhone Xs, a 6.5-inch OLED iPhone Xs Max, and lower-priced 6.1-inch iPhone with an LCD display.

Tags: Google, Android, Google Pixel
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Twitter Testing Revamped Desktop Site With Bookmarks Integration

Twitter is testing an updated version of its desktop site that includes a new Bookmarks feature, the company outlined in a tweet earlier today.

Bookmarks is a feature that was added to the mobile version of Twitter earlier this year but has yet to make its way to the desktop. The Bookmarks option is designed to allow users to save tweets for later access.

Love to use Bookmarks and want it on web? Into scrolling through Explore to see what’s happening?

We are testing out a new Twitter for web, which a small number of people will see today. Love it? Missing something? Reply and tell us. Don’t have the new experience? Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/w4TiRrVFHU

— Twitter (@Twitter) September 6, 2018

The new desktop site also includes some refinements to the design, with details shared by Business Insider and TechCrunch. There are new toggles for activating Night Mode and Data Saver from the profile page, and Trending Now and profile sections have been relocated from one side of the page to the other for a cleaner two-column look. Twitter has also redesigned the tweet composing window.

According to Twitter, the design is a “limited test for now” and not everyone will see the revamped site. Those who are able to try out the site will see an opt-in popup and are able to go back to the “legacy” site at any time in the Settings options.

Tag: Twitter
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Oppo F9 review: Not your average notch

Oppo has made some interesting smartphones of late, like the high-end Oppo Find X with its rising camera mechanism. The company’s new F9 isn’t quite as exciting on the spec sheet, but does some interesting things with its color scheme and uniquely shaped notch. We don’t expect this phone to come to the U.S. anytime soon, but felt it was still worth a look.

Read our full Oppo F9 review to learn more.

Design

Although it may copy the same general look of the iPhone, it isn’t made of premium materials.

There’s no denying the Oppo F9 is a blatant copy of Apple’s iPhone X design. Because of this, the Oppo F9 will most likely never come to U.S. markets (unless Oppo wants Apple to sue its pants off). Although it may copy the same general look and shape of the iPhone, it isn’t made of premium materials. The F9’s body looks like a combination of glass and metal but it’s entirely made of plastic. This makes the F9 feel substantially cheaper compared to other smartphones with glass or metal designs, but the body is still quite sturdy and tightly put together.

What makes the Oppo F9’s design attractive is its gradient color scheme. I have the sunrise red model which goes from a bright red and fades to a purple as you approach the bottom half of the phone. A unique diamond pattern on the back is visible at an angle. It’s my favorite thing about the Oppo F9 and it’s stunning to look at. If red and purple aren’t your thing there’s also a twilight blue model, which fades from black to blue instead.

The Oppo F9 doesn’t have a USB Type-C port, instead using the legacy MicroUSB.

Everything else about the F9’s design is fairly standard. There’s a fingerprint sensor on the rear, power button on the right, volume buttons on the left, and a headphone jack on the bottom. Oddly, the Oppo F9 doesn’t have a USB Type-C port, opting for the legacy MicroUSB. With how common USB Type-C is this was very surprising to see even for a mid-range device.

Display

We haven’t seen a notch this small since the Essential Phone, and the engineering to achieve this is quite clever.

The F9’s other attention-grabbing feature is its notch. The notch is probably the most hated smartphone trend of 2018, but Oppo has figured out a way to make it look good. It’s called a waterdrop notch and it’s much smaller and more attractive than the typical notch. We haven’t seen a notch this small since the Essential Phone and the engineering to achieve this notch is quite clever. The notch only houses a front-facing camera, unlike most notches that also include the speaker. The earpiece is instead seamlessly integrated into the top bezel of the phone.

The screen is about as close to edge-to-edge as you can get, with very thin bezels all around. With a resolution of 2,340 x 1,080, this LCD display isn’t most impressive you’ll find on a smartphone, but I found it to be perfectly sufficient. The 6.3-inch display is large, comfortable to use, and pleasant to look at. Colors are vibrant, text is sharp, and it’s bright enough to see in direct sunlight.

The Oppo F9 is also the first smartphone to ship with Gorilla Glass 6, Corning’s most durable glass. It’s apparently capable of surviving an average of 15 drops from one meter, but I never dropped the device to test this claim.

Performance

The Oppo F9 runs on a Mediatek Helio P60 processor and 6GB of RAM. Most of the time the Oppo F9 performed fluidly. Launching applications, navigating through the interface, browsing the web, and other typical smartphone activities were smooth. The only issue I had was with gaming. Gaming on the F9 is a very choppy experience and it feels as if the Mediatek processor isn’t able to keep up. The phone even struggles with Clash Royale, which is a simple tower defense game and not very graphically intensive. Oppo’s software has a gaming mode to improve gameplay and provide better gaming performance but I didn’t notice a difference with it on or off.

In terms of battery life, the Oppo F9 performs admirably. The 3,500mAh battery had plenty of juice for the F9 to comfortably last me all day. Unfortunately, Oppo’s software doesn’t make it easy to gauge screen-on time statistics. I can say that YouTube took up 50 percent of my usage, and I always ended the day with around 15 to 20 percent battery left. The Oppo F9 is also very quick to recharge with Oppo’s VOOC fast charging. This is one of the fastest charging methods available which you may be more familiar with as Dash Charge on OnePlus devices.

Camera

On the rear, the Oppo F9 has a 16MP primary shooter with f/1.8 aperture and a secondary 2MP sensor for capturing depth information and portrait mode effects. The camera also offers a good variety of features such as time lapse, slow-motion video, stickers, AI beauty mode, and Google Lens integration.

The front-facing camera comes in at a whopping 25MP, providing plenty of resolution for zooming and cropping on your selfie photos. Selfie photos are very good, with nice detail and natural skin tones but I wasn’t much of a fan of the beauty mode. You can adjust the intensity of the beauty mode manually, but if you leave it up for the camera to decide it’s very aggressive in softening the details in your face.

The rear 16MP shooter won’t blow your socks off, but it’s more than adequate. In daylight or well-lit conditions, the camera performs well. Images are detailed with good dynamic range and color reproduction maintains a natural appearance. In low-light scenarios, the image quality deteriorates very quickly. Photos still retain quite a bit of color but lack sharpness, and there’s very little detail in the highlights. This isn’t all too surprising considering the camera’s lack of optical image stabilization.

Software

My least favorite part about the Oppo F9 is the software experience. The F9 runs Android 8.1 Oreo with ColorOS, Oppo’s overbearing skin. ColorOS not only changes much of the aesthetics of stock Android but tries to emulate iOS as much as possible. The appearance of the icons, wallpapers, and features feel very similar. Some features are pretty unintuitive compared to how stock Android handles them. Notifications can simply be swiped away to dismiss them on stock Android, but not on ColorOS. Instead, you have to swipe the notification to the right and tap on the trash can icon to dismiss it. This method feels clunky and makes it difficult to clear away notifications quickly.

Specifications

Display	6.3-inch LCD 2,340 x 1,080 resolution 19.5:9 aspect ratio
Processor	Mediatek Helio P60 Octa-core
RAM	4/6GB
Storage	64 GB
MicroSD	Yes, up to 256GB
Camera	Rear: 16MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture + 2MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture Front: 25MP
Battery	3,500mAh Non-removable VOOC Flash Charge (5V/4.5A)
SIM	Dual nano-SIM
Headphone jack	Yes
IP rating	No
Software	Android 8.1 Oreo with ColorOS 5.2
Fingerprint scanner	Yes

Pricing & Conclusion

The Oppo F9 is available in select regions like Vietnam, the Philippines, and India. In Vietnam, the F9 is priced at 7,690,000 dong (~$330). It will most likely cost more to import one to the States, but it isn’t worth doing that, due to its lack of U.S. LTE band support — unless you’re perfectly content with 2G data speeds.

If you live in a region where it’s available, the Oppo F9 offers plenty of modern smartphone features for an affordable price. The screen is nearly bezel-less with an attractive notch, it has dual cameras, and the color options are very unique. It isn’t a game-changing smartphone, but it’s another smartphone showcasing Oppo’s continued efforts in design innovation.

How to check if your iPhone 8 has a faulty logic board and is part of a recall

Does your iPhone 8 seem to not be working properly? Apple has admitted that a “small percentage” of iPhone 8 models may suddenly freeze or restart due to an issue with the logic board. Even if you’re not experiencing these issues just yet, it’s possible that the symptoms of a faulty logic board may show up at some point in the future.

Either way, Apple has launched a repair program for the iPhone 8, and whether your device is exhibiting issues or not, it may be a part of the recall. It’s important to note that only iPhone 8 models are being recalled here — the iPhone 8 Plus seems to have sidestepped the issue completely.

Specifically, it seems like some iPhone 8 models manufactured between September 2017 and March 2018, and sold in the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, China, India, and Japan, are affected by the issue. If you bought your phone during that time and in one of those regions, you may well be affected.

Here’s how to check whether or not your iPhone 8 may have a faulty logic board and as a result may be included in the repair program:

On your iPhone, open the Settings app and scroll down to General.
Select About at the top of the screen, and scroll down to Serial Number. Click Copy to copy the serial number.
Head to Apple’s iPhone 8 checker tool. Paste the serial number you copied and press the Submit button.

If the tool says that your iPhone has been affected by the recall, there are a few ways to get your device fixed. First, you could go to an Apple Authorized Service Provider — you can find one here. Second, you could go straight to an Apple Store. Last but not least, you could contact Apple Support, and they’ll send you a prepaid shipping box for you to send in your iPhone for repair.

When you get your iPhone back, it should no longer be freezing or restarting on its own if it has been doing that — and it shouldn’t start doing it if it never did. Other than that, don’t expect any major performance improvements. Your warranty will still expire when it was scheduled to.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple offers free repairs for owners of defective iPhone 8s
• iPhone X problems, and how to fix them
• With Sprint’s flash sale, customers can lease an iPhone 8 for $8 per month
• If you own a 2018 MacBook Pro, you will want to maintain data backups

Who needs ink cartridges? Harvard’s acoustic printer can spit out honey or cells

We’re all about innovative printing methods here at Digital Trends and, boy, have the folks at Harvard not disappointed with their latest piece of research. It involves using sound waves to make it possible to print with virtually any liquid imaginable. That includes everything from human cells and liquid metal to optical resins and even honey. Needless to say, these aren’t the usual water-like printing material cash for unused toner cartridges found in ordinary inkjet printers. The results could prove useful in fields including pharmaceutical development, cosmetics, or even the food industry.

“We have developed a new drop-on-demand printing method that is conducive to printing liquids with low to very high viscosity,” Jennifer Lewis, the Hansjorg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, told Digital Trends. “It’s exciting, because it can be applied to a very broad range of liquids.”

Gravity causes any liquid to drip, and therefore theoretically form droplets which could be used to print with. However, the speed and size of these droplets is difficult to control. For instance, pitch — the name given to some liquids so thick that they appear to be solid — forms just a single drop every decade. The droplet size of many liquids are too large to be printable.

Harvard University

To get around these issues, the Harvard researchers use the pressure of sound waves to assist gravity in a process they call acoustophoretic printing. The team’s subwavelength acoustic resonator prompts more than 100x the normal gravitational forces at the tip of the printer nozzle. This controllable force pulls each droplet off the nozzle when it reaches the perfect size for printing. The higher the amplitude of sound waves, the smaller the droplet size that results.

The sound waves do not cause damage to the materials, making this a safe method to use even for printing with biological materials like living cells or proteins.

“We are currently working on the next-generation acoustophoretic printers that enable smaller droplet sizes and faster build rates,” Lewis continued. “We have filed patents and are interested in commercializing this novel printing method.”

A paper describing the work, titled “Acoustophoretic printing,” was recently published in the journal Science Advances.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Why leaky taps make that ‘plink’ noise — and what we can do about it
• A new way to ‘freeze’ water could help transform organ preservation
• These 3D-printed houses could be one-tenth the price of regular homes
• Want a peek into the future? Watch these robots 3D print concrete structures
• Shot to the heart: Device carries drugs directly to injured internal organ

High-res thermal cameras used in ’Planet Earth II’ now found in British tanks

The British Army’s tanks are getting a tech upgrade — and it’s courtesy of some of the same gadgetry that previously helped bring David Attenborough’s jaw-dropping series of Planet Earth II wildlife documentaries to life.

Developed by the U.K.-based engineering company Leonardo as part of a bid by defense-focused multinational company BAE Systems, the new “electro-optic technology” is described as the most capable night vision tech on the market. Capable of sensing the heat emitted by all objects with temperatures in excess of absolute zero, the advanced thermal imaging technology can detect tiny temperature differences as small as 1/50th of a centigrade. The images produced are also impressively high resolution, with each pixel measuring just 1/12th the thickness of a human hair.

This results in some impressive visuals, as seen in Planet Earth II’s memorable scenes showing a leopard’s nocturnal hunt, right down to the movement of individual hairs on the animal’s body. The technology has also been used for sports broadcasting, assisting cricket umpires in telling whether a ball has hit the batsman, pad or ball by examining the temperature change caused by the friction of individual impacts.

In terms of military application, this tech could help shave seconds off reaction times in a hostile situation, something thatcould change the outcome of a skirmish involving tanks. Leonardo’s thermal imaging tech has already been proven in combat, when it helped Chinook Helicopters to fly undetected through mountain valleys in Afghanistan — even in poor weather conditions.

“The employment of Leonardo’s thermal imaging technology within the Challenger 2 Life Extension Program will ensure that the British Army’s Main Battle Tank will provide the crew with the best possible imaging capability,” Ray Hopkins, a vice president of systems engineering at Leonardo, told Digital Trends. “This will provide the crew with a 24-hour ability to detect, identify, and engage threats at longer ranges, with greater accuracy, in a solution that is supportable for the remaining operational life of the Main Battle Tank.”

The technology can be retrofitted onto existing tanks, thereby greatly enhancing their life span. This is different from some of the previous BAE Systems projects we’ve covered — which have tended to focus on more futuristic, long-term sci-fi technologies, such as drones that can be “grown” in vats of chemicals or submarines that can be piloted using virtual reality.

Editors’ Recommendations

• This remote control robot promises to destroy a tank from three miles away
• Get your Sagan on with 60 awe-inspiring photos of the final frontier
• U.S. Army wants to use laser power to keep drones airborne indefinitely
• Airbus to build Mars rover to get first soil samples back to Earth
• The best Xbox One games (August 2018)