Find the best deals on a DJI drone

If you’re thinking about buying a drone, it’s impossible to go wrong with one that’s made by DJI. This is a market that the company’s absolutely dominated, and for a very good reason. DJI makes some of the best consumer drones you can buy, but before you spend your hard-earned cash on one, check out these deals to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.

Extra goodies for less

DJI Spark Remote Control Combo

The Spark is one of DJI’s most affordable drones to date, and thanks to a new discount, it now offers more bang-for-your-buck than ever before. For just $399, you can get the Spark, its standard accessory kit, and a free controller. All of this is normally valued at $599, so you’re scoring an impressive $200 in total savings.

$399 at Amazon

Grab some air

DJI Mavic Air

Want a drone that’s compact, easy to take just about anywhere, and still captures gorgeous photos/videos while retaining good battery life? That’s the DJI Mavic Air. The base model regularly costs $799, but a sale on Amazon lets you pick it up for just $709. You can also get the Fly More Bundle for $879 and score a total savings of $120.

$709 at Amazon

2016’s flagship

DJI Mavic Pro

The Mavic Pro is still a really trusty drone, and now that it’s had some time to age, it’s a lot more affordable. You can get the Pro for $750, 25% off its MSRP of $999. For that price, you get a top speed of 40 MPH, 27-minute battery, and 4K video.

$750 at Amazon

Refined powerhouse

DJI Mavic Pro Platinum

The Platinum keeps everything that’s great about the Mavic Pro while offering slightly longer flight time (up to 30 minutes) and a 60% noise reduction down to just 4dB. Although the Platinum normally costs $1,099, Amazon’s selling it for $950 for a savings of nearly $150.

$950 at Amazon

The DJI Spark is the best way to get into the drone world for most people, but if you’re a bit more experienced or want something you’ll be able to grow into, the Mavic Air, Pro, and Platinum are all excellent choices that give you a lot of features and power for a respectable price (especially with these discounts).

These are the best vertical docks for your PlayStation 4 console!

While your PlayStation 4 console has a sturdy base to sit on horizontally, there is a way to save some space on the entertainment center. By using a dock, you can easily ensure that, when standing vertically, your console is stable and ready to give you access to your games, music, and movies. While it may be among the more pricey on offer here, I personally prefer The Oivo Stand. It does the simple job of holding my PS4 upright while charging both my controllers with the added bonus of LED indicators that tell me when my controllers are charged.

Bold look, low price

Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand

The Ortz Vertical Stand has a slightly bolder look than some of its competitors, with a wide, hexagonal shape to its vertical stand. Ortz is also powered by a USB that includes two extra ports for charging your controllers, as well as a built-in cooling element to help keep your system a bit cooler during those marathon gaming sessions.

$15 at Amazon

The genuine article

Official PlayStation Vertical Stand

Sometimes you just want the product that’s going to get the job done, without having to consider any additional bells or whistles. This is a single-piece stand, built by Sony for the PlayStation 4 console. There aren’t any additional features here of any kind, just a small stand that won’t be grabbing attention or creating more clutter for you in the long run.

$20 at Amazon

The lowest price

Younik Vertical Stand

If you’re looking to get your Playstation up on its vertical axis but you don’t want to break the bank then you might want to consider the Younik Vertical Stand. It’s just about as basic as a vertical stand can be but it’s also about as cheap as it can be. It may not have a lot of extras but at such a low price point, it’s hard to complain.

$8 at Amazon

Bells and whistles

Oivo Verticle Stand

If you want to turn your PS4 on end but you also want to get some extras in the process, this Oivo stand may be right up your alley. The base includes a built in cooling system which will hopefully keep your PS4 running cool and quiet. It also includes a charging dock for two controllers which actually features LED indicators to let you know when they are fully charged. It may run a few more bucks than other stands but you get a lot for your dollar.

$29 at Amazon

Have you gone vertical?

Vertical stands can help you to save some room if you are rearranging your entertainment center, as well as being a great way to ensure that all of your controllers are charged and ready for when you want to play. Have you been considering a vertical stand? Try my favorite, The Oivo Stand and you will always know when your controllers have a full charge. Is there an excellent stand we didn’t cover that we should know about? Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know about it!

Updated March 2018: Added prices on all stands and included the Oivo stand.

Does the Amazon Cloud Cam work with other Alexa products?

Best answer: Yes! Amazon Cloud Cam works perfectly with Amazon Alexa, as well as some Amazon Echo displays and Amazon Fire devices.

Amazon: Amazon Cloud Cam Security Camera ($120)

Which Amazon products does the Amazon Cloud Cam work with?

You can use any Amazon Echo speaker or other Alexa device to replay alerts, speak to whoever is near your Cloud Cam, and more. If you have an Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire TV, or Fire tablet, you can stream the Cloud Cam’s video feed right to your display.

What can you do with the Cloud Cam?

The main purpose of the Amazon Cloud Cam is to detect motion and alert you, or let you check in on your video feed at anytime from any device. If you’re all-in on Amazon’s ecosystem, the Cloud Cam gets even better; you can use your Echo’s microphone to talk to whoever is near your camera, and see your feed on your Echo Show and other Amazon devices with a display like a Fire TV. Seeing your feed is easy: just say “Alexa, show (camera name).”

When you’re done, either press the home button on your device or say, “Alexa, stop showing (camera name).”

Our pick

Echo Spot + Amazon Cloud Cam bundle

$210 at Amazon

Grab a camera and a display to watch alerts from.

If you don’t already own an Echo display, this is the bundle for you. The Echo Spot has a smaller screen than the Echo Show, but it will still work well enough to let you see who is at your door without digging out the app on your phone.

FDA approves sale of Bose’s over-the-counter hearing aid

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Bose approval to sell a hearing aid that can be used without the assistance of a medical professional. Hearing aids are nothing new, but this is the first one that will allow users to “fit, program, and control the hearing aid on their own, without assistance from a health care provider,’ Bose says in a news release.

The FDA’s report says that more than 37 million Americans suffer from hearing loss which can range in severity from “a little trouble” to “deaf.” One’s hearing can be impaired due to a number of factors including aging, exposure to extremely loud noises, or certain medical conditions. The Bose device is aimed to help those who suffer from mild to moderate hearing impairment.

One of the benefits of the Bose device is that it can be controlled and programmed through a mobile app, making it easier for users to make adjustments based on their needs. The device itself is an air conduction hearing aid which works by capturing sound waves and amplifying them through the use of microphones in order to produce louder sounds.

Malvina Eydelman, director of the Division of Ophthalmic, and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said that the approval of the Bose device should make it easier for patients with mild to moderate hearing issues to obtain the help they need.

“Today’s marketing authorization provides certain patients with access to a new hearing aid that provides them with direct control over the fit and functionality of the device,” said Eydelman. “The FDA is committed to ensuring that individuals with hearing loss have options for taking an active role in their health care.”

While this device is the first of its kind to be approved for marketing, it won’t be the last. In 2017, Congress passed a law which allowed for the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids which means we’ll likely see many similar products on the market in the coming months and years. However, such devices will still need to comply with local and state laws which might require a visit to a medical professional in order to obtain a hearing aid.

This is Bose’s first over-the-counter hearing aid, but it is not the first time they’ve made a product which can assist people with communication. In 2016, the company announced a set of earphones which could enhance conversations, making it easier to hear people in noisy places such as crowded bars or restaurants.

Editors’ Recommendations

• FDA approves freeze-dried blood plasma for use by U.S. troops
• Scientists gave gerbils a futuristic ear implant that lets them hear light
• Next-gen A.I. hearing aid can translate languages, track fitness, monitor falls
• ‘Rogue medicine in a bathtub’: 4 experts on the vice and virtue of pharma hacking
• Bose one-ups Apple, Amazon with a $400 smart speaker, two new soundbars

Department of Homeland Security Has ‘No Reason to Doubt’ Apple’s Denial of Supply Chain Compromise

In a statement issued Saturday evening, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it has “no reason to doubt” the companies who denied this week’s Bloomberg Businessweek report about China tampering with servers manufactured by Supermicro.

”The Department of Homeland Security is aware of the media reports of a technology supply chain compromise. Like our partners in the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre, at this time we have no reason to doubt the statements from the companies named in the story. Information and communications technology supply chain security is core to DHS’s cybersecurity mission and we are committed to the security and integrity of the technology on which Americans and others around the world increasingly rely. Just this month – National Cybersecurity Awareness Month – we launched several government-industry initiatives to develop near- and long-term solutions to manage risk posed by the complex challenges of increasingly global supply chains. These initiatives will build on existing partnerships with a wide range of technology companies to strengthen our nation’s collective cybersecurity and risk management efforts.”

Apple, Amazon, and Supermicro have all strongly refuted the report, which alleged that Chinese intelligence planted microchips in Supermicro servers, which Apple and Amazon previously used in their data centers.

Apple and Bloomberg Businessweek are in a stalemate, with Apple strongly refuting the report, and Bloomberg standing by its reporting.

Apple’s denial has been backed by the Department of Homeland Security, the UK’s national cyber security agency, retired Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell, and other unnamed senior executives within the company.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tag: China
Discuss this article in our forums

What is the Hyperloop? Here’s everything you need to know

We live in an age of unbelievable technological progress. To a visitor from the distant past, this would surely seem like a utopian age. Yet in many areas of life, things don’t seem to have changed all that much, and transportation is a woeful example of this. The roads are still lined with cars, the skies streaked with airliners. 20th century science fiction foresaw flying cars and teleporters; the 21st century settled for Segways.

Dreams never die, however, and the fantasy of futuristic transportation is very much alive right now as exemplified by a concept called the Hyperloop. While it’s not as mind-shattering as a teleporter or as fun as a personal jetpack, the Hyperloop could revolutionize mass transit, shortening travel times on land and reducing environmental damage in the process.

What is the Hyperloop?

The Hyperloop concept as it is widely known was proposed by billionaire industrialist Elon Musk, CEO of the aerospace firm SpaceX and the guy behind Tesla (as well as, in the last year, a number of public gaffes). It’s a reaction to the California High-Speed Rail System currently under development, a bullet train Musk feels is lackluster (and which, it is alleged, will be one of the most expensive and slow-moving in the world).

A one way trip between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Hyperloop could take about 35 minutes.

Musk’s Hyperloop consists of two massive tubes extending from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Pods carrying passengers would travel through the tubes at speeds topping out over 700 mph. Imagine the pneumatic tubes people in The Jetsons use to move around buildings, but on a much bigger scale. For propulsion, magnetic accelerators will be planted along the length of the tube, propelling the pods forward.  The tubes would house a low pressure environment, surrounding the pod with a cushion of air that permits the pod to move safely at such high speeds, like a puck gliding over an air hockey table.

Given the tight quarters in the tube, pressure buildup in front of the pod could be a problem. The tube needs a system to keep air from building up in this way. Musk’s design recommends an air compressor on the front of the pod that will move air from the front to the tail, keeping it aloft and preventing pressure building up due to air displacement. A one way trip on the Hyperloop is projected to take about 35 minutes (for comparison, traveling the same distance by car takes roughly six hours).

Everything you need to know about the Pixel Slate

The Pixel family is about to welcome a new member on October 9: The Pixel Slate (also known under the code name “Nocturne”), a new Pixel tablet that uses Chrome OS and may provide a viable alternative to Chromebooks for many Google fans.

But what do we know about the Pixel Slate? Here’s everything we can say about the Slate’s specs, design, and important features. Check it out, and if you’re interested, remember to stop by Digital Trends on October 9 to get all the latest updates on Google’s new products.

A thin and simple design

There are two leaked renders of the Pixel Slate, and they show a very thin, display-focused tablet connected to a couple third-party keyboards. Compared to contemporary tablets, it has a surprisingly sturdy, beveled design that appears to include a USB-C connection. The bezels appear to have been cut back from where they were on the original Pixelbook.

Google source code has revealed that the “Nocturne” will have a 3,000 x 2,000 screen. That’s a pleasant 3:2 ratio, and a good resolution for a Pixel tablet, so this seems likely to persist to the final product. By comparison, the Surface Book 2’s 13.5-inch display has the same resolution.

Note that the Pixel Slate will include a camera and light sensor array as well, which the renders do not show. However, you can still get a good idea of what to expect.

Intel 8th-gen processor

PhoneArena has uncovered information that the Pixel Slate will ship with an Intel Core i7-8500Y processor. This is particularly remarkable because a lot of Chromebooks still use an ARM chipset. Google is making a statement by upgrading to an 8th-gen Amber Lake Intel processor for its tablet: It’s not quite competitive with today’s powerful notebooks, but you can also expect performance improvements for Chrome OS similar to what the original Pixelbook (which also uses Intel) offers.

Specifically, this chip offers 1.5GHz base speed with a max turbo option of 4.2 GHz, and is expected to come with up to 16GB of RAM. Based on what we know of Google’s Pixel ambitions, this wouldn’t be surprising, although many expect Google to offer more than one tier of Slate specs, which means lower RAM and perhaps even a less powerful chip could be an option. According to a recent leaked benchmark, some believe 8GB of RAM will be included in the base model.

Other Nocturne code indicates that the Pixel Slate will support NVMe solid state drives, so it’s likely the tablet will include an SSD. It’s also possible that Google will offer multiple versions of the Slate, some with eMMC SSDs and others with NVMe SSDs. NVMe is faster, but Google might want a lower-cost option as well.

Cross-platform support

Dan Baker/Digital Trends

Chrome OS now has Linux app supporter, Android Pie, and the Slate may also have the potential to run Windows 10 along with the Pixelbooks. That opens up a lot of possibilities for creative solutions and importing apps on demand from other platforms to finished a project.

Expect to hear a lot more about this at Google’s October 9 conference, including some long-awaited details on the ability to handle Windows 10.

Fingerprint sensor

A leaked animated image of the Pixel Slate in use indicates that the tablet will have a fingerprint sensor on the top of the display. Press the sensor, and you can unlock the computer: We know that Google has been wanting to include fingerprint sensors on Chromebooks, and the Slate is an excellent product to include fingerprint scan functionality. This isn’t a guarantee that the tablet will ship with biometrics, but it’s more likely than not.

In addition to the probable keyboards from the Slate renderings that were leaked, it’s also likely that Google is developing its own keyboard the tablet. Brandon Lall spotted a brief glance of Nocturne in a bug report that showed an interesting keyboard featuring oval keys. Maybe this was just a prototype, or perhaps Google really is bringing a round-keyed attachable keyboard to the market. It’s ambitious! It’s also a little weird. Does Google really think that the time has come for round keys on a tablet attachment, or was this just a prototype to be forgotten?

Since this is a tablet, Google’s Pixelbook Pen is also very likely to work with the Slate. There may well be more third-party accessories out there, but if any are waiting, we haven’t heard rumors about them quite yet.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Leaked Intel processor could help Google Pixel Slate dual-boot into Windows
• Google Pixel Slate — the first detachable Pixelbook 2-in-1
• Google’s Pixelbook 2 tablet could debut with fingerprint security
• Everything you need to know about the Pixelbook 2
• What to expect from the Google October event in New York City

LG V40 ThinQ vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 9: Can the V40 unseat the king?

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

LG has taken the wraps off the LG V40 ThinQ, revealing a huge phone with a gorgeous 6.4-inch display, all the power you could want, and five camera lenses. But is it worth spending your money on, or should you invest in another top-level flagship instead? The Galaxy Note 9 is one of the best phones on the market right now, and also comes with a huge 6.4-inch screen, incredible power, and an amazing camera. Which one should you buy? We compared the two to find out.

Specs

LG V40 ThinQ
Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Size
158.7 x 75.7 x 7.7mm (6.25 x 2.98 x 0.30 inches)
161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.37 x 3 x 0.34 inches

Weight
169 grams (5.96 ounces)
201 grams (7.09 ounces)

Screen size
6.4-inch P-OLED display
6.4-inch Super AMOLED display

Screen resolution
3,120 x 1,440 pixels (537 pixels per inch)
2,960 x 1,440 pixels (516 pixels-per-inch)

Operating system
Android 8.1 Oreo
Android 8.1 Oreo

Storage space
64GB

128GB, 512GB

MicroSD card slot
Yes
Yes

Tap-to-pay services
Google Pay
Google Pay, Samsung Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845

RAM
6GB
6GB, 8GB

Camera
Triple lens 12MP (with OIS) and 16MP wide and 12MP telephoto rear, dual 8MP and 5MP wide front camera
Dual 12MP (with OIS) and 12MP (with OIS) rear, variable aperture, 8MP front

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

Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C
3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C

Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes

Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Battery
3,300mAh

Fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0)

Qi wireless charging

4,000mAh

Fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0)

Qi wireless charging

App marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store

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

Colors
Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue
Ocean Blue, Lavender Purple

Price
$900
$1,000

Buy from
LG

Samsung, Amazon

Review score
3.5 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both of these phones are equipped with the Snapdragon 845, putting them among the most powerful mobile devices in the world. Both will provide smooth performance across a variety of apps, and will handle most mobile games extremely well. The Note 9 is technically more powerful, with the option for 2GB of extra RAM and a water-cooling system that keeps the processor from overheating, enabling it to perform at top level for longer.

The V40 packs a respectable 3,300mAh battery, while the Note 9 comes with a whopping 4,000mAh battery. Oddly though, there’s not a huge difference in battery life. We got a day’s use out of each of these phones, but the Note 9 could possibly go into a second day with light usage — not something we thought the V40 could manage. You’ll find wireless charging on both, as well as fast charging. However, the V40 refills faster than the Note 9, thanks to QuickCharge 3.0 support.

The LG V40 ThinQ charges faster than the Note 9, but that’s pretty much the only area where it’s superior. The Note 9 wins this fight with more power and a bigger battery.

Winner: Galaxy Note 9

Design and durability

It’s premium materials all-around here. The V40 and the Note 9 are both made from glass laid over aluminum frames. The Note 9’s design is a touch-up of the Note 8, while the LG V40 is a dead ringer for the V35 and V30. While that benefits the Note 9 — the Note 8 is still a beautiful looking phone — it’s something of a letdown for the V40, which struggles to draw your eyes the same way the Note 9 does. We said it was too subtle in our review, and in this contest, the Note 9 stands out more.

You’ll find IP68-rated water resistance in both phones. As both are covered in glass, you will want to invest in a case. We did notice that the lighter weight of the V40 made it feel less solid than the much heavier Note 9.

Both phones have excellent designs, and feel great in the hand — but the Note 9 earns the win with a design that’s just that bit more eye-catching.

Winner: Galaxy Note 9

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While the notch will divide opinion, the V40’s 6.4-inch OLED screen looks great. It displays a 3,120 x 1,440-pixel resolution, and thanks to the OLED screen tech, blacks look deep and inky, while colors are beautifully vibrant. But LG’s up against a master here, and the Note 9’s AMOLED display is one of the best in the business. The Note’s 6.4-inch display runs a similar 2,960 x 1,440-pixel resolution, and also displays inky blacks and vibrant colors, but you’ll find the Note 9’s screen gets brighter, making it easier to see in bright sunlight.

The LG V40’s display is great, but the Note 9’s is better.

Winner: Galaxy Note 9

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The LG V40 ThinQ’s headline feature is undoubtedly its five camera lenses — three on the back, two on the front. The three on the back are comprised of a main 12-megapixel lens, a secondary 16-megapixel wide-angle lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. It’s an impressive lineup, reminiscent of the Huawei P20 Pro, and it adds a certain flexibility to your snaps. However, it’s not perfect, and quality is inconsistent across the lenses, with the primary 12-megapixel lens being superior to the other two. This can lead to a mismatch in quality when swapping between lenses. It’s also plagued by buggy software.

By contrast, the Note 9 only has two lenses on the back — a  primary 12-megapixel lens teamed with a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. However, Samsung has spent a long time polishing this particular suite of cameras, and it shows in the smooth software and consistent quality across a variety of situations. The Galaxy S9’s variable aperture returns, and the Note 9 debuts an A.I.-powered Scene Optimizer. While both sport similar A.I. optimization, we definitely prefer the Note 9’s results.

Video-wise, you’ll be able to record at 4K at 60 fps on both, but there’s no Note 9-style super-slow-motion on the V40. Both are also capable of portrait modes, but we found the V40’s focusing to be extremely unreliable.

Both of these phones were marketed heavily on the strength of their cameras, so this category is of supreme importance. Despite the flexibility of the LG V40 ThinQ’s extra two lenses, it’s still let down by inconsistent quality and buggy software. The Note 9’s polished software and incredible low-light camera win here.

Winner: Galaxy Note 9

Software and updates

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Despite both phones coming with Android 8.1 Oreo, you’ll find Google’s OS hidden under custom skins. The Note 9 comes with the Samsung Experience UI, and it’s a fairly good UI, with plenty of customizable options. The included apps aren’t bad either, with Samsung Pay and Samsung Health being particularly notable. The V40 comes with LG’s UX skin, and it’s quite good, too, with customizable options and some useful features directly from LG. However, you might find a lot of carrier bloatware, depending on where you purchase your phone.

Unfortunately, neither phone comes with Android 9.0 Pie, which is a misstep for both. Both have Pie in the works, but we reckon LG will have the update out first, based purely on past performance. Both phones will get two years of Android updates, so you’ll get Android Q on both, too.

Though we prefer stock Android, both phones have good custom UIs. However, LG’s update record is generally better than Samsung’s, and helps it win this round.

Winner: LG V40 ThinQ

Special features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The LG V40 ThinQ comes with some specials features that you’re likely to find beneficial. Top of the list is probably the Boombox Speaker, which uses the phone’s internal space as a sound chamber and boosts volume, but the A.I. key comes a close second, providing quick and easy access to the Google Assistant. It’s miles better than the Note 9’s Bixby key. That A.I. is integrated to a high level, including the camera optimization and easy access to Google Lens.

Bixby on the Note 9 still isn’t great, but the camera’s A.I. is definitely stronger than that on the V40. The Note 9 comes with an improved Samsung DeX mode — just plug in a cable and you’ve turned a simple monitor into a desktop PC. Then there’s the Note 9’s signature feature — the S Pen. This nifty little stylus allows you to quickly access a variety of features, scrawl on the sleeping screen, and capture gifs from videos. But that’s not all — it now comes with a low power Bluetooth connection so it can serve as a camera trigger, a presentation clicker, or a variety of other uses.

The V40 has some strong features, but the Note 9 is packed to the brim with extras.

Winner: Galaxy Note 9

Price

The LG V40 ThinQ will start from $900, and will be available from most U.S. carriers starting October 18. It’s currently available for pre-order. The Galaxy Note 9 is currently available for purchase, with prices starting from $1,000. It is also available from most U.S. carriers.

Overall winner: Galaxy Note 9

The LG V40 ThinQ is a great phone, but it’s up against one of the most polished phones Samsung’s ever released. It’s that level of polish that wins the Note 9 the crown here. The extra level of features and other tweaks really make the Note 9 stand out against a phone that’s otherwise its equal. The water-cooled processor, the gorgeous design, and the superbly made camera in particular stand out as strong reasons to pick the Note 9 over the V40.

With the prices being so similar, it’s hard to find a reason to recommend the V40. It’s a strong phone with plenty to love, but it simply can’t compete with the incredible Note 9 in so many areas.

Editors’ Recommendations

• LG V40 ThinQ: Everything you need to know
• LG V40 ThinQ Review
• LG G7 ThinQ review
• LG V40 ThinQ vs. LG G7 ThinQ: Which LG flagship is right for you?
• LG V40 ThinQ vs. V35 ThinQ vs. V30: Which of LG’s big phones is best for you?

SanDisk micro SD cards, cold brew coffee, and more are discounted today

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

There’s never a shortage of deals available, but sorting through all of them can be difficult at times. We’ve handpicked all the best tech, and everyday essentials discounts that you can take advantage of right now and brought them to one central location. From SanDisk’s 128GB micro SD card to Blooming Baby essentials, these are today’s best deals.

Tech Deals

View the rest of the deals

Everyday Essentials

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!

Get caught up on the Google Pixel 3 before the October 9 event

Google’s 2018 flagships are almost here, and they could very well be the best phones of the year.

Google’s yearly Made by Google event is just days away, and while we can’t wait for Tuesday, we already have a pretty good idea of how the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL look and some of the many, many features under that G-branded exterior. Whether you’re looking to catch up on a busy summer’s worth of leaks and rumor or you’re trying to decide if you need your credit card ready when pre-orders open, we’ve got you covered.

Everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 3

Sizes, screens, and specs

Google’s flagship phone comes in two sizes: the Google Pixel 3 and the Google Pixel 3 XL. While larger models tend to come with more cameras, more sensors, and more bells and whistles, far as we’ve been able to find, the Pixel 3 XL only seems to differ from the regular size Pixel 3 in three ways: a bigger, notched screen, a bigger battery, and a larger chassis to hold them.

Yes, notched: the Google Pixel 3 XL has a notch in the top of the front display that holds two front-facing cameras, light sensors, and the top speaker grill/ear piece. Said sensors are configured in a O__O face that has been mocked mercilessly by Android fans online.

The Google Pixel 3 sports a 5.5-inch 2160×1080 display and a 2,915 mAh battery, while the Pixel 3 XL sports a 6.3-inch 2960×1440 notched display and a 3,430 mAh battery. Other specs from the 3 XL evenly match the Pixel 3, including the Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB RAM, dual 8MP front cameras, and front-facing stereo speakers.

Wireless at last

The Google Pixel and Pixel 2 lacked wireless charging, but that looks to be changing with the Google Pixel 3. Not only is the Pixel 3 reported to be packing Qi wireless charging capabilities, but Google may be launching a dedicated Pixel Stand with it.

The bottom of the Pixel Stand appears to have a grippy rubber base (similar to the Home Mini) that keeps it in place on a desk or table. A USB-C cable powers the accessory, and on the top is the wireless charging pad the Pixel 3 will rest on. Judging from the gif, it appears that Pixel 3 will probably go into a Smart Display-like mode once docked in the Pixel Stand to show your notifications, weather, traffic updates, and more.

Pre-orders, pricing, and pink

Pre-orders for the Google Pixel 3 will open immediately after the Made by Google event on October 9th, but an actual price for those pre-orders has yet to be confirmed. Last year’s Pixel 2 started at $649 and the Pixel 2 XL started at $849, so we wouldn’t be too surprised to see the Pixel 3 XL break into the $1000 phone club with the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the iPhone XS

When it comes to colors, black and white on the Pixel 3 are a given, but there’s some mystery surrounding the third (and maybe fourth) colors. Google’s been heavily teasing a mint option, but a render Android Headlines received from “a reliable source” shows a pink tone called “Sand” they say will be offered instead.

The latest Pixel 3 news

October 4, 2018 — Spigen lists Pixel 3 and 3 XL cases ahead of Tuesday’s event

Spigen is one of the biggest names when it comes to smartphone accessories, and just a few days before Google’s October 9 event, Spigen’s listed all of its Pixel 3 and 3 XL cases on its website.

Some of the cases are already available for purchase while others are still listed as coming soon, and in addition to giving you a jump start on your Pixel 3 accessory haul, this gives us yet another confirmation of the two phones’ design.

If you’re already planning on getting one of Google’s new phones, it might actually not be a bad idea to get your cases ordered now to make sure you’ve got them before your Pixel 3 arrives.

See at Spigen

October 4, 2018 — Here’s what the Pixel 3 looks like in its pink “Sand” color

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL will be here in just a few short days, and when they arrive, they’ll be available in a few different colors. Black and white are sure bets at this point, but there’s some mystery surrounding the third (and maybe fourth) colors. Google’s been heavily teasing a mint option, but now thanks to a new leak from Android Headlines, it would appear that a pink tone called “Sand” will be offered instead.

This render apparently comes from “a reliable source” who also provided Android Headlines with renders of the black and white models. However, there isn’t a mint color to be seen anywhere.

We actually haven’t seen any renders or hands-on photos of a mint Pixel 3, but if such a variant really doesn’t exist, it’s odd that Google would use mint tones in its promotion.

As such, this either means that Sand and mint will both be available at launch, one color will be available right away while the other is released at a later time, or Sand is the only other hue that’s joining black and white.

We really aren’t sure at this point, but thankfully we only have to wait until Tuesday to find out for sure.

October 3, 2018 — Pixel 3 pre-orders will open immediately after the October 9 event

Google’s October 9 event is getting closer and closer, and as part of a promotional email that the company began sending out today, we now have confirmation that preorders will “start immediately after the event.”

In addition to this, Google also has a few fun questions you can now ask the Google Assistant in preparation for the big day. Just ask “What’s this announcement about?”, “When are you making this announcement?”, or “How can I found out more about this announcement?”.

Lastly, the email also shows a large number 3 that transitions between black, white, and mint colors (likely the three colors that’ll be available at launch).

September 27, 2018 — Pixel 3 promo materials confirm Active Edge and other software features

The folks at MySmartPrice have been on a roll when in regards to Pixel 3 leaks as of late, and today, the site’s now shared a ton of promo images and an instructional video that confirm various software features the phone will have.

The video above shows users how to navigate and use the Pixel 3, and as expected, the Android Pie interface is pretty much identical to what we have on the Pixel 2 series right now. The gesture navigation is there, the notification panel is more rounded, and the revamped Do Not Disturb is present. Also confirmed in the video is the return of Active Edge (being able to squeeze the Pixel 3 to prompt Google Assistant).

As for the still promo images, the biggest takeaway from these is the one that shows the Pixel 3 retaining the Now Playing feature from the Pixel 2 that shows song info on your lock screen if it hears music playing in the background.

September 26, 2018 — This is Google’s Pixel Stand charging accessory for the Pixel 3

Last Friday, we got a look at a new accessory Google may launch alongside the Pixel 3 — the Pixel Stand. Now, instead of a promo image, we have a full device render to get a better idea of what it’ll look like in the real world.

The bottom of the Pixel Stand appears to have a grippy rubber base (similar to the Home Mini) that keeps it in place on a desk or table. A USB-C cable powers the accessory, and on the top is the wireless charging pad the Pixel 3 will rest on.

Like we saw last week, the Pixel 3 will probably go into a Smart Display-like mode once docked in the Pixel Stand to show your notifications, weather, traffic updates, and more.

Do you think you’ll be picking up a Pixel Stand?

September 25, 2018 — Pixel 3 wallpapers are now available to download

The Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL will be here in just two weeks, but if you can’t wait that long and want to make your current phone look a bit more like Google’s latest and greatest, you can now do just that.

The folks at MySmartPrice recently got their hands on 28 wallpapers that’ll ship with the Pixel 3 series next month, and just like last year, they look fantastic.

You’ll find a total of 28 wallpapers, including some new Live Wallpapers that Google introduced with the Pixel 2.

To get them, just tap the link below and install all of the individual wallpapers and APK file included in the Google Drive folder. So long as you’ve got a phone running Pie and have the Google Wallpapers app installed, you shouldn’t have any issue getting these on your device.

Download the wallpapers here

September 22, 2018 — Renders from Evan Blass show the Pixel 3 and 3 XL side by side

Since you guys keep asking… pic.twitter.com/DpRqzsyRem

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 21, 2018

’tis the season for Pixel render leaks, and this render from Evan Blass shows the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL side by side with the screens off, showing off their size difference and their front camera/sensor layouts. These are consistent with the plethora of renders we’ve seen in recent months, with the O__O sitting smack dab in the Pixel 3 XL’s notch while the notchless Pixel 3 keeps its sensors to the left-hand side of the earpiece.

The Made by Google Event is slated for October 9th, where we will finally see the products in the flesh and see what they are or aren’t packing under those sizable screens.

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.

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