Save 15% off Blink indoor and outdoor HD security cameras

Don’t blink, you might miss this deal.

Add some extra security to your home with 15% off a Blink camera system today. Whether you need hooking up with indoor security cameras or a weatherproof system for protecting the area around your home, this limited-time sale has got you covered.

Blink’s Indoor line of cameras offer motion detection, instant 720p HD recording and notifications straight to your smartphone. You can also check in on your home in real time from anywhere in the world via the Blink app. They are super simple to set up and run wirelessly for two years on AA batteries. The 15% discount applies to everything from a single add-on camera — now just $76.49 — to the 5-camera system which has a $52 saving.

Blink XT offers all of the above smarts and adds weatherproofing so you can monitor your home’s surroundings. The upgraded cams also bump the resolution to 1080p HD and add in infrared night vision for around the clock security, even on those dark wintery nights. The 1-camera system is down to just $110.49 and the largest, 5-camera system is now $424.99 — $75 off its usual price.

Blink offers free cloud storage for recorded video clips, so you don’t have to pay for a monthly subscription such as those offered by Arlo or Nest. Being an Amazon brand, Blink’s camera systems offer tight integration with the Amazon Echo ecosystem and can be controlled using just your voice. We are living in the future, people.

See at Amazon

OnePlus plans on launching the first 5G phone in Europe in 2019

The 5G phone will exist alongside OnePlus’s other LTE handsets.

OnePlus just announced the OnePlus 6T earlier this morning, but even so, the company’s already hard at work on its successor. In an interview with The Verge, CEO Pete Lau confirmed that it plans on launching a 5G-capable phone in Europe as early as next year.

Lau said, “We’re very happy that our efforts with OnePlus will include 5G smartphones in the very near future.” Furthermore, he also noted that OnePlus is working with carriers in Europe to make sure everything’s compatible and that “We’re confident we’ll be the first 5G phone in Europe.”

Another interesting thing to note is that this 5G phone will live alongside OnePlus’s other 4G LTE handsets. New OnePlus phones typically replace their predecessors, so this suggests that the 5G phone will be separate from the company’s regular release schedule.

Does that mean we’ll get a OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 (5G) next year? Maybe something entirely different like what Apple did with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X? According to Lau, “It doubles the workload for us because it’s an additional product. It will be its own line of phones.”

Are you looking forward to a 5G phone from OnePlus?

OnePlus 6T review: 90% of the phone for 60% of the price

OnePlus 6T and OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6T review
• Latest OnePlus 6T news
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: How much changes in six months?
• Join the discussion in the forums

Aukey’s $12 Power Strip features 4 outlets and 4 USB ports

Power all the things.

Aukey’s Power Strip with 4 USB Ports and 4 Outlets is down to a new low price of $11.99 when you enter coupon code 6YI3ALOA at checkout.

With four outlets and four USB ports, this power strip is super useful for areas like your home office, bedroom or for plugging in the multitude of devices behind your TV while keeping the cables out of sight.

It can output up to 2.4A per port, has a five-foot long cable, and features built-in safeguards to protect your devices. Existing users rate it 4.1 out of 5 stars on average and Aukey backs it up with a two-year product replacement warranty.

If you’d prefer something that goes straight into the wall, Aukey is also offering 10% off its 2-outlet charger with 4 USB ports.

See at Amazon

Best Cases for OnePlus 6T

The OnePlus 6T is a good-looking phone. Heck, it’s actually quite stunning. Those good looks do come at a cost, however, as the all-glass back will likely show signs of use a lot sooner than you’d like. Thankfully, you can prevent that and keep the 6T looking brand new with a case. Here are the best ones we could find.

Straight from OnePlus

OnePlus Bumper Case

OnePlus’s official bumper case is one of the best you can get. It provides edge-to-edge protection, shock-resistant bumpers, and a hard outer shell. You’ve also got your choice between Karbon, Ebony Wood, and Nylon.

$30 at OnePlus

All-around champ

Dretal Carbon Fiber Case

Need a basic, durable case that’s easy on the wallet? Dretal’s carbon fiber case is a great pick. The TPU rubber is scratch resistant, has a sleek design, and offers fantastic grip while being shockproof. Black is the only available color, but at least it’ll match your black 6T, right?

$8 at Amazon

Thinnest you can get

Anccer Colorful Series

Once again, Anccer delivers one of the best thin cases you can get. Measuring in at just 0.3mm, the Anccer Colorful Series case offers basic scratch and drop protection so your 6T will keep looking nice without adding any extra bulk. Better yet, you’ve got eight gorgeous colors to pick from.

$13 at Amazon

Simple folio

OnePlus Flip Cover

If folio cases are more your jam, OnePlus offers an official one for a little over $20. Opening the cover will automatically turn the screen on, while closing it shuts the display off. It’s made out of PU leather and has room for one credit/debit card.

$21 at OnePlus

The clear winner

VRS Design Crystal Chrome

Want to show off your OnePlus 6T to the world without risking its safety? This clear case from VRS Design is for you. The TPU bumper keeps the 6T safe from nasty drops and is resistant against scratching and yellowing that some other clear cases are prone to.

$12 at Amazon

So grippy

KuGi TPU Case

This case from KuGi is an all-around great choice. It comes in three colors (navy, black, and red) and features a unique texture on the back that provides really nice grip you won’t find with a naked 6T. You also get a 100% satisfaction guarantee that lasts for 30 days.

$9 at Amazon

Serious protection

MYLB Hybrid Rugged Case

For our readers that need maximum protection, we recommend getting this MYLB case. It has a dual layer design that protects the OnePlus 6T from just about anything, and all four corners of the phone are covered with a TPU airbag for maximum security. This thing is a beast.

$6 at Amazon

Sandstone has returned

OnePlus Protective Case

Want to relive the sandstone material that was made so popular on the OnePlus One? The official protective case is outfitted with just that and gives the 6T a truly unique look and feel. Add that together with raised edges over the screen and a sleek profile, and you’re all set.

$21 at OnePlus

Functional wallet case

DUX DUCIS Folio Cover

Another great wallet case for the OnePlus 6T comes from DUX DUCIS. Made out of a PU leather and available in three colors, this provides full protection for the 6T’s front and back, can double as a stand for watching movies, and holds one debit or credit card.

$8 at Amazon

If it were my money, I’d probably splurge for the official OnePlus Protective Case. It offers solid protection in a slim profile, but most importantly, it has the OnePlus’s iconic Sandstone material. On the lower end of the price spectrum, cases from Dretal and Anccer have proven to be top-notch with other smartphones and are definitely worth a look.

With these heavy duty cases, your Google Pixel 3 is in good hands

Some people prefer to use a brand new phone without a case — but if you’re on the exact opposite end of the spectrum and know you need the most rugged protection for your Pixel 3, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best heavy duty cases available for the Pixel 3, from perennial favorites like the Otterbox to more wallet-friendly options from other trusted brands we like. We’re sure you’ll find a case that speaks to you and your needs.

X-cellent protection

Ringke Fusion X

The Ringke Fusion-X is one of the more unique-looking cases you’ll find for the Pixel 3. It offers heavy-duty protection with a clear PC backplate combined with an impact-resistant bumper around the edges to protect against drops and bumps.

$10 at Amazon

Spigen’s toughest

Spigen Tough Armor

This case offers maximum durability without adding too much bulk to the Pixel 3’s design. Designed with a shock-absorbing TPU sleeve hugged by a rugged shell, the Tough Armor will live up to its name with a built-in kickstand offering a nice little bonus.

$16 at Amazon

All-round protection

Poetic Revolution 360 Degree Protection 

The only case on this list that comes with its own screen protector, Poetic Revolution is able to claim 360-degree protection with this heavy duty case that certainly looks the part. Thick, textured edges should ensure you always have a solid grip on your phone, and there’s a built-in kickstand that works in both landscape and portrait orientations.

$17 at Amazon

Best on a budget

CoverON HexaGuard Series

CoverOn offers a great budget option for those who want to protect their Pixel 3 for under $10. This is a dual-layer case that is designed to take the abuse of your daily use (hey, that rhymes!). The back features a basketball-inspired grip pattern that looks and feel great in your hand.

$8 at Amazon

Iconic brand

OtterBox Defender Series 

One of the most trusted names in smartphone cases, OtterBox offers its premium product for the Pixel 3. This is by far the most expensive option on our list, but if you’ve ever bought an OtterBox case before and dealt with its superb customer service, you know that you’re likely to get your money’s worth.

$50 at Amazon

Front, back, and belt

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro

Supcase’s dual-layer, rugged holster has an inner shell of flexible, shock-absorbent TPU rubber, a hard plastic outer shell, and a built-in screen protector. There’s also an included belt clip, and a dust cover for the charging port, making for all-around protection.

$20 at Amazon

Drop survivor

Caseology Legion

This all-black case is comprised of a flexible bumper case made of hard yet flexible TPU rubber, as well as an outer shell made from hard, textured plastic, so it’s sturdy and provides an excellent grip surface. The button covers provide great feedback, while all the necessary cutouts are precise.

$16 at Amazon

These are the best cases that offer heavy-duty protection for your Pixel 3. If you’re also interested in adding a screen protector to your phone, the Poetic Revolution is worth considering, but my recommendation goes to the Spigen Tough Armor. Spigen’s products are always top quality and the Tough Armor style in particular is a reliably rugged option for any smartphone. If you don’t mind spending a lot of extra money, the OtterBox Defender Series is going to be worth the money.

Amazon Alexa can now control NVIDIA Shield TV

Just in case the built-in Google Assistant isn’t good enough for you.

You can now control your NVIDIA Shield TV — that’s the uber-powerful streaming/gaming box that runs Android TV with Google Assistant — with Amazon Alexa.

Just in case you’d rather use an Amazon Echo to control the box that works directly with Google Assistant, which already can be triggered with an Android phone, or a Google Home speaker, or with the NVIDIA Shield TV remote, or hands-free with the NVIDIA Shield TV game controller.

Says NVIDIA:

Comfortably holding the crown as the most open streaming platform, SHIELD gives you more of what you want than any streaming media device. It’s the streamer with access to more of your music, movies and TV shows from multiple ecosystems. Not to mention the widest range of 4K content.

That now extends to voice services as SHIELD is the only streamer you can control with both Amazon Echo and Google Home devices. Available through a new Amazon Skill, you can ask Alexa to help with navigating and enjoying your favorite movies, TV shows, music and more.

Another cool feature for SHIELD users in the Amazon ecosystem: Dolby Atmos passthrough support for Prime Video. In addition to the jaw-dropping 4K HDR visuals, you now get breathtaking spatial audio to match in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

So, there’s that. Hit the link below to get things set up, then get your Alexa on.

Get the NVIDIA Shield Alexa Skill

NVIDIA Shield Android TV

• Read our Shield Android TV review
• The latest Shield Android TV news
• Shield vs. Shield Pro: Which should I buy?
• Join the forum discussion
• Complete Shield Android TV specs

Amazon

Amazon Fire tablets, Vitamix blenders, 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 the Fire 7 tablet to Pretty Little Liars, these are today’s best deals.

Tech 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!

Apple Store Expansion in China Said to Have Slowed Due to Red Tape, Fraud, and Other Factors

In 2015 and 2016, Apple aggressively expanded its retail presence in China with 30 new stores, according to the Apple Storefronts tracker. Since the start of 2017, however, Apple has opened just five new locations in the country.

Apple’s newest store in China in Suzhou
The Information’s Wayne Ma has shared a report today that offers explanations for the slowdown, including China’s bureaucratic government, scalpers, previously-reported fraud, and increasing competition from Chinese smartphone makers. The report is based on interviews with 17 former Apple employees.

On government bureaucracy:

Apple had to navigate a maze of government bureaucracy to obtain everything from business and tax licenses to construction, fire and customs permits for imported building materials, former employees say. The regulatory framework in China is far more complicated than in the U.S., with many more layers of government, these former employee say, and it’s far more opaque. Employees frequently scrambled to chase down permits and local approvals to keep store openings on track, they said.

On scalpers:

Apple, too, had to contend with scalpers, known as “yellow cows” in colloquial Chinese. These scalpers swarmed its stores and elbowed out other customers during product launches and in-store promotions. …

Apple executives worried they were losing control of the customer experience in their stores, and along with it opportunities to interact with real consumers. The scalpers showed little interest in the accessories and add-on services Apple likes to offer customers.

Other factors, according to those interviewed, included low-level government officials asking for free iPhones and other products as a form of bribery, a tug-of-war between the Beijing and Shanghai local governments over taxes, and a vibrant gray market for iPhones smuggled from Hong Kong.

As a result of these difficulties, Apple is said to have “abruptly changed” its retail expansion plans in mainland China in 2017, resulting in the dramatic slowdown in grand openings. Apple’s latest store in China opened in the city of Suzhou on September 21, coinciding with iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max launch day.

Last quarter, Apple brought in revenue of $9.5 billion from the Greater China region, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao. Greater China accounted for 17.9 percent of Apple’s revenue in the quarter, making it the company’s third largest market, behind the United States and Europe.

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.

Related Roundup: Apple StoresTag: China
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Pencil 2 Rumored to Feature Gesture Support, New Charging Method and Minimalistic Design

The second-generation Apple Pencil that Apple is rumored to be working on will feature support for gestures, a new design, and a new charging method, according to leaker Benjamin Geskin.

Geskin, who sometimes provides accurate information on Apple’s plans sourced from Chinese social networks, says the upcoming Apple Pencil will feature a design that’s “more minimalistic” with no silver band at the top.

Apple Pencil 2018:

– Design is even more minimalistic, the silver rail on top is now gone.
– Tap and Swipe gestures along the pencil.
– Magnetically attachable to the new iPad.
– New charging method. pic.twitter.com/tS1ptCWgnh

— Ben Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) October 29, 2018

It will attach magnetically to the side of the new iPad Pro models, and it is said to feature a new charging method, though there are no details on what that charging method might be. It’s possible the accessory will charge wirelessly when docked to the iPad Pro, with Apple eliminating the Lightning port.

Previous Apple Pencil 2 rumors have suggested the accessory will also feature a new pairing method, connecting to an iPad Pro device wirelessly much like AirPods rather than through a physical connection, which would be in line with the rumors of a new charging method.

Geskin also says that the new Apple Pencil will support tap and swipe gestures, a rumor supported by code in iOS 12.1 shared by 9to5Mac’s Guilherme Rambo over the weekend. The gestures are said to allow iPad Pro users to do things like change the size or color of a brush within a sketching app using the sides of the Apple Pencil.

We don’t have long to wait for full details on the second-generation Apple Pencil and the new iPad Pro models. Apple’s October 30 event takes place tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time or 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with Apple planning to live stream the event on its website and through the Events app on the Apple TV.

MacRumors will have live coverage of all of Apple’s announcements, both here on the site and on our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.

Related Roundup: iPad ProBuyer’s Guide: 10.5″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy)
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OnePlus 6T first impressions: All about trade-offs

Well, we’re here. After months of leaks, rumors, and statements, OnePlus has finally taken the veil off the OnePlus 6T. I’ve only been using the device since the evening of October 24, so I don’t feel comfortable delivering a complete OnePlus 6T review quite yet. That being said, I think a few days is more than enough time to deliver my first impressions, so here they all in all their glory. But first, let’s look at the essential details you should know.

OnePlus 6T: The facts

As soon as you hold the OnePlus 6T in your hand, you’ll notice it’s a bit thicker than the OnePlus 6, to make room for a bigger battery. OnePlus has also changed the curve of the phone to be more defined, and I was told this was done to make it fit in your palm better.

The battery is now 3,700mAh, which isn’t the most massive battery we’ve seen, but man, does it pack a punch. I got 7-8 hours of screen-on time on this device, topping off at 8 hours and 8 minutes with 5 percent battery remaining. This is probably the best battery life I’ve ever seen in an Android smartphone, proving that battery capacity doesn’t tell the whole story. OxygenOS is extremely lightweight as it is, which is likely why the battery life is so great.

Probably the best battery life I’ve ever seen in an Android smartphone

OnePlus has removed the rear-facing fingerprint reader on the 6T, switching to a new in-screen optical solution. This leaves the rear of the phone looking fairly clean overall, but I really didn’t mind the fingerprint reader in the first place – I loved it on the back of the OnePlus 6. You’ll find the dual camera lenses in the same position as before, seated atop the OnePlus emblem in the center of the device. The cameras are also less extruded than the OnePlus 6 due to the OnePlus 6T’s increased thickness. The back of the device uses the newer Gorilla Glass 6 from Corning.

Editor’s Pick

OnePlus 6T, Asus ROG Phone, and more – Every phone launching in October 2018

New phones get launched every month of the year, but it looks like the October 2018 smartphones are going to be something else. Not only are we seeing six major launches in the span of …

The cameras are 16 and 20MP f/1.7 sensors just like they were on the OnePlus 6, and image quality seems extremely similar. The main 16MP shooter has OIS and EIS. The big changes here are the new Nightscape Mode, as well as new studio lighting modes. The OnePlus 6T can also shoot 4K 60fps video and shoot 1080p at 240fps and 720p at 480fps.

The ports and buttons are seated in roughly the same positions as on the OnePlus 6. The power button on the side is now slightly more centered, and the headphone jack on the bottom has been replaced with a faux speaker grille to match the grille on the left side of the device. OnePlus says it has used the extra space from the missing headphone jack to increase the size of the resonance chamber.

OnePlus says it has used the extra space from the missing headphone jack to increase the size of the resonance chamber

The front of the device is where you’ll see the biggest difference. The notch from the OnePlus 6 has been shrunk to leave a smaller “teardrop” notch for the front-facing 16MP f/2 camera. The earpiece has been shifted up into the frame of the device in the form of a thin slit. The result is a larger 6.41-inch AMOLED display with an aspect ratio of 19.5.9 and a resolution of 2340 x 1080. The brightness has been increased compared to the OnePlus 6 for better viewing.

The biggest change in this display is the addition of a new in-screen fingerprint reader. OnePlus says this is the fastest reader in the industry, unlocking the phone in just 0.34 seconds. In my time with it, I found it to be quite a bit slower than that, taking considerably longer than the Huawei Mate 20 Pro to unlock the device. It isn’t slow by any means, but it is noticeably slower than Huawei’s solution.

On the software front, the OnePlus 6T comes with Android 9.0 Pie, with some updated navigation gestures that remind me a lot of the iPhone, and that’s not a bad thing. The company has also updated Gaming Mode to introduce floating notifications so you can see your notifications at a glance.

Smart Boost is a new software feature in the OnePlus 6T that stores app data in memory to improve cold boot times. OnePlus says this should increase app launch times by 5 to 20 percent, playing into the “Fast and Smooth” initiative OnePlus tries to implement into their devices.

The OnePlus 6T is running the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset as the OnePlus 6 and will be available in 6/128GB, 8/128GB, and 8/256GB RAM/storage variants for $549, $579, and $629 respectively. While the price of the base model has been increased by $20, you’re also getting twice as much storage space compared to the OnePlus 6. The other variants will cost the same as the OnePlus 6.

Smart Boost stores app data in memory to improve cold boot times by up to 20%

In quite a monumental move for the company, the OnePlus 6T will be sold at T-Mobile stores in the 8/128GB variant. Customers can pick up the device at the T-Mobile popup store in New York’s Times Square today at 6 PM, but otherwise, you’ll be able to order it November 1. The OnePlus 6T is also officially certified to work on Verizon Wireless, though you’ll need to buy it from OnePlus directly or pay off the device in full from T-Mobile.

My OnePlus 6T impressions

So those are the hard facts, but here’s how the OnePlus 6T actually feels in daily use.

I am not a huge fan of the added thickness and new shape of the device compared to the OnePlus 6. While it’s not extreme, it definitely gives the 6T a more rounded feel, which I usually associate with budget devices. That being said, the battery life is amazing. The OnePlus 6 didn’t have bad battery life at all, topping out at about six and a half hours, but the OnePlus 6T breaking eight hours is incredible to me.

I am not a huge fan of the added thickness and new shape of the device compared to the OnePlus 6

While I didn’t mind the notch on the OnePlus 6 due to its small size, the teardrop notch is definitely better when watching expanded media. Watching something like YouTube with only a small portion cut off is appreciated, though it wasn’t that bad on the OnePlus 6 either.

The software is incredible. OxygenOS is still my favorite Android skin of all time, bringing optimizations and additions that are actually useful, as opposed to pointless gimmicks. That being said, all the new software additions and optimizations from the OnePlus 6T will be ported to the OnePlus 6.

So the question is, should you switch?

Editor’s Pick

Pocophone F1 vs OnePlus 6: Can Pocophone steal the crown?

We’ve done plenty of versus features in the past, but this one feels like a real grudge match: The Pocophone F1 vs. the OnePlus 6.

This is such an epic showdown because in many ways Pocophone …

At effectively the same price as the OnePlus 6, I see the OnePlus 6T as a horizontal option for users. Personally, I don’t think the in-screen fingerprint reader, smaller notch and bigger battery are worth it over the flatter design and headphone jack found on the OnePlus 6. If you’re already a OnePlus 6 user, skip the 6T. You’ll get much more bang for your buck by waiting for the OnePlus 7 or even the OnePlus 7T.

If you don’t own a OnePlus 6 but you want to join the OnePlus family, the decision between the OnePlus 6 and 6T is a difficult trade-off. If you absolutely want a headphone jack and like flatter designs better, get the OnePlus 6. It is still one of my favorite Android phones of all time, and I love how it looks and feels in my hand.

I see the OnePlus 6T as a horizontal option for users

If you’re already a wireless headphones user and want a bigger battery and some cutting edge tech in the form of an in-screen fingerprint reader, the 6T could be for you. It’s still hard to beat OnePlus in the pricing category, even as the cost of its phones has gone up over time. You definitely won’t be disappointed by this device.

More OnePlus 6T coverage

• OnePlus 6T announced: Everything you need to know
• OnePlus 6T: Where to buy, when, and how much
• OnePlus 6T specs: Everything you wish the OnePlus 6 was (but the headphone jack)

What are your thoughts on the phone? Is this device worth it over the OnePlus 6? Let us know.