The OnePlus 6T could work on Verizon Wireless

OnePlus is going to end 2018 with a bang.

Ever since it was released this past May, the OnePlus 6 has been one of the absolute best values in smartphones we’ve seen in 2018. The phone’s only gotten better thanks to striking new colors and fast software updates, and right around the corner is its incremental successor — the OnePlus 6T.

The 6T likely won’t shake up the OnePlus 6’s formula too much, but even so, it’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s most interesting smartphones.

Without further ado, here’s everything we know about the OnePlus 6T!

The latest OnePlus 6T news

October 19, 2018 — The OnePlus 6T could work on Verizon Wireless

Every year, one of the biggest complaints about OnePlus phones is that they aren’t compatible with Verizon’s network. No matter how fast they are or how much the cameras have improved, none of this matters for people that rely on Verizon for their cell service.

However, that could be changing this year. According to a report from PCMag, “multiple industry sources” have said that the OnePlus 6T “may” work with Verizon.

Although we won’t see the OnePlus 6T being sold in Verizon stores as we will with T-Mobile, the unlocked variant of the phone is said to support LTE Band 13 for use with Verizon’s LTE network. This means you won’t get any CDMA coverage, but considering how mature Verizon’s LTE service is these days, that really shouldn’t be an issue.

Verizon compatibility is not confirmed at this point, and unless OnePlus or Verizon makes an announcement in the next few days, it won’t be until the 6T’s unveiling on October 30. With that said, even if we don’t see Verizon support this year, it’s still awfully encouraging to hear that OnePlus is even working on this.

October 17, 2018 — OnePlus 6T confirmed to ship with Android 9 Pie

We’re about two weeks away from the OnePlus 6T reveal, and if you’ve been following details on the phone, you’ll know that a lot of its info and features have already been revealed. Now, GizmoChina has confirmed that the OnePlus 6T will ship with Android 9 Pie out of the box.

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirmed the news on Chinese social network Weibo, and in addition to this, also noted that the Android Pie update for OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 3 devices is being delayed as the company’s engineers need more time to perfect everything.

October 12, 2018 — OnePlus teases new gestures and redesigned UI for OnePlus 6T

Leading up to the OnePlus 6T’s announcement at the end of the month, some of the OnePlus team took the company’s official forums to talk about the improved software experience with OxygenOS on the phone.

Starting first with the UI, OnePlus notes that “a whole new UI” will be present on the phone and that you’ll “have to experience for yourself to really understand.” OnePlus went on to say, “Our goal was to express the OnePlus design language in our UI, making this the most distinct and intuitive version of OxygenOS yet.” Exciting stuff.

Along with that, there’s also confirmation that the 6T will ship with revamped gesture navigation.

Whenever you swipe up in an app, the application window will follow your finger, making for a more natural experience. It’s also faster in two ways: with a quick flick from the bottom of the screen towards the right of your screen, you can change between 2 recently used apps.

Add that together with promised behind-the-scenes improvements to the camera and further focus on making OxygenOS as fast and fluid as possible, and the 6T’s software experience is shaping up to be something special.

October 9, 2018 — The OnePlus 6T will launch on November 6

According to The Verge, the OnePlus 6 will launch a week after its October 30 announcement: November 6. The company will hold a launch event in New York City on October 30 starting at 11am ET.

We still don’t know pricing, which is the last remaining elusive piece of information we need. What do you think? $549? $599?

October 9, 2018 — OnePlus 6T will feature a 3700mAh battery, pre-bookings now live on Amazon India

OnePlus has confirmed that the 6T will feature a 3700mAh battery, 10% larger than the one in the OnePlus 6. The increased battery capacity was leaked a few weeks ago, and OnePlus is now confirming the same. The phone will also offer the company’s Dash Charge fast charging tech.

OnePlus has also opened up pre-bookings for the OnePlus 6T on Amazon India. Customers pre-booking the device will get a pair of OnePlus’ Type-C Bullets earphones for free, along with a ₹500 ($6.75) Amazon gift card. The phone itself will be going up for sale in India on November 2.

See at Amazon India

October 8, 2018 — The OnePlus 6T is launching on October 30

The #OnePlus6T is coming. Unlock The Speed on October 30. https://t.co/LuPoTr8ZyF pic.twitter.com/s8OfmZuXdX

— OnePlus (@oneplus) October 8, 2018

OnePlus has confirmed that it will unveil the OnePlus 6T on October 30. The phone will be making its debut at an event in New York, and OnePlus is set to kick off pre-orders on the same day.

The company will also hold a satellite event in India — its largest market — on October 30, and fans will be able to purchase tickets for the same starting 10:00am IST on October 17.

October 7, 2018 — OnePlus teases Monday announcement on Twitter

Check back in 24 hours for an exciting announcement. #OnePlus6T pic.twitter.com/mIeveZ0n6H

— OnePlus (@oneplus) October 7, 2018

The OnePlus 6T is expected to be announced to the world any time now, but we might not have to wait much longer — at least, for an event date. OnePlus tweeted out a tease for fans, telling them to come back in 24 hours for an “exciting announcement”.

While we expect said announcement to be an event date for the official unveiling of the OnePlus 6T, there is also a chance that the official announcement of the device. OnePlus has had a busy week of teases, leaks, and the official confirmation that the 6T will lack both a headphone jack and wireless charging, and OnePlus might be ready to show the world one of the most anticipated phones of the year.

Tomorrow is also the day before the Google Pixel 3 event — and the beginning of Pixel 3 pre-orders — so whatever OnePlus announces tomorrow may very well end up being an appetizer before the October 9 feast of new Google products.

October 2, 2018 — OnePlus 6T confirmed to not have wireless charging, better water-resistance

CNET recently sat down for an exclusive interview with OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, and during it, a few interesting tidbits were revealed.

Perhaps most importantly, the interview confirms that the OnePlus 6T will not support wireless charging. According to Lau:

We’re working hard on this. When we get to the day that the wireless charging can get up to speed of [Dash Charge] without the implication of heat that we expect, then I believe we can integrate the technology.

Lau also commented on the 6T’s water resistance, saying that it’s the most water-resistant phone the company’s made yet. However, in an attempt to save money, you won’t find an official IP rating.

Last but not least, Lau confirmed that one of the main reasons the 3.5mm headphone jack was removed was to make room for the in-display fingerprint sensor. He also said that it was “one of the most difficult decisions for us [OnePlus] to make.”

Read the full interview here

October 1, 2018 — Here are renders of the OnePlus 6T in Midnight Black and Mirror Black

Midnight Black

Need more OnePlus 6T renders in your life? Lucky for you, WinFuture recently got their hands on just that.

A few new images of the phone show its front and back in both Midnight Black and Mirror Black finishes — two colors that are also available for the OnePlus 6.

Mirror Black

Although the 6T’s design has already been confirmed in other leaks, these renderes once again show off the waterdrop style notch, the absence of the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and dual rear cameras.

September 28, 2018 — OnePlus begins teasing the 6T

We already know that the OnePlus 6T is coming, but now thanks to a teaser clip on its official Twitter page, OnePlus is ready to start hyping up the phone ahead of its announcement.

OnePlus 6T. It’s coming. pic.twitter.com/Wrdt9sCdIs

— OnePlus (@oneplus) September 28, 2018

The short clip is just 5 seconds long and features the tagline “Unlock the Future” along with the OnePlus 6T logo.

There’s not much else to see, but with the hype train starting, an official reveal should be coming soon.

September 26, 2018 — OnePlus 6T appears in a bunch of new renders

Earlier this month, we got our first render of the OnePlus 6T showing off the top rear portion of the phone. Now, thanks to @OnLeaks and MySmartPrice, we have full device renders of the 6T that shows what it’ll look like from every angle imaginable.

As expected, the 6T’s body shares a lot of similarities with the Oppo R17. There’s a large 6.4-inch display around front with a tiny waterdrop style notch at the very top. Around back is a dual camera system, glass construction, and no fingerprint sensor. This time around, OnePlus is hiding it underneath the display.

The 6T is said to be a bit thicker and wider than the 6, coming in at 157.5 x 75.7 x 8.2mm compared to 155.7 x 75.4 x 7.8mm.

Are you liking what you’re seeing?

September 19, 2018 — OnePlus 6T teaser video airs in India, shows off dual rear cameras

OnePlus has started airing a OnePlus 6T teaser video in India that shows off the back of the upcoming phone. A render from earlier today revealed that the device will have dual rear cameras — and not three like previously rumored — and the video further reinforces that. The commercial features OnePlus’ India ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, and also references the in-display fingerprint sensor.

Amazon India is also building up interest for the device by opening up a “Notify Me” page for the OnePlus 6T ahead of the rumored October 17 launch.

September 19, 2018 — OnePlus 6T render confirms dual rear cameras, logo also teased

Thanks to the folks over at WinFuture, we now have our very first render of the upcoming OnePlus 6T. The render admittedly doesn’t reveal a lot of the phone, but even so, it does manage to confirm a couple of key details.

First of all, it would appear that OnePlus will be sticking with two rear cameras on the back. On that same note, the cameras are also in the exact same position as they are on the OnePlus 6.

Along with this, we can also see that there’s no longer a fingerprint sensor below the camera lens. OnePlus already confirmed that the 6T will be its first phone to use an in-display sensor, so we’re now seeing how all of that will come together.

Last but not least, WinFuture also shared the 6T’s official logo. There’s nothing particularly exciting about it, but here it is for your vieiwng pleasure.

September 13, 2018 — The OnePlus 6T will not have a headphone jack

Yep, you read that correctly. As confirmed by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei in an interview with TechRadar, the 6T will not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Having a headphone jack on its phones is something OnePlus has adamantly bragged about for the last few years, so why is the company now deciding to remove it? First of all, Pei notes that by removing the headphone jack, more features can be crammed into the 6T.

Some of that space is likely going to the in-display fingerprint sensor that was already confirmed by the company, and along with that, Pei says battery life is being improved, too. We don’t have raw numbers, but it’s said that the improvement will be “substantial enough for users to realize.”

Another reason for the jack’s removal is timing. Per a survey that OnePlus conducted earlier this year, 59% of its users already have some sort of wireless earbuds. Furthermore, Pei expects that number to now be higher following the release of the Bullets Wireless.

OnePlus expects some backlash from its community, and like we’ve seen from Apple, Google, and others, a 3.5mm-to-USB-C dongle will be included in the box so you can continue to use your old wired headphones.

What do you think about the 6T not having a headphone jack?

September 10, 2018 — OnePlus confirms in-display fingerprint sensor for OnePlus 6T

Less than a week since the OnePlus 6T retail box leaked, OnePlus has confirmed to CNET that one of the main features shown there — specifically the in-display fingerprint sensor — will be present on the phone at launch.

In an email sent to the publication, OnePlus said:

We unlock our phones multiple times a day, and Screen Unlock reduces the number of steps to complete the action. By adding this feature as an addition to other display unlocking options such as Face Unlock, users will have options to unlock the display in a way that is most efficient for them.

OnePlus also shared a screenshot of the 6T’s lock screen, and as you can see, an icon near the bottom of the display will show users where to put their finger to unlock the phone. Similar to devices like the Vivo X20 Plus UD and Vivo Nex, the 6T uses an optical scanner under its screen that views your print, matches it with one that’s been set up, and unlocks your phone.

In-display sensors have typically been slower than traditional ones on the front or back of a device, and if that’s the case with the 6T, at least we’ll also have Face Unlock as an unlocking option, too.

September 4, 2018 — Retail box reveals an in-display fingerprint sensor and “waterdrop” notch

Our first big OnePlus 6T leak has finally arrived!

A retail box for the phone recently appeared in a few photos online, and while the phone itself isn’t anywhere to be seen, the packaging actually confirms a couple key details about it.

Thanks to an outline of the 6T inside the box, we can see that it adopts a very similar design compared to the Oppo R17 that was announced in mid-August. As such, we’ve got a phone with very slim bezels, a tiny chin at the bottom, and a waterdrop style notch at the top.

This outline also shows a fingerprint near the bottom center of the display — suggesting that the 6T will be the first OnePlus phone to adopt an in-display fingerprint sensor.

August 17, 2018 — OnePlus 6T to launch on T-Mobile in the U.S. in October

A new report from CNET surfaced today, and if you’ve been waiting for more juicy details on the OnePlus 6T, there’s plenty for you here.

OnePlus phones in the U.S. have always been sold exclusively as unlocked handsets through OnePlus’s website, but with the 6T, OnePlus will be launching the phone on its first carrier partner in the States — T-Mobile. The T-Mobile version of the OnePlus 6T is said to be “optimized for T-Mobile’s network” and will work beautifully with the Un-Carrier’s 600Mhz band.

Pricing for the OnePlus 6T is said to be about $550 (a slight increase from the $529 OnePlus 6) and it’ll launch at some point in October.

August 14, 2018 — The new Oppo R17 is likely the phone the OnePlus 6T will be modeled after

If you’ve been following OnePlus for a while, chances are you know that its parent company is Oppo. OnePlus typically uses Oppo phones as references for its own hardware, and this year, the reference device for the OnePlus 6T will likely be the all-new Oppo R17.

While the 6T won’t be identical to the R17, the phone’s biggest features will likely carry over — including the waterdrop notch at the top of the display and all-glass back.

The R17’s notch is one of the smallest we’ve ever seen, and should this make its way to the 6T, it’ll be a big win for the phone’s design. The display below that measures in at 6.4-inches, and to not much surprise, retains a resolution of 1080 x 2280 Full HD.

Where will I be able to buy the OnePlus 6T?

Like previous OnePlus phones, we’re certain that the OnePlus 6T will be sold unlocked on OnePlus’s website.

However, new this year in the U.S., OnePlus has apparently secured its first carrier partner.

In addition to selling the phone unlocked, OnePlus will also sell the 6T via T-Mobile. The unlocked variant will work just fine on TMO, but by having the phone sold directly through the carrier and available to purchase via monthly financing, this should hopefully get the 6T in more people’s hands than previous OnePlus devices.

When will the phone be released?

According to a report from CNET, the OnePlus 6T will launch this fall — sometime in October, to be exact.

Seeing as how the OnePlus 5T went on sale November 21 and sales for the 3T opened up November 28, we have no reason not to believe OnePlus will shoot for an October launch. It’s not uncommon for OEMs to move up launch dates by a month or so compared to previous releases, and seeing as how the next-gen iPhones will be announced on September 12 and the Pixel 3 will be unveiled on October 9, OnePlus appears to be slotting itself in nicely with those big-name launches.

How much will the 6T cost?

Per that same report, the OnePlus 6T will cost $550.

In typical OnePlus fashion, that’s a minor price hike compared to its past releases. Here’s how the $550 OnePlus 6T will compare to previous OnePlus phones:

• OnePlus 6 — $529
• OnePlus 5T — $499
• OnePlus 5 — $479
• OnePlus 3T — $439
• OnePlus 3 — $399

OnePlus 6 review: The matter is settled

OnePlus 6

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

Google app licenses for Android phones in the EU will cost up to $40/phone

The pricing for apps varies by pixel density on phone displays.

Back in July of this year, the European Commission fined Google $5 billion for heavily pushing its software and services on Android phones. Google appealed to the fine on October 16, and one of the biggest changes to come out of said appeal is that Google will now start charging OEMs in Europe that want to use its apps without pre-installing Chrome and Search.

Up until now, it’s been unclear exactly how much Google would charge. Thanks to a new report from The Verge, however, we now know that Google will require OEMs to pay up to $40 per phone.

That $40 per phone fee apparently applies to devices that have a pixel density on the display of 501ppi (pixels per inch) or greater. The pricing then works out as follows for lower resolutions:

• $20 fee for devices with 400 to 500ppi
• $10 fee for devices with 399ppi and lower
• $2.50 fee for “lower-end phones in some countries”

In addition to the new fees, companies that choose to not install Chrome and Search on their phones won’t receive any revenue that comes from Google searches on the company’s browser. Per part of the agreement:

If the Company elects not to place the Google Chrome browser on the Application Dock for any Qualified Device(s) supplied into the European Economic Area, Company will not be entitled to any portion of revenue generated from Google Chrome for such Qualified Device(s).

These new rules are set to go into effect for any devices that are activated either on or after February 1, 2019.

Google response to EU fine allows forked devices, shifts un-bundled apps to paid license

Rowkin Ascent Charge+ headphones review: Truly wireless, truly frustrating

These need a bit more time in the oven.

As truly wireless earbuds have become cheaper and better, I’ve been more and more tempted to pick up a set. What’s kept me away from most brands has been a bit shallow: I am trying to get all my devices to charge over USB-C instead of Micro-USB. Brands have stuck with the older connection, so I’ve stuck with waiting. I went strolling through Best Buy a few weeks ago, and finally found a pair that had a giant battery, USB-C charging, and a few more tricks up its sleeve.

Wireless wonder

Rowkin Ascent Charge+

• $140 from Amazon

Great sound and a giant battery.

If you want wireless earbuds that can last weeks on a charge, these are for you. That is — if you can deal with the connection issues.

The Good

• USB-C and Qi charging
• Decent sound
• Comfortable fit

The Bad

• Takes way too much effort to connect correctly to your phone
• Gesture controls are finicky

Rowkin Ascent Charge+ What’s in the box

You may see a few different Ascent headphones from Rowkin in stores, but the actual earbuds inside the cases are the same. The big difference comes down to the battery case and the other accessories. The less expensive Ascent Micro comes with a more diminutive battery case, meaning it can fit in smaller pockets and it has less reserve charges for the earbuds. The Ascent Charge comes with a much bigger battery and case, large enough that Rowkin added a Qi coil for wireless charging of the case itself. The Charge+ is the same product as the Charge, but comes with a Qi pad included in the box.

With each set, you also get a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging, a female USB-C to male USB-A adapter and three different ear gel sizes.

Rowkin Ascent Charge+ What I like

Everyone’s ears are different, but I’ve had trouble with other truly wireless buds. They either fell out of my ears or became painful before too long. I haven’t had any such problems with the Ascent Charge+, and I’ve been able to have them in my ears for long gym sessions without them either falling out or making me regret using them.

The case is also about the right size for my use. I’m glad that Rowkin offers a smaller case for those with smaller pockets, but I have no problem sticking this in the same pocket where I keep my keys and wallet. And with a large battery, I’ve yet to charge the case once since buying the headphones over a week ago.

It’s great to finally use the same charger for my laptop, my smartphone and my headphones.

Speaking of charging the case, this is what initially drew me to these headphones. There aren’t too many headphones that you can charge on a Qi mat, but more important to me in the immediate future is the inclusion of USB-C.

I really enjoy how these earbuds sound. No, they’re not going to be as detailed as professional studio monitors, but for on-the-go wireless earbuds they’re good. You don’t get AptX or other advanced audio codecs, but the trade-off is battery life: these earbuds easily last three hours on a charge, and can be topped up three more times in the case.

Rowkin has an app for Android and iOS where users can change equalizer settings, update the earbud firmware, or locate their earbuds if they go missing. I haven’t felt the need to change the EQ settings at all, but it’s good to see people have an option to get the sound better suited to their tastes.

Rowkin Ascent Charge+ What’s mediocre

The Ascent Charge+ has a big enough battery that you can use it to top up your smartphone, but you probably shouldn’t. The case itself has a capacity of about 2000 mAh, so it likely wouldn’t charge your phone more than halfway. You’re splitting that charge with the earbuds as well, and the USB-C only outputs at 5W. Having the battery is great in a pinch, but you’ll be much better off carrying a dedicated external battery.

Rowkin Ascent Charge+ What I Don’t Like

Using the same charger as my phone is great, but there are some problems when it comes to using the earbuds themselves. What should happen is you take the earbuds out of the case, they connect to each other, then they connect to your phone. Your music then comes through, and everything is great.

Using these headphones is just more trouble than it should be.

I’d say I’ve had about a 50% success rate of getting my music to play on the first attempt. I’ve used these earbuds with the Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S8 and the LG Stylo 4, so it’s not an issue with a specific phone or a certain version of Android. The earbuds show they’re connected, but music still comes through my phone’s internal speaker. Sometimes I can open Bluetooth settings on my phone, manually disconnect and reconnect and the problem is solved. Other times, the earbuds have to go back in the charging case so they turn all the way off, then I take them out of the case and repeat the process.

You get playback controls on the earbuds in the form of tap gestures. A double-tap on the right earbud pauses playback, while a triple tap activates your voice assistant. On the left bud, a double tap will skip forward and a triple tap will skip back.

The biggest issue I’ve had with these controls is consistency. I’ve tried a few different cadences to my taps, but I can’t nail down how to make the controls do what I need them to. Sometimes I have to jab the earbuds — and therefore my ears — to get controls to work. Other times, a light brush counts as a tap and I end up activating my voice assistant when I just wanted to pause my music.

Rowkin Ascent Charge+ Should You Buy These?

Probably not — at least not until the connection issues are fixed. Give Rowkin a few more months to work out the control and pairing issues before spending the money on these. For a similar price, you can get the superior Jaybird Run or Samsung IconX 2018, or for a bit more the excellent Jabra Elite 65t.

3
out of 5

These earbuds fit and sound great, and it’s nice that I can use the same charger as my smartphone and laptop when it comes time to top up. If Rowkin can work out the kinks, these will be easier to recommend.

See at Amazon

UK Daily Deals: Fitbit trackers, Amazon devices, Cadbury’s chocolate, more

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

We found plenty of great deals today on Fitbit trackers, Amazon Echo and Fire hardware, Cadbury’s chocolates, Xbox Live Gold membership, Philips Wake-up Lights, and much more!

View the rest of the deals

Each day, the Thrifter UK team scouts out and shares amazing deals on products you know and love, helping you find the best prices on the ‘net.

For more UK deals coverage, be sure to keep an eye on Thrifter UK and follow the team on Twitter for the most up-to-the-minute coverage.

Oppo’s two latest Android phones were cheating on processor benchmarks

The Find X and F7 are the latest Android phones to juke the stats.

The Oppo Find X and F7, two of Oppo’s latest Android phones, have recently been outed for cheating on processor benchmarks with the popular 3DMark benchmark app.

UL Benchmarks revealed this info on October 18, saying that the two Oppo phones were designed to know when 3DMark was running and then crank themselves into high-gear to get the best possible results. When a private version of 3DMark was used on the phones, results came in at 41% lower.

The Oppo Find X was previously listed as the #4 fastest phone in one of UL Benchmarks’ tests, but following this new evidence, both it and the F7 have been delisted from the site.

Oppo responded to UL Benchmarks, saying:

When we detect that the user is running applications like games or 3D Benchmarks that require high performance, we allow the SoC to run at full speed for the smoothest experience. For unknown applications, the system will adopt the default power optimization strategy…After the user has not actively operated for 5 to 10 seconds, the device limits the system performance to 70% to 80% of the maximum performance (according to different platforms)…When there is a user operation, it will immediately cancel the performance limit, to ensure that the user experience is not affected.

Along with that, Oppo also noted that it’s working on “upgrading the system” and looking for ways to “distinguish between the requirements of undetected apps or the subjective needs of users.”

OPPO Find X review: A beautiful disaster

Deals: Carriers Kick Off iPhone XR Promos, Anker and Choetech Launch New Charging Sales, and More

Today is iPhone XR pre-order day, and like with previous iPhone models you are able to pre-order the XR from all of the major cellular carriers, most of which are offering promotions. If you haven’t pre-ordered your iPhone XR yet, check out the list below to see all of the various deals and offers you can get when buying the colorful new iPhone.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

• AT&T – Buy one iPhone XR and get another $700 off / both must be bought on AT&T Next with wireless (minimum $80/month) / must have DirecTV (minimum $29.99/month)
• Verizon – Buy any iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, or X and get the 64GB iPhone XR at no cost, or get $750 off a higher capacity / must add a new line to one of the iPhones / bill credit of $31.25 over 24 months starting in 1-2 billing cycles
• T-Mobile – Get T-Mobile Unlimited with iPhone XR at $40/month ($30 for the plan and $10 for the iPhone XR) for four lines / qualifying credit, finance agreement, and trade-in required (including iPhone 7/7Plus and 8/8 Plus)
• Sprint – Get the 64GB iPhone XR for $0/month when purchased on Sprint Flex lease with eligible trade in (including iPhone X, 8/8 Plus, and 7/7 Plus) / $31.25 bill credits applied within two bill cycles / requires 18 month lease with new line of service or eligible upgrade and approved credit

Of course, a few retailers are also offering promotions if you visit their stores to buy the iPhone XR. If you pre-order the iPhone XR at Sam’s Club you’ll get a $100 Sam’s Club gift card, as long as you purchase and activate the smartphone by October 28 on an installment or two-year device plan. Sam’s Club says that all major carriers are participating in the offer, and it will keep pre-orders up for the iPhone XR through October 21.

If you visit your local Best Buy store, you can get up to a $275 Best Buy gift card when trading in iPhone 7 Plus or newer models, which you can put towards an iPhone XR pre-order. If you choose to go the Best Buy route, the retailer also supports the carrier offers for Verizon (BOGO $750 off) and Sprint ($0/month on Sprint Flex lease with trade in). Note that this offer is only available in Best Buy stores and not online.

Besides the iPhone XR, there are a few other deals going on as we head into the weekend. Over on Amazon, Anker has introduced two new discount codes for its premium nylon USB-C to USB-A cables of varying sizes. Additionally, Choetech has introduced a trio of new discount codes for shoppers interested in stocking up on cheap and reliable wireless chargers and car chargers. Check out all of these sales and a few others below:

• Anker Premium Double-Braided Nylon USB-C to USB-A Cable (2-pack, 3ft) – $7.19 with code ANKER322, down from $8.99 (exp. 10/24)

• Anker Premium Double-Braided Nylon USB-C to USB-A Cable Black (2-pack, 6ft) – $8.09 with code ANKER333, down from $9.99 (exp. 10/24)

• Choetech iPhone Wireless Charger – $6.99 with code PXGTHIDM, down from $12.99 (exp. 10/20)

• Choetech Dual USB QC 3.0 Car Charger – $5.99 with code P5I5G7O9, down from $13.99 (exp. 10/30)

• Choetech Bluetooth Sweatproof Sports Headphones – $12.99 with code WGFRPHUM, down from $18.99 (exp. 10/30)

• Top Greener’s USB-A and USB-C Wall Outlet – $20.92 with promo code TYWIRE20, down from $26.15

• Eve Degree Weather Station with HomeKit compatibility – $54.95, down from $69.99

For information on other savings be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Chrome 70 Now Enables Picture-in-Picture by Default on macOS

Google Chrome now enables picture-in-picture as a default setting on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers as of Chrome 70. If you are up-to-date and watching a compatible video in the Chrome web browser, you can minimize it and continue browsing the web in other tabs, while the video keeps playing in a new miniature screen (via Android Police).

The feature works similarly to Safari’s implementation of PIP: on compatible websites you can two-finger click twice on a playing video to find “Picture in Picture.” This will pause the video on the main tab, turn it black, and display the video in a new window that can be moved around anywhere on the screen.

PIP was previously in the Chrome 69 beta but it had to be manually enabled, so it appears that Google is making it easier for users to gain access to the feature with Chrome 70. PIP still isn’t available on every video-playing website since it will have to be adopted by each site, but you can enable PIP with YouTube in Chrome on macOS starting today.

Tags: Google, Chrome
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Jony Ive Discusses His Team’s Move to Apple Park, Remains Tight-Lipped About Prospects of Apple Car

Apple’s design chief Jony Ive sat down for an interview over lunch with Financial Times reporter Nicholas Foulkes earlier this month, discussing a wide range of topics, including the Apple Watch, Apple Park, and prospects of an Apple Car.

Jony Ive portrait via Financial Times
Questioned on why Apple’s design team was among the last to move into the company’s new Apple Park headquarters, Ive said that was the plan all along, adding that relocating some 9,000 people takes time:

It wasn’t late, it was always scheduled to be then. When you’re moving 9,000 people, you don’t do it in one day. We’re one of the last groups. It’s a loaded and significant event because it meant leaving a studio that has decades of history, where we designed and built first prototypes. This is the studio I went back to on the day that Steve died. And it’s the place where we figured out the iPhone and the iPod.

Ive said his team’s move to Apple Park has allowed for increased collaboration among different areas of creative expertise:

Moving to Apple Park represents the coming together, at last, of these different areas of creative expertise that are incredibly diverse. I’m fairly confident that this has never happened before, to have industrial designers next to font designers, next to prototypers, next to haptic experts. The best haptic experts in the world are sat next to a bunch of guys who have PhDs in material science.

On the prospects of an Apple Car, Ive remained tight lipped. In general, he said it’s important to work on the associated issues and challenges with any new product, rather than talk about it and risk having the ideas and technologies copied:

We explore so many different thoughts and so many different technologies for products or services. Some companies use the fact that they are exploring lots of different ideas as a PR tool — we don’t. If you are genuinely working on something, it’s better to be working on it and struggling with the associated issues and challenges, rather than talking about it. Our capital, our equity, is our ideas and the technologies that we’re developing. It’s important that as long as possible that remains ours, to try and postpone that point when they will then be copied — which is what history suggests.

When asked if the Apple Watch is best described as a watch, Ive instead referred to it as a “very powerful computer”:

No, I think that this is a very powerful computer, with a range of very sophisticated sensors, that is strapped to my wrist. That’s neither very descriptive nor very helpful. You and I share the same perspective and we had this same challenge with the product that we called the iPhone. Clearly the capability of the iPhone extends way beyond the function of what we would traditionally call a phone.

Ive went on to say that Apple believes it has a responsibility to understand and mitigate the implications and consequences, both positive and negative, of the products it creates — i.e. Screen Time in iOS 12. “It keeps me awake,” he said:

If you genuinely have a concern for humanity, you will be preoccupied with trying to understand the implications, the consequences of creating something that hasn’t existed before. I think it’s part of the culture at Apple to believe that there is a responsibility that doesn’t end when you ship a product… It keeps me awake.

Also See: Jony Ive Talks Secrecy, His Future, and More at WIRED Anniversary Event

Tag: Jony Ive
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How to Scan Documents With Your iPhone in Three Quick Steps

The document scanning feature found in Apple’s stock Notes app is a great way to digitize all sorts of print-based content, from letters and receipts to recipes and photos.

If you often make a digital record of paper in this way, you’ll be familiar with the typical steps involved: unlock your device, launch the Notes app from the Home screen, create a new note, tap the “+” button, choose Scan Documents, then line up the document you want to shoot and save.

It’s not immediately obvious, but there is a way to cut out several of these steps and make scanning a document a much quicker process, which is great news if you tend to scan things several times a day. First, you’ll want to add Notes to the Control Center, like so:

Launch the Settings app.
Tap Control Center.
In the More Controls list, tap the green “+” button next to the Notes entry.
Now that’s set up, you can get to the document scanning screen in fewer steps, as described below.

How to Scan Documents in Three Quick Steps

Launch Control Center from the Lock screen: On iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen; on iPhone X/XS/XR, swipe down from the upper right “ear”.
Hard press (or long press) the Notes icon.
Tap Scan Document and allow Face ID to automatically authenticate you (If you’re using an iPhone with Touch ID, place your finger on the Home screen to unlock.)
You’re now ready to scan your document and save it as a note.

Don’t forget, if you want to generate a PDF of the scan as soon as it’s been saved as a note, simply tap the Share Sheet icon (the box with an arrow pointing out) at the upper-right of the screen and select Create PDF from the third row of options.

Once it’s generated you’ll be offered the option to save it to the Files app, or you can share it elsewhere with another tap of the Share Sheet icon.

Related Roundup: iOS 12
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Best AC Adapter for PlayStation Classic

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We’re an expert team of techies who also go nuts over video games. These recommendations come directly from the personal experiences of the men and women who write them.

The Anker Dual USB Wall Charger provides not one, but two capable USB ports for powering the PlayStation Classic. That means you can have your game going and maybe even charge your smartphone at the same time.

Our pick

Anker Dual USB Wall Charger

• $11 at Amazon

It’ll serve you well in more ways than one.

It has two capable USB ports to power your PlayStation Classic and another device of yours at the same time powered by Anker’s PowerPort 2 technology.

Who should buy this AC adapter?

The PlayStation Classic doesn’t use a traditional AC adapter, and can instead be powered by any USB wall charger outputting 5 volts and 1 amp. That means most USB chargers available will work just fine. You might even already own one, but if not, this is what you want.

Is it a good time to buy this AC adapter?

Anker’s latest PowerPort 2 and PowerIQ charging technology are in play here, meaning you are getting the company’s latest standard of quality and power. It has everything it needs to power most current devices and likely many others in the future.

Reasons to buy

• Two USB charging ports
• PowerIQ charging tech ensures save maximum voltages
• Pleasant design that looks right at home on the wall
• Compact build that fits into any pocket, bag, or purse.

Reasons not to buy

• You already own a USB wall charger
• You plan to plug it directly into a USB port on your TV

Ubiquity makes this a winner

Sony decided to exclude a power solution for the PlayStation Classic as a cost-cutting measure. This would have been an exorbitantly money-hungry gesture had the charging adapter and cable been proprietary, but the PlayStation Classic only needs a standard USB charger to work. That means you might already have what you need, and if you don’t, it’ll be very affordable to get one.

We suggest starting with Anker’s PowerPort 2 USB wall charger. At a paltry $11, this puck has all the makings of a fine USB wall charger. Starting with what you can see, it has two full-fledged USB ports capable of charging and power most compatible devices, including your smartphone, tablet, and — in our case — the PlayStation Classic. Its power plug can be stowed away into its tough outer shell and there’s an LED light to indicate when the juices are flowing.

Anker is unmatched in quality, affordability, and technology.

What you can’t see is Anker’s PowerIQ technology working on the inside. It allows the device to accurately read the exact power needs of whatever’s plugged into it and only serves up as much of a surge as that device can handle. It does this independently in each charging port, so your PlayStation Classic, smartphone, or whatever you’re charging won’t have a chance to compromise each other.

The cherry on top of all this is that Sony does still include a USB cable in the box, so you won’t have to supply one of those.

Alternatives to the Anker 2-port USB Wall Charger

There are endless products out there which can power your PlayStation Classic. One alternative is another Anker staple, which is the 4-port version of their wall charger just in case you have way too many devices to charge. You can also find something a bit cheaper than Anker’s 2-port charger.

Runner-up

Anker 4-port USB Wall Charger

More ports to charge more of your things.

$25 at Amazon

It has everything you’d expect from an Anker product — smarter and faster charging — but handles twice the devices.

Anker’s 4-port USB Wall Charger is a fair bit more expensive, but you’d get double the ports and the same charging and power capabilities. This option is perfect for those who have more than just a couple of devices to hook up on a regular basis.

Value pick

YUNSONG USB Wall Charger

It’s super basic, but it’s also super cheap.

$5 at Amazon

If your budget is really tight, this thing means you only have to give up one cup of coffee to afford it.

YUNSONG’s charger has one port, delivers power and charging currents at one rate, and the wall plug can’t be stowed away. It’s an ugly little thing and the company who makes it probably won’t be able to help you if it ever breaks. But it’s also only $5.

Bottom line

The Anker 2-port USB Wall Charger is worth paying the extra few dollars for. Anker has our trust for safety, quality, and reliability in all it power-related products, and that doesn’t change for the use case of powering a PlayStation Classic. And with this purchase, you can take solace in the fact that it’ll eventually be useful for other things, too.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Quentyn Kennemer has had a passion for gaming and tech for as long as he can remember. His recommendations are drawn from decades of personal experience in all facets of the two industries.

James Bricknell is the resident UK gamer. When he’s not entertaining us with his wit, you can find him using his 3D printers to create miniaturized versions of all his favorite geek things.