OnePlus teases 6T again with announcement tweet

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 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

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.

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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?

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