Is Google’s next Chrome OS detachable the Google Pixel Slate?

Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s new Pixelbooks.

The Google Pixelbook is one helluva device. Its bezels might be big and the lack of a fingerprint sensor is a shame, but if you want a Chrome OS machine, it’s one of the very best you can get.

It’s no surprise that we’ll be getting a successor this year to accompany the Pixel 3, but according to everything we know, Google could be prepping to launch two Pixelbook 2 devices this year. What can we expect from this new hardware and when will we learn more?

Here’s everything we know about the Pixelbook 2 series!

The latest Pixelbook 2 News

October 6, 2018 — Detachable Chrome OS 2-in-1 leaks again as “Google Pixel Slate”

The October 9 Made by Google event is just days away, and while there’s little left to spoil about the new Google Pixel 3, there are other Google devices predicted for the event that still have some mystery to them. Rumors have swirled over a new Pixelbook or Pixel tablet, and with the latest leaks of the detachable Chrome OS tablet comes a new name: the Google Pixel Slate.

The images from MySmartPrice show the previously-seen detachable, well, detached from its keyboard base, as well as showing off an handsome blue Pixelbook Pen to match it. Whether this Nocturne-codenamed device is really the Pixelbook 2, Google Pixel Slate, or something else entirely, we won’t have to wait long to find out

September 19, 2018 – Detachable Pixelbook 2 shown off

Keyboard maker Brydge was rumored to be working with Google on a Chrome OS keyboard, and now that’s all but confirmed. About Chromebooks shared an image from the keyboard maker, showing off a keyboard that mostly resembles the standard Chrome OS layout. The leak also showed the tablet the keyboard was attached to, giving us a look at the fingerprint sensor and what looks like a far-field microphone setup.

While there’s nothing about this image that specifically has Google’s logo on the device, it’s worth noting there isn’t any logo on the front of the device. Companies like Asus, HP, Acer and other have a tendency to put their logo just below the display, which makes it more credible that this is a Google detachable.

September 12, 2018 — Pixelbook 2 appears in YouTube TV ad

One leaked ad showing the Pixelbook 2 not enough? Lucky for you, because a second one’s already popped up.

According to one Redditor, the above image appeared during a commercial for YouTube TV. Just like the device that we saw in the Chromebook ad a couple days ago, this shows a device that looks very similar to the current Pixelbook with much smaller bezels.

Adding more weight to the legitimacy of this leak, the same Redditor also shared a Motion Photo from his Pixel 2 that shows a couple seconds of the ad in action.

September 10, 2018 — Leaked ad shows 2nd-gen Pixelbook with much slimmer bezels

Atlas has been rumored for some time as a marginal upgrade over the 1st-gen Pixelbook, and thanks to an online ad that was recently discovered, we now have our first look at the machine.

The ad is pretty similar to other Chromebook advertisements Google’s been running, but the product shown in it is a device we haven’t seen before. The underside has a two-tone design that looks identical to the original Pixelbook, but as you can see for yourself, the bezels surrounding the screen are much smaller.

Lastly, the ad also reveals that the Pixelbook Pen will continue to work just fine with the new hardware.

September 8, 2018 — Video reportedly shows detachable Pixelbook 2

Like we previously talked about, this year should see Google releasing two Pixelbook 2 models — Atlas and Nocturne. Today, a short video clip apparently gives us our first look at the latter of those two devices.

The video’s pretty short and only shows a small portion of Nocturne, but it reveals some key details.

First of all, the buttons on the keyboard are circular instead of the traditional square design of last year’s Pixelbook. Few laptops have these circular buttons, so it’s interesting to see Google feature them on what’s likely its flagship Chrome OS device of 2018.

The bezels surrounding the display also appear to be much slimmer than the Pixelbook.

How do we know this is Nocturne and not Atlas? While we can’t confirm this with 100% certainty, the black pad that separates the keyboard from the screen sure does look like something you’d find on a Surface Pro — suggesting that the keyboard can detach from the main computer and reinforcing the belief that this is, in fact, Nocturne.

August 10, 2018 — Commit suggests two Pixelbook 2 models are coming this year

The Pixelbook is still one of the best Chromebooks you can buy, and later this year, Google may treat us to not just one, but two new machines to succeed it.

Thanks to some hard work from the folks at Chrome Unboxed, various commits hint at two new Chrome OS devices that Google is working on. Referred to as Atlas and Nocturne, these are believed to both be new entries in the Pixelbook 2 series.

What evidence backs this up? According to the commits that were found:

• Atlas and Nocturne share the same board.
• Features have been enabled for both Atlas and Nocturne in the same commit — something that doesn’t happen that often.
• “Krabbylake” is mentioned in the commit for Atlas and Nocturne (maybe a new version of Intel’s Kabylake processors?).
• Another codename “Whiskers” is referred to as a keyboard accessory for Nocturne, indicating it’ll be a detachable 2-in-1 device.

How many models are we expecting?

While one new Pixelbook would be a big enough treat from Google, a lot of signs are pointing towards us getting two Pixelbook 2 models — Atlas and Nocturne.

Atlas is expected to retain the same general design as the first Pixelbook with the exception of slimmer bezels around its display. On the other hand, Nocturne should feature a detachable design (a la Microsoft’s Surface Pro) that allows the main computer to detach from the keyboard so it’s easier to use as a tablet.

Various commits have provided ample evidence that Atlas and Nocturne are in fact two unique Chrome OS machines that Google is working on, giving customers more choice to find the Pixelbook that’s right for them.

How much will it cost?

Last year, pricing for the Pixelbook started at $999 and went up to $1649 depending on the configuration you chose.

It’s still unclear how much Google will charge for the Pixelbook 2 series, but we believe that the Nocturne detachable model will be the more expensive option while the Atlas machine that keeps the traditional laptop design will cost less.

In one leaked ad that shows a familiar Pixelbook body with slimmer bezels, the tagline under “You Chromebook” says “Convertible, flexible, affordable.”

“Affordable” could mean just about anything, but it suggests that the Atlas Pixelbook 2 could cost less than the original Pixelbook’s base $999 price tag.

When will the Pixelbook 2 be released?

Google’s confirmed that it’ll be holding an event in New York City on October 9, 2018.

While the Pixel 3 and 3 XL will likely be the main focus, this is also where we can expect to learn all about the company’s latest Chrome OS efforts with its new Pixelbook 2 hardware.

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Chromebooks in education: Everything you need to know
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Chromebook Buyers Guide
• Google Pixelbook review
• Join our Chromebook forums

Make the most of your Ring Doorbell with these accessories!

The Ring Doorbell is a great way to make your home a bit smarter, since it pulls double duty as a security camera and intercom system, works with Alexa, and of course, functions as a doorbell. While the Ring Doorbell includes everything you need to get up and running out of the box, it never hurts to go beyond the basics. These are the best accessories to help you make the most of your Ring Doorbell.

Creative mounting

HOMONO Angle Mount

Every doorway is different, and you may need to get creative with how you mount your doorbell for it to be completely effective. This mount from HOMONO gives you up a 55-degree horizontal angle, so your camera pays attention to where it should.

$9 at Amazon

A simpler mount

OideaO 3x Adjustable Mount

This one works a bit differently than the previous mount, with the advantage being you can set it to a wider angle. You get three wedges: one 20-degree, one 30-degree, and one 40-degree, and you can stack these as you see fit to find the perfect angle for your doorway. The kit includes drywall anchors and screws, so you just need a drill and screwdriver to install this.

$12 at Amazon

Vertical mount

KIMILAR Angle Mount

If you need to change your vertical angle instead of your horizontal one, this kit if for you. Again, you get three wedges to angle your Ring Doorbell Pro, this time at 5-, 10-, or 15- degrees. And again, screws, drywall sockets, and even a little screwdriver are included so you can have the mount installed in no time.

$10 at Amazon

Better battery

Ring Rechargeable Battery Pack for Video Doorbell 2

The Ring Doorbell 2 works with standard AA batteries, but there are less wasteful power options available. This kit includes a rechargeable battery pack and a USB charging cable. The battery should last up to six months, though it takes seven hours to recharge.

$36 at Amazon

Unlimited power

Hotop Ring Doorbell Power Supply

If you don’t want to deal with batteries at all, a permanent power supply is for you. This one from Hotop works with all Ring Doorbell models, and the cable and plug are small enough to fit through a small hole in your wall. The cable is 1.8 meters long, so you shouldn’t have any issues reaching one of your outlets inside.

$16 at Amazon

Show up

Amazon Echo Show (2nd gen)

You can use the Echo Show to see who is outside your door, and the newest version is better than ever. The slimmer bezels and fabric back panel make the new Echo Show look miles better than the first one, and the big screen will make it super easy to see what’s going on outside your door. You can also talk to whoever is outside through the Echo Show, and hear them back.

$230 at Amazon

Speak easy

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd gen)

The all-new Echo Dot is great for a lot of things, but the key one here is that it lets you speak to and hear whoever is outside. It’s not as nice as being able to see footage like with the Echo Show, but this is also a good bit less expensive.

$50 at Amazon

Chime in

Ring Chime

The microphone on your doorbell doesn’t do any good if you can’t hear it throughout your home. The Ring Chime’s speaker plugs into any power outlet to let you hear whoever is trying to come inside. The Chime lacks a microphone, though, so you won’t be able to talk back.

$30 at Amazon

Extra reach

Ring Chime Pro

This does everything the Chime does but also serves as a Wi-Fi extender. Now, this doesn’t work as an extender for your smartphone or tablet, only for Ring devices, so you can hear alerts in that secluded back corner of your home.

$50 at Amazon

The Ring Doorbell is great on its own, but like with all smart home tech, it gets so much more capable once you add some accessories. Not all of these are mandatory (we personally like the Amazon Echo Show for its ability to let us see who’s at our door), so just mix and match accessories to find what works best for your home.

iFixit Indicates Third-Party 2018 MacBook Pro, iMac Pro Repairs Still Possible for Now

Earlier this week, MacRumors obtained an internal document from Apple stating that Macs with the Apple T2 chip, including the iMac Pro and 2018 MacBook Pro, must pass Apple diagnostics for certain repairs to be completed.

The document states:

For Macs with the Apple T2 chip, the repair process is not complete for certain parts replacements until the AST 2 System Configuration suite has been run. Failure to perform this step will result in an inoperative system and an incomplete repair.

• For notebooks: Display assembly, logic board, top case, and Touch ID board
• For desktops: Logic board and flash storage

Apple’s diagnostic software is limited to internal use by Genius Bars at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Service Providers, and qualifying institutions, suggesting that independent repair shops without Apple certification would be unable to repair certain parts on the iMac Pro and 2018 MacBook Pro going forward.

Moreover, the document reignited a debate about planned obsolescence, as there were concerns that when Apple stops servicing the iMac Pro and 2018 MacBook Pro, repairs through alternative channels might not be possible.

The news was quickly opposed by “Right to Repair” activists who believe that Apple and other device manufacturers should be legally required to make replacement parts, repair guides, and tools available to the public. Apple has and continues to actively oppose “Right to Repair” legislation in the United States.

Those activists will be delighted to hear that, for whatever reason, what Apple said in its document isn’t actually the case right now.

After our report was published, the repair experts at iFixit swapped out the display and logic board on a 2018 MacBook Pro, and the notebook remained operational without being subjected to Apple’s diagnostic software.

iFixit swapping out parts on 2018 MacBook Pro
iFixit is not an Apple Authorized Service Provider, so at this time, it appears that independent repair shops should remain able to repair the iMac Pro and 2018 MacBook Pro without issue. It’s unclear why Apple’s document suggests otherwise, but it’s possible the requirement could kick in at a later date.

iFixit:

So why is Apple doing this? It could simply be a mechanism for tracking parts used by their authorized network, to check quality or replacement rates. It’s possible that units with swapped parts may operate normally, but still report a failure in Apple diagnostic tests for having ‘unauthorized’ components installed—much like earlier units did on earlier versions of AST for third party HDD/SSD, RAM and batteries.

Apple did not respond to our request for comment.

Related Roundups: MacBook Pro, iMac ProTag: iFixitBuyer’s Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now), iMac Pro (Neutral)
Discuss this article in our forums

Do you need a 120Hz or 240Hz monitor?

If you’re looking for a new monitor, you may be bewildered by today’s options. The last five years have seen the average monitor’s feature list swell to include better panels, higher resolutions, and more inputs. But figuring out whether you actually need all of those features, especially if you’re not a gamer, can be rather difficult.

Alongside improved resolutions like 4K, one of the big selling points of many modern monitors is a high refresh rate. Often you’ll see displays marketed as having a 120Hz or 144Hz panel. This is among the most confusing traits for consumers, because the name doesn’t provide much explanation, and unlike most improvements, refresh rates don’t enhance color accuracy or resolution.

Is it better just because the numbers are higher? Do you need a 120Hz or 240Hz monitor?

If you just want to jump ahead and buy one now, here are some of our favorite high-end displays.

What does Hz actually mean?

Casual users often assume that “120Hz” has something do with performance because it seems similar to the way processor clock speeds are described. In fact, the term describes something a bit different; refresh rate.

Refresh rate is the number of times per second a display refreshes its image. Since movement is displayed by the difference between frames, the refresh rate effectively places a hard cap on the frame rate visible. That said, refresh rate is not the same as frame rate. Refresh rate is an attribute of the monitor, while frame rate is an attribute of the information being sent to it.

If you can run a game at 100 frames per second, you may see a tangible benefit from playing it on a monitor that can refresh that many times per second. But if you’re watching a movie at a classic 24 frames per second, a higher refresh rate monitor won’t make any difference.

Motion resolution

If your computer can play a game at a high enough frame rate to match a 120Hz or 240Hz monitor, you’ll see a noticeable change in the perceived sharpness of a moving image. Blurring occurs because of how the human brain processes the set of individual frames a monitor displays. The brain blurs together the series of frames to create a sensible moving picture, but some detail is lost along the way.

A higher refresh rate helps to decrease the blur by giving our brains more information to act on, in turn reducing perceived blur. However, unlike computer hardware, our brains aren’t all made to the same specification. Some people notice the difference between a 60Hz and 120Hz display immediately, while others can’t see what everyone is all worked up about. The difference between 120Hz and 240Hz is even more subtle.

Again, it is very much dependent on what you’re doing on your system. Gamers will notice sharper visuals during fast action, and moving a mouse can feel smoother compared to a more typical 60Hz display. Web browsing when fast scrolling down a page can look a little smoother too, but watching online videos and answering emails won’t see provide any real.

Screen tearing

Because refresh rates and frame rates are very different things, they can often mismatch. That’s when something called screen tearing can occur. It tends to happen when a computer’s video card is spitting out frames at a rate well beyond the refresh rate of the monitor connected to it. Because more frames are being rendered than the monitor can handle, half-frames are sometimes shown together on the screen, manifesting as an obvious split between two portions of it, neither of which appears to line up correctly with the other. It’s a distracting problem that even the least sensitive viewer will usually notice.

In games that aren’t particularly taxing, frame rates can often exceed 100 FPS. However, a 60Hz display only refreshes 60 times per second. This means gamers are not fully benefiting from the enhanced responsiveness of the higher frame rate, and may notice tearing as the display fails to keep up with the data fed to it. A 120Hz display refreshes twice as quickly as a 60Hz display, so it can display up to 120 frames per second, and a 240Hz display can handle up to 240 frames per second. This will eliminate tearing in most games.

Frame syncing technologies like V-Sync, Freesync, and G-Sync, also help prevent screen tearing, but they have their own drawbacks. V-Sync will cap performance. Freesync and G-Sync, meanwhile, require specific combinations of video card and monitor hardware.

Input response

Aurelien Meunier/FIFA/Getty Images

The refresh rate of a monitor has an impact on input lag. A 60Hz display, for example, will never have a visible input lag below 16.67ms, because that’s the amount of time which passes from one refresh to the next. A 120Hz display halves that time to 8.33ms, and a 240Hz display further reduces it to 4.16ms.

Decreasing lag by less than ten milliseconds may not seem important, and for many people, even gamers, it’s not. However, input lag can be worth eliminating for ultra-competitive gaming or for those who like games to feel as smooth as possible. This is, once again, an issue some people will notice more readily than others.

Do you need really need a 120Hz or 240Hz monitor?

In short, if you’re a gamer, we’d argue that you would see a greater, more obvious benefit from switching to a high-refresh rate monitor than you would in upgrading to 4K — as doing both can get inordinately expensive and taxing on your hardware. 120hz or 144Hz displays make for smoother, tear-free gaming with less input lag.

Still, if possible, try finding a 120Hz monitor in a store. Many have motion demos running to show off the feature. You might also refer to past experience; if you immediately notice stuttering or blur at the movie theater, or on your television, you’ll probably notice the difference. People who’ve never had a problem, however, may not see an improvement.

If you’re not a gamer, switching to a high refresh rate display is much less important. While the improvement in motion resolution is visible, its benefit is often hard to notice. Televisions, which also advertise 120Hz or 240Hz panels, further improve motion quality with image processors that change the input sent to them. Many can even add frames, effectively increasing the framerate of content. Monitors, however, usually have no processor; the input sent is what’s displayed. This minimizes the benefit of the panel when viewing video content. An improved refresh rate also does not guarantee the elimination of “ghosting,” an artifact common to LCD monitors which causes moving objects to leave one or more faint trails behind them.

Ultimately, consumers who don’t game will struggle to notice a difference. Spending money on improved image quality, rather than improved motion performance, is usually the better choice. There are many great IPS displays on the market which rely on 60Hz panels but are otherwise superior to most 120Hz monitors on the market.

Editors’ Recommendations

• What is G-Sync? If you’re a gaming fan, you’ll want to know
• Asus ROG Swift PG279Q review
• The best monitors of IFA 2018
• Acer targets gamers with new color-rich 4K Predator and Nitro monitors
• What is the ‘Soap Opera Effect’ in TV and how can you turn it off?

Save 50% on the TorGuard VPN and browse in peace… for life

Pay a little extra for privacy and security.

Use the code THRIFTERDEALS to take 50% off any of the Anonymous VPN services offered by TorGuard. This deal brings the price down to $4.99 for the monthly service or $29.99 for a year. Anonymous VPN is a subscription service, but you will continue to get the discounted price every time it renews until you end it. That’s pretty awesome because it means 50% off for life if you want.

TorGuard is a virtual private network. The internet at large is a really public space, and a lot of times that means your data is being passed around when you don’t even know about it. VPNs turn your internet experience into a private one so you can protect yourself and not worry about who is collecting or using your information. No matter which plan you choose, TorGuard services will include access to more than 3,000 servers in 50 countries, up to five simultaneous connections, perfect forward security, advertisement and malware blocking, protection against known leaks, support for all operating systems and devices, and more. You can even add on extras like protection from DDoS attacks.

Even if you aren’t generally worried about privacy, which you should be, there are a lot of general use reasons to subscribe to a VPN service. For example, if you play video games or stream online, you can use a VPN to protect your IP address from online trolls. Since VPNs can access servers in multiple countries, you can use them to view content that would not normally be available to you, like YouTube videos or European Netflix. It also keeps ads from targeting you based on your shopping habits and things like that, which can be very disconcerting.

You can try a month of the TorGuard VPN for as little as $5 with the THRIFTERDEALS promo code, and if you like it upgrade the service or keep it at the discounted price. For that low of a cost, it’s worth a shot.

See at TorGuard

The SanDisk Ultra 128GB micro SD card has dropped to $25

Store and save with this discounted micro SD card.

The SanDisk Ultra 128GB micro SD card is down to $25.49 on Amazon. This is the best price yet we’ve seen for a card that has been steadily dropping in price over the last couple of months. It was selling as high as $40 in April and has been dropping slowly since then.

This is a Class 10 SD card with transfer speeds up to 100 MB/s. It will resist shocks, extreme temperatures, water, and X-rays. The card is built for Android-based mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It also comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Users give it 4.5 stars based on 6,559 reviews.

See at Amazon

Sbode M400 speaker review: Waterproof, lightweight, and ready to rock

With True Wireless Stereo and concise connection controls, Sbode makes it easy to bring the party with you.

Whether you’re looking to liven up study hall, rock out your tailgating experience, or looking for speakers that can play nice with your phone or computer, Bluetooth speakers just keep getting bigger sound, bolder features, and better prices. Sbode’s M400 Bluetooth speaker is one that seems tailor-made to the young, on-the-go music lover. Easy pairing and TWS stereo make pairing and switching playback devices a breeze, a rugged IPX6 enclosure ensures that a pop-up thunderstorm won’t rain on your Black Parade, and at the size of a large energy drink, the M400 is easy to slip into your backpack, glovebox, or tailgating kit.

A tall drink of music

Sbode M400 Bluetooth speaker

$45 at Amazon

This Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock wherever the party takes you.

Sbode packs a lot of punch and power into a speaker the size of an AriZona tea. This IPX6 waterproof speaker can play via Bluetooth, FM radio, 3.5mm aux, or microSD card, and its six-button configuration makes connecting and controlling your music a breeze.

The Good

• Quickly pair/disconnect/change tracks
• TWS is simpler to connect and manage than Sbode’s smaller model
• Good range with minimal sound distortion at higher volumes

The Bad

• Volume controls aren’t granular enough
• Controls on the back have me spinning speaker around a lot
• LED under Power button is super bright, but facing away most of the time.

Sbode M400 Bluetooth speaker What rocks

This speaker is the essence of grab and go: the rubberized top and bottom keep the metallic grills recessed and protected from drops and rough surfaces, and and a grippy black mesh wraps around the main body of the speaker, with a soft rubber strip on the back hosting the carry strap, six easy-touch buttons, and the silicone flap that keeps water away from the aux port, microSD card slot, and the Micro-USB charging port. The 2,200 mAh battery inside this tall drink of music can keep the jams flowing for 6-8 hours.

Much like most Bluetooth speakers on the market today pretty much all of the M400’s buttons pull double duty based on how they’re pressed. The power button also serves as the toggle between playback sources, and the Bluetooth button manages phone calls as well as Bluetooth connections, the volume buttons change tracks. The TWS button here is an upgrade from the Sbode 350, allowing you to end or clear a TWS connection without turning the speaker off entirely.

The sound from the M400 is an upgrade over the 350 as well, which for a speaker that’s almost twice the size isn’t terribly surprising. Single M400 can output more than enough sound to fill my one-bedroom apartment with clear sound. Yes, there’s a limited amount of bass you can get from a speaker this size, but the Sbode had very little muddiness and distortion at normal and even at higher volumes.

Sbode M400 Bluetooth speaker What falls flat

Get ready to play spin the speaker.

While the M400 offers up a much bigger sound than Sbode’s smaller Bluetooth speaker, the best sound is on the side opposite the controls, which have no distinguishing bumps or ridges to distinguish one button from another. More plainly: you’ll need to spin the speaker around to use the controls, then spin it back so the brunt of the sound faces you. If you use your phone or smartwatch to control the music — for small volume changes, using your phone will be easier anyway — then this won’t be much of an issue, but it’s worth mentioning.

It’s actually a bit of a good thing that the controls are facing away from you during playback, because the LED sitting below the Power and TWS buttons are on the bright side. I wish that the play/pause button was lit up, too, but cupping my hand around the power button is more than enough to bounce the light down and illuminate the other controls.

USB-C may have come to most new Android phones in the last year or two, but sadly, the same cannot be said of accessories like Bluetooth headphones and speakers. The M400 uses Micro-USB to charge, and while we’ve all still got a plethora of Micro-USB cables hanging around our houses, it’d still be nice to charge my speaker with the same reversible USB-C cable I keep in the car to charge my phone. Portable speakers could also benefit from USB-C’s fast-charging protocols.

Sbode M400 Bluetooth speaker Buy it

This speaker is easy to pack, easy to hang from shower hooks, workout machines, or your bag, and with the diameter of a coke can, it’s easy to stow this speaker in the water bottle slot most on most backpacks. The Sbode M400 may not be the sexiest speaker around, but for less than $50, this durable, waterproof speaker can last you through a long work day and then keep jamming once you plug it in at home.

4.5
out of 5

Being able to quickly skip songs instead of having to press-and-hold the way many Bluetooth speakers do makes the M400 a welcome companion to listeners for frequently listen to algorithmic stations like Spotify’s Made for You mixes or YouTube Music’s Your Mixtape.

See at Amazon

The PlayStation Classic may use standard USB ports for controllers

Nostalgia comes in small packages

It seems Sony has decided to get on the nostalgia bandwagon and create a mini version of the original PlayStation, often called the PSX. Called the PlayStation Classic, this miniature console could be another instant hit.

Nostalgia Machine

PlayStation Classic

$99 pre-order at Amazon

A miniaturized version of the original PlayStation, the PlayStation classic looks to take us on a nostalgic ride down memory lane. Complete with twenty PlayStation games and two controllers, the PlayStation Classic will make an excellent addition to the Classic console market.

October 5, 2018 — The controllers are USB!

After looking at the images in much finer detail I have noticed that the controllers while having the same long, thin plug as the original PlayStation may actually be a standard USB instead. When looking at the console from head on you can see the undeniable shape of a USB.

This opens up a lot of possibilities, both for the console and for the controllers. Does this mean we could use a standard PS4 controller plugged into the USB of the console? Or could we use the controllers that come with the Classic on our PC’s? Hopefully, Sony can give us an answer soon.

What does it look like?

It looks almost exactly like the original PlayStation from 1994 but reduced in size by forty-five percent. Apart from the size, the major differences are found on the back. Instead of the analog ports from before, the Classic has HDMI and Micro-USB ports. Even the memory card slots are visible on the Classic although as far as we can tell they don’t do anything.

Down to the lack of thumbsticks and the long thin socket, the controllers are perfect replicas of the originals. It would be nice if they were made wireless, but I suppose they need to keep the nostalgia accurate.

How do all the buttons work?

Each of the buttons on the console works almost exactly like the original.

• The power button turns it on as you would expect.
• The reset button suspends the current game and we assume takes back to the game menu for you to launch new games.
• The open tray button actually opens the virtual tray to allow you to swap discs on games like Final Fantasy VII that used to have multiple physical discs. This is a really nice touch from Sony as it makes all the buttons usable in some fashion.

What’s in the Box?

The PlayStation Classic comes with the console, of course, an HDMI cable, USB-A to Micro-USB cable for power, and two controllers. I like this trend in the Classic consoles of supplying two controllers, and long may it continue.

The only thing missing from the box is an A/C Adapter, but Sony has said that a standard one amp, a five-volt adapter will work fine.

What about saves?

PlayStation has said that the PlayStation Classic comes with “a virtual memory card” to save your games on, I assume player one and two can save on the same memory card.

Hopefully, it operates the same as the original as they were games that used the memory card in clever ways to unlock bonus content. Until we see a full list of the games though we won’t know for sure.

What Games does it have?

There are twenty games preloaded on the PlayStation Classic and right now we only know the names of five. Final Fantasy VII as I mentioned before, as well as TEKKEN 3, R4: Ridge Racer Type 4, Jumping Flash!, and Wild Arms. Sony has said more will be announced in the coming months so watch this space.

All the games seem to be playing on at their native 4:9 aspect ratio. No sign yet if the black edges caused by the 4:9 ratio will be covered up with frames like the SNES Classic allows you to do but I’m sure they will have something.

Where and when can I get it?

The PlayStation Classic will available in all regions on December 3 and is available for pre-order for $99 at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Gamestop. With typical PlayStation flair, the PlayStation Classic will release exactly twenty-five years after the original.

Pre-order at Amazon

What have we missed?

Let us know in the comments section if you find out any new information and we will update this article. What games would you like to see on the PlayStation Classic? We want to know your thoughts!

Google Pixel 2 XL, one year later review: The most consistent flagship

A year old, and a year better.

The Pixel 2 phones were announced close to a year ago, with few substantial changes from the 2016 Pixels. Despite some early teething issues with the Pixel 2 XL’s screen, the phones have proven to be solid choices for anyone buying a phone in most of 2018. But competition hasn’t stood still in the last year, and we’re close to seeing the Pixel 3. How well have the phones stood up over the last year?

I’ve been using the Pixel 2 XL as my daily driver since November 2017, without a case unless I was in the gym. The phone was running Android Oreo for most of the year until switching to the Pie beta in July, followed by the stable versions of Pie. The phone is currently running the latest patch for October 2018.

Rock solid

Even a year later, if I had to choose one word to describe using the Pixel 2 XL, it would be “consistent.” Other phones may have more RAM, and 2018 has meant there’s a better, faster, stronger processor available. Still, the Pixel 2 XL is smooth as butter: apps open in an instant, there’s no lag when moving around the interface, there’s no stuttering when using the camera, and overall the phone is just pleasant to use.

That may seem like the bare minimum, but when the Pixel line is competing with phones that have better hardware on paper, it’s worth pointing out. I can’t remember the last time I had an app fall out of memory too soon or crash when I tried to open it. There’s a good chance that the Pixel 3 line is going to stick with 4GB of RAM, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Google knows how to write software, and they know how to make for a good user experience.

Other parts of the phone have held up as well. The fingerprint sensor is still easy to find, the cameras are still the best you can get (more on that later), and the stereo speakers still sound better than speakers on other phones.

Tastier with Pie

Android Pie wasn’t the largest of UI overhauls we’ve had in the history of Android, but I’m enjoying it all the same. I’m still using the old-school navigation buttons for the time being, since it seems the new gesture UI isn’t completely done baking yet. I do like the new horizontal-scrolling multitasking interface, the new quick settings design and other little changes. Oreo felt great, but using the phone on Pie brings a whole new level of polish.

Battery life has degraded slightly with age, but it stills performs wonderfully.

When I first started using the stable version of Pie, battery life took a nosedive. Oddly enough, turning off the new Adaptive Battery feature greatly improved things for me, and now I get the same great battery I’ve had for the past year. It’s degraded slightly as the battery itself has aged, but I can still get through two days of light use — in my case, that’s listening to music through a Bluetooth speaker for most of the day, capturing some photos and videos of my friends and I playing music, at least ten minutes of phone calls and a healthy amount of web and social media use.

Even on heavier days when I traveled a lot — especially when moving to areas with little to no cell coverage — I still had no problems making it to the end of the day on 100%. If you buy a Pixel 2 XL second hand, the battery should still perform admirably.

Still the camera to beat

Even a year after release, the Pixel 2’s camera is holding up strong. And by that I mean outperforming phones that were just released. No matter the subject or lighting conditions, you shouldn’t have a hard time getting a great photo from the Pixel 2. That’s not to say other phones have bad cameras, but if taking great photos is your priority, the Pixel phones are the still the ones to get.

Two more years of support

If you’re buying an older phone, there’s always the question of just how much longer it’ll be supported. With the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, Google has been upfront from the start: the phones will keep getting feature and security updates until October 2020. That’s still a long life for an Android phone, so even if you pick up a Pixel 2 in the near future, you’ll have plenty of support to come.

What say you?

Are you liking the Pixel 2 XL a year after release, or are you ready for something new? Let us know down below!

Android 9 Pie

• Android 9 Pie review: Greater than the sum of its slices
• Everything you need to know about Android 9 Pie!
• Will my phone get Android Pie?
• How to get Android 9 Pie on your Pixel right now
• Join the Discussion

Comfort beats bass in this battle between Mpow headphones

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. An Android phone is only as good as the headphones you have to accompany it, so let us help you find the best way to jam out to your favorite tunes.

Mpow H1

Our pick

$36 at Amazon

Pros

• 40mm drivers for stereo sound.
• 15-20 hours of battery life.
• More comfortable design compared to Mpow 059.
• Feels a lot sturdier.

Cons

• Sound quality is just OK.

The H1 is Mpow’s newest pair of over-the-ear headphones and have solid upgrades over the 059. The design is much more comfortable, sound is less muffled, and battery life is excellent at 15-20 hours of use on a single charge.

Mpow 059

More bass

$35 at Amazon

Pros

• Up to 20 hours of battery.
• Easy-to-access music controls.
• Available in more colors.
• Slightly deeper bass.

Cons

• Cheap plastic build.
• Not as comfy to wear.

The Mpow 059 is a really good budget headphone option. The battery life is great and sound quality is pretty good, but compared to the newer Mpow H1, they’re a slightly difficult recommendation.

Simply put, the Mpow H1 is easily the better all-around purchase. You’ll get a touch more bass with the 059s, but the H1s take the cake with a vastly improved design that feels sturdier and is much more comfortable for long listening sessions.

Why you should buy the Mpow H1 over the 059

If you’ve narrowed your search down to the Mpow 059 and H1, you’ve got a fairly straight-forward decision ahead of yourself.

The Mpow 059 came out before the H1, and looking at the headphones on their own, they do a good job at providing a well-rounded experience for not much money. Having up to 20 hours of battery life is fantastic, the sound quality gets the job done, and there’s a multitude of colors you can choose from. The inline controls work fine, you can adjust the height of the speakers, and charging over microUSB works as you’d expect.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the Mpow 059, but when compared to the H1, they start to lessen in their appeal in a few key ways.

For starters, the Mpow H1 has a noticeably better design. Not only do they feel a lot sturdier, but they’re also much more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The buttons on the side are also easier to press and the matte plastic looks a lot cleaner than the glossy finish on the 059.

The sound between the 059 and H1 is pretty similar, but the 059 does seem to offer a bit more bass at the cost of having a more muffled sound profile. The H1s don’t sound amazing, but audio does sound a bit crisper and cleaner compared to the 059.

Mpow H1

Our pick

Mpow’s best budget headphones.

$36 at Amazon

Without a doubt, the Mpow H1 is the better purchase on this list. The sound quality and battery life are pretty much on par with the 059, but the overall design is a lot better. For only a dollar more, it just makes sense.

Mpow 059

More bass

$35 at Amazon

Decent headphones that you probably shouldn’t get.

On its own, the Mpow 059 is a decent pair of budget headphones. However, compared to the much-improved design on the H1, it’s really only worth getting if you’re okay sacrificing a better fit + finish for slightly more bass in your songs.