As an Android user, what do you think about the iPhone XS?

Apple’s new flagship starts at $999.

On September 12, 2018, Apple held an event at its Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino to unveil its brand-new hardware for the latter part of the year. While there Apple Watch Series 4 and iPhone XR look awfully interesting, the main focus was on the iPhone XS.

This is the successor to last year’s iPhone X, and this time around, is joined by a larger sibling in the form of the iPhone XS Max. Both the XS and XS Max offer minor improvements compared to the X, including a faster CPU, better image processing, longer battery life, and faster Face ID.

Looking through the AC forums, there are a lot of people that have plenty of thoughts to share on yesterday’s announcements.

UKgalaxy
09-12-2018 04:48 PM

“

I’ve only recently (9 months ago) went from android over to Apple and invested heavily in their ecosystem, I.e. iPhone, MacBook Pro etc etc and having seen the absurd prices of the Xs Max I think i won’t be buying any new products anytime soon. The watch alone has increased by £70 over last years model and they are near enough pricing me back to the android market.

The keynote just seemed very…

Reply

Mr Segundus
09-12-2018 05:51 PM

“

$1,099 for a 64GB iPhone XS Max (what kind of name is that???) is absolutely ridiculous. Why would anyone pay that price for a 64GB phone???

I am with you. I don’t miss my iPhone X at all. I am really happy with my 512GB Note 9.

Reply

stuckingoo
09-12-2018 06:31 PM

“

I’m going back and forth between Note 9 and Max. The Apple adherents are extremely angry on their boards as many want the the big OLED but Apple is squeezing them. Personally 128 gb is just as useful as 256 gb….to me anyway. I’m not going to fill either up. But since Apple is not offering 128 gb the choice involves in effect a difference in price of about 25%. Huge. I kind of like to change…

Reply

arunma
09-12-2018 10:23 PM

“

I’ll be getting the wife the new iPhone XS for her birthday next month, because she does Apple. I personally prefer my Note 9, but it’ll be interesting to do a hands on comparison.

Reply

Now, we’d love to hear from you! As an Android user, what do you think about the iPhone XS?

Join the conversation in the forums!

Notifications are one of the best things about Android Pie

Small but significant changes come to your notification shade with Android Pie.

One of the best features of Android is its notification system. It uses the best ideas from companies that originally got it right, like Palm and Nokia, then blends them into a display of information and rich content that we have all come to rely on. Because the notification system is very important for a handheld device that’s supposed to keep you in touch with the world around you, it’s also constantly being improved. Android Pie is no exception.

Android notifications improve every year. Here’s what happened with Android Oreo.

A new look

Your notifications can (and often do) look very different depending on which company made your phone. That’s also part of Android’s notifications — they are customizable by the developers that built Android itself, as well as app developers that know best what notifications their apps should generate. Phones from manufacturers that tend to follow Google’s lead, like Motorola and Sony, things will be softer, rounder, and more colorful with Android Pie.

Gone are things like grey lines to act as separators, and instead your status bar — which also has a new look to accommodate display notches — won’t become part of the shade when it’s drawn. Instead, the shade transforms into a card interface with round corners and bright icons for quick settings, and a second card for the actual notification content. The bright colors and round corners will be subject to individual tastes (and debate) but it’s evident that someone at Google spent a lot of time and attention to detail here.

The change looks more drastic than it is, and that’s likely by design, too. Android’s notification shade doesn’t need to be rebuilt or changed too much at once. That’s how you ruin a good thing. Instead, time should be spent to find the perfect interface to show us what we expect to see. Android has matured.

Smarter everywhere

Smart replies using Google’s machine learning algorithms come standard with Android Pie. Your phone parses the content of a message when it shows a preview in the notification, and as a result, you are given three smart replies you can send with a single tap. These have been supported since Android 8.0, but now Google is building them into the notification system for all app developers to use. You can, of course, choose to ignore the suggestions and type you own reply directly from the notification if you like.

And you may very well be able to use the notification shade without opening your messaging app. Pie brings changes that identify the sender and display the last few lines of the conversation at the top of your phone. The new Person class can fetch user details from your contacts and show avatars, nicknames and other information about who is talking. It even works for group messages.

When you want to reply, there is no need to open the app. Everything you need is available at the bottom of the shade including things like saving as a draft, mark as read, delete, and reply just like the reply field in the app itself. For those of us who tend to send short and sweet messages, it’s like having a second miniature version of the app in your notifications.

Only what you want to see

Pie brings much better control over notification fine-tuning. You’ve always been able to stop an app from notifying you completely, but as Android’s notification system gets better, tools like choosing which type of notification you see from an app improve, too.

Anytime you get notified you can long press it, then tap the information icon in the top right. That takes you to the apps settings page, which you can also reach through device settings under Applications or Apps & Notifications depending on which type of phone you have.

Once on an app’s settings page tap the Notifications listing and you’ll have control over what categories of notifications you want to see, and how you want to be notified.

Goodbye, Mr. Annoying

With Android Pie, the “APP_NAME is using battery” message that has bugged so many users is now a thing of the past. You can still look into the battery usage through the settings should you need to do so, but seeing that YouTube is using the battery because it has not yet been closed by the system isn’t going to haunt you any longer.

Shhhhh!

Do Not Disturb has once again been tweaked with Android Pie. You can now change out Do Not Disturb settings in a way that makes sense.

Long-pressing the Quick Settings Do Not Disturb icon gives you the option to toggle what gets muted, exceptions to the general rules, and schedule when Do Not Disturb is automatically enabled.

We’re not sure how manufacturers will make changes here, but it’s nice to see bare-bones Android have a little more control over what’s an important feature for a lot of us.

Notifications matter

Notifications are one of Android’s long-standing strengths. Google always makes improvements when a new version of Android rolls around, and with Android Pie they’ve done a great job.

We can’t wait to see what our favorite developers can do with these new tools!

Updated September 2018: Android 9 Pie is officially out! We’ve gone through the settings and checked out all the goodies.

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

The $280 Kano Computer Kit Touch teaches you to build and code

Do it yourself.

The newest Kano kit is a do-it-yourself touchscreen computer that will teach you how to put the computer together, turn it on, learn some basic coding, play games, and more. The Computer Kit Touch is already out there on the Kano website, Amazon, and other places. It sells for $279.99 and you can get it now from Kano or wait until October 1 if you order from Amazon.

The kit starts with a step-by-step storybook that walks you through the process of putting your new computer together. It uses words and pictures, and it’s designed to be used by children so anyone can learn from it. When you get to the end of the book, you’ll have a fully functional Raspberry Pi computer with a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen and a wireless keyboard. The computer has the Kano OS already on it, a storage capacity of 16GB, and a three hour battery life. You’ll even build your own speakers.

The process doesn’t stop there because once you turn it on you’ll begin to learn the basics of coding through tutorials, challenges, and games. You’ll learn how to make music, produce art, play Minecraft, and more. The advanced levels include real applications of Javascript and Python programming languages.

Making a touchscreen computer from scratch seems awesome, but Kano has been doing this for years and has plenty of kits to choose from. If your main curiosity is in learning how to build a computer or some basic coding, or you just want something fun and nerdy to do with your kids, then you can get other kits like the 2017 Kano Computer Kit for less than $105. Or if you want to learn a bit of magic, try the Kano Harry Potter Coding Wand for $99.99.

The Computer Kit Touch comes with a one-year warranty and a lifetime of help.

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OnePlus announces Type-C Bullets earbuds, launching with OnePlus 6T

The headphones will cost the same as the exisitng Bullets V2.

We’re expecting the OnePlus 6T to be announced at some point next month, and when that happens, we now have confirmation that a new accessory will be launching alongside it — the Type-C Bullets earbuds.

The Type-C Bullets are being marketed as an upgrade of the current Bullets V2 wired earbuds, and while the biggest change is with the 3.5mm connector being replaced with USB-C, the Type-C Bullets have a few other improvements, too.

OnePlus notes that sound quality on the earbuds is better than what’s offered with the V2. The earbuds have a professional DAC from Ciruss Logic that offers a higher dynamic range, lower noise floor, and a more minimal loss of sound quality.

To make the earbuds more durable, OnePlus has added an aramid fiber to the wire that enables them to be more resistant to stretching.

The Type-C Bullets earbuds will be released alongside the OnePlus 6T which OnePlus says is “projected for Q4 2018.” More specifically, earlier rumors have hinted at an October release. When the Type-C Bullets do launch, they’ll cost $19.95 in the United States and £15.99 in the UK (the same price as the Bullets V2).

OnePlus 6T: News, Rumors, Release Date, Specs, and more!

OnePlus 6 vs. iPhone XR: Which Should You Buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe smartphones, and use nearly every one to find the best choice for you.

OnePlus 6

Specs Powerhouse

$529 at OnePlus

Pros

• One of the cleanest takes on Android
• Better update track record than most Android manufacturers
• Great design
• Solid camera
• Has a headphone jack
• Offers a few color options

Cons

• Not compatible with Verizon or Sprint
• Limited customer service

If you want an Android phone, it’s hard not to recommend the OnePlus 6. The company is still delivering software updates for the two-year-old OnePlus 3, which is better than most manufacturers. The camera easily holds its own in daylight, and isn’t bad at night either. Unfortunately if you’re using Verizon or Sprint, you’ll want to look elsewhere

iPhone XR

Apple’s budget offering

$749 at Apple

Pros

• Lots of great color choices
• The latest Apple software for 5+ years
• Qi wireless charging
• Full day battery
• Great camera

Cons

• iOS doesn’t offer as much customization as Android
• No fingerprint sensor
• No headphone jack
• Kinda pricey for what it is

If you’re into Apple’s phones — it’s okay, we love you all the same — the iPhone XR is probably going to be the best iPhone this year. It has the same hardware inside as the more expensive models, nearly the same camera, the exact same software, five color options and it’s much less expensive than the other iPhones.

The main difference between these phones is the age old question: do you prefer iOS or Android?

What are the differences?

Besides the Android vs. iOS argument, there are some concrete differences between these phones. We haven’t seen camera samples from the iPhone XR yet, but given Apple’s 2017 phones took better photos and video than the OnePlus 6, it’s a safe bet the 2018 ones will be even better.

The display on the OnePlus 6 is marginally larger, but being an OLED panel it will offer deeper blacks and use less battery life than the LCD in the iPhone. Not say the display in the iPhone is bad: it has all the hallmarks and technical specs of Apple’s other displays. Being able to use the phone where you live is supremely important, and if you use Verizon or Sprint you won’t be able to use the OnePlus.

The OnePlus 6 and iPhone XR both offer fast face unlock, though Apple’s method is much more secure. OnePlus still includes a fingerprint sensor that’s just as easy to use as any other phone, so you don’t have to use its face unlock if you don’t want to. The iPhone can charge via its Lightning port or with a Qi wireless charger, while the OnePlus 6 can only charge with a cable.

Now for the most important feature of the iPhone XR: the color options. It’s offered in (Product)Red, Yellow, White, Coral, Black, and the most perfect shade of Blue. The OnePlus 6 comes in Mirror (Glossy) and Midnight (Matte) Black, Silk White and Red.

OnePlus 6

A great bargain

$529 at OnePlus

If you want an Android phone, the OnePlus 6 is one of the best out there.

The OnePlus 6 isn’t just a great Android phone, it’s a great phone period. It’s much less expensive than comparable phones from other manufacturers, offers a very minimal version of Android, and it will likely receiver software support for at least two years. Just don’t buy it if you use Sprint or Verizon.

iPhone XR

The “budget” iPhone

If you prefer iOS, this will be the best iPhone for the money this year.

$749 at Apple

This iPhone stands toe-to-toe with the other models Apple announced for this year, but comes in at a much lower price. The camera will be better than that on the OnePlus, and it will easily receive software support for five years or more. Plus, that blue color is to die for.

The OnePlus 6T will not have a 3.5mm headphone jack

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

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

UK Daily Deals: Bose headphones, Orbi mesh networking systems, and more

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

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on Bose wireless headphones, Orbi home Wi-Fi systems, Tile Bluetooth trackers, and 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.

F1 2018 is a fast and furious update fans of the franchise will love

Formula 1 makes its return with Halos firmly in tow and a superb single-player experience.

F1 2017 was a leap forward for Codemasters’ officially-licensed franchise, and as the yearly update cycle has come around again, there’s now an official esports series to go with it. Top teams are recruiting top drivers, and the connection between real life and the game world is closer than ever before.

F1 2018 is less of a jump forward than its predecessor, but it keeps the wagon rolling in the right direction, offering a great experience for fans of the sport.

See at Amazon

What you’ll like about F1 2018

Everything good about F1 2017 has been repeated in F1 2018. And that starts with the visuals. At times you have to remind yourself you are actually playing a game and not watching the real thing on TV. The licensing helps, of course, and you find all 2018 cars faithfully recreated along with digital versions of their respective drivers. Digital Kimi Raikkonen is every bit as steely as the real deal.

The game plays as good as it looks, too, at least on Xbox (the platform we tested the game on). And it has HDR support and a super-steady frame rate. Cars feel precise, and changes you make to tires and setup are always noticeable.

This also applies to the depth of the career mode. Race weekends are structured in line with the real thing, and practice sessions have particular importance to the progress of the car. Throughout the three sessions, you’re presented with challenges to collect “data” on both the car and your driving to compile setup, fuel, and tire strategies.

All this is alongside the returning R&D department, and as you progress you’ll be able to unlock new parts for your car to go even faster. Folks who want to jump in and drive can choose from a number of preset setups, but expert racers will be happy with the manual control you’re given over the various parts of the car.

This applies to during the race, too. The HUD has a number of useful features, allowing you to change strategy on the fly, adjust your hybrid power and much more.

What would an F1 game be without wheel support? Codemasters has the full list, and it’s pretty long, covers every major wheel on the Xbox, and continues to add a whole new dimension to the game.

What you’ll dislike about F1 2018

All of the good in the previous game has made it into the new one, but so has some of the less welcome bits. The number one complaint I have is in-race penalties. They seem to be wildly inconsistent. One lap you could drive into the back of an opponent and see nothing, the next you could be spun around, causing an impact and receiving a time penalty for it. It’s a similar scenario with corner-cutting warnings. The whole thing just feels detached from the actual gameplay.

The other side to this sword is the driver AI when you’re playing single player. Codemasters has done a lot of great work, but the computer drivers tend to be over aggressive. Sometimes that’s good because it provides a challenge in overtaking them. But when you do overtake, or you try something a little out of the ordinary, their programming to follow the racing line floats above all else and you can easily find yourself smacked off the circuit and pointing the other way.

The multiplayer experience also needs work. The hope was that ranked lobbies would help relieve the crash fests of yesteryear by implementing a licensing system. The sad truth is that, ranked or unranked, multiplayer is frustrating at best. Racing multiplayer games are tough, after all, and a bad connection for one driver could ruin your race without you being able to stop it. But I get the feeling this isn’t the only issue. I don’t know what the solution is, but I really wish more players would take note of Wheaton’s Law.

Bottom line on F1 2018

F1 2018, just as with last year’s game, is a game worthy of your attention and something fans of the franchise will love. It’s stunning to look at, excellent fun to drive in, and the single-player mode has more than enough depth to keep keener players entertained.

Pros:

• Stunning graphics.
• Immersive career mode.
• Fast consistent frame rate.
• Plenty of control for keen racers.
• Stellar wheel support.

Cons:

• Penalties are inconsistent and sometimes ridiculous.
• Over-aggressive driver AI.
• Multiplayer is still frustrating.

4
out of 5

F1 2018 is available now for $60.

See at Amazon

Review conducted entirely on the Xbox One X using a copy provided by the publisher.

PlayStation 4

• PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
• PlayStation VR Review
• Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome

Amazon

This $10 under-desk headphone mount is a great addition to any workspace

Create a great place to stash your headphones.

The Anchor – Original Under-desk Headphone Mount by Elevation Labs is a great way to store your bulky headphones while keeping them within reach. At $12, it offers a pretty good value, but if you use the coupon code TIDYCANS you can knock an extra couple bucks off its price, making it just $9.56 via Amazon.

The Anchor uses an ultra-secure 3M adhesive to mount to the bottom of your desk and it can hold two sets of headphones on it.

With nearly 1,700 reviews it maintains a 4.5 out of 5-star rating, so you’ll want to pick up one of these before the discount disappears.

See at Amazon

The keyboard Moto Mod for the Moto Z is dead

Indiegogo backers can get refunds through September 30.

Back at CES 2018, we got a hands-on look at what could have been one of the most exciting Moto Mods of the year — the Livermorium slider keyboard. The purpose of this Moto Mod was to add a physical keyboard to any Moto Z smartphone, but as of September 13, the accessory is dead.

On the Indiegogo page for the Mod, Livermorium posted a final update announcing that the keyboard Mod has been canceled for three main reasons:

• Lack of businesses/retailers interested in selling it.
• Moto Z sales are low.
• The company “did not receive any external financial support from any entity.” In other words, they ran out of cash.

While a failed Indiegogo campaign isn’t anything new, it’s particularly damning considering that Livermorium’s keyboard Mod won Motorola’s “Transform the Smartphone Challenge” earlier this year.

Livermorium is offering refunds to backers through September 30 via PayPal, but if you feel like placing your trust in the company once more, it’s apparently now working on its own smartphone that’s referred to as the “Q-device.” It’s said to be a “High-end and Premium Landscape Slider Smartphone”, so there’s that if you’re interested.

Fingers-on with the new and weird Vital and Keyboard Moto Mods