How to make emoji
Brenda Stolyar/Digital Trends
Language is always evolving, and the prime example of this in the digital age is surely the rise of emoji — the little cartoonish pictograms that adorn text messages, emails, even pictures these days. Every year brings a new wave of tiny, emotive drawings. Originating in Japan in the late ‘90s, emoji are now everywhere, a universal language that crosses devices, operating systems, and international borders. No matter what country you are from or language you speak, you can recognize the jubilance in the “Face with Tears of Joy,” or that the person sending you an eggplant emoji is hankering for some eggplant parmesan right now.
Emoji can convey a wide range of sentiments, but what if you want something specific, something not available among the typical slate of emoji? It is possible to make your own emoji, albeit with some restrictions. Here’s how.
Use a messaging service that allows for custom emoji
If you use a messaging app like Discord or Slack — the former is popular with people playing multiplayer video games, while the latter is used by a lot of businesses for internal communications — then you may be happy to learn that adding your own emoji is a simple process.
To add an emoji, you first need to actually create one. Messaging services will typically have restrictions — on Slack, which we’ll be using to demonstrate, emoji can be no larger than 64KB, and neither the height nor width can exceed 128 pixels.
Open the image-editing software of your choice (for example, the free, web-based Pixlr).
If you’re confident in your artistic skills, you could make an emoji using the tools provided in the program. For a traditional emoji look, start with a yellow circle using a shape tool. Note: Use a transparent background, so the emoji will show up seamlessly against any background.
Then, add features like a mouth and eyes using tools like the pencil or shape tool.
If you’re looking to make an emoji out of a currently existing image, the process is simple. First, find a picture you want to make into an emoji, such as a picture of Nic Cage in the movie Con Air.
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
Open the image in your photo-editing software. Using the lasso tool, trace along the edge the future emoji.
Once you’ve made a complete circuit, cut the selection (CTRL + X), then create a new image (and preferably make the background transparent, so the emoji will look good against any chat background).
Paste the image into this new window.
Make any remaining edits you might want, then save the image as a PNG (so as to preserve the transparent background).
However you end up creating your emoji, once you’ve saved it, open up your messaging app (in this case Slack).
Click the emoji button, then scroll down until you see the link labeled add custom emoji here. Click it, then upload your image file and give the emoji a name.
On Discord, find the server you want to add an emoji to, then open the drop-down menu in the upper left …
… and select Server Settings.
Next, click Emoji, then click the Upload Emoji button.
Note: You’ll need permission within the server to upload emoji. If it’s a server you created, you’ll automatically have that, but if the server’s creator has placed restrictions on who can upload, you’ll have to talk to them.
The next level: Make a pitch to the Unicode Consortium
Uploading emoji to services like Slack or Discord is easy, but you might be wondering how to get your emoji into the company offered by major platforms like iOS and Android. As it turns out, the set of emoji that users find on just about every device (including such classics as “smiling face with sunglasses” and “zipper-mouth face”) is actually regulated by a group known as the Unicode Consortium. Unicode is a widely accepted standard for encoding text on electronic devices, ensuring that texts sent from a device will show up properly on the receiving end, no matter the make or model.
The consortium maintains a carefully controlled list of approved emoji. If you want your emoji creation to show up in this prestigious catalog, you’ll need to submit a proposal to the selection committee. The committee judges emoji based on a number of factors; aspiring emoji artists must take into account how frequently people would actually use the new emoji, how distinct the image is, and whether it fills a niche that other emoji currently aren’t. (Emoji can’t be specific people or brands, so our Nic Cage emoji is dead on arrival, sadly.)
The full requirements for making a proposal are available on the Consortium’s site.
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- Everything you need to know about Discord, the chat app for gamers
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Are you rocking Android Pie on your Essential Phone?
Other Android OEMs — pay attention to what Essential’s doing.
This Monday saw Google release its final build of Android Pie for the Pixel and Pixel 2 lineup, and just minutes after this was announced, Essential came out of nowhere with an official Pie update for all Essential Phone owners.
That sort of turnaround time is pretty much unheard of when it comes to third-party OEMs updating their hardware to new versions of Android, and as you might expect, a lot of us were quite excited by this news.
Some of our AC forum members have been talking about this for a couple days, and looking through the threads, it would appear that most all PH-1 owners are rocking and rolling with Pie.
richeich
08-06-2018 01:16 PM“
My update size is 1047.2 MB. I’ll hold off until I get home. Amazing that we get it on release date. So impressive.
Reply
StayClassy101
08-06-2018 04:25 PM“
I own a pixel 2 and essential. my essential phone had pie and on the pixel 2 it still hasn’t popped up yet.
Reply
revtech
08-06-2018 12:55 PM“
Unbelievable! I was just wondering if we’d be getting the Aug security update today, and voila! Downloading right now 👍
Reply
SRFast
08-06-2018 12:57 PM“
My nephew’s PH-1 on T-Mo is downloading the Android 9 Pie update now!
Reply
How about you? Did your Essential Phone get the Android Pie update?
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Android 9 Pie
- Android 9 Pie review: Greater than the sum of its slices
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Which pie flavor is each Android OEM?
It’s cobblering time!
Android 9 Pie is upon us, and besides trivial features like a new navigation system, okayish set of “digital wellbeing” features, and more battery savings, we have something actually worthwhile: a new dessert nickname. In this case, Pie.
The great thing about the Android ecosystem is that manufacturers can make changes to the operating system to make their own flavors of software. Similarly, the greatest thing about pie is that each baker can make changes to recipes to make their own unique flavors. If you don’t like pecan pie you’re a complete and irredeemable monster you can grab a slice of apple pie and eat to your heart’s content. With that said, it’s time to find out if your favorite Android OEM matches your favorite pie flavor!
- Samsung
- LG
- OnePlus
- Motorola
- HTC
- Essential
- Huawei
- Xiaomi
Google — Cream Pie
There aren’t many frills to a good cream pie, and there aren’t many frills to Google’s version of Android. Both a cream pie and Google’s Android will blind you with a stark white interface. Google’s Android won’t slow your phone down with questionable features, and a proper cream pie won’t slow you down with questionable ingredients. Anyone can jump into Google’s Android and feel comfortable, and anyone can bake a cream pie without too much trouble.
Samsung — Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is the most popular pie in the world according to five seconds of research, and Samsung’s software is the most popular version of Android according to the fact it’s the only OEM that consistently makes money on its mobile division. A pumpkin pie will leave you feeling a bit more bloated than a cream pie would, but the extra flavor is worth it. Pumpkin pie is a staple at many holiday dinners, and so are Samsung phones when you realize you have nothing else that’s interesting to talk about with your family.
LG — Sweet Potato Pie
It looks an awful lot like pumpkin pie, but once you bite in you immediately know that it isn’t, and you get kinda hungry for actual pumpkin pie. But you already said you’d eat sweet potato pie for the next two years, so this is just your life now. That’s not to say sweet potato pie isn’t delicious in its own right, and you can use the same toppings you planned on using with the pumpkin pie. At the end of the day, you still have a satisfying dessert.
OnePlus — Chocolate Satin Pie
OnePlus’ version of Android isn’t too different than what Google offers, and a chocolate satin pie isn’t much harder to make than a cream pie. One key feature on OnePlus phones is the system-wide dark theme, and a chocolate satin pie definitely looks like a dark themed version of a cream pie. It has a distinct flavor that most people will enjoy, and you can experiment with different ingredients on top of the core chocolate flavor.
Motorola — Modern Gourmet Foods Mini Apple Pie Baking Kit
There are few things more American than apple pie and a company based in Chicago. Sure, you can go to the store and buy a complete pie. OR, you can just get the pieces of a complete pie and put it together yourself. This takes some work, and some of the ingredients are… less than savory… but it also means you can include ingredients no one has thought of yet.
HTC — The crumbs at the bottom of a pie tin
There was something there at some point, but by now we’re not exactly sure what. And we’re not sure just how long this empty pie tin is going to be around when there are still some full pies out there. Every now and then, someone will come along and put more pie in this exact same tin, but then it’s empty again soon after.
Essential — discount pie that will probably make you sick
You know you want some pie, and you get to the freezer at your local grocery store. You find a flavor that looks great and — even better — it’s half off!. It’s from a brand you know and trust, but then you see the expiration date. It’s today. Yeah it’s on sale, but that’s still a lot of money to spend on a pie that may not be supported in the future. The pie itself is kinda barebones, and you have to pay extra money for toppings that other pie makers include in the base price. You buy the pie anyway and tell every single person — whether they asked or not — that it was the right choice.
Huawei — Pizza Pie
It’s the right shape, but that’s really it. It’s tasty, but it’s not at all what you imagine when you say “pie.” You’re happy to have it, but you certainly can’t use the same toppings as on a regular pie. Unlike other pies, you can get this in truly large sizes so you can share it with others.
Xiaomi — Whataburger Apple Pies
The taste is almost there but the shape is definitely different, like it’s trying to be something else entirely. It’s still delicious, and it can survive on its own merits. Unfortunately, it’s only available in certain regions, meaning most customers don’t know this delicious pie even exists.
What say you?
Which pie flavor do you think represents your phone’s manufacturer? 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
Google Pixel 3: News, Rumors, Release Date, Specs, and more!
Everything we know about what’ll likely be one of the year’s best phones.
Google first introduced its Pixel series in 2016, and since then, has been hard at work to establish itself as a serious player in the smartphone market. Google may be one of the most powerful and iconic companies in the world, but when it comes to hardware, is still very much a newcomer.
We saw vast improvements with the Pixel 2 compared to the original Pixel line, and we’re expecting to get that again with the Pixel 3. Google’s quickly learning what it takes to compete with the likes of Samsung and Apple, and seeing as how the Pixel 2 was one of 2017’s best phones, there’s a lot riding on this year’s entry.
Ladies and gentlemen, here’s everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 3.
The latest Pixel 3 news
August 8, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL appears in more hands-on photos and unboxing video
Previous renders and real-world pictures have already given us a clear look at the Pixel 3 XL’s design, and to help make that image as clear as humanly possible, SlashLeaks recently shared three additional hands-on photos and an unboxing video of the phone.
One of the photos shows the back of the white Pixel 3 XL while the other two showcase the front. We once again see that Google will be sticking with just one rear camera and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and unfortunately, that notch hasn’t shrunk at all since the last time we saw it.
Moving over to the unboxing video, it’s apparent that Google’s using very similar packaging compared to the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. The box does contain a pair of wired USB-C earbuds in addition to the Pixel 3 XL, but seeing as how Google experimented with this idea for last year’s release, we aren’t entirely sure if the free buds will stick around for the final retail packaging.
August 6, 2018 — October 4 launch date leaked for the Pixel 3
While we’ve seen plenty of leaked renders and specs for the Pixel 3, talk about its release date has been fairly quiet. That is, up until now. As spotted by Brandon Lee from the YouTube channel This is Tech Today, the Pixel 3 is shown to be released on October 4 according to the website Famebit.
Famebit is a website that allows companies to connect with content creators and work out deals to create sponsored content for YouTube videos, Instagram posts, etc. An ad on the site was recently created by Google and asks for Canadian creators to switch to the Pixel 3 and then making a video talking about their experience.
In this listing, it’s stated that “The Pixel 3 phone is launching October 4, 2018.”
While there’s no way to confirm if this ad really was created by Google, that October 4 date is what we were previously expecting anyways. That’s the same day Google used to announce the Pixel and Pixel 2 before, so it makes sense that it’d keep the trend going this year.
When will the Pixel 3 be released?
In 2016 and 2017, Google held its hardware event on October 4. We don’t have a concrete date for this year’s event quite yet, but there’s no reason to believe Google will deter from this pattern.
Another October 4 event isn’t out of the question seeing as how that falls on a Thursday this year, but at the very least, we should be looking at some point in early October.
Pre-orders for the Pixel 3 will likely open shortly after it’s announced that same day with shipments going out at least a couple of weeks later.
How much will the Pixel 3 cost?
Over the past couple years, pricing for Google’s Pixel phones has remained mostly the same. The MSRP for the Pixel and Pixel 2 series is as follows:
- Pixel w/ 32GB — $649
- Pixel w/ 128GB — $749
- Pixel 2 w/ 64GB — $649
- Pixel 2 w/ 128GB — $749
- Pixel XL w/ 32GB — $769
- Pixel XL w/ 128GB — $869
- Pixel 2 XL w/ 64GB —$849
- Pixel 2 XL w/ 128GB — $949
I imagine we’ll see similar numbers with the Pixel 3, but don’t be too surprised if we get a Pixel 3 XL variant that crosses the $1000 threshold.
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
- Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
- Google Pixel 2 specs
- Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
- Join our Pixel 2 forums
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Watch the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch event: Live Aug 9 at 11:00 a.m. ET!
The new S Pen-toting flagship is ready to burst onto the scene.
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for since the Galaxy S9 was announced: the Galaxy Note 9’s launch event. The Note fans among us have had August 9 circled on the calendar for weeks now, and it’s finally time to see the successor to the phone that’s in so many pockets today.
We’re always interested in the spectacle that is a Samsung launch event.
Many of the Note 9’s specs and details have leaked, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t interested in the spectacle that is a Samsung launch event. Part of the experience of getting a new Samsung phone is seeing all of the circumstances surrounding its launch, and they’re always a good time.
It all gets going at 11:00 a.m. ET in New York City — that translates to 8:00 a.m. PT, 4:00 p.m. CET and 8:30 p.m. IST for folks elsewhere in the world. No matter where you are, you can watch the show unfold right here at the video player above. As the launch event wraps up, be sure to follow all of Android Central’s coverage to get every bit of Note 9 information you desire!
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 rumors: Release date, specs, price, and features!
- Is it best to buy the Galaxy S9 or wait for the Note 9?
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- Galaxy Note 8 review
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This Sengled Element $110 starter kit comes with four smart bulbs and the hub to control them
Change the colors!
The Sengled Element Color Plus Smart A19 LED bulb starter kit is down to $109.99. This kit released in February and has sold for $150 since then. This is the first time it has had a direct discount, which makes it the best price we’ve seen.
A starter kit like this is really the only way to do Sengled lights because Sengled lights require a Sengled hub, which isn’t generally sold separately. It’s almost always in a kit like this. You’ll get the hub and four A19 multi-color LED smart bulbs to kickstart your smart home’s lighting network. Once connected to the Sengled hub, you can then connect all your new smart bulbs to a hub controlled by Alexa or Google Assistant to enable voice control. You can also use the free app to control it all with your phone. If you need more than four, you can get individual bulbs for $30 right now.
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Asphalt 9: Legends: Everything you need to know
Become a legendary street racer in the latest Asphalt racing game for Android!
Fans of high-octane racing action absolutely need to check out Asphalt 9: Legends, the latest entry in Gameloft’s top-rated racing franchises for Android. This game is all about collecting and racing some of the most exotic sports cars on the planet and racing them in nitro-fuelled races through, delivering high-end graphics and over-the-top racing action where you must win by any means necessary.
The game is free to play with in-app purchases available.
Download Asphalt 9: Legends (Free w/IAPs)
Outrageous racing action
The Asphalt racing series has never been for Sunday drivers — this franchise has consistently upped the ante with faster cars, crazier action, and graphics and gameplay that give you a true sense of speed.
With Asphalt 9, the game defaults to “TouchDrive” controls, which allow you to focus on shifting lanes to hit specific jumps or nitro power-ups, drifting and pulling ridiculous 360-degree spin maneuvers to take out nearby opponents, and using nitro boosts. You don’t have to worry about hitting the gas or steering at all in this mode, and can focus on going fast, smashing your competition, and appreciating the gorgeous graphics!
There are other control options available including on-screen controls and tilt-steering, but honestly, you’re best off playing with TouchDrive on to start until you get a handle on the game. Considering how fast-paced the action is here, you’re best off just focusing on drifting and hitting your nitro boosts at the right times so you can cross the finish line in first place every time. You’ll start out racing in career mode, but you unlock the online multiplayer mode by the time you complete the first section of career mode.
Collecting blueprints becomes the true grind
Asphalt 9 features over 50 cars for you to unlock, upgrade and burn rubber with, but to unlock or upgrade cards requires car blueprints. Blueprints can be awarded to you as a reward for winning specific races in career mode or found in card packs from the shop. To that end, this is one of those free-to-play games where your actual progression through the game has less to do with your skill at playing the game and more with randomly collecting the right cards to progress.
Fortunately, the racing gameplay itself is still really fun in spite of the simplified control scheme when it comes to steering and accelerating, you always feel in full control of your vehicle.
The game gifts you a free pack with two cards every 4 hours, and you can watch an ad for a bonus car, but the main way to buy card packs is by spending tokens. Tokens are earned by completing race missions and through progressing through the career mode, or alternatively, you buy tokens directly via in-app purchases… which is where the free-to-play/pay-to-win aspect comes in. Since you also need car blueprints to continue to upgrade your cars’ top speed, acceleration, handling, and boost, you’ll need to be on the constant lookout for more blueprints to keep your favorite cars at the front of the pack — especially in online races.
Test your skills with online multiplayer
There are a couple of ways to connect with other players in the game. You can race against other players in the dedicated multiplayer mode or compete against others in daily leaderboard challenges, and you can also team up with friends and work together to unlock rewards in Club mode.
From my experience playing online races, it would seem that most players are comfortable sticking with the TouchDrive controls, so if you want to stay competitive your best off keeping it in the default control scheme. If you’re a lone wolf racer looking for a club, you can search “Android Central” and join the club I created.
Download Asphalt 9: Legends (Free w/IAPs)
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What do you think about Asphalt 9? Drop us a comment below!
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Nova Launcher 6.0 beta adds settings search, folder customization, and more
Rolling out now to anyone that’s signed up for the Nova Launcher beta.
Nova Launcher, one of the most popular third-party Android launchers on the Google Play Store, is getting a boatload of new features today as part of the latest beta update. Version 6.0 is rolling out now to everyone that’s enrolled in the Nova Launcher beta, and once you grab the new software, you’ll have a lot to check out.
First off, v6.0 finally adds a search bar for your Nova Settings so that you can find a specific setting or toggle much faster than before. On a related note, your home screen search bar can now be configured to search Google or Nova Settings.
Nova’s also added a ton of new customization tools for your folders. Users can now configure folders to open in a windowed or immersive mode, match their shape to the adaptive icon style that’s being used, and add vertical or horizontal scrolling to them.
Other goodies include more shapes for adaptive icons, no longer needing Nova Prime to resize icons, and an option to automatically match the folder and app drawer icon size to the one being used on your desktop / home screen.
Anyone that’s already signed up for the Nova beta should be receiving an update in the Play Store now for v6.0, and if you’re still running the stable version, you can easily get enrolled right here.
Best Android Launchers in 2018
Best Portable Monitors for PlayStation 4 in 2018
Take your gaming on the road with the GeChic 1101P, our pick for the best portable monitor for your PlayStation 4.
- Best Overall
- Best on a budget
- Best for PS4 Pro
Short of buying a PlayStation Vita and doing some Remote Play magic, playing your PlayStation 4 on the go can be a tricky and cumbersome experience. But it doesn’t have to be.
That’s thanks to the advent of portable monitors. While it won’t be portable in a handheld sense, you can make it far more comfortable to not only pack up and travel with your PS4 but also play it anywhere you can find a power outlet.
The portable monitors we’ll be taking a look at today are all capable of delivering very competent gaming experiences for your PS4. We’ve highlighted monitors based on some factors, including portability, ease of use, and resolution.
Best Overall
GeChic On-Lap 11.6-inch Monitor
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GeChic wins our pick for the best PS4 monitor with their 1101P “On-Lap” model. With an 11.6-inch IPS panel, a resolution that supports up to 1080p, and a 14ms response time, this display will show your PS4 games in crisp detail, and you won’t be hitting the “Game Over” screen due to delayed input. Even better, this battery-powered monitor lets you use it when you don’t have an extra power outlet to spare. The raw stats are exciting enough to consider it for top honors, but it’s all the engineering prowess on display that puts it over the top. It’s remarkably thin and light at 0.4 inches for girth and about one pound for weight, making it a breeze to throw into a bag. The GeChic 1101P is also compatible with a built-in stand, has stereo speakers onboard, and is powered by USB, so you only need a single power outlet for your PS4 to get your game on.
Bottom line: If you need a monitor that can do it all — and do it all without a fuss — the GeChic 1101P is it. It’s pricey at just over $300, but your PS4 won’t have a better road mate.
One more thing: We’ve reviewed this monitor to see if it’s worth the hefty price tag. Be sure to read our GeChich OnLap portable monitor review if you’re considering buying one.
Why the GeChic 1101P Portable Monitor is the best
GeChic offers a keen balance that culminates in a capable portable monitor for not a whole lot of money. The 1101P offers up a crisp 1080p image on a very compact 11.6-inch slate, all the while doing so for just over $300. There are no compromises on audio, setup is simple, and traveling with it is a non-issue thanks to its lowkey profile.
More than all of that, it’s flexible. Thanks to its standard HDMI and DisplayPort connections, you can find way more uses for this monitor than gaming on your PS4. Use it with your Chromecast when you’re in need of less interactive entertainment, or attach it to a laptop when you need that extra display room to help you stay productive. It does it all.
Best on a budget
GAEMS M155 Portable Gaming Monitor
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If you need to save a few bucks, GAEMS (nope, not a typo) is what you should be looking at. This monitor lives up to its namesake with an edgy design that’ll look great sitting on top of your PS4. This 15.5-inch unit doesn’t quite offer up the 1080p resolution that we’d normally consider a bare minimum for gaming on the PS4, but for its form, function, and cost, we’ll let it slide. It’ll take an HDMI input from your PS4 no problem, and USB power means you’ll only need one AC outlet to get going. As for response time, GAEMS doesn’t advertise an exact number, but claims it’s “virtually lag-free.” For what it’s worth, the reviews don’t suggest any inaccuracies in that claim.
Bottom line: You can’t do any better than the GAEMS M155 for less than $200. You’ll lose some pleasantries for your budget, but it ultimately delivers the goods.
One more thing: GAEMS only includes one speaker in this model, so if you’re looking for stereo audio then you’ll need to use a pair of headphones or external speakers.
Best for PS4 Pro
MageDok 4K Portable Monitor
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Didn’t think you could get a portable display that can handle your 4K needs? Guess again. MageDok’s 4K monitor accepts a 4K 60Hz signal over HDMI, something that’s still mostly unheard of in this form factor. Some will argue that 4K is overkill for a 15.6-inch display, but if you are convinced that 1080p is not sharp enough at this size then who are they to judge? At $399, this might be a niche option reserved for the most serious of gamers, but you’ll get every bit of your money’s worth if you decide to go this route. It has stereo speakers, USB-C and DisplayPort connectivity, VESA-standard mounting holes, and comes in at a weight of just 907g.
Bottom line: This is currently your only option if you want to make the most of your PS4 Pro’s 4K capabilities. Unless you’re sensitive to seeing individual pixels at this size, then most people should consider opting for cheaper 1080p sets.
One more thing: While it supports PS4’s 4K resolution, MageDok’s monitor doesn’t support the growing HDR standard. Keep that in mind before buying.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, any portable monitor with an HDMI port will work for your PS4, but the options we highlighted today are advantaged in all the right areas. They’re sizable and sharp in resolution because no one wants to feel like they’re playing on a viewfinder. They all use IPS panels, so you’ll get bright, accurate colors at a range of different viewing angles. Those panels are also 60Hz, so they can show all your PS4 games at 60 frames per second. Last but not least, relatively fast response times means you won’t be lagging behind the competition when playing online. The GeChic 1101P offers the best balance of all these important factors, but be sure to explore the others if you feel they can serve your needs better.
Best Overall
GeChic On-Lap 11.6-inch Monitor
See at Amazon
GeChic wins our pick for the best PS4 monitor with their 1101P “On-Lap” model. With an 11.6-inch IPS panel, a resolution that supports up to 1080p, and a 14ms response time, this display will show your PS4 games in crisp detail, and you won’t be hitting the “Game Over” screen due to delayed input. Even better, this battery-powered monitor lets you use it when you don’t have an extra power outlet to spare. The raw stats are exciting enough to consider it for top honors, but it’s all the engineering prowess on display that puts it over the top. It’s remarkably thin and light at 0.4 inches for girth and about one pound for weight, making it a breeze to throw into a bag. The GeChic 1101P is also compatible with a built-in stand, has stereo speakers onboard, and is powered by USB, so you only need a single power outlet for your PS4 to get your game on.
Bottom line: If you need a monitor that can do it all — and do it all without a fuss — the GeChic 1101P is it. It’s pricey at just over $300, but your PS4 won’t have a better road mate.
One more thing: We’ve reviewed this monitor to see if it’s worth the hefty price tag. Be sure to read our GeChich OnLap portable monitor review if you’re considering buying one.
Updated August 8, 2018:We’ve added a new model from GeChic to reign supreme as the best portable monitor for your PlayStation 4.
PlayStation 4
- PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
- PlayStation VR Review
- Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome
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HTC reports its lowest revenue numbers since 2003
Things are still bad for HTC.
HTC recently published its official earnings report for Q2 2018, and to not much surprise, things aren’t looking too hot for the Tawainese company.
During this past July, HTC saw just NT $ 1.4 billion in total sales. While that may sound like a big figure, it’s down 37.23% from June’s sales and 77.41% lower compared to July 2017 numbers.
In other words, HTC just had its weakest month since August of 2003.
Disappointing sales throughout the first seven months of 2018 has resulted in a 53.98% decrease in revenue compared to this time last year, and as such, HTC’s reported total net losses of NT $2.09 billion, However, thanks to capital gains and completing the USD $1.1 billion sale of 2,000 employees from its smartphone division to Google, HTC still saw a net profit of NT $19 billion.
If you’ve been following HTC’s business performance for the past few weeks, you’ll know that these numbers aren’t surprising in the slightest.
The last earnings report prior to this saw June sales decreasing by 62%, and according to at least one source, HTC is in talks to completely exit the Indian market due to stiff competition from the likes of Xiaomi and Vivo.
HTC U12+ review: They fixed the buttons! [Updated]
