Android Authority

Here’s when OnePlus will release its final OxygenOS 11 preview

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 17:35:59 GMT

OnePlus will release the final OxygenOS developer preview on August 10.
It will include new design elements and hoped-for features.
Always-on display support may be a key addition.

You won’t have to wait long to try the latest version of OxygenOS on your OnePlus phone. Company chief Pete Lau has revealed that the final developer preview build of OxygenOS 11 will be available on August 10.

Lau didn’t divulge exactly what was coming to the software with the new build, but he did hint at “fresh design elements” alongside “highly anticipated features.” The Android variant would still be speedy, clean, and offer lots of customization, the executive said. Some additions were in direct response to feedback.

There have been a few clues as to what might be in the pipeline. OnePlus has repeatedly talked about introducing an always-on display feature with version 11. While the company hasn’t been clear on functionality, this would likely echo features on rival phones and let you check the time, calendar, notifications, and other basic info without having to wake or unlock the screen.

OxygenOS releases are also frequently tied to significant Android revisions, so you can expect OS 11 to incorporate Android 11 features like improved media controls and a new approach to conversation notifications.

Device compatibility is an unknown, although history suggests OnePlus will focus on recent phones like the 8 series and Nord.

It’s still not certain when the finished version of OxygenOS 11 will be available to the public. Polished releases typically follow some weeks after Google releases the respective version of Android. Google released Android 10 in early September of 2019. However, it won’t necessarily reach every phone at the same time. You may have to wait a while longer if you have an older phone and don’t want to beta test software.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 tipped to hit store shelves the day after launch

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 16:08:32 GMT

Credit: C. Scott Brown/ Android Authority

A source has informed Android Authority that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 release date is August 6, 2020.
That is this coming Thursday, the day after Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event.
It is not clear if other Galaxy Unpacked devices will also land in stores on Thursday.

Yesterday, we received photos from a tipster related to a Best Buy store accidentally putting the unannounced Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 on the sales floor. That made us speculate that the potential Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 release date is very close.

Now, a separate anonymous tipster reached out to Android Authority to claim that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 will be available to buy in stores and online on August 6, 2020. That’s this coming Thursday and is the day after Samsung will officially launch the smartwatch at its Galaxy Unpacked event.

We should note that since this info is coming to us from a tipster, we are unable to verify the validity of the claim.

While the anonymous tipster claimed that the Galaxy Watch 3 will be available to buy on Thursday, they were unable to confirm for us if any of the other products Samsung will announce will also be available. Those products likely include the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Tab S7, and Galaxy Buds Live, among others.

Traditionally, Samsung announces its flagship phones at an Unpacked event and then opens up pre-orders immediately thereafter. The ability to buy the phone outright, though, doesn’t happen until around two weeks later. We expect Samsung will do the same thing with the Note 20 lineup, but this news about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 release date throws that into question.

Regardless, if you are excited about grabbing a Galaxy Watch 3, you likely won’t have long to wait. The latest wearable from Samsung will be available to buy in just two days.

Stay tuned for Samsung to confirm the specs, design, and pricing for the Galaxy Watch 3. In the meantime, check out our rumor hub for all the latest leaked info.

Android’s answer to AirDrop, Nearby Share, is available now

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 16:00:38 GMT

Credit: Google

Google is finally rolling out Nearby Share, its response to Apple’s AirDrop file sharing.
Android 6.0 and later users can easily share files and links with local phones.
It will support sharing with Chromebooks in the months ahead.

You no longer have to be a tester to send files using Android’s Nearby Share. Google has started rolling out the feature to phones using Android 6.0 and later, making it easier to send files to friends (from a safe distance, of course) without leaning on cloud services or special transfer modes.

Once you’ve turned it on, it behaves much like Apple’s AirDrop. You just have to tap a Nearby button in the standard Android share sheet to find a device in range and send files or links. If you’re the recipient, you’ll get a pop-up on your phone with options to accept or decline the transfer.

The system automatically picks whatever protocol should work best for the transfer, whether it’s Bluetooth, peer-to-peer Wi-Fi, or WebRTC. You won’t need an internet connection to send material, in other words.

Credit: Google

Much like AirDrop, there are privacy safeguards to prevent strangers from trying to share malware or other unwanted content. You can be hidden or visible to only some of your contacts, and toggles will let you quickly enable or disable Nearby Share for specific people.

The feature is initially available to “select” Google Pixel and Samsung phones, but it should come to more devices in the weeks ahead.

You’ll soon have the option to exchange files with Chromebooks, too. An improvement in the “coming months” will offer Nearby Share between Android and Chrome OS devices akin to AirDrop exchanges between iPhones and Macs. Google didn’t outline compatibility, but this could be very helpful if you want to use a Chromebook’s larger screen to edit a photo or finish reading an article.

EU officially investigates Google acquisition of Fitbit

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:30:30 GMT

The European Commission has launched an investigation of Google’s Fitbit acquisition.
Officials are concerned Google may use fitness data to get unfair advantages in search ads.
They’re also worried Google could limit access to rival wearables on Android.

Google’s acquisition of Fitbit is about to face previously rumored European Union scrutiny.

The European Commission has launched an investigation into the purchase (via Reuters) over concerns Google might misuse Fitbit’s health data to further personalize search ads and give the internet giant an unfair advantage over rivals. Marketers and publishers could “face higher prices and have less choice,” the Commission said.

Officials were also concerned that melting the Google and Fitbit databases might skew a “nascent” digital healthcare section in Europe, and that Google might have an incentive to limit support for rival Android-compatible wearables like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch line.

Google had promised in mid-July that it would create a “data silo” that fenced off wearable data from other information. However, the Commission determined that the silo would be “insufficient” to offset concerns — the container wouldn’t cover all the data Google would receive through the deal.

In response, Google senior devices VP Rick Osterloh published a blog post stressing his company’s view that the Fitbit deal was “about devices, not data.” The executive promised that Google would give Fitbit users control over their info. He further argued that there was “vibrant competition” in wearables between brands like Apple, Samsung, and Wear OS partner Fossil, and that the Fitbit deal would foster competition that improved quality while lowering prices.

The Commission has until December 9 to decide whether or not the Fitbit deal is anti-competitive. That’s a significant amount of time to wait, but might be the last major roadblock for the deal if EU regulators don’t find serious issues. The US Justice Department hasn’t formally launched an investigation despite earlier murmurs, and Australia has been relatively quiet as well. If there are objections, however, Google might have to make additional concessions or even risk dropping the acquisition entirely.

Razer Kishi Xbox edition: The ultimate way to play Xbox games on your phone

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:03:09 GMT

Credit: Oliver Cragg/ Android Authority

Want to jump into the cloud gaming revolution, but don’t fancy lugging around a full-sized controller? Say hello to the Razer Kishi — a universal gamepad capable of transforming your Android phone into a game streamer’s dream.

If you’re a regular at Android Authority, you may remember we reviewed the Kishi earlier this year where we dubbed it “the ultimate smartphone controller.” Now, Razer and Microsoft have teamed up to release a new version of the Kishi specifically tailored for Xbox players who want the best possible experience when xCloud launches in September.

How is it different from the regular Kishi? Does it offer any extra functionality for Xbox players? Is it just as great as ever? I went hands-on with the Razer Kishi “Designed for Xbox” edition to find out.

What is the Razer Kishi Xbox edition?

Credit: Oliver Cragg/ Android Authority

Let’s start off with the basics. The Razer Kishi Xbox edition follows the exact overall design as the regular Kishi controller. You slot your phone into the right side via USB-C and slide the top of your device into the left controller with the D-pad and left thumbstick. The pressure, combined with rubber padding, keeps your phone locked in place during play.

What you get is essentially a Nintendo Switch-like handheld console using your phone, albeit on a slightly larger scale (if you have a large handset) and without detachable controllers.

Because it connects directly via USB-C it also doesn’t suffer from input latency issues you might find using a Bluetooth controller. While this helps when playing any kind of game, it’s an added boon for game streaming where latency is already impacted by your data connection speed and stability.

When not in use, the Kishi clips back together so you can throw it in your bag for later. Other features include a pass-through USB-C port for charging your phone while docked and grills on the right side of the controller to siphon in-game audio from your phone’s speakers (as long as they are of the bottom-firing variety).

Of course, this is the Xbox edition, so you’d expect some Xbox-flavored additions. Let’s talk about those.

Razer Kishi vs Razer Kishi Xbox edition: What’s the difference?

Credit: Oliver Cragg/ Android Authority

The all-black color scheme and overall design is almost identical no matter which version of the Kishi you buy. However, Razer has made some minor aesthetic and functionality tweaks to the Xbox version.

As well as the clickable twin thumbsticks and D-pad, the Kishi Xbox edition has four face buttons (A, B, X, Y) and three custom Xbox buttons that mirror a regular Xbox One or Xbox Series X controller.

The original Kishi also had three extra buttons, but the ones on the Xbox version take on the logo and features of the Xbox Nexus, View, and Menu buttons.

While you can still access these features on the regular Kishi, the integrated buttons are a more intuitive way of playing Xbox games to mobile via xCloud.

In an even more minor tweak, the A and B buttons have also color swapped to green and red, respectively, once again to resemble an Xbox controller. Bizarrely though, the two shoulder bumpers and triggers have not been changed to the standard Xbox nomenclature (LB/RB and LT/RT). A weird oversight, but not a big deal.

The standard Razer Kishi.

Another difference is the price: the regular Kishi retails for $79, while the Xbox version ups the price to $99 (or £99/€109 in the UK/Europe). That’s offset slightly by a free 14-day subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate which gives you access to a library of over 100 games ready to stream through xCloud.

Despite the branding, the Kishi Xbox edition is also compatible with rival streaming services like Google Stadia and GeForce Now, and fully supports Android games with gamepad support and various emulators for playing retro titles.

Should you buy it?

Credit: Oliver Cragg/ Android Authority

If you want the very best way to play Xbox games on mobile, then yes, absolutely. Microsoft has announced a bunch of mobile controllers designed for Xbox, and while the Kishi is the most expensive option, it’s also the most innovative.

The portable design and promise of near-zero latency is a perfect combo for game streaming, while the Xbox-specific changes fine-tune the experience further for would-be xCloud subscribers. Beyond that, it’s just a great all-round game controller for your phone too.

This special edition Razer Kishi is the best way to play Xbox games on mobile.

Is it worth the extra $20 over the regular Kishi? Arguably not, as despite the branding there’s nothing here that the standard Razer Kishi can’t do either with a bit of button remapping. For die-hard Xbox fans, though, this is as close as you’re getting to a true Xbox handheld console right now.

One final note before you rush out and buy one: be sure to check the size of your phone and the position of the USB-C port. Razer lists compatible phones on its website, but it should work as long as your device fits the dimensions below and runs Android Oreo or above:

Height: 145.3 – 163.7mm
Width: 68.2 – 78.1mm
Depth: 7.0 – 8.8mm

The one exception is the Asus ROG Phone series, including the recently released ROG Phone 3. This is because Asus has positioned the USB-C port to the side of the phone, which doesn’t line up with the central port on either the regular Razer Kishi or Kishi Xbox model.

Razer Kishi (Xbox edition)

Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Introducing a universal mobile gaming controller that fits most smartphone devices, designed to bring console-level control to your on-the-go gaming. With this controller by your side, wherever you go, victory will follow.

$99 at Razer

What do you think of the Razer Kishi Xbox edition?

It’s official: Google will shut down Play Music by the end of 2020

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:00:17 GMT

YouTube Music is now set to replace Google Play Music by the end of 2020.
The transition will start in New Zealand and South Africa in September.
Other countries will switch in October, but data will stay until December.

Google has repeatedly warned that it’s shutting down Play Music in favor of YouTube Music, and now the end is nearly at hand. The internet pioneer has revealed that YouTube Music will officially replace its Google Play counterpart by the end of 2020.

The shutdown will start in September, when users in New Zealand and South Africa will lose use of the Google Play Music app. All other countries will follow in October. Music libraries will remain intact until December, so you’ll still have an opportunity to transfer your collection to YouTube Music for weeks afterward.

Some features will go away before then. Google will pull the options to buy and pre-order music in the Play Store in late August. You’ll have to either use the transfer tool to send purchases to YouTube Music or rely on Google Takeout to export your data and download all your purchased and uploaded tracks. Google will also remove the options to upload and download Play Music songs through Music Manager.

Customers who don’t transfer will have their subscription cancelled at the end of the billing cycle when Google Play Music shuts down in their country.

The company is touting numerous upgrades to YouTube Music as an incentive to make the leap, including a revamped player page, the Explore tab, smarter playlist creation, and integration within platforms like Android TV and Google Assistant.

The advance notice and improved feature list should help make for a relatively gentle transition. However, this might not do much to please those who think the YouTube Music transition is a mistake. Critics have argued that the replacement service is too focused on YouTube, with shortcomings in its recommendations, offline mode, and autoplay, among other areas. If you’re determined to stay with a Google music service, you may have to accept some rough edges in the near term.

The Pixel 4a is the phone Google needed to make

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 14:00:13 GMT

Opinion post by

C. Scott Brown

It was a long time coming, but Google finally officially launched the Google Pixel 4a. We originally expected it to launch in early May, so the phone is nearly three months late to the party.

However, the wait appears to have been completely worth it. The Pixel 4a is looking to be a very strong contender as the best phone in its class for the year. It has a good specs sheet, a great design, and a surprisingly wallet-friendly price of just $349.

If you’ll remember back in May, I penned a piece for Android Authority about how Google keeps fumbling its Pixel line. The headline summed up my feelings pretty well: “The only reason the Pixel line isn’t Android’s crown jewel is Google.” The basic gist is that the flagship phones in the Pixel series are so bogged down with issues that it’s sometimes hard to recommend them, let alone feel passionate about them.

Our verdict: The Android Authority Google Pixel 4a review

The Google Pixel 4a is something else entirely. This is a phone that represents the best of what Google can do at a price that pretty much anyone can afford. The Pixel 4a is making me change my tune a bit. Now, I’m of the opinion that Google can easily make the Pixel line the crown jewel of Android. Google just needs to use the Pixel 4a as the blueprint when it goes back to making premium phones.

The Google Pixel 4a trims away the fat

Credit: David Imel/ Android Authority

We’ve got plenty of coverage about the nitty-gritty details of the Google Pixel 4a, so I won’t rehash it all here. Suffice it to say that Google has designed a good-looking phone with an incredibly solid specs sheet at a stunningly low price.

Keep in mind that those three aspects — design, specs, and price — are where Google drops the ball the most when it comes to its premium smartphones. We’re used to seeing phones like the Google Pixel 3 XL, which is a device with a ridiculously ugly “bathtub” notch, a relatively small battery, a tiny amount of storage and RAM, and a laughable original price of $899.

Google has always shone brightest in the software and camera departments. The Pixel UI is one of the best Android skins ever, and the rear-facing camera system on nearly every Pixel phone has been heralded as one of the best of that particular year. With the Google Pixel 4a, the company is finally shedding away all the stuff it just doesn’t do well and instead giving all the focus to these core areas where it excels.

Sure, the Pixel 4a might not be a design masterpiece that offers the fastest speeds or the most impressive battery life. However, it doesn’t need to be, because it — and every Pixel phone prior — is simply a vessel to get the Pixel software and camera experiences into the hands of as many people as possible.

The Google Pixel 4a is the first phone from Google that feels like a cohesive product.

In other words, the Google Pixel 4a is the first phone from Google that feels like a cohesive product. It gives me the notion that it was created with confidence. I absolutely have never been able to say that about any phone in the Pixel line thus far. Even the Google Pixel 3a — as good as it was — felt a little like Google testing the waters. However, to me the Pixel 4a seems like the first phone that everyone on the device’s development team can truly stand behind with pride.

Some of you might say, “But I don’t want a mid-range Pixel, I want a premium flagship.” Don’t be discouraged, because I’m right there with you. But Google has been going about things backward this whole time. It needed to make a phone like the 4a first.

Google needs to start small and work its way up

Credit: David Imel/ Android Authority

It may feel like Google has been making smartphones for over a decade considering that the first “Google” phone — the T-Mobile G1, aka the HTC Dream — came out in 2008. However, that’s not really accurate. The Google Pixel, which came out in 2016, was the first phone designed and truly made by Google.

Even all the well-received Nexus-branded phones were made by other companies with Google as an “overseer” of the process. In essence, Google has technically been in the smartphone hardware game for only about four years, and it started out of the gate by making premium flagships.

The Google Pixel 4a shows that Google should hit the restart button. Google needed to make a truly great smartphone experience on a smaller scale, then work its way up to making something premium. I can think of no better “first step” in that process than the Pixel 4a.

One would think that a company as huge as Google wouldn’t need to start at the beginning, and maybe that’s exactly what the company thought originally. However, the Pixel line has proven to be a mixed bag of some incredible successes and some incredible failures — with maybe more failures than successes. Just like its broader product ecosystem ambitions, Google should’ve learned to walk before it tried to run.

With a Google Pixel 4a 5G confirmed for later this year at a reasonable price tag of just $499, it appears that “hitting the reset button” just might be what Google is doing. This could mean that Google really is viewing the Pixel 4a as a new beginning to build on for the future.

It's very possible Google is using the Pixel 4a as a metaphorical way to hit the reset button on the Pixel line.

Of course, if that’s true, that would mean a truly stellar premium flagship from Google would potentially be years away, especially as all rumors are pointing to the Pixel 5 being powered by a mid-range chipset. Perhaps the Pixel 6 could be the first truly great premium smartphone from the search giant.

As I stated in the previously mentioned opinion piece from May: I want Google to succeed in the smartphone space. I want to recommend a Google flagship to my friends and family. I want to be excited enough about a Google phone that I would buy one for myself. The Google Pixel 4a is proof that the company can make a great smartphone. We just need to wait for Google to learn how to make the truly great premium smartphone of our dreams.

Poco teases a new phone to take on OnePlus Nord

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:12:07 GMT

A Poco executive has confirmed that a new Poco phone is coming soon.
The executive’s tweet suggests that we’re looking at a OnePlus Nord rival.
We’re also expecting the Poco C3, set to be a rebranded Redmi 9C.

The Poco sub-brand has released a number of phones in 2020, packing plenty of value for money even if they’re all rebranded Redmi phones. Now, it looks like the Xiaomi brand is getting ready to release yet another phone.

A Poco executive tweeted confirmation of a new Poco phone earlier today, with the hashtag “#POCOcomingsoon.” Check out the tweet below.

OnePlus Nord or…. wait for the new POCO?#POCO #POCOcomingsoon

— Angus Kai Ho Ng (@anguskhng) August 4, 2020

There’s no word on any other details such as specifications, pricing, or availability, but the tweet certainly suggests that we’re looking at a phone to rival OnePlus’s recent mid-ranger.

The OnePlus Nord served up 5G, a 90Hz OLED screen, a Snapdragon 765G processor, and a total of six cameras (two up-front and four on the rear). So it stands to reason that a Poco phone designed to compete with the Nord would pack a few similar specs too, such as 5G.

Given Poco’s penchant for rebranding Redmi phones, we’d put our money on the new Poco phone being a rebranded Redmi 10X series handset. The 10X series packs a upper mid-range Dimensity 820 processor, 4,520mAh batteries, and triple or quad rear cameras. But it’s entirely possible that they’re looking at rebranding another device or building a phone from scratch.

This isn’t the only Poco device we’re expecting in 2020, as it certification listings point to the pending availability of a Poco C3 as well. Furthermore, the device is shaping up to be a rebranded Redmi 9C — not quite a Nord rival then.

Next: Can phone-makers dial the rebranding down a bit?

Google Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE camera shootout: You pick the winner!

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:00:28 GMT

Credit: David Imel/ Android Authority

Budget phones are everywhere in 2020 and one of the most awaited contenders has just launched. The Google Pixel 4a is known for its simplicity, a drop-dead $349 price point, and the same amazing camera performance Pixel phones are known for. It could very well be the best camera phone at its price range, but there is another main competitor with an incredible camera already in the mid-range market: Apple’s iPhone SE.

We decided to pit the two phones against each other in a Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE camera shootout to find out which comes out on top. Be sure to cast your vote for the winner in the poll at the end of the article. Let’s take a look at some images.

Learn more: Google Pixel 4a review | Apple iPhone SE review

Google Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE: Camera specs

Things look very similar in the Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE camera spec sheet. Both have single cameras on the rear and front, and megapixel counts are also very much alike. The main differences between the Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE camera specs become more apparent when you start looking at video shooting options. The iPhone SE has much more video quality options, giving Apple’s smartphone a slight upper hand in the video department.

	Pixel 4a	iPhone SE
Rear cameras	12.2MP sensor with f1.7 aperture	12MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture
Rear video	4K@30fps 1080p@30fps 1080p@60fps 1080p@120fps	4K@24fps 4K@30fps 4K@60fps 1080p@30fps 1080p@60fps 1080p@120fps 1080p@240fps
Front cameras	8MP sensor with f2.0 aperture	7MP sensor with f2.2 aperture
Front video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

The samples

We shot a mix of photos with both smartphones at the same time. The variety of scenarios should help us find quality discrepancies and ultimately come up with a winner. Both devices were on their latest software versions as of writing and both were set to “photo” and “portrait” modes for the given tests.

Google Pixel 4a Apple iPhone SE

We took the Pixel 4a and iPhone SE on our Snow Lake, Washington adventures, where these camera phones were able to give us a good look at their daylight camera performance. Both phones seem to do very well taking crisp, in-focus images. There is a clear difference in white balance. The Pixel 4a samples are slightly cooler while the iPhone SE shots display a warmer tone. The iPhone SE also seems to raise the shadows more, which is great if you want to see more detail, but the Pixel 4a also has more contrast, which is an effect many of you might prefer.

Google Pixel 4a Apple iPhone SE

Let’s go to a darker area, where we can truly test a camera’s dynamic range. Many cameras will struggle to take a photo like this one because there is strong light in the sky and darker areas in the brick walls. The camera needs to shoot a well-balanced photo, reduce highlights, and increase shadows to achieve a more uniform exposure.

Neither did great, but the iPhone SE seems to have captured a better exposure with a brighter wall and a more vibrant sky. Meanwhile, the level of detail and crispness in the brick wall is better captured by the Pixel 4a.

Google Pixel 4a Apple iPhone SE

How about portrait mode? They both do relatively well, or as well as most other good camera phones perform. Bokeh is great in both instances, but I can definitely see a difference in the subject’s outline. The iPhone SE seems to do a little better in this department, as it outlines the hair a little more efficiently, making the fall-off seem more natural.

On the other hand, The Google Pixel 4a did a much better job pulling out detail in the shadows, such as in the hair and mask. Not to mention the eyes, eyebrows, and even the shirt looks much more crisp and clear.

Google Pixel 4a Apple iPhone SE

This selfie was shot in bright sunlight. Again, they both did alright, but the iPhone camera seems to shoot much softer and warmer selfies.

Next: The best camera phones you can buy

Google Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE camera shootout: Vote for the winner!

So, which phone wins the Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE camera shootout? Will Google come out on top, or will it fall against its biggest rival. You decide! Cast your vote in the poll below and we’ll let you know the results very soon.

If you want to know how the Pixel 4a and iPhone SE stack up outside the camera realm, be sure to check out our longer comparison where we look at the specs, features, design, software, price and more.

Loading poll

Xiaomi rebrands Redmi 9 to Redmi 9 Prime for India launch

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:00:32 GMT

Credit: Gary Sims/ Android Authority

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi 9 Prime in India.
It is a rebranded Redmi 9 that the company previously launched in Europe.
The phone starts at Rs 9,999 (~$133) and goes up to Rs 11,999 (~$159).

Xiaomi has launched a new Redmi smartphone in India and it’s the Redmi 9 Prime that the company previously unveiled in Europe as the Redmi 9. The budget smartphone boasts a powerful chipset for the price, a large battery, and a quad-camera setup.

The name is inspired by Xiaomi’s first “Prime” branded made-in-India phone, the Redmi 2 Prime. The company later launched the Redmi 3S Prime and the Redmi 9 Prime is its third Prime series phone in the country. Xiaomi says that the Redmi Prime series will focus on mid-tier phones and sits somewhere between the Redmi Note series and the numbered Redmi series.

So what’s the Redmi 9 Prime all about? Here’s a complete rundown.

Redmi 9 Prime specs

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime comes with the MediaTek Helio G80 octa-core CPU and a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. The chipset incorporates two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores.

The phone has a 6.53-inch FHD+ LCD display with a centered waterdrop notch, a 5,020mAh battery, 18W charging, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage (up to 512GB).

In the camera department, the Redmi 9 Prime carries four rear sensors: a 13MP primary shooter with AI scene detection, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. An 8MP selfie shooter rests in the notch upfront.

Elsewhere, you get support for NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack, wireless FM radio, IR blaster, dual SIM slots, as well as a USB-C port. There’s also a fingerprint sensor at the back of the phone, just under the camera array.

Redmi 9 Prime price and availability

Credit: Gary Sims/ Android Authority

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime will be available in four colorways: Mint Green, Sunrise Flare, Matte Black, and Space Blue. It’ll go on sale in India through Amazon during the August 6-7 Prime Day sale.

It’s priced at Rs 9,999 (~$133) for the 4GB/64GB storage version and Rs 11,999 (~$159) for the 4GB/128GB storage model. It’s worth noting that the Redmi 9 is only available in 3GB/32GB and 4GB/64GB options, so Indian users are getting more storage and RAM in the base model as well as double the storage for the top-end variant.

The Redmi 9 Prime goes up against the likes of the Realme Narzo 10 which also carries the Helio G80 processor, as well as a higher resolution 48MP primary camera and a 16MP front camera.

Next: Poco M2 Pro review — A better Redmi Note 9 Pro

New Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 renders leave little to the imagination

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:24:48 GMT

Credit: twitter.com/evleaks

New leaked renders have shown off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 from a variety of angles.
The images show punch-hole cutouts on both screens.
All eyes are on Samsung to unveil the device tomorrow (August 5).

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is expected to be shown off tomorrow at the company’s Unpacked event. However, we’ve already seen leaked images of the device in prior weeks.

Now, veteran leaker Evan Blass has posted a series of official-looking renders on his Twitter account, showing off the foldable phone from a number of angles and in two colorways. Check out a few images below (open them in a new tab for a closer look).

The renders show center-mounted punch-hole cutouts on both the external and folding displays, seemingly putting to rest any talk of a huge notch, waterdrop notch, or under-screen selfie camera. It still looks like we’ve got a crease on the folding display too.

We also get a look at the rear of the foldable once again, showing a Note 20-style rear camera design. Finally, we get a look at the top and bottom of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, hosting speaker grilles and a USB-C port. So if you were inexplicably holding out for a 3.5mm port here, well, you’ll be disappointed.

Recent reports point to a foldable phone that’s roughly on par with its predecessor when it comes to pricing, but we’ll need to wait until tomorrow for news on this front.

Next: Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition — Everything we know so far

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 appears in last-minute video leaks

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 06:48:37 GMT

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 has appeared in two how-to videos from AT&T.
The videos describe processes like resetting the watch and changing watch faces.
You also get a good look at how to navigate the home screen of the device.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is launching tomorrow alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series but leaks and rumors these past few months have left little to the imagination. Samsung’s new flagship smartwatch has appeared in renders, its firmware has outed its features, it’s already on the shelves at some retail stores, and now, it has appeared in official AT&T how-to videos leaked by tipster Evan Blass.

The two instructional videos show the front of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and describe processes like resetting the watch, changing watch faces, adding widgets to the home screen, and more. We can also see the rotating dial of the smartwatch in action in these videos.

In addition, you get a good sense of the watch’s interface and how to navigate the home screen. For instance, swiping right brings up the notifications menu, swiping left brings up the widgets, exercise modes, and apps, and swiping down brings up the Moments bar to view status icons, access settings, or activate features quickly. You can see all this in the two leaked AT&T instructional videos below.

pic.twitter.com/3U6YRCQz4E

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 4, 2020

All that’s left for Samsung to do now is to unveil the Galaxy Watch 3 price and availability details. As we mentioned before, the watch is already on shelves in some retail stores and according to prices spotted by leaker Max Weinbach at a Target store, it can go for anywhere between $399.99 to $479.99 depending on the model. Weinbach also claims that the “street date” for the device is August 6 so that’s when you can expect to buy it online or from brick and mortar stores.

Samsung Galaxy S20 series starts receiving August security update

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:34:12 GMT

Update, August 3, 2020 (01:10AM ET): Samsung is now reportedly rolling out the August security patches for the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra in some countries.

According to SamMobile, the update is currently available for the Exynos-powered Galaxy S20 models in a number of European countries. This means that it should soon roll out to the Exynos variants of the flagships in other parts of the world like India. Snapdragon 865-powered Galaxy S20 phones should also be receiving the update soon.

Besides the August security patches, the new update for the Galaxy S20 series also carries some stability and performance improvements. The changelog mentions that it adds some new features but doesn’t go into detail about what they are.

Samsung’s next big software update is expected to bring One UI 2.5 to the Galaxy S20 devices and that’ll most likely happen after the Galaxy Note 20 launch. We’ll update this hub as and when we know more.

Original article: Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy S20 update hub! Here you’ll find all the latest information on software updates for the Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. We’ll tell you what the current software versions are for each device and also give you a heads up that new updates are rolling out.

Keep in mind that the Samsung Galaxy S20 updates usually roll out to all three devices at the same time. However, different variants of the devices — such as carrier-branded versions and unlocked versions — usually see updates at different times.

Have you not yet purchased a Galaxy S20 phone? Check out the deals below. Head further down the page for the historical information on each Galaxy S20 update.

Samsung Galaxy S20 The latest and greatest from Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20 Ultra are super-premium 5G smartphones from the South Korean company. No matter what you're looking for, the Galaxy S20 line likely has something to suit your needs.

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra updates

Current stable version: Android 10
When will the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra get Android 11?: December 2020 (estimated)

Samsung launched the family of Galaxy S20 phones on February 11, 2020. Pre-orders for the devices started on February 21 and the devices will land in stores on March 6. Every device in the family will launch with Android 10 out of the box (skinned over with Samsung’s One UI 2.0, of course).

Samsung has gotten much faster and more regular with software updates as of late. We saw the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 families get Android 10 in record time for the OEM. As such, it’s reasonable to assume the launch of Android 11 will be even faster this year. Although we can’t make any promises, it’s likely the Samsung Galaxy S20 update to the newest version of Android will land before 2020 comes to a close.

Read: Where and when can you buy the Galaxy S20 phones?

Before the Galaxy S20 family of phones even hit store shelves, Samsung already began releasing its first update. According to Tizen Help, the update is rolling out to South Korean S20 Ultra devices, and it fixes a few camera issues while also delivering the March Android security patch. This means that when you take your Galaxy S20 Ultra out of the box on March 6, there will likely be an update waiting for you.

Verizon also began pushing out a pre-release update to its Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20 Ultra variants on March 2. The update is said to bring performance enhancements to both devices and it includes the March security patch.

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Shortly after that, the entire T-Mobile Galaxy S20 line began receiving the March security patch too. The update started rolling out while some lucky customers got their devices a few days ahead of the official March 6 launch date.

A second pre-release update was also rolled out to the Galaxy S20 phone. It brought further improvements to the camera performance and overall user experience, including enhanced touch gestures.

Following the release of the S20 series, Samsung sent out a firmware update to the Exynos variants of the phones. The update brought a new version of the camera app (10.0.01.98) to all three Galaxy S20 phones. It also fixed the slow autofocus problem some users were facing on the new flagships. The Snapdragon models gained this update a few weeks later, bringing an improved camera experience too.

In early April, Samsung started rolling out another software update to the Galaxy S20 family. Users stared receiving a 435MB update (build number: G98x0ZHU1ATCT) on their S20 phones. According to SamMobile, the changelog listed an improved camera experience and the April 2020 security patch.

This April update created a bunch of issues on the S20 phones, especially the S20 Ultra which started displaying an unusual green display tint. Users also reported problems with autofocus and charging. Samsung revoked the update on April 20 to fix the problems and then issued a new update a few days later.

Samsung also pushed out the G98xxXXS2ATD5 update at the end of April, bringing the May 2020 security patch and not much else. The June patch followed shortly afterward for the unlocked models, with US carrier-branded models landing a week later.

At the end of June, Samsung started pushing out another update to the Galaxy S20 series with the July security patches. Along with the patch, there were some new features, such as the ability to use a Bluetooth microphone when using a voice recording app. The update also permanently removed the MirrorLink function on the phones. The feature allowed users to mirror their smartphone’s display to their car’s head unit.

Here are the current stable versions of each device in the Galaxy S20 family.

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra	Android 10	Android 11
AT&T	Yes	TBA
Sprint	Yes	TBA
T-Mobile	Yes	TBA
Verizon	Yes	TBA
US Unlocked	Yes	TBA
International Unlocked	Yes	TBA

Let us know which Samsung Galaxy S20 update you’re rocking in the comments. Also, if you’ve spotted an OTA that we haven’t, tip us!

Looking for another device update? Check out our Android 9 Pie and Android 10 update trackers.

The Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G will not land in India

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 01:00:23 GMT

There will be no Google Pixel 4a 5G or Google Pixel 5 India launches.
Google confirmed the news today within a Pixel 4a press release.
It is possible this news relates to the Pixel 5 having Motion Sense.

Today, Google finally took the wraps off one of the most hotly anticipated phones of the year: the Google Pixel 4a. It also confirmed two other devices coming later this year, namely the Google Pixel 4a 5G and the Google Pixel 5.

While these two phones will see launches in various parts of the world before the end of 2020, there will not be Google Pixel 4a 5G or Google Pixel 5 India or Singapore launches. Google confirmed that these two countries will not see either device.

The exact quote from the release is here:

Regarding the two new 5G Pixel phones that were announced globally today, these will not be available in India or Singapore, based on a variety of factors including local market trends and product features. We remain deeply committed to our current Pixel phones and look forward to bringing future Pixel devices to these countries.

Google Pixel 5 not coming to India or Singapore

Google’s reasoning behind not bringing the Pixel 4a 5G to India is likely pretty logical: 5G is not a thing in India so a 5G-powered version of a phone that is coming to India is probably not necessary.

However, the lack of a Google Pixel 5 India launch is a little stranger. We expect the Pixel 5 to also be 5G-capable, but that wouldn’t be a good enough reason to prevent it from landing in the world’s second-largest smartphone market.

It’s possible that this news relates to Google’s Motion Sense: the radar-powered system used in the Google Pixel 4 series which was the main reason for the lack of an India launch in 2019. If the Google Pixel 5 has Motion Sense, that would negate an India launch all on its own.

Although, it could simply be that Google wants to give all its focus to the Google Pixel 4a when it comes to the Indian market. The fact that the Pixel 4a won’t even land there until October (and we don’t yet know how much it will cost), suggests a Pixel 5 could crowd up its launch.

Whatever the case, the lack of a Google Pixel 5 India release will likely be upsetting for Pixel fans there. All we can hope is that those buyers will be happy enough with the Pixel 4a, which, to be fair, is one of our best-reviewed phones of the year so far.

Garmin reportedly paid a ransom of ‘millions’ to get its services back

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 22:00:03 GMT

Garmin reportedly paid a ransom through an intermediary, Arete IR, to recover from a cyberattack.
The move theoretically helped Garmin recover without violating sanctions.
The payout is believed to be a ‘multi-million’ sum.

Garmin may have recovered from a days-long ransomware attack simply by paying the ransom — albeit through indirect means.

Sky News sources claim the fitness watch maker paid a “multi-million dollar” sum to the attackers through Arete IR to restore Garmin Connect and other vital functionality knocked out through the WastedLocker malware.

The company purportedly tried to pay the ransom through an unnamed specialist in such incidents. That firm refused Garmin due to the risks of violating US sanctions targeting Evil Corp, the Russian cybercrime group allegedly linked to the attack. Garmin turned to Arete IR, which cast doubt on the link between WastedLocker and the sanctioned attackers.

Read more: The best security apps for Android

Garmin didn’t comment on the latest claims. An Arete spokesperson said the company “cannot discuss” clients due to confidentiality agreements, but that it honors “all recommended and required screenings” to honor US sanctions.

If true, this wouldn’t be shocking. Ransomware isn’t easy to overcome while avoiding the ransom, and this affected the very heart of Garmin’s business. It couldn’t afford to spend a long time trying to recover its data while users went without important features. What money Garmin would pay through a ransom would be trivial compared to lost sales and a soured reputation.

At the same time, a payment wouldn’t be great for tech industry security. Cybercriminals might feel empowered knowing that a large company like Garmin felt compelled to pay. Crooks might not rush to target other tech giants, but they could wield ransomware against outfits that might have otherwise gone unscathed.

Leaked Huawei Mate 40 and Mate 40 Pro renders show a giant camera bump

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:40:06 GMT

Credit: OnLeaks x HandsetExpert

Renders of Huawei’s upcoming Mate 40 and Mate 40 Pro have allegedly leaked online.
The new flagship would boast an even larger rear camera array than the Mate 30.
It would also have a P40-style selfie cam system.

Huawei’s follow-up to the Mate 30 may be even more of a camera-centric phone than its predecessor, according to a new leak.

HandsetExpert and PriceBaba have teamed with OnLeaks to post renders of what they say are the Mate 40 and Mate 40 Pro, and the centerpiece is clearly the camera array on the back. There’s now an even larger bump with three cameras plus an unspecified sensor (possibly a Mate 30-style depth sensor). It’s more than a little reminiscent of Nokia’s Lumia 1020, where the phone design revolved around photography.

Credit: Pricebaba x OnLeaks

There could also be significant changes to the front. Huawei is reportedly replacing the notched selfie camera with a dual-sensor hole-punch setup like that on the P40 series. If the Mate 40 replicates the P40’s layout, only one will be a camera — the other will be a depth sensor for portrait mode selfies.

The tipsters didn’t share many details of the hardware inside, although it’s safe to presume you’ll find a Kirin chip. The Mate 30’s “waterfall” display appears to remain intact on the Pro model. The Mate 40 is still expected to run EMUI on top of Android without Google services due to the US trade ban, with AppGallery and other software filling the gaps.

Prices and availability for the Mate 40 series aren’t yet clear. However, Huawei introduced the Mate 30 in September 2019, shortly after IFA. We wouldn’t rule out similar timing for the Mate 40, with prices at least as high. The Mate 30 started at €799 for the regular model and climbed to €1,099 for the Mate 30 Pro. Huawei might not be in a rush to change this formula while it’s thriving in a tough market.

Google Pay launching digital bank accounts next year

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:00:18 GMT

Google is partnering with BBVA to offer Americans a digital bank account using Google Pay.
It’ll be a co-branded, fully insured bank launching in 2021.
Google will provide the interface.

Google’s foray into digital banking has started in earnest, if not quite how you might have expected.

BBVA has announced that it’s working with Google to offer digital bank accounts in the US through Google Pay sometime in 2021. Google will handle the interface, including “financial insights,” while BBVA will provide the infrastructure. The bank will be co-branded, BBVA said.

It’s not certain how this bank would work, although it would have FDIC insurance. Existing all-digital banks often let you manage virtually everything from an app on your phone, but have their limitations if you need to withdraw cash, handle checks, or get support.

The BBVA deal is somewhat surprising when initial reports had Google partnering with Citigroup for US accounts. It’s not certain if Citi is still involved. This remains a big step for Google, however, and will test whether or not Google Pay can serve as a financial hub, not just a way to buy groceries or speed up your online shopping.

Google is reportedly exploring the prospect of offering a debit card through Pay, although it would be tied to an existing bank account rather than one with official branding.

Much like Apple Card and Samsung’s debit card, this is as much about protecting a core business as it is venturing into new territory. While it could be very convenient to access your bank account directly from Google Pay, you’ll also have to keep using Google Pay on your phone (and thus Android) if you want the full experience. That could keep you from switching to an iPhone or a competing digital bank, if just for convenience’s sake.

Apple iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro: Everything we know (Updated: Aug. 3)

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 19:30:25 GMT

Update, August 3, 2020 (03:30 PM ET): We’ve updated the Apple iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro rumors below with new info related to the display, release dates, and camera system. Read on for all the details!

Original article: Earlier this year, we were treated to a new smartphone from Apple called the iPhone SE (2020 edition). The entry-level phone offered a lot of iPhone staples for just $399. However, what about the real iPhones? Well, we still expect to see the Apple iPhone 12 series this year.

Although the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will inevitably cause some delays or other problems for the next batch of iPhones, we have enough information on the new devices to say with confidence that we will still see the Apple iPhone 12 this year. Obviously, Apple’s usual launch event could look much different, but it would be incredibly surprising if the phone series didn’t land this year.

Below, you’ll find a summary of all the credible rumors we know so far about the Apple iPhone 12 series. Keep in mind that Android OEMs tend to follow what Apple does, so the news you read in this article could affect you even if you don’t buy iPhones.

Speaking of which, why not click one of the poll answers below before checking out the rest of this article?

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iPhone 12: Name and release date

Apple’s naming scheme for its smartphones used to be very straightforward. However, with the launch of the iPhone X in 2017 things got pretty confusing. While we don’t know for certain, we are fairly sure that the Apple iPhone 12 series is what’s on the way this year, and we can assume that based on the history of iPhone names.

Check out what we mean below. The bolded names indicate devices in which Apple largely revamped the design as compared to the previous year:

2007 — iPhone
2008 — iPhone 3G
2009 — iPhone 3GS
2010 — iPhone 4
2011 — iPhone 4S
2012 — iPhone 5
2013 — iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C
2014 — iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
2015 — iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus
2016 — iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
2017 — iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X
2018 — iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
2019 — iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max

So far, all rumors point to this year’s iPhones featuring a significant redesign as compared to last year (see a few sections down below for more on this). Since Apple’s history suggests that new designs tend to get new numbers, we’re inclined to believe that we can expect the Apple iPhone 12 series to launch this Fall. It is unlikely there will be an iPhone 11S series.

Speaking of Fall, when will we actually see these devices launch? Nearly every major iPhone release has happened in September, so it’s reasonable to assume we’ll see the Apple iPhone 12 series in September 2020. Once again, the COVID-19 pandemic could throw a wrench into those plans, but we would feel confident putting money down on Apple sticking to that timeframe.

However, just because Apple will likely launch the iPhones in September doesn’t mean that’s when they’ll be available. Apple recently confirmed that the iPhone 12 lineup will “be available a few weeks later” as compared to last year’s batch. Therefore, an October on-sale date isn’t out of the question.

Is 2020 the year of new iPhone models?

MacRumors

The list of iPhone releases in the previous section paints a clear picture: as time goes on, Apple is releasing more and more iPhones each year. We already have one new iPhone for 2020, and we expect Apple to have its biggest launch ever this Fall with the Apple iPhone 12 series possibly containing a total of four phones.

If you’ll remember, last year we saw the iPhone 11 (which was the spiritual successor to the iPhone XR), the iPhone 11 Pro (the spiritual successor to the iPhone XS), and the iPhone 11 Pro Max (the spiritual successor to the iPhone XS Max). This year will be different, though.

Check out this leaked image from the frequently correct Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo:

MacRumors

The 4.7-inch iPhone shown in the image above lines up perfectly with the iPhone SE launched in April 2020, so that one is accounted for. That just leaves us to speculate on why there could be two higher-end devices in the Apple iPhone 12 series that are the same size.

One theory is that the 5.4-inch device and one of the 6.1-inch devices are actually two variants of the iPhone 12. The smaller one might be the vanilla iPhone 12 while the larger would be the iPhone 12 Max. Then the other 6.1-inch device would be the iPhone 12 Pro with a similar design and size as the iPhone 12 Max but with some upgraded specs, and the 6.7-inch device would be the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

This naming theory lines up with rumors we’ve seen, like this one from Display Supply Chain Consultants. As we get closer to the launch of the Apple iPhone 12 series, we’ll likely have a much better idea of what’s on the way. All we can say now is that it’s highly likely there will be four iPhone 12 models.

For an idea of how these models could compare to one another as far as sizing goes, check out the physical mockups below, courtesy of MacRumors.

According to rumors, the mockups above would represent the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max from left to right. The iPhone 12 Max would likely be the same size as the middle phone but have the dual-lens camera module of the phone on the left.

We have more info related to the possible designs of the iPhone 12 series in the next section.

iPhone 12 series design: A new notch and more

Last year, Apple kept the iPhone design very much the same as the 2018 models. The only drastic change was the rear camera module, which turned into a rounded square to make room for the three lenses on the back of the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. With the Apple iPhone 12 series, though, we expect the whole phone to get redesigned.

The first rumor we’ve heard is that the notch on the front of the iPhones could see a bit of a size reduction. The current notch spans about half of the top of an iPhone, while the new design might shave that down a bit, allowing for more space at the top of the display. However, earlier rumors that the notch could be halved in size appear to be incorrect as of now.

Camera shootout: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

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Regardless, Apple would still need the notch to be big enough to carry all the Face ID tech needed to allow for 3D mapping of one’s face. We don’t expect any of the devices in the Apple iPhone 12 series to have fingerprint sensors, which means you would need Face ID for biometric security. As such, don’t expect a display cutout, waterdrop notch, or other solution for iPhones this year.

Elsewhere, we’ve heard quite a few rumors that Apple could bring back the metal rim design of the iPhone 4 which it already did on the recent iPad Pro. This would mean that the Apple iPhone 12 series could have flat screens rather than the curved glass panels on all current models (except the iPhone SE). There are a lot of harsh critics of curved glass displays on smartphones, so this will likely be good news for them.

Early on, there were rumors Apple would either remove the Lightning port on the Apple iPhone 12 series and only rely on wireless solutions or finally make the jump to a standard USB-C port. However, all rumors at the moment point to the iPhone 12 series continuing to use the Lightning connector. It’s far more likely next year’s iPhones will abandon a wired port completely.

Strangely, the latest rumors suggest that Apple will ship some or all of the iPhone 12 series phones without chargers in the boxes. This cost-cutting move will likely be marketed as a “go green” effort on Apple’s part, but it could also be a test run to see how consumers might react to a portless iPhone in the future.

Finally, according to ET News, there could be six different colorways in the iPhone 12 line. Unfortunately, the outlet did not divulge what those colors might be.

iPhone 12: Specs and features

EverythingApplePro

Some specifications of the Apple iPhone 12 series are fairly assured. For example, it’s nearly certain that we’ll see the proprietary A14 chipset in the higher-end iPhones as the 2019 iPhones all had the A13 Bionic.

It’s also nearly certain that the Qualcomm X55 modem will be included in the Apple iPhone 12 series. This will enable iPhones to be 5G-capable, which is essential for Apple to stay competitive. At this point, you can take the inclusion of the X55 modem as a given, since Apple had to eat some serious humble pie to get it.

The 2019 batch of iPhones were the first to come with 6GB of RAM, so it’s reasonable to assume at least the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will have 6GB or more. The lower-end models in the Apple iPhone 12 series could have only 4GB, though.

Some iPhone specs are a given, like the inclusion of the X55 modem. But we can also assume some other specs, too.

It’s also possible that Apple will finally increase the entry-level amount of internal storage on iPhones this year. The iPhone SE — which, again, only costs $399 — comes with 64GB of storage at the minimum. Therefore, it would seem silly for the high-end models to also start at 64GB. Sure enough, we recently heard a rumor suggesting that 128GB could be the new baseline for high-end iPhones.

These rumors all are backed up by a leak from Display Supply Chain Consultants. Check out the chart below to see what we mean:

MacRumors

We also heard a rumor that the iPhone 11 series could have 120Hz display refresh rates. This would be the first time an iPhone has had anything higher than the usual 60Hz. However, not everyone agrees on this feature’s inclusion with the iPhone 12 line, so the jury is still out.

Although we don’t have much confirmed info on internal specs of the iPhone 12 series, we do have confirmation on a lot of the software features the phones will provide. That’s because Apple recently held its WWDC 2020 keynote in which it detailed many of the high-profile features coming to iOS 14. If you want to find out what the new operating system can do, check out our summary here.

As far as cameras go, we only are fairly confident about a feature that probably won’t be coming to the iPhone 12 series: periscope lenses. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, this novel technology that allows for high-quality analog zoom probably won’t show up on an iPhone until 2022.

Finally, the iPhone 12 series might come with some upgraded video capture abilities. According to one rumor, the two iPhone 12 Pro models this year might be able to record 4K video at both 120fps and 240fps. Current iPhones are limited to 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps.

iPhone 12: Price and availability

Here are the starting prices for the iPhone 11 series:

$699 — iPhone 11
$999 — iPhone 11 Pro
$1,099 — iPhone 11 Pro Max

With the expected inclusion of 5G support as well as the new revamped designs, one would assume the Apple iPhone 12 series will be more expensive. However, early rumors suggest that Apple could keep iPhone 12 pricing basically the same as the iPhone 11 series. According to those rumors, this is what the iPhone 12 series might cost:

Leaked iPhone 12 pricing (rumor only):

5.4-inch iPhone 12: $649
6.1-inch iPhone 12 Max: $749
6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro: $999
6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max: $1,099

If these prices end up being true, it would be great news for consumers. Earlier this year, Apple competitor Samsung launched the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra — which starts at a jaw-dropping $1,400 — and that would look ridiculously over-priced against a $1,099 iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Still, the pricing list above is only rumored at this point, so don’t take it to the bank just yet.

As usual, though, you can expect the iPhone 12 series to be available all around the world with similar models in all the usual countries. If there’s one thing you can depend on with Apple is no region-specific nonsense making things confusing for buyers (hint hint, Android OEMs).

The best Google Pixel 4a cases you can get

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 19:17:38 GMT

Credit: David Imel/ Android Authority

The Google Pixel 4a isn’t even hot off of the presses yet, but there is already a laundry list of cases to choose from. It may be a budget-friendly device at just $349, but it’s still worth protecting. If you’re planning to give the latest phone by Google a try, here are the best cases you can get for the Pixel 4a right now.

See also: Google Pixel 4a review

We’ve done our best to include a variety of options. Whether you want heavy-duty protection or a simple bumper option, we have you covered. The Pixel 4a is completely brand-new and the best is probably yet to come, so check back often for the latest offerings. You can also pick up the latest phone by Google at the widget below:

Google Pixel 4a The best of Google for $349

Getting the Google experience has never been more accessible. A compact phone that's easy to use, a beautiful screen, and one of the best cameras in this price range. The Pixel 4a is hard to beat.

Poetic Revolution
Otterbox Commuter
Otterbox Symmetry

Editor’s note: We will continue to update this list of the best cases for the Pixel 4a as more are released.

Caseology Vault

Credit: Amazon

Caseology’s Vault keeps the simple, sleek look that defines the Pixel 4a. It comes in matte black with a texturized TPU finish that’s easy to grip. The Caseology Vault uses a 1.2mm lip around the screen and a 2mm lip around the camera for some added peace of mind. Better yet, the Caseology Vault is MIL-STD 810G certified for drop-resistance.

Get at Amazon

Anccer Colorful

Credit: Amazon

If you’re dead-set on a thin case with a pop of color, the Anccer Colorful is tough to top. After all, colorful is right there in the name. Currently available in black, blue, green, and rose gold, the Anccer Colorful is an easy-to-apply polycarbonate option. It’s just 0.03 inches thick, and an 0.3mm lip protects the camera from drops. Anccer’s colorful case isn’t the most durable on the list but it’ll brush off the daily scuffs and scrapes.

get at Amazon

Caseology Parallax

Credit: Amazon

The second option from Caseology adds hybrid protection and a unique triangular finish to the brand-new Pixel 4a. You can try the Parallax in Classic Blue, Coral Pink, Matte Black, and Google’s own Purple-ish finish. The case combines a soft TPU shell with a rigid polycarbonate bumper for MIL-STD certified protection. Precise cutouts also allow for easy access to all of the ports and buttons.

get at Amazon

Ghostek Covert

Credit: Amazon

The thicker the bumper, the better the protection — at least that’s the philosophy behind Ghostek’s Covert case for the Pixel 4a. It comes with a built-in kickstand and it’s available in smoke, pink, and clear, but the thick TPU bumper is the real selling-point for this case. The bumper is designed with R2x shockproof technology that can brush off 8-foot drops according to Ghostek. Anti-slip grips around the edges mean that it should stay snug in your hand.

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Poetic Revolution

Credit: Amazon

Poetic’s Revolution case finds its way onto many of our best lists because it’s one tough nut to crack. It offers full 360-degree protection with a beefy back panel and a polycarbonate lip that features a built-in screen protector. The Revolution isn’t the easiest case to add or remove, but that’s because the protection is just that tight. Even the back of the case doubles as a built-in kickstand for hands-free media streaming.

get at amazon

Otterbox Commuter

Credit: OtterBox

As the toughest name in phone cases, it should come as no surprise that Otterbox is rounding out our list. The commuter is another hybrid case with a soft TPU cover protected by a hard polycarbonate shell. it comes in classic black and Cupid’s Way Pink if you want to add a touch of color. Port covers keep dirt and debris away from the Pixel’s precious internals, and the case is thin enough to support wireless charging.

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Otterbox Symmetry

Credit: OtterBox

If the Commuter is Otterbox’s thunder, the sleek Symmetry case is its lightning. It’s completely clear and makes for a perfect option to show off your Google style. The one-piece design means that the Symmetry case is easy to apply or remove in seconds too. Instead of port covers, the Symmetry saves weight by using simple cutouts around the ports and a tactile cover for the volume rocker.

get at otterbox

If you haven’t pulled the trigger on the brand-new Google Pixel 4a quite yet, here’s our in-depth guide to everything you need to know:

Google Pixel 4a is here: Your buying guide

PlayStation 5 will support many of your PS4 accessories

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 19:00:42 GMT

Credit: Sony

Sony has outlined which PlayStation 4 accessories should work with the PlayStation 5.
Many controllers, headsets, and PlayStation VR products should work properly.
DualShock 4 controllers will work for PS4 games, but not PS5 titles.

Sony has outlined the PlayStation 5’s support for PS4 accessories, and it’s mostly good news if you’re hoping to reuse your existing hardware with the new console.

The PS5 will support “specialty peripherals” like arcade joysticks, flight sticks and licensed racing wheels with both PS5 games and supporting Ps4 titles. Sony’s Gold and Platinum Wireless Headsets, as well as third-party 3.5mm and USB headsets, should also play nicely with the next-generation system.

PlayStation VR-related peripherals should work in addition to the headset itself. The Move and Aim controllers will work with “supported” PS VR games on the PS5. The PlayStation Camera will work as well, although you’ll have to get a free adapter. More details for the adapter are coming in the future, Sony said.

Don’t expect your DualShock 4 controller to stand in for the PS5’s DualSense, however. While the DualShock and licensed third-party substitutes will play PS4 games, you’ll need a DualSense or a licensed counterpart for PS5 software. Games “should take advantage” of the PS5’s new abilities, Sony said, and that includes the DualSense’s features.

The controller decision is unfortunate if you were hoping to use your PS4 gamepads for local multiplayer, but it makes sense given the DualSense’s functional changes. The adaptive triggers and more sophisticated haptic feedback could not only offer more immersion than a DualShock 4, but provide an edge in gameplay. You might be at a disadvantage if you stick with some PS4 controllers.

This isn’t a comprehensive accessory support list, and likely won’t answer all your questions. All the same, it’s clear that you’ll likely only pay extra if you need more than one DualSense controller. That’s not out of line with Sony’s history (you can’t officially use PS3 controllers with the PS4, for instance). To some extent, it’s an improvement over past generations where hardware differences often forced you to toss out many of your existing accessories.

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