Deal: Best Buy offering $200 gift card with unlocked Galaxy S8 duo

For those of you in the US, Best Buy is now offering a $200 gift card with any eligible purchase of an unlocked Galaxy S8 device.


See also:Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus review: Almost to InfinityApril 18, 2017


Samsung’s Galaxy S8 duo is only a few months old, but they’re seeing all sorts of discounts already, especially the unlocked versions. Samsung already offers trade-in deals for locked and unlocked Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus devices, which could bring down the price by as much as $350, and now, Best Buy is joining in on the fun.
Currently, Best Buy is selling the unlocked Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus for $724.99 and $824.99 respectively, but the retailer will give you a free $200 Best Buy gift card for every eligible purchase. While it’s not technically a discount, if you shop at Best Buy often, it’s not a bad deal. Plus, these will come with a free Insignia Holder/Stand.
The unlocked Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will work with all four major carriers in the US including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Apart from the fact that these are carrier unlocked, all the specs remain the same: Samsung’s signature Dual Pixel 12-megapixel camera, Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and an iris-scanner. The smaller one comes with a 5.8-inch display and a 3,000 mAh battery whereas its bigger sibling sports a 6.2-inch display and a 3,500 mAh battery.
If you have, for instance, an old Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S7, or Galaxy S7 Edge lying around, you’re probably better off trading those in to get an actual discount of $300+.
If you do have a recent Samsung flagship to trade in though, you might want to go with Samsung’s official promotion. Sure, you are getting $200 to spend at Best Buy, but it’s only at Best Buy. If you have, for instance, an old Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S7, or Galaxy S7 Edge lying around, you’re probably better off trading those in to get an actual discount of $300+. However, it is worth mentioning that for the past few years, Samsung has faced heavy criticism from frustrated unlocked Galaxy users who always seem to the last ones to receive security patches and OS updates. It’s not clear yet whether Samsung’s software update strategy has improved with the Galaxy S8, but if official software support is something that’s really important for you, there is that risk.
You can check out the gift card deal on Best Buy’s website, and if you choose to go through the trade-in route, here is the link to Samsung’s website.
Will you be buying an unlocked Galaxy S8 device from either Best Buy or Samsung? Do you think these are good deals for Samsung’s latest flagships? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Deal: Best Buy offering $200 gift card with unlocked Galaxy S8 duo

Harness the power of Android O

Android O is hot off the production line, and app developers are scrabbling to learn the powerful new capabilities. Even if you’re not a developer yet, you can get straight to the front line of app building through The Android O & Java Developer Mastery Course.
The latest operating system for Android was only fully released in the last month or two, so it’s a great time to get on the app gravy-train. This learning kit is a hands-on guide to developing Android O apps, ready for peddling on the Play Store. It’s led by Fahd Sheraz – an expert in Android programming with 22 years of programming experience under his belt. You’re in very good hands.
As a fundamental part of app development, you’ll acquire a strong understanding of Java, one of the most widely used programming languages out there. Across the 31 hours of expert content you’ll build clones of apps like Flappy Bird and YouTube, which give you a great base for doing your own thing afterwards. And as you might have guessed, no prior knowledge is required.
Even if you’re not a developer yet, you can get straight to the front line of app building.
We’re popping this in your deal dog-bowl today because we got word of a massive discount. There’s a 92% reduction on the price of this course for the next few days, so you can sign up right now for just $15.
If you do take advantage, your access doesn’t end when the offer does. If you pick it up now then you’ve got the materials for life, so you can master app building at your leisure.
The clock’s ticking on this promotion. Grab it while you can by hitting the button below.
Check it out!
Is this deal not quite right for you? Head over to the AAPICKS HUB for more savings you’re going to love! For notifications of offers and price drops, sign up for our Deal Alerts newsletter.
We may get a small percent from purchases made through our posts. However, the AA Picks team only showcases verified, legitimate deals. It’s a nice way to help keep the lights on around here, and it decreases our reliance on pesky ads. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out at aapicks@androidauthority.com.
Harness the power of Android O

Report: Moto X4 Will be That Mid-Tier Project Fi Phone

Should the Moto X line makes its triumphant return later this year, it could do so as the first non-Google-branded Project Fi device. That’s according to a report out of Venturebeat, claiming that the “mid-tier” device referenced in a Tweet yesterday by the Project Fi team, is indeed the new Moto X, thought to be named Moto X4.
Not much is known about this Moto X4, though Venturebeat is under the impression that it will arrive in Q4 and sport a dual camera. We first saw a reference to the phone on a leaked Motorola roadmap that suggested the phone will have a 5.2-inch FHD (1080p) display, “3D Glass,” and a “SmartCam.” Only FHD in the display may sound somewhat disappointing, but the X line was previously the top tier from Motorola before the Z line launched last year. Marketing materials also call it “Unlimited Perfection,” which could be a hint at high design and premium materials with just the right amount of specs. Then again, if this is the device Project Fi referenced, it could just be “mid-tier” with a lot of sales spin.
In the end, this potentially being a Project Fi device is a big deal. Not only have we only had Pixel and Nexus devices on Project Fi since the beginning, this would be an affordable option, something that isn’t currently a part of Fi.
Who wants a Moto X4 on Fi?
// Venturebeat
Report: Moto X4 Will be That Mid-Tier Project Fi Phone is a post from: Droid Life
Report: Moto X4 Will be That Mid-Tier Project Fi Phone

Sharp is launching a pair of totally bezeless phones in mid-July

Samsung might be calling their near-bezeless Galaxy S8 screen the “Infinity display”, but it might be time to rethink that name, because Sharp is set to launch two devices in mid-July which go to infinity.. and beyond.
The Sharp FS8016 and FS8010 (catchy, right?) are a new set of handsets from the manufacturer which manage to make the entire front side of the phone into a single sheet of glass. They both come in 5.5″ variants and pack resolutions of 2048 x 1080p. With 12MP and 8MP dual cameras and 4/6GB of RAM you might think these are pretty high-end devices, though they are housing some different processors than you might expect.
 Read more120Hz adaptive displays: the future or just a gimmick?
The FS8016 is sporting a Snapdragon 660 while the FS8010 houses a Snapdragon 330, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In performance tests the 660 came very close to the flagship Snapdragon 835, so this thing should do the device justice. As for the Snapdragon 330.. we’ll just have to see how this thing handles once it actually hits the market.

The announcement isn’t too much of a surprise coming from Sharp, who shocked everyone way back in 2014 with the release of the Aquos Crystal, which utilized a bezeless top half of the device and housed the front camera and speaker near the bottom. Though this design looks a bit dated now compared to things like the Xaiomi Mi Mix, Galaxy S8, and more, it was quite revolutionary for the time, and it’s good to see Sharp bursting back into the public eye with another industry first.
Do the images of the device interest you? We can only hope that more manufacturers adopt this kind of styling in the future as we move towards a totally bezel-free world.
Sharp is launching a pair of totally bezeless phones in mid-July

RAYSTORM makes it to the Google Play Store with a “special price” of $7.99

Classic scrolling shooter fans rejoice! TAITO Corporation has finally gotten around to releasing RAYSTORM for Android, years after iOS users got the PlayStation/arcade port. Today you can have your share of airborne destruction for the “special price” of $7.99.
Yes, that is at a discount. The price will go up to $9.99 after the campaign ends. Is the game worth that amount of cash? To some of us melancholic gamers, it is. We have been known to pay this much (and more) for classic ports.


See also:15 best arcade games for AndroidJuly 11, 2016


You can expect to see a near identical experience to the one we remember from the late 90s. Arcade Mode is literally the same game, but there is also Remix Mode now, which optimizes the experience for touch screen controls. The game does support MFi controllers, though, making it easier for the hard-core gamers to truly enjoy this classic title.

Gameplay itself hasn’t changed. You can pick between a couple ships: R-GRAY1 and R-GRAY2. Each has its benefits, meeting different playing styles to suit your personal needs. You can also choose between auto and manual shooting modes. And with 8 levels of difficulty, we are sure you will keep yourself entertained for a while, which is good considering the game won’t be cheap!
Hit the Google Play Store to get RAYSTORM. Who is buying this one? Do you think it’s ok for companies to charge these prices for classic ports? It sure seems to be a trend.
Download RAYSTORM
RAYSTORM makes it to the Google Play Store with a “special price” of $7.99

Weekly Recap: Google Photos Wins the Week

A big holiday weekend is here in the US and I know you have beer to drink, but there was some good Android stuff this week to recap. For one, Google Photos and its fancy new sharing features from Google I/O have arrived. It’s awesome. I’ve already got every single picture of my son heading straight to my wife’s Photos account seconds after I take them. Pretty sweet.
Also, we got some big Pixel 2 rumors/leaks, saw the Essential Phone take a step closer to launch, are now expecting a mid-tier Project Fi phone that isn’t made by Google, and unboxed the Verizon Moto Z2 Play. There are a bunch of good deals going down as well, including a big one from Google Play.

Pixel 2 news: Specs and additional details you have been wanting are here
Google Play Summer Sale is here!
Google Photos suggested sharing and family library is here and super awesome
This is probably what the Galaxy Note 8 looks like
Essential Phone stopped at the FCC this week | New photos of it
Project Fi is getting a mid-tier phone option later this year
Moto X4 might just be the mid-tier Project Fi phone
Google Play 8.0 adds a sweet little “What’s New” shortcut for updates
Unboxing: Our first look at the new Moto Z2 Play!
Release dates for all the new Moto Mods have been announced
Amazon Echos can now act as your home’s intercom system
Poll: Do you care about dual cameras?
Amazon Prime Day is back and kicks off July 10
Qualcomm has some really cool fingerprint sensors on the way
Galaxy Note 7 “Fandom Edition” is coming, and that’s stupid
Huawei seems to have given up on the US
OnePlus 5 gets first big update

Enjoy the weekend, folks, just be sure to match pints of water to all those pints of pilsner.
Weekly Recap: Google Photos Wins the Week is a post from: Droid Life
Weekly Recap: Google Photos Wins the Week

DEAL: Buy Unlocked Galaxy S8 or S8+ From Best Buy, Get $200 Gift Card

For weeks, Samsung and its retail partners were selling the US unlocked Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ at a $100 discount. If you didn’t pounce on it (along with that crazy trade-in deal), I hate to tell you that the price is back up. However, Best Buy has replaced that $100 discount with a $200 gift card deal that’s not half bad.
All you have to do is buy the unlocked Galaxy S8 ($725) or Galaxy S8+ ($825) and they’ll hand you a $200 Best Buy gift card. Sure, you still have to fork out the full price of either phone, but then you have a couple of hundred free bucks to spend elsewhere in the store.
As a reminder, the US unlocked S8 models work on all major US carriers. So far, Samsung has done a decent job of keeping them updated as well. Unlike last year’s models, these S8 unlocked versions are seeing steady security updates (they are on the June security patch).
Best Buy Links:

Unlocked Galaxy S8
Unlocked Galaxy S8+

DEAL: Buy Unlocked Galaxy S8 or S8+ From Best Buy, Get $200 Gift Card is a post from: Droid Life
DEAL: Buy Unlocked Galaxy S8 or S8+ From Best Buy, Get $200 Gift Card

DEAL: Moto Z2 Play at Best Buy is $50 Off, Includes Free JBL SoundBoost 2 Moto Mod

The Moto Z2 Play has only been available for 24 hours and already Best Buy has a good deal on it. If you buy the phone from BBY on a device payment plan, they’ll slash $50 off the total price. That brings your monthly payment to just $14.91 per month (down from $17 per month).
To sweeten the deal, Best Buy is including a free JBL SoundBoost 2 Moto Mod, just like Verizon is. That speaker costs $80, so your freebie total value sits somewhere around $130. Not bad for a phone that so far, is looking like a winner in my opinion.
To get your free JBL SoundBoost 2 speaker Mod, you’ll have to use Motorola’s rebate site.
Best Buy Deal Link



DEAL: Moto Z2 Play at Best Buy is $50 Off, Includes Free JBL SoundBoost 2 Moto Mod is a post from: Droid Life
DEAL: Moto Z2 Play at Best Buy is $50 Off, Includes Free JBL SoundBoost 2 Moto Mod

AR vs VR: what’s the difference?

While the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive haven’t quite been flying off the shelves yet, virtual reality is still big news and most analysts think that it is about to take off in a big way. And even if it remains solely the pastime of enthusiasts, it’s still undeniably the case that VR is officially here – and that is incredibly exciting.

But it’s not only VR that has arrived. Equally exciting, and perhaps even more so, is the arrival of comparable technologies such as AR and MR. AR is ‘augmented reality’, while MR is ‘mixed reality’. Both these options bring something similar, though slightly different, to the table and are equally significant in their own ways. Juggling all these concepts can get a little confusing for the uninitiated though, so let’s take a look at precisely how each of these technologies works and how they are different. It’s AR vs VR, a showdown that will define our future!


See also:The challenges facing mobile VRMay 16, 2017


AR vs VR: Augmented or Virtual?
Augmented and virtual reality are the two technologies that are most widely used right now, so let’s start with those. The easiest distinction to make between augmented reality and virtual reality is that virtual reality immerses you entirely into a virtual world, whereas augmented reality simply overlays virtual elements onto the real world. You know, real reality.
A virtual reality headset will typically use one or two screens that are held close to your face and viewed through lenses. It then uses various sensors in order to track the user’s head and potentially their body as they move through space. Using this information, it renders the appropriate images to create the illusion that the user is navigating a completely foreign environment.
In the case of a device such as the HTC Vive or the upcoming standalone VR headsets with ‘worldsense’, users are free to not only look around but also walk around – interestingly, the latter example uses computer vision technology similar to AR/MR (more on this in a moment). The Oculus Rift now supports positional tracking to a lesser degree as well. Other examples of ‘traditional’ VR include the Gear VR, the Daydream View and even Google Cardboard.

Augmented reality on the other hand will usually use either glasses or a pass-through camera so that the user can see the real world around them in real time. Digital elements will then either be projected onto the glass, or will be shown on the screen on top of the camera feed. There are big similarities here between AR and VR – both are likely to use some kind of headset for instance and both will typically use head tracking to follow the user’s movements. However, AR will typically require slightly less processing power compared with VR as it doesn’t need to render a complete scene.
What it does require though is some degree of ‘computer vision’ – a field of computer science that allows a device to understand the world around it, so that the digital elements can be placed correctly. As mentioned, it is this technology that will soon allow for ‘inside out’ positional tracking with no need for beacons to detect the position of the user. In other words, AR might not need to show the user the environment, but it can still use information about the individual’s surroundings. Google Glass is an example of an AR focused device, which actually just received its first update in three years!
AR and VR are not really competing technologies, but rather complimentary technologies
This is the most common form of augmented reality at least; actually, augmented reality needn’t use a headset at all and can actually work just fine through your phone using a variety of apps available right now. Pokémon Go for example is an example of AR being used in a very mainstream way, as are the filters in Snapchat. Lesser known is something like Wikitude, which is an ‘augmented reality SDK’ for overlaying ‘location based’ information in apps.
Pokémon Go demonstrates the mainstream appeal of augmented reality
What’s more, AR needn’t even include a visual element at all in some cases, as we will see in a moment. For the most part though, AR refers to digital information shown on top of a live feed of the real world. AR and VR are not really competing technologies at all, but rather complimentary technologies. They both serve slightly different functions and in all likelihood, both will have a big role in our future.
So where does mixed reality come in?
So that’s augmented reality vs virtual reality… but what about mixed reality?
Mixed reality is very similar to augmented reality in that it is a combination of a live feed of the world around you with digital information or CG graphics on top. Unfortunately though, the difference isn’t all that clearly defined. Generally, the term mixed reality is more commonly used to describe scenarios in which the computer generated elements more closely interact with the real-world elements. Perhaps this might mean that a wall in your house becomes a computer screen showing a Skype conversation, for instance, or perhaps you’re driving a virtual remote controlled car around your living room floor. Examples of MR-centric hardware include the Microsoft HoloLens or the mysterious Magic Leap headset.
The Microsoft Hololens has a somewhat limited field of view but according to reports, it otherwise delivers on the promise shown in images like this
Mixed reality also tends to be more immersive than augmented reality and require a little more processing power. This might mean that a third of what you can see is computer generated, as opposed to just seeing a piece of text or a single object on top of the real world.
We wouldn’t describe an app that told you the relationship status of a person when you pointed your phone at them as mixed reality, for example. This is augmented reality because it only affects a very small aspect of your view. But the distinction gets blurry here and it’s at this point that the differentiation is hard to define. At a certain point, the terms augmented and mixed reality become interchangeable, so the decision between them comes down to the marketing team deciding which sounds most impressive for their new gadget.
At a certain point, the terms augmented and mixed reality become interchangeable.
It is perhaps best to think of this as a spectrum. On that spectrum, you have vanilla reality at one end and VR at the other. AR is closer to the vanilla end, while mixed reality is a little further along. There’s actually a term that you can use to describe the entire spectrum of experiences which is ‘extended reality’ or ‘XR’. Most people won’t know what you’re talking about when you say that though…
Muddying the waters still
So, it gets a little complicated and arbitrary, but even once you’ve gotten your head around all the AR vs VR vs MR stuff, there are still some areas of confusion.
For example, how would you define 360-degree video? Some people would say that this is an example of virtual reality, while others argue that it is not ‘true’ VR – it is, after all, just the real world in 360. This creates a whole new distinction between CG virtual reality and 360 video. But what about 360 degree video with CG elements?

Then there is the fact that AR can affect senses other than your vision and therefore need not involve a screen at all. There’s a great app available on iOS (not Android, frustratingly) that has actually been offering a unique form of augmented reality for nearly ten years!
It was once called RjDj but is now called ‘The App Formerly Known as H _ _ r’.  Which is strange. But this app is an example of what you might call augmented audio reality; it takes sounds from your real world using your phone’s microphone and then changes them before playing them back in a warped fashion. You can apply different soundscapes to make your world more calming, more musical or just louder. And wait, does that then mean that a hearing aid is a form of AR too? According to Pharrel Williams, H _ _ r is ‘like legal drugs with no side effects’. So, there you go. Find out more here or try the similar ‘Scene Player’ for Android.
As you can see then, a whole range of different experiences are now possible, many of which defy categorization. Partly this is a sign of just how new and exciting this technology really is: it’s all coming so thick and fast that our vocabulary hasn’t quite had a chance to catch up. But whatever you call it: AR or VR, MR or XR… it’s all incredibly awesome.
Give that all a moment to sink in, virtual cat
AR vs VR: what’s the difference?

Xiaomi opens its 500th service center in India; aims to be the ‘benchmark of service’

In my editorial last year, I wrote about how Xiaomi is a huge hit in India, but not everyone was happy. The major customer grievance revolved around after-sales support. Xiaomi had launched several bestselling devices, yet poor after-sales support experience, non-availability of spare parts, and long wait times for getting devices serviced was hurting customer experience and brand reputation.
A Xiaomi spokesperson told me at that time that the company was transitioning the most critical parts of its after-sales operations in-house, aiming for a significant improvement in the service, and had initiated a dedicated spare parts warehouse in Bangalore.
Six months later, things already look better. For Xiaomi, it’s imperative that they do. India is an extremely important market in Xiaomi’s globalization strategy and their largest market outside of mainland China. In October last year, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun shared that the company aims to capture the largest market share in the country within 3-5 years.
Last month, Xiaomi opened their first offline retail store – Mi Home – in India and starting with Bengaluru, the company is now looking at opening Mi Homes in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, and plans to open 100 Mi Homes in next two years.

Today, Xiaomi opened its 500th service center in India on Friday. Spread across 350 cities, including Tier 3 and 4 towns, these service centers validate the company’s efforts towards better after-sales experience as it grows in brand equity as well as market-share in the country. According to a recent report from IMRB (Indian Market Research Bureau), Xiaomi India offers ‘best in class’ service delivery and is currently rated amongst the top five smartphones in India in terms of service delivery.
500 is another milestone for us in our India journey which is a proof point of our dedication towards after sales experience. Today, we have a strong service infrastructure and we want to be known as the benchmark for service delivery in India. While sales is an important element for most brand after sales is an extremely crucial element for us at Xiaomi and we will continue to work harder to make Xiaomi an even more consumer-centric company for our Mi Fans. In fact, we are kicking this week off as a Service Quality week in India today where we will celebrate our service experience for our Mi Fans across India.
– Manu Jain, Vice President, Xiaomi & Managing Director, Xiaomi India
According to the company, the service centers now manage an impressive 95 percent rate of repairing smartphones within a day and an 86 percent rate of repair for repairs within four hours.
The service centers are of course only a part of the service infrastructure of the company. Xiaomi has also set up two call centers which handle around 16,000 calls per day and there are three repair factories where 100 engineers repair around 500 PCBA units a day.
The man in charge of Xiaomi India knows that while sales is important, after sales service is an extremely crucial element. And Manu Jain has greater ambitions. “We want to be known as the benchmark for service,” he tweeted earlier today.
Xiaomi opens its 500th service center in India; aims to be the ‘benchmark of service’

Samsung smartphones with solid-state batteries could launch in the next two years

Solid-state batteries are expected to replace lithium-ion batteries that are currently found in smartphones and a bunch of other products in the near future. According to a report out of Korea, this is expected to happen over the next few years.
An anonymous executive with Samsung SDI (the battery manufacturing arm of the Samsung conglomerate) told The Korea Herald that the company will start manufacturing solid-state batteries in one to two years. The first application for these batteries will be in smartphones. Meanwhile, solid-state batteries for electric cars would take till 2025 to hit the market, due to the more stringent safety constraints.
“Our technological level to produce a solid-state battery for smartphones will be mature enough in one to two years. However, it depends on Samsung Electronics whether it will be used for phones,” warned the executive.
Samsung SDI obviously isn’t the only company working on the new battery technology. There are quite a few others as well including LG Chem, which will reportedly start producing them around the same time.


See also:What’s the difference between a Li-ion and solid-state battery?November 8, 2016


The biggest advantage of the upcoming batteries is that they are made from solid instead of liquid electrolytes and, therefore, have a much lower risk of catching fire and exploding. Battery safety has become a major concern in the last year or so, after Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 was recalled due to battery safety issues.
Will we see solid-state batteries on flagship phones from 2019? It depends on how mature the technology is at launch. If it’s good enough to compete with conventional batteries in term of capacity, lifespan and charging speed, a release on a flagship phone is possible. If not, Samsung and its rivals may choose to introduce it on a lower-end or niche phone.
Samsung smartphones with solid-state batteries could launch in the next two years

Google Play Store makes it easier to see what’s new in each app update

Google is rolling out the version 8.0 of the Play Store with a small but useful feature on board. The company added in-line change logs in the app updates menu, which basically show you everything that’s new in the latest version of an app.
There’s now a small icon next to the update button that will bring up the “What’s new” section of an app when you tap on it. This is displayed on the same screen, so you don’t have to open an app’s page on the Play Store to see the new features the update brings to the table. You can see exactly what this looks like in the image above.


See also:Google Play Store has a new offline page, notifies you when you’re online again2 weeks ago


As already mentioned, Google is currently rolling out the new version of the Play Store, which means it’s not available for all users yet. Let us know what you think!
Google Play Store makes it easier to see what’s new in each app update

This 360-degree camera module is small enough to fit into a 7.6mm smartphone

Last year, a company called ProTruly announced two smartphones with built-in 360-degree cameras. Although the idea sounds great on paper, the problem is that 360-degree camera modules are quite big and don’t really look that great on handsets. It makes them both a lot taller as well as thicker.
The ProTruly Darling, for example, which you can see in the image above, is actually 8.9 mm thick without the camera bump as well as 181.4 mm tall despite having a 5.5-inch screen. For comparison, the recently announced OnePlus 5 that sports a display of the same size is 154.2 mm tall and 7.3 mm thick.


See also:First footage from Essential Phone’s 360-degree camera add-on posted online3 weeks ago


But it looks like things will change for the better in the near future. At MWC in Shanghai, Engadget talked with a company called HT Optical that makes the cameras found on ProTruly’s devices. The company said that it is working on a much smaller 360 camera module that will actually fit into a 7.6 mm thick smartphone and will be capable of capturing 16 MP photos and shoot 4K videos. What’s even more interesting is that the module will only add an extra 1 mm to the overall thickness of a device.
What the company didn’t mention is how much taller will a smartphone with this camera module be compared to devices featuring the same screen size and a standard camera. In the case of the already mentioned ProTruly Darling, we are talking about around 3 cm, which is quite a lot.
I guess we’ll find out soon enough, as the first smartphone with the latest 360 camera module is expected to be unveiled on July 30 in China. Aside from the camera, nothing is known about it at this point.
This 360-degree camera module is small enough to fit into a 7.6mm smartphone

Get epic graphic design skills and the diploma to prove it

You know when you see a simple new company logo then hear that they paid half a million dollars for it? A graphic designer did that. If you want to get in on this action, the Graphic Design Certification School can teach you the skills and get you certified in the process.
It’s not enough to be creative these days, to make it as a designer you need to have an intimate knowledge of the software. This learning kit comprises expert training in the big three Adobe design packages.
Here’s what you get:
Photoshop Course – $399 value
InDesign Course – $399 value
Illustrator Course – $399 value
Starting from the basics you’ll learn everything you need to know about creating and editing images and documents for print or online publishing. From fundamentals like pixels to layering and creating 3D images. You’ll also learn the need-to-know details associated with graphic design, such as image rights.
You could sign up for these courses out of pure interest, but there are great extras too. The package is CPD certified so you’re both learning and accumulating CPD hours. If that doesn’t mean much to you, then how about this – Each course includes an online assessment, which leads to a DTP Master Diploma. How do you like those apples.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about creating and editing images

There’s a stonking 96% discount on this toolkit right now, so this tasty bundle is all yours for just $39. That’s for lifetime access too, so if you fancy taking it on at any time then sign up now while it’s on offer.
Don’t leave it too late. Hit the button below to join the 2,000 people already enrolled.
check it out!
Is this deal not quite right for you? Head over to the AAPICKS HUB for more savings you’re going to love! For notifications of offers and price drops, sign up for our Deal Alerts newsletter.
We may get a small percent from purchases made through our posts. However, the AA Picks team only showcases verified, legitimate deals. It’s a nice way to help keep the lights on around here, and it decreases our reliance on pesky ads. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out at aapicks@androidauthority.com.
Get epic graphic design skills and the diploma to prove it

Here’s when you can get your hands on those new Moto Mods

Earlier this month, Motorola gave us a glimpse of four new Moto Mods. Now we have the exact release dates for three of them.


See also:Motorola reveals the 12 finalists for its Moto Mods developer challengeFebruary 9, 2017


When Motorola officially the wraps off the Moto Z2 Play about a month ago, the company also announced four new Moto Mods which work with any Moto Z phone: the JBL SoundBoost 2, Moto TurboPower Pack, Moto Style Shells with Wireless Charging, and the Moto GamePad. Like all other Moto Mods, they use Moto Z devices’ modular pins on the back in order to connect with the main handset. While their pricing was never a mystery, we were never told when exactly they’d be arriving; Motorola had only vaguely stated that they would be launching sometime this summer. Well, we now have the precise dates for at least three of the four Mods.
Motorola will sell one of them as early as July 10, but we still don't know when the GamePad will arrive.
According to Droid Life, Motorola’s online store will be the first to sell the JBL SoundBoost 2 on July 10. Priced at $79.99, it’s similar to the one announced last year, except it will come in three colors this year. You can also use the new JBL app in order to adjust its volume. That speaker Mod along with the Moto TurboPower Pack and the Style Shells with Wireless Charging will be available from Best Buy a bit later on July 30. The TurboPower Pack adds an extra 3,490 mAh battery to any Moto Z device and will set you back $79.99 whereas the wireless charging cover is priced at $39.99.
Verizon – the carrier who exclusively sells the new Moto Z2 Play in the US – will get the SoundBoost 2 and TurboPower Pack on August 10 although it is currently offering a free SoundBoost 2 Mod with any eligible Moto Z2 Play purchase.
You might have noticed that the Moto Mod GamePad is missing from the list. My favorite of the four – and probably yours as well – is coming later this summer, and it looks like we still don’t have an exact release date for that one. The 80-dollar game pad adds extra buttons and control sticks as well as battery life to your device for optimal gaming experience.
Have you pre-ordered/ordered the Moto Z2 Play? Will you be getting any of these Moto Mods? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Here’s when you can get your hands on those new Moto Mods

Amazon Prime Exclusive phones: are they really a bargain?

Amazon’s Prime Exclusive phones start at $49.99, but there’s more than meets the eye. The ultimate question is “Is this really a bargain?”


See also:Is Amazon Prime really worth it?July 11, 2016


You’d think Amazon’s ill-fated Fire phone would have discouraged the company from selling smartphones altogether, but given just how lucrative this market is, Amazon just doesn’t seem to be able to quit. Back in June of 2016, Amazon announced that it’d be selling the Moto G4 and BLU R1 HD for $50 cheaper exclusively to Prime members. However, there was a big catch. In addition to being a paying Prime member, you would have to endure Amazon’s ads and offers on the lock screen of your Prime Exclusive phone.
Well, perhaps the online retail giant saw enough of success from this strategy: this week, it added five more phones to the Prime Exclusive list, and now it has a total of ten Android smartphones to offer its Prime members at discounted prices. The rules of the game haven’t changed though, so you will still have to deal with pre-installed Amazon apps as well as the company’s presence on your lock screen. But just how bad are these ads?
How bad are these ads?
They’re not that bad.

Though it’s important to point out that these phones do come with Amazon’s own modifications, I think it’s as important to point out that for most users, these advertisements probably won’t be all that bad. Let me explain.
Essentially, Amazon inserts ads in two ways: when you have no personal notifications, the company will use the entire lock screen to promote its content, whether it’s an app, a new best-selling novel, or a Prime-exclusive TV show. As you can see above, it doesn’t look ghastly; in fact, often times, these full-screen ads feature pleasant images and aren’t all that intrusive. The second type appears when you do have personal notifications displayed on the lock screen. Amazon will resort to a simple card-style ad, which blends in with all other notifications – for better or worse.
As for the apps that come pre-loaded on these phones, most of them can be disabled and tucked away, and they don’t actually take up a lot of space.
So with that in mind, are Prime Exclusive phones really the bargain that Amazon makes them to be?
Scenario #1: You are already a Prime member
You should probably take advantage of these deals.
Now, assuming that you are already a paying Prime member and that you are looking for an affordable smartphone, the ultimate factor in deciding whether these discounts are a true bargain or not lies within just how often you use Amazon and how important personal notifications are for you. Sure, you could save up to $80, but it’s important to note that these Prime Exclusive discounts come in the form of an Amazon gift card. Plus, all of them come with a bunch of Amazon apps, and Amazon will push personalized deals and recommendations onto your lock screen.
You could save up to $80, but these Prime exclusive discounts come in the form of an Amazon gift card
Now, this trade-off might not be so much of a trade-off if you satisfy the following:

If you use Amazon Prime services like Prime Movies and Music often
If you shop on Amazon frequently enough to not mind (or even prefer) receiving personalized ads and receiving the discount in the form of an Amazon gift card
If you don’t mind seeing personal notifications mixed in with Amazon’s offers on your lock screen

If this is a somewhat accurate or even a spot-on description of you, read on. If not – if the prospect of Amazon’s apps and ads bothers you to no end – you’re probably better off paying those extra $20 to $80 for an ad-free device.
Let’s see what this Amazon Prime Exclusive phone has to offer:




DeviceSpecsSupported networksOriginal pricePrime Exclusive priceAmazon link




Nokia 65.5" FHD display, Snapdragon 430, 3/32 GB, 16 MP & 8 MP cameras, 3,000 mAh batteryAT&T and T-Mobile$229.99$179.99 ($50 off)Buy from Amazon


Moto G5 Plus5.2" FHD display, Snapdragon 625, 2/32 GB or 4/64 GB, 12 MP & 5 MP cameras, 3,000 mAh batteryAll four major carriers2/32 GB: $229.99

4/64 GB: $299.002/32 GB: $179.99 ($50 off)

4/64 GB: $239.99 ($60 off)Buy from Amazon


Moto G45.5" FHD display, Snapdragon 617, 2/16 or 32 GB, 13 MP & 5 MP cameras, 3,000 mAh batteryAll four major carriers16 GB: $179.99

32 GB: $199.9916 GB: $129.99 ($50 off)

32 GB: $149.99 ($50 off)Buy from Amazon


Moto E45" HD display, Snapdragon 425, 2/16 GB, 8 MP & 5 MP cameras, 2,800 mAh batteryAll four major carriers$129.99$99.99 ($30 off)Buy from Amazon


Moto G4 Play5" HD display, Snapdragon 410, 2/16 GB, 8 MP & 5 MP cameras, 2,800 mAh batteryAll four major carriers$149.99$99.99 ($50 off)Buy from Amazon


Alcatel Idol 5S5.2" FHD display, Snapdragon 625, 3/32 GB, 12 MP & 8 MP cameras, 2,620 mAh batteryAT&T and T-Mobile (Sprint and Verizon coming this summer)$279.99$199.99 ($80 off)Buy from Amazon


Alcatel A505.2" HD display, MediaTek MT6738, 2/16 GB, 13 MP & 5 MP cameras, 2,800 mAh batteryAT&T and T-Mobile$149.99$99.99 ($50 off)Buy from Amazon


Alcatel A30 Plus5.5" HD display, MediaTek MT6738, 2/16 GB, 13 MP & 5 MP cameras, 3,000 mAh batteryAT&T and T-Mobile (Verizon coming this summer)$129.99$79.99 ($50 off)Buy from Amazon


Alcatel A305" HD display, Snapdragon 210, 2/16 GB, 8 MP & 5 MP cameras, 2,460 mAh batteryAT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon$99.99$59.99 ($40 off)Buy from Amazon


Blu R1 HD5" HD display, MediaTek 6735, 1/8 GB or 2/16 GB, 8 MP & 5 MP cameras, 2,500 mAh batteryAT&T and T-Mobile (Limited service)1/8 GB: $99.99

2/16 GB: $109.991/8 GB: $49.99 ($50 off)

2/16 GB: $59.99 ($50 off)Buy from Amazon




Big screen
Since there are ten phones whose prices range from $49.99 to $199.99, it’s safe to say that not all of them will perform the same. If you are looking for a device with a large screen, your best bet is probably the Nokia 6. After all, for $50 less than the regular price, you’re getting an all-metal phone with a 5.5-inch Full HD display and a 16-megapixel camera. The Alcatel A30 Plus is another 5.5-incher, and it’s $100 less than the Nokia 6. However, it has limited storage options, and the screen is “only” 720p.


See also:Taking a look at the Nokia 3, 5, and 6: Baby stepsFebruary 27, 2017


For selfie-lovers
You should definitely consider the Alcatel Idol 5S if you’re a big selfie fan. It sees the biggest price cut out of all ten phones and can be yours for $199.99. Sure, it’s the most expensive device on the list, but considering the fact that it’s originally priced at $279.99, it’s quite a bargain. In addition to a 5.2-inch Full HD display, it sports an 8-megapixel front-facing camera as well as an LED flash, so you can take selfies even when it’s pitch black.
For Verizon and Sprint
While all ten phones are carrier-unlocked, a lot of them only support GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile. Of the phones that support all four major US carriers, the best device is probably the Moto G5 Plus (for now at least until the Alcatel Idol 5S gets CDMA support this summer). Priced at $179.99, it has everything you’d expect from a mid-ranger: 5.2-inch Full HD screen, 12-megapixel camera with f/1.7 aperture, expandable storage, and a juicy 3,000 mAh battery.


Don't miss:Moto G5 Plus reviewApril 13, 2017


Scenario #2: you are NOT a paying Prime member
Paying for Prime just for a phone makes no sense. 
What if you’re not a Prime member?  This is where things get more interesting.

You are not a Prime member yet, but you would like an affordable phone. You can see yourself using Amazon for books, pantry stuff, electronics, knickknacks, clothes, food, and even groceries in some areas, and you’ve been thinking about joining. Do it – I honestly think it’s worth it. Buy the phone that tickles your fancy, and you can use the Amazon gift card to buy pretty much anything.
You are not a Prime member yet, but you would like an affordable phone. You do not see yourself using Amazon for your shopping needs. This probably is not a bargain for you.

Prime membership in the US costs $99 a year. It’s cheaper for students at $49. Even if you are eligible for the student discount, Prime Exclusive phones probably won’t be a bargain for you. There is only one phone that’s discounted by more than $50 to offset the amount you’d pay for the membership, and it’s the Alcatel Idol 5S. However, not only are you stuck with Amazon’s bloatware and Amazon deals that mean absolutely nothing to you, but you have a gift card that you’ll probably never use. In other words, you’re probably better off spending a few extra dollars or buying a used or refurbished phone at a discounted price.
Bottom line: if you’re not a Prime member, this is a lucrative-looking deal that comes with too much baggage
Amazon may have given up on manufacturing its own smartphones, but its ambitious plan to push its software and promote its ever-growing merchandise lives on. Chances are, the company will add even more phones to the list in the near future, tickling the curiosity of many potential (mid-range) smartphone buyers out there. The bottom line is this: if you’re already a Prime member, this may be a chance to save more than just some pocket money. If you’re not a Prime member, this is a lucrative-looking deal that comes with too much baggage.
Are you an Amazon Prime member? Do you think these are good deals despite the lock screen ads? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
Amazon Prime Exclusive phones: are they really a bargain?

Another report claims LG V30 might ditch secondary display

According to a trusted source of XDA Developers, the upcoming LG V30 won’t have what’s become an iconic feature of the series: a secondary ticker.


See also:LG V30: all the rumors in one place5 days ago


With the introduction of the LG V10, the company took a similar approach that Samsung had taken a few years prior and benefited from: introducing a bigger phablet during the second half of the year with a focus on innovative technology and creative audience. While Samsung did so by offering the famous S-Pen, targeting artists and businesspeople, LG decided to add a secondary ticker and advanced camera and audio capabilities. The former, in particular, became a sort of an iconic feature of the V line-up, re-appearing on the V20 last year.
Well, if you’ve been a big fan of that secondary display, this might disappoint you: according to yet another report, LG could forego of that mini ticker this year with the V30. We first heard a similar rumor back in 2016 when Evan Blass claimed the V30 would not have a secondary ticker. He later clarified that the upcoming phablet wouldn’t retain a ticker but might still feature a (potentially larger) secondary display. It’s probably safe to assume that he was referring to the early concept images of the V30 that  he subsequently published.
This time, however, the report comes from XDA Developers, citing a “trusted source” for this unfortunate news. Although the publication doesn’t explain why LG supposedly made such a decision or specify whether it’s the ticker or the secondary display in general that the V30 would be lacking, it reiterates that the V30 will be the company’s first flagship to feature an OLED screen – as reported many times before. In addition, the phablet will reportedly come with Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM, and a microSD slot. No surprise there.
Of course, we will have to wait to find out whether the V30 will indeed be the first V-series smartphone to lack a secondary ticker, but as XDA Developers points out, there are few reasons why LG might make this move, and it’s got to do with the new 18:9 aspect ratio. With the new ratio – “Fullvision Display” as LG likes to call it – not only will the secondary ticker become unnecessary in terms of functionality, but it’ll quite simply make the device too long.
Perhaps the V30 will start to look a bit too similar to its G-series sibling, not unlike how the S-series and the Note line-up have been converging as of late.
Mind you, this report might just be echoing Evan Blass’ claim earlier last year: the V30 might ditch the ticker but could come with a secondary display elsewhere like what we saw in the leaked renders of LG’s Project Joan. That kind of bold move might finally compel me to buy an LG device, to be honest. Or alternatively, perhaps the V30 will start to look a bit too similar to its G-series sibling, not unlike how the S-series and the Note line-up have been converging as of late.
What do you think LG will do with the V30? Would you be sad to see the secondary ticker go? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Another report claims LG V30 might ditch secondary display

Best phones for business use

If you want to buy a smartphone for personal use, there’s no denying there are a ton of options to choose from. However, sometimes phones that are made for consumers are not good choices for businesses to give to their employees. Companies may want to have phones that are perhaps more powerful than the average handset, or have some special security features.


See also:Best Android phones (June 2017): our picks, plus a giveaway3 weeks ago


The good news is that there are plenty of smartphones that are well suited for business and enterprise use, and some of them come with features specifically made for those needs. Here’s a list of what we think are the current best phones for business use.
Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus

Samsung’s current flagship devices, the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and the 6.2-inch Galaxy S8 Plus, are excellent choices for businesses for two reasons. One is that both phones have some extra security features not found on many other phones. That includes an iris scanner that allows owners to launch the phones with their eyes. There are also options to open the phones with a fingerprint scanner, located in the back, and even facial recognition support via the phones’ cameras. Both phones also come with support for Samsung Knox, which the company claims gives owners hardware-based security that is up to military grade levels.

The other big feature is the phones’ support for Samsung DeX, an optional hardware dock that, when connected to a monitor, mouse and keyboard, can turn the Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus into a Windows-like PC desktop experience. For business employees who work at multiple offices, but don’t want to lug a heavy laptop around, this solution could be a solid replacement.
Both of the new Galaxy S8 phones have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor inside, and their large displays can easily handle more than one app running on the screen at a time. While both phones are a bit expensive, their security and features make them the perfect choice for businesses.
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S8

5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with 2960 x 1440 resolution, 570 ppi
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Octa-core Samsung Exynos 8895 processor (depending on region)
4 GB of RAM
64 GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256 GB
12 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera
Non-removable 3,000 mAh battery
Android 7.0 Nougat
148.9 x 68.1 x 8 mm, 155 g

Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus

6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with 2960 x 1440 resolution, 529 ppi
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Octa-core Samsung Exynos 8895 processor (depending on region)
4 GB of RAM
64 GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256 GB
12 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera
Non-removable 3,500 mAh battery
Android 7.0 Nougat
159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm, 173 g

Read more:

Best Samsung Galaxy S8 cases
Best Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus cases

Buy Galaxy S8 at Amazon

Buy Galaxy S8 Plus at Amazon


OnePlus 5

The recently launched OnePlus 5 is the latest phone from China-based OnePlus. It packs in a ton of high-end features that are found on many flagship phones, but offers them at a much more affordable cost. Like the Samsung Galaxy S8, the OnePlus 5 has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, but adds more RAM and storage options, with one featuring 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage for $479, and another with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for $539.
While the OnePlus 5 isn’t quite as security focused as the new Samsung Galaxy phones, it does offer features that businesses will like, such as a fast charge time with its Dash Charge feature. It allows the OnePlus 5 to get up to 50 percent of its total charge in just 30 minutes, which is highly useful for employees on the go who may only have a limited time to charge up their device. Also, its Android 7.1.1 Nougat-based Oxygen OS includes some built-in features such as a new reading mode can can turn its display into a grayscale look, along with the use of a blue light filter. This makes reading text easier, which again could be a huge help for employees who need to read reports and company plans on their phone a lot.
Specifications

5.5-inch display with 1,920 x 1,080 resolution
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
4 or 6 GB of RAM
64 GB or 128 GB of storage
13 MP rear camera, 20 MP telephoto rear camera, 16 MP front-facing camera
3,300 mAh battery
Android 7.1.1 Nougat, OxygenOS
Front-mounted fingerprint sensor
154.2 x 74.1 x 7.25 mm, 153 grams

Read More

These are the official OnePlus 5 cases
OnePlus 5 impressions from a Galaxy S8 user

See it at OnePlus

Motorola Moto Z and Moto Z Force

While these are older phones at this point, the Moto Z and Moto Z Force are both interesting choices for businesses because of their support for Moto Mods. These first and third-party accessories connect magnetically to the back of the Moto Z and can offer improvements and new features for the phone. Moto Mods that have already been released include some battery packs that help extend the overall use of the Moto Z on a single charge, which is always helpful for business customers.
Other Moto Mods add-ons include putting in a more advanced camera with a 10x optical zoom made by Hasselblad and a JBL speaker for much improved sound quality. Perhaps the most interesting Moto Mod accessory that’s currently on the market is the projector. When attached to the Moto Z, it can put an image of the phone’s screen on a wall, up to 70 inches. This kind of feature is perfect for an employee who needs to make a quick presentation in a meeting room but doesn’t want to use a bulky standard projector connected to a PC.
The current crop of Moto Mods will also be supported for the next generation versions of Motorola’s Moto Z family, the already announced Moto Z2 Play, which is due for release in July, along with the rumored Moto Z2, which is expected to be officially revealed later this summer. Even more Moto Mods are planned for release over the next several months.
Specifications
Moto Z 

5.5-inch AMOLED display with Quad HD resolution
2.15 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
4 GB of RAM
32 GB or 64 GB of onboard storage, expandable up to 256 GB
13 MP rear camera, 5 MP front camera
2,600 mAh battery
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
153.3 x 75.3 x 5.2 mm, 136 grams

Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus

5.5-inch AMOLED display with Quad HD resolution
2.15 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
4 GB of RAM
32 GB or 64 GB of onboard storage, expandable up to 256 GB
21 MP rear camera, 5 MP front camera
3,500 mAh battery
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
155.9 x 75.8 x 7 mm, 163 g

Read More:

Moto Z and Moto Z Force Cases

See it at Motorola

BlackBerry KEYone

Remember when using the term “CrackBerry” meant that you were addicted to using your BlackBerry phone? While those days have come and gone, the classic BlackBerry name and phone design recently came back in the form of the KEYone. The phone was actually made by TCL Communication, but the influence from BlackBerry is evident in more than just the name and logo.
Many BlackBerry fans, especially business users, will be happy with the QWERTY physical keyboard on the bottom of the KEYone. It’s not in place for nostalgia’s sake; business users will likely prefer a more tactile experience for using the phone’s features compared to the now standard touchscreen. Owners of this phone can use keyboard shortcuts, which require the BlackBerry Launcher, to help launch Android apps instead of touching its display.
Speaking of software, the KEYOne comes pre-loaded with BlackBerry’s own DTEK security app. It is supposed to help monitor any malware issues that might crop up in apps or even in the Android OS. This is, of course, highly important for business users. The phone also includes a productivity tab, to give users faster access to important messages, upcoming calendar tasks, contacts and more. While long time BlackBerry fans will certainly love the KeyONE, this phone would be a great business device choice for anyone else.
Specifications

4.5-inch display with 1,620 x 1,080 resolution
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 running at 2.0 GHz
3 GB of RAM
32 GB of storage
12 MP rear camera, 8 MP front-facing camera
3,505 mAh battery
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
149.3 x 72.5 x 9.4 mm, 180 grams

Read More:

Android 7.1.1 Nougat review

See it at BlackBerry


Apple iPhone 7/Plus


Okay, as Android fans, we were a bit hesitant to put this one on the list. But let’s face reality, despite our preferences, the iPhone is very common in the workplace, especially in the United States. While Android’s flexibility, in our opinion, makes it a much more adaptable platform for just about any type of business, Apple has a pretty notable presence in the health care industry, education, and beyond.

At least according to Apple (take with grain of salt), 99% of Fortune 500 companies are using iOS on their networks — obviously not necessarily exclusively, but the point is that Apple has a place in business. Apple’s current flagship phones are the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Both come with iOS 10 out of the box and both come with the company’s own quad-core A10 Fusion processor inside with a clock speed of 2.34 GHz, which is supposed to be twice as fast as the chip inside the older iPhone 6 models. Both can be purchased in 32 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB storage options and both also have 2 GB of RAM.

Pricing for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus depends on the carrier, along with the amount of its onboard storage, but the starting prices for the smaller phone begin at $649 up front, or for $32.41 a month for a standard carrier contract. The iPhone 7 Plus has an up front starting price of $769, or a per month payment of $37.41 under contract.
Specs
iPhone 7


4.7-inch display with 1,334 x 750 resolution
2.34 GHz quad-core A10 Fusion processor
2 GB RAM
32 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB of onboard storage, non-expandable
12 MP rear camera, 7 MP front-facing camera
1,960 mAh battery
iOS 10
Front-mounted fingerprint sensor
5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches, 4.87 ounces

iPhone 7 Plus


5.5-inch display with 1,920 x 1,080 resolution
2.34 GHz quad-core A10 Fusion processor
2 GB RAM
32 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB of onboard storage, non-expandable
Dual 12 MP rear camers, 7 MP front-facing camera
2,900 mAh battery
iOS 10
Front-mounted fingerprint sensor
6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches, 6.63 ounces

Read More

OnePlus 5 vs Apple iPhone 7 Plus: quick look
Google Pixel XL vs Apple iPhone 7 Plus

Get it at Apple

Conclusion
As usual, the smartphone ecosystem changes nearly ever day, so if any new devices pop up that we think would be good for business customers, we will update this list with the latest and greatest. In the meantime, which smartphones on the market do you think should be on this list? Let us know your opinion in the comments!


Best phones for business use

Thursday Poll: Are Dual Cameras an Important Feature to You?

If you were to ask me what the hot smartphone trend of the moment is, I’d probably go with dual cameras. The OnePlus 5 just dropped and it has dual cameras, a setup that OnePlus has spent a heck of a lot of time talking about. We know the iPhone 7 Plus has dual cameras. Huawei phones have them now. So do LG’s. Future Motorola phones appear to be leaning that way. And of course, the Galaxy Note 8 should have 2 cameras on its backside.
I’m just wondering if any of you really care? We see this so often, where manufacturers try to latch onto what they believe to be the next big thing in order to be able to push new phones (3D, no headphone jack, ultra-thin bodies, etc.). Are dual cameras that next thing? Honestly, I don’t know. I’m still not drawn to the idea that my next phone has to have a dual camera setup. I have yet to see proof that this is something I need in my life. Smartphone cameras are already incredibly good as they are with just a single shooter. And don’t bring that weak ass portrait mode garbage.
What about you? Are dual cameras an important feature that could make or break a purchase decision?
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Thursday Poll: Are Dual Cameras an Important Feature to You? is a post from: Droid Life
Thursday Poll: Are Dual Cameras an Important Feature to You?

OnePlus dismisses OnePlus 5’s jelly scrolling effect as ‘normal’ behavior

OnePlus has officially responded to the controversy surrounding the odd jelly-like scrolling effect on some OnePlus 5 devices: this “subtle visual effect” is simply “natural.”


See also:OnePlus investigating OnePlus 5 “Jelly Scrolling” issue11 hours ago


Despite having been one of the most anticipated devices of the year, the OnePlus 5 saw a lot of controversy since its launch. First it was the alleged benchmark manipulation. And now, as we reported earlier, some OnePlus 5 users are noticing a bizarre jelly-like scrolling effect. Essentially, the content on the screen would wobble and get distorted when you scroll through it – well – just like jelly. You can see it in action here.
After online threads gathered hundreds of OnePlus 5 users worldwide reporting similar issues, the company said it would be looking into it, and now it has an official response. According to OnePlus, this weird effect is perfectly normal:
The OnePlus 5 uses the same level of high-quality components as all OnePlus devices, including the AMOLED display. We’ve received feedback from a small number of users saying that at times they notice a subtle visual effect when scrolling. This is natural and there’s no variance in screens between devices.
Because the company deems it normal behavior instead of a manufacturing issue, it’s unlikely that OnePlus will see it as a sufficient reason for a warranty replacement. So, since it doesn’t look like OnePlus will do anything to address it, if the jelly effect bothers you a lot, you’re probably better off returning your device within the 15-day timeframe.
I tried scrolling while holding my Galaxy S7 Edge upside down, and it actually does produce the same jelly effect that's been reported.
There are a lot of theories online as to what could be causing the odd scrolling effect, and the one that I find particularly interesting is the upside-down theory. Users who have this issue claim that when they scroll with the phone upside down, the jelly effect disappears. In fact, out of curiosity, I tried scrolling while holding my Galaxy S7 Edge upside down, and it actually does produce the same jelly effect that’s been reported, making everything wobble. Perhaps the panel is mounted incorrectly; perhaps it’s a software-related orientation issue; perhaps it has nothing to do with the screen being upside down.
Whatever the cause is, I do hope OnePlus will do more than just dismiss it as a non-issue. After all, Samsung did the same with the red tinting issue on Galaxy S8 devices and later issued a software fix. With its price hovering dangerously close to those of mainstream flagship devices and with tensions rising from the OnePlus community, the last thing the company would want is to disappoint its loyal fans who chose to stick with the OnePlus 5.
What do you reckon the issue is here? Does the jelly-like effect bother you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

OnePlus dismisses OnePlus 5’s jelly scrolling effect as ‘normal’ behavior

Amazon Prime Day 2017 Kicks Off July 10

Amazon Prime Day is back for 2017! Not that we weren’t expecting it to be back, since Amazon makes a killing during promotions like this. Anyways, July 11 is the big day for all of the mid-summer discounts you’ll convince yourself you need from Amazon.
For those not familiar with Amazon Prime Day, just think of it as a Black Friday in the summer for Prime members. Amazon has essentially created a random day to celebrate all things Amazon Prime, which means discounts on some of their best selling products for 30 hours that you’ll buy even though you could probably live without them. This is the third annual Prime Day.
This year’s sale actually kicks off on July 10 at 6PM Pacific (9PM Eastern) and runs for 30 hours. You’ll find exclusive Alexa deals that only work if you use your voice to order the products through an Alexa-equipped device, along with the ability to watch deals through the Amazon app. Amazon is also hosting a bunch of TV deals, including one on the Element 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV that has Fire TV built-in.
Additionally, Amazon has kicked off a daily deal series that runs up through July 11. For example, you can sign-up for Amazon Music Unlimited (if you haven’t tried it before) for just $0.99 and get 4 months worth of access. You can also get an instant $10 if you just stream Prime Video on your TV for the first time. You can even get a big discount on Kindle Unlimited service.
Of course, none of this happens without a Prime membership. Be sure to sign-up below.
Amazon Links:

Amazon Prime sign-up (Free, 30-day trial)
Amazon Prime Day deals
Amazon Music Unlimited 4-month deal for $0.99
Amazon Prime Video $10 credit
Kindle Unlimited 40%-off membership




// Amazon
Amazon Prime Day 2017 Kicks Off July 10 is a post from: Droid Life
Amazon Prime Day 2017 Kicks Off July 10