Friday, October 18, 2019

Apple : This rugged phone has an awesome “Predator” heat-viewing mode

Apple : This rugged phone has an awesome “Predator” heat-viewing mode

This rugged phone has an awesome “Predator” heat-viewing mode

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 01:59 PM PDT

If there’s one smartphone feature that captures everyone’s imagination, it is the thermal camera.

Already available in the likes of the Cat S60 or Cat S61, this feature allows you to generate a colourful image based on the levels of heat source around you.

Until recently though, such a feature was only available either as a standalone product - usually courtesy of FLIR - or on smartphones that were not exactly cutting edge or cheap.

Blackview wants to change that and has taken to Kickstarter, the crowdfunding platform to make it happen. The BV9800 Pro will get a FLIR Lepton thermal sensor as confirmed by the Chinese vendor and at a bargain price.

See in the dark

The first 200 devices will cost just $399, with the next 300 selling for $429, and $469 after that. The camera will use the IMX586 48-megapixel sensor from Sony, the same as that used in the Honor 20 Pro and the OnePlus 7T.

Also in the device is a 6.3-inch FHD+ display, a big 6.58Ah battery, 6GB of RAM, 128GB onboard memory, a Mediatek P70 8-core SOC and a 16-megapixel front facing camera.

There’s no VOC sensor but it does feature Android 9, IP69/Mil-STD-810G certification, wireless charging, air pressure detection and face/fingerprint unlock.

It is too early to know if it will succeed - the campaign has just started - however given the fact that Blackview is a known name in the ruggedised market, it would be a massive disappointment if didn’t happen. Expect a review of the BV9800 Pro soon.

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The best cheap headphone deals and sales in October 2019

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 01:59 PM PDT

Our comparison tech has been working hard to find you the best headphone deals and sales from a variety of top headphone brands that include Apple, Beats, and many more.

We cover all the best headphones released, including over-ear headphones, noise-canceling headphones, and wireless headphones. However, friends still ask if they should buy a pair of no-brand cans they've seen piled high by the checkouts at a supermarket or clothing store. The answer is usually: probably not.

We get it. Headphones can be cheap. Like, dirt cheap. But as tempting as it is to go for those suspiciously low headphone prices. We'd advise spending just a little more, and you'll find a pair you'll love and can use for years to come.

The good news is you don't have to spend much at all. Some of the pairs we recommend below barely cost much more than a cinema ticket.

It’s with that in mind that we've narrowed down a list of headphones that not only sound good and feel good but are priced appropriately for all you cost-conscious audioholics out there.

The best Black Friday headphone deals and prices

While there are terrific current offers that you can shop below, the upcoming Black Friday holiday is also an excellent opportunity find killer headphone deals. To help you find the top savings, we've put together a guide on the best deals during Black Friday 2019.

So what’s a good deal?

First have a think about whether you want in-ear, on ear or full size headphones. 

Full-size pairs are often the most comfortable, but smaller on-ear sets tend to look better and, obviously, take up less space. The sheer popularity of on-ear headphones has also led to deals just as sweet as those of some tiny in-ear buds too.  

If the budget is very restricted you may want to stay away from big glamorous brand like Beats. Lower-cost names like Skullcandy often get you similar results for much less money. And you may be surprised by how much its headphones have grown up in recent years. 

Without further ado, here are the best headphone deals we found this month.


We're not sure how Skullcandy crammed such excellent-sounding drivers into such a cheap headset, but somehow, some way, it absolutely did. The Skullcandy Grind is one of our favorite wired on-ear headphones – it's cheap, sounds incredible and looks awesome. Also, while most headphones make a statement using a logo, branding on these headphones is subtle, with a small logo stamped onto each of the sidearms. While Skullcandy isn't super transparent about the specs of its headsets, the Grind offers exquisite sound quality, complete with beefy bass response and articulate delivery of mids and highs. We tried a wide variety of music samples to see if we could find a weak point in these cans and, nope, we couldn't. The only weak point here is that it doesn't have volume controls built-in. But that's not a huge bummer.

When looking for a good pair of wireless in-ear headphones, We’re always on the hunt for something that sounds good (duh!), feels comfortable to wear for long periods of time and, most importantly, doesn’t fall out mid-workout. The Anker SoundBuds NB10 does all of the above perfectly. 

What you'll love most about the Anker SoundBuds NB10 is its warm sound and spectacular bass response. The low-end isn't as heavy-handed as some other in-ear headphones, but that demureness makes it great both when you’re at the gym and when it’s time to hang up the towel and head home for the night.

Why should you pick the Optoma NuForce BE Sport3 instead of the Momentum In-Ear, because it's one of the cheapest (and best-sounding) in-ear headphones we've ever found. And, good news, it's usually on sale to boot. Not only are these earbuds IP55 rated, making them rain, dust and sweat resistant, but they also have really balanced sound that works well for every genre and incredible noise isolation. They're perfect for the gym because they weigh just 18 grams and don't need to connect to your phone via a dangling, easy-to-knock off cable. Optoma says the frequency response goes from 20 to 20,000Hz, and it has a sensitivity of 102dB +/-3dB at 1kHz. On the debit side, though, there are some horror stories out there of the BE Sport3's batteries being a bit difficult to work with, so keep that in mind.

You may know Marshall for its guitar amplifiers, often used on stage by rock stars and amateurs alike, but the company does way more than just amps. In the past few years, Marshall's produced several lines of headphones, a Bluetooth speaker or two and even a smartphone. Marshall's headphones have been universally solid offerings that target the fashion-conscious more than the audiophile. Its latest offering, the Marshall Major II Bluetooth, is the company's first wireless headphones and it continues Marshall's trend for focusing on fashion and fun rather than pristine sound quality and a great build.

When it comes to headphones, the general consensus is that you very much get what you pay for. But with AKG's K92, what you're getting is so much more. These headphones offer a level of sound quality that far outstrip their budget price tag. That being said, these are some of the largest cans you might ever find, and therefore might not be the best choice for anyone out there who has a petite noggin. Specs-wise, however, it's all good. The K92's professional 40mm drivers offer an extended 16 - 20,000Hz frequency response with a 113 dB SPL/V sensitivity level. It has a cable length of about 9 feet (3 meters) and weighs around 200 grams. 

When the BackBeat Sense first launched a few years ago, it was way too expensive for the everyday audio listener. Sure, these headphones are good, but were they $200/£150 good? Probably not. Thankfully, it’s possible to find them for a much more reasonable price if you shop around. The design yields comfort and appeal. Its sound performance, battery life and features all deliver without a hitch. There are one or two problems here, but for a sweet set of headphones at this low of a price point we can't be harsh on 'em. These cans are worth every penny for someone looking to leap for a classy-looking set of wireless headphones.

The Amazon Echo Buds were released this past September with an affordable starting price of $129.99. The earbuds include Active Noise Reduction technology that was developed by Bose and feature an advanced microphone that allows you hands-free access to Amazon Alexa. The Alexa-enabled earbuds allow you to skip songs, adjust the volume, ask questions, and more completely hands-free. The sweat-resistant earbuds provide up to five hours of battery life and come in three different sizes for a secure and comfortable fit.

There’s a lot about the AirPods that we like. They sound great, their battery life and charging speeds run laps around the competition, and it’s hard to overstate just how seamless the pairing process is. Unfortunately, they can be rather expensive if you don't get them on sale. Considering the holidays are right around the corner, we expect to see these awesome wireless in-ears on sale sooner rather than later. Don't miss them! 

The Beats Solo 3 Wireless ace their wireless tech, with very solid Bluetooth, good range and class-leading battery life. There’s a huge difference here compared with often-flaky cheap Bluetooth sets. Their bass response is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, too – it’s not meant to be neutral or accurate, but by providing meaty thuds without major boominess, the Solo 3 Wireless do what Beats headphones should. 

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The cheapest Sonos speakers deals and sales in October 2019

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 01:24 PM PDT

Sonos speakers are fantastic. They sound great and use reliable, intuitive software that makes flinging tunes around your house a cinch. Here’s the problem: Sonos speakers can be expensive, unless you find a good deal. That’s what we're here for. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best cheap Sonos deals so you don’t have to roam the internet looking for them. 

We have hot deals for the whole line-up, including not just the Sonos One, Play:3 and Play:5 – but also the Sonos Playbar, Sub and Connect as well. 

Are you here for a deal on the brand-new Sonos Playbase? Don't worry, we didn't forget about the latest addition to the Sonos family either. 

The best Black Friday Sonos speakers deals and prices

While there are several terrific offers below, there's no harm in looking forward to Sonos speakers discounts during Black Friday 2019. Lucky for you, we've put together a guide on how to find the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. We'll also tell you everything else you need to know, such as when the sale starts, what prices to expect, and which retailers will be participating.

So what’s a good deal for Sonos speakers?

Good deals are subjective, obviously. But if we were in your shoes, we’d wait for at least a $50/£35/AU$75-off sale. These happen around the holidays, mostly, but do happen sporadically  throughout the year as well. 

If you’re looking for a recommendation, your best bet is to start your Sonos system with a Play:5, the big brother of the bunch, and work your way down. We also have a soft spot in our heart for the Playbar (it’s on our best soundbar list, after all) and a Play One is a great pick for kitchens, bedrooms and studies.

 If you want the latest and greatest from Sonos, check out the brand-new Sonos Playbase – it's a speaker and TV stand all in one package. OK, without further ado, here are the best Sonos deals we’ve found today.

Sonos One deals

Sonos and Alexa, Amazon's smart personal assistant, are a perfect match for one another - it's almost a wonder it's taken this long for the two of them to meet. Regardless, the Sonos One is here now and it combines the best of both worlds. The One is able to call upon Alexa to answer basic inquiries, adjust appointments on your calendar and, for Amazon Prime members, voice access to Amazon's expansive Music Unlimited library.  

Read our full review: Sonos One

Sonos Play:1 deals

The Sonos Play:1 is the alpha in Sonos' alphabet. It's not the most powerful of the bunch, but it definitely knows how to get the job done. It's 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 inches (161.45 x 119.7 x 119.7 mm) and 4.08 lbs (1.85 kg) but it can really kick. It comes in two colors – white with light metallic grille and black with graphite grille – and works with standard wall mounts and speaker stands. We love how easy it is to setup and its awesome sound quality, but thought that its low end could use a bit of oomph. Still, if you're looking to start a Sonos system without spending a lot, the Sonos Play:1 is the place to start.

Read our review: Sonos Play:1 

Sonos Play:3 deals

The Sonos Play:3 is the middle child of the bunch. It's more powerful than the puny Play:1, but doesn't have the same room-filling audio that you get from the Play:5. For some people, though, it's just right. So how big is it? The Play:3 is 5.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 inches (132 x 268 x 160 mm) and weighs 5.71 lbs. (2.6 kg). It comes in two colors – white with light metallic grille and black with graphite grille – and works with standard wall mounts and speaker stands. It has three Class-D amplifiers, one tweeter, two mid-woofers and a bass radiator. Again, here you'll find great audio quality and a pretty easy setup.

Read our review: Sonos Play: 3

Sonos Play:5 deals

Here it is, the grand kahuna of the Sonos systems. The Sonos Play:5 is everything you can want in a network speaker. It gets loud, but also sounds crystal clear at top volumes. It's obviously a bigger than its brethren, however, so keep that in mind before you try stuffing one into a one-room apartment. So how big is it? It's 8.03 x 14.33 x 6.06 inches (203 x 364 x 154 mm) and weighs 14 lbs. (6.36 kg). It comes in two colors – white or black matte enclosure with graphite grille – and contains two built-in microphones that can tune it for your space. Unlike the Play:3 it has five Class-D amplifiers, three tweeters, three mid-woofers and a phased speaker array that separates sound into its three channels – left, right and center. Good sound doesn't come cheap, but once you hear a Sonos Play:5 speaker you won't want anything else.

Read our review: Sonos Play:5

Sonos Playbar deals

TVs might look great, but most of them definitely don't sound all that good. That's why Sonos made the Playbar, a soundbar that can produce top-tier audio quality while simultaneously syncing up to your other multi-room speakers. It's definitely expensive, no doubt about it, but there's no other soundbar this well-connected. Here are some specs: First off, it's 3.35 x 35.43 x 5.51 inches (85 x 900 x 140 mm) and weighs 11.9 lbs. (5.4kg). It only comes in one color and requires a separate mounting kit if you want to mount it beneath your screen. Unlike the Play:5, it has nine Class-D amplifiers, three tweeters and six mid-woofers – that can put out a ton of noise. 

Read our review: Sonos Playbar

Sonos Playbase deals

Three years after the company released its first ever soundbar, the Playbar, Sonos has created the Playbase, a unique form factor sound system that combines a stable pedestal for your TV with an audio cabinet. 

Why did Sonos create a second home entertainment device? The team did extensive research into how people used their Playbar at home and found that most people didn’t wall mount their televisions or Playbars. To that end, the Playbase was created to allow people to set their televisions right on top of the speaker, allowing for a compact home theater solution. 

Overall, the Sonos Playbase is a good-sounding speaker for those who don’t want to fumble with a surround sound system or simply don’t have the room for one. There’s no need for a receiver, making it truly plug-and-play. Sonos’ philosophy of making music enjoyment as frictionless as possible continues with the Playbase – the Sonos app is easy to use and the integrated universal search across music services is something we wished every speaker had. 

Read our review: Sonos Playbase

Sonos Sub deals

Sonos systems are great. Like seriously great. We want to call them perfect, and yet without some sort of low-end support they just aren't. For that you need the Sonos Sub, the additional audio piece that adds a hefty amount of bass to your favorite music genres. The design here is a bit funky, we'll admit, but hey, if you were looking for a conversation starter (and ender) at your next house party, this is it. That said, it's 15.3 x 15.8 x 6.2 inches (389 x 402 x 158 mm) and weighs 36.3 lbs (16 kg). It's available in two colors – premium white gloss and premium black gloss – that can match either your Playbar or Play:5 speaker. Inside you'll find two Class-D amplifiers, two force-cancelling speaker drivers and dual acoustic ports that help the Sub reach a low frequency of about 25Hz. 

Read our hands on review: Sonos Sub

Sonos Connect deals

There's nothing wrong with your old audio equipment. You've invested years in setting up and tuning your system, and there's no reason to let any of that go to waste. For anyone interested in keeping the equipment they already own but add on a streaming or mutil-room audio component, Sonos Connect is your solution. While it's not exactly a player in its own right, Sonos Connect allows you to send or receive audio streams. That means you can hook it up to your receiver to send out your favorite CD over the airwaves in your home, or set it up with your old floor speakers to bring them into the 21st century. 

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iPhone 11 and 11 Pro deals US: get the best prices in October 2019

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 12:46 PM PDT

The September 10 Apple Event unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro smartphones. The latest iPhone is officially available to order today from all major carriers and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. To help you wade through all the different plans, we've listed the best iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro prices and deals that are available in the US today.

The Apple iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch LCD display, while the iPhone 11 Pro comes with a Super Retina XDR OLED display in either a 5.8-inch or 6.5-inch size. The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro both have updated camera hardware with a Wide and new Ultra-Wide camera on the back of the iPhone 11 and Wide, Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras on the iPhone 11 Pro. The multi-camera system allows you to capture ultra-wide photos and videos, and even "zoom-out" after a photo is taken to see more of the captured image. The front-facing camera on all new models is now an upgraded 12MP TrueDepth camera that can capture wider angle and even slow-motion selfies.

The battery received an upgrade with Apple stating that the iPhone 11 provides a one hour longer battery life compared to the XR, the Pro offering four more hours of battery life when compared to the XS, and the Pro Max offering 5 hours more battery life compared to last year's XS Max. All the new phones feature the A13 Bionic chipset which Apple claims is the fastest processor ever in a smartphone.

The iPhone 11 comes in six new color choices which include black, white, yellow, purple, green, Product Red and the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max is available space gray, silver, and gold, as well as a new midnight green option.

The iPhone 11 has a starting price of $699 for the 64GB storage model which is actually $50 cheaper than the iPhone XR was on launch last year. The 64GB iPhone 11 Pro is priced at $999, and the 64GB iPhone 11 Pro Max is priced at $1,099, which is the same price as the XS and XS Max when they launched last year in the US.

The best Black Friday iPhone 11 deals and prices

While there are plenty of fantastic offers below, you can also look forward to discounts during Black Friday 2019. The November sale event is an excellent opportunity to find online bargains, and lucky for you we've put together a guide on how to find the best Black Friday iPhone deals. We'll tell you everything you know to know, such as the date, what retailers are participating, and what prices you can expect to see.

iPhone 11 deals from US carriers:

iPhone 11 Pro deals from US carriers:

iPhone 11 Pro Max deals from US carriers:

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, the bigger version of the 11 Pro, is priced at $1,099 from carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. Sprint is offering the Pro Max for $16.67 a month with an eligible trade-in and on a Sprint Flex 18-month lease, and Verizon is offering up to $450 off with select trade-in and Unlimited. While AT&T isn't offering a promotion on the Pro Max, but you can get the iPhone 11 for free when you trade in a qualifying phone.


Learn more about the newest iPhone with our hands on iPhone 11 review, iPhone 11 Pro review, and iPhone 11 Pro Max review.

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England vs Australia live stream: how to watch Rugby World Cup 2019 quarter-final from anywhere

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 12:43 PM PDT

The first of the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals is a tantalising one. The old enemies from opposite sides of the world going head-to-head. A place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals is at stake - which team will hold their nerve? Watch the action as it happens with our England vs Australia live stream guide.

England have had an unexpected extended break thanks to Typhoon Hagibis, which begs the question - will they come into the match rested and prepared? Or will they be off the pace?

Meanwhile, their opponents Australia have been somewhat underwhelming throughout the pool stage, with head coach Michael Cheika still seemingly unsure of his best team.

With their final pool game against France called off, England's fringe players lost an opportunity to perhaps stake a claim for a starting role. But coach Eddie Jones hasn't been afraid to shift around his side for this showdown, springing a huge surprise by dropping in-form George Ford and restoring his captain Owen Farrell at fly-half. 

Henry Slade comes in at outside centre with Manu Tuilagi moving to number 12, while Mako Vunipola has been declared fit and comes in for England at loosehead prop. For their part, Australia have also made a bold selection choice, with teenager Jordan Petaia set to start at centre.

With Aussie confidence somewhat low, a strong start by England would probably be the catalyst for Eddie Jones' side to sail through to the semis, but will this be the game that sees the Wallabies find some form? You can watch all the action from pretty much anywhere on Earth by following our Rugby World Cup England vs Australia live stream guide below.

How to watch the 2019 Rugby World Cup from outside your country

If you're abroad for any of the Rugby World Cup and don't want to miss out on catching the coverage from your home country, you'll inevitably find it geo-blocked when you try to stream online. But don't sweat. With the option of a VPN, you can tune into those fixtures no matter where you are in the world without resorting to some dodgy feed on Reddit.

And best of all, it's really easy to do (or read on for details on how to stream coverage from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the USA).

How to stream the England game live in the UK for FREE

How to watch a live stream of the Wallabies in Australia for FREE

How to watch England vs Australia live in New Zealand

How to live stream England vs Australia in the US

  • Hulu with Live TV $40 per month - Hulu with Live TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN.
  • FuboTV $35 for the first month - FuboTV gives you the first month at a discounted rate but after that the price increases to $45 a month. The service includes CBS, Fox, NBC and the NFL Network but does not come with ESPN.
  • DirecTV Now $50 per month - DirecTV Now includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN and for $5 extra you can add the NFL Network.
  • YouTubeTV $40 per month - YouTubeTV gives you access to CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN.

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Live stream Rugby World Cup 2019 match in Canada

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India vs South Africa live stream: how to watch Test cricket series from anywhere

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 12:08 PM PDT

India's destruction of South Africa in the first two matches of their three-Test series means they'll go into the final games at Ranchi with huge amounts of confidence and as overwhelming favourites. You can watch the whole thing from pretty much anywhere with an India vs South Africa live stream.

South Africa last visited India at the end of 2015 and had a horror Test series, losing the contest 3-0. It feels like they'll have to drag themselves up a long way if they want to avoid the same fate this time around.

India have been utterly dominant with both bat and ball. Virat Kohli struck a remarkable double-hundred last time out, with Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma also taming the South African seamers to make three figures.

Not in the least missing the injured Jasprit Bumrah, spinners Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have made the South African batsmen's lives very uncomfortable indeed. From numbers one through eleven, the Men in Blue have shown why they're way out in front in the Test cricket World Rankings.

Follow the instructions below to watch full coverage of the Test series. We'll tell you how to grab a India vs South Africa live stream from virtually anywhere on Earth.

Live stream India vs South Africa away from your country

In the UK, Australia, India or the US and looking to find out how to watch the Test series matches between India and South Africa? We've got all the details about the broadcaster with the rights to show the series in your region below. 

But if you're away from home country - maybe abroad on business or on holiday - but still want to tune in to your domestic coverage of the match then you'll run in to issues. Because of broadcaster geo-blocking, you won't be able to watch online from overaseas. By using a VPN however, you'll be able to watch the game without having to resort to watching a potentially illegal feed from a dubious website.

How to watch the Test series in India

How to watch the cricket in South Africa 

How stream India vs South Africa live in the UK

Live stream the India vs South Africa Test series in Australia 

How to live stream India vs South Africa in the US

How to watch India vs South Africa in Pakistan

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iPad price cut at Walmart: save $100 on the 9.7-inch Apple iPad

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 11:48 AM PDT

While we wait for the upcoming Walmart Black Friday sale, the retail giant is giving us an October preview with a price cut on the best-selling Apple iPad. Right now, you can get the 9.6-inch iPad on sale for $329. That's a $100 discount for the 2018 tablet that packs 128GB of storage. Walmart also has the 32GB Apple iPad on sale for $249.

The Apple iPad was released in 2018 and features a 9.7-inch LED display with IPS technology. The powerful tablet packs 128GB of storage and features Apple's A10 Fusion chip which results in ultra-fast laptop-like performance. The additional power also allows you to multitask and use the latest apps, including augmented reality experiences. The iPad includes an impressive 1.2MP front-facing camera and provides an all-day battery life of 10 hours.

This is a fantastic price for a newer model Apple iPad and a great deal to snag before Black Friday begins. We don't know how long Walmart will have the iPad on sale, so you should take advantage today before it's too late.

Walmart iPad sale:

Interested in other iPad models? We've listed even more of the cheapest iPad deals that are currently available.

Learn more about the upcoming November sale event with our guide to Black Friday 2019.

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OnePlus 8 Pro leaks show four rear cameras...and a punch-hole selfie cam?

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 11:25 AM PDT

Renders of the OnePlus 8 Pro have allegedly leaked, showing a phone that’s pared back its predecessor’s aggressive design: no more pop-up selfie camera, no more bezel-less screen.

Instead, the phone will supposedly have a punch-hole in the top left, which cropped up in plenty of 2019 handsets that sought to avoid the unsightly notch. The rendered images come courtesy of noted leaker @OnLeaks in a tweet that included a link to more OnePlus 8 Pro info in a 91Mobiles post.

There are a few other differences from the OnePlus 7 Pro – namely, a depth-sensing 3D Time of Flight (ToF) sensor augmenting the three existing cameras, something that started appearing on premium flagship phones throughout 2019. Per the leaked info, the OnePlus 8 Pro has a slightly smaller screen (6.65-inch) and is accordingly slightly longer and slightly narrower than its predecessor at 165.3 x 74.4 x 8.8mm – but it does have the exact same thickness.

The 91Mobiles post has a slew of rendered images, but the outlet also released the video below:

OnePlus 8 Pro leak following the previous one

@OnLeaks had previously leaked our first look at the OnePlus 8 earlier in October, and also alleged that the next phone would opt for a punch-hole instead of a pop-up selfie camera. As we theorized then, losing that little suite of complex mechanisms might make room for other innovations like wireless charging.

Yet these leaks are very very early - the former came out just before the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro even launched. As we said then, this info is coming so soon after the last device has released that we urge caution when considering the accuracy of this preliminary look.

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Get free Netflix and 300+ channels with these Sky TV and broadband bundle deals

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 10:42 AM PDT

We get it, TV and broadband deals can be expensive, especially if you're looking for the most possible channels and fastest internet. You want more choice and more content all the while keeping your fast download speeds - you don't want to compromise.

Well, now with these Sky TV and broadband bundles you no longer have to. Sky is offering a discount on four of their TV and broadband bundles. All bundles offer free Netflix, over 300 Sky Entertainment channels and the ability to record and store over 500 hours. 

Of course the bundles differ in their features, the more you pay the more you get. If you want one of their most feature-filled bundles - Broadband Superfast + Sky TV & Netflix - you also get free Sky Talk included, faster average download speeds of 59Mb thanks to fibre internet and over 1,000 HD movies at your disposal. Its usual price is £77 a month but with the deal, it's now £55 a month...that's quite the discount!

Of course this will be too pricey for some, and if you don't need broadband why not go with one of Sky's cheaper deals. The Sky Entertainment + Netflix and Broadband Essential deal is £38 per month, but downgrades the internet to ADSL and removes the Sky Cinema channels. Still get that tasty Netflix sub, mind.

Not sure you have enough information or if these deals are for you? Keep reading, we've got the four bundles detailed and explained below just for you.

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Sky's latest broadband and TV deals in full:

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Heroic half price, unlimited data SIM only deals from Three are finally coming to an end

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 10:07 AM PDT

Put on your mournful face and prepare to hear some disappointing news - Three's half price, unlimited data SIM only deal is finally coming to an end after destroying the market for the past few months.

But, despite our gloomy introduction there, this is not all bad news for a few good reasons! Firstly, the offer in question still has a few days of life. Get in there quick and you can still score unlimited data at a cut price of £10 a month for the first six months of your contract.

Secondly, although Three is bringing the half price bills to an end, the unlimited data contract will live on. That means if you do miss this offer you can still get unlimited data for £20 a month - still a heck of a handsome price.

Three has kept the official end date of this offer quite vague, simply stating that it will end 'after this weekend'. So, scroll down to see Three's half price unlimited data SIM only deal in full and hurry in before it ends. Even with Black Friday just around a corner, we can't imagine seeing a deal this good for quite a while.

Three's unlimited data SIM only deals:

Why go with Three?

If you haven't already been won over by these amazing offers from Three then you'll be excited to hear that the network doesn't shy away from offering up some extra incentives as well.

Whether that be free exclusive prizes or extra roaming. You can see all of best parts of a Three SIM only deal or Three mobile deals down below.

  • Wuntu - Exclusive offers and freebies with Three's rewards app
  • Go Roam - Roaming abilities in 71 worldwide countries at no extra cost
  • Travel Swagger - Get travel upgrades with Easyjet with bag drop and early boarding

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Galaxy S10, un bug consente a chiunque di sbloccare lo smartphone

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 10:00 AM PDT

Nel Samsung Galaxy S10, c'è un bug che permette a chiunque di sbloccare lo smartphone con le sue impronte digitali. A Samsung conoscono il problema e promettono di risolverlo a breve. 

Settimana scorsa il proprietario di un Samsung Galaxy S10 ha scoperto che anche il suo pollice sinistro poteva sbloccare il telefono anche senza averlo mai aggiunto tra quelli registrati. La cosa era successa dopo avere applicato un nuovo screen protector sul display ed è stata confermata anche su altri modelli. 

A Samsung hanno dovuto confermare il problema e stanno lavorando per risolverlo. Anche se dicono che gli utenti non dovrebbero applicare pellicole non autorizzate. In una dichiarazione alla BBC, Samsung ha parlato di una  patch software che sarebbe quasi pronta.

A differenza di altre soluzioni per il riconoscimento delle impronte integrate sotto lo schermo, quella di Samsung sfrutta uno scanner a ultrasuoni sul S10 e sul Note10. In questo modo è possibile farsi riconoscere anche se le dita sono bagnate, il problema però è che una pellicola di protezione può interferire con il riconoscimento, come in effetti è successo. 

Cosa dovrebbero fare gli utenti di S10?

Il problema sembra limitato solo ad alcune pellicole e comunque Samsung dovrebbe risolverlo. Nel frattempo è consigliabile continuare ad usare quella originale Samsung o comunque una sottile.

In alternativa è sempre possibile modificare il sistema di protezione fin quando non arriverà una soluzione al problema. 

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Steamboat Willie to Disney Plus: a history of Disney domination

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 10:00 AM PDT

Take a look at the biggest films of the year so far and you’ll notice one thing: Disney absolutely dominates. Already in 2019 it has grossed over $8bn (around £6bn / AU$12bn) at the global box office, thanks to the live action remakes of Aladdin and The Lion King, the Pixar follow-up Toy Story 4, and, of course, the massive cultural event that was Avengers: Endgame. 

That figure is set to balloon further, too. Before the year ends, the company will also be releasing Frozen 2 and a little film called Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Disney is set to further tighten its grip on the small screen too, with the launch of streaming service Disney Plus. Simply put, the House of Mickey is unstoppable.

This domination is not an accident, or the result of a few lucky manoeuvres: it’s the result of calculated technological and business innovation that spans almost a century in the lifespan of the Walt Disney corporation. So join us in looking back on some of the smartest moves that made Disney’s film business so powerful.

The Early Years: Pioneering Animation

Steamboat Willie was a landmark moment for Disney – and animation as a whole.

Disney started life as an animation studio – and with its third film, Steamboat Wilie in 1928, it demonstrated how the company would continue to use technological innovation to keep audiences engaged. 

The 7 minute, 46 second film was actually the third starring Mickey Mouse, but what makes it notable is that it was the first to use what was called ‘synchronised sound’ – the then revolutionary idea of having an audio track that corresponded to what was being shown onscreen.

In the early 1930s, Disney first experimented with colour films, using a technology known as ‘technicolor’. This was a process where a subject – whether a human or an animation cell – was shot simultaneously through three colour filters (red, green, and blue) on to three separate strips of film. Disney wasn’t the first company to use this technology – but it perhaps had the most success thanks to it.

In 1934, the company released Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, which briefly became the biggest film of all time, before MGM’s Gone With The Wind was released in 1939. During the 1940s, too – while Europe was busy having a war – Disney continued making films that would become classics, including Pinnochio and Fantasia in 1940, Dumbo in 1941, and Bambi in 1942.

After the war, the company continued making more classic animated features like Lady and the Tramp and Sleeping Beauty. The other big development of this time was the opening of Disneyland in California.

But all was not well: Sleeping Beauty actually lost money because it was so expensive to make. But this is where Disney was saved by the advent of another new technology: xeroxography.

If you’re wondering what xeroxography is, it’s essentially the ability to photocopy cells (celluloid sheets) for animation, so that not every single cell needed to be redrawn and repainted. And it arrived at just the right time, when Disney was working on 101 Dalmations. Without it, Disney would have faced the expensive nightmare of needing to hand-animate, well, 101 different dogs on the screen.

The 80s and 90s: Home Video and The Disney Vault

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a huge shift in how viewers consumed Disney content. The rise of home video meant that in theory, viewers could access Disney’s unrivalled animation library whenever they wanted to.

In theory, anyway. The reality was rather different.

Historically, Disney had pursued a strategy of re-releasing its films into cinemas every few years. This was good for viewers, as it meant in an era before video they could see films they missed the first time around – and it was good business too, as the limited time re-release would create a promotional buzz. 

When it came to home video, then, Disney made what might seem an odd decision: It was only going to sell certain films for a short period of time, before removing them from sale again.

It called this concept the “Disney Vault”, and created this artificial scarcity to maximise the hype in a world that was increasingly experiencing a very early form of “on demand” – as increased distribution of VHS video tapes meant that films could be viewed whenever someone wanted to watch them.

It was also in this era that Disney experienced an animation renaissance, with a host of incredibly beloved and popular films released into movie theatres. Under the leadership of CEO Michael Eisner, between 1989 and 1994, the company released The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King, all of which remain classics today.

But it was in 1995 that technology really changed animation again: Toy Story became the first full length, fully computer-generated feature film, and was a huge success both commercially and critically. In fact, it set the template for animation in the two decades to come. So it was perhaps unfortunate then that while Disney distributed the film, it didn’t own the studio that made it: Pixar. 

At least, not yet.

The 2000s: The Force Awakens


It was only when current CEO Bob Iger took over in 2005 that Disney really began to enter its imperial phase. Within a few short years, Iger masterminded deals that saw Disney swallow up Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel and most recently 21st Century Fox. 

At the time, these perhaps felt like big gambles given the cash involved, but today they are widely viewed as acts of strategic genius. Why? Because Iger realised that in a world of streaming technology where no one company can control the distribution mechanism, the real value isn’t in pipes or airwaves, but in intellectual property.

Simply put, by owning the biggest entertainment brands in the world, audiences will pay to seek them out – including via direct subscription fee to Disney Plus. And the logic is sound: as transformative as Netflix has been, if you want to watch Star Wars, you’re not going to accept Netflix's Lost In Space reboot as a substitute. Instead, you’re going to pull out your credit card and start paying Disney directly.

So by snaffling up Marvel, Pixar and Lucas, and sitting on a library that includes pretty much every beloved animation from the last 100 years, Disney owns a significant slice of our cultural touchstones that Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Plus or the many other imminent streaming competitors can’t touch.

Bob Iger has been Disney's CEO since 2005, and overseen a huge expansion into online streaming.

There’s one point worth mentioning that shows just how clever Disney has been adapting to this new era, and why it will continue to dominate into the future: unlike Netflix, Disney Plus doesn’t need to make money.

Why? Because as former Amazon Video executive Matthew Ball has observed, Disney isn’t too desperate to get money from subscribers – which is clear from the cheap $6.99 / AU$8.99 (around £5.50) per month subscription plan. It’s more interested in selling you a $5,000 (£3,890 / AU$7,430) Disney cruise, a trip to Disneyworld, or having you buy your kids Disney Princess and Marvel toys at Christmas – as that’s where the real money is.

Ultimately, the reason why Disney dominates today and will continue to dominate our culture in the future is because it is a company that is comfortable playing the long game.

Rather than squeeze an extra dollar from you today, it wants to make sure that when you’re 80 and want to spend some time with your grandchildren at the hologram-plex, that you’ll choose to take them to see not any old film, but a digitally de-aged Jaden Smith playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in the latest instalment of the Star Wars franchise. And the evidence suggests that we will.

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Apple AirPods Pro could be about to launch – with active noise cancelling too

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 09:44 AM PDT

A new report claims that an upgraded AirPods model – called the AirPods Pro, in the manner of the iPhone 11 Pro – may be about to release to market.

An incoming AirPods Pro release was cited in a report by China Economic Daily, which said the new AirPods were expected to launch before the end of October, meaning the claim could be proved (or dismissed) very soon.

We've heard a lot of speculation and rumors around the AirPods 3, though the Pro model would likely sit alongside the base model for those seeking more premium features. China Economic Daily says that the AirPods Pro will come with active noise-canceling, which is lent credence by the mention of "with or without noise-canceling" audio settings in code for the iOS 13.2 beta.

A previous story by the outlet says that the next AirPods model could feature a new metal design to help with heat dissipation – so there could be a new feel and and form to the AirPods beyond the tech hidden inside.

it's worth noting, too, that the current-generation AirPods got a price cut across retailers this week, which could signal a new model on its way shortly.

Take a (price) hike

The AirPods Pro will reportedly cost $260, which converts to around £200 / AU$380 – though UK pricing is likely to match the US figure, so it could cost £260 too. 

That's a decent step up from the 2019 AirPods' $159 / £159 / AU$249, which is already pretty expensive for true wireless earbuds, when there are certainly cheaper options available – some with similar performance. But if you're after an Apple model, or active noise-canceling is what you're after, the upgraded AirPods Pro may get your bet in the coming weeks.

Via MacRumors

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Honor 9X coming to the UK – and it may be the last Honor phone with Google apps

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 09:24 AM PDT

Thanks to the Huawei ban preventing recent phones from Huawei and its subsidiary Honor from accessing Google apps, the future of Honor in the UK has been uncertain. 

Now, however, the company has unveiled a new handset that's on its way to the UK, and it's the previously announced Honor 9X.

The Honor 9X is the latest in the Honor X series of affordable smartphones. The last handset in the range was the Honor 8X (unsurprisingly), and the X handsets sit alongside the Honor V range, and the main Honor line.

The Honor 9X comes with a 6.59-inch LCD display, which is pretty big for an affordable phone, and there's no notch breaking it up – instead, the smartphone has a 16MP pop-up selfie camera.

There are three rear cameras, and while none of them are as high-tech as those you'd find on the Huawei P30 Pro, for example, they look decent on paper. 

The rear array consists of a 48MP main snapper, a 8MP ultra-wide angle camera, and a 2MP depth-sensing camera for improved portrait shots. There's notably no telephoto lens, though.

Keeping the phone ticking over is a 4,000mAh battery, which powers the Kirin 810 chipset.

There's a fingerprint sensor on the rear of the handset, which is also adorned with a unique rear pattern that reveals an X-shape when light shines on it – you can see this design in the photo above.

We don't currently have an exact release date or price for the Honor 9X in Europe or the UK, but we expect it to hear more from Honor on that soon.

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This HP Envy all-in-one printer is half-price in a great pre-Black Friday deal

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 09:19 AM PDT

If you want a really nicely priced multifunction printer, then the HP Envy Photo 7155 could be right up your street – particularly considering that you can get it for half-price right now (Black Friday-level deals seem to be coming earlier and earlier, these days).

This is a multifunction machine, meaning that it’s not only capable of printing, but also scanning (and copying documents by combining those two functions).

It’s also a wireless model as you might expect these days – although there is a USB port for a wired connection – and is capable of printing at speeds of 14 pages per minute in black/white (9 ppm in color) at resolutions of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi.

In other words, you can get good quality prints from this machine, which has an input capacity of up to 125 sheets and boasts automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides of the sheet of paper). Furthermore, the scanner features a 1200 x 1200 dpi optical resolution.

Not only is the initial cost of this all-in-one printer cheap given this 50%-off deal, but you can also benefit from HP’s Instant Ink to keep running costs low going forward.

We will likely see more compelling deals on printers – and indeed the whole gamut of tech – as Black Friday 2019 and Cyber Monday 2019 approach, and of course a whole host of corking offers when the time itself actually arrives.

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Save 15% right now on Apple AirPods - why wait for Black Friday?

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 09:02 AM PDT

We're just over a month away from Black Friday now, but that doesn't mean you can't grab some fantastic deals if you time it right. Like these super discounts on the latest Apple Airpods. Savings of up to 15% can see you rocking the wireless buds far sooner than you might have planned if you've been holding off for the deal of a lifetime. 

Walmart is currently offering AirPods for just $144 ( with the standard charging case) and $169 (with the wireless charging case) in the US. Meanwhile, the UK sees prices down to £140.99 and just £169 respectively. 

Already sporting first-generation AirPods? Amazon is also discounting the wireless charging case by itself across the US and UK. You can pick it up now for $69 at Walmart / £69 at Amazon to give your existing buds a new lease of life. 

With Apple's H1 chip under the hood and hands-free access to Siri, the latest generation of AirPods pack a punch in streamlined usability over their predecessors. Simply pop the wireless headphone buds into your ears and enjoy seamless integration with all your Apple gadgets at double the switching speed - no more waiting around to connect to a new device, second-generation AirPods swap easily. 

That H1 chip serves its purpose, too. Apple originally planned to double the talk time of their first-generation buds, but in reality you'll get around an hour extra - not bad for three hours instead of two. You will, however, notice the boost in your call performance, essentially reducing the time it takes for you to connect and improving both incoming sound and outgoing speech quality. Plus, 30% lower latency will keep things running smooth and snappy.

There's never been a better time to scoop up an AirPods deal. This outstanding price comes just after the release of iOS 13, which opened up AirPod functionality to iMessage and other third-party messaging apps as well as shared listening, a nifty new feature that allows you to pair two sets of AirPods to a single device. 

AirPods price cuts - US

AirPods price cuts - UK

If you're looking to complete your ecosystem, check out these Apple Watch deals, or find the best iPhone 11 deal to suit you. Holding out for the next generation of AirPods? Find out all the latest AirPods 3 news. If you're not quite ready to buy today, then feel free to bookmark our AirPods prices and deals guide.

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AirPods 3: everything we know so far

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 09:00 AM PDT

The Apple AirPods 3 that everyone really wants remain elusive in 2019, and our ears, in desperate need of noise-canceling true wireless earbuds, hang in wait.

Admittedly, the new AirPods (2019) do have some cool new features, like the ability to charge wirelessly. Still, they aren't quite the all-out AirPods 3 reimagining we were hoping for, and they don't beat rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds and the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s in terms of noise-cancelation and audio quality. 

The good news is that the next-generation of Apple AirPods could be right around the corner. We've heard rumors about noise-canceling and even waterproof Apple earbuds for nearly a year at this point, and now some analysts are saying that they'll arrive by the end of the year or, at the very latest, early on in 2020.

The iPhone 11 launch has come and gone with no mention of the AirPods 3 – so, everything is pointing to a 2020 release date for the new true wireless earbuds.

[UPDATE: Noise-canceling AirPods could launch before October is out. A new report claims that an upgraded AirPods model – called the AirPods Pro, in the manner of the iPhone 11 Pro – may be about to release to market.

An incoming AirPods Pro release was cited in a report by China Economic Daily, which said the new AirPods were expected to launch before the end of October, meaning the claim could be proved (or dismissed) very soon.]

One of the best sources of Apple AirPods 3 rumors comes from a 2018 report from TF International Securities’ analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He said that we could be getting two more headphones before 2020 – an updated version of the original Apple AirPods (check) and the brand new AirPods 3. 

Apple's WWDC 2019 keynote took place on June 3, but it was too soon for Cook and co. to announce the new AirPods 3 then – after all, the updated AirPods (2019) only came out two short months before and Apple used WWDC to announce a pair of significant new features coming to the true wireless buds.

Now that Apple has released a brand new iPod touch (7th Generation) in anticipation of Apple Arcade this autumn (September - November 2019), it's possible that the company will launch the AirPods 3 around the same time. 

There was no mention of the AirPods 3 at Apple's iPhone launch event in September, which saw in the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

We're not totally surprised, as it wouldn't make sense for Apple to release the AirPods 3 so soon after it brought out the upgraded model.

So, with everything pointing to a 2020 release, what do we actually hope to see in the AirPods 3, and how will they improve on Apple's bestselling true wireless earbuds?

Apple AirPods 3: Cut to the chase

  • What are they? The long-awaited AirPods 3 (not to be confused with the recently updated AirPods (2019) true-wireless earbuds.)
  • When are they out? Our best guess is early 2020, but nobody knows for sure. 
  • How much will they cost? Probably similar to the AirPods (2019), which start at $159 (£159/AU$249) – though they could jump to $199.

Apple AirPods 3: release date

Now that Apple has released an updated 2019 version of the original AirPods, we're not expecting the AirPods 3 to be coming out any time soon. 

Kuo's predictions have been pretty accurate, right down to the AirPods 2019 connectivity upgrade, so we're betting on an early 2020 release for the AirPods 3, especially as we didn't see them at the iPhone 11 launch.

We originally expected the upgraded 2019 AirPods to be significantly different from their predecessors thanks to trademark and Bluetooth SIG filings, but we now know that's not the case. 

That doesn't mean we won't ever see these features in the next version, however. We wouldn't be surprised if Apple was saving features like biometric sensors, new color schemes, and waterproofing for the AirPods 3.

AirPods 2

The original Apple AirPods and the AirPods (2019) (Image credit: Apple)

AirPods 3 price and availability

Our best guess is that the AirPods 3 will be priced similarly to the current AirPods, which cost $159 / £159 / AU$249 / AED679 with the standard charging case, and $199 / £199 / AU$319 / AED829 with the new Wireless Charging Case bundled in. 

According to Bloomberg, the new AirPods are "likely to be more expensive than the current $159 model," but we'd be very surprised if they exceed $200. 

The final price will likely come down to the features that the new AirPods 3 sport. Before we go into the features we're expecting from the AirPods 3 in 2020, let's take a look at what's new with the current AirPods...

What's new with the AirPods (2019)?

Apple hasn't changed much in terms of design in its latest update to the AirPods – instead, the next-gen improvements seem to be largely under-the-hood.

Inside the buds there's a newly-designed H1 chip which Apple has built specifically for the headphones. It improves connectivity pairing times, the efficiency of the battery life, and allows for hands-free 'Hey Siri' functionality.

New for the AirPods 2019 is the wireless charging case for the earbuds, which means you can use Qi-compatible charging mats to power the case without having to stick a cable in. 

As for sound quality, the 2019 upgraded AirPods are no different from the ones you could get in 2016. 

AirPods 2019

AirPods (2019) (Image credit: Apple)

Apple AirPods 3: rumors

Rumors around the new Apple AirPods 3 have been circling since the originals were released in 2016, but the release of the iOS 13.2 beta may have revealed what the buds will look and sound like. 

After delving into the beta, 9to5Mac discovered an icon that could show Apple's upcoming true wireless earbuds.

The new Apple AirPods 3 will reportedly come with noise cancelation and a comfier fit, with silicone or rubber tips giving listeners more choice when it comes to their Apple earbuds.

Apple's recent iPhone 11 launch event left us bereft of the long-rumored Apple AirPods 3, but a new leaked image could give us a glimpse of the new Apple earbuds. 

SlashLeaks has shared a hazy image from contributor Leakspinner that it says shows the AirPods 2 "in the wild".

If this leaked image is genuine, we could be in for an even more compact Apple AirPods charging case – and potentially smaller earbuds. It would make sense, as true wireless earbuds are getting smaller as the technology improves, and the AirPods' long stems was subject to ridicule when they were first revealed in 2016. 

We're not totally convinced though – the image is so blurry, there's no way of confirming whether its a legitimate Apple prototype. You can check out the image below and decide for yourself.

airpods 2

Previous trademark filings suggest that the second generation AirPods would be a health and fitness device, in addition to being a pair of true wireless earbuds. Now we know that the updated AirPods don't have these features, we think we will see them in the AirPods 3 in 2020. 

Back in July 2018 Apple filed a patent for biometric sensors, which would allow the AirPods 3 to take on fitness tracking capabilities like those seen in the Jabra Elite Wireless. This followed another patent filed in March, which further fueled the rumors.

We also heard separately that the AirPods 3 would come in black and white, be both waterproof and offer active noise-cancellation, features that have similarly been predicted by Bloomberg. Another patent from July suggested that Apple was working on some pretty nifty tech for how the earbuds handle outside noise as well as dissipating pressure from inside the ear canal. 

The patent outlined a valve system that would allow sound to escape your ear canal to avoid that weird reverberating effect that occurs when you speak with earbuds in your ears. 

It then goes on to describe how the earbuds would handle ambient noise, using a microphone to filter in noise from the outside world so that you can remain aware of your surroundings while still hearing your music.

One rumor that did prove to be accurate however was wireless charging and Bluetooth 5.0 - but instead of being an improved thanks to an updated W2 chip, Apple has designed a brand new H1 chip, which is made for headphones specifically.

AirPods 2 release date price rumors

Image credit: Apple

Apple AirPods 3: what we want to see

Noise-cancelation

Only a couple of years ago, companies were struggling just to get true wireless earbuds working, but now the goalposts have already shifted to packing more and more functionality into their shells. 

The stunning Sony WF-1000XM3 manage to include noise-cancelation technology inside their diminutive shells, and we were hoping see similar functionality make it to the second generation of AirPods. 

Apple’s fancy ambient noise technology outlined above suggested the company is thinking along these lines, and as it didn't make the cut for the 2019 upgrade, we're expecting to see noise-cancelation in the AirPods 3.

Better audio quality

Companies like Sony and more recently, Cambridge Audio, have proven that true wireless earbuds can sound just as good as their wired, and even their over-ear counterparts.

If Apple can harness the audio quality offered by the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 true wireless earbuds, as well as keeping the cost down, the company could be on to a real winner.

Sony WF-1000X earbuds

The Sony WF-1000X feature noise-cancellation technology (Image credit: Sony)

More physical controls

Apple isn’t much of a fan of buttons, but there are some cases where they save you a lot of time and effort, and headphones are one of these instances. 

On-board controls have become an almost essential feature in headphones in recent years, allowing us to control music playback and volume without having to struggle to get our phones out of our pockets. 

Now the 2016 AirPods did allow you to control music in a sense, but they relied entirely on Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. 

New to the 2019 upgraded AirPods is the ability to double tap the right earbud to start your music up if it’s paused or skip to the next track if you’re currently playing a track...and that's it. 

We'd like to see the AirPods 3 take this further, allowing you to skip backwards and forwards more easily. What would be really great, would be to put those long stems to use and add in some swipe volume controls. 

B&O Beoplay E8

The B&O Beoplay E8 feature touch-sensitive controls to allow you to control your music (Image credit: TechRadar)

Changeable ear tips

Apple likes to rely wholly on sleek white plastic, but we aren’t a fan of the lack of rubber tips on the AirPods, especially when there’s no cable to catch them if they fall.

We want any true wireless earbuds to feel nice and secure in the ears, and including a number of changeable ear tips so we can select those that perfectly fit our ears would be the ideal way of achieving this. 

One individual in the TechRadar office even went to the length of fixing some rubber tips from an alternative pair of headphones onto their AirPods to make them feel more secure. 

We weren't expecting Apple to change it's rather rigid design aesthetic with the 2019 update, but here's hoping it will for the AirPods 3. 

Better Android pairing

Given that Apple likes to ensure all its products are designed to work as a family this has little chance of happening, but we’d love to see the AirPods play slightly nicer with Android phones. 

On iPhones, pairing is a dream. You simply hold the AirPods near your phone and they connect more or less automatically. 

However with Android the process is a lot more complicated and involving jumping into settings menus to select the AirPods manually. We’d love to see Apple simplify this process for the AirPods 3, though we're not holding our breath.

Beats Solo 3 Wireless

Beats'Solo 3 Wireless come in a number of flashy colors other than white (Image Credit: Beats)

Different designs and colors 

We get it, Apple likes white things. But in an era where iPhones and iPads are available in a range of different colors we’d love to see this same courtesy extended to the AirPods. 

We just want our headphones to match our phone and our Apple Watch; is that so much to ask?

Although Apple has experimented with different colors for its various devices, its earbuds have always stayed the same iconic white. Still, the AirPods 3 are rumored to be coming in a second black option as well. 

Longer battery life

When the original AirPods were released way back in 2016, their five-hour battery life was rather impressive; now, it's lagging behind the competition. 

With the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 true wireless earbuds, you get nine hours from the buds themselves, and a further 36 hours of juice contained within their charging case. 

It's clear that true wireless technology has moved on since the AirPods were first released – and so far, Apple hasn't moved on with it.

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Nintendo Switch sale: the console gets a rare $24 price cut at Amazon

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 08:52 AM PDT

If you're looking to snag a great Nintendo Switch deal today then we have a fantastic offer for you today. Amazon has a limited time $24 coupon code on the console that you can apply at checkout. That brings the Switch down to $274.99, which is the best price we've seen for the newest version of the portable gaming device. That's right, perhaps, there's no need to wait for the upcoming Nintendo Switch Black Friday sales next month

The Nintendo Switch is a console that allows you to use it as a portable gaming device or as a home console. You can play the Nintendo Switch anywhere, and the dual Joy-Con controllers let you team up and enjoy multiplayer games. The Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, but this particular device is a newer model, which means it has a longer battery life than the original. The box includes the Nintendo Switch console, the Nintendo Switch dock in black, and the Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con controllers. 

While the $24 coupon code might not seem like much, discounts on the Nintendo Switch are extremely rare. We don't know how long Amazon will have the console on sale, so if you're looking to grab a discount before the Black Friday madness begins, you should take advantage today.

If you're interested in more Switch deals we have the cheapest Nintendo Switch bundles and deal prices that are currently available. Or if you want something a little cheaper then there's a handheld-only version of the console to consider over on our Nintendo Switch Lite prices and bundles guide.

Learn more about the epic November sale event too with our guide to Black Friday 2019.

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Motorola Razr V4 release date, price, news and leaks

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 08:31 AM PDT

Motorola Razr smartphones were iconic devices back when full-featured smartphones weren't ubiquitous tech products – but there's a chance they could become iconic again. 

We've heard many rumors about a new entry, the Motorola Razr V4, which would be a folding phone that takes the old-school form factor and turns it into a 'clamshell'-type foldable phone. 

The foldable phone battleground is heating up, with the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X expected to launch by the end of 2019, but while they're premium devices, the Motorola Razr V4 is expected to be one of the first 'affordable' foldables.

We've actually heart it's set to launch November 13, at an event in Los Angeles, so it could actually be available to buy before Huawei's device.

Here's everything we've heard about the Motorola Razr 2019 so far, along with a wish list of what we want from it.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? A foldable reboot of the Razr range
  • When is it out? Probably sometime in 2019
  • What will it cost? Maybe around $1,500 (roughly £1,170, AU$2,010)

Motorola Razr V4 release date and price

The first Motorola Razr V4 release date rumor came from a report in The Wall Street Journal that pointed to February 2019 - a month that came and went with no sign of the phone.

However Motorola sent out invites for a November 13 event that looks like it could be the launch event. Several teases and hints in the invitations point towards the reveal of a foldable phone, and it'd be very surprising if Motorola had such a device that wasn't the Motorola Razr.

As for what it will cost, the WSJ report says to expect a starting price of roughly $1,500 (around £1,170, AU$2,010). That would make it far more expensive than most phones, but that’s not surprising given that it’s rumored to have a foldable screen.

That's echoed partly by the later rumor, which says the handset will cost €1,500 (about $1,660, £1,375, AU$2,450). Since phone launch prices aren't always exact conversions in different regions, it's possible that it'll cost $1,500 in the US, €1,500 in Europe, and perhaps even £1,500 in the UK. We'd expect it to cost more than AU$1,500 though, as that would be an incredibly low price compared to the other regions!

Expect the new Motorola Razr to be a lot more modern (and a lot more expensive)

That's echoed partly by the later rumor, which says the handset will cost €1,500 (about $1,660, £1,375, AU$2,450). Since phone launch prices aren't always exact conversions in different regions, it's possible that it'll cost $1,500 in the US, €1,500 in Europe, and perhaps even £1,500 in the UK. We'd expect it to cost more than AU$1,500 though, as that would be an incredibly low price compared to the other regions!

It also sounds like Motorola and parent company Lenovo aren't expecting the Razr 2019 to be a mainstream device, with the WSJ report also saying that only around 200,000 units are likely to be made, and that in the US it's a Verizon exclusive. 

How do we know the Motorola Razr V4 is foldable?

The main thing we've heard about the Motorola Razr V4 is that it will have a foldable screen. The first hint of that came from Lenovo’s CEO Yang Yuanqing, who, during MWC 2018, said: "With the new technology, particularly foldable screens, I think you will see more and more innovation on our smartphone design.

"So hopefully what you just described [the Motorola Razr brand] will be developed or realized very soon."

Then, at MWC 2019, Motorola vice president and general manager Anthony Barounas, said, according to TrustedReviews: 

“If you go around the stores today, for me the phones all look the same. It’s difficult to see if it’s a Motorola, or [another brand]. How we differentiate to the consumer, show them something really different, that’s where foldables comes in. And that’s where Motorola also has a very big investment. I can’t say much but we have one franchise that will have a very big impact there.”

So that's pretty much a confirmation that a foldable phone is in the works, though the Razr brand wasn't mentioned by name.

Motorola Razr V4 news and rumors

While we're fairly sure the Motorola Razr V4 will be foldable, we don't know much about the form factor yet.

We've also seen patents pointing to a foldable screen. You can see images from the older patent above and the newer one below, but they both point to a clamshell design with a foldable display. 

However, while the older one shows a large hinge and seemingly a gap between the two display halves, the other, newer patent (found by 91mobiles) shows a truly foldable display.

There's still a hinge, but this isn’t as visible when looking at the screen. This one also appears to have a smaller secondary display on the back of the phone. That makes some sense, as otherwise you wouldn’t be able to see a screen unless the phone was fully unfolded. The newer patent also shows a notch at the top of the screen.

The back also contains what looks to be a single-lens camera above the smaller display, and a fingerprint scanner on the lower section.

There's no guarantee that either of these patents show an accurate picture of the Motorola Razr V4, but we'd expect a clamshell design, since that's what the original Razr range had.

A subsequent rumor supports the idea that the device has a secondary screen. It also details some possible features of that screen, saying that you might be able to use it to scroll through web pages that you're viewing on the main screen.

The secondary screen could also apparently be used to display notifications and a clock, to interact with Google Assistant when the main screen is closed, and to provide shortcuts to settings. It sounds then like it won't have the full functionality of the main screen if this rumor is right.

Image credit: XDA Developers

Another report revealed possible specs, as well as a logo (seen above, background filled in with black for clarity). The Motorola Razr V4 will supposedly pack a Snapdragon 710, either 4 or 6Gb of RAM and either 64 or 128GB of storage. 

It also may have 2,730mAh of battery, though XDA noted that last spec might be out of date – and the Razr V4 looks to be much smaller when unfolded than its foldable competitors (like the Samsung Fold and Huawei Mate X), which look to expand into tablet-size dimensions. The Razr V4 looks to be smaller, so it might not need nearly as much juice to stay on.

Clearly, this would be a departure from other soon-to-launch foldable phones , which have top-tier specs. And while previous rumors have revealed a somewhat cheaper potential price for the Razr V4, it's still far beyond what today's non-folding flagship phones cost.

The silver lining, of course, is that the Razr V4 might open up the door to mid-range foldables, that have weaker specs but lower prices. If you don't need cutting-edge processors and RAM to power foldable tech, perhaps we'll see more affordable folding devices sooner than we thought.

Motorola Razr V4 leaks have taken another step forward though, after press renders claiming the show the handset hit Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo, but were pulled shortly after.

However, SlashLeaks was able to grab the images before they disappeared, showing us an impressive looking device.

What we want to see

Rumors about the Motorola Razr V4 are starting to roll in but we don’t know much yet, so we’ve come up with a list of what we hope it offers.

1. A great design

One of the reasons the Motorola Razr range was so popular was because of its slim, stylish design. Of course, the old models like the Motorola Razr V3, are dated now, but we’d like to see the spirit of the design carried on for the Razr V4, but in a more modern form. We want a slim, futuristic handset.

The good news is that if the screen really does fold then it should at least be futuristic, though it might not be all that slim when folded shut.

2. Genuinely useful flexibility

There’s a worry that early foldable screens could be little more than a gimmick, but we hope that’s not the case with the Motorola Razr V4. Hopefully, the company will find a way to make it feel genuinely useful.

If Motorola successfully makes a screen that can change from phone to tablet size without feeling awkward then that would be a good start.

3. Flagship specs

Any foldable phone is inevitably going to be expensive and rumors specifically suggest that the Razr 2019 will be pricey.

So we really want to get our money’s worth, by not just getting a foldable screen but also specs that can compete with the best of 2019’s new and upcoming flagships, like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and iPhone 11.

We want the Razr V4 to be able to compete with the latest flagships

4. A long-lasting battery

We want all of our phones to have decent battery life, but this is of particular concern with foldable phones, as the larger screens could be a big drain.

So hopefully there will be an appropriately large battery in the Motorola Razr V4 to keep it going through the day and beyond.

5. A palatable price

Early rumors suggest this will be one very expensive phone, and we’d expect it to be too, since foldable screens are a new, likely pricey feature. However, for these devices to have remotely mainstream appeal the cost is going to need to be pushed down.

That probably won’t happen until the second or third generation of foldable devices, but it would be a nice surprise if Motorola (which is known in part for offering great value handsets) manages to make an affordable one on the first attempt.

6. Near stock Android with foldable features

One thing we love about most current Moto phones is that they use a version of Android that’s had little done to it, ensuring the software is polished, easily approachable and typically quick to get updated.

We hope the same is true for the Motorola Razr V4. Or at least, for the most part. What we would like to see though are some software features that help you get the most out of the foldable screen. We’re not sure what those would be, but hopefully that’s something Motorola has given some thought to.

7. A sharp, durable screen

Being foldable is one thing, but we don’t want that to be the only thing the Razr V4’s screen has going for it. We’d also like it to be a sharp, high-quality panel. And for it to be durable, because it’s going to need to be if it’s constantly being folded.

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