The OnePlus 5T will retain its 3.5mm headphone jack

While some OEM's are removing the 3.5mm headphone jack in an effort to "save space" or being "courageous", other's are making sure users have everything they need. Whenever new devices are anticipated, one of the biggest questions is whether the device will have the 3.5mm headphone jack, and the OnePlus 5T falls in this category.

What do our phones have in common? 🎵 http://pic.twitter.com/sd9PcSdptw

— OnePlus (@oneplus) November 1, 2017

Over the past couple of weeks we have been seeing more and more teases and leaks regarding the OnePlus 5T, and now the company is giving everyone a hint that the OnePlus 5T will retain the headphone jack. Obviously, this teaser has nothing to do with the 5T specifically, but if the company were to remove the headphone jack from its latest device, this tweet would be counterintuitive and would draw a lot of flack.

The aforementioned tweet shows that every single OnePlus device has kept the headphone jack, despite some in the market deciding to remove it. So, if you were to draw conclusions, you would be able to assume that the next OnePlus device would also include it.

We don't have a solid date as to when the OnePlus 5T will be introduced, but according to previous leaks, we could just be a couple of weeks away. The latest reference to this suggests a launch date of November 16th, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens in the days ahead.

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Sony’s smartphone business still struggling after big loss

Sony's smartphone business is still suffering at the hands of more popular rivals. The Japanese company posted its financial results for the last quarter this week, and while the rest of its business is thriving, its mobile division continues to hemorrhage cash.

You have to feel a little sorry for Sony Mobile. Like HTC, it produces stellar Android devices that are largely ignored by most smartphone consumers, who would prefer to buy from the likes of Apple and Samsung. As a result, it continues to struggle year after year.

Sony's results for the July to September quarter make for bittersweet reading. The company saw a whopping 2 trillion yen (approx. $18.25 billion) in revenue, with a net profit of $1.15 billion. Its semiconductor and gaming business were hugely successful.

In fact, all of Sony's businesses posted decent results — except one. Sony Mobile was the only one to lose cash to the tune of 2.5 billion yen (approx. $21.9 million) on the back of an income of just 3.7 billion yen (approx. $32.4 million). Unfavorable exchange rates did play a part in that.

"Deterioration was primarily due to a change in the geographic mix of smartphone sales, an increase in the price of key components, as well as the negative impact […] of the U.S. dollar," Sony explained.

Nevertheless, it's more bad news for Sony smartphone fans, and if the company cannot turn it around, you have to wonder how long it will swallow these losses before it decides Xperia handsets have to die.

[Sony]

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You can now order the ZTE Axon M from AT&T today!

Earlier last month, ZTE showcased a new device that it hopes will change the face of the smartphone market in the future. The ZTE Axon M was introduced earlier this month and features a dual-display setup that hasn't been seen since the days before smartphones.

Nonetheless, ZTE is hoping to push the boundaries with the Axon M and starting today, you can order the device yourself. Currently, the Axon M is exclusively available from AT&T for either $725 unlocked, or $24.17 per month for 30 months through AT&T Next.

This pricing puts the device in the realm of other 2017 flagships, despite "only" being powered by the Snapdragon 821 which powered 2016 flagships. Here's a rundown of the specs for the device:

• 5.2-inch 1080p display x2
• Snapdragon 821 processor
• 4GB RAM
• 20MP camera (acts as front and rear facing)
• 3,180mAh battery
• Headphone jack

If you're interested in learning more about the Axon M hit the links below, but if you want to get one for yourself, hit the button.

Buy the ZTE Axon M

Recommended Reading

• ZTE Axon M is official
• ZTE Axon M First Impressions!
• 7 Things to love and hate about the Axon M

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The BLU S1 is the company’s first Sprint-compatible device

Just a couple of weeks ago, the BLU S1 was launched and is a very compelling option in the budget market at just $179. However, when the device launched it was limited in the compatible networks, but that has now changed.

BLU S1 Specs

• 5.2-inch with 1,280 x 720 resolution display
• 1.5GHz octa-core MediaTek6750 processor
• Mali-T860 GPU
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage expandable up to 64GB
• 13-megapixel rear camera
• 5-megapixel front camera
• Pre-installed with Android 7.0 Nougat
• 147.3 x 72.8 x 8.4mm
• 137g

Now, the BLU S1 can be used with either Sprint or Boost Mobile, along with the traditional GSM networks that it would work with before. Normally, pricing for the BLU S1 starts at $179, but for a limited time, you can hit the button below to get yours for just $129, with free Prime shipping.

Let us know if you'd be interested in the BLU S1, or if you'd pick one up just as a backup.

Buy the BLU S1

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The ASUS ZenFone 4 lineup makes its way to North America

The ASUS Zenfone 4 lineup was announced way back in August, but there was no mention as to when the devices would be made available here in the States. It seems that wait is over, as the ASUS ZenFone 4, ASUS ZenFone 4 Pro, and ASUS ZenFone 4 Max are all now available in North America.

ASUS ZenFone 4

Starting off with the base model, the ASUS ZenFone 4 comes equipped with a 5.5-inch FHD display, while being powered by the Snapdragon 626 and 4GB of RAM. ASUS has also included 64GB of storage which can be expanded by a microSD card and a 3,300mAh battery

As for the cameras, ASUS packed a dual-camera setup into the ZenFone 4 with the primary lens coming in at 12MP, along with an 8MP secondary sensor. Moving to the front, we have an 8MP selfie shooter, so you can make sure you get the best shot.

Pricing for the ZenFone 4 starts at $399, and the device is made available from the likes of Amazon, B&H Photo, Best Buy, and Newegg.

Buy the ASUS ZenFone 4

ASUS ZenFone 4 Max

Moving to the budget option of the group, there are actually two versions of the ZenFone 4 Max available. Specs for these two don't vary too much, other than the fact that there is a 5.5-inch HD display option and a 5.2-inch HD display.

The larger 5.5-inch model is powered by the Snapdragon 430 while being coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. The 5.2-inch model is powered by the Snapdragon 425 along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.

The final difference comes down to battery life as the larger option has a 5,000mAh battery, and the 5.2-inch variant features a 4,100mAh battery. As for the cameras, both devices are identical, as they are packed with a 5MP and 13MP dual camera setup on the rear, and an 8MP sensor on the front.

Pricing for the 5.5-inch model begins at $199, while the smaller 5.2-inch model is priced at $169.

Buy the ASUS ZenFone 4 Max

ASUS ZenFone 4 Pro

The last device coming to the US is the mac-daddy of the ZenFone 4 lineup with the ZenFone 4 Pro. This is your traditional flagship option from ASUS, as it features a 5.5-inch FHD AMOLED display, while being powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC coupled with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage.

As is the case with the other ZenFone 4 options mentioned, the Pro also comes equipped with a dual-camera setup. The 12MP lens acts as the "main shooter" and has OIS built-in, while telescopic 16MP sensor offers 2X optical zoom and 10X total zoom.

Finally, the ZenFone 4 Pro features a 3,600mAh battery and is available from a few different retailers for just $599.

Buy the ASUS ZenFone 4 Pro Let us know what you think about the new ZenFone 4 lineup and if you're interested in picking up one of these devices for yourself.

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Galaxy Note 8 users report frustrating freezing issue

Last year's Galaxy Note 7 had a tendency to overheat, while this year's Galaxy Note 8 seems to have a problem with freezing. A growing number of users are reporting that their handsets are crashing when opening certain apps, including the built-in Contacts app.

Users are taking to the Samsung Community forum to report the problem, which is making life with a Galaxy Note 8 extremely frustrating for some. Doing simple, everyday things can become impossible, with the crashes so bad that only restarting the device will fix them.

"I set up speed dial and sometimes it will call but not show the contact info and sometimes it will just outright freeze on me," reports one Note 8 owner. "I am currently dialing each and every one of my contacts as of now to avoid this issue."

"I have a note 8 and actually is my first time using and android phone. I never seen a phone that freezes an reboots so many times in the same month," writes another. "Some times it happens when I'm playing games or using Facebook or WhatsApp. Other times it happens just by browsing etc."

The problem appears to occur most commonly with Samsung's own Contacts app, however, other users are reporting similar freezing issues when loading third-party apps and games. Again, this isn't a temporary freeze; only restarting the device brings it back to life.

That, coupled with the fact that the freezing occurs with basic features, make this a serious issue — especially on a flagship smartphone that costs $1,000. Samsung obviously needs to address it quickly, but as yet, the South Korean company hasn't responded to the complaints.

Have you experienced similar problems on your Galaxy Note 8?

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Google app teardown reveals more info about routines, Pixel Buds, and ‘Quartz’

The latest beta release of the Google app has been ripped apart to reveal some new information. The app has mentions of the new Assistant feature called "Routines," Pixel Buds, and the rumored Google Home device with a display called "Quartz."

"Routines" are programmable, well, routines that can perform multiple actions with a single command. The app includes an icon and string for Routines. We can also see "Scenes" being mentioned. A "Scene" is a grouping of smart devices.

Next up, the Pixel Buds are mentioned in a string for support and apparently, you will have to place them in the charging case for updates. There's also references to sending data to Google and notifications for headphones running in the background. Lastly, the rumored Google Home with a display codenamed "Quartz." It's referenced in some strings for Recipes and pairing devices.

[via 9to5Google]

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