Wednesday, April 25, 2018

The Google Pixel 3 Features We Want Most

The Google Pixel was a breath of fresh air in the Android world. The Pixel 2 built on that success by delivering better specs, better speakers, water resistance, the best smartphone camera on the market, and more. If Google sticks to its product cycle updates, this year we can expect the Google Pixel 3, and there is a LOT to be excited about.

With excitement often comes expectations- will Google come through in the clutch? Here are 5 features that we absolutely want to see in the upcoming Google Pixel 3 phone.

#1 – Smaller bezels

The Google Pixel 3 Features We Want Most
Phones are moving away from the big bezels of the past, but the Pixel 2 stuck with the big top and bottom bezels that are actually bigger than the iPhone 8's. We're hoping the Pixel 3 bezels get smaller, but this would require quite a redesign of the phone's insides, something that has been pushing other manufacturers towards the much hated "notch"- and you won't find a notch on this list of feature requests. Google should be up for the challenge and deliver a more modern look with the Pixel 3.

#2 – Wireless charging

The Google Pixel 3 Features We Want Most - wireless charging
The Pixel 2 is now one of the few high end phones in the world that does not offer wireless charging. The Samsung Galaxy S9 supports wireless charging, as do Apple's main rivals now, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. If Google is to really compete against the best, a Pixel 3 wireless charging feature is a must, especially now that wireless charging is becoming more and more commonplace, found in cars, coffee shops, hotels, and of course, the large variety of wireless charging stations that are on sale.

#3 – More accurate OLED display

Previous Pixel displays weren't the best in the world, but at this price range, Google has to do better than the blue-shifting OLED panel the Google Pixel 2 got from LG. The Pixel 3 display has to be a step up from the previous phone in terms of quality. Users shouldn't worry about whether the particular phone they get will have accurate color or not — some Pixel 2 displays are better than others, and that's a sign of poor quality control, both at Google and the display manufacturer. Topping Samsung's displays would be difficult, but Google at least needs some consistency in this department.

4: More carrier / retail options

The Pixel 2 is available at Google's online store, but if you want to actually try the phone out or at least feel it in your hand before dropping $650, your only choice is to go to a Verizon store. Many readers and tech enthusiasts option for online purchases of unlocked phones, but many people still buy their phones in-store from carriers and exclusive partnerships prevent wider adoption of what in many ways is the Android blueprint. Google should expand its carrier offerings of the Pixel 3 so more consumers can get their hands on a phone and see what it's like before buying it- but will they?

IP68 water resistance


The Pixel 1 was not water resistant. The Pixel 2 improved on that with IP67 water resistance. Google should keep improving on that feature and give the Pixel 3 IP68 water and dust resistance. While iPhone rivals are currently only IP67 rated as well, the Galaxy S9 features the much better IP68 rating, and rumors suggest that the next iPhones will also have IP68.

What Pixel 3 features do YOU want?

What are some of the Google Pixel 3 features that you want to see? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and don't forget to follow Phandroid on Twitter and like us on Facebook.



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Friday, April 20, 2018

32 Great Android Games Worth Downloading

A couple days we ago we told you about some of our favorite Android Youtubers. Included in that list was /r/AndroidGaming's very own NimbleThor who today shared a video of his very favorite Android games over the past few years. If you're looking for something new to download and play right now, feast your eyes on these.

Download links are below the video

Best Action Gameplay Experience

Best Shooter Gameplay Experience

Best RPG Gameplay Experience

Best Oldschool / Nostalgia Gameplay Experience

Best Strategy Gameplay Experience

Best Rogue-like Gameplay Experience

Best Multiplayer Gameplay Experience

Most Fun Gameplay Experience

Best Silly Gameplay Experience

Best Casual / Platformer Gameplay Experience

Best Impossible Game

If you enjoyed this video and the game selections, head on over to YouTube and subscribe to NimbleThor where he shares Android Game suggestions each weekday. You can also find his /r/AndroidGaming post on this topic right here.

What Android Games are you playing?

Let us know what you've recently downloaded and are enjoying in the comments! And if you'd like to see regular Android Game suggestions and/or roundups, be sure to let us know.



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Thursday, April 19, 2018

15+ First Things Every NEW Android User Should Do

Android is incredibly powerful, but with great power can come great complexity: it's not easy to unlock the most helpful tasks unless you really know your way around. There are so many hidden Android features that even advanced Android users find themselves stumbling upon new tips and tricks quite often.

But you've got to start somewhere, right? This comprehensive Android How To article will explain the first things that every new Android user should do, ensuring you get started on the right foot. These first things will work on mostly any Android phone, but for device specific how-to hints, head over to our Tips & Tricks section.

The most dangerous thing you can do is dive into your Android device thinking you know it all. Whether you're a beginner or an expert it's easy to overlook some simple steps that you'll later regret skipping. That's why even if you've been using Android for quite some time, you may find revisiting these basic steps pretty helpful.

Transfer Data from old phone

You just got your shiny new Android Phone and can't wait to dive in… but how will you get all the content, photos, videos, text messages, and other stuff from your old phone onto your new phone? We've got you covered.

Now that you've got your stuff… let's protect it.

Prevent Disaster

Most people skip this step with the excuse, "I'll do it later." Don't be one of those people. Do yourself a favor and plan for disaster BEFORE It happens. Right now. You don't want to learn the hard way that "later" is typically too late once it suffers an early death at the hands of a thief, water damage, your absent-mindedness, or some other unexpected circumstance.

Your phone stores a lot of sensitive information – e-mails, passwords, photos, videos, social account access, etc. – you'll deeply regret not investing a few short minutes to make sure all your "stuff" is safe.

How to protect your Android Phone:

If the damage is already done, we can show you how to find a lost or stolen Android phone.

Cases & Screen Protectors

Protecting the stuff on your phone is one thing but protecting the physical phone itself shouldn't be overlooked. We've put together a list of the best and most reliable brands for smartphone cases, screen protectors, and other top accessories:

Next time you drop your device, you'll be thankful you invested in these life savers!

Expand Your Storage

Your phone is basically a small computer and with that small size comes limited space. Depending on your device model and storage capacity, you may quickly find yourself short on space. Here are the best ways to fit more stuff on your Android phone or tablet:

Download the Best Apps and Games

Now that you've got more than enough space, time to fill it up with the good stuff! You'll want to start with our updated article titled The 100+ Best Android Apps which is updated frequently and organized by categories. We've also got more focused lists if you're looking for something specific.

Before going on a download binge, now would be a good time to make sure you're connected to WiFi .

How to find the best Android Apps:

How to find the best Android Games:

You can also stay up-to-date with the app and game announcements and updates by downloading EarlyBird – News for Android and following the "Android Apps" and "Android Games" topics.

Make Life Easier

Android has a lot of beautifully simple features that focus on convenience. They're impressively helpful individually, but when combined they can really wow you. These are must-have Android features that you should configure, learn, and use immediately.

Get Better Android Battery Life

All the apps, games, and features in the world don't mean a thing if you've got a dead battery. If you're wondering how to improve battery life on your android, you're not alone- it's the most common question we get. Fortunately we've got some suggestions to help you fine-tune your Android into a lean, mean, all-day-Androiding machine.

How to improve battery life:

Another option would be to buy one of the Android Phones with the Best Battery Life!

Make Your Phone Faster

Out of the box most Android devices are blazingly fast. As you load it up with content, options, apps, games… things start to slow down. There are some preventative steps you can take to make sure this doesn't happen but it's also wise to perform some regular maintenance.

Here are some ways to speed up your Android Phone:

Customize Everything

You want your phone to feel like YOUR phone. That's easily accomplished with Android if you know where to look. We'll walk you through the best way to customize different parts of your phone. Keep in mind that this step is likely to have options and settings specific to your exact device, so everything below might not apply.

How to customize your:

Those are the basics!

We'll be working on more advanced tips and tricks to add into our Android How To Guide, but for now, if you've followed the above suggestions for getting started with Android, you're headed in the right direction!

Did we miss anything? Do you have suggestions for more advanced How To or Tips & Tricks articles that you'd like to see in the future? Let us know in the comments!



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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

13 Android-Loving YouTubers Worth Following

We all know about MKBHD (who just won creator of the decade), the Official Android Channel, and channels for the popular Android blogs, but what other YouTubers are regularly creating amazing content regarding Android? Here are 11 Android-wielding YouTubers worth subscribing to- share your other favorites in the comments!

Sam Bechkam

Although Sam tracks and discusses a wide variety of tech topics, Android seems to be among his favorites. He posts high quality content several times a month and often does roundups of two noteworthy topics: Android Apps of the Month and Best Nova Setups. For the latter he accepts submissions from subscribers and shows off their custom setups in a highlight video. It's fun to see how different people organize their phone and helpful for finding new layouts and tweaks to try for yourself.

NimbleThor

An avid redditor and staple in /r/androidgaming, NimbleThor focuses specifically on mobile games, uploading game suggestions every single weekday. He's been consistently publishing new videos for the past year and has no sign of slowing down. In fact, Friday will mark his 1-year anniversary of sharing top Android Game picks on Reddit. To thank his subscribers, he's publishing a very special and highly-requested video on that day. If you love Android games, NimbleThor is a channel you need to check out.

CooLoserTech

This self-deprecatingly named channel from Albert Torres features lots of cool stuff that Android lovers can put to good use. He offers practical insight from his personal life, without any hint of loser status. Previously an avid user of "The Clapper", Albert explains how and why he replaced the age-old accessory with a WiFi socket in the above video. Definitely worth a subscribe (clap clap clap).

TheUnlockr

David Cogen has been covering tech topics on YouTube since 2008 and still posts new videos several times each week. Although he does feature the typical device reviews and tip videos, he also uploads unique videos you won't likely see elsewhere. He admits in one recent video that there's likely no reason you'd want to follow the tutorial, yet explores how to run Android on your computer anyways- for the love of the game. It's rumored that Android Messages is coming to the web soon… so we'll wait for that, but thanks David!

Copper vs. Glass

Michael from Copper vs. Glass doesn't get enough credit (or views) for his regularly posted, high quality, Android-focused videos- hopefully this post boosts his much deserved growing subscriber count. At the start of the year he shared a "What's on my phone?" style video that should give you an idea of his style. He covers topics ranging from Android theming and feature tips to Android gaming and lesser known accessories. If you're willing to forgive that the iPhone is his current daily driver, give him a watch!

TechMeOut

This young lady is a breath of fresh air in a world of male-dominated tech news media. She's incredibly knowledgable, goes well beyond skimming the surface, and talks to users about sometimes more complex topics in a comfortable and inviting way. Take for example her recent video about NordVPN or unlocking your Galaxy S9. Above are some of her top Android App picks for April 2018.

Armando Ferriera

It seems like Armando has been creating YouTube content forever (and that's a good thing). He publishes a handful of videos each month, often covering Android. He includes just as much iPhone related content and focuses about half his time on photography and accessories, which ends up being a really nice mix for general tech lovers and Android enthusiasts alike. His recent "Galaxy S9 Camera" video (shown above), for example, put that iPhone expertise to good use by providing helpful side-by-side comparisons.

 

Arun Maini

At over 1M subscribers he doesn't need any help promotional help, but "Mr. WhoseTheBoss" is worth checking out if you haven't found his channel yet. His well produced and edited videos are beautifully composed and cover a wide range of (usually) Android topics. Take for example this recent video sharing some of the most beautiful Android games with less than a million downloads.

Francesco – Keep Productive

I've been focusing a lot more on ways to simplify, improve, and organize my digital life and was happy I stumbled upon the Keep Productive channel run by Francesco. He focuses specifically and entirely on productivity, doing deep dives on specific apps, comparisons between apps, surfacing new apps, and a whole lot more. He's an iPhone users but his videos are typically applicable to both platforms. If you're looking for ways to improve your mobile productivity, I highly suggest subscribing. And stay tuned to the Phandroid channel as I'll be sharing some of my own findings in the productivity space as well.

Zachary Anderson

He only publishes a few times a month, but it's quality over quantity- right? He has a light and casual style that makes watching his videos fun. Check out this recent video sharing 3 lesser known Android Wallpaper apps that you might want to check.

Beebom

There are more Android users in India than anywhere else in the world and this media company targets that audience. However, they're "tech that matters" videos are of general interest on a global scale. Take for example the above video which dissects the stripped down "Android Go" apps and explains why they make so much sense for Android users.

Tim Schofield

His videos aren't flashy, but Tim's straight forward approach to covering the latest Android gadgets is refreshing. His videos are timely, to the point, and easy to digest. He recently did a Q&A video to discuss which phone he took on a trip to Thailand (seen above). Any guesses? SPOILER: Yep, the Google Pixel 2 XL for its battery life and of course the amazing camera.

Android Developers

This is a bonus pick: the Official Google Youtube Channel for Android Developers has less than 600k followers. That's likely because 90% of the content is dry and boring for consumers, but every now and then you'll spot a diamond in the rough. Take for example this side-by-side comparison of downloading and playing Clash Royale compared to the "Google Play Instant" option which lets you play and test apps and games before ever downloading them. For Android lovers who can't get enough, you'll definitely want to subscribe.

Share Your Favorite YouTubers

There are TONS of YouTubers creating amazing content about Android- these are just a handful of suggestions. Share your favorite Android or Tech focused YouTubers in the comments! And if you enjoyed this article, let us know in the comments so we can do similar follow up articles using your feedback!



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Monday, April 16, 2018

Would you buy a Foldable Smartphone?

The constant race to reveal the first smartphone that can [insert marketing message] is something we've seen over and over again. Whether it be the thinnest smartphone, the smallest bezels, the first with 3D screens, first with a secondary display, or some other "groundbreaking" feature- the perceived push to "be first" is real.

The latest race is in the arena of flexible displays and foldable smartphones. Rumors suggest Huawei is powering full throttle to be the first to market in November. That may or may not be a good thing, for both Huawei and consumers, but you tell us: are you eager to try/buy a smartphone with a flexible and/or foldable display?

Take Our Poll

The "race" to achieve this feature has been a marathon and there are plenty of participants. Let's take a look at some milestones along the way:

The best of the early bunch were shown off in a promo video at Samsung's CES presentation way back in 2013:

Has the window of opportunity closed?

Flexible smartphone displays are an interesting concept to explore, but work got started on them nearly a decade ago, and lots has changed since then. Are they still a relevant desire worth the innovation?

My first inclination is to say no- flexible/foldable displays on smartphones missed their mark. Since Kyocera, Samsung, and LG first explored the concepts back in 2011-2013, screens have gotten larger, more vibrant, resistant to weather, and with smaller bezels. The big bright screens on today's phones are big enough, adding foldable/flexible display tech will bulk up internal components, making for an interesting but unrealistic final product.

Take a look at the Samsung renders above. Screen on the front and (the equivalent of) two screens inside for a total of 3 smartphone screens on one device. Seems like overkill, right?

Now consider this: what if you flip that concept inside out, showing screens on the front and back of the device that wrap around, with the components sandwiched together?

The Reason for the Notch?

Having a screen that wraps entirely around the phone might be one reason manufacturers are so adamant about developing "the notch". If your phone has a screen on both front and back, you've got no choice but to embed the camera somewhere on at least one of the screens. Instead of switching between front and back cameras, you point the camera wherever you want and there's always a display to show your preview.

I don't know what engineers from Huawei, LG, Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Essential, etc… have dreamed up, but I'm sure they're working on some awesome stuff. Let's just hope it's also practical stuff.

Huawei 1st, LG 2nd, Samsung 3rd, Apple 4th…

Being first to market vs. getting the user experience right- a tradeoff we've seen play out so many times before. It wouldn't be surprising to see Huawei rush to market for the sake of headlines, LG follow shortly thereafter, Samsung release a better implementation after a short delay, and 12 months later see Apple reveal a polished version that knocks everyone's socks off.

At this point anything could happen, but I'm a bit concerned the first wave of flexible display smartphones will serve as nothing more than another gimmick that comes and goes like 3D smartphones screens of the past. They'll almost certainly sell a whopping number of units – consumers are craving innovation in the smartphone hardware arena – but will innovation come in the form of an evolutionary tech turn or a run-of-the-mill marketing ploy? Let us know what you think in the comments.

 



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Saturday, April 14, 2018

These are the best tech deals on Amazon right now

There are good deals on Amazon at any given time, the problem is to find them. We've done that for you here with some great deals that are live on Amazon right now, from an amazing deal on a 6TB backup drive to some accessories that will definitely make your life easier.

6TB external backup drive with USB hub for $115


Seagate right now has the best deal on an external harddrive: the 6TB Backup Plus drive features two USB 3.0 ports and retails for just $114. Get it here.

Get the Seagate 6TB drive here

The best reviewed mechanical keyboard is now just $59


Corsair's K63 compact mechanical keyboard is the best reviewed mechanical/gaming keyboard on Amazon and is now on sale for just $59. It's backlit, features a quiet key design, and is fully programmable.

Get the awesome mechanical keyboard here

One of the most reliable power banks today is just $25


Anker's PowerCore 13000 is a 13000mAh power bank that now supports PowerIQ charging, USB-C input for faster recharging, and two USB ports. It can charge the Samsung Galaxy S8 3 times or the iPhone 8 5 times. Make sure to use the promo code ANKERPC3.

Get the power bank here

A motion sensing LED light strip that you can put anywhere for $17


OxyLED makes a very useful motion sensing LED strip that lasts for up to 30 days on a charge, and a lot longer when it's used in locations like closets. You can stick them anywhere and get instant light to a small area without the need for wires and remotes. Get it for just $17 here.

Get the LED lights here
 

Amazon Fire TV stick w. voice remote is just $29 right now


If you're in the market for a streaming device with voice features, the Amazon Fire TV stick is the best deal now. It comes with the Alexa voice remote and supports all the big platforms and content providers. Get it here for just $29.

Get the Fire TV stick here
 

USB WiFi smart plug (2-pack) for just $14.99


Smarten your home with these WiFi-controlled smart plugs — you can control them from anywhere, set a timer, and can be paired with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Best of all, you get two of them for just $14.99. Get them here.

Get the WiFi smart plugs here
And finally…

Amazon Fire 7 tablet for just $35


One of the most popular Android tablets on the market is the Fire 7, and now you can have it for just $35 for the 8 GB version. It's the perfect companion tablet for streaming and content consumption, and the price is hard to beat. Actually, the price is impossible to beat — this is the best deal on an Android tablet right now. Get it here while the offer lasts.

Get the Fire 7 here for just $35


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Friday, April 13, 2018

Why You Shouldn’t Download Your Facebook History

There are a lot of smart people discussing digital privacy thanks to the latest Facebook controversy. It was worth discussing before, but this has served as a backlash catalyst with potentially unintended consequences. Before I explain, let me be clear: you shouldn't download your Facebook history.

There are several pools of dialogue occurring on the Facebook topic. Critics pointing fingers at the clueless old fogies deciding our technological fate (and rightfully so), faithful Facebook users flinging vile insults at Zuckerberg (on Facebook mind you), and lots of smart journalists trying to get to the bottom of things.

Take for example the excellent piece by Brian Chen from the New York Times who was shocked at what he saw after downloading his Facebook history.

When you download a copy of your Facebook data, you will see a folder containing multiple subfolders and files. The most important one is the "index" file, which is essentially a raw data set of your Facebook account, where you can click through your profile, friends list, timeline and messages, among other features.

He went on to discuss the findings within his personal Facebook History:

  • 764 names and phone numbers of everyone in his iPhone's address book
  • a history of each time he opened Facebook over the last two years
  • locations, like when he was at a hospital two years ago
  • list of roughly 500 brands that had his contact info

This will likely spark an unsettling feeling in your stomach and leave you wondering, "What about me?" I beg you-  resist the urge and DO NOT download your Facebook history. Understand that Facebook has all the info you've ever input, because you agreed to those terms, and move on with your life.

Let's face it: despite repeated threats, you probably aren't going to delete your Facebook account. You might deactivate it, but there's a good chance you'll be back. Or maybe you will delete it- that's not even the point.

The point is that the minute you download your Facebook History, you're exposing yourself to the possibility that everyone in the world gets that info, including all of your Facebook Messenger conversations and nitty gritty details.

It sits right there on your computer, in your downloads folder, waiting for some hacker or thief to find it and exploit it. Facebook may have this information themselves, unfortunately along with some of their 3rd party partners, but it's in a much more secure place than sitting on your laptop, smartphone, or desktop computer.

There's a good chance many people will download their Facebook history, take a look at what's inside, move on, and forget about it. What happens when their computer gets stolen? Or some shady character at a Starbucks figures out how to hack in? Or they send their device in for repair and a rogue worker has a looksee? I wouldn't be surprised if in the next few years this surge of Facebook History downloads leads to some scandals and heartbreaks with some celebrities falling victim.

It's ironic that people are so concerned about their data falling into the wrong hands yet download their entire history on an insecure device, making it exponentially more vulnerable to evil forces.

Here's what you SHOULD do:

Now maybe you still want to download your Facebook history. Maybe it's because you're too dang curious about what's in there. Maybe it's because you truly do plan on deactivating or deleting your entire account. That's fine, I succumb to your motives, you can learn how to download it here. But please… PLEASE… make sure you delete every bit of that Facebook History that you aren't comfortable sharing with the general public and store anything sensitive in a secure location.

How many of you already downloaded your Facebook history?



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