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Samsung hypes this week's Unpacked event with new video teasers
Everything will be revealed August 5
Samsung has been slowly trickling information out about its August 5th Unpacked event. The show itself was announced earlier this month, and it was clarified that five "power devices" would be introduced at the event about a week ago. To keep interest high, Samsung is counting down the days with short videos teasing not just the products, but the whole program itself.
20 US states are working on contact tracing apps using Google and Apple tracking tech
These states cover roughly 45% of the US population
Apple and Google don't often collaborate, but they came together to create an API for a Bluetooth-based coronavirus exposure notification system called the Exposure Notifications System (ENS). Back when this initiative was first announced, we didn't know exactly how many US states would be on board, but Google has announced that 20 states are now exploring this technology.
Microsoft is basically giving up on Cortana, Android support to die next year
It's getting axed on iOS as well
It was never going to be easy for Microsoft to have a voice assistant on Android when the Google Assistant was out there, and it looks like the company has finally thrown in the towel. Beginning in early 2021, support for Cortana will be ended on Android, iOS, and a couple of small platforms. Cortana had already been phased out in several countries a few months ago, but this change will be global.
Virtually every major auto manufacturer has already incorporated Android Auto into their infotainment systems, leaving BMW as the final holdout. Although the company had claimed in 2017 that it had no plans to add Android Auto to their lineup, it must have changed its mind at some point, because it announced in December of last year that Android Auto would be coming in July 2020. Well, it's July 2020, and I can confirm that BMW has finally made this long-awaited Android Auto update available.
Nokia's 5G-equipped 8.3 is coming to the US this fall
The company calls it "the first global flagship smartphone"
More and more 5G phones are being released, but only one has truly international support for 5G bands: the Nokia 8.3 5G. First announced in March, the 8.3 5G is making its way stateside in just a few months, meaning we might have a more affordable 5G option soon.
Google's AirDrop clone Nearby Share is back and rolling out more widely
Following a short hiatus yesterday
After a short hiatus yesterday, it looks like Nearby Share has returned for many again, and it seems like it's rolled out much more widely this time around. The Apple AirDrop competitor, currently still under development and not 100% officially announced, started surfacing about a month ago in beta, and began hitting stable users around a week later, but the feature disappeared for many yesterday, July 29.
Sony Xperia 1 II now available in the US for $1,198, bundled with WF-1000XM3 buds
B&H is the only retailer that has it in stock
There are a few unusual things about the Xperia 1 II, including the super-tall display and the stupid name, but arguably the most unusual thing is the price. Back when B&H first put the One-Two up for pre-order, we were amazed at that $1,198 price, and thought that Sony might be reconsidering the price when the number was taken down. However, Sony confirmed that price a few days later, though it did mention it'd be throwing in a free pair of WF-1000XM3s for pre-orders.The Xperia 1 II is definitely expensive, but it at least has flagship-level specs. It has a massive 21:9 4K OLED display, a 5G-enabled Snapdragon 865, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage with microSD expansion, a triple rear camera setup, and a 4,000mAh battery with USB-PD charging. It also has an IP65/68 rating and a headphone jack with hi-fi audio. Part of the reason the price is so high is no doubt the 5G development cost, but at least Sony is throwing in a pair of WF-1000XM3 noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds, which go for 8 if purchased separately, in your choice of black or silver.
Netflix hits one billion installs on the Play Store
It does come pre-installed on many devices, though
With everyone holed up at home, Netflix has probably been getting a little more usage than usual. Those extra few downloads could have just tipped the app over one billion downloads on the Play Store, which is no small feat even for an app that comes pre-installed on some devices.
Samsung's excellent Galaxy Buds+ are just $99 ($51 off) on eBay
A sizable discount on an already well-priced set of true wireless buds
There's no shortage of true wireless earbuds on the market today, but among the best are the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. Already priced fairly with an MSRP of $150, a reputable seller on eBay is now offering these for .94, which is around $51 off.
Carl Pei says the OnePlus Nord is coming to the US — just maybe not the same Nord
Expect it to arrive later this year
OnePlus hyped the Nord up for a long time, so it's a good thing that the phone lives up to expectations. For £379, this is one hell of a phone, but those of us that don't live in European or Indian markets have been left out. We have some good news, though; according to OnePlus cofounder Carl Pei, a Nord phone of some sort will be coming stateside soon.
The organizers of CES, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), had been pushing hard to keep next year's event in Las Vegas, but they've finally thrown in the towel. The CTA has just announced that CES 2021 will be an all-digital event, saying that it will offer "a unique experience for the tech industry" and "a highly personalized experience."
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook drops to $799 ($200 off) at Best Buy
If you're after a higher-end Chromebook with a sharp design, this is an excellent option
Pixelbook aside, Chromebooks have a reputation for being slow, plasticky, and generally not very good-looking. The Galaxy Chromebook, however, defies all that with a premium processor, an aluminum chassis, and an eye-catching design. Best Buy is currently offering the Galaxy Chromebook for 9, $200 off MSRP — a healthy discount on a pretty new laptop.
Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless earbuds on sale for $100 ($30 off)
No, they're not true wireless buds, but $100 is an all-time low price for these
In today's world of AirPods and other true wireless earbuds, the form factor that Jaybird popularized is becoming increasingly rare to see. That said, there are still scenarios in which one might prefer the older style. If you're still in the market for them, Jaybird is currently offering its Tarah Pro in-ear headphones for $99.99, which is $30 off the regular going price and the lowest price we've seen for these, at several retailers.The Tarah Pro was released in late 2018. Our own Taylor reviewed them, dubbing them "Jaybird's best wireless earbuds yet" thanks to the great battery life, sound quality, and updated charger design. One of Taylor's main complaints was the price, but that was back when the retail price was $159.99. At $99.99, the Tarah Pro becomes a much more interesting proposition.
ASUS ROG Phone 3 has a secret 160Hz mode, can be activated with one ADB command
Because 144Hz just isn't enough sometimes
The ROG Phone 3 debuted just a few days ago with some pretty ridiculous specs, but the high refresh rate is what the ROG Phone line is primarily known for. This latest version has a display said to be capable of 144Hz, but it seems that ASUS has a 160Hz mode in testing that anyone with an ROG Phone 3 can activate with one ADB command.
50" Toshiba 4K Fire TV Edition is $300 ($30 off) on Amazon
I will never stop being amazed by how cheap TVs are these days
We've all been staying at home a bit more than usual lately, which means a lot more TV show and movie binging. It seems like a good time, then, to invest in a new television. Amazon is currently offering this 50" 4K Toshiba with Fire TV functionality built in for 9.99, $30 off the regular selling price and $80 off MSRP.This Toshiba carries the model number 50LF621U21, which really rolls off the tongue. It's a 50-inch unit with a 4K display, and because it's a Fire TV Edition, there's no need to buy an additional Fire TV unit. These are very easy to set up, and as you can tell from the hero image, it supports all the major streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video (obviously), YouTube, Disney+, etc.
Bose's Noise Cancelling 700 headphones drop to $299 ($100 off)
They're some of the best active noise-cancelling cans on the market
Noise-cancelling headphones aren't cheap, but they're a worthy investment if you frequently find yourself in noisy environments. With this deal on the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, also known as "NC700" or simply "700," you can grab a pair in Soapstone for 9, a full $100 off MSRP — a pretty good deal for some of the best ANC headphones available.We've seen the Bose 700 at $300 before, but only from Rakuten — this deal is much more widely available. The NC700 improve upon the well-known QuietComfort 35 II headphones with a more interesting design, slightly better sound and noise cancellation, as well as much-improved call quality. Plus, they charge via USB-C, so you'll only have to carry one cable around.
OnePlus 8 Pro is finally back in stock at the OnePlus store
Only the $999 12/256 model is back, though
As anyone who's been in the market for a OnePlus 8 Pro recently will know, the phone has been out of stock in many markets for over a month. The shortage has gotten so drastic that they've been selling for hundreds over MSRP in the US. Luckily, OnePlus's supply issues seem to have subsided a bit, as the 256GB variant is back in stock on both OnePlus's site and Amazon.
Owlcam's new owner doubles subscription fees, disables many units
Customer support is slow via both phone and email
I reviewed the Owlcam, then known as the Owl Car Cam, nearly two years ago. I felt that I had been a bit hard on the product in the review, but the complaints that I'd highlighted were all valid.
For those looking for a more affordable dual-screen smartphone than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip or Galaxy Fold, LG's G8X ThinQ isn't a bad option. Available in the US through a couple of carriers, the AT&T model of the G8X has just begun receiving its Android 10 update, following in the footsteps of the unlocked version and the Sprint variant.
OnePlus resorts to rationing 8 Pro supply in European markets
Sales of the Pro model have been delayed indefinitely in India as well
OnePlus can't churn out its flagship 8 Pro as quickly as people are demanding them, which is proving to be a bit of a problem. We've already learned that the shortage in the US is causing them to sell for hundreds over sticker, but there are supply issues elsewhere in the world, too. OnePlus has just announced that it will be utilizing flash sales for the 8 Pro in European markets to alleviate these problems.