Earlier this month, the team behind the popular LineageOS custom ROM officially rolled out LineageOS 17.1 based on Android 10. The update introduced several new features to the ROM family, including a new partial screenshot UI that lets you select smaller parts of your screen to capture and edit, a new ThemePicker app from AOSP, the latest Android security patches, support for on-screen fingerprint sensor, support for pop-up and rotating cameras, and much more. As with previous iterations of the custom ROM, LineageOS 17.1 was initially made available for a handful of popular devices, a list of which can be found in our original announcement post. Since then, the team has added a couple of more devices to the list, including the original Google Pixel, thePixel XL, and the Nexus 6. Now, the custom ROM is also available for the Sony Xperia XA2 Plus, Nubia Z17, and the LeEco Le Pro3.
The Snapdragon 630-powered Sony Xperia XA2 Plus, which was released back in 2018, ran Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box with Sony’s own custom UI on top. In case you still have one lying around, you can now experience Android 10 on the device, thanks to the LineageOS 17.1 support. Follow the link below to download an official build of LineageOS 17.1 for the device.
The ZTE Nubia Z17, which was a Snapdragon 835-powered flagship devices from 2017, was originally launched with Nubia UI 5 based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Thanks to the LineageOS 17.1 support, you can now enjoy Android 10 on the device by downloading the ROM from the link below. Despite its dated design, the device packs in some powerful hardware which should offer a great experience running the latest version of Android.
Along with the Xperia XA2 Plus and the Nubia Z17, the LineageOS team has also extended official LineageOS 17.1 support to the LeEco Le Pro 3. The Snapdragon 821 powered flagship from 2016 was originally released with eUI 5.8 based on Android 6.0 Marshamallow and it was one of the last smartphones released by the Chinese company. As you’d expect, the device hasn’t received any official software updates since. Thanks to the LineageOS 17.1 support you can now breathe new life into the device by downloading the custom ROM from the link below.
With the T-Mobile/Sprint merger being finalized earlier this month, T-Mobile announced a number of updates for customers of both carriers. These updates are not part of the long-term plans that T-Mobile laid out, but they do offer some nice benefits for Sprint customers right away. However, it’s not all good news as some Sprint customers will be losing 5G access.
Part of the announcement from yesterday was Sprint Galaxy S20 5G owners gaining access to T-Mobile’s sub-6GHz (600MHz) low-band 5G network. The Galaxy S20 5G is not Sprint’s only 5G phone, though. What about the rest of the lineup? Unfortunately, the older Sprint 5G phones will not get access to T-Mobile’s 5G network and they will eventually lose Sprint 5G as well.
The devices that will be impacted by this are the OnePlus 7 Pro, LG V50, and Galaxy S10. T-Mobile is reframing Sprint’s existing 5G network, which will eventually shut it down. Since those devices lack the necessary hardware to connect to T-Mobile’s sub-6GHz low-band 5G network, they will be out of luck. Sprint’s 5G network is currently in ten markets across the US, including New York City, which will be turned off shortly before the redeployed network goes live.
The older 5G devices will still have access to Sprint’s 4G LTE network, of course. And along with yesterday’s news, they will be able to roam on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network. T-Mobile will be alerting Sprint customers who own these devices about this upcoming change. They will be offering those users a number of incentives to get them on the Galaxy S20 5G.
Those who currently own, lease or make payments on a 7 Pro 5G (256GB), S10 5G (256GB), V50 ThinQ (128GB) and are paying less than $10/mo. will get a Samsung Galaxy S20 5G for $0/mo. after $41.67/mo. credit with a new 18-month lease.
Those who currently lease or make payments on a 7 Pro 5G (256GB), S10 5G (256GB), V50 ThinQ (128GB) and are paying more than $10/mo. will get a Samsung Galaxy S20 5G for $10/mo. after $31.67/mo. credit with a new 18-month lease.
Those who purchased an HTC 5G Hub on an installment plan will get a credit of $12.50/mo. for the remainder of the term. If they purchased the hotspot outright, T-Mobile will give them a one-time credit of $300 applied to their bill.
For a while now, Motorola has been out of the “flagship” smartphone game. The company, under Lenovo’s control, has focused on mid-range and low-end devices. This has served them well, but Motorola is now getting back into the flagship market with the Motorola Edge and Edge+. We’ve been following these devices closely and now they are finally official.
The Motorola Edge+ is the “true” flagship of the duo since. It has the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. On the power front, it has a 5,000mAh battery and several high-end charging features such as “TurboPower” wireless charging and wireless power-sharing.
Power aside (by both definitions), the Motorola Edge+ isn’t drastically different from the Edge. It has the same screen size (6.7-inches) and the same “waterfall” curvature. The display is OLED, has a hole-punch, Full HD+ resolution, and a 90Hz refresh rate. The Edge+ display is also HDR10+ certified.
The “Endless Edge” waterfall display is obviously the most noteworthy design feature of the Motorola Edge series. While some people love the futuristic look of waterfall displays, others despise them for their usability issues. The good thing about Motorola’s implementation is the devices still have physical power and volume buttons, unlike some other waterfall phones. Still, the display curve is extreme, and you’ll have to decide if that’s something you can live with.
To compete with other flagship phones you need to have great cameras. The Motorola Edge+ is packing three rear cameras and one up front. The main camera is 108MP and it uses pixel binning to create 27MP images. The second camera is a 16MP wide-angle with 117-degree field-of-view and it also is capable of macro shots. The third camera is an 8MP telephoto lens. Lastly, the front camera is 25MP.
Oh, and one last thing, which is a rarity these days: the Motorola Edge+, a flagship phone, has a headphone jack. Crazy.
Motorola Edge
The Motorola Edge, as you can tell from the images, has a lot in common with the Edge+. The device is equipped with the same “Endless Edge” OLED display: same size, same resolution, same hole punch, and same refresh rate. Both devices also feature an under-display fingerprint scanner. The one display feature not present on the Edge model is HDR10+ certification.
Design and display is where the similarities mostly end. The Motorola Edge has the Snapdragon 765 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It also has a slightly smaller battery at 4,500mAh and it does not have wireless charging. The differences continue in the camera department.
While the Motorola Edge appears to have more cameras, it actually has the same number (3). The main camera is 64MP and it uses pixel binning to output at 16MP. The second camera is 16MP wide-angle and the third is 8MP telephoto. The wide-angle camera is exactly the same as the one on the Edge+. The fourth spot in the vertical camera stack is for the laser auto-focus. On the front, the Edge has the same 25MP camera.
Pricing & Availability
In a move that won’t be surprising to many people, the Motorola Edge+ will be available exclusively through Verizon in the US starting May 14th. Motorola has done this with Verizon countless times in the past, including the recent Razr reboot, and it’s unfortunate. It’s priced at $1,000 without a contract or $41.66 per month for 24 months. In Canada, the Edge+ will be available at Bell, Rogers, TELUS, and Freedom Mobile. The device comes in two colors: Smoky Sangria and Thunder Grey.
Meanwhile, the Motorola Edge doesn’t have a concrete launch date. Motorola says it will be available in the US “later this year” and they will have more information this summer. We don’t know anything about the price, but since it’s not using the Snapdragon 865, we can assume it will be considerably cheaper.
With plenty of spare time, many of us are enjoying music and podcasts even more than usual. If you would like to improve your listening experience, now might be a good time to upgrade your speakers or headphones. Here are ten great deals on audio gear at the XDA Developers Depot, now with up to 75% off MSRP.
1) Skullcandy Jib Wireless Earbuds
Ideal for home workouts and listening to music on the go, thesestylish wireless earbuds from Skullcandyoffer six hours of battery life. They also have a mic for hands-free calls, and music controls to help you switch tracks effortlessly. Normally $29.99, they are now56% off at $12.99.
2) Culture Audio V1 Noise-Cancellation Bluetooth Headphones
With remarkable 98% noise-cancellation technology, theCulture Audio V1 headphonesare great for blocking out distractions at home. They also have 40mm drivers, AptX and AAC technology for minimal audio lag, and a smart sensor that pauses the music when you take them off. Originally $200, they arenow only $49.99.
3) HCG1 Pro Gaming Headset
Rated at 4.3 stars on Amazon, thisprofessional-quality gaming headsethas huge 53mm drivers and cushioned ear pads for exceptional comfort. TheHCG1works with PC, PS4 and Xbox, with a detachable mic and built-in controls. Usually $189.99, the headset isnow $103.99.
4) EVEN H4 Wireless Headphones with EarPrint Technology
These cutting-edge cansoffer 20 hours of wireless listening via Bluetooth, with 40mm beryllium-coated drivers providing rich sound. They also adapt to your sonic preferences, thanks to unique EarPrint technology. Rated at 4.3 stars on Amazon, the EVEN H4 headphones arenow only $79.99when you use codeSAVE60EVENH4.
5) HUB: Hi-Fi Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
It’s easy to see how theHUB earbudsraised over $1 million on Indiegogo. They offer 8 hours of battery life and 100 hours with their charging case. These earbuds are also water-resistant, whileSmart Ambient Soundallows you to amplify conversations or block out distractions. Worth $250, they are currentlyjust $71.99.
If you want pro-level sound without the premium price tag, try thesecertified refurbished headphonesfrom Audio-Technica. They have wide-aperture 40mm drivers and active noise cancellation that blocks 90% of background sound. In the foreground, you getrich soundwith outstanding resolution. They were $199.99 new, butrefurbs are just $69.99.
The newerATH-SR6BT headphonesdeliver the same Audio-Technica sound wirelessly via Bluetooth. Thesepremium canssupport Qualcomm aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs, along with NFC connections. You get an impressive 30 hours of playback on a single charge. Usually priced at $169.99, they are nowjust $101.99.
8) Marshall® Woburn Bluetooth Speaker
Inspired by the classic amps used by rock legends, theMarshall Woburncombines great sound and style.This beautycan pump out your favorite tunes at 110dB, and built-in controls allow you to adjust the mix of treble and bass. In addition, it supports four different inputs. Normally $599.99, the speaker isnow only $269.99with free shipping.
9) Crave Octane Bluetooth Earphones
Being sweat-resistant, theCrave Octane headphonesare great for getting active at home. They also have ergonomic earhooks, meaning they won’t fall out. You get 8 hours of playback on a full charge, with thumping bass and crisp trebles. Worth $49.99, they are currentlyjust $29.99.
10) Spark Headphones
Going out at night to avoid the crowds? TheSpark Headphoneshave built-in LED lights to help you stay visible after dark, and they caneven pulse to the beat. The sound quality is excellent, and noise cancellation helps to block out passing traffic. Normally $99, they are nowjust $29.99.
Towards the end of 2017, Facebook introduced a new chat app aimed at kids called Messenger Kids. The new parent-approved app was essentially a kid-friendly version of its popular Messenger app which was designed to help children safely message friends and family members. The service was initially launched in the US and it soon made its way to Canada. Now, over two years since its launch, Facebook is finally rolling out Messenger Kids in more countries.
According to a recent blog post from the company, Messenger Kids will now be available on both iOS and Android in over 70 more countries, including India, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, and more. Along with expanding the service to more countries, Facebook has also introduced a couple of new features in Messenger Kids that will help parents connect kids with their friends. Here are all the new changes included in the latest update for Messenger Kids:
Supervised Friending
When Messenger Kids was launched initially, it only allowed parents to invite and approve contacts for their child. With the new Supervised Friending feature, parents will get the option to allow their kids to accept, reject, add or remove contacts, while still maintaining the ability to override new contact approvals from the Parent Dashboard.
As an added security measure, parents will be notified whenever their kids take any friending action through the app and can override the action instantly. The new feature is already rolling out to Messenger Kids in the US and will gradually roll out to other regions in the near future.
Connecting Kids Through Groups
Messenger Kids will now also allow children to join parent-approved groups that are supervised by a trusted adult. These approved adults will also be able to connect other kids to the group whose parents have also granted the same approval.
The new groups feature is also rolling out to users in the US and will gradually be rolled out to other regions. In case you’re a teacher, coach, or any other leader who’d like to make use of this new feature, you can access it by following this link.
Public Profiles for Kids
Messenger Kids is also making it easier for kids to find and connect with more friends on the platform by giving parents in the US, Canada, and Latin America the option to make their kid’s name and profile photo visible.
However, the public profile will only be visible to friends of their kid’s contacts and their parents, kids of the parent’s Facebook friends, and kids of people parents invite to download the Messenger Kids app. The feature is already live in the US, Canada, and Latin America, and will roll out to other regions in the coming weeks.
After launching the flagship Nubia Magic 5G last month, Nubia is back again with yet another gaming-oriented phone. The company officially unveiled the Nubia Play 5G in China through an online launch event. The new Nubia Play 5G aims to deliver a superior gaming experience on budget and as such, it retains many of the premium features from its big brother.
Nubia Play 5G: Specifications
Specification
Nubia Play 5G
Dimensions and Weight
171.7 x 78.5 x 9.1 mm
21og
Display
6.65″ FHD+ (2340 x 1080) Super AMOLED;
Notchless display with thin top bezel
144Hz refresh rate
240Hz Touch Response Rate
4096 auto brightness adjustment levels
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G:
1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Prime core @ 2.4GHz
Pressure Sensitive capacitive buttons on side frame
In-Display Fingerprint Scanner
Android Version
Nubia UI 8.0 based on Android 10
The main highlight of the Nubia Play 5G is the notchless 6.65-inch AMOLED display which offers an insane 144Hz screen refresh rate, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and supports up to 4096 levels of automatic brightness adjustment. It’s worth noting that the Nubia Play 5G is only the second phone on the market that offers a 144Hz screen refresh rate, the first being the Nubia Magic 5G. There is no notch or punch-hole display over here, as Nubia has chosen to go with a thin top bezel for the front camera and other front sensors. We agree with this choice, as it makes sense on a gaming phone where the bezels provide some holding and grip area when playing games in landscape orientation.
On the inside, the Nubia Play 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G octa-core processor built on Samsung’s 7nm EUV process along with Adreno 620 GPU, LPDDR4X RAM, and UFS 2.1 flash storage.
In the camera department, the Nubia Play 5G packs a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48MP Sony IMX582 primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP macro lens, and 2MP depth sensor. On the front, it has a 12MP selfie shooter.
Just like the Nubia Magic 5G, the Nubia Play 5G also features pressure-sensitive buttons to allow gamers to seamlessly execute multi-finger operations in shooting games such as PUBG and Call of Duty. Moreover, the device comes equipped with “ICE 2.5 cooling system” which employs a 61mm liquid cooling tube and heat dissipation materials such as graphite and thermal gel to quickly cool down the smartphone. Nubia claims its cooling system can bring down the CPU temperature by up to 16 degrees Celsius.
Powering all these things up is a massive 5,100 mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging via USB-PD and it’s also compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 standard. On the software front, the Nubia Play 5G runs Android 10 out of the box with Nubia UI 8.0 on top.
Pricing and Availability
The Nubia Play 5G comes in three memory configurations in China and its pricing details are as below:
6GB + 128GB: CNY 2,399 (~₹26,000 / $339)
8GB + 128GB: CNY 2,699 (~₹29,000 / $381)
8GB + 256GB: CNY 2,999 (~₹32,500 / $423)
The Nubia Play 5G is available for pre-order in China right now and will go on sale officially starting April 24, 2020. Nubia hasn’t revealed any details regarding the international availability of the phone just yet but we hope to hear more on that front in the days to come.
Huawei’s app distribution platform AppGallery has now on-boarded India-based streaming service Hungama as the streaming platform of choice for Huawei and Honor smartphones in the country. For the unaware, Hungama offers both music and video streaming services in India as part of its Hungama Music and Hungama Play apps, respectively. Thanks to the partnership, Huawei and Honor smartphone users in the country will now be able to enjoy unlimited music and video streaming by downloading the respective apps from Huawei’s AppGallery.
The partnership will give users access to Hungama Music’s vast library of over 10 million songs and music videos in over 20 Indian and international languages. Additionally, on Hungama Play, users will gain access to over 5000 movies in Hindi, English and other regional languages, over 1500 short films, original shows, over 7500 hours of kids and TV content, and over 150,000 short-format videos across various genres like music, film gossip, humor, spiritual, and more.
In a statement regarding the partnership, Charles Peng, President of Honor and Huawei India Consumer Business Group, said, “We are delighted to team up with Hungama and foray into a liaison which offers a perfect amalgamation of technology, entertainment and exceptional experience to the users of Huawei & HONOR. Huawei AppGallery has been growing at an unprecedented pace with 400 million active users present over 170 countries. We have always valued native collaborations across our business operations and look forward to strengthen our developer base to create a holistic mobile ecosystem. This association is a step forward to further strengthen our efforts to build a smarter future and provide innovative app experience to our users.”
Commenting on the partnership, Siddhartha Roy, COO of Hungama Digital Media said, “Our understanding of India’s digital landscape and its consumers has allowed us to create the most engaging music and video streaming services in the country – Hungama Music and Hungama Play. In addition to offering a diverse library, we have always paid emphasis on building a robust distribution network. We are glad to partner with Huawei and offer our apps on the Huawei App Gallery to users in over 170 countries. We are certain that Huawei & HONOR device users will appreciate our apps for their wide library and intuitive interface. Huawei’s engineering and business teams were extremely helpful and we look forward to working closely with them in the future as well to build more such experiences.”
In case you own a Huawei or Honor device, you can now head over to the AppGallery on your smartphone and download Hungama Music and Hungama Play to start streaming your favorite music and movies right away. It’s also worth noting that Huawei isn’t the first company to partner with Hungama to offer music and video streaming services on its devices. Xiaomi’s Mi Music and Mi Video services, which were launched in India back in 2018, are also powered by Hungama Music and Hungama Play, respectively.
