That Stranger In The Mirror — A beginner’s guide to neuroscience

Contrary to what some might say, we all have a complex and fascinating brain. It controls your actions, gives you emotions, and defines your personality, but most of us haven’t got the first clue how it works. Neuroscience is a mystery.

Well, now’s your chance to learn what’s going on up there, and it’s pretty cool. Loonycorn has produced a fun and engaging online learning kit to give you a beginner’s guide to neuroscience. It’s called That Stranger In The Mirror and you can save $20 on the signup fee right now.

Over this course, you’ll learn the anatomy of the brain, and how each part interacts to determine behaviors and motivation. Plus, you’ll dive into the psychology behind personality, memory, and much more.

The neuroscience guide at a glance:

• Access 45 lectures and seven hours of content 24/7.
• Identify different parts of the brain, and how they correspond to different voices in your head.
• Understand primary motivations, including complex urges such as desiring fairness and independence.
• Seek the state of flow, a mental state of intense concentration and joy, brought on by work.
• Classify personalities into 32 categories using the Big Five Personality Traits.
• Learn how memory works, and why it is reconstructive and associative.

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The learning kit normally retails for $50, but this Christmas it’s on offer at Tech Deals for just $29.99. That gives you lifetime access too, so you can dip in and out at your own convenience.

The deal only runs this week, so don’t spend too long mulling it over. Hit the button below to find it.

Check it out!

The AAPicks team writes about things we think you’ll like, and we may see a share of revenue from any purchases made through affiliate links. To see all our hottest deals, head over to the AAPICKS HUB.

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Looking for a new phone or plan? Start here with the Android Authority Plan Tool:

This smart tool lets you filter plans by phone, price, data tiers, and regional availability. Stop overpaying for cell service you hate and a phone that you’re tired of. Use our Compare Phones & Plans tool to fully customize your mobile experience and painlessly transition from one carrier to another!

Source: Android Zone

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Here are the 10 best Christmas tech gifts under $100

Christmas is not that far away, but plenty of you out there might have put off getting gifts until the last minute. That moment has now arrived, and some of you might not know what to get your family, friends, or colleagues.

Good news! There are plenty of quality gift ideas out there that should make anyone happy, and they don’t all cost an arm and a leg. Here are our picks for the 10 best Christmas gifts you can buy for under $100.

Roku Ultra 4K streaming media box

If your family or friends are interested in turning their television into a truly smart TV, the Roku Ultra 4K streaming media box is the best way to do just that. It supports streaming even from 4K video services, and they can even connect the box physically to a network router with its built-in Ethernet port for the best possible data connection. The Roku Ultra also comes with a remote that supports voice commands for searching for your favorite TV show or movie without a lot of tedious button pushing. It even ships with a pair of JBL headphones, which connect to the remote.

Editor’s Pick

And the best media streaming device you can buy is…

There’s no doubt about it; many people who love television are ditching cable and satellite connections and are using their home Internet network to stream TV shows and movies to their big screen televisions. While …

The Roku OS offers access to thousands of streaming services, including all the major ones like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and others. The Roku Channel also offers a selection of movies and TV shows for free, with ads. You can get the Roku Ultra from Amazon right now for $79.99.

Get it at Amazon

Amazon Echo smart speaker

The leading smart speaker brand comes from Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. The Echo lineup of smart speakers lets people get information like news and weather with just their voice, along with fun stuff like playing music playlists, games, and more. You can even use Echo smart speakers to send commands to other smart devices, go shopping on Amazon, and more.

Editor’s Pick

What’s the best smart speaker you can buy?

“What’s the best smart speaker?” Seems like a pretty straight-forward question, though the reality is a bit more complicated. 

While high-end smart home setups are still far from common, smart home technology continues to break into …

The standard Amazon Echo speaker not only looks good, with its stitched fabric material you can get in different colors, but it also sounds great, thanks to its 2.5-inch woofer and its 0.6-inch tweeter. You can get this great Christmas gift at the moment on Amazon for just $69.99.

Buy at Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook tablet

Barnes & Noble

Amazon’s family of Fire tablets are made for budget audiences, but they are limited by Fire OS and its app system. Installing standard Android apps requires side loading the Google Play Store, which can be a pain for anyone who gets one as a gift this holiday.

Editor’s Pick

Best cheap Android tablets (November 2018)

While high-end devices are generally the stars of the Android world, there is a growing emphasis on quality while on a budget. This is especially true with tablets, a category that isn’t quite as popular …

Barnes & Noble is trying once again to go after Amazon’s tablet audience with its latest Nook tablet. It has a 7-inch IPS display and a resolution of 600 x 1,024. There’s 16GB of onboard storage which can be expanded to 128GB with the built-in microSD slot. Best of all, this is a true Android tablet, which means the person who gets this gift can download almost any Android app via the Google Play store. You can snap up the new Barnes & Noble Nook tablet right now for just $49.99, either online or at your closest Barnes & Noble location.

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite eReader

 

Many of your friends or family might not want a full tablet, but they may still love to read. In that case, there’s really no better gift than the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite eReader. The e-ink screen it uses makes it easy to read text, and the 300 ppi glare-free display works great even in direct sunlight.

The standard Kindle Paperwhite has 8GB of storage — enough to store thousands of books. Users can even download magazines and audiobook to the Kindle Paperwhite. Amazon offers not just Wi-Fi hardware but also free cellular connections too, meaning your friends or family members can buy and download eBooks almost anywhere. Finally, the battery life should last at least a few weeks, even with heavy use. You can get the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite eReader right now for the special discount price of $99.99.

Get it at Amazon

Nokia 2 smartphone

Many people would like to get a new smartphone for the holidays, but you don’t have to spend tons of money to get one. The Nokia 2 comes in at $99, and it has a big 4,100mAh battery inside. Anyone you give this pone to should be able to use it for up to two days on a single charge, which could be pretty helpful.

The Nokia 2 also has a 5-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of expandable onboard storage, an 8MP rear camera, and a 5MP front camera. It’s not really meant as a primary phone, but given its price and battery life, this can be a great gift for anyone who wants a secondary phone. It’s available now on Amazon, again for just $99.

Buy at Amazon

JBL Flip 4 Bluetooth speaker

While smart speakers are cool, they don’t always offer the best sound quality. If your family or friends want a better audio experience while playing music from your smartphone, get a Bluetooth wireless speaker for them. Our sister site SoundGuys says the best Bluetooth speaker under $100 is the JBL Flip 4. 

Read more: Best Bluetooth speakers under $100

Not only does this speaker offer excellent sound quality for the price, it also has a Connect+ plus button. This allows the JBL Flip 4 to connect to up to 100 other speakers with this feature, which means you can buy one for each member of a family, and they can link them all up so the music plays everywhere. It’s also got a an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means your friends can take this to the pool once summer starts again with no worries. Finally, the battery should last up to 12 hours if they don’t have the volume all the way up. It’s available now on Amazon for $74.95.

Buy at Amazon

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air wireless earbuds

More and more smartphones are shipping without the traditional headphone jack, which means your family and friends might be looking for some good wireless earbuds. Again, the team at SoundGuys has been trying them al. The best ones they found for under $100 is the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air earbuds.

Read more: Best wireless earbuds under $100

For such a low price for wireless earbuds, you get some solid audio quality with this Anker product, and it supports Bluetooth 5.0 for the best wireless connection. Indeed, our testing found these devices rarely dropped a signal, which is an issue with earbuds at lower price points. It only needs to be paired with your smartphone once, so when you take them out of the case, they should just work. They are also IPX5 certified for water resistance, which means they should be excellent for when you are working out at the gym. Finally, they have a battery life of up to 4.82 hours. They are available now from Amazon for $79.99

Buy it at Amazon

Samsung Wireless Charger Duo pad

Samsung.com

It’s likely some of your family and friends own a smartphone, or maybe even two, with wireless charging capabilities. It’s also possible that they own a smartwatch as well. For people who own both, you might want to get the Samsung Wireless Charger Duo pad, which can charge up two smartphones, or a phone and a smartwatch, at the same time.

Editor’s Pick

Best wireless chargers — what are your choices?

Apple is finally hopping on the wireless chargers bandwagon in smartphones. The company revealed last week that the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X will all natively support the Qi wireless charging platform, which …

The larger pad supports any Qi-based smartphone, such as the Samsung Galaxy S9, the Galaxy Note 9,  or even phones like the Apple iPhone XS, LG V40 ThinQ, and Google Pixel 3. The large pad can also be raised up so whoever gets this gift can watch videos hands-free on the phone while it charges up. The smaller pad can also charge up any Qi-based phone, or a smartwatch with the tech like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the older Gear watches. It’s available now on Amazon for a discounted price of $79.84.

Get it at Amazon

Anker PowerCore 20,100mAh portable charger

While wireless charging pads can be convenient, they are also not the fastest way to charge up your smartphone, nor are they usually all that compact. The Anker PowerCore 20,100mAh portable charger is the perfect gift for someone who wants to keep their phone powered up without the need to go searching for an open outlet.

Editor’s Pick

Best portable phone chargers (October 2018)

Smartphone technology has come a long way in the past few years, but there is a lingering issue that is taking time to evolve — battery life. Sure, batteries are getting bigger and phones more resourceful, …

This portable charger should be able to power up their smartphone several times on a single charge with its large 20,100mAh battery. It also uses Anker’s own PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technology to charge up the phone as quickly as possible. In fact, it has two USB charging ports so it can handle two devices at the same time. Yet, for all of its capacity, it weighs just 12.5 ounces, which means it won’t be hard for whoever receives it to take it with them on a trip. It’s available on Amazon now for as low as $39.99.

Buy it at Amazon

Garmin vivofit 4 fitness tracker

As we end 2018, many people are looking to 2019 as the year they finally get back in shape. If someone on your gift giving list wants to do that, one of the best ways they can keep track of their physical activities is with a fitness tracker. The  Garmin vivofit 4 not only will allow them to do just that, but it also won’t hurt your wallet when you buy one for them.

Editor’s Pick

Best fitness trackers (December 2018)

Fitness trackers have come an extremely long way over the years. No longer are they glorified pedometers; they’re much more than that. Most standard fitness trackers nowadays can track your steps taken, distance traveled, how …

The vivofit 4 is much lighter and slimmer to wear than a standard smartwatch, yet it can keep track of the number of steps your gift receiver takes, how many calories they have burned, and more. It even has a feature called Move IQ, which will automatically detect if they are walking, running, biking, using an elliptical, or swimming. Its color display is easy to read, its battery life should last up to a year, and it’s IP5 certified for water resistance, which means you can swim in the pool while wearing it. You can get the Garmin vivofit 4 from Amazon for $59.99.

Get it at Amazon

Affiliate disclosure: We may receive compensation in connection with your purchase of products via links on this page. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. See our disclosure policy for more details.

Source: Android Zone

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Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 will slide into the United Kingdom

• The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 will reportedly land in the United Kingdom early next year.
• The standout feature of the Mi Mix 3 is its sliding display, which enables a notch-less, all-screen experience.
• There’s no word on what the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 will cost.

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The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is one of 2018’s most exciting devices. Its sliding display mechanism (which uses magnets!) gives it a novelty edge as well as a practical solution to the problem of the notch — the front-facing camera and various sensors are hidden behind the slider.

Now, it looks like the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is going to land in the United Kingdom early next year, according to Gizmodo.

We don’t know an exact date for the launch of the device, and we don’t know a price, either. However, the Mi Mix 3 sells for competitive prices in its native China. Here’s how that breaks down:

• 3,299 yuan (~$479) for the 6GB+128GB model
• 3,599 yuan (~$523) for the 8GB+128GB model
• 3,999 yuan (~$581) for the 8GB+256GB model

Editor’s Pick

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 hands-on: The bezel-less slider phone (Update: Video!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoxU6KHvAhQ

Slider phones are back and I couldn’t be happier. Nothing beats that satisfying snap as the phone clicks back into place. Xiaomi has updated the form factor for 2018 though, with a large bezel-free display, …

Judging from these numbers, it’s probably safe to assume the Mi Mix 3 will sell in the price range of 430 pounds — 530 pounds, give or take. Hopefully, Xiaomi doesn’t pull a Vivo and try to charge a much higher price for the same device in the U.K. as it does in China and India.

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 comes with a 6.39-inch AMOLED screen (2,340 x 1,080, 19.5:9 screen ratio), Snapdragon 845 processor, 3,200mAh battery, rear fingerprint scanner, dual cameras on the front and back, and Android 9 Pie out of the box.

Although the rollout of Xiaomi products in the United Kingdom didn’t go as smoothly as the company would have liked, U.K. residents are still lucky to have the ability to buy Xiaomi products at all. Here in the U.S., we’re still stuck ordering from third-party online companies.

NEXT: Xiaomi’s Gamepad 2.0 turns the Black Shark into a mini Nintendo Switch

Source: Android Zone

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In big win for Qualcomm, Apple must cease sale of iPhone models in China

• A Chinese court granted some preliminary injunctions against Apple on behalf of Qualcomm.
• The preliminary injunctions force Apple to cease Chinese sales of major iPhone models, including the iPhone X.
• This news represents a big win for Qualcomm in its years-long fight against Apple over patent infringement.

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Chip manufacturer Qualcomm announced today that it received a big win in China in regards to its years-long fight with Apple over patent infringement.

According to Qualcomm, a Chinese court granted preliminary injunctions against Apple over the Cupertino-based company’s alleged infractions of Qualcomm’s intellectual property. The result? Apple must cease Chinese sales of the following iPhone models: the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.

Those iPhone models feature Qualcomm technology, which Qualcomm accuses Apple of using without paying Qualcomm the necessary licensing fees.

The patents in question revolve around consumers having the ability to “adjust and reformat the size and appearance of photographs,” as well as consumers’ ability to “manage applications using a touch screen when viewing, navigating, and dismissing applications on their phones.”

Editor’s Pick

Qualcomm vs Apple: the race to own Bluetooth audio

The 3.5 mm headphone jack isn’t dead yet, but some manufacturers are rather unscrupulously pushing consumers towards Bluetooth and into their broader product ecosystems. Regardless of the persistent quality and connectivity issues, the convenience of wireless …

Qualcomm accuses Apple of also infringing on these (and other) patents throughout the rest of the world. However, since this Chinese court only has jurisdiction in China, iPhone sales in other countries will not change, at least for now.

Although the main processor chips in iPhones are made by Apple itself, there is still Qualcomm technology used to create Apple smartphones, such as cellular modems. However, since these two specific patents in question are software-based, it’s feasible Apple could issue an update to iOS which will help it avoid the sales ban.

In a statement, via Reuters, Apple said the iPhone models in question are still available for customers in China. The company added, “Qualcomm’s effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world.”

Qualcomm and Apple have been locked in court battles over patent licensing fees for years, with Apple accusing Qualcomm of charging heightened and exorbitant fees for licenses. Apple also disputes Qualcomm’s claim that Apple is legally required to give the chip-maker a percentage of iPhone sales revenue.

Recently, Qualcomm accused Apple of stealing trade secrets from Qualcomm and giving them to rival chip-maker Intel.

While today doesn’t represent the end of this battle, it is a clear victory for Qualcomm — and will force Apple to make some tough calls in regards to the other legal battles with the company around the world.

NEXT: Top 5 Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 features you need to know

Source: Android Zone

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Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL problems and how to fix them

The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL undoubtedly feature some of the best cameras in the smartphone space. Unfortunately, the devices, and the larger Pixel 3 XL in particular, are off to shaky start, with a slew of software and hardware issues already coming to the fore. If you’ve run into these and other issues, we’re here to help!

Here’s a roundup of some of the common Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL problems that users come across and potential solutions on how to fix them.

• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL review
• Best Pixel 3 cases
• Best Pixel 3 XL cases

Note: Not every Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will have these problems. In fact, it is more than likely that your phones won’t have any issues at all.

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Problem #1 – Problems where a fix via a software update is coming soon

It’s not great that there are already so many Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL problems to begin with, but at the very least, quite a few will be addressed in an upcoming update. These include:

• Random notches appearing on the screen – Enabling Developer Options on your device lets you add software notches in random locations like the top right corner and at the bottom of the screen. However, it’s a big problem when these notches start to appear randomly along the side of the screen. A reboot fixes the issue temporarily, but an upcoming software update will bring a more permanent fix.
• Videos played on Youtube in landscape appear off-center – This isn’t a major issue but does look really bad. A fix for this problem should be available soon via an update for the Youtube app.
• No sound is played when connected to Android Auto – No sound plays through the car speakers when the device is plugged into an Android Auto unit for some users.
• No HDR with Netflix – While the Pixel 3 XL is capable of playing HDR content, users don’t have access to such content on Netflix. This is caused by delayed device certification and should be addressed shortly.
• Enlarged/zoomed selfies when using Snapchat – Some users have noticed that selfies are automatically enlarged or zoomed into when using Snapchat. Snapchat is looking into this issue and should have a fix available quickly.
• Photos are not saved – Many users have found that photos taken with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are not being saved. Older generation Google flagships face this issue as well, but it looks like a fix is finally in the works.

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Problem #2 – UI stuck on Dark theme

Pixel 3 users have come across an issue where the Quick Settings and the volume controls remain stuck on the dark theme even when the system theme setting or the wallpaper is changed.

Potential solutions:

• A factory reset fixes the problem but only temporarily. Some users have found that the issue seems to be related to having the dark theme enabled when using the Messages app. Open the app and open the menu by tapping on the three vertical dots at the top right corner. Tap on “Disable dark mode.” The problem then appears to go away. Of course, this isn’t a permanent solution if you like having the dark theme enabled in Messages. One is hopefully on the way.

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Problem #3 – Fingerprint scanner swipe for notifications not working

A nice extra feature available with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL fingerprint scanner is the ability to use a swipe gesture to pull down the quick settings menu and the notification shade. However, quite a few users have found this feature to work only intermittently.

Potential solutions:

• This is another known issue that will hopefully be fixed with an upcoming software update. A workaround that has done the trick is to use the tip of your finger to swipe down on the scanner. Apparently, using the pad of your finger (which you do to unlock the phone) results in this swipe gesture not working well.

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Problem #4 – Distorted/buzzing sound from the speaker at lower volumes

As was the case with its predecessor, many users have reported hearing distorted or buzzing sounds from the speakers at lower volumes.

Potential solutions:

• Some users have reported that this seems to be a “breaking in” issue and seems to go away after using the phone for a while.
• However, if you find the problem to persist, a useful guide is available on XDA Developers to address this problem. This solution was for the Pixel 2 XL, but should work with the Pixel 3’s as well.

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Problem #5 – Display issues

The display of the Pixel 3 XL is much better when compared to its predecessor. However, there are still some Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL problems with the display. Users have still reported issues where the display has difficulty revealing details in darker areas of videos, showing blocks of black or pixelated images instead. Some users have also come across yellowish or pink tints on the display. 

Potential solutions:

• Some users have found that simply changing display color setting seems to do the trick. Go to Settings > Display > Advanced > Colors and change the option to “Natural.”
• A temporary fix is also available by using an app called Screen Balance, which gives you complete control over features like white balance, tint, color filters, and brightness. You can download the app from the Google Play Store here. 
• As far as the yellow or pink tint on the screen is concerned, you can use the above options to make changes as well. However, users have found the pink tint to appear only around the bottom of the screen. It may be a hardware issue in this case and your only option is to pick up a replacement.

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Problem #6 – Connectivity issues

As is the case with any new device, you may find yourself facing some connectivity issues with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL problems mainly have to do with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Potential solutions:

Wi-Fi issues

• Turn the device and the router off for at least ten seconds. Then turn them back on and retry the connection.
• Go to Settings > Power saving and ensure that this option is turned off.
• Use the Wi-Fi Analyzer to check how crowded your channel is, and switch to a better option.
• Forget the Wi-Fi connection by going to Settings > Wi-Fi and long tapping the connection you want, then selecting Forget. Re-enter the details and try again.
• Make sure the router firmware is up to date.
• Make sure the applications and software on the device are up to date.
• Go into Wi-Fi > Settings > Advanced and make a note of your device MAC address, then make sure that it is allowed access in the router’s MAC filter.

Bluetooth issues

• With issues when connecting to the car, check the manufacturer’s manual for the device and the car and reset your connections.
• Ensure that you are not missing a vital part of the connection process.
• Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure nothing needs changing.
• Go into Settings > Bluetooth and delete all prior pairings, setting them up again from scratch.
• When it comes to issues with multiple device connections, only a future update will be able to address this problem.

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Problem #7 – Problems where the only option is to wait for a software update

This is a list of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL problems that don’t have any workarounds or fixes currently available, but are known issues that will hopefully be addressed with upcoming software updates.

• Aggressive RAM management – Aggressive memory management has become one of the most talked about Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL problems. The root of the issue is still unknown but many now consider the device’s 4GB of RAM to be too low. However, some definite improvements can be made with software fixes.
• Screen stays off after a call ends – The proximity sensor does its job and by turning the screen off when you hold the phone to your ear. Users have found that the screen stays off even after the call ends and usually requires a press of the power button to wake the device again. Make sure that it isn’t a hardware issue by using an app like Sensors Multitool. This issue may also be caused if you have a tempered glass screen protector installed. However, this seems to be a software issue and a fix will hopefully be available soon.
• Camera crashes when using third-party apps – Some users have found that the camera app crashes when using third-party apps like Snapchat.

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Problem #8 – overheating issue

Some Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XLs are said to be overheating while charging or video calling. This can cause a warning notification to appear and the phone to switch off.

Some heat generated during charging or using the camera for video is expected, but if it becomes excessive, you should get it checked out.

Potential solutions

• Use the official charger supplied with your Pixel 3. Off-brand chargers can cause overheating in rare cases, but note that some users have reported overheating issues despite using the official charger.
• As device overheating can be dangerous, we recommend talking to a Google support specialist or requesting a warranty replacement if you are concerned about your phone.

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Guides – Hard reset, boot into Safe Mode

Hard reset:

• Turn off the phone.
• Hold the volume down button and power button simultaneously until the device switches on.
• You should see Start with an arrow.
• Tap volume down twice and the power button to enter Recovery Mode.
• Hold the power button then press and release the volume up button.
• Use the volume buttons to select wipe data/factory reset.
• Choose Yes with the power button.

Safe Mode:

• Hold the power button after ensuring the screen is on.
• Tap and hold the Power off selection in the menu.
• Tap OK to initiate Safe Mode.

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So there you have it. If you have faced any other Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL problems, let us know in the comments section below and we will try our best to find a fix for you!

More Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL coverage:

• How does the Pixel 3’s Super Res Zoom feature work?
• Camera feature showdown – Pixel 3 vs Huawei P20 Pro
• Here’s what Pixel 3’s Night Sight camera can do

Source: Android Zone

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Best budget phones you can buy (October 2018)

There are a lot of great phones out there, but the reality is many of them cost well over $500. So what if you want a good phone but don’t want to spend a lot of money? There are plenty of cheap phones out there that aren’t so great, but the good news is that a cheap price point doesn’t have to mean low quality.

Read next: 10 most expensive phones ever made — they make the Note 9 look cheap

In 2018, there are a lot of options for budget phones out there that are anything but cheap when it comes to quality. In this guide, we look at what we feel are the best cheap phones you’ll find, ranging from as low as $90 to just a tad over $500.

• Consider Refurbished – Save money with an older flagship
• Best phablets you can buy
• Best phones for seniors

Moto G6 and G6 Play

While Moto’s flagships have been more than a little uninspired as of late, the same can’t be said for the Moto G6 and G6 Play. Here we have two phones that offer an exceptional flagship quality build, paired with mid-range specs to keep the price down. This makes the G6 family easily two of the best cheap phones on the market today.

The Moto G6 is powered by a Snapdragon 450 with 3GB RAM, 32GB storage with microSD support, and offers a 3,000mAh battery. The dual-camera setup pairs a 12 and 5MP lenses, while the front offers an 8MP shooter. You also get a 5.7-inch 18:9 display with a 1080p resolution.

The Moto G6 Play shares the same gorgeous design but offers more modest specs including a Snapdragon 427 with 2GB RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, a 4,000mAh battery, a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie snapper, and a 5.7-inch 720p display. Probably the best thing about the Moto G6 and G6 Play is that they support every U.S. carrier out of the box. It’s also worth noting that the Oreo-based software is very close to stock, so no major bloat to deal with.

The Moto G6 starts at just $220 for Prime users, while the Moto G6 Play can be found for just $190 with Prime.

Specs

Moto G6

• 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with 2,160 x 1,080 resolution, 407ppi
• Snapdragon 450 chipset
• 3/4GB of RAM
• 32/64GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
• 12 and 5MP rear cameras, 8MP front camera
• Non-removable 3,000mAh battery
• Android 8.0 Oreo
• 153.8 x 72.3 x 8.3mm, 167g

Moto G6 Play

• 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with 1,440 x 720 resolution, 282ppi
• Snapdragon 427 chipset
• 2/3GB of RAM
• 16/32GB of on-board storage, expandable up to 128GB
• 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
• Non-removable 4,000mAh battery
• Android 8.0 Oreo
• 155.4 x 72.2 x 9.1mm, 180g

Read more

• Moto G6 and G6 Play review
• Moto G6 line comes to Amazon
• Spec showdown: Moto G6, G6 Plus, G6 Play vs Moto G5 series

Get the Moto G6 on Amazon

Get the Moto G6 Play on Amazon

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Honor 7x

The Honor 7x is the latest low-cost budget flagship from Huawei’s Honor brand, yet it still has high-end features that make it one of the most attractive cheap phones for any buyer.

Editor’s Pick

What is 5G, and what can we expect from it?

You’ve likely heard the term a lot recently, but what is 5G? Good question. Simply put, 5G networking is the next major evolution of mobile wireless technology. It will empower customers with even faster data connections, …

One of its standout features is its 5.93-inch display with very little in terms of bezels, along with an 18:9 aspect ratio and a 1080p resolution. Inside, it has Huawei’s in-house Kirin 659 octa-core processor running four cores at 2.36GHz and four at 1.7GHz and with a Mali T830 GPU.

In terms of software, you are getting Android 7.0 Nougat with Huawei’s EMUI 5.1 interface on top. Depending on the market, you will get either 3GB or 4GB of RAM inside, along with either 32GB or 64GB of storage, with a microSD card to expand it up to 256GB. The rear camera setup has a 16MP primary sensor, along with a secondary 2MP sensor that can handle features like portrait mode. It also has an 8MP front-facing camera. Finally, it has a 3,340mAh battery, which should last up to a day with regular phone use.

In the U.S., you can buy the Honor 7x right now for just $199.99.

Specs

• 5.91-inch IPS LCD display with 2,160 x 1,080 resolution, 407ppi
• Kirin 659 chipset
• 3/4GB of RAM
• 32/64GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256GB
• Dual 12 and 2MP rear cameras, 8MP front camera
• Non-removable 3,340mAh battery
• Android 7.0 Nougat
• 156.5 x 75.3 x 7.6mm, 165g

Read More

• Honor 7x review
• Honor 7X: Release date, availability, and price
• The best Honor 7X cases

Get it from Honor

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Xiaomi Mi A2

What makes the Xiaomi Mi A2 one of the best cheap phones out there is its great price-performance ratio. The phone, which starts at just 250 euros (~$295) is powered by the Snapdragon 660 chipset, comes with 4 or 6GB of RAM, and sports a 6-inch Full HD+ display. It also has a premium metal body and is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the back.

The Xiaomi Mi A2 is part of the Android One family.

Additionally, the successor to the Mi A1 is part of Google’s Android One program. This means it runs a stock version of Android and is also guaranteed to get at least two years of OS updates. If you like Xiaomi phones but hate the MIUI Android skin, the Mi A2 just might be up your alley.

Other specs and features include a 3,000mAh battery, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a 20MP selfie snapper. It’s available in India as well as a number of European markets, but it was not released in the U.S.

Specs

• 5.99-inch IPS LCD display with 2,160 x 1,080 resolution, 403ppi
• Snapdragon 660 chipset
• 4/6GB of RAM
• 32/64/128GB of on-board storage, non-expandable
• Dual 12 and 20MP rear cameras, 20MP front camera
• Non-removable 3,000mAh battery
• Android 8.1 Oreo
• 158.7 x 75.4 x 7.3mm, 166g

Read more

• Xiaomi Mi A2 review: An ‘A’ for effort, but still not perfect
  
• Best Xiaomi Mi A2 cases
  
• Xiaomi Mi A2 vs Nokia 7 Plus specs: Battle of the Snapdragon 660, Android One phones

Get it from Xiaomi

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Nokia 2

This is the cheapest phone on this list — it will only set you back $90. What sets it apart from other handsets in this price range is its massive 4,100mAh battery, which should last around two days. It also runs stock Android, like the rest of Nokia’s phones. These three things are what make the Nokia 2 one of the best cheap phones out there.

Read next: Best Nokia phones — what are your options?

The Nokia 2 doesn’t impress in the specs department, but it is a good option for those looking for a basic phone to check emails, social media, and so on. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 212 chipset, has 1GB of RAM, and 5-inch HD display. It also features a basic 8MP camera, has 8GB of expandable storage, and comes with IP52 drip protection.

The device has an aluminum frame for a sturdy feel in the hand and a polycarbonate back. It ships with Nougat on board but can be upgraded to Android 8.1 Oreo. If you’re not a heavy user and just want something cheap, the Nokia 2 is definitely a phone you should consider.

Specs

• 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with 1,280 x 720 resolution, 294ppi
• Snapdragon 212 chipset
• 1GB of RAM
• 8GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
• 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
• Non-removable 4,100 mAh battery
• Android 7.1.1 Nougat
• 143.5 x 71.3 x 9.3mm, 161g

Read more

• HMD Global announces the affordable Nokia 2
• Hands-on with Nokia 2: It’s not about the specs!

Get it on Amazon

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OnePlus 6

At $529, the OnePlus 6 is the most expensive device on our list of the best cheap phones. However, it’s still considered affordable because it offers similar specs as the best phones on the market but comes in way cheaper.

OnePlus introduced an all-new, all-glass design with the OnePlus 6. The back is sleek — almost resembling the Galaxy S9 — and the front houses a 6.28-inch AMOLED display. Yes, there’s a notch, but you can turn it off in the settings menu.

This phone also has the latest and greatest specs available: the Snapdragon 845 SoC, 6 or 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. The cameras have been improved this time around too. It comes with dual 16 and 20MP sensors around back with f/1.7 apertures, along with 19-percent larger pixel size than the OnePlus 5T. There are also slow-motion video modes that allow for 720p footage at 480fps and 1080p at 240fps. You can also shoot 4K video at 60fps. The phone launched with Android 8.1 Oreo on board and has already received the Pie update.

Specs

• 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED display with 2,280 x 1,080 resolution, 402ppi
• Snapdragon 845 chipset
• 6/8GB of RAM
• 64/128/256GB of on-board storage, non-expandable
• 16MP and 20MP rear cameras, 20MP front camera
• Non-removable 3,300mAh battery
• Android 8.1 Oreo
• 155.7 x 75.4 x 7.8mm, 177g

Read more

• OnePlus 6 review: the spiritual successor to the Nexus
  
• OnePlus 6 camera review
  
• OnePlus 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus – Can you get the same quality for a smaller price
  
• 5 reasons you should buy the OnePlus 6
  

Get it from OnePlus

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Pocophone F1

If you regularly follow Android-related news, you’ve definitely heard of the Pocophone F1. Made by Xiaomi, the phone offers great value for money. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset and sports 6 or 8GB of RAM, just like the Galaxy Note 9. It also features a rear dual-camera setup, a 4,000mAh battery, and a 6.18-inch Full HD display.

Editor’s Pick

Android smartphones with the best battery life (September 2018)

Some people might think that the most important feature in a smartphone is its display size. Others believe it comes down to a phone’s processor performance, or the amount of RAM, or how much storage …

However, I still wouldn’t quite call the Pocophone F1 a flagship. The reason is that it’s missing wireless charging, isn’t IP rated for protection against water and dust, and doesn’t have a premium glass or metal design — it sports a polycarbonate (plastic) back. The phone also can’t compare with the likes of the Huawei P20 Pro and Pixel 2 XL in terms of camera performance.

But it does offer a fantastic price-performance ratio, as the device starts at just 330 euros (~$390). It’s already available in a number of markets, with the U.S. not being one of them.

Specs

• 6.18-inch IPS LCD display with 2,246 x 1,080 resolution, 403ppi
• Snapdragon 845 chipset
• 6/8GB of RAM
• 64/128/256GB of on-board storage, expandable up to 256GB
• Dual 12 and 5MP rear cameras, 20MP front camera
• Non-removable 4,000mAh battery
• Android 8.1 Oreo
• 155.5 x 75.3 x 8.8mm, 180g

Read more

• Here are the best Xiaomi Pocophone F1 cases
  
• Pocophone F1 may be cheap, but it still aces JerryRigEverything’s durability tests
• Official: Pocophone F1 supports Quick Charge 4.0 and is splash resistant
  

Get it from Xiaomi

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That’s it for our look at some of the best cheap phones you can buy. Did we miss any budget phones you’d recommend? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Also feel free share your experience with us regarding some of the cheap phones you’ve owned — good and bad. We always love hearing from you guys.

Next: Best prepaid phone plans | Best LG phones

Affiliate disclosure: We may receive compensation in connection with your purchase of products via links on this page. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. See our disclosure policy for more details.

Source: Android Zone

The post Best budget phones you can buy (October 2018) appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

Axon 9 Pro is revealed and the first ZTE phone with a notch

• ZTE posted its first official renders of the upcoming ZTE Axon 9 Pro.
• The phone is the first ZTE device to see release after the company nearly folded and the first with a display notch.
• It’s likely that the ZTE Axon 9 Pro will launch on August 30 at IFA in Berlin.

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ZTE just revealed the first official renders of the upcoming ZTE Axon 9 Pro. This will be the first device to launch from the Chinese manufacturer since its high-profile legal troubles nearly put it out of business.

Not only is the ZTE Axon 9 Pro the first revealed device now that the company is out of hot water, but it’s also the first device in the ZTE portfolio to adopt the notched display trend.

Check out the render for yourself below:

ZTE

Editor’s Pick

ZTE is back in business: What now?

The United States government has rescinded the devastating sanctions it handed down to Chinese telecom ZTE just weeks ago, reversing its outright technology export ban.

It’s a stunning turnaround, though it had been signalled for some weeks. …

ZTE didn’t reveal any specs for the device, but it’s clear from the renders that the phone will have an iPhone X-style notch that spans the bulk of the top of the display, as well as a fingerprint reader on the rear. There’s also a dual-lens camera and flash present on the back of the phone. The back of the device could be made of glass — which would suggest wireless charging — but it’s hard to be sure from the render alone.

We don’t know for certain, but it’s highly likely the phone will ship with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, as that is the chipset-of-choice for company flagships at the moment.

Other than that assumption, we don’t know exactly what to expect from the Axon 9. One piece of marketing material for the phone suggests it will have 5G capabilities:

ZTE

If the ZTE Axon 9 Pro is 5G-ready, that would make it the first device to launch with the feature — and it would launch months before any other company’s planned devices. With that in mind, it seems unlikely that the Axon 9 Pro will be capable of connecting to 5G signals, but anything is possible.

The marketing material above also suggests that the phone (along with, presumably, the ZTE Axon 9 vanilla edition) will launch next Thursday, August 30. We’ll find out everything we need to know then.

NEXT: ZTE is officially and truly back in business

Source: Android Zone

The post Axon 9 Pro is revealed and the first ZTE phone with a notch appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

Master 75+ Excel formula & functions with hands-on demos

There are a few deals which we always keep an eye out for, so we’re very happy to see that the Ultimate Microsoft Excel Bundle is back on offer.

On your resume, does it say something like ‘Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel’? Once upon a time mine did. I did a stint in the finance sector, spent plenty of time coloring the boxes and making spreadsheets that looked good on a printout. I’d even dabble in the equations bar sometimes – I basically thought I had it down.

How wrong I was.

When I applied for a role which involved Excel proper, the competency test chewed me up and spat me out. All I can now remember from that traumatic episode was that it involved pivot-tables and macros. I didn’t get the job.

Excel is so much more powerful a tool than I had realized at the time. It has functions for complex data analysis and all kinds of statistical modelling. Little wonder it’s used by pretty much every single organization on the planet.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want to take your skills to the next level, The Ultimate Excel Bundle is the go-to package you’re looking for. It covers everything from the basics and equations to actually programming macros and VBA code.

The bundle contains 33 hours of premium instruction, guiding you to harness the full data modeling and business intelligence tools of Excel. Such abilities don’t half impress in a boardroom scenario.

Here’s what you get:

• Advanced Excel Formulas & Functions – $195 Value
• Data Visualization, Excel Charts & Graphs – $175 Value
• Intro to Power Query, Power Pivot & DAX – $175 Value
• Data Analysis with Excel Pivot Tables – $175 Value
• Master Microsoft Excel Macros and Excel VBA – $50 Value
• Microsoft Excel from Beginner to Advanced – $175 Value

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Okay, this boost to your employability might not be something for which you would pay the full $945 that the package normally costs. Fortunately right now Tech Deals for just $34. That’s an extraordinary 96 percent discount.

This is also one of those lifetime subscriptions, so if you grab the deal before it ends, you can walk through the course at your leisure.

If that sounds good then click the button below to peruse the package in more detail.

Check it Out!

The AAPicks team writes about things we think you’ll like, and we may see a share of revenue from any purchases made through affiliate links. To see all our hottest deals, head over to the AAPICKS HUB.

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Looking for a new phone or plan? Start here with the Android Authority Plan Tool:

This smart tool lets you filter plans by phone, price, data tiers, and regional availability. Stop overpaying for cell service you hate and a phone that you’re tired of. Use our Compare Phones & Plans tool to fully customize your mobile experience and painlessly transition from one carrier to another!

Source: Android Zone

The post Master 75+ Excel formula & functions with hands-on demos appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

New! 89% Discount on Zoolz Intelligent Cloud storage

Zoolz cloud storage has always been a hit with our readers, so whenever we notice a price drop we send it your way. This is the first time we’ve seen them offering a discount on the Intelligent Cloud service.

Cloud storage is the best way of keeping your files secure these days, but free allocations on Dropbox and Google Drive fill up quickly. Instead of expanding it for $10 per month, you can get a lifetime 100GB subscription to Zoolz Intelligent Cloud for a one-off payment of $49.99.

What’s Zoolz Intelligent Cloud?

It’s a cloud service which utilizes artificial intelligence. Firstly it has some premium cloud storage features, such as automatically backing up and synchronizing the files from all of your devices in one place. You can access the files from any device, and securely share them with others easily.

Secondly, you can view your photos and watch videos directly from the cloud, even streaming 4K and HD content smoothly.

Most impressively, Zoolz intelligent cloud includes facial recognition and image discovery. This means that it can automatically recognize objects in photos, and allows you to search for them accordingly. After you’ve tagged your friends, family, and pets in the photos, it will recognize them as well.

This is a bit of a game-changer for cloud storage. Previously you might have moved your memories online to keep them safe, but actually sorting them or finding a particular image could be quite a chore. Zoolz Intelligent cloud does it all for you.

Zoolz at a glance:

• 100GB of Hot Storage for lifetime.
• Streams all HD, 3D, 2k, & 4K video instantly or with preview snippets.
• Backup for Windows, Mac, Android & iOS.
• Find photos by the objects & faces that appear within them.
• Upload photos from your camera roll as well as connecting social media accounts.
• Protect files with the same military-grade encryption used by NASA and the US government.

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This service is usually $36 per year, so if you take up this offer then you’re saving money after the first 12 months. If you hold on to it for 15 years (and why wouldn’t you?) it’s a 89% discount.

After Monday we don’t know when or if this offer will be back, so get it while you can. Hit the button below to get the deal.

Check it out!

The AAPicks team writes about things we think you’ll like, and we may see a share of revenue from any purchases made through affiliate links. To see all our hottest deals, head over to the AAPICKS HUB.

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Looking for a new phone or plan? Start here with the Android Authority Plan Tool:

This smart tool lets you filter plans by phone, price, data tiers, and regional availability. Stop overpaying for cell service you hate and a phone that you’re tired of. Use our Compare Phones & Plans tool to fully customize your mobile experience and painlessly transition from one carrier to another!

Source: Android Zone

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