Gboard and Android Pie for Chromebooks might finally arrive soon (Update: Gboard now works, sort of)

Keyboard that is not Gboard.

  • The HP Chromebook x2 recently received an update on the Canary channel that introduced Android 9 Pie.
  • With the update also came support for Android keyboards, namely Gboard.
  • The update might be coming to other Chromebooks very soon.

Update (November 19, 2018, 10:30am ET): Shortly after publishing their findings, XDA-Developers was able to get Gboard to work on Chrome OS. Unfortunately, the feature is still premature and is filled with performance bugs.

If you want to try it out for yourself, you’re first going to need to install Chrome OS 72 which is currently available in the Dev and Canary channels. Next, open a Chrome window, head to chrome://flags, and then enable the #arc-input-method flag. After a quick reboot, head to the Play Store, download Gboard onto your computer, and then set it as your default keyboard. Just remember that Gboard is still buggy and it tends to freeze and stop working quite frequently.

Original article (November 17, 2018, 11:54am ET): The best way to fix Chrome OS’ bare-bones software keyboard is to just bring Gboard over. While Google is at it, why not also bring some of that delicious Android 9 Pie support? According to XDA-Developers, that is exactly what Google looks to do with Chromebooks eventually.

XDA-Developers noticed that their HP Chromebook x2 on the Chrome OS 72 Canary channel jumped from Android 7.1 Nougat to Pie, skipping over Android Oreo. The Google Pixelbook also received the Pie update on the Canary channel back in October, so it might be only a matter of time until other Chromebooks get the update.

XDA-Developers

Based on what we saw on the Pixelbook, the changes with Pie are mostly aesthetic. The Android Settings page has the same colorful Pie look, while the Google Assistant pop-up is more prominent than before. The update also includes more Material Design aesthetics, which means plenty of white.

Editor’s Pick

Android Pie also means Android keyboard support, something that Chrome OS really needs. XDA-Developers noticed a new “Keyboard apps” section in the Input Method settings, but the listed keyboard options could not be enabled. Those keyboard options include Gboard, which would be a significant upgrade over the stock keyboard in Chrome OS.

Even though Gboard could not be enabled, its appearance in the Chrome OS 72 Canary channel means that support for it and Android Pie should roll out to Chromebooks very soon. For now, this is all a work in progress that could further propel Chrome OS into something even more useful.

Source: Android Zone

The post Gboard and Android Pie for Chromebooks might finally arrive soon (Update: Gboard now works, sort of) appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

LG V40 ThinQ: Where to buy, when, and for how much (Update: Already $200 off)

Update, October 19, 2018 (11:37AM EST): The Verizon version of the LG V40 ThinQ became available yesterday, and now it’s available from most other retailers. One of those retailers is B&H Photo which is already selling the device at a $200 discount for a final price of $750. Click the button below to take advantage of that deal, or read on to find pricing and availability from other vendors.

Be sure to read our article about the expected price drop for the LG V40 ThinQ. If you can hold out, you could save some big bucks!


LG officially announced the V40 ThinQ on October 3, 2018. The phone is the latest flagship to fall under LG’s revised mobile strategy which looks to turn around the company’s fortunes.

The LG V40 ThinQ is the direct sequel to last year’s V30, though it also succeeds the V35 ThinQ which launched in June and the V30S ThinQ which launched in May. Even though the design remains mostly the same compared to the V30, the V40 ThinQ packs in five camera sensors, a 32-bit DAC, and a slew of flagship internals. The phone sadly runs Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, with LG not sharing a timeline of when we can expect Android 9 Pie.

If you want a flagship-level smartphone with the audio chops to match, the LG V40 ThinQ should at least be on your list.

LG V40 ThinQ price, availability, and deals

2017’s V30 came very close to smashing the $900 barrier when it first launched, but the V40 ThinQ completely breaks through it and even comes close to the $1,000 bracket embraced by the Galaxy Note 9 and iPhone XS.

Whether the V40 ThinQ is worth the price it commands, however, is a different story. Our review was not too favorable on LG’s latest flagship, but you might put plenty of stock in the camera and audio capabilities.

Either way, this is what we have so far in terms of availability and pricing.

United States

The price will depend on which carrier you go with, but the V40 ThinQ falls between $900 and $980 outright. We’re talking about carriers, however, so you can pay off the phone with monthly installment options, which is certainly a nice perk.

Here are the options we have seen so far:

  • Verizon: You can pick up the V40 ThinQ in either Aurora Black or the Verizon-exclusive Moroccan Blue. The phone is available either for $980 outright or $40.83 for 24 months. However, there is currently a $200 off rebate offered which you can read about more by clicking here. Those who buy the V40 ThinQ between October 18 and November 2 can get a free 256GB SanDisk microSD card.
  • AT&T: You can grab the V40 ThinQ either for $950 outright or $31.67 a month for 30 months.
  • T-Mobile: The V40 ThinQ will cost you either $920 outright or you can pay monthly. If you have “awesome” credit, you’ll pay no money down and then $25.56 per month for 36 months. Those of you with “average” credit will have to pay a whopping $704 down and then $9.00 per month for 24 months. T-Mobile doesn’t clarify the difference between “awesome” and “average” credit, so a credit check will be necessary.
  • Sprint: The V40 ThinQ will go for either $960 outright or $20 a month over 18 months with the carrier’s Flex Lease. The latter saves you $360 once the 18 months are up, so that might be the way to go if you want to save some money on a very expensive smartphone.
  • U.S. Cellular: At U.S. Cellular, the V40 ThinQ goes for $29.99 a month for 30 months. However, if you sign up for the Total Plan with Unlimited Plus Data, port your number to a new line, and sign up for Device Protection Plus, U.S. Cellular will give you a $20 bill credit each month, bringing the price down to $9.99 per month. You can also buy the device outright for $950.
  • B&H: Probably the best deal out of them all is to buy the LG V40 ThinQ unlocked from B&H Photo, which is already selling the device for $200 off. That means you pay a total of $750, with no rebates or credit checks necessary. The unlocked variant works on all four of the major U.S. wireless carriers.
  • Best Buy: In addition to carrier variants, Best Buy also offers the unlocked version of the V40 ThinQ for $950. If you sign up for Best Buy financing through its Best Buy credit card, you can get the device for $39.59 per month for 24 months, interest-free. This requires a credit check and approval.

Canada

Unfortunately for Canadians, LG will not release the V40 ThinQ in Canada. The company told MobileSyrup that it plans to release the G7 One in Canada instead. Rogers, Bell, and Telus plan to carry the G7 One, which launches in Canada October 19. Regional carriers Videotron, Eastlink, and SaskTel also plan to carry LG’s upcoming Android One smartphone.

U.K.

There are no availability or pricing details for the U.K. yet. Based on U.S. prices of the V40 ThinQ, however, U.K. residents can expect to fork over at least 750 pounds.

Australia

There are no availability or pricing details for Australia yet. Based on U.S. prices of the V40 ThinQ, however, Australia residents can expect to pay at least AU$1,350.

India

Availability and pricing details are somewhat slim for India at the time of this writing. Whereas 91mobiles expects the V40 ThinQ to sell for 63,990 rupees, MySmartPrice expects the phone to sell for 44,990 rupees. The V40 ThinQ is not yet available through popular retailers Flipkart and Amazon India, though that should change soon.


LG V40 ThinQ coverage

Did we miss anything? Have any other pricing or availability details that we did not include? Sound off in the comments below and be sure to check out our coverage on the LG V40 ThinQ at the links below.

Source: Android Zone

The post LG V40 ThinQ: Where to buy, when, and for how much (Update: Already $200 off) appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

SitePoint is the only coding resource you’ll ever need

SitePoint

You may be aware of sites like Udemy that offer online training courses in various skills. However, if what you’re interested in is coding, then SitePoint is probably a better option for you.

If you were to take the learn-to-code route through Udemy’s model, you’ll find yourself forking over dozens or hundreds of dollars for individual classes. SitePoint has a different approach.

When you sign up for SitePoint Premium, you gain access to all 128 programming courses and 125 e-books to boost your coding prowess. You pay once, and receive access to the entire library. No more paying on a course-by-course basis.

New content is added monthly, so you stay up to date with the most important skills in the tech market.

SitePoint

SitePoint is a programming-centric service, created by developers for developers. It guides you through HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular, Node.js, React, PHP, Responsive Web Design, UX, and many more. If you’re looking to learn the piano or speak German, you’re probably better off sticking with Udemy for now.

SitePoint at a glance:

  • Access 125 ebooks, 128 courses, and 25 tutorials 24/7
  • Get unlimited downloads across all ebooks, courses, and tutorials as new content is added monthly
  • Increase your employability by learning new skills and programming languages
  • Learn key coding frameworks and libraries like Ethereum blockchain development, React, Angular, and more
  • Explore new techniques like animating with HTML5 canvas and managing data in iOS with iOS Core Data
  • Understand work essentials like Git, project management, WordPress, and more
  • Access special deals on external courses and tools as a SitePoint member

Becoming a lifetime SitePoint member usually costs $450, or $15 per month. However, this week SitePoint is offering a big discount for new users. Full membership and access for life is yours for just $39.99.

Ready to get educated and join over 35,000 members learning from industry experts? Click the button below to get started!

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.


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 SitePoint is the only coding resource you’ll ever need appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

Best phone for power users: Note 8 vs LG V30 vs P20 Pro

Best phone for power users Note 8 LG V30 P20 Pro

Finding a phone with a physical keyboard might be tough these days, but a major segment of the smartphone market is still dedicated to those who like to get things done. In fact, many of the biggest brands debut their cutting-edge technology in their dedicated power user brands, which includes series like the Galaxy Note range. Between the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Huawei P20 Pro, and LG V30 Plus, we’re going to dive deep to pick the best phone for power users.

To distill this comparison down to the power user experience we’re going to focus on a few key areas. Multi-tasking capabilities and screen real estate, performance and multi-media, and the software experience. For a full overview of these handsets, with detailed closer looks at camera capabilities, check out our full reviews.

There are a few reason why we picked the Huawei P20 Pro over the Mate 10 or Mate 10 Pro. First, the larger 6.1-inch display and 18.7:9 aspect ratio makes the P20 Pro feel like the better multi-tasker. It’s also still a fair comparison from a performance perspective. The P20 series uses the same Kirin 970 SoC as the Mate 10, keeping it within the same SoC generation as the older Note 8 and V30. Ultimately the P20 Pro is probably the phone that Huawei power users fans will eyeball now. As for the Note 8 versus Galaxy S9 Plus — enthusiasts still love that S Pen.

Editor’s Pick

Before delving into the specs let’s talk about sheer size and bulk. The Note 8 is definitely the largest of the three. It’s the heaviest too, at 195g, though the P20 Pro isn’t far behind at 180g.

Despite its size, the curves on the Note 8’s make it comfortable to hold and the added heft keeps it feeling substantial. The P20 Pro is similarly comfortable and weighty, but the more rounded edges make the phone feel a bit chunkier despite it being the thinner of the two. The V30 has a very different feel, both down to its much lower 158g weight and wider display, and as such it’s bound to split the crowd.

Kings of performance

The best phone for power users has to offer top-class performance, but there are no Snapdragon 845s here. Instead, all three are powered by 2017 SoCs like the Snapdragon 835, Exynos 8890, and Kirin 970. However, none of these will leave you wanting for performance.

We extensively benchmarked these chipsets and found roughly comparable results across a range of tests. The LG V30 scored slightly worse on multi-core and graphics tests than the other two. In real-world usage, none of these phones seem to skip a beat. Even though the LG V30 “only” boasts 4GB of RAM compared to the 6GB in the other handsets, multi-tasking is a breeze on all three.

  Galaxy Note 8 LG V30 Huawei P20 Pro
Processor Octa-core Exynos 8895 (4×2.3 GHz Mongoose M2 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) – Global

Octa-core Snapdragon 835 (4×2.35 GHz Kryo & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo) – USA & China

Octa-core Snapdragon 835 (4×2.45 GHz Kryo & 4×1.9 GHz Kryo) – USA & China Octa-core Kirin 970 (4 Cortex A73 2.36GHz + 4 Cortex A53 1.8GHz)
RAM 6GB
LPDDR4
4GB
LPDDR4x
6GB
LPDDR4
Storage 64 / 128 / 256GB 64 / 128GB 128GB
MicroSD up to 256GB up to 2TB No
Dimensions and weight 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6 mm
195 g
151.7 x 75.4 x 7.3 mm
158 g
155.0 x 73.9 x 7.8mm
180g

Those looking for more flexible storage options will be disappointed by the Huawei P20 Pro. Its single internal storage configuration is set at a hefty 128GB, but the lack of microSD card is a big blow that limit its the maximum storage capacity to well below its rivals and forces users to rely on cable connections to move large media libraries between devices. The largest sized Note 8 even doubles the P20’s internal storage if you’re prepared to pay for it. 128GB goes a long way, but those with large lossless music or high-resolution video collections will almost certainly want expandable storage.

Sticking with the subject of media for a moment, heavy video consumers will be pleased to see all three of these handsets support HDR. Netflix recently added the Huawei P20 series to its list of supported devices, joining the Galaxy Note 8 and LG V30. All three handsets also boast a selection of Bluetooth audio codecs for superior listening quality with compatible headsets. The Note 8 supports aptX and LDAC with its update to Oreo, but the P20 Pro and LG V30 support the higher resolution aptX HD as well.

Battery life is just as important as performance in our search for the best phone for power users, and we’ve stuck all our phones through our battery testing suite. Mileage may vary on a case by case basis, but these results should give you a good idea about which type of tasks each phone can handle for the longest.

!function(e,t,n,s){var i=”InfogramEmbeds”,o=e.getElementsByTagName(t)[0],d=/^http:/.test(e.location)?”http:”:”https:”;if(/^/{2}/.test(s)&&(s=d+s),window[i]&&window[i].initialized)window[i].process&&window[i].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var a=e.createElement(t);a.async=1,a.id=n,a.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(a,o)}}(document,”script”,”infogram-async”,”https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js”);

The Huawei P20 Pro is the clear winner overall, combining the longest lasting battery with the quickest recharge time to full. The combination of a large 4,000mAh battery and Huawei’s SuperCharge technology is a potent combination. The LG V30 put up some stiff competition in the video playback category, but it’s probably the worst option if you’re more of a web browsing type. The Galaxy Note 8 clocked good performance across the board and should last a day of heavy use in most scenarios.

Built for multitasking

All three of these handsets offer up plenty of screen real estate, clocking in at 6, 6.1, and 6.3 inches each. That’s not a big difference until you start factoring in the aspect ratio, which makes the P20 Pro the taller display for its size — if you include the notch — followed closely by the Note 8 and then the V30. When stacking apps in split-view mode, the Galaxy Note 8 the most usable space owing to its larger panel.

The Note 8 can extend this available space further with a quick toggle to hide and show the navigation keys. However, the Huawei P20 Pro can retain some physical navigation with its fingerprint scanner swipe gestures. If you can adjust to the new navigation method (it doesn’t take long), the P20 Pro can rival the usable display height of the Note 8, making these two the better options if you use split-view mode regularly.

Huawei P20 Pro vs Note 8 display estate

Use fingerprint gestures and the P20 Pro matches the Note 8 for usable screen space in a smaller form factor.

  Galaxy Note 8 LG V30 Huawei P20 Pro
Display Size 6.3-inch 6.0-inch 6.1-inch
Resolution Quad HD+
(2960 x 1440)
Quad HD+
(2880 x 1440)
Full HD+
(2240 x 1080)
Density 521 ppi 538 ppi 408 ppi
Aspect Ratio 18.5 : 9 18 : 9 18.7 : 9
Technology AMOLED POLED OLED

There are a few interesting points to make about resolution here. Out of the box, the Galaxy Note 8 defaults to FHD+ (2,220 x 1,080), rather than QHD+, to save battery. This makes it comparable in pixel density to the P20 Pro. Personally, I struggled to see any noticeable difference between the two resolutions — the quality of the different displays is a much bigger factor. The V30 has a yellow-blue tint and overall seems a bit dull compared to the P20 Pro and Note 8. The P20 Pro has a slight red tinge next to the Note 8, but it offers a comparative level of pop and color. It also lets you calibrate the display color to your liking.

While we’re on the subject of multi-tasking, let’s delve into some of the more unique UI features. Samsung’s UI doesn’t always sit well with Android traditionalists, but the Note 8 is the only phone to keep the app drawer enabled by default. You have to dig into the settings menu of the V30 and P20 Pro to enable the app drawer manually. Samsung’s UI also makes the best use of the large screen size, with smaller icons, more compact UI elements, and edge display features you may or may not want to use.

Huawei P20 Pro vs Note 8 vs LG V30 UI

Huawei’s EMUI and LG’s UX 6.0+ are comparatively rather ugly, favoring larger, playfully colored icons that certainly don’t scream professional, along with text and scaling sizes that don’t make the most of the large displays. You can address display scaling if you’re prepared to fiddle with the respective View mode and Display Size settings, but its an added step Samsung avoids.

EMUI offers up a few niche productivity enhancers. The App Twin feature is very handy for separating business and personal accounts. There’s also a second secure login option via Private Space and File Safe offers up a secure folder if you need it. LG’s Floating Bar fits a similar role to Samsung’s apps and People edge, although LG’s implementation is actually a tad more customizable. LG also offers a selection of customization options for its lock screen, making it quicker to get to your most used apps.

Are phones the new PCs?

If you’re looking to maximize productivity on your phone, you might be interested in the desktop packages included with these handsets. Huawei’s EMUI and Samsung’s Dex provide a full desktop workstation if you want to connect your phone to a monitor or TV via HDMI. The LG V30 only offers screen mirroring locked to portrait mode, making it essentially useless for firing through multiple emails and documents fast.

There are a lot of comparisons between EMUI and the latest version of Dex. Both offer a very similar desktop experience, with full notification support and access to your full suite of apps. However, there are some UI differences, such as the app drawer, and some apps work a little differently. The Netflix app’s menu appears in landscape mode in EMUI, but it’s clearly a portrait phone emulation when using Dex. Meanwhile, Dex gives you access to the Play Store, but you’ll have to switch over to your Huawei phone to launch the store and download new apps with EMUI. Fortunately, the P20 Pro still works when plugged in, which isn’t the case with the Note 8.

Neither the Note 8 nor P20 Pro slowed down in desktop mode, even when running multiple demanding apps at once. The P20 Pro hit its limit for multi-tasking a little quicker though, and automatically closed apps when RAM became full (although it took me 12 running apps before this happened). This is most likely because the P20 Pro still runs Android on the phone while you use its desktop functionality — its memory is split between the phone and desktop environments. Dex shuts the phone down to divert all resources to the desktop environment.

I’m still not convinced this is a major must-have feature in our search for the best phone for power users. But if you’re looking for a backup or way to ditch your laptop on the road, Samsung Dex and Huawei’s EMUI offer some viable alternatives.

The best phone for power users

All three of these handsets have something to offer power users, but they each play to slightly different markets. The LG V30’s HDR display, enhanced video recording capabilities, high-quality audio signal chain, and expandable storage options make it an ideal handset for those who consume plenty of high-quality media. However, for the productivity-focused, the larger display, better UI, and HDMI desktop features make the other two handsets better choices.

The Huawei P20 Pro leaves some of the core boxes unticked for power users. The lack of expandable storage is almost certain to be a sore point, as is the lack of 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the handset wins big in battery life — even the heaviest users can make it through a full day and probably more. The triple camera, which we have already looked at in detail, is also a powerful lure if you’re into taking a lot of snaps. If the Galaxy Note 8 is a little too large for you, the P20 Pro could be the perfect alternative.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 is certainly the best all-rounder and fans of the S Pen still don’t have a viable alternative. Combined with excellent battery life, expandable storage, UI optimizations to make the best use of the large screen, and even desktop support, the Note 8 still sets the standard for other phablets to beat.

The P20 Pro and LG V30 come close, even exceeding Samsung’s option in some regards. But the Galaxy Note 8 remains the best phone for power users overall so far in 2018.

Source: Android Zone

The post Best phone for power users: Note 8 vs LG V30 vs P20 Pro appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

Beta updates to OnePlus devices finally bring group MMS

OnePlus 5T

  • OnePlus group MMS on the 3, 3T, 5, and 5T, is finally getting fixed.
  • The latest beta updates have the group MMS fix, which means a stable update is just around the corner.
  • There are also updates to the OnePlus Launcher and the OnePlus Switch app.

For some strange reason, Android Messages (the default SMS app) on OnePlus devices doesn’t support group MMS. If someone sends a group MMS chat to you, each message from each member shows up as a different thread on your phone. It’s infuriating.

Luckily, the problem is easily fixed by using a different SMS app, of which there are plenty to choose from on the Google Play Store (I use Pulse SMS on my OnePlus 5 and love it).

But finally, it appears there’s a native group MMS fix coming to the OnePlus 3, 3T, 5, and 5T. The fix is live now in the latest open betas for the devices, which means it will likely roll out in a stable release very soon.

This will give current OnePlus device owners the ability to use Android Messages without having to deal with an individual thread for every group MMS. Hallelujah.

Editor’s Pick

The open betas also bring some other new features. A new Toolbox card is available in the OnePlus Shelf, and there’s a new Hidden Space in the app drawer. You can also now edit the dynamic icons for weather, clock, and calendar apps.

Those updates apply to the OnePlus Launcher of Oxygen OS. If you don’t use Oxygen and instead use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher Prime, you won’t see any change with those updates.

The OnePlus Switch app is also getting some updates. Switch makes it easy to transfer your data from your current device to your new OnePlus device. The user interface is getting a face-lift, the timing will be more accurate, and there are some other general fixes for bugs.

Those features will likely roll out to the OnePlus Switch app listing on the Google Play Store once the features move from beta to stable.

You can download the new open betas for your OnePlus device by clicking the buttons below.

Source: Android Zone

The post Beta updates to OnePlus devices finally bring group MMS appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.