The best laptops with the RTX 2080

With Nvidia’s new RTX 20 Series mobile GPUs arriving January 29, we’re about to see a flood of RTX 2080 laptops. Which ones will be the best? Let’s take a look at 15 hitting the market over the next several months, though there will be many others from Asus, Origin PC, and more released in the same timeframe not listed in detail here.

You’ll see two variants of the RTX 2080. First, Nvidia provides a full-blown version for mobile that’s less powerful than the desktop version. The other variant is the RTX 2080 with Max-Q, a tweaked version targeting maximum performance at a reduced power draw. It’s built for thin and light gaming laptops, whereas the vanilla RTX 2080 will reside in models nearly an inch thick or larger.

If you’re not familiar, the RTX 20 Series is Nvidia’s latest generation of GPU, based on its new Turing architecture. This design introduces new cores dedicated to real-time ray tracing and artificial intelligence, bringing a higher level of visual fidelity to games. The RTX 20 Series promises up to six times faster performance than the previous GTX 10 Series generation.

Here’s our list of the best laptops with the RTX 2080!

Editor’s note: All these laptops were recently announced and have yet to hit market and so exact purchasing details won’t be added in until a bit later.


Acer Predator Triton 500

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

Acer’s new semi-thin and light Predator Triton 500 arrives in February with a starting price at $1,799. It’s based on Nvidia’s RTX 20 series up to the RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics chip, enabling Acer to deliver an all-metal chassis just 0.70 inches thin and weighing 4.6 pounds. Bezels surrounding the 15.6-inch screen measure 0.25 inches thin.

Other goodies under the hood include eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processors, up to 32GB of system memory at 2,666MHz, up to a pair of NVMe PCIe SSDs in RAID 0 at 512GB each, and a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution at 144Hz. The screen has a three-millisecond response time and Nvidia’s G-Sync technology for fluid, tear-free visuals.


Acer Predator Triton 900

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

Unlike the Triton 500, you can configure the Triton 900 with a full-blown RTX 2080 graphics chip, though it makes the laptop thicker, at 0.94 inches, and features heftier starting price at $3,999. However, you’re not getting just another refreshed gaming laptop. There’s good reason to pay close attention to this specific model when it arrives in March.

As shown in the image, the Triton 900 is technically a 2-in-1 device thanks to the Ezel Aero Hinges mounted on each side of the 17.3-inch screen. These hinges let gamers pull the screen forward over the keyboard and trackpad, flip it over for a hefty stand mode, or lay it flat on the keyboard for a super-thick gaming tablet. Other ingredients include up to a six-core Intel Core i7 processor, up to 32GB of system memory, support for Xbox controllers, G-Sync, and more.


Alienware Area-51m

best laptops with the RTX 2080

Alienware went back to the drawing board to create its first laptop redesign since 2014. Called Alienware Legend, this visual and structural overhaul will debut with the Area-51m on Jan. 29 at a starting price of $2,549. According to Dell, retooling the overall design enabled a laptop with 32 percent less volume than the previous Alienware model, though the Area-51m measures up to 1.7 inches thick at its peak height and weighs a maximum 8.54 pounds.

This refresh introduces two new optional finishes, lunar light and dark side of the moon. Outside the makeover, the new Area-51m packs up to a ninth-generation Intel Core i9-9900K eight-core processor, up to an RTX 2080 graphics chip, up to 64GB of system memory (4x 16GB) at 2,400MHz, two NVMe PCIe SSDs and a hybrid hard drive, and a 17.3-inch IPS display with a Full HD resolution at 144Hz, Nvidia G-Sync, and Tobii eye-tracking.


Alienware m15 / m17

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

Unlike the Area-51m, Alienware targets the thin and light gaming market with its m15 and m17 laptops. Both have four GPU options, ranging from the GTX 1050 Ti to the RTX 2080 with Max-Q. There are a few differences between the two outside their obvious screen sizes, like a Full HD 144Hz display option on the m15 and a QHD 120Hz display option on the m17.

Customers can configure these laptops with three processor options, up to Intel’s eighth-generation Core i9-8950HK six-core chip. You’ll also get up to 32GB of system memory at 2,666MHz (2x 16GB), dual storage options, 2.5Gbps ethernet networking, and more. The m17 measures 0.91 inches thick at its highest peak, with an average weight of 5.79 pounds. The m15 is slightly lighter and thinner at 4.78 pounds and 0.83 inches.

The m17 arrives January 29 starting at $1,649. The m15 is available now starting at $1,379, though models with the RTX 20 Series start at $1,579 when they ship on January 29.


Asus ROG G703

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

Asus refreshed the ROG G703 laptop with Nvidia’s RTX 2080 graphics chip. Expected to arrive this quarter for an unknown starting price, the G703 relies on a 17.3-inch “IPS-type” display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a three-millisecond response time, support for 100 percent of the sRGB color space, and Nvidia G-Sync. The laptop’s overall size is around two inches at its thickest point and just over ten pounds.

As for other ingredients, you’ll see configurations with up to 64GB of system memory at 2,666MHz, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and Intel’s Core i7-8750H processor. For audio, the ROG G703 provides a pair of two-watt treble speakers and a pair of 4.5-watt bass speakers with Smart AMP technology.


Asus ROG Mothership (GZ700)

best laptops with the RTX 2080

Technically the ROG Mothership is a hefty detachable gaming PC packing all the hardware in a Microsoft Surface-style 17.3-inch “tablet.” Unlike an all-in-one PC, it’s meant for portability, and includes a built-in kickstand and a detachable per-key RGB backlit chiclet keyboard. The screen itself relies on an IPS-level Full HD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, a three-millisecond response, and Nvidia’s G-Sync technology for smooth tear-free framerates.

Under the hood it has Intel’s overclocked Core i9-8950HK six-core processor, Nvidia’s RTX 2080 graphics chip, up to 64GB of system memory at 2,666MHz, and three M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs in RAID 0 at 512GB each. On the connectivity front, it provides one Thunderbolt 3 port, three USB ports at 10Gbps, HDMI output, one USB Type-C port at 10Gbps, and more. The “tablet” portion weighs around 10.4 pounds.


Asus Zephyrus S GX701 / GX531

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

If you’re looking for a “slim” gaming solution from Asus, the refreshed Zephyrus S GX701 is your ticket. Measuring around 0.73 inches thick, configurations include up to an RTX 2080 with Max-Q GPU paired with Intel’s Core i7-8750H processor. These chips are backed by up to 16GB of system memory at 2,666MHz, 8GB of Intel Optane memory, and two storage slots supporting up to 1TB each.

With the GX701, Asus says it crammed a 17.3-inch screen into a 15.7-inch frame with 6.9mm bezels. This screen relies on an IPS-level panel with a Full HD resolution at 144Hz, a three-millisecond response time, support for 100 percent of the sRGB color space, and Nvidia’s G-Sync technology. The touchpad sits to the right of the keyboard and turns into a virtual number pad with a simple touch.

The GX531 is a smaller 15.6-inch version of the GX701. Both will be available in the first quarter.


Dell G5 / G7 Gaming

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

Dell has four refreshed G Series laptops: 15.6-inch (7590) and 17.3-inch (7790) G7 models and two 15.6-inch G5 models, one of which is a Special Edition version (5590). All four offer the same GPUs, ranging from the GTX 1050 Ti to the RTX 2080 with Max-Q. They offer similar CPU options as well, though the two G7 laptops tack on a third eighth-generation Intel Core i9-8950HK six-core processor option.

Most of what you’ll find across the board will be Full HD G-Sync displays at 60Hz or 144Hz refresh rates. You’ll also see a fourth display option on the 7590 and 5590 consisting of an OLED display with a 2160p resolution at 60Hz. Other ingredients include dual-storage options, support for up to 32GB of system memory at 2,666MHz, and more. The G5 15 SE ships in alpine white, and the other three sport an abyss grey finish.

The G5 15 starts at $999, the G7 17 starts at $1,380, and the G7 15 starts at $1,099 on January 29.


Gigabyte Aero 15-Y9

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

The refreshed Aero 15 isn’t just your everyday gaming laptop: It’s powered by artificial intelligence. Based on Microsoft’s Azure machine learning, the laptop’s AI will allocate the proper power level to the processor and GPU based on your usage patterns for optimal performance. Essentially, it will tune down the power if you’re watching Netflix or surfing the web, and “overclock” both chips once you load up Destiny 2 or Fortnite.

Arriving this quarter, the Aero 15-Y9 relies on eighth-generation Intel processors consisting of the Core i7-8750H or the Core i9-8950HK. They’re joined by an RTX 2080 graphics chip and up to 64GB of system memory at 2,666MHz (2x 32GB). Configurations will be based on a 15.6-inch IPS screen with a Full HD resolution at 144Hz or a UHD screen supporting 100 percent of the Adobe RGB color space.


Lenovo Legion Y740

Lenovo

Updated with Nvidia’s new GeForce RTX 20 Series discrete laptop graphics, the Legion Y740 ships next month in a 15.6-inch variant measuring 0.78 inches thick, and a 17.3-inch model measuring 0.86 inches thick. The 17.3-inch model is the only unit with an option for Nvidia’s RTX 2080 Max-Q discrete graphics chip.

While the Intel Core processors appear unchanged since the previous Y730, you’ll see configurations shipping with up to 32GB of system memory at 2,666MHz. Both sizes rely on panels supporting Full HD resolutions at 144Hz and Nvidia G-Sync. You’ll also see better battery performance, improved cooling, and narrow screen bezels.

The 15.6-inch model starts at $1,749, while the 17.3-inch model starts at $1,979.


MSI GE75 Raider

Best laptops with the RTX 2080

MSI refreshed its GE75 Raider gaming laptop with RTX 20 Series graphics for 2019. The configuration packing Nvidia’s RTX 2080 GPU is the GE75 Raider 8SG while the 8SF plays host to the RTX 2070 and the 8SE sports the RTX 2060. All three are based on a 17.3-inch IPS-level display with a Full HD resolution at 144Hz. Backing all three are eighth-generation Intel Core i7 six-core processors.

Rounding out this laptop is a per-key RGB backlit keyboard supplied by SteelSeries, a revamped cooling system containing eight heat pipes, three storage slots, two oversized three-watt speakers and two three-watt woofers. Other hardware details include up to 32GB of system memory at 2,666MHz (2x 16GB), USB Type-C connectivity at 10Gbps, HDMI and Mini DisplayPort output, and more.

The GE75 Raider is expected to launch this quarter with a starting price of around $1,999.


MSI GS75 Stealth

best laptops with the RTX 2080

MSI bills the GS75 Stealth as the world’s first 17.3-inch thin and light gaming laptop with an RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics chip. Measuring a freakish 0.39 inches thin and weighing in at a mere 4.85 pounds, MSI will offer this laptop in seven configurations, three of which sport the RTX 2080 Max-Q chip. They’ll be backed by Intel’s Core i7-8750H processor, though MSI plans to introduce a Core i9 configuration later this year.

Despite its slim size, the GS75 has enough space for three storage devices. The 17.3-inch screen relies on an IPS-level Full HD panel at 144Hz surrounded by 5.2mm bezels. SteelSeries supplies the keyboard, supporting customizable per-key RGB illumination. You’ll also see a 35-percent larger trackpad surface and support for more than 10 multi-finger gestures.

The GS75 Stealth is expected to arrive by the end of January.


Razer Blade 15 Advanced

Razer refreshed its Blade 15 laptop to support Nvidia’s RTX 2060, RTX 2070 Max-Q, and RTX 2080 Max-Q GPUs. The company also increased the Full HD screen option to 144Hz across three configurations while adding a 4K touch display option solely to the RTX 2070 Max-Q configuration. If you’re tired of the typical dark exterior, Razer now provides a mercury white edition too.

Powering the “advanced” Razer Blade 15 is Intel’s Core i7-8750H six-core processor. The Blade 15 has two storage configurations, including a 128GB SSD and a 1TB hard drive, or a 256GB SSD and a 2TB hard drive. Other ingredients include 16GB of system memory (upgradable to 32GB), a single-zone RGB illuminated keyboard, and a 65WHr battery.

The RTX 20 Series models will be available Jan. 29 for a starting price of $2,299.


Samsung Notebook Odyssey

best laptops with the RTX 2080

This laptop provides a unique raised screen so don’t end up looking down for hours on end. The screen itself measures 15.6 inches diagonally, sporting a Full HD resolution at 144Hz and Nvidia’s G-Sync technology. Backing this display is an Intel Core i7 six-core processor and Nvidia’s RTX 2080 graphics chip.

Slated to arrive sometime this quarter, the refreshed Notebook Odyssey will have an aluminum “true metal” chassis and weigh around 5.2 pounds. Inside, it will have up to 16GB of system memory (2x 8GB), two NVMe PCIe SSD storage slots supporting up to 256GB each, one hard drive slot supporting up to 1TB, HDMI output, and more.

Samsung’s laptop will land during the first quarter.


Honorable mentions

As you can see, there are a lot of RTX 2080 laptops on the way! Here’s an additional list of gaming laptops slated to feature the RTX 2080:

  • Asus ROG Strix Scar II
  • Asus ROG Strix Hero II
  • Origin Eon 17-X
  • Origin Evo16-S / Evo17-s

To see our picks of the best laptops revealed at CES 2019, head here.

Source: Android Zone

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Huawei is reportedly under federal investigation by the U.S. Justice Department

Huawei logo MWC

It’s no secret that Huawei and the U.S. government don’t see eye to eye. Between allegations of spying, executives being arrested, and more, you wouldn’t think that there could be any additional bad blood between the two. But according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Justice Department is pursuing a criminal case against Huawei for alleged theft of trade secrets.

Back in 2014, T-Mobile was paying Huawei to produce phones for the carrier. During this relationship, Huawei employees utilized one of T-Mobile’s robots called “Tappy” that was used for quality-control tests on smartphones.

According to a lawsuit filed against the Chinese company, those employees not only stole information about the robot, but they also took the tip off of the machine which was used in the tests.

T-Mobile Phone Testing Machine

Photo of T-Mobile’s “Tippy” robot

WSJ

In 2017, a jury in Seattle, Washinton, ruled in favor of T-Mobile and awarded the company $4.8 million for Huawei’s breach of contract. While the company contested the lawsuit, it later conceded that its employees had acted improperly.

Editor’s Pick

It was this lawsuit that reportedly started the Justice Department’s investigation into the company’s alleged theft of trade secrets. A source told the WSJ that the federal probe is still in an advanced stage, but it could lead to an indictment soon.

The Justice Department and Huawei both declined to comment on the WSJ’s report.

Source: Android Zone

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Deal: SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD card is just $84 on Amazon

If you own an Android phone with expandable memory, today’s your lucky day. For a limited time, you can pick up a SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD card on Amazon for just $83.98. That’s a discount of $166.01 from its normal price.

This is a Class 10 microSD card, which supports Full HD-resolution video recording and playback. If you want 4K video recording and playback, you’ll have to step up to an Extreme microSD card. This particular microSD card also supports up to 100MB/s read speed, though the write speed is lower.

Editor’s Pick

Best of all, the microSD card carries an A1 (App Performance Class 1) rating. That means this particular card is fast enough for apps and media storage on a smartphone or tablet. That is why SanDisk recommends this card for Android smartphones and tablets, along with MIL cameras.

Of course, you can use the microSD card with any device that supports expandable storage, such as the Nintendo Switch. Thanks to the included SD card adapter, you can also use it with your computer.

SanDisk’s microSD cards each come with a 10-year warranty. You can also use the SanDisk Memory Zone app for device and microSD file management.

Grab SanDisk’s 400GB microSD at the link below.

Source: Android Zone

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Yes, there is a system-wide dark theme in this early Android Q build

google pixel 3 dark theme light theme settings

  • The first early build of Android Q reveals a full, system-wide dark theme option.
  • In addition, the dark theme can darken apps that don’t have a built-in dark theme.
  • There are also some new permissions features and a desktop mode.

A very early build of Android Q made its way to XDA Developers, who wasted no time and installed it on a Google Pixel 3 XL. The team found some very interesting new features, the most notable of which is a full, system-wide dark theme you can activate with the flick of a switch.

Unlike the Pixel-exclusive Device Theme (shown in the image above), this is a full dark theme for everything: Settings, Launcher, Launcher settings, Files app, volume panel, Quick Settings panel, and notifications all turn either dark grey or full black. What’s more, you can either permanently enable the dark theme or have it automatically turn on at certain times during the day.

Check out some of the screenshots below:






We heard a rumor earlier this month about the possibility of a system-wide dark theme, but this confirms that it is at least in this early build.

The XDA team also discovered a developer option within Android Q which forces apps without built-in dark themes to take on a dark theme. This means that apps Google hasn’t added a dark theme option to yet can be darkened regardless.

Editor’s Pick

A system-wide dark theme is easily one of the most-requested features for Android from over the past decade, and it has been proven to be a battery-saver for OLED smartphones. Many Android users flash custom ROMs and install other pieces of software just to have a dark theme, so this will be a very welcome upgrade for many.

However, a note of caution: Google has burned us before on a system-wide dark theme. Android N (which eventually became Android 7.0 Nougat) also had a dark theme, but Google removed it during developer testing. Hopefully, Android Q won’t suffer the same fate, but it is certainly a possibility.

Keep in mind that just because a dark theme is in this early build doesn’t mean it will survive through to the general launch.

The XDA team discovered some other notable features in this early Android Q build as well. Android permissions received an overhaul, now giving users the option of only allowing things like location services or access to contacts when the app is actually active. Android Q can automatically rescind those permissions when the app is closed, which is also a feature that many Android users will appreciate.

There’s also something referred to as “Desktop Mode,” which could be a feature akin to what the Samsung DeX offers, i.e. a way to hook your Android device to a secondary screen and use it like you would a desktop computer. Other than the developer toggle description, though, the team couldn’t find any other info on this feature.

There were some other minor discoveries as well, such as some new accessibility options, new SmartLock features, and new toggles in Developer Options. Head here to read them all.

In the meantime, are you excited for the possibility of a system-wide dark theme built into native Android? Let us know in the comments.

NEXT: Android Q: What codename will Google use next after Android 9.0 Pie?

Source: Android Zone

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Swing to the top of the mountain in Hang Line: Mountain Climber

Ever fantasize about climbing to the top of a mountain using just a grappling hook while rescuing stranded film crew members and princesses along the way? Well, now you can in the intense action climbing game Hang Line: Mountain Climber!

Coming from publisher Yodo1 (of Crossy Road and Rodeo Stampede fame), Hang Line: Mountain Climber will have you tapping furiously on the screen to swing your way to the summit. With each tap you’ll fling your trusty grappling hook into snow banks, icicles, and rocks perched perilously on the steep cliffs.

You’re not climbing without purpose, however, as there are numerous characters to rescue along the way. You’ll have to carefully plan your path to rescue everyone and make it to the summit safely.

To make matters worse, each level is filled with dangerous animals and obstacles. There are mountain goats to knock you off of your rope, mountain lions that try to devour you whole, and falling rocks that can smash your brave hero to bits.

Hang Line Mountain Climber release
Hang Line Mountain Climber release goat

As you rescue survivors and complete missions, you’ll earn gold that you can use to gain access to new levels or unlock new cosmetics. Spiff up your character or snag a new helicopter (with options such as the Sharkcopter and the Fortnite-esque Helibus) before hopping right back onto the cliffs.

Editor’s Pick

If a certain level is proving too tough, you can use a special item to gain a quick boost. These range from radars that show the location of the nearest survivor to Goonies-style boxing gloves that knock away anything that threatens your ascent.

Not all mountains have peaks though – the game features an endless mode that lets you climb higher and higher until a mountain goat headbutts you to your demise or you’re smashed by a falling rock. Four of the game’s five areas include an endless mode, so there’s some variety along the way.

Hang Line: Mountain Climber is free-to-play with in-app-purchase and optional ads with special rewards. It’s also available now, so click on the button below to download it from the Google Play Store and get swingin’!

Source: Android Zone

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For 2019, expect more Nokia smartphones in the U.S.

Even though HMD Global is one of the fastest-growing smartphone makers in the world, its presence in the U.S. leaves much to be desired. That might change in 2019, when HMD Global looks to expand its presence in the U.S.

In an interview with Digital Trends, HMD chief marketing officer Pekka Rantala acknowledged that the U.S. is “one of the biggest smartphone markets in the world,” and that there are “big boys out there” in the U.S., where companies like Apple and Samsung hold the most mind and market share.

Even with stiff competition, Rantala is “confident” that HMD will increase its business in the U.S. this year.

To that end, HMD head of sales in the Americas Cristian Capelli said the company is in talks with U.S. carriers. Expanding its retail distribution remains HMD’s first goal in the U.S., but Capelli said that carriers will eventually “be the main outlet.”

Editor’s Pick

You can currently buy Nokia smartphones in the U.S. from retailers like B&H, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Micro Center. For HMD to further expand its retail presence would be good news for its bottom line.

Also good news for its bottom line: selling a wider array of Nokia smartphones in the U.S. That’s not to say devices like the Nokia 6.1 and Nokia 7.1 are bad smartphones. It’s just that seeing higher-end smartphones like the Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 8 Sirocco officially sold in the U.S. would be nice to see to increase competition and the number of choices.

In the U.S., you have Apple, you have Samsung, and you have everyone else. With the likes of LG and HTC struggling to regain relevance, HMD has a real chance to carve out a large space to call its own in the U.S.

Source: Android Zone

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YouTube is banning dangerous pranks and challenges including Bird Box and Tide Pod

After the Netflix Original Bird Box became a viral hit, people around the world uploaded videos to YouTube showing them compete in the Bird Box challenge. While some of the clips showing people stumble around their homes were funny, others involved dangerous stunts such as driving while blindfolded.

After receiving demands from the community to not allow these types of dangerous videos, YouTube has announced that it is banning all harmful challenges and pranks.

YouTube announced its policy changes yesterday in a blog post (via Ars Technica):

Dangerous challenges and pranks: Reminder – content that encourages violence or dangerous activities that may result in serious physical harm, distress or death violates our harmful and dangerous policy, so we’re clarifying what this means for dangerous challenges and pranks. YouTube is home to many beloved viral challenges and pranks, but we need to make sure what’s funny doesn’t cross the line into also being harmful or dangerous. We’ve updated our external guidelines to make it clear that we prohibit challenges presenting a risk of serious danger or death, and pranks that make victims believe they’re in serious physical danger, or cause children to experience severe emotional distress. Read more in this Dangerous Challenges & Pranks FAQ.

YouTube’s official policy on harmful or dangerous content has also been updated. The following items were added to the list that already included instructional bomb making, hard drug use, and other acts that may result in serious injury.

  • Challenges that encourage acts that have an inherent risk of severe physical harm
  • Pranks that make victims believe they’re in physical danger
  • Pranks that cause emotional distress to children
Editor’s Pick

Many worry that YouTube’s guidelines are too ambiguous and will lead to some content being deleted while others are left untouched. As YouTuber Philip Defranco discusses, will this only remove videos involving dangerous stunts such as the Bird Box and Tide Pod challenges or will it also wipe the platform free of everything that includes upsetting a child such as Jimmy Kimmel’s Halloween Candy challenge?

To enforce these new policies and deter creators from uploading harmful videos, YouTube is using its community guidelines three-strike rule. After the channel has been stricken three times, the video platform can choose to shut it down completely.

YouTube is giving creators who have previously uploaded this type of content a pass. Over the next two months, any videos that were already uploaded involving harmful pranks or challenges will be deleted without striking the channel.

Source: Android Zone

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Critically-acclaimed platformer Oddmar is now available on the Play Store

Winner of the Apple Design Award 2018 and one of the best platformers on iOS, Oddmar is now available on the Google Play Store.

Oddmar stars the lazy and selfie Oddmar, who is pressed into service after the village chief forces him to carry out his Viking duties. In order to earn his place in Valhalla, Oddmar must burn down a forest. However, it’s this forest that grants him several powers from magical mushrooms if he protects the forest from evil creatures.


The story won’t win awards, but the looks sure will. Oddmar’s quality of animation doesn’t have a peer in the world of mobile games and is on par with Ubisoft’s Rayman games from the early 2010s. You’ll have to play it to properly understand, but the animation makes Oddmar better to play with your fingers than with a controller.

Editor’s Pick

Speaking of which, the game’s description in the Google Play Store says it supports game controllers, but we couldn’t get our Shield controller to work with it.

Oddmar features 24 levels with various traps and challenges. Each level features three challenges, with some challenges tasking players to complete certain levels as quickly as possible.

You can download Oddmar at the link below. The first chapter is free, with the remaining chapters costing $5.49 to unlock. 

Source: Android Zone

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Fortnite security flaw allowed hackers to overtake user accounts easily

A Fortnite security flaw was discovered by Check Point Research towards the end of 2018. The vulnerability allowed hackers to easily initiate a phishing scheme by sending users links that looked like login pages, but actually harvested user accounts.

CPR notified Epic Games of the flaw in November, and Epic patched the vulnerability weeks later. However, during that time — and for some time before CPR sent the notice — Fortnite users were at serious risk of fraud.

CPR details exactly how the exploit worked in a very technical explanation on its blog. However, the gist of the process was fairly simple:

  • Hackers exploit the single-sign-on system Fortnite uses, which allows a user to login to Fortnite using other accounts, such as Facebook, Nintendo, Google+, etc.
  • The hackers then send a link to a user which looks legit. However, it actually redirects them through a different server which scrapes their login info.
  • Since the link looked legit and the user didn’t have to actually enter their credentials, the user thinks nothing happened.
  • Hackers obtain the login info, overtake the account, and use the attached payment options to make fraudulent transactions.
Editor’s Pick

According to The Verge, hackers who used this exploit would buy Fortnite’s in-game currency (V-Bucks) using the hijacked accounts, gift those V-Bucks to another account, and then sell the V-Bucks at a discounted rate to other players on the dark web.

Fortnite earns billions of dollars from in-game sales, so this fraudulent activity could be quite lucrative.

Epic Games said in a statement: “We were made aware of the vulnerabilities and they were soon addressed. We thank Check Point for bringing this to our attention. As always, we encourage players to protect their accounts by not re-using passwords and using strong passwords, and not sharing account information with others.”

Although this vulnerability is now patched, this should be a reminder to all to use strong passwords, change them often, and only enter credentials into trustworthy websites.

NEXT: Fortnite update hub

Source: Android Zone

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Google Maps now warning some drivers about speed traps

Google Maps is the most popular app for getting driving directions from one place to another. However, sometimes there will be obstacles on your journey that you won’t know about until you stumble upon them.

It looks like one of those obstacles — speed traps — is going to start popping up in your navigation window soon, according to Android Police.

Although AP wasn’t able to confirm this for themselves (and neither were we), an Android user did supply screenshots of the new feature. Check them out below:


This new feature aligns with earlier reports that some of Waze’s features (which Google also owns) will be making their way to Google Maps, most notably speed trap and construction alerts.

Editor’s Pick

Since we can’t confirm this for ourselves, we can only assume that Google is slowly rolling out the feature to users in either a test run or in a full slow rollout. We won’t know until a little more time passes.

Either way, it’s a safe bet that all Google Maps users will see this feature at some point soon.

What do you think? Is this an exciting new addition to Google Maps, or does it not make much of a difference to you? Sound off in the comments.

NEXT: Google Maps gets improved Assistant for smoother rides

Source: Android Zone

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OnePlus in 2019: A force to be reckoned with

While 2018 was a year of hardships for many smartphone manufacturers, OnePlus was an anomaly. Not only did it have great smartphone sales, but it also achieved more than a few major milestones — all of which represent the company’s continued growth and success.

Even hiccups like a massive breach of credit card security, and user backlash at the lack of a headphone jack in the OnePlus 6T didn’t slow the company down. OnePlus took it all in stride and came out on top.

With 5G service right around the corner and untapped market segments yet to be exploited, OnePlus has plenty of room to continue its winning streak in 2019. Let’s dive into OnePlus in 2018, and then discuss what’s to come in 2019.

OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T dominate headlines

OnePlus 6

At the end of May, OnePlus launched its first 2018 smartphone: the OnePlus 6. It was one of the best-reviewed devices from OnePlus yet and a sales powerhouse. While OnePlus doesn’t usually publish hard sales data, it announced the company shipped 1 million OnePlus 6 smartphones in 22 days — the fastest selling OnePlus phone yet.

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Although the OnePlus 6 launched with Android 8.1 Oreo — then the latest stable version of the OS — you could immediately install the beta version of Android 9 Pie. This was unprecedented for a new non-Pixel smartphone at the time. The stable version of Pie landed on the OnePlus 6 on September 21, 2018 — a mere 45 days after Pixel devices received the upgrade.

The OnePlus 6 earned rave reviews and sold over 1 million units in just 22 days.

At the end of July, helped by the success of the OnePlus 6, the company reached one of its biggest milestones: OnePlus pushed out Samsung to lead the premium smartphone market in India. This was a true David-and-Goliath success story, and very few saw it coming.

By the end of the summer, all eyes were looking towards the release of the company’s next device: the OnePlus 6T. The smartphone earned good reviews from critics once again, who mostly focused on the little improvements the device offered, like its smaller waterdrop notch.

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Additionally, the OnePlus 6T launched with an in-display fingerprint sensor — a first in the U.S.

To celebrate the launch of the device, OnePlus held pop-up shops all over the world. The pop-up in Times Square (which Android Authority attended) was reportedly larger than the launch of the recent Apple iPhone XS at the same store. That little factoid alone pretty much sums up just how far OnePlus has come.

At the end of 2018, both the OnePlus and the OnePlus 6T ended up on various “Best Of” lists from tech publications around the world. Here at Android Authority, the OnePlus 6T was voted by our readers as the best October 2018 release (beating the Google Pixel 3 and the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, among others).

That T-Mobile partnership is a pretty big deal

A photo from the OnePlus 6T pop-up event in New York City.

In the middle of August, probably one of the biggest pieces of OnePlus news of the year landed: the OnePlus 6T would launch on T-Mobile, the first time OnePlus partnered with a U.S. carrier.

In the United States, the overwhelming majority of smartphone consumers buy their devices through their respective carriers. OnePlus has carrier partnerships in other countries, but the T-Mobile partnership allowed most American consumers to see a OnePlus phone for the first time ever.

The T-Mobile partnership resulted in the OnePlus 6T blowing the sales records of the OnePlus 6 out of the water: the 6T sold 249 percent more in the U.S. than the OnePlus 6 in their respective first months.

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At this point, anyone who thought OnePlus devices were strictly for geeks had to reevaluate their stance. This T-Mobile partnership gave OnePlus the potential to become a major player in the United States, with shelf space right next to Samsung, Apple, and LG phones, to name a few. It also bucked the trend of Chinese companies having trouble breaking into the U.S. market, something with which its much-larger competitor Huawei has struggled.

Even Huawei subsidiary Honor — which we’ll talk more about in a minute — has only a small presence in the U.S. Fellow Chinese company Xiaomi is absent from the market. Vivo and Oppo — which are somehow related to OnePlus — also have no presence here.

At a time when Chinese companies are getting kicked out of the U.S., OnePlus somehow got in, which is incredible.

Now that OnePlus has its T-Mobile partnership, the sky’s the limit. OnePlus phones work on Verizon, so it’s certainly feasible a partnership could develop there, too. OnePlus devices have always worked on AT&T, so that’s a possibility as well.

For now, we expect OnePlus to stick with T-Mobile, as there’s likely a contract involved which prevents OnePlus from partnering with anyone else. However, the company has its foot in America’s door, which is huge.

It wasn’t all smooth-sailing…

OnePlus 6T Speakers

Although 2018 has been filled with success for OnePlus, it hasn’t all been sunshine and roses.

Early in the year, a massive credit card breach at OnePlus’ official website resulted in some customers having to deal with identity theft. OnePlus had to temporarily disable all credit card transactions on its site, and issue an apology.

Eventually, the company disclosed that up to 40,000 customers were affected by the breach. OnePlus fixed the issue a few days later and started selling phones again via its official site. There were no more reported breaches for the rest of the year.

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Then, in March, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei received a ton of flak from the Android community when he made some snide comments about the notch on the OnePlus 6, which at that point had yet to be fully revealed. Pei’s call out to OnePlus fans to “learn to love the notch” was met with a chorus of boos from the hardcore fans who helped make OnePlus the success it is today. In the end, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau had to step in and issue a statement of his own about the notch and OnePlus’ commitment to its user base.

OnePlus dealt with a variety of PR snafus this year, but came out of them all relatively unscathed.

After the negative backlash OnePlus received for Carl Pei’s notch comments, OnePlus pre-emptively revealed the OnePlus 6T would not have a headphone jack — another sore spot for Android fans. The removal of the jack, while not entirely unexpected, seemed to go against the very core of OnePlus’ “Never Settle” motto. To make matters worse, OnePlus’ feeble attempts to explain why the company removed the jack were met mostly with eyerolls.

Still, the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T both sold better than previous models, and OnePlus is officially operating at a profit, with over $1 billion in revenue, after five years in business.

2018 was all about moving away from Android fanboys

When OnePlus first started, its strategy relied on giving Android fanboys what they wanted: a high-powered smartphone at a very low price, with close-to-stock software and a healthy development community.

This strategy helped the OnePlus One become one of the most-talked-about smartphones of 2014. The same strategy kept OnePlus in the headlines through the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X.

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Eventually, OnePlus needed to expand. With the OnePlus 3, the company abandoned the invite purchasing system, making the phones available to all. With each iteration thereafter, OnePlus made its smartphones appeal more to casual smartphone purchasers than the hardcore Android fans it originally went after.

Along with that expansion, the company also made the devices more expensive.

OnePlus is no longer making smartphones for Android fans — it’s making smartphones for everyone.

Granted, the OnePlus 6T is still much cheaper than something like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or the Google Pixel 3 XL. However, the days of buying a OnePlus smartphone for under $300 are over, as the entry-level OnePlus 6T costs a cool $549.

The company has also largely abandoned its involvement in the Android development community, recently shuttering its development seeding program.

Ultimately, this change in strategy makes perfect sense. There are only so many hardcore Android fans, and they all already know about OnePlus. If OnePlus hopes to grow, it needs to cater to a larger audience. Unfortunately, that means certain things Android fans loved about OnePlus phones (price, features, development support) are going to change.

New competitors are coming

Xiaomi Pocophone F1.

With OnePlus moving away from the ultra-cheap, “Never Settle” flagship killer strategy, other companies will inevitably step in and attempt the same formula.

Enter the Pocophone F1 — Xiaomi’s attempt at creating a OnePlus competitor. It’s got the latest-and-greatest chipset, close-to-stock software, inexpensive build materials, and a huge battery, all at a great price: starting around $300. The only drawback is the device has no official release in the United States.

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Huawei’s sub-brand Honor is also playing the OnePlus strategy by releasing various smartphones with killer specs at rock-bottom prices. The Honor View 10, for example, has similar specs as the OnePlus 5T (and even the OnePlus 6), albeit with the Kirin 970 processor instead of a Snapdragon chipset. That phone sells in the United States for around $450.

Devices from Xiaomi, Honor, and even Oppo and Vivo could give OnePlus a run for its money, not to mention the competition OnePlus will face from bonafide flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Huawei P30.

OnePlus in 2019: Expanding the portfolio

OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition

Although 2018 was clearly a banner year for OnePlus, at its core it was business as usual. The company released two smartphones, just like the prior year, and both were flagships. OnePlus did not release any budget devices, nor did it release anything in the ultra-premium segment to directly compete with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

However, in 2019, things are going to be much different.

OnePlus 5G phone

We know for certain OnePlus will release a 5G phone in 2019. However, this device will not be the anticipated OnePlus 7. Instead, the OnePlus 5G phone will be a new, premium entry into its lineup, with an anticipated starting price of over $750 — far and away the company’s most expensive product yet.

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However, we don’t expect this 5G phone to usurp the expected OnePlus 7. Instead, OnePlus will likely run two lines of smartphones simultaneously, with the 5G phone in an ultra-premium tier and the OnePlus 7 acting as the direct follow-up to the OnePlus 6T, and priced similarly.

OnePlus television

The Xiaomi Mi LED Smart TV 4. Xiaomi

After the consumer backlash surrounding the removal of the headphone jack from the OnePlus 6T, the company quickly announced a OnePlus-branded television at some point in 2019. Whether this announcement was planned ahead of time or quickly thrown together to divert attention from the headphone jack backlash is anyone’s guess.

Regardless, a OnePlus television would be an interesting addition to its current lineup, which at this point only includes smartphones, smartphone accessories, travel accessories, and headphones.

The OnePlus TV could be like a giant smart display you hang on your wall.

We don’t know much about the OnePlus TV, but we know it will have a 4K resolution and integrate well with smart homes. It’s assumed the smart TV will be less focused on entertainment and channel-surfing and more as acting like a smart display hub for your home — kind of like a Google Home Hub, but the size of a television.

Ultimately, the release of a television is a smart move for OnePlus as it will eliminate its reliance on smartphone sales. If for whatever reason the OnePlus 7 bombs, then what?

A company relying entirely on one product is in a dangerous spot, which is why introducing a new product like a television is smart business — even if the television doesn’t fare well with audiences immediately.

We just hope there won’t be any invite code nonsense.

OnePlus Bullets Wireless

OnePlus Bullets Wireless A top-down image of the earbuds and the neckband.

OnePlus’ entry into the world of wireless earbuds began with the OnePlus Bullets Wireless, which the company launched alongside the OnePlus 6. The headphones have some great reviews, with Android Authority’s own Lily Katz calling them “cheaper BeatsX for Android.”

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The OnePlus Bullets Wireless were the company’s only non-phone electronic product this year. However, not many people own the Bullets Wireless because the supply was so low. OnePlus.com was frequently sold out of the item.

In 2019, we should expect the second iteration of Bullets Wireless, likely to be True Wireless earbuds, akin to Apple AirPods. If OnePlus does go this route, hopefully the company can keep up with demand. If OnePlus wants to be seen as a major electronics brand — not just a smartphone manufacturer — it needs to properly launch its products so everyone can easily get them.

Bottom line: OnePlus is a force to be reckoned with

If 2018 proved anything, it’s that OnePlus is a powerhouse. It released two great smartphones in 2018 and sold them for hundreds less than most of the competition. It introduced a new smartphone feature to the United States and beat out a company as huge as Huawei in developing a U.S. carrier partnership. It even bounced back from several PR snafus without missing a beat.

2018 was the year of OnePlus, and 2019 could be even bigger.

While 2018 has been OnePlus’ year, the momentum won’t let up any time soon. With a 5G phone and a television on the way, OnePlus will officially step into the world of top-tier electronics companies like Sony, Samsung, and LG. If its smartphones continue delivering top-tier specs at the lowest prices possible — as is expected — the company has every chance to hold onto its core audience and keep expanding.

If there’s one company you should keep your eye on in 2019, this is it.

NEXT: 6 reasons to buy the OnePlus 6T, and 6 reasons to pass

Source: Android Zone

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Gay conversion therapy app still on Play Store, Google facing backlash

  • The Living Hope Ministries app promotes practices aligning with gay conversion therapy.
  • The controversial app was removed from the Apple and Amazon app stores but remains on the Google Play Store.
  • Gay conversion therapy is denounced by almost every prestigious medical institution.

A controversial mobile application used as a gay conversion therapy tool was recently removed from the Apple App Store and the Amazon App Store. However, the app is still active on the Google Play Store, and that isn’t sitting well with the activist group that pushed for the app’s removal.

The Living Hope Ministries app is a collection of audio and video recordings of Bible verses, devotionals, and other Christian teachings. However, the Living Hope Ministries establishment is primarily focused on gay conversion therapy, i.e. trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual using psychological or spiritual interventions.

LGBT rights organization Truth Wins Out started petitions to get the app removed from the various online stores. The petitions helped bring down the app from Apple’s and Amazon’s platforms, according to Newsweek. However, the Play Store listing is still active as of publishing this article.

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Wayne Besen, the executive director of Truth Wins Out, said that Living Hope Ministries is “trying to prey on LGBT youth with a product that is fraudulent. Nobody can change from gay to straight. They’re selling snake oil.”

According to multiple studies from prestigious organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and countless universities around the world, homosexuality is not a mental disorder and there is no way to “convert” a person from gay to straight. Furthermore, gay conversion therapy is often described as cruel and linked with substance abuse and suicide.

There is no credible scientific evidence to support homosexuality is a mental disorder, nor that it can be ‘cured’.

Ricky Chelette, the executive director of Living Hope Ministries, defends the application. “I assume that folks who are gay-identified and happy are not looking at our app to begin with,” he said. “There are tons of pro-gay apps. We love gay-identified people, we’re simply here to help those who don’t want to be gay.”

Chelette points out that the app explicitly informs users that the advice contained therein is not a replacement for medical care.

Living Hope Ministries describes itself as “a non-profit, non-denominational, 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to proclaim God’s truth as we journey with those who are seeking sexual and relational wholeness through a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Google has yet to release a statement on the matter.

NEXT: Google shareholders file lawsuit over sexual misconduct payouts

Source: Android Zone

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The Motorola Razr is allegedly back, this time as a $1,500 foldable smartphone

Looking back at the history of cell phones, one of the most iconic handsets was the Motorola Razr. In a world of plastic clamshell and candy bar-style phones, the Razr introduced style, slim designed, and revolutionized the mobile world.

According to the Wall Street Journal (via The Verge), the Chinese-owned company might try it again by releasing a new Motorola Razr with a foldable screen.

The comeback of the Motorola Razr looks to be of limited scope initially. According to the WSJ, the handset will be exclusive to Verizon in the U.S. and will cost $1,500. As the company is reportedly looking to manufacture over 200,000 units, it must believe consumers will pay the high price tag to try out a first-gen foldable smartphone and own the next Razr phone.

Unfortunately, despite allegedly having insider information about Motorola’s plans, the WSJ was unable to provide any details about the upcoming phone’s design or specifications.

This isn’t the first time that it has been believed that Motorola would launch a new Razr. For several years now, company representatives have repeatedly teased us with a comeback of the brand. Excluding the devices launched in 2011 and 2012 that used the name, there has not been any real rerelease of the iconic handset.

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We’ve also heard rumors about Motorola creating a foldable smartphone before. Halfway through 2018, Motorola patented a clamshell-style handset similar in style to the original Razr. If the company moved forward with this design, it would differ from Samsung and the Royole FlexPai which both utilize a horizontal fold.

What do you think about a comeback of the Motorola Razr? Do you believe foldable smartphones are the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

Source: Android Zone

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Westworld Android game is getting put into cold storage

We previously reported that the Westworld Android game available on the Google Play Store was hit with a lawsuit by Bethesda over allegations that it is a blatant copy of Bethesda’s own Fallout Shelter. It looks like one of the results of that lawsuit is the termination of the game entirely.

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Today, the official end-of-life of Westworld for Android begins. Users who open the app starting now will be greeted with a message that states that “the park is entering a new phase and will no longer be taking applications for new employees.” Users are instructed that they have until April 16, 2019, to spend any in-game currency before losing it forever.

The game is no longer listed on the Google Play Store.

Westworld faced problems right from the beginning as its art style, gameplay, and major features were all very similar to Fallout Shelter. Check out the two screenshots below to judge for yourself:


It doesn’t look like anything to me…

The settlement details of the lawsuit weren’t disclosed to the public, but clearly it seems the total shutdown of Westworld was one of the stipulations. You know what they say: these violent delights have violent ends.

The third season of Westworld on HBO is yet to be announced.

NEXT: 10 best farming games and simulators for Android

Source: Android Zone

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Here’s how to get the Samsung One UI beta for Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus

Samsung One UI beta is now rolling out to the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. The update, which also brings Android 9 Pie to both phones, arrives on the heels of One UI beta becoming available on the Galaxy Note 8 earlier this week.

Previously, One UI made its way to the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus first, and will likely land on the Galaxy Note 9 in February.

How to get the One UI beta

samsung galaxy s9 one ui review navigation buttons

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If you own a Galaxy S8, S8 Plus, or Note 8, you need to install the Samsung Members app from either the Galaxy Apps store or the Google Play Store, then follow the steps as outlined in our One UI beta sign up page. SamMobile reports the beta firmware version numbers are G950FXXU4ZSA5 for the Galaxy S8 and G955FXXU4ZSA5 for the Galaxy S8 Plus. U.S. residents will be able to sign up for the same beta via the Samsung+ app.

We already love the new One UI when we got to check out the beta on the Samsung Galaxy S9, including its system-wide dark mode, an overhaul of the recent apps menu, and much more.

Samsung has posted an Android 9 Pie update roadmap for its smartphones, and it states the stable version for the Note 8 will roll out in February, followed by the S8 and S8 Plus in March. Many more Samsung smartphones will also get the Android 9 Pie update this year, but only the Galaxy S8, S8 Plus, S9, S9 Plus, Note 8, and Note 9 phones will receive the big One UI refresh as well.

Source: Android Zone

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