Update, Oct 10 10:48 -- Kirt McMaster has confirmed his new role as Executive Chairman of Cyanogen Inc and that he is stepping down as CEO in an email sent out to Cyanogen Inc employees this morning. His replacement will be Lior Tal, who previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at the company. The reason for the change in roles seems to be that Cyanogen Inc is no longer focused on selling its custom operating system, but is instead moving to a new “modular"
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR
A mysterious phone — possibly a 2022 Google Pixel — has been discovered in official Google code. The phone appears to be in a similar category as the Pixel 7 Pro. Could this be a new device that’s even more premium than the Pixel Pro series? In 2021, Google launched the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The Pro model, at the time, was the most premium smartphone we’ve ever seen from Google.
David Imel / Android Authority
TL;DR
A new leak suggests the OnePlus 9 series will not pack a periscope camera. It’s also unclear if the phone line will feature a zoom camera at all. OnePlus is better known for its well-rounded, affordable flagships than it is for pure camera performance. Now, according to tipster Max Jambor, the OnePlus 9 series may not sport one of the hottest features in smartphone photography — a periscope zoom camera.
TL;DR
A Xiaomi phone has appeared on China’s telecoms authority website, bearing a strong resemblance to the Mi 8 Explorer Edition. The phone seems to lack facial recognition sensors and is available in a variety of RAM/storage configurations. This could be a more affordable Mi 8 Explorer Edition or a special version of the Mi Note 4. At first glance, it’s identical to the Mi 8 Explorer Edition, sporting an unnamed 2.
https://d2pq0u4uni88oo.cloudfront.net/projects/1804828/video-531428-h264_high.mp4
The idea of a modular smartphone has been around for years, and we’re finally getting to see these ideas come to fruition thanks to Google’s Project Ara. But when those smartphones come to select markets later this year, they may be tough to get your hands on, at least at the start. So if you want to experience what it would be like to own a Project Ara device before its official launch, you might want to head over to Kickstarter to back the nexpaq modular phone case.
Samsung Samsung Galaxy BudsWithout question, these are the perfect complement to the Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup. The earbuds' remarkable battery life separates it from the crowd of true wireless contenders, while its easy-to-operate touch controls make quick commands a breeze. The price reductions make the Galaxy Buds even more appealing as the holiday season approaches.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds were announced alongside the Samsung Galaxy S10 series and theGalaxy Fold at Samsung Unpacked 2019, promising Android users a premium competitor to Apple’s AirPods.
Huawei Watch GT 2 ProThe Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro is essentially a GT 2 with wireless charging and better build materials. If you like that watch or the more recent GT 2e you'll like this one. Specs are practically identical across all three variants but some new software improvements manage to eke out a little more performance from what is now year-old hardware. Not worth an upgrade but still worth checking out if you want wireless charging or titanium, ceramic, or sapphire glass in your watch.
There are plenty of other brands that offer Bluetooth headphones in every conceivable style, color, and price point, many of which also tout a great listening experience.
If that’s the case, then why would anyone spend $350 on a pair of expensive headphones such as the Sony WH1000XM3 or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II? It seems like you’re just overpaying for something you could get for less without the brand name attached.
The Essential Phone.
TL;DR
Android 8.1 Oreo is now rolling out to the Sprint variant of the Essential Phone. The update arrives almost a month after it rolled out for the unlocked Essential Phone. The update brings security patches, bug fixes, and more. If you own the Sprint variant of the Essential Phone, check your device for a software update. Android 8.1 Oreo is rolling out now for your device.
I am so excited for October! It’s just around the corner and during which, I expect, we’ll see the launch of the most exciting smartphone of the year. No, not the Google Pixel 3 — the OnePlus 6T, the ninth overall smartphone from the Chinese manufacturer.
Read Next: All OnePlus 6T rumors in one place
I was one of the Android geeks who fought hard to get an invite to buy the original OnePlus One back in 2014.