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Google Pixel 5: What we want to see

Google doesn’t make phones like any other Android OEM and the Pixel 5 is threatening to be the most unique and potentially divisive handset from the search giant to date.

We’re still some ways out from the expected Pixel 5 release date which will likely slot into the calendar in the series’ usual October launch window. However, there are already rumors circulating that the Pixel 5 may not be the flagship phone you might be expecting to see.

After the mixed bag that was the Google Pixel 4, there are plenty of areas the Pixel 5 could improve on the Pixel formula. With this and those fascinating rumors in mind, here are five things we want to see from the Google Pixel 5.

Ultra wide-angle camera

I’m willing to bet an ultra wide-angle camera is on every Pixel fan’s wishlist for the fifth-generation phone.

Google’s decision to stick with a dual-lens camera on the Pixel 4 when essentially every other OEM (even Apple!) had shifted to a triple-lens shooter was a massive head-scratcher. After all, zoom is great, but when you’re buying a flagship phone you shouldn’t have to choose in the first place.

While we’re talking cameras, can we also extend that zoom beyond just 2x optical? Super Res Zoom is impressive, but if the Pixel 5 is going to compete with the best we’d like to see the optical zoom stretch to at least 3x.

128GB storage as standard

At the last count, Google managed to snag the dubious honor of being the worst OEM when it comes to price gouging over smartphone storage.

While we’d also like to see the price difference between configurations reduced from the current $100 hike, the core issue is that 64GB base model. Just get rid of it.

128GB is the standard storage capacity for basically every Android flagship and the Pixel 5 should be no different. 64GB isn’t enough. 256GB is potentially overkill if you use cloud storage. 128GB is just right.

Better battery life

You might be thinking this should say “a bigger battery,” but having a large cell packed into a phone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Unfortunately, while many OEMs are pushing their custom hardware and software to achieve greater power efficiency and reduce battery drain, Google has been more interested in expanding its phones’ feature sets with AI smarts. That’s a noble goal and one I’d like to see continue, but not at the cost of atrocious battery life like the vanilla Pixel 4.

It’s not all about having a bigger battery… but that’d be welcome too.

Thankfully, there are positive signs. Android 11, which the Pixel 5 will almost definitely run out of the box, is rumored to feature an ultra low power mode for eking out extra juice when your battery is about to die.

Hopefully that’s just the start and Google will fine-tune its hardware and software package to give us a phone that doesn’t hit zero well before bedtime. And hey, if that means we need a bigger battery too, then that’s just fine too.

Motion Sense… but better this time

I really wanted to like Motion Sense. It’s the kind of quirky extra feature that makes phones fun and not just another bland handset that doesn’t take any risks.

There was just one problem: it kind of didn’t work.

Google has improved things with software updates, but the Soli tech in the Pixel 4 is still woefully underused and many of the gestures are awkward and often don’t register.

Instead of scrapping it, however, it’d be great to see Google double down on Motion Sense and make it an essential part of the Pixel experience like we’ve seen with Edge Sense.

More gestures, improved accuracy, and greater app compatibility would all make for Soli-d upgrades.

Something special to balance out that mid-range processor

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

Here it is, the elephant in the room: the Pixel 5 will reportedly run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G chipset as opposed to the Snapdragon 865 that powers the vast majority of Android flagships in 2020.

We already have an article discussing the merits of Google opting for a mid-range SoC instead of Qualcomm’s top-tier silicon, as well as some of the potential reasoning (tl;dr: it’s much cheaper). It’s also worth noting that both chipsets are 5G enabled, so that’s not an issue.

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The harsh reality is that a Pixel 5 with a 765G processor won’t have the raw power to match its rivals. However, that may not be a problem if Google has something extra up its sleeve.

The Pixel 4 series already has the Pixel Neural Core which enables features like Night Sight, the new Google Assistant, the Recorder app, as well as boosting its imaging capabilities to push its camera — the Pixel series’ key selling point — beyond its hardware limitations with computational photography.

The Snapdragon 765G is already a more than capable chipset that near-enough matches the Snapdragon 855 already found in the Pixel 4, albeit with an inferior GPU. By improving the Pixel Neural Core, Google could close the gap with Qualcomm’s best in terms of AI performance while also still being cheaper to build and more power efficient overall.

If a more affordable Pixel 5 can close the AI gap while also delivering killer battery life and a bunch of exciting, unique software features, would you really care if it wasn’t winning any benchmark races?

That’s my Pixel 5 wishlist. What’s yours? Let me know in the comments and be sure to check out some of our other Google Pixel content below:

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How to clean and sanitize your grocery deliveries

Dhaya Eddine Bentaleb Crtvcboflxc Unsplash

Source: Dhaya Eddine Bentaleb / Unsplash

Ordering grocery deliveries is a luxury for many during the best of times, and a necessity for most during the worst of times (like during a pandemic). Now that many of us are working from home, watching children or relatives, or stranded in quarantine, delivery services have become lifesavers. If you can practice social distancing by having your groceries delivered, don’t let that nasty virus cross those last few feet past the threshold of your home. Here are some ways that you can clean and sanitize your deliveries to keep your home safe.

In the car curbside pickups

Mick Haupt R3gf3w05yxu Unsplash

Source: Mick Haupt / Unsplash

Perhaps you live in an area where door-to-door grocery deliveries are not available, or perhaps there are certain products that you can only get from a particular store. Thankfully, many grocery stores and retailers are offering some sort of curbside or contactless pickup.

In some cases, you can order and pick up your items when it’s convenient for you, but for a lot of retailers, you’ll have to plan ahead and schedule a pickup for a specific day and time. Stores like Walmart and HEB will have you park in designated spots, and then ask you to phone or text the store your location. Then, an employee will bring out your items and load them into your trunk, or pass them off to you to do so (in a contactless way, of course).

While this method beats going inside and risking exposure from others, there is always the possibility that viruses and germs can get passed from those in the store to you through your groceries. We advise that you wear a face mask during pickup, and if possible, safety gloves as well. Try to keep a can of disinfectant spray and/or disinfectant wipes in your car trunk so that you can wipe down bag handles and larger items handled by the store workers.

At the doorstep delivery drop-offs

Kelly Sikkema Djcvoquzxf0 Unsplash

Source: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

If you live in an area where you can receive grocery deliveries to your door and are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of these services, you still need to exercise some of the same cautions we mentioned above for the same reasons. The safest place for you during this pandemic is in your own home, but anytime you bring in something from the outside world, you increase the risk that you’re also bringing in what you don’t want.

While most delivery services that we’ve seen are now offering contactless delivery as a standard practice, it never hurts to double-check that this is an option before you place your order. That way, when your delivery arrives, it will be placed at your doorstep rather than you having to interact directly with the delivery person. This will help to minimize person to person and airborne contact.

Even though the store workers and delivery drivers are most likely required to wear facemasks and gloves, your items have still been handled by others that you don’t know. Therefore, we recommend that you have a bottle of disinfectant spray and/or wipes by the front door so that you can spray or wipe down bag handles and boxes before you bring them further into your home.

In the kitchen putting items away

The Honest Company Ua9ak Pz5cw Unsplash

Source: The Honest Company / Unsplash

Now that you’ve taken some initial steps to disinfect your groceries, it’s time to put them away in your cupboards, pantry, and/or fridge. As you take items out of their bags/boxes, try to at least wipe them down lightly before putting them away.

If you’re like me, you often bring your grocery bags into the kitchen and set them on the counter while you put things away. Resist the habit to do this, and try leaving the bags on the floor while you unload. If you can’t do this for whatever reason, remember to disinfect your countertops and surfaces after you’ve put everything away. While you’re at it, go ahead and mop the floor where you sat your bags (it probably needs it regardless!).

For items like fruits and vegetables, you should always make sure to wash them before eating raw, but it’s a good idea to do this with anything you plan on cooking with as well.

If you ordered any bottles, cans, or other receptacles that you plan on drinking out of, be sure to wipe around the tops and lids and wash and dry them thoroughly before use. Even still, it’s probably a good idea to pour those beverages into one of your own containers before drinking them.

Chances are your groceries were delivered in some kind of disposable bag, be that paper or plastic. Collect these bags and spray them with disinfectant. Use the paper bags for your household recycling, or put them directly in your recycle bin. Store the plastic bags someplace out of the way (under the kitchen sink, in a utility closet, or the garage) and save them until you can go back out to recycle them at your grocery store or recycling center.

Bottom line

Clay Banks E6pk Snsssy Unsplash

Source: Clay Banks / Unsplash

Having your groceries delivered is certainly a more hygienic option right now to going to the grocery store yourself, so if you can take advantage of these services, we highly recommend it.

We also know that obtaining cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes and sprays is difficult right now, so do the best you can. The important thing to remember when shopping for cleaning products is that you want to make sure they are not just cleaning products, but disinfecting products as well. Many cleaners do a good job on dirt, stains, and smells, but don’t necessarily do a great job killing germs.

Finally, remember not to touch your face while handling your new groceries, and to wash your hands thoroughly afterward. There’s no reason to let your guard down when you can follow some simple steps to stay safe and healthy!

Our top equipment picks

Here are some of our most trusted cleaning supplies for disinfecting our gadgets, gizmos, and groceries.

Counter culture

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

The original wipey

If you can get your hands on these, be sure to keep a container in your kitchen, bathroom, and maybe even your car trunk and by the front door. These can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and are a great step towards disinfecting your home.

Spray it, don’t just say it

Lysol Disinfectant Spray

Maximum coverage

This may also be hard to find right now, but if you can obtain some, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. It also pledges to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and will leave your spaces smelling fresh too!

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

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All OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro updates in one place

Update, May 5, 2020 (2:20AM ET): OnePlus is reportedly rolling out another update for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. The new Oxygen OS 10.5.6.IN11AA for the OnePlus 8 Pro and 10.5.5.IN21AA for the OnePlus 8 brings some system and camera improvements.

The changelog doesn’t clearly verify if it fixes the ongoing display problems on the phones, especially the OnePlus 8 Pro. The previous update (read original article below) fixed the green tint issue on the OnePlus 8 Pro for some users, but the black crush issue wasn’t resolved. The latter was initially thought to be a hardware problem, although OnePlus has since claimed that it’s indeed a software problem too.

The latest software update mentions that it fixes known issues, but the language is very generic and doesn’t really point to a display fix. You can see the changelog for the update below.

Android Sage

Meanwhile, some users who have received the new update are not too happy with it. A user on Reddit says that the update fixes the green tint issue on the OnePlus 8 Pro when DC Dimming is switched on, but it reappears when DC Dimming is switched off. Another user on OnePlus forums reports that the camera on the OnePlus 8 Pro has become worse since the update and has resulted in images showing random flares. The experience, however, might not be the same for all users.

The new OnePlus 8/8 Pro updates are reportedly rolling out in parts of US and Europe right now. An official announcement from OnePlus and wider availability can be expected soon.

Welcome to the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro update hub. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the latest Android updates for the two devices, including their current versions and when future updates are likely to arrive.

Both the 8 and 8 Pro run OxygenOS, OnePlus’ proprietary Android skin. OxygenOS is known for fast updates that come for a very long time, so be sure to bookmark this page and visit often.

OnePlus 8 Pro Killer flagship

OnePlus is all grown up. With the OnePlus 8 Pro, you get an unabashed flagship, with all the bells and whistles. Powerful specs, an amazing display, fast wireless charging, and water resistance make the OnePlus 8 Pro a great alternative to the Galaxy S20 Plus, and it’s up to $300 cheaper.

OnePlus 8 Snapdragon 865 on the cheap

The OnePlus 8 sticks to the formula that has made OnePlus so successful. It gets you the latest processing package, a versatile camera, and a beautiful display, running the smooth Oxygen OS. You miss out on wireless charging and the official IP rating, but for what it offers the OnePlus 8 is an attractive deal.

OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro updates

Current stable version: Android 10
When will the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro get Android 11? September 2020 (estimated)

The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro launched on April 14, 2020. Both launched with the latest version of Android out-of-the-box: Android 10. We expect both devices to receive at least two major Android updates in the future — Android 11 in 2020 and Android 12 in 2021.

Days after the phones launched, OnePlus rolled out the Oxygen OS 10.5.4 update for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. It was a minor update, but brought Google’s Live Caption feature to the phones. It also enhanced support for the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z earbuds, optimized the cameras and fingerprint sensor, improved system stability and more.

However, a bunch of users started reporting the appearance of a green tint on the displays of their phones. Some also reported a black crush issue which made dark areas of the screen lose detail.

OnePlus then rolled out Oxygen OS 10.5.5 for both the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro. The update sort of fixed the green tint problem for some, but the black crush issue remained.

The changelog was also tight-lipped about the display problems. The only indication on it related to the display was a pointer noting “optimized the display effects,” which doesn’t clearly mean the green tint or black crush issue.

	Android 10	Android 11
OnePlus 8	Current	TBA
OnePlus 8 Pro	Current	TBA

Let us know which OnePlus 8/8 Pro update you’re rocking in the comments, and if you’ve spotted a recent update we’ve missed, tip us!

Are you looking for another device update? Head to our general Android 10 update tracker at the link.

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Intel solidifies robotaxi plans with $900M acquisition of Moovit

Autonomous driving is expected to become a multi-billion dollar industry within the next decade, and Intel just planted its flag in the space — a $900M flag, to be precise. That’s the price the chipmaker is paying to acquire Israeli public transit app Moovit, which allows users to map out their travel via public transit in 3,100 cities across 102 countries. The app, according to Intel, boasts 800 million users across the globe.

The chipmaker explains its splurge as follows:

The addition of Moovit brings Intel’s Mobileye closer to achieving its plan to become a complete mobility provider, including robotaxi services, which is forecast to be an estimated $160 billion opportunity by 2030.

Mobileye, by the way, is another Israeli start-up the chipmaker has acquired in recent years, whose technology relates to the cameras found in self-driving cars and which, given the astronomical price tag of this acquisition, is seemingly spearheading Intel’s ambitions in the space.

Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more

“Mobileye’s ADAS technology is already improving the safety of millions of cars on the road, and Moovit accelerates their ability to truly revolutionize transportation – reducing congestion and saving lives – as a full-stack mobility provider,” said Intel CEO Bob Swan.

“Mobileye’s business model encompasses the entire automated driving value chain,” Intel says, and while Moovit’s technology may not directly relate to autonomous driving itself, what it does bring to the table is the end-user facing part of Intel’s mobility-as-a-service puzzle. After all, even a self-driving taxi needs to be told where to go and where the customers are; Moovit is the answer to that question.

Another viewpoint

Doom Eternal EP weighs in on Mick Gordon, soundtrack controversy

There’s been quite a bit of controversy over the past couple of weeks, as outraged fans learned that Mick Gordon would likely not be working with Bethesda in the future. Marty Stratton, Executive Producer on Doom Eternal, provided a lengthy statement in an open letter to the community regarding the situation.

What do you thinq about this?

Here’s everything you need to know about the LG Velvet (aka the LG G9)

Ready for a successor to the LG G8? It’s coming soon, but it’s not your typical upgrade. In place of an LG G9, this year we’re getting the LG Velvet. Here’s everything you need to know about the phone!

latest and greatest

Google now rolling out May 2020 security patch to Pixel phones

While you’re celebrating Star Wars Day, Google is using May 4 to roll out the May 2020 security patch to Pixel devices. Here’s a look at what’s new for this month!

Cases for everyone

Use one of these cases to protect your Galaxy A21 from when life happens

Life happens to everyone, and it ends up affecting to our smartphones at some point in time. Drops, scratches, bumps, and bruises all happen, and that’s why you’ll want to get a case for the new Galaxy 21.

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How to watch nearly all the Star Wars movies for free

It’s Star Wars day today, and fans of the massive sci-fi franchise are celebrating in many ways. If you want to join in on the celebration, you can by watching nearly all the Star Wars movies for free this week on Sling TV.

Here’s how it works: Sling is offering people a way to watch its Sling Blue lineup for free, and without a credit card. That means you can watch over 40 live TV channels on its streaming service from 5 p.m. to midnight Eastern time. That also includes free access to the on-demand content from those channels. TBS is part of the Sling Blue lineup, which means you can watch nine of its Star Wars live action movies from 5 p.m. to midnight, from now until May 10.

Just sign up for the free offer via the link below, and then go to the “May The Fourth Be With You” ribbon in either the “On Demand” or “My TV” tab to watch nine of the Star Wars movies during the free time period.

The only movies not available to watch for free on Sling TV this week are Solo: A Star Wars Story, which is available to stream on Netflix, and Star Wars Episode 9: The Rise of Skywalker, which just dropped today on Disney Plus.

You also still have time to buy all 11 Star Wars movies, in 4K, from digital stores for just $9.99 each. Those lower prices end today.

Will you be binge-watching Star Wars movies for free this week?

Ultra wide-angle camera

128GB storage as standard

Better battery life

Motion Sense… but better this time

Something special to balance out that mid-range processor

In the car curbside pickups

At the doorstep delivery drop-offs

In the kitchen putting items away

Bottom line

Our top equipment picks

Counter culture

Spray it, don’t just say it

OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro updates

Doom Eternal EP weighs in on Mick Gordon, soundtrack controversy

Here’s everything you need to know about the LG Velvet (aka the LG G9)

Google now rolling out May 2020 security patch to Pixel phones

Use one of these cases to protect your Galaxy A21 from when life happens

More posts about Star Wars