Hey folks! It's another exciting week in smartphone and tech news, so let's get right into it!
- Microsoft folding dual-screen tablet appears anew
- LG says screw it, we're doing a five camera smartphone
- Smartphone airbag aims to prevent drop damage
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL imagined in new renders
Image credit: OnLeaks / MySmartPrice
A continuous stream of Google Pixel 3 leaks and rumours have crystallised this week with the release of design documents by OnLeaks. These have been turned into renders by MySmartPrice, showing off two models: a 5.4-inch Pixel 3 with a traditional design and a 6.2-inch Pixel 3 XL with a notch. Both devices will come with a taller-than-usual screen, with the Pixel 3 having an 18:9 aspect ratio and the 3 XL using a taller 19:9 aspect ratio screen.
LG to make five camera flagship phone
Image credit: Engadget
At one time, rear-facing cameras were the standard. Then, we got to two cameras, one front and one back. That's since swelled to three and then four, as additional cameras have been added for depth effects, additional light capture and telephoto zooms. Now, LG are planning to take things to the next level, with a five camera smartphone - two up front for 3D face recognition and three on the back. The phone is expected to be called the V40 ThinQ, and should include a Snapdragon 845 chip, a Google Assistant button, a quad DAC for improved audio quality and other high-end specs. We'll likely see the phone released this autumn for a premium price.
Motorola to announce next phone on August 2nd
Image credit: Motorola
According to a press invitation that went out this week, Motorola will soon unveil its latest smartphone(s) at a Chicago-based event on August 2nd. The company is claiming that the event will "change the way people use and interact with their phones", which would certainly be a big deal if it had any chance of being true. Still, it's definitely a date to keep in mind if you're a Moto fan.
OnePlus likely to announce new OnePlus 6
Image credit: OnePlus
OnePlus released their sixth major smartphone earlier this year, selling a million units far faster than they ever had before. Now, they appear to be readying a new followup: a red variant, set to be announced on July 2nd. That's according to a mysterious teaser that the brand posted on Twitter, which included a hexadecimal representation of 'fire engine red', C61422, and a quickly flashed date of July 2nd.
Microsoft Andromeda tablet imagined in new renders
Image credit: David Breyer
We've been hearing rumours of Microsoft's foldable Andromeda tablet for some time now, and this week we got a new glimpse at what they might be planning when a patent for a dual-screen device was spotted. That patent was used as the basis for the rendered version you see above, with two screens that fold flat or rotate up to 360 degrees and Surface Pen stylus support. The actual project may still never see the light of day, but we hope it does -- this sure looks like something different!
Linux app support comes to more Chromebook models
Image credit: The Verge
Earlier this year, we wrote about how Google was adding Linux app support to Chromebooks. Initially that ability was just available on one Chromebook, Google's own Pixel, then it came to a Samsung Chromebook. Now, the floodgates are opening, as the number of compatible models swells to 20. This is big news for app developers, who often work in Linux due to its extensible nature and support for all kinds of development tools, and anyone else who likes messing about in an open source OS.
German engineering student creates airbag for your smartphone
Image credit: Philip Frenzel
A German student called Philip Frenzel has created an interesting new smartphone protection product: a mobile airbag which automatically deploys when it detects it has been dropped, allowing the phone to slow down its descent and survive a potentially deadly crash. It's a pretty cool idea, but wearing an airbag on your phoone at all times might be a bit much. What do you think?
Wrapping up
That's all for now, folks! Thanks for checking out the news this week, and we'll see you on the next one!
| Will is a gadget fanatic, working from cafes and gadget-infused mega-hovels to turn caffeine into technology articles. Follow him on Twitter @wsjudd and check out his newly redesigned tech review site xsreviews.co.uk! |