The Nexus line of devices have historically been fantastic developer devices because of their fast updates, availability of source code, and easy bootloader unlock and root methods. This has also attracted all the phone modders, who love tinkering with their devices and creating new software for them.

Unfortunately, things might be moving away from that with the Nexus 6P. The device features an e-fuse that will mark when your bootloader has been unlocked. Even locking your bootloader will not reset the e-fuse; your device will permanently show that it has been tampered with.

How this will affect users is unknown. Google is in charge of warranty claims, and they may not care if it’s been unlocked. But such a feature wouldn’t be put on a Nexus device unless it was planned to be used. While you shouldn’t necessary be worried, it’s something to keep an eye on.

What do you think of a Nexus device having such an anti-unlocking measure? Is it not in the Nexus spirit?

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Google Maps is a staple at this point for those that want to use a map service on their mobile device, and that’s due to the ridiculous amount of features that Google bakes into the software to make commuting even easier. That trend continues with an upcoming update the company is now teasing.

With an official blog post, Google is now teasing an upcoming update to Google Maps that will allow users to check the gas prices for stations near them, as well as add detours to their route, all without actually leaving Navigation mode. When the update lands, Maps users will be able to type in their destination, begin Navigation, and then select the magnifying glass near the top-right corner of the display, which will then populate options.

Those options, which will drop down, include gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and more. Users will then be able to select an option to reroute their progress, or even type in a location manually or use voice commands to search for something that might not be readily available in the drop-down menu.

The update will be rolling out over “the next few weeks,” so keep an eye out if you use Google Maps regularly.

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Verizon and Motorola are teaming up for an event soon, and it’s expected that the companies will unveil the DROID Turbo 2. Now the wireless carrier has taken to Twitter to start teasing the upcoming device.

On October 20, Verizon’s official Twitter account tweeted out “Introducing the perfect phone for imperfect people.” The text was accompanied by a quick 11-second slow motion video showing what’s clearly a new DROID-branded smartphone falling towards the pavement. That fades out and adds, “The new Droid is dropping soon.”

Introducing the perfect phone for imperfect people. http://pic.twitter.com/OzeiE2znP3

— Verizon (@verizon) October 20, 2015

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The subtle nudges towards “dropping” the smartphone seem to lend credence that this is the DROID Turbo 2, which is rumored to feature the first “shatterproof screen.” On top of that, the Turbo 2 is said to feature a 5.4-inch display with a resolution of 2560×1440, along with a 21MP camera on the back, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor inside, and a battery measured in at 3750mAh. Owners will supposedly be able to customize the device through Moto Maker, too, as an extra bonus.

Are you looking forward to the DROID Turbo 2?

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For those that have been keeping an eye on the leaks pertaining to the latest One-branded device, HTC has gone ahead and made the One A9 official at its event, taking the wraps off the company’s latest Android-powered device.

On Tuesday, October 20, the One A9 went official. First and foremost, this device is indeed running Android 6.0 Marshmallow right out of the package. But, going further than that, HTC has also claimed that the handset will receive software updates just 15 days after the first Nexus-branded device receives the same software, so we’ll have to see how that pans out into the future.

Specifications look solid. It features an AMOLED display that measures in at 5 inches and has a full 1080p HD resolution. There’s a 64-bit quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor under the hood. It comes in two variants: One with 16GB of built-in storage, which is paired with 2GB of RAM, or a 32GB model that features 3GB of RAM. Both devices have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. The battery in the new One A9 is measured in at 2150mAh, and HTC has included support for both QuickCharge 2.0 and Quick Charge 3.0 with a future software update.

On the back of the One A9 there’s a 13-megapixel camera, which features optical image stabilization, a sapphire cover lens, a BSI sensor, and auto-focus. On the front there’s an UltraPixel camera, which features 1080p HD recording.

There are multiple color options for the One A9, but, as usual, the colors will vary depending on region, and HTC hasn’t said which color will be available where. At launch, HTC will have the Opal Silver and Carbon Gray ready to go, with the Deep Garnet and Topaz Gold coming at a later date. On top of that, in promotional materials for the device there are two additional colors: Acid Gold and Cast Iron, but there’s no information as to when, or where, those colors will be available.

The phone features Dolby Audio with Hi-Res Audio.

You can pre-order the One A9 beginning today, with prices starting at $399. That’s just a “limited time offer,” so at some point the device’s price will go up, but HTC didn’t say when or by how much.

What do you think of the One A9?

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We’ll be posting all the official details of the HTC One A9 in a few minutes, but why wait for us to put things together when you can tune in and watch the virtual unveiling of of the phone yourself! The HTC One A9 isn’t going to blow anyone away with its specs, but HTC is hoping that the phones design will resonate with the general public and help get sales of HTC phones back to where they need to be.

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To celebrate the release of its two latest Nexus devices, the 5X and 6P, Google is giving away instant invites to its Project Fi wireless service for the next 24 hours. If you’ve been wanting to see how Google’s carrier solution stacks up, now is the perfect time to join.

Project Fi takes a different approach to cellular service, maintaining a simple pricing structure, only charging customers for what they actually use and relying heavily on WiFi for connectivity. Compatibility with Project Fi is slim, with the Nexus 6, Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X as the only official Project Fi devices. Still, if you own one of those devices, this is a great chance to skip invite lines and start using Project Fi today.

For more info, hit the source link.

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Want to try the latest and greatest Google has to offer for Android before anyone else? Or at least, before the general public? Then sign up for the Google app beta today.

Google has just opened signups for beta testers of its “Google app,” the app that houses the company’s Now Launcher, Now on Tap and more. Users who have signed up for the beta are reporting a small jump in version number already, but it doesn’t appear anything has changed yet.

The process for joining the beta testing group is simple, just head to the source link below and the hit the button labeled “become a tester.” Make sure to let us know if you notice anything different after joining.

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Oppo has quite a few devices in its library at this point, and now it is adding another with the R7s, which it has just recently made official.

Oppo’s R7s has plenty of stand-out features, including a 5.5-inch “arc edge” display, which features a 2.5D “arc edge screen” and 1080p HD resolution. That display is flanked by a bezel that measures in at only 2.2mm, for those that hate bezels. Inside, there’s 4GB of RAM, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 quad-core processor, and 32GB of built-in storage. The R7s also supports microSD cards for expandable storage. There’s a 13-megapixel camera on the back of the phone, with an 8MP front-facing camera on the other side.

For its part, Oppo says that the new ColorOS 2.1 user interface has some of its own improvements, including apps that open faster (311ms), “252 optimized scenes,” and a boot speed that the manufacturer says is 30% faster. The software also includes automatic icon sorting with just a quick shake of the device, and an “efficient memory cleaner.” It’s running Android 5.1 out of the box.

The device supports 4G and two SIM cards. The battery is measured in at 3070mAh and is non-removable.

Unfortunately, there’s no word on when the device will launch, how much it will cost, or where it will be available. But considering that it’s official now, it might not be too long of a wait to find out.

What do you think of Oppo’s R7s?

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It’s been a little less than a month since Google unveiled the LG-made Nexus 5X on stage, but for those that have been patiently waiting for the device to launch, the day has finally arrived.

According to an official press release from the Life’s Good crew, the Nexus 5X is launching today in select “key markets” across the globe beginning today, October 19. As for which markets the Nexus 5X will be available in, that includes Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Korea, and India. In Europe, Latin America, and Asia, some markets will begin seeing Nexus 5X availability begin in the “coming weeks.”

The Nexus 5X is on sale right now in the Google Store, with the official launch basically just checking off a box at this point. Pricing remains the same, too, with the 16GB Nexus 5X priced at $379 (or £339) and the 32GB variant priced at $429 (or £379). The statement from LG also points out that “major carriers and retailers” will be launching the Nexus 5X at some point in the future, but there are no names or dates provided.

Do you plan on picking up an LG Nexus 5X?

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When you see something like swappable filters in a pair of earphones, you can’t help but be intrigued. The Trinity Audio Delta is a pretty high-end product, made of aluminum and featuring swappable filters that can change the tone of your audio to fit your preference. I couldn’t help but be excited to give them a shot.

Overview

Drivers: 8mm neodymium
Impedance: 16Ohm
Sensitivity: 110 +/- 3DB
Frequency response: 19 – 21000HZ
Cable length: 1.2 meters
Price: £90.00 ($138.00)
Where to buy: Trinity Audio

The Delta earphones feature aluminum casings, making them strong yet lightweight. Trinity Audio also claims aluminum is better for audio than plastic. The wires come out at an angle, each with a color coded L or R cover.

The two wires meet at an aluminum piece that looks like it’s milled, but extends a braided cord to the plug at the end, which is also made out of aluminum. It has a spring at the cable end to prevent tearing.

Build quality

The way these earphones are built is outstanding. I couldn’t give them enough praise. Everything is made out of aluminum and feels absolutely excellent while also being lightweight. The plug has a milled feel to it for added grip and texture, and the spring that protects the cable at the end is a brilliant addition that just adds to the quality.

The braided cable deserves endless praise. It looks and feels incredible and adds to the luxury feel of these earphones. It also pretty much untangles itself. After being scrunched up, just holding them out makes them unravel neatly. It’s also very flexible, so it doesn’t get in your way or pull at your ears.

The actual casings are well made, and all the filters fit well and have fairly large threads that don’t seem like they’ll strip. The tips are a tight fit (sometimes even too tight), so they won’t be falling out.

Really, I can’t say enough about the amazing attention to detail and build quality.

Audio quality

With the Trinity Audio Delta earphones, audio quality is a very mixed bag for a person like me. Let me get this out of the way: I’m very picky in terms of audio. I like balanced sound, where each element of a song is clear and doesn’t overpower the rest. That’s not always easy to achieve.

These earphones, no matter the filter you use, are not all that balanced. The highs dominate the rest of the sound, even with the bass filter, which I’ve grown to prefer. It brings the lows and mids closer to the level of the highs. The other filters just sound too bright for my taste.

That being said, the drivers are excellent and produce very clear audio. The highs and mids are crystal clear, with no distortion even at pretty high volumes. The bass isn’t strong by any means, but it’s pleasant and far from absent.

Overall, with the bass filters installed, these earphones sound pretty fantastic. Everything is crystal clear and the details of complicated music shine. Most people will be thrilled with the quality. I just wish the highs were toned down a little (which you can do yourself with an equalizer).

Comfort

Trinity Audio tried really hard to get these earphones to fit pretty much everyone. The box features seven different pairs of ear tips; four regular, two foam, and one double seal. I was surprised to see such a variety, but that’s awesome.

That being said, these earphones didn’t fit me so well. The double seal tips were the only ones that kept the earphones in my ears. I have weird ears and I’m not afraid to say it, so take my fitment issues with a grain of salt. I’ve asked a few other people for their opinions and they said the earphones fit great and are very comfortable.

Many earphones simply don’t fit me at all and fall out constantly, so these are already better than 99% of in-ear buds. And others have loved them, so I give them props in comfort.

Extras

These earphones have some nice features going for them. The case is triangular and really nice. Included is a right angle adapter made from the same aluminum as the plug, and it feels amazing (and is just a nice touch in general). The filters are all aluminum and color coded (dark gray is for bass, purple is balanced, and silver is treble) and come in a beautiful matching aluminum tube with a screw on cap. The case features a little pocket to hold these accessories.

While I got the pair with no microphone and remote, Trinity Audio does offer a version with those features.

They may not be the best sounding, perfectly balanced earphones, but they’re amazing in every other way. The build quality is absolutely superb, the feature set is great, the swappable filters are a neat feature, and the price is pretty fair.

These earphones also sound great. The highs are prominent and very clear, the bass is decent and not overbearing, and the mids are audible and enjoyable. The balance could use work, but overall they sound fairly premium.

If you’ve been looking for some premium earphones that look great and will last a long time, I think these are an amazing choice.

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