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5 Best Phones With Stereo Speakers In 2019

One problem that almost all smartphones have these days is with their speakers. More often than not, the speakers in your phone just aren’t very loud, play music or podcasts quietly and generally just don’t sound good. If you want to have a good listening experience, it’s almost a requirement that you have a good pair of headphones to increase the sound quality. It’s unfortunate, because a good pair of in-ear headphones can cost up to a couple extra hundred dollars on top of your already expensive smartphone.

Brand	Name	Price
Apple	Apple iPhone X, GSM Unlocked 5.8", 256 GB - Silver	Check Price on Amazon
Nokia Mobile	Nokia 6 - Android 8.0 - 32 GB - 16MP Camera	Buy on Amazon\|$159(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Google	Google Pixel 2 XL Unlocked 128gb GSM/CDMA	Buy on Amazon\|$822(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Sony	Sony Xperia XZ Premium G8142 64GB Luminous Chrome	Buy on Amazon\|$424.94(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
HTC	HTC U11 Plus (2Q4D100) 6GB / 128GB	Buy on Amazon\|$509.79(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

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But, what if you did some research and found good stereo speaker equipped smartphones, removing the need for headphones? There’s a few smartphones like that out there, but not too many. Be sure to follow along below, as we’ll show you the 5 best phones with stereo speakers in 2018.

Apple iPhone X

First up, we have the Apple iPhone X. This is Apple’s “revolutionary” smartphone, featuring an almost bezel-less display and high-end face recognition technology. It’s a move away from the traditional Apple design. It does have stereo speakers, so the Apple iPhone X can make just about anything sound good — music, podcasts, audiobooks, you name it. It’s got a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a crazy resolution of 2,436 x 1,125. You’ll love that crisp clear display.

On top of that, you get a great processing package. Under the hood is Apple’s own A11 Bionic chip backed by 3GB of RAM. The RAM might seem low, but it’s super efficient and is just like having 8GB of RAM in the OnePlus 6. Check the phone out for yourself at the link below.

Buy it now: Amazon

Nokia 6

You also might want to consider the Nokia 6. It’s got a Snapdragon 430 Octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM. It’s a decent processing package and will handle most things you throw at the application. You get a 5.5-inch 2D Full HD display for crisp, clear media.

It has stereo speakers, but in addition to that has a Smart Amplifier with 7.2W peak output. In addition to that, you get Dolby Atmos technology built-in. All of that together, and you’re getting one of the best sound experiences you can find in a smartphone. It’ll be able to play music, podcasts and all other types of media just beautifully. Get it for yourself at the link below.

Buy it now: Amazon

Google Pixel 2 XL

The Google Pixel 2 XL is another formidable smartphone. It’s got a large 6-inch display, so you’re getting plenty of display real estate for watching your favorite video, TV shows and movies. It’s great for multitasking, too. Powering the phone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor as well as a humble 4GB of RAM. The phone will fly through any task you throw at it, and you’ll also be able to get long-lasting battery life with its large 3,520mAh lithium ion battery.

It has stereo speakers built into it as well, so you’ll be able to play your favorite music on this smartphone with the crisp and clear sound you would want out of a smartphone.

Buy it now: Amazon

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

You also have the Sony Xperia XZ Premium smartphone. Sony usually launches a new smartphone every year, but they’re not usually too mainstream or popular. However, the Xperia XZ Premium is something to not look away from.

The phone has a 5.8-inch display with a resolution of 2,160 x 3,840. It’s got a Snapdragon 845 processor and has 6GB of RAM. As you can see, it’ll be able to handle any app or task you throw at it — even some of the most high-end games on Google Play.

The phone is equipped with stereo speakers as well, so you’ll get even better sound quality than, say, the Samsung Galaxy S9.

Buy it now: Amazon

HTC U11+

Last up, we have the HTC U11+. It’s got a 6-inch Super LCD display, sporting a resolution of 2,880 x 1,440. This has one of the higher resolutions on this list, so you’ll get some of the most detail and clarity out of the HTC U11+ screen. It has a Snapdragon 835 processor as well as 6GB of RAM so you can fly through apps fast and efficiently.

It’s got the stereo speakers as well, so you’ll get deep bass and over crisp sound for a overall great sound experience.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

So, which smartphone should you pick up? We recommend going with either the Apple iPhone X or the HTC U11+. Both have phenomenal specifications and are able to play crisp and clear sound — you won’t mind listening to your favorite music or podcasts on these devices. You can’t go wrong with the Xperia XZ Premium either; however, just make sure the cell bands are correct for the region you’re in.

Brand	Name	Price
Apple	Apple iPhone X, GSM Unlocked 5.8", 256 GB - Silver	Check Price on Amazon
Nokia Mobile	Nokia 6 - Android 8.0 - 32 GB - 16MP Camera	Buy on Amazon\|$159(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Google	Google Pixel 2 XL Unlocked 128gb GSM/CDMA	Buy on Amazon\|$822(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Sony	Sony Xperia XZ Premium G8142 64GB Luminous Chrome	Buy on Amazon\|$424.94(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
HTC	HTC U11 Plus (2Q4D100) 6GB / 128GB	Buy on Amazon\|$509.79(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

5 Best Phones For Republic Wireless in 2019

If you’re looking to upgrade your phone for next year, you should consider the many excellent options Republic Wireless has. You have a huge advantage by going with Republic Wireless, as they allow you to pick up a high-end phone, bring it to their carrier, and get it on a data plan at extremely low costs.

Brand	Name	Price
Google	Google Pixel 2	Buy on Amazon\|$565.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:30 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8 Unlocked 64GB - US Version (Midnight Black) - US Warranty	Buy on Amazon\|$432(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Motorola	Motorola MOTO Z PLAY (XT1635) Factory Unlocked Phone - 5.5\" Screen	Buy on Amazon\|$249.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8+ Unlocked 64GB - US Version (Midnight Black) - US Warranty	Buy on Amazon\|$473.98(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Motorola	Motorola Moto G XT1540 Unlocked Cell Phone - Black	Buy on Amazon\|$100.65(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

Follow along below and we’ll show you the 5 best phones for Republic Wireless in 2018.

Samsung Galaxy S8

Easily the best phone of 2018, the Galaxy S8 is a fantastic option for those looking to bring a phone to Republic Wireless. With this phone, you’ll get media experiences like you’ve never seen before.

It has the famed Infinity Display (curved display) with Quad HD+ 2960×1440 resolution, a 5.8-inch screen, a 3,000mAh battery, the Dual Pixel rear-facing camera, and expandable storage.

You can pick up a brand new GSM Galaxy S8, Unlocked for just $725 over on Amazon.

Buy it now: Amazon

Google Pixel 2

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest from Google, the Google Pixel 2 will be right up your alley with a 5-inch AMOLED 1920×1080 display, a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 12.2MP camera and a 2,700mAh battery.

The phone has an updated design from last years that many thought strange. The phone looks more modern and sleek now. It comes in Kinda Blue, Just Black and Clearly White colors.

The phone is almost $900 on Amazon, but that’s because it’s in short supply right now. It should come down over the next of weeks to around $650. But even if you can’t wait, you won’t regret it, as this is a fabulous phone from Google that’ll work on Republic Wireless.

Buy it now: Amazon

Motorola Moto Z Play

Next up is the Moto Z Play from Motorola. This was previously a Verizon exclusive, but is now open for all carriers, including Republic Wireless. With it, you can even expand functionality through modular additions (sold separately).

It has a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera, 32GB of internal storage, 3GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 625 processor and a 3,510mAh battery that is capable of lasting up to 50 hours, depending on how you use it. With TurboCharge functionality, you can get up to a nine hour charge in just 15 minutes.

This is a phone you can’t go wrong with, especially if you need something that can last long during work and play. You can pick this one up off of Amazon for $360.

Buy it now: Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S8+

Another great option is the Samsung Galaxy S8+, a bigger and better version of the smaller Samsung Galaxy S8.

If you’re a media aficionado, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is the phone for you. It has a much larger 6.2-inch display. You still get all of the extra technologies with it–the Infinity Display and the Quad HD+ 2960×1440 resolution. The difference here is that you get an an extra .4-inches of real estate to watch media on, which is a huge increase for smartphones, even though it may not necessarily seem like it on paper. It makes it perfect for watching YouTube or catching up on TV shows or movies during long flights.

You can pick this one up off of Amazon for $750.

Buy it now: Amazon

Motorola Moto G4 Play

Lastly, we have the Moto G4 Play from Motorola. If you’re looking for a great phone at an affordable price, the Moto G4 Play checks that box and more.

This is a pretty robust phone for the cost. You get a 1.2GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, a 5-inch 720p HD display, an 8-megapixel rear facing camera, 128GB of expandable storage and an impressive for 2,800mAh battery. Your mileage may vary, but the battery on the G4 Play is most impressive, as it can easily last you well into the evening and into the next day, depending on your usage.

If you’re on a budget, the Moto G4 Play really is a great phone. You won’t be able to find a cheaper phone that can last you as long, especially one with a really good display and ability to take excellent photos.

You can pick up the Moto G4 Play on Amazon for $135.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

So, which phone should you pick up? We recommend either the Google Pixel 2, Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+; they’re Google and Samsung’s flagships, respectively, for 2017, and are only going to get cheaper going into 2018. They’re all-around solid smartphones.

If you don’t have the cash to spend, the Moto Z Play is a great option. And if you’re really cash-strapped, the Moto G4 Play is still a great phone, despite being labeled in the budget sector.

Brand	Name	Price
Google	Google Pixel 2	Buy on Amazon\|$565.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:30 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8 Unlocked 64GB - US Version (Midnight Black) - US Warranty	Buy on Amazon\|$432(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Motorola	Motorola MOTO Z PLAY (XT1635) Factory Unlocked Phone - 5.5\" Screen	Buy on Amazon\|$249.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8+ Unlocked 64GB - US Version (Midnight Black) - US Warranty	Buy on Amazon\|$473.98(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Motorola	Motorola Moto G XT1540 Unlocked Cell Phone - Black	Buy on Amazon\|$100.65(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

Google Daydream Vs. Samsung Gear VR

One of the newer technological advents in smartphones has been virtual reality tech, although it certain didn’t start out as a polished feature. Years later, virtual reality for phones has been improved upon, quality increased and polished to the point where some really could use it on a daily basis. Not only that, but new headsets, like the Google Daydream and latest Samsung Gear VR, are making the experience a whole lot more comfortable, where someone really could sit for a couple hours playing in virtual reality.

Samsung Gear VR vs Google Daydream

ImgAmazon.com Link	Brand	ProductAmazon.com Link	Price on Amazon.com
	Google	Google Daydream	164
	Samsung	Samsung Gear VR	91.97

Today, we’re going to show you which one is best — the Google Daydream or Samsung’s latest Gear VR model.

Google Daydream View

If you’re looking for portability, the Google Daydream View is your go-to VR headset. It’s super compact and can easily be thrown in a carry-on bag for on the go. The one downside is that it’s primarily made out of a soft, cloth material, making it a little more difficult to clean. Still, it’s small form factor makes it a “dream” for portability.

Next, you have to decide which offers better content. Daydream is fairly new to the market, so the content is a little more varied. Still, Google has been able to get some big name brands to develop content for the Daydream, such as Hulu, YouTube VR, Need for Speed, MLB and so much more.

The experience is really good, too. The cloth is comfortable when the headset is attached, and it doesn’t feel too weighty. You could be playing for hours. And since your phone is the primary hardware source for all the VR technology, you don’t have to worry about which headset is better performance wise, since that comes down to a phone to phone thing.

Google really knocked it out of the park here, and even made the Daydream super affordable — $80 will net you your own Google Daydream headset, while the Gear VR is a tad more expensive.

Buy it now: Amazon

Gear VR

Portability isn’t necessarily the Gear VR’s strong suit. It’s much larger than the Google Daydream, thanks to its hard plastic exterior. On the other hand, you know you aren’t going to break it from a spill or drop — and it’s easier to clean! You could still throw it in your bag for the day, but know that it’s going to take up much more space and might not be nearly as comfortable for portability.

The Gear VR has some great content available for it. Samsung created this headset and platform in partnership with Oculus. That said, Oculus has been creating content for the Gear VR for years — they’ve been a step ahead of Google on this one. The Gear VR has a ton of exclusive content of its own as well. Some of the title do require a gamepad to function, such as for Minecraft Gear VR.

Comfort is a bit of an issue with the Gear VR. One of the problems with it having a much larger form factor is the whole comfort factor, especially with the phone inserted. Once it’s on your face, it can feel difficult to hold up because of all the extra weight. You can really start to feel it in your neck after a period of time.

Again, performance really isn’t something you have to worry about, although the downside to the Gear VR is that it only works with specific Samsung phones. Still, so many people have them it shouldn’t be an issue. And with the Gear VR being made specifically for them, you’re going to get the best performance/experience that way.

The Gear VR is definitely more expensive than the Google Daydream, but the Gear VR makes up for that in all the content it offers. Still, you can’t go wrong with a meager $130, as you’re still getting a high quality experience.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

So, which one should you buy? If you have a Samsung phone, we definitely recommend the Gear VR to you. It’s a little more expensive (and sometimes you can get it free or at discount because of your Samsung phone), but it’s so much more worth it, simply because you get a ton more content that you just wouldn’t find on the Google Daydream — when it comes to VR headsets, content is key.

For anyone else, we’d have to recommend the Google Daydream — there really isn’t another headset out there that tops it content-wise. There’s a lot of off-brand options, but they just don’t have the content backing of a big company like Google.

No matter what headset you grab — whether that be the Google Daydream or Gear VR — you’re going to get a great VR experience.

Samsung Gear VR vs Google Daydream

ImgAmazon.com Link	Brand	ProductAmazon.com Link	Price on Amazon.com
	Google	Google Daydream	164
	Samsung	Samsung Gear VR	91.97

What to do if Facebook Messenger keeps crashing on Google Pixel 3?

Facebook always makes sure that its applications are regularly updated and works perfectly all the time. That’s why you seldom encounter issues with the Facebook app, the Messenger as well as all other applications under its umbrella. However, there are always times when things don’t go the way they should and we’ve actually received complaints from owners of the Google Pixel 3 saying that the Messenger app keeps on crashing.

In this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your Pixel 3 with Messenger app that keeps on crashing. It’s not really a serious problem so I am confident that you’d be able to make the app work perfectly again just by doing some basic troubleshooting procedures. If you’re one of the owners of this phone and are currently being bugged by a similar problem, continue reading as this article may be able to help you.

Before anything else, if you have other issues with your device, try to browse through our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed several issues with this device. Odds are that we’ve already published a post that tackles similar problems. Try finding issues that have similar symptoms with what you currently have and feel free to use the solutions we’ve suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you still need our help, then fill up our questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.

Here’s what you should do if Messenger keeps on crashing on your Pixel 3…

Try rebooting your Pixel 3.
Clear cache and data of Messenger.
Find out if there’s an update for the app.
Uninstall and reinstall Messenger.

These procedures are pretty self-explanatory but let me explain briefly why you need to do these things. First, a reboot may be able to fix the problem especially if it’s the first time you encountered it. Apps crash from time to time due to some issues with the firmware and most of the time these are minor problems. So, take a little time restarting your Pixel 3 and see if the problem is fixed.

Next is to clear the Messenger of its cache and data. This will reset the app back to its default settings and most of the time, this is the most effective solution as far as troubleshooting crashing apps is concerned. The good thing about it is you won’t lose any of your files, pictures and other data.

After clearing the cache and data and the problem is still happening, try to see if there’s an update available for both Facebook and Messenger. Update these apps if possible. You can do so by opening the Play Store app and going to My Apps.

Lastly, uninstall Messenger, reboot your phone and reinstall it if the problem continues after doing the first 3 procedures. Based on previous experiences, any of these procedures can fix the problem and this one is your last resort.

Connect with us

We are always open to your problems, questions and suggestions, so feel free to contact us by filling up this form. This is a free service we offer and we won’t charge you a penny for it. But please note that we receive hundreds of emails every day and it’s impossible for us to respond to every single one of them. But rest assured we read every message we receive. For those whom we’ve helped, please spread the word by sharing our posts to your friends or by simply liking our Facebook and Google+ page or follow us on Twitter.

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5 Best Phones For Boost Mobile In 2019

Looking to upgrade your phone on Boost Mobile for 2018? The good news is that 2017 was full of fantastic releases, and now that we’re nearing the end of the year, many of these flagship devices can be bought at substantially discounted prices. For example, a Galaxy Note 8 might cost you $950 from a carrier, but you can always snag an Unlocked version a whole lot cheaper through Amazon, eBay or even Swappa–you just have to do a little shopping around!

Brand	Name	Price
Google	Google Pixel 2	Buy on Amazon\|$565.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:30 ET)
Samsung	Samsung SM-N950UZVAXAA Galaxy Note8	Buy on Amazon\|$598(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8 (64GB) G950U 5.8\" 4G LTE Unlocked	Buy on Amazon\|$499.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
LG	LG G6, LS993 32GB Ice Platinum - Sprint (Certified Refurbished)	Buy on Amazon\|$214.95(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8+ Unlocked 64GB - US Version (Midnight Black) - US Warranty	Buy on Amazon\|$473.98(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

Follow along below, and we’ll show you five of the best phone for Boost Mobile in 2018.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Looking to pick up the best of the best? Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 is the latest flagship from the Korean tech giant with all of the latest and greatest hardware packed inside. You get a large 6.3-inch screen–perfect for viewing media and taking pictures. One of the primary benefits of the Galaxy Note 8 is the S-Pen and its corresponding features. If you ever wanted to take notes and create excel sheets with a pen instead of your fingers, this is the phone for you.

Buy it now: Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S8

At 6.3-inches in size, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 might be a little large for some. On top of that, you may not be a huge fan of the S-Pen. With that in mind, you can pick up Samsung’s next greatest thing: the Galaxy S8. It comes in at 5.7-inches in size, making it a whole lot easier to hold in the hand. You get almost all the same great hardware as well–the only real difference you’ll see is a smaller battery, which shouldn’t be too noticeable since it’s powering less screen real estate.

Buy it now: Amazon

LG G6

Not a big fan of Samsung and what they have to offer? Try out LG with their flagship from 2017: the LG G6. This is a great phone, but does have some substantial differences from Samsung’s offerings, differences that some may like. Just one of them is the screen. LG doesn’t employ the use of curved screens, meaning you’re getting the traditional, beautiful layout.

The LG G6 is also fast and battery efficient, allowing you to get the most out of your phone. You can find it on Amazon for just under $400, too.

Buy it now: Amazon

Google Pixel 2

Want to go against the grain and get the latest from Google? Then you won’t be disappointed with their all-new Pixel 2. Google might’ve dropped the ball the last time around, creating something that was a little clunky looking, but this time, they’ve improved with a modern and sleek design. Not only that, but with the Pixel 2 you get the full power of Google Assistant, the built-in AI that’ll help you with simple tasks, such as scheduling, reminders, weather, etc.

One of the benefits of the Google Pixel 2 is that you buy it Unlocked, so if you ever decide to leave Boost Mobile, you can take your phone with you, too.

Buy it now: Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S8+

Samsung has launched an array of great phones this year, but not all of them are for everybody. The Galaxy S8+ is one of those phones in the middle, between the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8. If you want something with a big battery that isn’t nearly as pricey as the Galaxy Note 8, but you want something larger than the Galaxy S8, the Galaxy S8+ is your go-to option. Its massive 3,500mAh battery won’t have you running out of juice well into those late nights.

You can pick this up on Amazon for under $800, around $150+ less than the Galaxy Note 8.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

Not sure which phone to pick up? Truth be told, there are a lot of great ones out there, making it difficult to choose; however, we can at least deduce a few of them down. The Galaxy Note 8 is a great choice for people who think they’re going to use the S-Pen regularly. If not, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is a great option with more battery. But, if you don’t like that big display, the Galaxy S8 is the next best option, featuring all that’s in the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, but in a smaller package.

Not a big Samsung fan? The LG G6 is an affordable high-end option as well. Or, if you don’t mind dropping a little cash, the Google Pixel 2 won’t let you down either. But, no matter which phone you choose off this list, you’re getting a great option!

Brand	Name	Price
Google	Google Pixel 2	Buy on Amazon\|$565.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:30 ET)
Samsung	Samsung SM-N950UZVAXAA Galaxy Note8	Buy on Amazon\|$598(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8 (64GB) G950U 5.8\" 4G LTE Unlocked	Buy on Amazon\|$499.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
LG	LG G6, LS993 32GB Ice Platinum - Sprint (Certified Refurbished)	Buy on Amazon\|$214.95(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung Galaxy S8+ Unlocked 64GB - US Version (Midnight Black) - US Warranty	Buy on Amazon\|$473.98(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

5 Best Video Stabilizing Gimbal For Google Pixel 2 XL

Let’s face it, getting the perfect photo shot is hard more often than not. One of the main problems is that it’s not always easy to keep your camera or phone stable, especially if you’re out in windy conditions, or you’re just trying to get the right angle. Either way, a tripod makes capturing that shot a breeze.

Tripods are most well known for aiding actual cameras, such as digital cameras and the DSLR variety. However, there’s also a good amount on the market right now that are a miniature version of those, and are designed to work with your smartphone. This is fantastic news for those of us who may not be professionals, but still love a great quality image.

Brand	Name	Price
KobraTech	KobraTech Cell Phone Tripod Stand	Buy on Amazon\|$20(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
	BC Master Portable Mini Tripod	Check Price on Amazon
I-Sonite	I-Sonite (Tripod Phone Holder) Adjustable Mini 360 Rotatable Tripod Stand	Check Price on Amazon
UBeesize	UBeesize Tripod S, Premium Phone Tripod	Buy on Amazon\|$17.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Acuvar	Acuvar 50\" Inch Aluminum Camera Tripod	Buy on Amazon\|$15.95(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

Today, we’re sharing with you our favorite tripods for the Google Pixel 2 XL, which is one of the most popular phones that is flying off the shelves in 2018.

KobraTech

This mini tripod from Kobratech is equipped with flexible stands to ensure the most stable placement even when you’re somewhere with uneven ground, such as a beach or field. But, it doesn’t even necessarily have to be standing on a fairly flat surface, because you can also attach the legs around a tree limb, lamp, or anything of the sort.

The design of the KobraTech is also versatile. Any smartphone you have, including the Google Pixel 2 XL, should fit perfectly since it’s adjustable. On top of that, there’s also an adapter for a GoPro if you plan on using on of those as well. And to back up their product even further, KobraTech offers a 2 year warranty, and a 100% money back guarantee, so you can make your purchase with confidence.

Buy it now: Amazon

BC Master

BC Master’s mini tripod is designed to work in several different ways. First, you can use it as a tripod for your smartphone (including the Google Pixel 2 XL), or you can convert it to a more portable selfie stick, or, even further, a tablet stand to keep your tablet upright while you’re using it or watching a movie.

With this being already just under ten dollars, there’s little to no risk, because it’s just not a big purchase. However, the company still offers a 24 month warranty to ensure customer satisfaction, so if you happen to have problems with this product, you can definitely get in contact with the company for a replacement within 2 years of purchasing.

Buy it now: Amazon

I-Sonite

This smartphone tripod from I-Sonite is definitely one of the best on this list for travelling. If you’re a traveller, you know just how important it is to travel as lightly as possible, and chances are you know all the tips and tricks on how to do that. With this tripod, you’re not even going to notice it’s with your luggage, because it just folds up that small and is extremely light.

This tripod is great for your typical photos, but also ideal for more creative projects such as stop-motion videos and time lapses. It also includes a handy remote that is entirely wireless, so you won’t have to worry about any sort of cord getting lost and whatnot. The remote is for getting the perfect shot, even further away.

Buy it now: Amazon

Ubeesize

Ubeesize’s smartphone tripod is a number one bestseller on Amazon, and has endless fantastic reviews to comb through. This is really a high quality product, and one of the tallest tripods you’ll find for smartphones. So if you’re looking for something with a little more height than your typical mini tripods have to offer, this is really a great option indeed.

To give you more specifics, the legs are extremely flexible and durable. That means that no matter how you decide to bend them, or however your tripod gets tossed about during travel, there should be little to no wear and tear. It also includes a wireless remote control, with a range of up to 30 ft.

Buy it now: Amazon

Acuvar

With this tripod from Acuvar, you actually have three different options to choose from a tripod that’s 6.5 inches tall, 12 inches tall, or a an entire 50 inches tall. The mechanism itself has a padded grip to avoid damaging your Google Pixel 2 XL, which is a nice feature, especially considering the price of the phone.

With the included remote control, you can take pictures from up to 30 ft away. The package itself will include the tripod, the mounting mechanism, bag/case for taking it on the go, remote control, and a cloth to wipe it clean from time to time. For $25, this is an awesome tripod, and right now, Amazon is actually running a discount, so you can get it for just $16.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

With so many great products listed here today, you just can’t go wrong with any one of them. However, if you decide to purchase one, please be sure to tell us all about both the product, and your experience with it, in the comments section.

Brand	Name	Price
KobraTech	KobraTech Cell Phone Tripod Stand	Buy on Amazon\|$20(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
	BC Master Portable Mini Tripod	Check Price on Amazon
I-Sonite	I-Sonite (Tripod Phone Holder) Adjustable Mini 360 Rotatable Tripod Stand	Check Price on Amazon
UBeesize	UBeesize Tripod S, Premium Phone Tripod	Buy on Amazon\|$17.99(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Acuvar	Acuvar 50\" Inch Aluminum Camera Tripod	Buy on Amazon\|$15.95(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

5 Best Screen Protectors For Google Pixel 2 XL

The Google Pixel 2 XL costs quite a bit of money — in fact, depending on the storage size you choose and the warranty options you go for, you can spend well over $1000 on it. That’s certainly not something you want to be ruining. You especially don’t want to be scratching up the screen with the coins, keys and other items in your pocket. That’s why it’s good to not only keep a case on your phone, but a screen protector as well. Head over to our article on finding a perfect case for your phone, and also check out our favorite screen protectors to keep your display in tip top shape below!

Brand	Name	Price
Elebase	Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector,Elebase Full Coverage Case-friendly Tempered Glass	Check Price on Amazon
Coolpow	[3 Pack]Coolpow Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector Tempered Glass	Buy on Amazon\|$7.85(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
ArmorSuit	Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector	Buy on Amazon\|$7.85(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Lamshaw	[2-Pack] Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector	Check Price on Amazon
flddigital	Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector	Check Price on Amazon

Elebase Screen Protector

Elebase offers a tempered glass screen protector for the Google Pixel 2 XL. This is one of the best screen protectors to go with, because they’re able to absorb a lot of damages — scratches, nicks, scuffs, cracks — you name it! They’re so worth the investment just because these tempered glass protectors are so often able to protect your smartphone screen from getting cracked — the tempered glass always takes the brunt of the damage. It also has self-healing technology on the top film, which works to eliminate small scratches and scuffs within the screen protector itself.

Buy it now: Amazon

Coolpow Protector

Coolpow also offers its own tempered glass screen protector. Made with a hardness of 9H, this screen protector is able to take quite a beating — it’ll keep your Google Pixel 2 XL’s screen looking brand new by taking the brunt of everyday damages — scratches, scuffs, you name it! In fact, you could even take a knife directly to the protector and it would still hold up and stay in one piece.

It has a coating on it that will keep your phone protected against sweat and oils so that your phone’s touchscreen stays super responsive. The tempered glass screen protector is actually very transparent, making it appear that you’re looking at your phone without a screen protector on! You cannot go wrong with the screen protector by Coolpow.

Buy it now: Amazon

Armorsuit MilitaryShield

If you’re not into the texture or thickness of a tempered glass screen protector, you might want to try a traditional film screen protector by Armorsuit MilitaryShield. This screen protector keeps your screen looking ultra clear, all while absorbing scratches, scuffs and nicks. It won’t be able to protect against more extreme cases, such as serious cracks, but it will absorb most of the everyday damage that we put our phones through. The nice thing about the Armorsuit MilitaryShield is that they offer a lifetime guarantee, sending you out a replacement in the event that you break your current screen protector or if it’s simply time for a replacement.

Buy it now: Amazon

AMOVO Screen Protector

Next, we have the AMOVO Screen Protector. This is a 2-pack screen protector that is an exact fit for your Google Pixel 2 XL. It’ll absorb all of the everyday abuse we put our phones through. It should protect your phone against more extreme damage too since it’s a tempered glass protector. This protector is completely transparent, so you should still be able to enjoy entertainment on your phone as if nothing was placed over the screen — it’s a crystal clear screen protector. Check ’em out below.

Buy it now: Amazon

FidDigital Screen Protector

Last up on our list is the FidDigital Screen Protector. This is a Tempered Glass Screen Protector that was specifically designed for the Google Pixel 2 XL and should fit 100% of your display. Just like the other protectors on this list, it will keep your expensive phone safe from any normal damages as well as more extreme ones like a cracked screen. It’s highly durable, scratch resistant and should be bubble-free if you follow the application instructions that come with the protector. It’s ultra-thin, coming in at only 0.26mm thick, so you should be able to still get great touchscreen sensitivity out of this protector.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

So, which screen protector should you pick up for your Google Pixel 2 XL? Any of the tempered glass screen protectors on the list are the ones to go for. It’ll give your Google Pixel 2 XL just a little more protection than what the average film can offer. And if you’re buying a $1000 phone, you’re going to want the best protection available for it — it’s certainly something that you do not want to risk breaking, scratching or cracking! For those that prefer the traditional film screen protector, the Armorsuit MilitaryShield will be able to keep your phone protected from everyday abuse.

Brand	Name	Price
Elebase	Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector,Elebase Full Coverage Case-friendly Tempered Glass	Check Price on Amazon
Coolpow	[3 Pack]Coolpow Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector Tempered Glass	Buy on Amazon\|$7.85(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
ArmorSuit	Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector	Buy on Amazon\|$7.85(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Lamshaw	[2-Pack] Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector	Check Price on Amazon
flddigital	Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector	Check Price on Amazon

5 Best Chromebook Laptops In 2019

If you’re looking for a portable medium of work, you might want to consider a Chromebook. These great Internet-only devices are perfect for travel, work, and recently, even play. They’re a tad limiting in that you can only use them as Internet-only devices, so if you use any Windows-based applications on a daily basis, such as Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, etc, Chromebooks might be for you. But, if most of your daily computer-based tasks are online, Chromebooks are fantastic devices — they’re portable, fast and efficient. Not only that, but they’re great for media as well because their displays are fantastic.

Brand	Name	Price
Acer	2018 Flagship Acer R13 13.3\" Full HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook	Buy on Amazon\|$389.18(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Google	Google Pixelbook (i5, 8 GB RAM, 256GB)	Buy on Amazon\|$1079(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung XE510C24-K01US Chromebook Pro	Buy on Amazon\|$499(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Asus	ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA-DH54 12.5-inch Touchscreen Convertible Chromebook Intel Core m5	Buy on Amazon\|$583.1(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
HP	(Intel Celeron Processor, 4 GB RAM, 16 GB SSD, Chrome OS), Black	Buy on Amazon\|$257(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

Chromebooks are much more functional these days, ever since Google made Chromebooks compatible with many Android devices. Now, on top of Chrome OS devices, you can use Android apps, too.

However, there are a lot of Chromebooks on the market. So, which one should you get? it can be a hard choice, but we’ll help lead you in the right direction. Follow along below, and we’ll show you the five best Chromebook laptops in 2018.

Google Pixelbook

First up on the list is the Google Pixelbook. This laptop comes in a variety of hardware options, such as Intel Core’s i5 or i7. You can get it with 8 or 16GB of RAM, and it comes equipped with a 12.3-inch Quad HD 2,400 x 1,600 touchscreen display. You can actually get a ton of storage with this Chromebook — all the way up to 512GB if you so choose.

Google’s Pixelbook is fast and efficient. It’ll run all Android and Chrome OS applications without a hitch. It’s the best Chromebook you can get right now on the market, and you cannot go wrong with it whatsoever.

Buy it now: Amazon

ASUS Chromebook Flip

Next, you should consider the ASUS Chromebook Flip. This is packed with some great hardware, such as a Intel Pentium processor or an Intel Core M3. You get 4GB of RAM, a 12.5-inch Full HD display and up to 64GB of flash storage. The screen isn’t glass — it’s a plastic anti-glare screen, so it works well out in the sunlight.

The neat thing about the ASUS Chromebook Flip is that the screen is completely versatile — you can move it into different positions, such as a tablet. The audio quality isn’t too great, but for almost $600 less than the Google Pixelbook, you get a similar package with few differences.

Buy it now: Amazon

Samsung Chromebook Pro

The Samsung Chromebook Pro is another great device. You get an Intel Core M3, 4GB of RAM and Intel HD Graphics 515 and up to 32GB of flash drive. It has a beautiful 12.3-inch Quad HD 2,400 x 1,600 display. It has a 360-degree hinge as well, so similar to the ASUS Chromebook Flip, you can move it to any position you’d like. The Samsung Chromebook Pro is also extremely functional, as it’ll work flawlessly with Android applications, as well as Chrome OS applications. It’s also backed by Samsung’s own warranty, so you’ll be protected against any defects.

Buy it now: Amazon

HP Chromebook 14

The HP Chromebook 14 is also a laptop worth considering. It’s packed with some more mid-range hardware, such as the Intel Celeron N2840 or N2940. It has Intel HD Graphics, between 2 and 4GB of RAM and up to 32GB of flash storage. The better part about the HP Chromebook 14 is that it has a larger screen — a 14-inch High Definition BrightView display. It’s not the flashiest or highest-end Chromebook, but it’s still great value for money.

Buy it now: Amazon

Acer R13

Last up, we have the Acer R13. This is one of the better Chromebooks on our list, featuring a MediaTek MT8173 processor, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of flash storage. It’s equipped with a 13.3-inch touchscreen, with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. Uniquely, it has a Type-C port for your Type-C devices, it has Bluetooth 4.0, and has great wireless speeds with dual-band Wireless-AC 2×2 MIMO technology.

The battery life is phenomenal, featuring a 3-cell battery that can last up to 12 hours off of a single charge. This makes it great for travel, school and work. At $400, you can’t ask for much more out of the Acer R13.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

So, which device should you pick up? If you’re not cash-strapped, we recommend going with the Google Pixelbook. This is the most premium Chromebook that you can get on the market right now, as it’s packed with premium hardware and a beautiful display. Not only that, but it has more storage than almost any other Chromebook out there at 512GB. If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the ASUS Chromebook Flip or the Samsung Chromebook Pro either.

Brand	Name	Price
Acer	2018 Flagship Acer R13 13.3\" Full HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook	Buy on Amazon\|$389.18(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Google	Google Pixelbook (i5, 8 GB RAM, 256GB)	Buy on Amazon\|$1079(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Samsung	Samsung XE510C24-K01US Chromebook Pro	Buy on Amazon\|$499(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
Asus	ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA-DH54 12.5-inch Touchscreen Convertible Chromebook Intel Core m5	Buy on Amazon\|$583.1(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)
HP	(Intel Celeron Processor, 4 GB RAM, 16 GB SSD, Chrome OS), Black	Buy on Amazon\|$257(Price as of 02/23/2019 23:31 ET)

How to fix Google Pixel 3 that won’t turn on?

The new Google Pixel 3 is among the most impressive smartphone today when it comes to technical specifications and features and considering the fact that it’s already running the newest Android 9.0 Pie. But it’s not perfect and if you’re one of the owners of this device, you may encounter some hiccups here and there.

A few weeks after the Pixel 2 was released last year, we already started receiving complaints about some issues owners have encountered. Among the most common issues was related to the device’s capability to power on and this could also be the case with the Pixel 3. So, in this post, we will share with you the solution to the problem in case you’re already bugged by it now.

But before we actually move on to our troubleshooting, if you have other issues with your phone, then visit our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed some of the most common problems with this device. In case you need more help with your problem, fill up our Android issues questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.

How to troubleshoot Google Pixel 3 that doesn’t power on?

It is normal for some users to think that their new devices have some kind of hardware issue when they no longer respond but the thing is that most of the time this kind of problem may occur to a minor issue with the firmware. Most of the time it’s just because of a system or a firmware crash and we need to find out if that’s really the case with your Pixel 3 by doing the following…

Forced Reboot Procedure

What this procedure does is force your phone to boot up and most of the time it’s very effective because devices with non-removable batteries are hard-wired to respond to this procedure. If you’re wondering what it really, well, think of it as a battery removal like we often do to phones with removable batteries that became unresponsive. The effect would also be the same. Here’s how you do it:

Press and hold the Power key for 30 seconds or even more and when the logo shows up on the screen, release it.

Unlike other devices wherein you have to press and hold a couple of keys, you only need the power button on Pixel phones and again, it’s hard-wired to respond to it. So, if it actually boots up, that would be the end of the problem but try to do it a few more times if the first try didn’t work. After that and your device still remains unresponsive, try the next solution.

Charge Pixel 3 and do force restart it

First off, if it’s a firmware crash, your phone would not also respond to its charger and if you allowed your phone to run out of battery, it’s possible that the firmware crashed before the battery was depleted. A drained battery isn’t always a problem because most of the time a smartphone would respond when there’s current flowing through its circuits but there are times when it would also cause the system to crash. In such case, you’re already dealing with a couple of problems that both result to an unresponsive device. To address this, here’s what you’re going to do:

Plug your phone’s original charger to a working power source or outlet.
Using the original data cable, connect your Pixel 3 to its charger.
Regardless whether it charges or not, leave it connected to the charger for 10 minutes or so.
After which, press and hold the Power key for 30 seconds or more and this time while it’s connected to its charger.

If it boots up this time, then the problem could have really been just a crash which could have been caused by a drained battery. However, if it remained unresponsive, then it’s time to bring it back to the store so that technician can check it up for you.

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Best quick-charging Android smartphones money can buy

Charging your phone every single night after returning from work, school or a stroll around town in order to be able to start again the next morning without losing track of your Facebook friends, favorite Twitter feeds or Pinterests might well be the most annoying modern-day chore.

It’s not only boring as heck, but you have to actually remember to do it, not to mention keeping all sorts of cables on hand and hugging walls for hours on end. Of course, some devices last longer than others, and you can always use power banks on the go whenever you need a quick, no-plug-in-necessary pick-me-up.

And let’s not forget about wireless charging, which is slowly taking off, although it’s not exactly wireless if the dock must be physically connected to an energy supply for the whole thing to function.

Finally, while it doesn’t solve the underlying problem, i.e. the constant demand for more juice, fast-charging technology at least reduces the time wasted waiting. Like many mobile inventions, this is bound to become truly useful down the line, when you’ll be able to fill up the tank in mere minutes.

But there are already numerous Android phones endowed with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities or similar functionality, and we give you today the cream of that crop:

LG G4 – starting at $371 on Amazon

Will the G5 make this old-timer look its age at last in a little over a week, with a vastly refined design, considerably beefier processor under the hood, more RAM, a better camera, and smoother UI? You can bet the farm, the house, everything you own on that.

It’ll even invigorate its battery 38 percent faster than the G4, courtesy of Snapdragon 820’s Quick Charge 3.0 support. At the same time, it’ll probably cost twice as much, and you have to wonder if it’s worth the premium. After all, last year’s leather-clad bad boy can still lift its cell capacity from 0 to 60 percent in half an hour. And mind you, we’re talking a relatively large 3,000 mAh battery.

HTC One A9 – $386 and up

If you ever wondered how an Android-running iPhone from a legit OEM might look, this somewhat disappointing upper mid-ranger is your guy. It’s slightly overpriced, we won’t argue otherwise, but it’s compatible with both Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0 standards. The bad news? You need to pay extra for one of those super-fast charger accessories.

The worse news? The A9 packs a tiny 2,150 mAh battery, so no matter how quickly you can liven it up, it’ll still leave you hanging when you might need it most. Say, during a business meeting. So yeah, better not risk it and instead buy the…

ZTE Axon Pro – $400

A costlier ZTE recommended over an affordable HTC? What exactly is the Axon Pro’s secret? Well, it’s got several strong suits, all made public and marketed quite aggressively on US shores of late. Number one, a beautiful 5.5-inch Quad HD display. 2, a somewhat gimmicky but proficient 13 + 2 MP dual rear-facing camera. 3, more RAM than you could ever need on a mobile device (4 gigs). 4, a respectable 3,000 mAh battery. Last but not least, standard fast-charging times: 30 minutes to go from 0 to 60. In a nutshell, plenty of bang for 400 bucks.

Nexus 6P – $450 through Google Store

This stock Android Marshmallow-based phablet is sure an odd duck. For one thing, it comes with a reversible USB Type-C port that isn’t however capable of 3.1 data transmission and charging speeds. Granted, a slew of other phones released in the latter stages of 2015 half-heartedly adopted the new USB technology like that, but only the N6P also lacks Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 support.

Fret not, as it’s gifted with a proprietary equivalent nonetheless, though Google and Huawei refuse to make any pompous claims regarding stamina-inducing times. Even if it takes, say, an hour to reach 50 percent volume, this is a must-buy for Android purists, what with a 3,450 mAh battery, Snapdragon 810 SoC, 3GB RAM, and 5.7-inch 2K screen on deck.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 – $588 and up

Since Sammy was basically forced to fit a homebrewed processor inside its latest wave of high-enders, their rapid charging technology is different from Qualcomm’s too, promising a full tank in a measly 120 minutes, even wirelessly beefed up.

A full 3,000 mAh tank, that is, rated at up to 22 hours of continuous 3G talk time. Add an S Pen into the equation, all-time record low price, and we see no reason why you should hold off for the Galaxy S7. Well, aside from microSD storage expansion maybe.

Motorola Droid Turbo 2 – $624 full retail price at Verizon

As the name suggests, this turbo-charging beast uses its own personal implementation of standard QC technology, squeezing no less than 13 hours of average usage from a massive 3,760 mAh battery after only 15 minutes spent hugging a wall. Such a shame the “shatterproof” 5.4-incher isn’t available on America’s number two, three or four operators. Guess that’s one of the reasons Big Red preserves its market domination.

LG V10 – $620 and up

50 percent in 40 minutes? That’s not so impressive. It’s definitely not record-breaking or trend-setting, but overall, the V10 is. Because it’s also military-approved for shock resistance, including contact with hard surfaces, equipped with a secondary notification display that can be both an energy and life saver, plus two front-facing cameras for… double the selfies?

Clearly, you’re dealing with a one-of-a-kind product, and even if it’s not a rapid-charging champion, it gets that job done too in addition to a bunch of other strenuous jobs.

BlackBerry Priv – $698

Would this particular writer ever consider buying the Priv? No chance. Not at $700, and possibly, not at a penny over $600 either. But that’s because I’m personally not obsessed with security, and my physical QWERTY keyboard love affair ended half a decade ago.

If you’re into those sorts of things though, you know how hard it is to find them elsewhere, especially combined with open-source Android, Google apps, a beautiful curved Quad HD AMOLED panel, and large 3,410 mAh battery capable of providing 60 percent juice after 30 minutes “wasted” hooked up to a power supply.

How To Turn Off OK Google

The “Ok, Google” command has become super useful. Whether you’re on an older version of Android or one of the latest versions, “Ok, Google” will allow you to open up the Android voice assistant — Google Now or Google Assistant, depending on your Android version — and allow you to ask it a question or request a command. It operates similar to Siri over on iOS. However, it’s as much useful as it is annoying — it can be a serious battery drain, and then there’s some folks who don’t like the “always listening” part of the software, even though it’s only listening for that specific keyboard.

Still, that keyword can be a serious battery drain since it’s always looking for it. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to turn off OK, Google as well. Here’s how you can do it.

Why Is OK, Google enabled?

OK, Google, most of the time is enabled automatically when you first setup your Android phone, as it’s an integral part of the Android system. In most smartphones, OK, Google is a keyword that allows Google Assistant to pop up to the forefront, and listen for your command. You could say something like, “OK, Google, how is the weather today?” or “OK, Google, who was the first president of the United States?” You could even say things like, “OK, Google, I need directions to New York, New York.” As we already mentioned, it functions similarly to how “Hey Siri” works over on Apple’s iOS software for iPhone, iPad, and even Mac.

There are a couple of reasons why you might want to get rid of it. As we already mentioned, with your phone always looking for that “OK, Google” keyword, battery life can be impacted. You might also just not use it, or you’re tired of it launching Assistant every time it hears it mentioned in conversation or even on the TV (we’re looking at you Burger King).

It’s worth noting that, by turning off OK, Google, you won’t impact Google Assistant that dramatically either. Assistant just won’t be looking for that keyword anymore. But, you can still access Assistant by long-pressing the home button on supported Android phones. You’ll still be able to use Assistant like normally, you just won’t have access to that quick voice shortcut.

How Do I Turn This Thing Off Anyway?

Turning the “Ok, Google” detection off is super easy. It’s built into Google Assistant, which comes from the core Google app that almost every Android phone has. There’s no accessing it in the Settings app, as you might expect. With that in mind, we can just launch the Google app to turn off the keyword detection.

So, open your app drawer and look for the Google app. Once located, you can launch the app. We’ll need to look for the menu now, which is the three-dot icon at the top left of the app. Click it, and select the Settings button in the navigation menu that appears.

After clicking on the Settings button, the menu for Google Assistant and general core Google settings should appear. You’ll want to go all the way down the menu until you find the “Voice” subsection. You will want to click it, or in this case, tap it.

Next, we’ll want to find the menu option that says “Ok Google detection.” Once you find it, tap it, and this is where we can finally turn the keyword detection off.

You should see an option that says “Say ‘Ok Google’ Any Time.” This is the option that allows you to say “Ok Google” from anywhere, even with your phone’s display off, and open up Google Assistant to answer you. Once you turn this off, you won’t be able to do that anymore.

So, to turn it off, simply hit the slider. If it grays out, congratulations, you turned the “Ok Google” detection off. If it’s a light blue, the “Ok Google” detection is on. You might also see a “Trusted Voice” option. This doesn’t matter all, we just want to make sure the detection is off. To turn it back on, you can always hit that slider again by repeating the steps we outlined.

Verdict

Congratulations! You successfully turned off “Ok Google” detection. Your phone will no longer be looking for that keyword. That should hopefully save you some battery life, or even some piece of mind that your phone isn’t always listening anymore. If you ever need to turn it off again (or even turn it on), you can just repeat the steps we outlined. And keep this in mind, as you might have to turn it off again after any system updates, such as an upgraded Android version.

How to fix Snapchat that keeps crashing on Google Pixel 2 (easy steps)

Popular apps like Snapchat are well-developed with regular updates being rolled out almost every month to make sure they work perfectly without a hitch. However, we still have readers who reported to have encountered problems with it. Among those users are owners of the Google Pixel 2 who said that they are getting the error “Unfortunately, Snapchat has stopped” while others reported that the app closes on its own shortly after it’s opened.

Problems with third-party applications are not the hard to fix but it’s sometimes very annoying that the issue may occur when you use the app for something very important. The Pixel 2, unlike any other Android devices, doesn’t have many bloatware so you can expect it to work perfectly whatever app you install on it. I am confident that you can fix this problem by yourself without having to bring your phone to the tech. So, continue reading as this post may help you one way or another.

But before anything else, if you have another issue with your phone, drop by our troubleshooting page as we have already addressed hundreds of issues reported by the owners. Odds are that there are already existing solutions on our website or at least, there are similar problems we already fixed. So, try to find ones that are similar or related to your problem. If you need further assistance, however, feel free to contact us by filling up our Android issues questionnaire.

How to troubleshoot Pixel 2 with Snapchat app that keeps crashing

More often than not, if a third party application starts to crash, it’s just a minor problem and you really don’t have to worry about it. In fact, you can immediately fix the problem by removing the app from your device but then you won’t be able to use the app any longer. That’s not the solution we want. What we want is for you to be able to continue using the application without any problems. Here are the things you can do to fix this problem…

First solution: Try rebooting your phone first

A reboot may be able to fix this problem because it’s possible that it’s just a result of a firmware glitch. While glitches happen all the time, they’re pretty easy to fix and all you gotta do is restart your device. Take time rebooting your Pixel 2 and once it becomes active, open Snapchat and use it to know if it still crashes or not.

If, by any chance, the problem isn’t fixed, then try doing the forced reboot which is far more effective than the normal restart. It will refresh your phone’s memory and reload all the apps and services. If the problem is indeed just a result of any form of glitch, then the problem should already be fixed at this point. If that’s the case, then move on to the next solution.

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Second solution: Clear cache and data of Messenger app

Doing this will reset the app back to its default settings or configuration. It will also delete the cache created by the system for the app as well as its temporary data files. If it’s just a problem with the app, then this procedure is more than enough to fix it.

From a Home screen, tap the Arrow Up icon to display all apps.
Navigate: Settings > Apps & notifications.
Tap See all xx apps.
Locate then select Snapchat.
Tap Force stop.
Tap OK.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear cache.
Tap Clear data.
Tap OK.

After this, open Snapchat to know if it still crashes or shows the error message. If the problem continues, then you will have to do the next procedure.

Third solution: Uninstall and then reinstall Snapchat

There are times when updating the app you’re having problems with is enough but this time, what I suggest is for you to uninstall Snapchat from your device to remove all its associations with the firmware and other apps. By reinstalling it, you can also rest assured that you have the latest version of the app on your phone.

From a Home screen, tap the Arrow icon to display all apps.
Navigate: Settings > Apps & notifications .
Tap See all ‘xx’ apps.
Tap Snapchat.
Tap Uninstall.
Tap OK to confirm.
Open Play Store.
Search for Snapchat and select it.
Tap Install.

Based on experience, when this app crashes, the problem is limited to it or to the main app, which is Facebook. However, if the issue continues after doing the procedure above, then I suggest you reset your phone to make sure it’s not with the firmware. Before the reset, make sure you backup all your important files and data so that they won’t be deleted.

Ensure the device is powered off.
Press and hold the Power+Volume Down buttons until bootloader mode (image of an Android with Start above it) appears, then release.
Select Recovery mode.
Use the Volume buttons to cycle through the available options and the Power button to select.
The device will flash the Google start screen momentarily and then restarts in Recovery mode.
If presented with an image of a broken Android with “No Command” shown on the screen, press and hold the Power button. Press the Volume Up button once then release the Power button.
From the Android Recovery screen, select Wipe data/factory reset.
Select Yes and then allow several minutes for the factory data reset process to complete.
Select Reboot system now.
Allow several minutes for the factory data reset and reboot processes to complete.

I hope that this troubleshooting guide have helped you. If you have other issues with your phone that you want to share with us, feel free to contact us anytime or leave a comment below.

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Other articles you may also find helpful:

What to do if Facebook keeps crashing on Google Pixel 3

Some owners of the new Google Pixel 3 have reported having issues with Facebook. According to some, the app crashes frequently. Applications may crash from time to time and more often those crashes aren’t really that serious. You just have to do something that would refresh your phone’s memory and that could be the end of the problem.

In this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your phone with Facebook app that keeps crashing. I will tell you the most practical ways to get this problem sorted out. The thing is that it’s easier to fix app problems if the app in question is a third party. So, continue reading as this article may be able to help you one way or another.

Before going further, if you found this post because you were trying to find a solution to your problem, then try to visit our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed most of the commonly reported issues with the phone. We’ve already provided solutions to some of the problems reported by our readers so try to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you and if you need further assistance, fill up our Android issues questionnaire and hit submit.

What to do if Facebook keeps crashing on Pixel 3

We just have to see if this problem is just due to a minor firmware glitch and if not, then we can proceed with troubleshooting the application. That said, here’s what you should do about this issue…

Perform the forced reboot procedure – this is the best way to rule out the possibility that the issue is due to a minor glitch as glitches can easily be fixed by this procedure. Just press and hold the power key for 30 seconds or more and your phone will reboot normally. After this, open Facebook to see if it still crashes. If it still does, then move on to the next procedure.

Clear Facebook’s cache and data – this will reset the app back to its default settings and configuration. If the problem is due to some corrupt cache and data, then this will be enough to make the app work perfectly again. You can clear the app’s cache and data by going to the Settings Menu and then look for Applications. Choose Facebook and you can reset it from inside the app’s settings. If it continues to keep to crashing after this, then move on to the next solution.

Uninstall Facebook and reinstall it – if the first two procedures failed to fix the problem, then this will fix it provided that you have no issues with other apps because if there is, then this isn’t just an app issue but a firmware problem. So, assuming that the only app that keeps on crashing is Facebook, then you just have to uninstall it and then download it from the Play Store again. That should do it. However, if you also have problems with other apps, then you must backup your important files and data and then do the master reset. Here’s how you do that…

Make sure your phone is turned off completely. So, press and hold the power key for a few minutes until the device powers down.
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power key together for a few seconds.
When the Fastboot Mode shows on the screen, release both keys.
Using the Volume keys, highlight Recovery Mode and then press Power key to boot the phone into it.
If you see the Android on the screen, press and hold the power key for a couple of seconds and then press the volume up key once.
Once you’re inside the Recovery Mode, use the Volume keys to navigate through the options. Highlight “wipe data/factory reset” and then press the power key to select it.
You need to confirm that you really need to wipe the data of your phone so highlight Yes and then press the power key to choose it.
Wait until your phone finished doing the reset, which may take several seconds to a couple of minutes.
When the reset is complete, highlight and choose ‘Reboot system now’ to complete the process.

I hope that this troubleshooting guide can help you fix the problem with your Google Pixel 3. If you have other issues, feel free to contact us.

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How to fix Google Pixel 2 with “Camera Failed” error (easy steps)

The “Camera failed” warning that usually shows up when you open the camera app could mean the sensor or the app itself failed to initialize. As a result of this error, you won’t be able to use the camera and take pictures or record videos and that seems to be the case with some of our readers that own Google Pixel 2 units. We’ve been contacted several times in the past regarding this problem so we may already have published articles that tackled this specific issue but for the benefits of those who contacted us, we will try to address this problem once again.

In this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your Google Pixel 2 with warning “Camera failed.” We will try to determine what the root cause of the problem is so that we would know how to deal with it. Moreover, I will share with you the solutions we’ve been using to address this kind of problem since it’s not the first we encountered it. So, if you’re one of the owners of this device and are currently having similar symptoms, continue reading as this article may somehow help you.

How to troubleshoot Google Pixel 2 with Camera failed error

Since this error is more inclined to revealing a hardware issue, all we need to do is rule out the possibilities that this is just due to apps and firmware problems. After this troubleshooting guide and you still can’t use the camera of your phone because of the error, then I suggest you bring it to the shop or back to the store so that a technician can check it up for you. Now, here’s what you should do about it:

First solution: Reboot your phone

Before doing anything else, make sure you take time restarting your phone especially if this is the first time you encounter this problem because it’s possible that it’s just a result of a glitch due to some apps or the firmware itself. Press and hold the power key of your phone and turn it off normally. Allow a few seconds before turning it back on. If the problem continues after the normal reboot, then try doing the forced restart. Press both the volume down and power keys at the same time and hold them down together for 10 seconds or more. Your phone will reboot like it normally does but this procedure refreshes the memory better than the normal reboot.

If the problem continues after this, then move on to the next solution.

Second solution: Clear cache and data of Camera

Doing this will reset the camera back to its default settings or configuration as well as delete its cache and data files. If this is just a problem with the app, then this procedure is more than enough to fix it.

From a Home screen, tap the Arrow Up icon to display all apps.
Navigate: Settings > Apps & notifications.
Tap See all xx apps.
Locate then select Camera.
Tap Force stop.
Tap OK.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear cache.
Tap Clear data.
Tap OK.

After this, try opening the camera to know if the error still pops up and if it does, then try the next solution.

Third solution: Find out if it’s due to third-party apps

There are third-party apps that also use the camera. Remember that you can’t have two sessions of the camera at a time so if there’s an app that already using it, expect to get the “Camera failed” error when you open it. To know if this is really the case, run your phone in safe mode to temporarily disable all third-party applications:

With the device powered on, press and hold the Power button (located on the right-edge) until the Power off prompt appears then release.
Touch and hold Power off until the “Reboot to safe mode” prompt appears then release.
Tap OK to confirm.
The restart process may take up to 45 seconds to complete.
Upon restart, “Safe mode” appears in the lower-left of the unlock/home screen.

Open the camera while the phone is in this mode to know if the problem is fixed and if it is, then it’s confirmed that the cause of the issue is a third party. Find that app and uninstall it to fix the problem…

From a Home screen, tap the Arrow icon to display all apps.
Navigate: Settings > Apps & notifications .
Tap See all ‘xx’ apps.
Tap an app that you think causes the problem.
Tap Uninstall.
Tap OK to confirm.

However, if the flickering continues even in safe mode, the next thing you should do is troubleshoot the firmware.

Fourth solution: Delete the system cache

In troubleshooting the firmware, the first thing you have to do is delete the system cache because it’s possible that some of the files got corrupted. Corrupt system cache may lead to performance issues like crashing of apps and other problems. You need to wipe the cache partition to delete and replace all system caches and here’s how you do it:

Turn off your Google Pixel 2.
Once off, press the power and volume down button together for some time.
This will turn the device on and you need to hold both the buttons till the Google Pixel 2 logo disappears.
After this, simply wait for the time till your device boots into the recovery mode.
Next, you can choose the language of your choice.
Next is to tap on the “Wipe Data and Cache” option.
After this, simply tap on the “Wipe Cache” option.
You will be asked to confirm the same, click yes to proceed.
After this, you need to wait till your Google Pixel 2 clear the entire cache partition.
After this, tap on the reboot. This will restart your device.
Once restarted, you are done.

Don’t worry, none of your files will be deleted if you did this. It’s actually very effective but if the problem continues after this method, then try the next solution.

Fifth solution: Backup your files and reset your phone

After doing the fourth solution and the camera of your Pixel 2 is still failing, then you need to reset your phone to rule out the possibility that it’s a firmware issue. You have no other choice at this point and if the problem continues after this, then you should bring the phone to the shop or back to the store so that a technician can check it for you. Before the reset, make sure you backup all your files and data especially those that are stored in your phone’s internal storage as they will be deleted.

Ensure the device is powered off.
Press and hold the Power+Volume Down buttons until bootloader mode (image of an Android with Start above it) appears, then release.
Select Recovery mode.
Use the Volume buttons to cycle through the available options and the Power button to select.
The device will flash the Google start screen momentarily and then restarts in Recovery mode.
If presented with an image of a broken Android with “No Command” shown on the screen, press and hold the Power button. Press the Volume Up button once then release the Power button.
From the Android Recovery screen, select Wipe data/factory reset.
Select Yes and then allow several minutes for the factory data reset process to complete.
Select Reboot system now.
Allow several minutes for the factory data reset and reboot processes to complete.

I hope that this troubleshooting guide have helped you. If you have other issues with your phone that you want to share with us, feel free to contact us anytime or leave a comment below.

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