OnePlus 3 heading to O2 UK stores from September 29

OnePlus is starting a new chapter. After beginning life as an online-only, invite-only company, OnePlus is now looking to the traditional sales channels it once derided as outdated.

Starting this Thursday, OnePlus devices will be available in O2 stores in the United Kingdom as part of an exclusive partnership between the two companies.

See also: OnePlus 3 review163

Specifically, the OnePlus 3 will be available through O2's Refresh program, which lets customers upgrade to new devices at a reduced cost. The OnePlus 3 will start from £28 per month through Refresh, with no upfront costs, and customers will also be able to buy the device unlocked and contract-free.

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  OnePlus 3 Review!

O2 will carry the OnePlus 3 both online and in its stores. OnePlus cited O2's "unparalleled pedigree when it comes to exclusive launches" and the strength of the carrier's Refresh initiative as the driving force between the partnership.

It's not the first time OnePlus partners with carriers for traditional distribution deals. The OnePlus 3 has proven itself quite successful in Finland, and OnePlus obviously hopes for a similar performance in Britain.

Talking to The Verge, the company's co-founder Carl Pei hinted that this could be the beginning of a new trend:

"Just doing online direct-to-consumer might not be the right perspective long term [and] if you have one exclusive partner, you can think more long-term about how to build a brand."

OnePlus is looking at Scandinavian markets for its next carrier partnerships, Pei said.

This change of tune is a sign of maturity, but it can also be interpreted as a partial admission of defeat. In the first few years of its existence, OnePlus relied heavily on a lean, online-centric operation and word-of-mouth, rather than traditional marketing and distribution channels. But that model could only get it so far, and now OnePlus has to carve a place for itself in the highly-competitive traditional smartphone market.

Let us know your thoughts!

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Roku announces 5 new streaming players ranging between $29.99 and $129.99

Looking for a new streaming media box? We know it can be hard to find the one that meets your needs. People definitely like options, and Roku has just come up with 5 of them.

These cover a large spectrum of the market, with prices ranging between $29.99 and $129.99. In fact, these 5 new devices are nearly replacing Roku's entire line-up. The only current Roku device not discontinued is the $49.99 Streaming Stick.

What do these have to offer? It depends on the model, but they have plenty of good features. Some are amazingly affordable, while others provide performance and quality. Let's look at the details to better understand where everything stands.

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Roku Express – $29.99

• Fast 1080p HD streaming
• Simple IR remote control with popular streaming channel shortcut buttons
• 802.11 b/g/n wireless
• Optional removable adhesive strip for mounting to a TV
• High Speed HDMI cable included

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Roku Express+ – $39.99

• Fast 1080p HD streaming
• Simple IR remote control with popular streaming channel shortcut buttons
• 802.11 b/g/n wireless
• Optional removable adhesive strip for mounting to a TV
• High Speed HDMI cable included
• Composite jack and included composite A/V cable (red/white/yellow)

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Roku Premiere – $79.99

• Works with both HD and 4K UHD TVs
• 4K UHD video playback, delivers crisp detail and brilliant, life-like images
• HDCP 2.2 compatible and capable of up to 60 fps 4K UHD playback
• Can upscale 720p to 1080p on HDTVs, and from 720p or 1080p to 4K up to 60 fps on 4K UHD TVs
• Fast quad-core processor
• 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless
• Simple IR remote control with popular streaming channel shortcut buttons
• Night listening mode setting adjusts audio sounds to maintain volume consistency

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Roku Premiere+ – $99.99

• Works with both HD and 4K UHD TVs
• 4K UHD video playback, delivers crisp detail and brilliant, life-like images
• HDCP 2.2 compatible and capable of up to 60 fps 4K UHD playback
• Can upscale 720p to 1080p on HDTVs, and from 720p or 1080p to 4K up to 60 fps on 4K UHD TVs
• Fast quad-core processor
• 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless
• Simple IR remote control with popular streaming channel shortcut buttons
• Night listening mode setting adjusts audio sounds to maintain volume consistency
• HDR support displays an incredible range of colors including brighter whites and deeper blacks
• Enhanced point anywhere remote with headphone jack for private listening
• MicroSD card slot for additional channel storage
• Ethernet for wired internet connectivity

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Roku Ultra – $129.99

• Works with both HD and 4K UHD TVs
• 4K UHD video playback, delivers crisp detail and brilliant, life-like images
• HDCP 2.2 compatible and capable of up to 60 fps 4K UHD playback
• Can upscale 720p to 1080p on HDTVs, and from 720p or 1080p to 4K up to 60 fps on 4K UHD TVs
• Fast quad-core processor
• 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless
• Simple IR remote control with popular streaming channel shortcut buttons
• Night listening mode setting adjusts audio sounds to maintain volume consistency
• HDR support displays an incredible range of colors including brighter whites and deeper blacks
• Enhanced point anywhere remote with headphone jack for private listening
• MicroSD card slot for additional channel storage
• Ethernet for wired internet connectivity
• Dolby Digital / Dolby Digital Plus decoding for advance surround sound in home theaters
• Optical digital audio out port to connect to a receiver or sound bar
• USB port for local media playback
• Convenient point anywhere remote control with voice search, headphone jack for private listening and gaming buttons
• Lost remote finder feature finds remotes stuck in the couch with the touch of a button on the player

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Interested? We are too, but you will have to wait a bit before these devices hit your door step. The release date is set for October 9th. The Roku Express+ is a Walmart exclusive, but the rest will be available from Roku, Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and others. And you can pre-order starting today, just in case you want to put your name on one.

Who is signing up?

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Alcatel Pixi 4 Plus Power packs budget-specs alongside massive 5000 mAh battery

While Alcatel is far from a household name in the smartphone game, it has gained a bit more attention in recent times thanks to some of its affordable yet solid devices like the Idol 4 family. Now Alcatel is back with yet another phone, this time dubbed the Alcatel Pixi 4 Plus Power.

Ridiculous name aside, the Pixi 4 Plus Power has one big trick up its sleeve: a 5000 mAh battery. This would be a huge battery even for a higher-end device, but with budget-level specs, this phone could end up lasting a real long time.

Under the hood, the Pixi 4 Power Plus offers a 5.5-inch 720p display, an undisclosed (likely MediaTek) processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage with microSD, 13MP front and back cameras, dual-SIM slots, and other standard features like Bluetooth and WiFi. Totally out of character for 2016, there isn't even LTE.

None of the specs onboard should be battery guzzlers by any means, though the phone won't exactly impress either. It is worth noting that there is quick charging onboard, which considering the massive size of the battery, is a nice addition.

At the end of the day, this phone probably won't make sense for many readers here at Android Authority. That said, it could be perfect for someone who spends long periods away from a charger, or even for that relative that is holding on to a flip phone because they "don't need smart features if it means bad battery life" (something an actual relative told me not long ago).

Of course, pricing isn't known just yet. Would you consider this for yourself or a friend/family member, if the pricing was right? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments.

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The Better-ness – Podcast 081

Join Joshua Vergara, Joe Hindy and David Imel for another great episode of the Android Authority Podcast. Joe wanted to rant a little about the Windows 10 anniversary update, Josh explained his long trip that included Jimmy Westenberg's wedding, IFA in Berlin and iPhone coverage in Australia. A little more iPhone coverage followed. Joe has the ZTE Axon 7 in hand, listen on to see if he loves it or not. Josh issues a small warning, there is a lengthy check-in this week, for those that just want the news, jump forward half an hour this week, but you will miss some fun movie talk and an interesting peek into California living. Finally, Google has finally launched Allo! Is it all it was promised to be?

Thank you for joining us. If you have not already, be sure to subscribe to the channel on your favorite podcast app, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Also check out our partner sites – SoundGuys cover the best mobile audio gear and VR Source is the home of all our virtual reality coverage, from gear to games, check out VR Source for all kinds of reality. Finally, we are very happy to announce the official launch of TabTimes 2.0. We're still covering the same great tablet news and reviews, but you can look forward to expanded coverage on ultrabooks, smartphones and all the tech that helps you get through your day. Check out the new and improved TabTimes! Sign up for our various newsletters and enter for your chance to win one of our many giveaways.

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Special news – we've officially launched TabTimes 2.0!

We're still covering the same great tablet news and reviews, but you can look forward to expanded coverage on ultrabooks, smartphones and all the tech that helps you get through your day. You've got Android Authority for all things Android, SoundGuys for your mobile audio gear, VR Source for all sorts of reality and now you can hit TabTimes for almost everything else  – we're now all tech, all the time. Check out the new and improved TabTimes!

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Recorded on September 22nd, 2016 – Hosted and produced by Joshua Vergara.

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Leaked: New image of the Google Pixel

Google's October 4th event is right around the corner, and this year the search giant has been far more revealing than they have in years past. The hype train is in full gear, and now we're seeing what appears to be an official image of the Google Pixel coming from VentureBeat. The publication also says that they are confirming that the Pixel and it's bigger sister the Pixel XL will be unveiled at the October 4th event (an assumption that had previously been all but confirmed).

The device we're seeing in the image is allegedly the Pixel, and not the larger Pixel XL. It's a very minimalist device that looks pretty unassuming. The bezels seem a bit large, and the buttons appear to be positioned on the right side of the device with the power button riding above the volume rockers.

See also: Google Pixel may only have an IP53 rating, so no swimming106

According to rumors, this smaller device is expected to start at $649, which would set the bar of the Pixel line in a notably higher price range than the now seemingly abandoned Nexus brand. Both devices are expected to initially launch on Verizon and as unlocked devices in the US.

What are your thoughts regarding this look at the Google Pixel? Any remarks on the design? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!

See also: Google Pixel pricing could start at $649, but financing will be an option179

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Motorola, Lenovo lay off over a thousand more people

Today word leaked that Lenovo was laying off hundreds of Motorola employees. This information initially came from upset employees who took to social media after learning that Friday would be their last day, one of whom says he had been with the company for over 20 years. Lenovo later confirmed the layoffs, and although they attempted to describe the figure in a positive way, the number they revealed in their response was actually notably larger than initial rumors seemed to indicate.

It was assumed that this layoff was somewhere in the ballpark of last year's round which saw 200 employees losing their jobs. At worst, the darkest guess would be that could be in the realm of the 500-employee cut that took place before that. Addressing the rumors, Lenovo released a statement including the following:

Lenovo today announced a resource action impacting less than two percent of its approximately 55,000 employees globally. The majority of the positions being eliminated are part of the ongoing strategic integration between Lenovo and its Motorola smartphone business as the company further aligns its organization and streamlines its product portfolio to best compete in the global smartphone market.

That's around 1,100 employees, many of whom it seems clear were Motorola employees who became redundant or non-cost effective during the company's acquisition and subsequent redirection by Lenovo. One of the employees posting to social said that he believed that this is part of an ongoing pattern in which Lenovo is shifting operations to China. Lenovo has denied these claims, saying that they are "absolutely committed to Chicago and we plan to maintain our Motorola Mobility headquarters there."

See also: Motorola expected to cut 500 jobs at its Chicago HQ

Lenovo says that these changes are "part of a continued effort to manage cost, drive efficiency, and support ongoing improvement in overall financial performance," which is three ways of saying that they're just cutting costs.  The company finds themselves in a hard position, battling industry titans in a peaked mobile phone market.

What do you think of Lenovo's most recent layoffs? Let us know in the comments below!

Show Press Release

Lenovo today announced a resource action impacting less than two percent of its approximately 55,000 employees globally. The majority of the positions being eliminated are part of the ongoing strategic integration between Lenovo and its Motorola smartphone business as the company further aligns its organization and streamlines its product portfolio to best compete in the global smartphone market.

The company is also making adjustments in other areas of the business as part of a continued effort to manage costs, drive efficiency and support ongoing improvement in overall financial performance. While these actions are never easy, they are a necessary part of our continued efforts to ensure long-term, profitable growth across all of our businesses.

Lenovo is absolutely committed to Chicago and we plan to maintain our Motorola Mobility headquarters there. Chicago has a well-deserved reputation for technical excellence and as the hub of our global R&D for our smartphone business we expect to take advantage of local talent to continue developing Moto products there.

Previously: Motorola is going away, says Lenovo98

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CCS Insight: phone market has officially plateaued

 

For years, we've been looking at stagnating growth in the mobile phone industry, and analysts with sandwich boards have been prophesying the inevitable flattening of the curve for quite some time. Now, according to CCS Insight, that time has finally arrived.

Researchers report that in spite of there being some growth in regions like China, global 2016 shipments of mobile devices will fall 1.3 percent from last year's shipments. About 2 billion devices are now expected to shipped every year between now and 2020. The number of phones shipped annually had previously been steadily increasing, but now it seems like we've finally arrived at the cap: the world only needs about 2 billion new mobile devices per year.

Regional Report: Indian smartphone market grows 17% in Q2, Samsung stays ahead7

This turns what was previously a flourishing market into an increased zero-sum game atmosphere. There don't appear to be any new markets to colonize, so big players will be fighting over those 2 billion sales for the next half decade.

Analysts believe that this will be felt hardest by smaller manufacturers. The problem is compounded by a recent component price hike. Evidently, bigger companies like Samsung and Huawei have been buying them in bulk, and the recent earthquakes in Taiwan have thrown a wrench into production. Increased prices of components mean that companies who don't move vast numbers of mobile phones will struggle to show profit.

CCS Insight's Director of Forecasting Marina Koytcheva reports:

This is the first time we have seen component price rises for years. Phone makers with low volumes will find it almost impossible to turn a profit in these conditions without raising the prices of their products. It's a great opportunity for the big players like Huawei and Samsung to exploit their scale, apply pricing pressure and strengthen their leading positions.

CCS Insight says that their research does take into consideration the rise of 5G networks, which are expected to emerge commercially in the 2018-2020 timeline. They believe that sales of devices compliant with 3GPP Release 15 won't reach measurable volumes until 2020. At that time, they will "represent the growth story for the next decade" for the mobile market.

What do you think of CCS Insight's report that the mobile phone market has peaked? How will this achieved ceiling affect the smartphone market at large? Let us know your take in the comments below!

See also: Android posts highest ever market share in latest mobile data80

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