Upgrade your security with 2 years of NordVPN and NordPass password manager for $99

Whether it’s Gmail contacts or tax details, most people have personal data stored online. To keep that information truly secure, you need to use encrypted connections and strong passwords. The Essential Nord 2-Year Subscription Bundle helps you do just that, with a top-rated VPN and well-reviewed password manager. You can get it now for just $99 at the XDA Developers Depot.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/c4VLggCtOdY

Every day, hackers steal information from millions of unfortunate people (you can check to see if you’re a victim here). Many more individuals are tracked across the web by online stores and social media sites. 

This bundle helps you avoid both scenarios. One half is NordVPN, a service that earned the rare “Outstanding” rating from PCMag. Available on most devices, this VPN uses double-encryption to protect your data. 

It also operates a strict no-logging policy, while 5,508 worldwide server locations around the world give you access to local content. NordVPN is rated at 4.6 on iOS and 4.4 stars on Android.

To keep your online accounts secure, the bundle also includes NordPass — described by PCMag as “an easy-to-use password manager with attractive web and mobile apps.”

NordPass keeps all your login details in a secure vault, allowing you to sign in with a tap. In addition, you can securely share these details with friends and family.

These subscriptions are worth $346 together, but you can get them now for just $99 with the bundle.

 

The Essential Nord 2-Year Subscription Bundle – $99

See Deal

Prices subject to change 

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Google Play and Google Pay are now being investigated for market dominance in India

Technology makes our lives easier, and bigger companies make it even easier with seamless integration throughout their ecosystems. But now, across the world, the conversation has started turning towards how some technology companies may have perhaps become too big for the market. Recently, the US Antitrust Subcommittee concluded that Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google abused their monopoly and dominance. The Department of Justice in the USA also began an antitrust case against Google. And now in India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has launched an investigation against Google Play and Google Pay for their market dominance.

The news has broken courtesy of MediaNama, with information shared in a Twitter thread. The snippets highlighted are part of the order for investigation, which MediaNama has accessed.

Breaking news: Competition Commission of India has ordered an investigation into dominance by @GoogleIndia , especially looking into @GooglePayIndia .

This follows a major pushback by Indian founders against the 30% “tax” by Google on Indian companies.

A thread by @nixxin
1/

— MediaNama.com (@medianama) November 9, 2020

Much like several other investigations across the world, the CCI investigation is looking into dominance by Google, using its dominant and monopolistic positioning in one business to unfairly prop up another of its own business to the point of shutting out competitors. Medianama states that CCI will look into these allegations towards Google’s dominance, revolving around Android and the Google Play Store, and how it is affecting Google Pay:

• Exclusivity regarding mode of payment for purchase of apps, and in-app purchases: Google’s 30% cut on all purchases made on the Android app platform is being investigated.
• Requiring OEMs to pre-install Google Pay as part of GMS on Android
• Google Play Store search manipulation and bias by Google in favor of Google Pay: Even when users search for “pay” on the Google Play Store, the first result is Google Pay, and not Paytm or Phonepe.
• Prominent placement of Google on the Play Store: Allegations made on rigging “User Choice”, “Editor’s Choice”, and “Top free apps” lists to favor Google Pay. Google Pay is also being promoted on Google Search for recharges and bill payments.
• Google prioritizes Google Pay ads on the Play Store whenever a user searches for Paytm or Phonepe. This is not under investigation, but remains an allegation.

It’s important to note that these are allegations at this stage, and the CCI will then set out to investigate these allegations. Parties to the investigation will be given opportunities to present their side, and only when the allegations are adjudged to be true, will further action be taken.

The CCI investigation comes in the backdrop of a group of prominent Indian app developers criticizing Google’s behavior on the Play Store and in India’s digital money market. This outrage, in turn, started off when Paytm was briefly removed from the Play Store for violating policies on gambling.

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Nokia 8 V 5G UW is a powerful new Android device headed to Verizon

HMD Global has announced the Nokia 8 V 5G UW, a new upper mid-range Android smartphone that will be available on Verizon. The hardware is similar to the Nokia 8.3 5G, save for a few key differences, namely the addition of mmWave antennas for Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network.

Nokia 8 V 5G UW: Specifications

Specification	Nokia 8 V 5G UW
Build	Aluminum core and frame Front: Gorilla Glass 5 Back: Gorilla Glass 3 vacuum-molded into a 3D shape
Dimensions & Weight	171.90 x 78.56 x 8.99mm 220g
Display	6.81-inch LCD 2400 x 1080 resolution 20:9 aspect ratio 120Hz refresh rate
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Mobile Platform Octa-Core CPU (1 x 2.4GHz + 1 x 2.2GHz + 6 x 1.8GHz Kryo 475) Adreno 620 GPU 7nm EUV fabrication process
RAM & Storage	6GB LPDDR4X RAM + 64GB storage 8GB LPDDR4X RAM + 128GB storage Expandable storage with MicroSD
Battery & Charging	4500mAh battery 18W fast charging via USB Type-C port
Rear Camera(s)	Primary: 64MP rear camera with Dual LED flash, ZEISS Optics, Secondary: 12MP ultra wide-angle lens, Tertiary: 2MP macro Quarternary: 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera(s)	24MP front-facing camera
Audio	3.5 mm headphone jack FM radio receiver OZO audio
Connectivity	5G SA/ NSA / Dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5, GPS/GLONASS/Beidou, Single / Dual SIM
Software	Android 10
Security	Side-mounted fingerprint sensor

HMD Global said it “strategically” placed three mmWave antennas around the Nokia 8 V 5G UW’s chassis, one more than you’d normally find. The idea is to provide people with an improved mmWave experience, which is notoriously finicky with offering a reliable and consistent connection. Despite the inclusion of three mmWave antennas, the device is still just 8.9mm in depth.

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW features a 6.81-inch Full HD+ LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate alongside the i3 display processor from Pixelworks. Under-the-hood, the smartphone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G processor and comes equipped with 6GB/8GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage. Both options offer expandable storage via microSD.

A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is included for biometrics, and there’s a quad-camera setup comprised of a 64MP main rear camera joined by a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. It’s all contained in a build comprised of an aluminum core and frame, the back of which is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 3 vacuum-molded into a 3D shape. There’s also a layer of Gorilla Glass 5 for the display.

The device also offers a 4500mAh battery with 18W wired charging support, runs Android 10 out of the box, and has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing wireless headphones just yet. For those who like convenience, there’s a programmable Google Assistant button, making it very easy to start barking out requests.

Nokia 8.3 5G XDA Forums

Notably, the Nokia 8 V 5G UW isn’t part of the Android One program, unlike many of HMD Global’s other Nokia-branded smartphones. None of HMD Global’s carrier-branded devices are part of the Android One program, though HMD Global has committed to providing two years of OS updates and 18 months of security updates. Compare that to the Google Pixel 5, which offers three years of software and security updates.

Pricing and Availability

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW can be purchased from Verizon’s website, a Verizon store, or Best Buy beginning November 12. It’ll be available in Meteor Grey for $699. Verizon recently launched its 5G Nationwide network, so the new Nokia device comes at a fortuitous time.

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Best Google Pixel 5 Deals: Where to buy Google’s new flagship

Google’s future is now! The Google Pixel 5 is out, and it’s an impressive piece of tech for the price. In our Google Pixel 5 review, Adam Conway mentions that “if you’re looking for a fantastic software experience with good performance, the Google Pixel 5 is definitely worth looking at”. The mid-range chipset may scare off those wanting the bleeding edge, but this flagship runs better than expected and comes at a more affordable price.

Offering a 6-inch, OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and 8GB RAM, you’ll be able to watch anything you like and it’ll be smooth and stutter-free. You’ll even be able to play games without any issue. Couple that with impressive front and rear cameras, you have a device that can stand with the best, while only costing $699.

Of course, retailers are always offering some great Google Pixel 5 deals, as they’re vying for you to purchase this flagship device from them. We’ve rounded up the best deals, so you can skip the research and pick up your new phone!

Where to Buy the Google Pixel 5

If you want to get your hands on the Google Pixel 5, you’ll need to decide if you want an unlocked version or something under a carrier plan. Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store have unlocked phones, while Verizon is the current carrier with the Pixel 5 available to buy.

Best Unlocked Google Pixel 5 Deals

For unlocked Google Pixel 5 deals, you can pick Amazon, Best Buy, or the Google Store.

Amazon

Amazon has both colors of the Pixel 5 in stock, and you know if you go with Amazon, you’ll have the easiest time getting an unlocked phone. With Amazon Prime, you’ll have two day shipping available to you. Finally, if you have an Amazon Prime Rewards card, you can pay $38.83 a month for 18 months, interest-free.

Google Pixel 5

Ease, convenience, and two day shipping. What more could you want from Amazon for your Pixel 5 purchase? Prime Rewards cardholders can also pay for the device over 18 months, interest-free.

Buy from Amazon

Best Buy

If you want an unlocked Pixel 5 but want to activate it with a carrier today, you can grab one from Best Buy and save! If you activate with Sprint, you’ll save $100, and if you decide on Verizon, you’ll save $50. You can’t argue with flat savings like that, and you won’t need to fuss around getting your phone activated with your carrier once it arrives either!

Google Pixel 5

Buy the Google Pixel 5 from Best Buy and activate today, and you can save up to $100 on your purchase, depending on your carrier!

Starting at $599 at Best Buy

Google Store

You can’t go wrong grabbing the Pixel 5 from Google themselves. You can order the Google Pixel 5 right now at the Google Store–no waitlist needed! If you qualify for Google Financing, you can also pay off the phone over 24 months at 0% APR.

Google Pixel 5

Get the Pixel 5 straight from Google! If you qualify, you can split the $699 into 24 monthly payments with 0% APR.

$699 at Google Store

Best Carrier Google Pixel 5 Deals

Looking to grab a Pixel 5 on a carrier plan? Right now, you can go with Verizon.

Verizon

Are you on Verizon, or looking to switch? Then you’re in luck, as the Pixel 5 is available at this carrier. If you trade in an eligible phone, you can save up to $550, which really takes a chunk out of the $699 asking price.

Google Pixel 5

The Google Pixel 5 is available at Verizon! You can grab either the black or green version, and you can save up to $550 off if you trade in an eligible phone.

Get Up to $550 in Trade-Ins at Verizon

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OnePlus accidentally pushed a stable update to some OnePlus 8 series beta users, causing data wipes

OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro users recently received the OxygenOS 11.0.1.1 update on the stable channel. The update included the new “Canvas” mode, optimizations to background process management, October 2020 security patches, and more. Shortly after the rollout started, OnePlus accidentally pushed the stable update to OnePlus 8 series devices on the beta channel, completely wiping the devices in the process.

The issue was first brought to light on OnePlus’ community forums early morning on Saturday, November 7th, when OnePlus’ Community Consultant dsmonteiro shared the following statement:

“It seems like some users are reporting receiving the Stable update over the Open Beta 3, leading to a full data wipe. This information was already shared with the software team so it can be checked and addressed. Meanwhile, if you receive an update OTA, please double-confirm if it’s an Open Beta update. If it isn’t, please DO NOT install it.”

However, by the time the statement was posted, several OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro users had already lost all of their data. Due to the mishap, many users lost their on-device images, videos, messages, etc. and, in several instances, even lost access to 2-factor authentication apps like Google Authenticator. Since the affected users weren’t able to transfer their 2FA keys, they were also locked out of their Gmail, Discord, LinkedIn, and GitHub, accounts. On top of that, some users were downgraded from the October 2020 security patches to the outdated August 2020 security patches.

OnePlus’ community forums are chock full of OnePlus 8 series users reporting this issue, and in response, the company seems to have stopped the rollout on the beta channel. However, the update is still rolling out to users on the stable channel. For users who received the update but didn’t restart their device, OnePlus has shared an APK as a temporary solution to avoid data loss. In case you’ve received the update on your device, you can download said APK by following this link. According to the OxygenUpdater team, the APK effectively cancels the pending update installation after a reboot, thereby preventing data loss.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time OnePlus accidentally pushed the wrong OTA update to one of its devices. Back in March this year, OnePlus posted incorrect links for OnePlus 7T EU and OnePlus 7T Global Open Beta updates, which led to users in India losing the region-specific features that aren’t available in the EU build.

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You can now install the OnePlus Messages and Contacts apps on the OnePlus Nord

Earlier this year in July, OnePlus lifted the covers off the OnePlus Nord (review), the company’s first mid-range device in five years. Despite its affordable price tag, the OnePlus Nord packed in some impressive hardware, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G chip, a 90Hz high refresh rate display, and a quad-camera setup. As with all OnePlus devices, the Nord shipped with the company’s highly-regarded OxygenOS custom Android skin. However, unlike other devices from the company, it included Google apps instead of OnePlus’ own suite of stock apps.

A glance through OnePlus’ community forums reveals that many Nord users didn’t appreciate this change. And since its launch, users have been unsuccessfully trying to sideload OnePlus’ stock apps on the device. It seems like OnePlus has finally listened to user feedback, as the latest version of OnePlus Messages and Contacts can be sideloaded on the OnePlus Nord.

As per a recent report from PiunikaWeb, OnePlus Nord users can now install the latest OnePlus Messages (v5.1.8.3) and OnePlus Contacts (v4.0.0.0) APKs on their devices. If you one of the many users who wish to use OnePlus’ stock apps on your OnePlus Nord, you can now download the APKs from the APKMirror links below. The latest OnePlus Messages release works as intended on both the OnePlus Nord and non-OnePlus devices, but the OnePlus Contacts APK is still buggy.

While you can successfully install OnePlus Contacts on your device, the app currently crashes upon selecting a contact. This is likely due to the fact that the app is incapable of functioning without the OnePlus Phone app. OnePlus may address this issue by releasing a similar update for the OnePlus Phone app soon.

It’s also worth noting that in order to use the OnePlus Messages app on your OnePlus Nord, you’ll have to set it as the default messaging app. You can do this by heading over to the Default apps section within the device settings, tapping on SMS app, and then selecting OnePlus Messages.

Download OnePlus Messages (v5.1.8.3) from APKMirror

Download OnePlus Contacts (v4.0.0.0) from APKMirror

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Motorola’s next Moto G Stylus could bring modest spec upgrades

Motorola is reportedly gearing up to launch a new Moto G Stylus. The original device made its debut in the U.S. at the beginning of the year and was later rebranded for Europe. It was a strong release that featured decent specs at an affordable price.

Evan Blass has shared what are alleged to be specs for the new Moto G Stylus (2021), which appears to be codenamed minsk, and a render of the device. The upcoming device will feature a 6.81-inch display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080, along with a small hole-punch in the upper left corner. That’s a step up in size over the current Moto G Stylus.

Moto G Stylus (2021): Leaked Specifications

Specification	Moto G Stylus (2021)
Display	6.81-inch (2400 x 1080p)
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 675
RAM & Storage	4GB of RAM 64GB or 128GB of storage
Battery & Charging	4000mAh
Rear Camera(s)	48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera(s)	16MP
Software	Android 10
Other Features	Stylus pen

Other alleged specs for the new Moto G Stylus (2021) include a Snapdragon 675 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage. It’s also said to feature a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 48MP main lens; the front-facing camera will be 16MP. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor will be used for security, while the device is rumored to launch with Android 10 and again feature a stylus pen.

Finally, the handset will reportedly come equipped with a 4000mAh battery, so you’ll be able to watch plenty of movies and listen to plenty of music. Crucially, there will be no NFC, so you won’t be able to take advantage of making digital payments at physical retail stores, among other conveniences.

Moto G Stylus XDA Forums

For the most part, the new Moto G Stylus (2021) looks to be a relatively modest upgrade. The original went on sale at the beginning of this year in the U.S., and while our tipster didn’t say when the new Moto G Stylus (2021) would be released, we expect a similar timeframe early next year.

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