[Updated] OnePlus' newest Open Beta updates weren't intentionally pulled

Beta tests are where companies help work out kinks on latest software updates before these get rolled out to all its users. It seems the latest version of Open Beta update for OnePlus devices has been causing bigger problems than usual, prompting the company to pull all versions from its site. The versions pulled include Open Beta 5 for the OnePlus 5T, Open Beta 7 for the OnePlus 5, Open Beta 24 for the OnePlus 3T, Open Beta 33 for the OnePlus 3. The main issue is said to be excessive battery drain, among other reported problems. Those who got the latest builds might have to wait a bit to get their phones fixed. There is no word yet from OnePlus when updates are coming.

Source: Android Police

Update on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 6:41PM by Nicole Batac

We just got word from OnePlus that the builds for the phones were not intentionally pulled. According to a representative from the company, the links were removed because they're currently migrating from oneplus.net to oneplus.com. For those waiting for the Open Beta links to come back up, these will be restored soon.

Snapchat brings back chronological feed for some users

After redesigning its app, Snapchat has met the ire of a lot of its users—with over a million of them petitioning the company to revert to its old design. And it seems like they’re finally listening. Some users have noticed they’ve started to see a reverse chronological version of its feed instead of the algorithm-based one. It isn’t clear though if this is a limited-scale test or if this is the start of a wider rollout for all its users.

As a business it makes sense for Snapchat to keep the algorithm-based timeline since it keeps users on longer because they don’t know if they’ve reached the end of their updates. It also supposedly, as other social media platforms have pointed out, floats the “most important” updates to its users. Meanwhile, a chronologically ordered timeline is preferred by a lot of users because it lets them know if they’ve caught up with their feed. But this also means that if you don’t have time to catch up, the frequent posters will overshadow those in your list that update less frequently and you might not be able to see their updates.

Source: 9to5Google

Amazon LaunchPad offers One-Day deals on Essential Phones for Innovation Day

For one-day only, customers can shop exciting deals on products from select brands on Amazon Launchpad. Since its inception, Amazon Launchpad has provided countless entrepreneurs and startups the resources and expertise to help sell their products. think of it as a curated Indiegogo or Kickstarter.

With Innovation Day, you’ll not only get the chance to support a new business, but you’ll also get a great deal on some ultra-trendy products. Available during the one-day sale is the Essential Phone PH-1 whch sells at 29 per cent off or $540.99, a great deal for a flagship device. Hit jump for some of the other deals.

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Special edition (PRODUCT) RED iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus now available for preorder

Apple has announced a special edition of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus featuring a (PRODUCT) RED colour. The company is also releasing a new RED leather case.  While this features the same specs as the iPhone 9 and iPhone 8 Plus, it now has a striking red glass caseback as well as matching redaluminum band offset by a black front. This is a welcome revamp to last year's (PRODUCT) Red iPhone 7 and 7 Plus which had a white front.

A portion of proceeds for all (PRODUCT)RED purchases go directly to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counseling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.  Offering the RED variant of the iPhone has become a yearly event, albeit a minor one. Apple usually updates the smaller iPhone SE this time of the year as well, too but no announcement has been made regarding a replacement the most reasonably priced iPhone which is a huge seller in markets that prefer smaller form factors.

The special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone will be available to order online in select countries and regions tomorrow and in stores beginning Friday, April 13. Available in 64GB and 256GB models starting at an Apple retail price of $929 (CAD) from Apple.com/ca.