Google is opening a pop up store in London for all things Pixel

The Pixel and Pixel XL; Google’s first phones built end-to-end go on sale this Thursday. To mark the occasion, Google is taking over a section of Currys PC World in Tottenham Court Road with a new Google Shop that will open bright and early at 7am on Thursday morning.

If you want to be among the first to get your hands on the new phones, you’d best set your alarms now.

• Google Pixel XL vs Pixel: What’s the difference?

The pop up shop will be open for six months, but for the first two days only, Google will be hosting live talks, music and interactive installations.

Talks will revolve around such things as Google Assistant, where you’ll be shown how powerful it is and what you can do with it, while others will focus on how to get the best out of the camera and new messaging features.

Google’s Daydream VR headset will also be available at the Google Shop, with several different VR experiences and games to try and buy. The Google Shop will be open on Thursday from 7am – 8pm and Friday from 9am to 8pm.

The Pixel phones represent the first time Google has moved away from using hardware partners and installing its Android software, instead choosing to design and build the phones itself. They’re fitted with features to take on the likes of Apple and Samsung and have a premium price to match. You can read our full review of the Google Pixel later today.

Google Pixel tips: First things to do with your new Google superphone

Google’s phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL will be available from 20 October. Designed by Google, these phones promise to give you a premium Android experience, with a number of exclusive features and bags of refinement.

There are simple things you might want to do right out of the box, however, to get you started and to remove some of the little irritations.

Here’s how to get started with your new Google Pixel.

Turn off the touch vibration and sound, unlocking sounds and power on sounds

Sure, it’s nice to know your new phone is responding, but vibrations and sounds are irritating and slow everything down. Head into settings > sounds > other sounds. Here you’ll find a collection of sliders. Silence is golden, as they say, and you can safely switch most of them off.

Turn off Gmail sounds

Yes, as soon as you sign into your Pixel with your Google account, Gmail gets a grip and starts chiming on every email. If, like us, you get a constant barrage of emails, you’ll want to kill this too. Head into Gmail and open the left-hand pane, scroll down to settings, tap your account, hit inbox sound & vibrate. Then tap sound and none. Phew. We’re getting quieter.

Turn off keyboard vibration

This does actually slow down input, so killing vibration on every key press is recommended. Head into settings > languages & input > virtual keyboard > Google keyboard > preferences > and turn off vibrate on keypress. There’s also sound here, turn that off if it’s on, unless you want to be really unpopular in public places.

Set up a second Pixel Imprint

During setup you registered a fingerprint on one hand right? That will be the hand you normally hold the phone in. Take the time to register your finger from your other hand. When you’re hanging onto the train and want to unlock your phone with that second hand you have, you’ll thank us.

• Google Pixel review: Pure, wonderful, unadulterated Android
• Google Pixel XL review: Android’s new heavyweight champion

Switch on the battery percentage indicator

Yes, once again there’s no percentage charge shown on this Google phone, but it is hiding in the System UI Tuner. This is a hidden collection of settings, but very easy to access. Swipe down the notifications shade and press and hold the settings cog at the top. Release after a couple of seconds and the System UI Tuner will appear at the bottom of the settings menu. Open this up, tap “status bar”, then battery and select to always show the battery level.

Stop Google Play adding icons to your home screen

Yes, it’s irritating that Android assumes you want to add a shortcut for every app you install ot the home screen. In Google Play, open the menu, scroll down to settings, and uncheck the “add icon to home screen” box.

Enable swipe for notifications

The Google Pixel has an “exclusive” feature (borrowed from Huawei), allowing you to swipe the fingerprint scanner to pull down the notifications. Head into settings > moves and you can toggle on this option. It’s addictive, we love it, and it’s great for quickly looking at all your notifications.

Claim your unlimited Google Photos backup

This one is pretty simple. Open Photos and the first thing you’re presented with is a screen reminding you that you’re getting unlimited backup storage. If you have more than one account on your device, make sure you apply it to the correct one for your photos. You don’t want unlimited storage for your personal photos on your work account, for example. 

Turn on Night Light

This is the feature that will change the colour of your display to a warmer hue in the evening to help you wind down. Head into settings > display > night light. You’ll get the option to turn it on/off at sunrise too.

Enable the OK Google hotword for Google Assistant

Google Assistant is one of the exclusive features for the Pixel at launch and to get access at any time, you’ll need to enable the Ok Google hotword, allowing you to ask questions without having to touch your device. Head into settings > Google > search & now and you’ll see the Google Assitant settings. Here you’ll find “Ok Google” detection. Follow the process to set it up.

• Google Assistant tips and tricks: Master your Android assistant
• Google Pixel exclusive features laid bare: What your regular Android phone won’t get

Google Assistant tips and tricks: Master your Android assistant

Google Assistant is finally here and it’s more integrated on Pixel than any other assistant you’ve ever used on another device.

With the launch of Google’s Pixel-branded smartphones, Google has officially unleashed Assistant in full form. The personal assistant is exclusive to the Pixel and Pixel XL, at least initially, bringing Apple Siri-like and Microsoft Cortana-like and Amazon Alexa-like functionality to the handsets. You can ask Assistant almost anything, and it will understand your words in context to serve up relevant results.

Assistant even has a (female) voice – meaning Assistant can actually talk back to you, and yes, it’ll have a sense of humour. To help you figure out everything Assistant does on the phone, we’ve rounded up some expert tips and tricks.

Browse them all below. But keep checking back to see what else we’ve added, because we plan to continually update this piece over time.

What is Google Assistant?

Google Assistant is Google’s iteration of a personal assistant. It’s considered an upgrade or an extension of Google Now, as well as an expansion of Google’s existing “Ok Google” voice controls. It’s conversational, too. You can ask a question and follow-up questions, and Assistant will track the conversation, determine context, and audibly respond with the right information.

• What is Google Assistant, how does it work, and when can you use it?

Google Assistant US vs UK

We’ve already spotted that the US and the UK currently offer up slightly different services in Google Assistant. This is likely to continue when Google Home launches. Currently, the UK doesn’t offer the full collection of news services that the US does, but here we’re listing tips and tricks for everyone – you just might not not be able to access them all right now.

Google Assistant tips and tricks

Getting started

When you first get your Pixel smartphone, power it on, and start setting it up, you’ll be asked to use Google Assistant and “OK Google” always-on voice detection. You’ll have to set up an “OK Google” voice model so that the phone can recognise your voice at any time and activate Google Assistant to serve your needs (whether that be to play music, fetch the weather forecast, or whatever).

Pick the right Google account for Assistant

Google Assistant feeds off your Google account, just as Google Now does. It’s important to make sure that you setup Assistant with the the same account that you’re going to be asking it to find information from, especially when it comes to photos. If you use one account for Assistant and a different account for your Google Photos, then it won’t have access.

Adjust settings

Google Assistant has a Settings menu. Under this menu, you can do everything from adjust your “OK Google” voice model to see a summary of your activity generated by Assistant. To access Assistant’s Settings menu, open the Settings app, and then go to Google > Search & Now > and Settings (under Google Assistant). From there, you’ll see several submenus with settings options.

Alternatively, from any screen including the home screen, hold down the Home button, then tap More button (three vertical dots) in the top left of the Assistant screen, and select Settings.

Enable/disable Assistant

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see a toggle next to Assistant. When you turn on the toggle, you give Assistant permission to answer questions and get things done.

Customise your news list

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “News” beneath the Pixel section. Tap it to customise your news list. You’ll have to hit the customise link on the next screen, but then you can select a bunch of news sources, including NPR, PBS, CBS, and more. After you select which news sources you’d like to hear from, you can ask Assistant to narrate the news for you. This isn’t currently available in the UK.

Customise ‘My Day’ summary

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “My Day” beneath the Pixel section. Tap it to customise your daily briefing. You can select from a handful of options, including weather, work commute, reminders, whether you’d like to end your day with a narration of the news. After you’re done, you can ask Assistant for a readout of your day and get responses interesting to you.

In the UK, you currently only get the time and weather.

Access Shopping List

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Shopping List” beneath the Pixel section. Tap it to access your Shopping List via the Google Keep app.

This isn’t currently enabled in the UK: asking to view your shopping list in the UK gives you an error from the US voice, which is strange.

Enable/disable screen context

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see a toggle next to “Use screen context”, which is basically Now on Tap 2.0. When you turn on the toggle, you give Assistant permission to show you info related to what’s on your screen. It might show you relevant links in YouTube or IMDB, for instance.

Change your Assistant language

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see “Assistant Language”. Tap it to see Language Preferences, where you can select your default language and add a language.

Enable/disable always-on ‘OK Google’

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘OK Google’ detection”. Tap it. From there, turn on the toggle for “Say ‘OK Google’ any time” to give Assistant permission to recognise your voice whenever you say “OK Google” – even if your screen is off or you’re using an app. This makes Assistant always-on.

Use ‘OK Google’ to unlock device

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘OK Google’ detection”. Tap it. From there, turn on the toggle for “Trusted Voice” to give Assistant permission to unlock your device when it hears you say “OK Google” (the sound you make must match your previously recorded “OK Google” voice model, however).

Retrain ‘OK Google’ voice model

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘OK Google’ detection”. Tap it. From there, tap “Retrain voice model”. You’ll then have to re-say “OK Google” a few times so that Assistant can remember and recognise how you say the phrase. It can then use the phrase as a wake word and device-unlock word.

Delete ‘OK Google’ voice model

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘OK Google’ detection”. Tap it. From there, tap “Delete voice model” so that Assistant can’t remember and recognise how you say the phrase. Keep in mind you then can’t use the phrase.

Use offensive words with voice

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Adjust settings for this Pixel device”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘Voice”. Tap it. From there, turn on the toggle for “Block offensive words” so that Assistant will recognise (and won’t hide them either) in voice results.

Set your home and work locations

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Google Account settings”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘Personal info”. Tap it. From there, you’ll see the option to add your Home and work locations. Tap it, and then manually enter your addresses. If you’ve been using Google Now previously, this information will probably already be in place.

Set your nickname

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Google Account settings”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘Personal info”. Tap it. From there, you’ll see the option to add your nicknames. Tap it, and then manually enter your nicknames. You can also test that Google knows how to say it correctly.

Change weather units

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Google Account settings”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘Personal info”. Tap it. From there, you’ll see the option to change your weather units. Tap it, and then select from Fahrenheit or Celsius.

View ‘My Activity’ summary

Under the Assistant’s settings, scroll to “Google Account settings”. Beneath that, you’ll see “‘My Activity”. Tap it. From there, a screen will pop up showing you all the “control data generated by your Assistant”.

Things you can say and do

Google Assistant is your personal assistant. It can play music for you, set reminders, check your flight, and more. Here’s a few things you can say and do with Assistant using just your voice. You just have to say “Ok Google” or press and hold the Home button on the Pixel phones to access Assistant.

Play music

To ask Assistant to play some music, say “OK Google” and then say “play some music”, “play some Jazz”, “play some workout music”, “listen to Daft Punk”, or “listen to Imagine on Spotify”, etc.

If you have more than one music app, it will give you the option of the service you want to use, open it up and start playing. If you’re playing Spotify on another device, Google Assistant can still control what you play, too.

Watch something on Netflix

To fire Netflix and get watching, say “Ok Google” and then say what you want to watch: “Watch Luke Cage on Netflix”. This will open Luke Cage on Netflix. You don’t have to watch Luke Cage, but you should, it’s good.

Listen to news

To ask Assistant to narrate news from sources you’ve pre-selected, say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “what’s the news”, “international news”, “what’s the news about Obama”, or “sports news”, etc. As we said, you can’t do this in the UK yet.

Ask about your day

To ask Assistant for your daily briefing, say “OK Google” and then say “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening”, etc. You’ll get the weather, upcoming meetings, a news narration, etc, with different options in different territories.

Set reminders

To ask Assistant to set reminders for you, say “OK Google” and then say “set a reminder…”, ” remind me to buy milk”, “remind me to buy milk tonight”, “remind me to call mom”, or “remind me to do laundry when I get home”, etc.

Set alarms

To ask Assistant to set an alarm for you, say “OK Google” and then say “set an alarm…”, “wake me up at 9 am”, wake me up at 10 am everyday”, “set my alarm for 8 am”, or “show my alarms”, etc.

Ask about the weather

To ask Assistant about the weather, say “OK Google” and then say “what’s the weather”, “will it rain tomorrow”, “how hot is it outside”, “what’s the temperature”, or “forecast for the weekend”, etc.

Fetch sports news

To ask Assistant about sports news, say “OK Google” and then say “Did the Red Sox win”, “tell me sports news”, “when’s the baseball game”, “who is the fastest man alive”, or “what is the Real Madrid roster” etc.

Ask a question

To ask Assistant a general question, say “OK Google” and then ask any question, such as “who is Archimedes”, “how far is the moon”, “how many ounces in a cup”, or “how many ounces in a pound”, or “what is a dangling participle” etc. In many cases, Google will read the information back to you, telling you the source.

Find stuff nearby

To ask Assistant to find stuff nearby, say “OK Google”, and then say commands like “find a restaurant”, “nearby events”, “nearby hotel”, “what are some nearby pubs”, or “what comedy movies are playing” etc.

Find stuff while traveling

To ask Assistant to find stuff while you’re traveling, say “OK Google” and then say “flights to New York”, “hotels in Boston”, “restaurants in Barcelona”, “where can I hike in France”, or “Is United flight 16 on time”, etc.

Check your next flight or booking

With Google Now ripping flights out of Gmail, Assistant will know things about your booked travel. Just say “Ok Google” then “what’s my next flight” and you’ll get a list of upcoming flights. You can also ask “when am I going to Barcelona?” and you’ll get the details of your Barcelona flight, for example. 

Do real-time translations

To ask Assistant to do real-time translations for you, say “OK Google” and then say “‘Hello’ in Spanish”, “‘Thank you’ in Japanese”, “What’s ‘Good morning’ in Italian”, or “Translate ‘airport’ to French” etc.

Place a call

To ask Assistant to place a call for you, say “OK Google” and then say “call Sally”, “make a phone call”, “call Alice Walker”, or “call mom at home”, etc.

Send a message

To ask Assistant to send a message for you, say “OK Google” and then say “send a message”, “text Eric”, “send a WhatsApp message”, “text Alice arriving at 5pm”, or “tell Sally I’ll be 5 mins late”, etc.

Set timers

To ask Assistant to set a timer, say “OK Google” and then say “set a timer”, “countdown 1 minute”, “start a timer for 10 mins”, or “set a timer for 5 minutes”, etc.

Open any app

To ask Assistant to open an app for you, say “OK Google” and then say “open YouTube”, “Open Calendar”, or “Open Wi-Fi Settings”, etc.

Search Play Store

To ask Assistant to find an app for you in Play Store, say “OK Google” and then say “Facebook in Play Store”, “WhatsApp in Play Store”, “Uber in Play Store”, or “Twitter in Play Store”, etc.

Search Google

To ask Assistant to search Google, say “OK Google” and then say “search for…” followed by whatever you’re looking for – be it vacation idea, zebra facts, funny one-liners, or facts about the moon, etc.

See what’s on your calendar

To ask Assistant to look at your calendar, say “OK Google” and then say “what’s on my calendar”.

Show your photos, show photos of your dog, food, kids

To ask Assistant to show your Google Photos, say “OK Google” and then say “show me my photos”. Google Photos knows that photos contain, so it will also return photos of objects, like your dog, food, kids or places, just say “show my pictures of cars” and you’ll get your car photos displayed.

See your emails

To ask Assistant to show your Gmail emails, say “OK Google” and then say “show me my emails”. This will display emails from your linked account. Google Assistant currently can’t read messages.

Voice dictate in apps

To use Assistant to dictate in supported messaging apps, including Google’s own Messaging app, tap the microphone icon in your keyboard.

Get directions

To ask Assistant to help you navigate, say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “navigate home”, “navigate to work”, “directions to 100 Main Street”, “Navigate to the nearest coffee shop”, or “navigate to the post office”, etc. This will calculate the route and open up Google Maps Navigation.

Unlock your device

To ask Assistant to unlock your device, simply say “OK Google” (must enable Trusted Voice under Settings). If you’re in a loud place, it might not recognise your voice properly.

Fetch screen context

To ask Assistant to show info related to what’s visible on your screen, hold down the Home button.

Take a selfie

Google Assistant will help with this essential task. Simply say “OK Google” followed by “take a selfie”. This will instantly open the camera and start a 3 2 1 countdown. Remember to smile.

Toss a coin

The universal method of decision making. Say “Ok Google” and then “toss a coin”. Assistant will toss that coin and let you know if it’s heads or tails.

Turn on flashlight

“Ok Google” then “turn on flashlight” will turn on the flash on your phone. Great for peering into dark holes. 

Fun and games

Google Assistant can be funny, like Siri. And it’s good at keeping your mind occupied when you’re feeling bored. Here’s a few things that Assistant can do beyond working day and night to serve your every need.

Play a game

To ask Assistant to play a game, simply say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “play a game”.

Play trivia

To ask Assistant to play trivia, simply say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “play trivia”. It’ll then let you choose from various subjects, such as math, geography, entertainment, etc.

Say ‘I’m bored’

To ask Assistant to entertain you, simply say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “I’m bored”. It’ll then let you play a game, or it’ll tell you a joke. It’ll even “surprise you with some random fun”.

Ask for a poem

To ask Assistant to recite a poem, simply say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “recite a poem”. 

Ask for a joke

To ask Assistant to tell you a joke, simply say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “tell me a joke”. You can then ask for one more.

Ask for a random number

Say “OK Google” (or hold down the Home button), and then say “tell me a random number”. What comes next may surprise you.

Ask the ultimate riddle

Tolkien fans will be familiar with this one. Say “Ok Google” then “what have I got in my pocket?”. You’re welcome.

What’s the meaning of life?

Fans of Douglas Adams might be less impressed: say “Ok Google” then “what’s the meaning of life?”. Comedy is great, but we’re a little saddened by the result.

Finally, getting more philosophical…

Try asking Google Assistant “when am I?”

Misfit Phase is the company’s first smartwatch; records fitness and delivers notifications

Fitness and sleep tracking expert Misfit has launched its first smartwatch, the Phase. On the face of it, it looks like a regular analogue watch but there’s a whole load of technology hiding underneath.

• Best fitness trackers 2016: The best activity bands to buy today

Like Misfit’s other products, the Phase can track steps taken and distance travelled as well as sleep duration and quality. The Phase makes full use of a 3-axis accelerometer and Misfit’s own algorithms.

Activity, alarm and notification data is presented using an interplay of the watch hands, as well as a small colour window and vibration alerts. Notifications for calls, texts, compatible apps and movement reminders can all be sent straight to your wrist.

As well as doing everything you’d expect of a smartwatch, the Phase can also be used as a remote to control music, take pictures from the connected smartphone and interact with various smart home devices using just one button. The Phase is also water resistant to 50 metres and comes with a six-month battery life.

• Best smartwatches 2016: The best smart wristwear available to buy today

Preston Moxcey, general manager of Misfit said: “We’re thrilled to launch Misfit Phare, which employs Misfit’s energy efficient, miniaturised Bluetooth enabled technology in a traditional watch form factor”.

“Watches are the fashion-credible predecessor of wearable technology, and Misfit Phase showcases both the evolution of the wearable technology space and its convergence with the world of fashion accessories”.

The Misfit Phase will be available from mid-November in six colour finishes from £165.

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Which should you choose?

With the Note 7 having died a death, there’s a big hole in some people’s smartphone choices. Fortunately there are some very strong candidates. But do you go with Samsung’s Galaxy S7 edge, or embrace the new Google Phone, the Pixel XL?

We’ve lived with both, reviewed both and here’s how the Pixel XL compares to the S7 edge in terms of both numbers and experience to help you work out which one to choose.

• Samsung Galaxy S7 edge review
• Google Pixel XL review

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Design

• Both beautiful premium designs
• S7 edge is smaller, lighter and a little more exciting
• S7 edge is more water resistant

The Google Pixel XL and the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge offer beautiful, solid and premium designs. The Pixel XL opts for a mostly aluminium body, with a glass panel at the top of its rear, while the S7 edge has an aluminium frame with curved edges and an all-glass rear panel.

The Pixel is the slightly larger and heavier of the two devices, measuring 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5mm and weighing 168g, compared to the S7 edge’s 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm build and 157g weight. Samsung manages to be more compact.

Both have a fingerprint sensor, but Google’s is mounted on the rear, with no physical buttons on the front, while Samsung chooses to place it within the main button on the front of the S7 edge. Samsung’s device is also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, while Google’s is only IP53.

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Display

• Both have same size and resolution AMOLED displays
• S7 edge has curved screen
• Both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4

The Google Pixel XL and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge both feature 5.5-inch AMOLED displays with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolutions, putting the pixel density at 534ppi. They are both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.

The S7 edge does offer a curved display however, as we mentioned, meaning it looks more interesting from a design point of view. The curved display also offers a couple of extras when it comes to software features, though none of them are make or break features.

Samsung’s display is a little more impactful. Both are bright and vibrant, the Pixel XL is perhaps more natural, but Samsung’s is a little more vigorous.

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Camera

• Same resolution rear camera, but Pixel XL has higher resolution front snapper
• Pixel XL has larger pixels, S7 edge has wider aperture
• S7 edge has OIS, Pixel XL has both PDAF and LDAF
• Samsung has more control options

The Google Pixel XL has a 12-megapixel rear camera with 1.55µm pixels and an aperture of f/2.0. It has an LED flash, along with phase detection autofocus and laser autofocus.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge also offers a 12-megapixel rear camera, but its aperture is slightly wider at f/1.7. Pixels are a little smaller at 1.4µm and there is only phase detection autofocus on board. Samsung also includes optical image stabilisation, which the Pixel XL does not.

In terms of front camera, the Pixel XL offers an 8-megapixel sensor with 1.4µm pixels and an aperture of f/2.4 with fixed focus. The S7 edge on the other hand, has a 5-megapixel selfie camera with an f/1.7 aperture and 1.34µm pixels.

Both are excellent performers, giving good consistent results, but Samsung offers many more control options meaning more flexibility. The Pixel XL keeps it simple with fewer settings which will probably suffice for many and it’s very fast to capture.

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Hardware

• Both have 4GB of RAM
• Pixel XL has more internal storage, but no microSD support
• S7 edge has larger battery, but Pixel XL uses USB Type-C

The Google Pixel XL features Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 821 processor under its hood, supported by 4GB of RAM. It comes in 32GB and 128GB storage options, with no support for microSD expansion and it offers a 3450mAh battery, charged via USB Type-C.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chip, or the Exynos 8890 processor, depending on region. Both are supported by 4GB of RAM, but storage options top out at 64GB. Samsung offers microSD however and it offers a larger battery capacity at 3600mAh, charged via Micro-USB.

Both the Pixel XL and the S7 edge have quick charge capabilities, the S7 edge offers wireless charging too.

Both devices are superbly powerful and both will get you through a busy day of use. The PIxel XL offers unlimited photo and video storage online through Google Photos.

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Software

Both the Pixel XL and the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge run on Android. The Pixel XL launches with Android 7.1 Nougat, with exclusive software features that won’t be appearing on other Android handsets.

Pure Nougat, enhanced with the Pixel Launcher and Google Assistant, brings a level of sophistication to this Google phone that surpasses Pixels. It has the bloat-free attitude of a pure Android handset, but supercharged. It’s slick, fast and powerful.

Samsung takes Android 6.0 Marshmallow, adds TouchWiz and makes the experience completely unique to Samsung. There’s the addition of more options, settings and choices galore. That brings some bloat and plenty of duplication, but there’s so much on offer from Samsung and on the S7 edge it’s very well executed.

Our preference is for the cleaner approach of the Pixel XL, but it’s a tough call. Ultimately, the experience of both devices is very good.

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Price

• S7 edge is cheaper
• S7 edge has more colour options

The Google Pixel XL starts at £719 for the 32GB model, while the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge starts at £639 for the same storage.

The Pixel XL comes in two colours comprising Quite Black and Very Silver, compared to the S7 edge’s five options that include Gold, Pink Gold and Silver.

Google Pixel XL vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has been one of our favourite devices of 2016. It’s accomplished on so many levels, from the eye-catching design with the benefit of waterproofing, through to the wonderful curves of the display. We still think it is one of the nicest devices to use in the Android space right now.

The Pixel’s appeal comes in its purer Android form. It’s a very Google-y phone, putting your Google services at the heart and offering the very latest features from Android. Google Assistant is an enhancement, there are tweaks you’ll not find anywhere else. You’ll be first on the update list too.

Both devices offer a slick and fast experience so there’s little to choose in terms of performance or quality. Samsung is tempting with a cheaper price, microSD card support and wonderful camera, but come February, it’s likely to be replaced with something better, so the Pixel XL might be the one to choose.

Sky Q smartphone app now available; recordings go fully mobile

Sky has announced a new smartphone app for Android and iOS to accompany its Sky Q multi-platform service. The smartphone app joins the already available tablet app, in letting you access recordings from your box to download for offline viewing, streaming live and on demand TV and browsing Sky’s Top Picks of content recommended for you.

• What is Sky Q, how much does it cost and how can I get it?

Of course, you can only access content that’s part of your subscription, don’t expect to get access to Sky Sports if you just have the entertainment package for example, but the new app is surely going to make many morning commutes or flights much more bearable.

You will a couple of things before you can download recordings to your phone, the first being a Sky Multiscreen subscription. You will also need to make sure you download recordings before you leave the house as you won’t be able to once you’re away from your home network.

When you’re at home and connected to the same network as your main Sky Q box, you can access a My Q area within the app. My Q shows you any shows you started but didn’t finish or the next episode in a series you’re getting stuck in to, you can then schedule a recording or stream it on your phone.

• Sky Q review: The future of multi-room television?
• How to get 4K Ultra HD movies, sport and TV on your Sky Q box

Luke Bradley-Jones, brand director of TV and content products said of the new app: “We know Sky Q customers love the flexibility of watching TV on their terms. The new Sky Q mobile app will give them even more freedom to watch their recordings, access Top Picks, and stream live and On Demand TV when they’re out and about.”

Orbital’s Antares launches cool science experiments to space

NASA and Orbital ATK had to put off Antares’ comeback until the next day due to a glitch, but everything went well the second try. The rocket finally blasted off to space carrying a Cygnus spacecraft with supplies for the ISS, as well as a bunch of cool scientific experiments. One of its science payloads is the Saffire 2, the follow-up to the largest fire experiment conducted outside our planet. Saffire 2 will burn nine samples made of various materials aboard the Cygnus as it makes its way back to Earth. That will allow scientists to compare their flammability in microgravity to their flammability on the ground. The data they collect could help keep future spacefarers safe when they embark on long-duration missions.

Another one will investigate the “cool flames” phenomenon, wherein some fuels burn intensely at first then suddenly appear to go out. In truth, they’re still burning — we just can’t see the flames with the naked eye. By looking closely into cool flames, NASA will be able to create more efficient engines and eco-friendly fuels.

Cygnus is also carrying a new lighting system designed to help astronauts maintain their biological clock and to help them be alert at all times. There’s a Fast Neutron Spectrometer aboard, as well, which will collect data on high-energy neutrons, part of the radiation astronauts’ bodies experience. The spacecraft will reach the ISS on October 23rd and will be coming back in late November, so we’ll have to wait till then to hear about Saffire 2’s results.

Source: NASA

New smart crib aims to relieve frazzled, sleep-deprived parents

Exhausted parents the world over have probably fantasized about a crib that could automatically rock their crying babies to sleep. And Snoo, a new $1,150 smart sleeper, promises to do that. It mimics the sounds of the womb and comes with a swaddle blanket to prevent your baby from rolling over into dangerous positions, which the company says is a big reason more than 3,500 babies a year die in their sleep. To tackle this problem, pediatrician and author of The Happiest Baby, Dr. Harvey Karp, teamed up with MIT engineers and designer Yves Behar to develop what they’re calling the first smart (and, they add, safest) sleeper.

Snoo can tell when your infant is crying thanks to three built-in microphones, which can differentiate between environmental noise and a baby’s wailing. Then, depending on how noisy the baby is, it will play specially-designed white noise that’s either lower-pitched and slower when her crying is softer, or higher-pitched and more persistent when she gets louder. The device will also start shaking to rock your child to sleep.

During my demo, the white noise sounded like heartbeats from an ultrasound machine during a sonogram. The rocking also seemed gentle at first, and as we talked louder near the crib, it grew stronger. Of course, since there wasn’t a live baby there and I can’t fit into the crib, I couldn’t tell how comfortable or effective it would be.

If the problem can’t be solved with mere soothing (think: hunger or a dirty diaper) then Snoo can’t help. It’s only meant for fussy infants who need pacifying, not to replace a caregiver. If the baby relaxes right away, parents won’t have to get out of bed. If the crying persists, it’s easier for parents to pick between getting milk or a fresh diaper.

When it’s time for the baby to go to bed, you can swaddle her in the provided organic onesies (the sheets are organic too). Three are included, one each in three sizes: small, medium and large. The onesies have straps that can be attached to the sides of the crib to prevent your baby from flipping over. Each zips up in front and can be opened from the bottom for easy diaper changes. A mesh panel near the bottom helps prevent overheating.

Swaddling, rocking and white noises are inherently calming actions that soothe not just babies but adults as well. That’s part of the reason we frequently fall asleep in moving vehicles and like wrapping ourselves up like burritos in blankets when we go to bed. I can’t guarantee, from my brief demo, that the Snoo will be effective at putting your fussy baby to sleep, but it at least seems to be based on sound theories. Still, $1,150 is a lot of money for something we can’t guarantee will work. You’d be better off waiting for parenting blogs to test it out before taking the plunge.