Casio debuts fitness hybrid watch, solar-assisted GPS watch for outdoors

At CES 2018, Casio introduced two new types of watches to its extensive collection of timepieces. Known as the GB-800 and GPR-B1000, both devices connect to the G-Shock Connected app to help track different metrics and information.

As part of G-Shock‘s new G-Squad series, Casio debuted the GBA-800 — a hybrid fitness watch that you can still pair with casual looks. It will come in six different models, all of which will be offered in monotone color palettes with analog hands. Using a built-in accelerometer to measure your daily steps and walking or running pace, the amount of steps you’ve taken will be displayed on the watch.

Once you pair your smartphone to the G-Shock Connected app, available for iOS and Android, via Bluetooth, the step tracker will display your steps taken along with calories burned  — both on a map and graph. The app will also graphically display step count and pace into five metabolic equivalent (MET) levels, which is tracked on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Other features on the G-Shock Connected app include dual time display with over 300 cities globally, timers that can be used for interval training, the ability to list recorded stopwatch data, and more. If you ever lose your phone, the Phone Finder function will activate an alarm with the press of a watch button.

Casio also added to G-Shock’s Rangeman “Master of G” series of watches with the unveiling of GPR-B1000. Available in two different models, the watch includes solar-assisted GPS navigation — a first for a G-Shock watch.

For those unfamiliar with Rangeman, the watches are designed to be used in extreme conditions outdoors. Each watch features Triple Sensor to measure atmospheric pressure and altitude, compass bearing, as well as temperature.

The GPR-B1000 collects location data from GPS satellites and in real time, displays your current location on a route and bearing to a destination. By turning on GPS navigation, the watch allows you to automatically record tracks in four-second or one-minute intervals. With a backtracking feature, it also uses track data to  help take you back to where you started.

As for point memory, you can push a button on the watch to save data such as longitude and latitude, altitude, as well as temperature. There’s also the option to set up to 60 point icons in order to indicate the type of point.

When paired with the G-Shock Connected app, the watch will receive data from time servers in order to provide you with the accurate time anywhere in the world. Other in-app features include creating routes, setting start and end points when navigating to a specific destination, along with the ability to save tracks on 2D or 3D maps.

The 2 mm thick ceramic case also supports wireless charging, and makes the watch waterproof down to 200 meters and shock-resistant. With dual wireless and solar charging systems, you’ll be able to use GPS navigation outdoors for about 33 hours when on a wireless charge of about five hours.

If you find the battery is draining, you can continue to use GPS functions after charging the watch in bright light. But that requires four hours of solar charge for one hour of use.

While there’s no confirmed release date and price for G-Shock’s GBA-800 fitness hybrid smartwatch, the GPR-B1000 will be released this April. The watch will cost you $800 and can be purchased at G-Shock stores and select retailers.

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Pioneer gets into the wireless Android Auto game with 2 prototypes

The longtime aftermarket audio giant shows off its first two wireless decks for Android Auto at CES.

Pioneer Electronics at CES 2018 announced that it’s got a couple entries into the new wireless Android Auto world. It’s the same Android Auto we’ve come to know and love, only now without having to plug in. (And that should eliminate one of the major connection headaches enjoyed by many a Pioneer user, especially with the lower end models.)

The new decks are both double-DIN units, as you’d expect give the 7-inch touchscreen, and are AVIC-W8400NEX and AVHW4400NEX. Prices were not disclosed.

While not specifically slaved to the hardware (because software is software), the new units alway will support the upgraded version of Google Assistant on Android Auto, which adds increased functionality on the back end, Google says.

PROTOTYPE PIONEER IN-DASH MULTIMEDIA RECEIVERS SHOWCASE ANDROID AUTO WIRELESS AND GOOGLE ASSISTANT ON ANDROID AUTO

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today debuts two prototype in-dash multimedia receivers, future additions to its popular NEX lineup, the double-DIN 7″ LCD AVIC-W8400NEX and AVH-W4400NEX. Designed to showcase the future of wireless connectivity and smart home integration, Pioneer and a Google Brand Ambassador are teaming up to demonstrate Android Auto Wireless and Google Assistant, now available on Android Auto™ at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018.

“Our future NEX multimedia receivers represent our next major implementation of smartphone connectivity,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Android Auto Wireless provides all the features and functionality of Android Auto with the added convenience and simplicity of a wireless connection. Google Assistant, now on Android Auto, lets drivers keep their hands on the wheel and use voice actions to manage tasks while staying focused on the road.”

Android Auto is a simpler way to use the Android® platform in the car. With larger touch targets, a simplified interface, and easy-to-use voice actions, it’s designed to minimize distraction with driver safety in mind. Android Auto Wireless eliminates the need for users to consciously plug in and connect, providing the additional convenience of simply leaving their phone in their pocket, bag or wherever they carry their Android device.

Google Assistant lets the user have a conversation with Google to get things done in his or her world. Google Assistant works with more than 1,000 smart devices from more than 150 popular brands, making it easy to control things around the user’s house just by voice. Google Assistant meets users where they are, on the phone, at home and now in the car.

In 2015, Pioneer was the first aftermarket manufacturer to integrate Android Auto capability in its in-dash receivers. Pioneer’s integration of Android Auto in both the currently available line-up and future products enhance the feature’s functionality and improves the overall user experience:

• For greater sound quality, each unit comes with a microphone that makes it easier to pick up the commands of the driver or passenger and all answers are pumped out of the car speakers.
• In addition to saying “Hey Google” out loud, users also have the option to access Hey Google three more ways, hitting the hard home key of the unit, tapping on the microphone of the Android Auto user interface, or tapping on the voice assistance via the steering wheel controls.
• Advanced sound reproduction options to enhance listening experience:
• Built-in Auto EQ and Auto Time Alignment provide customized audio adjustments for the driver2
  Multi-band Graphic Equalizer with touch panel swipe setting and built-in high/low pass crossover with expanded adjustable crossover points and slopes
• Advanced Sound Retriever®
• 7-inch LCD touchscreens makes accessing and controlling Android Auto icons simpler, and maps and navigation is easier to view

For more information on Pioneer’s current line of Android Auto capable models please visit http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/NEX.

This $7 toolkit comes with 38 pieces to help repair your gadgets at home

Complete small tech repairs at home!

It’s time to stop living with your broken tech and attempt to repair it on your own. This 38-piece Jackyled Precision Screwdriver Tool Kit comes with nearly all the tools you’ll need to replace your screen, swap out a hard drive, and much more. Right now you can pick one up for just $6.59 when you use the coupon code 4VLEIPT6 during checkout at Amazon, saving you a little over $4 on the purchase.

• 38-IN-1 TOOL KIT: Provide different kinds of screwdriver bits for you, Our bits are made from S2 alloy steel, red color. The magnetic of bits are stronger than traditional bits. No longer worry about the screws falling off when you repair your device.
• PRACTICALLY PRODUCTION: The handle is made from stainless steel, cover with a non-skid rubber material. With rotatable end and anti-slip rubber cover, it helps you repair your device easier. 2x plastic pry open housings without damaging.
• PROFESSIONAL PHONE REPAIR: This kit provides a professional tool for repairing mobile cell phones, PC, watch, and other computer electronic devices.
• POCKET-SIZED CARRY CASE: All the kits are organized in a pocket-sized carry case so that you can take it anywhere you go. It is a plastic one. Lightweight and compact design.
• 1 YEAR WARRANTY: 60 days changing or refunding without reasons. JACKYLED Products are sold and shipped by Jackybrand. If you purchase a product from another seller, please request a refund as it is a counterfeit. JACKYLED is the only Authorized Dealer of Jackybrand products.

Having a toolkit like this around has saved me many times and more than paid for itself after the first use. Whether you are looking to fix something now, or want to have one around for those just in case moments, you won’t want to pass up this deal.

See at Amazon

Sony packs Google Assistant into its new wireless earbuds

Sony’s new truly wireless sports earbuds will have Google Assistant. Eventually.

Google Assistant headphones will be coming thick and fast throughout 2018 it seems and Sony is also jumping aboard with the WF-SP700N truly wireless earbuds.

Sony has thrown a number of “world’s first” buzzwords out there, but the key thing to know is that these have no cables at all, are splash-resistant with an IPX4 rating so you can go outdoors and do exercise things, and have digital noise cancellation.

They’re not the most attractive looking things but Sony says the shape of the earbuds is to fit snugly in your ears, though there is also a choice of four colors to suit your tastes. Pairing should be pretty simple, too, utilizing NFC to instigate your wireless connection.

There’s also a companion app that will let you tweak some of the audio settings, but its the Google Assistant integration that’s interesting us the most. Sony says this will be delivered through an update, so don’t expect it if you’re getting them when they’re first released. But eventually, you’ll have access to it in your ears.

In the U.S. you should be able to pick these up for $180, though they’re not scheduled to go on sale until June.

How to Enable 2-Step Verification in Gmail

Using two-factor verification makes sure that you — and only you — have access to your Google account.

In light of the recent security issues surrounding Meltdown and Spectre, we refreshed this content in January 2018.

Security breaches happen. This one saw 273.3 million email accounts — including Gmail accounts — compromised. This is why we strongly recommend enabling two-step verification (or two-step authentication, as it’s also known) for your Google account.

This process will put a stop to anyone’s efforts to access anything — including Gmail and all other Google services — that uses your Google account credentials when logging in because you need more than a password to verify that you are the account owner.

What is two-step verification?

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. Think in terms of withdrawing cash from an ATM — you must insert your card and enter a personal identification number. In the case of a Google account, with two-step verification enabled, you must enter a password and a code that is sent to your phone by call or text, or through an authenticator app on your phone.

Although it will now require extra steps to access your Google account, two-step verification is invaluable. Using two methods to authenticate who you effectively doubles your account security, and makes sure you’re only able to log in if you have both the right password and a valid authentication token. It is still recommended to change your current Google password if you haven’t already. Without further ado, let’s enable two-step verification.

Use Google’s simple two-step authentication

Google has it’s own very simple two-step verification system. It’s something the company debuted in mid-2017 and the setup is simple — Google will send a verification code to the phone number registered with your account, and once you reply with the code you’re enrolled.

Then, whenever you need to sign into your Google account on a new device you’ll get a notification on your phone. Tap it and you are good to go. it couldn’t be more simple, and it’s easy to switch phones or numbers in your Google account settings via any web browser if you lose your phone or change your number.

If you’d rather use the more traditional way, read on!

How to enable two-step verification in the Google Authenticator app

You can use “traditional” two-factor authentication with your Google account, where you get a code through a message or an authenticator app. Here’s what you need to do.

Launch your web browser from your computer desktop.

Type g.co/2sv into the address bar.

Type in your password.

Click on Sign In.

Click Off under 2-Step Verification.

Click Turn On.

Type in your password.

Click on Sign In.

Click on the flag drop-down menu and select your country.

Type in your phone number.

Select either Text message or Phone call.

Click on Try It. You will receive a text message or phone call containing your code.

Type in the code you received on your phone.

Click on Next.

Click Turn On.

Now you have two-factor verification enabled for your Google account. Next, let’s have a look how to enable the Google Authenticator app on your phone to make things even more secure and convenient.

How to prepare your account for the Google Authenticator app on Android

Click on this link from your computer to get started.

Click on Next

Click on Switch to app.

Click on Android.

Click Continue. You will now see a barcode on your computer screen. Keep this barcode on your screen and continue with the steps below.

Tap the Play Store on the Home screen of your Android phone.
Type in Google Authenticator in the search bar.

Tap the Search button.

Tap the Google Authenticator app. It’s the result by Google Inc.
Tap the Install button.

Tap the Accept button.

Tap the Open button when the download is complete.
Tap on Begin Setup.

Tap on Scan a barcode.

Scan the barcode visible on your computer screen.
Tap on Open browser.

Tap on OK.

Now, instead of getting a text or voice message with a verification code, you will use a unique code in the Google Authenticator app every time you log in to your Google account on any device. This code changes every 30 seconds, and when you use it, it has to match the current code that Google is expecting for that time window. Anyone attempting to access your account who doesn’t have your phone in their hands will not receive the code and will thus be unable to log in. Safety first, everyone!

Conclusion

Even though your Google account might have been spared this time, there is no telling when another hack or leak can occur. Any service that offers two-step verification should be taken advantage of, as it essentially puts a firm stop to unverified access attempts. Stay safe!

Should you buy the Note 8 or wait for Note 9?

There’s always something better right around the corner.

Without a doubt, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 was one of the best large phones to come out in 2017. Samsung absolutely redeemed itself last year following the Note 7 debacle, and with a gorgeous display, excellent S Pen features, and stunning design, the Note 8 is still a joy to use.

However, because of the industry we’re in, there really is always something better coming around the bend. One of our forum users reached out to the community to see if they should upgrade their Note 4 to the Note 8 or hold off for the Note 9 later in the year, and these are some of the top answers:

j_hansen
01-08-2018 04:10 AM

“

I came from note 4 and as much as I loved it, the 8 is just a completely different level of beast, I had planned to keep the 4 as a spare but sold it 2 weeks later as I wasn’t even looking in it’s direction after first day with the 8

Reply

amyf27
01-08-2018 05:27 AM

“

Really depends on your situation. Note 8 is a very, very good device. It isn’t plagued with the issues from the Note 7 days. Note 9- not even out yet. If you’re in no hurry, may as well wait. Or if cost is of any concern, wait a little while and when the Note 9 comes out the Note 8 will be discounted and too save some cash.

Reply

strikeIII
01-08-2018 10:04 AM

“

If you get the N8 it’ll be a huge upgrade over the N4 then when you go for the N9 from the N8 it probably won’t feel that much greater to you. Just a thought. Maybe wait for the N9 just to make it that much more of an experience.

Reply

terobaje
01-08-2018 10:31 AM

“

If you can use your Note 4 for another 8 months then wait for Note 9. If not, get a Note 8.

Reply

How about you – If you were in this situation, would you pick up the Note 8 or wait for the Note 9?

Join the conversation in the forums!

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

• Galaxy Note 8 review
• Complete Galaxy Note 8 specs
• Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy Note 5
• Which Note 8 color is best?
• Join our Galaxy Note 8 forums

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The Morning After: Tuesday, January 9th 2018

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

Now that the big press conferences are over, the CES show floor will open today. Before we dive into the mess of gadgets and people, however, you should check out these highlights. (And, get ready for the live stream from Engadget’s CES 2018 stage starting at 1 PM ET.)

Dude, where’s my spy satellite?Top-secret Zuma payload believed lost

On Sunday, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket with a top-secret US Government payload aboard. While we still don’t know exactly what the Zuma mission was supposed to do, the Wall Street Journal reports that its payload didn’t separate from the rocket’s second stage and tumbled back to Earth. Oops?

Look at those cute OLED eyes.Sony Aibo 2018: old robot dog, new tricks

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but Aibo won’t be yours unless you give it some love — no matter how much you paid for it.

A billionaire, a developer and a pro wrestler walk into a keynote.Microsoft’s Xbox was the last great CES reveal

The original Xbox was a perfect microcosm of the CES of yore: A massively ambitious piece of tech, but no one knew how it would work or fit into their lives. Here’s the story of its unveiling at CES in 2001.

Wait, what?ASUS can turn three screens into one seamless gaming display

The most interesting accessory ASUS brought to CES this year isn’t high-tech at all. In fact, the ROG Bezel-free Kit doesn’t even require power or software to operate.

You have to see it to believe it.LG Display’s magic rollable OLED TV

Yep, it’s still a prototype, but LG Display explained that this particular tech demo is closer to real consumer devices than its 88-inch 8K OLED.

Great expectations.LG’s 2018 4K TVs include AI and smarter HDR

The flagship OLED lines (the Signature-badged W8 and more-conventional E8) and the LCD-based SK9500 have designs that are largely familiar to their predecessors but carry some significant upgrades under the hood.

Xtreme.Netgear’s new Nighthawk router is built for pro gamers

The Pro Gaming Router guarantees a local connection thanks to geo filtering and lets you create preferred server lists, while the Dual-Core 1.7GHz processor supports multiple devices for better 4K streaming.

But wait, there’s more…

• Oculus taps Xiaomi to make its first standalone VR headset
• Watch the best of Samsung’s CES 2018 press conference in 12 minutes
• GoPro is out of the drone business and reportedly up for sale
• Senate bill to undo the net neutrality repeal will get a vote
• Our first look at Samsung’s massive 146-inch 4K MicroLED TV
• HTC has a new high-res Vive Pro VR headset
• Apple updates macOS and iOS to address Spectre vulnerability
• Hisense shows a 150-inch 4K Laser TV projector

The Morning After is a new daily newsletter from Engadget designed to help you fight off FOMO. Who knows what you’ll miss if you don’t Subscribe.

Craving even more? Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter.

Have a suggestion on how we can improve The Morning After? Send us a note.

Qualcomm is making Cortana smart speakers easier to build

Alexa and Google Assistant are appearing on what seems like every single gadget at CES 2018, but Cortana’s absence from the party has made it the butt of jokes. Luckily, Qualcomm has announced that it’s Smart Audio Platform, which includes microphone, speaker and voice recognition tech, now supports Cortana. That will make it a lot easier for smart speaker manufacturers to build devices around the neglected bot, instead of Google and Amazon’s more popular platforms.

Microsoft’s Cortana has recently landed on Harmon Kardon’s Invoke speakers (below) and its own Cortana thermostat. Apart from those wins, however, it’s getting badly beaten in its race with Amazon and Google to get voice AI onto gadgets.

The company even made an unusual pact with Amazon to develop tech that would allow Cortana and Alexa to work together by the end of 2017, but that date has come and gone with no word on progress. At the same time, Alexa just stole some (more) of Microsoft’s CES 2018 thunder by unveiling a separate Windows 10 Alexa app that will appear on devices from HP, ASUS, Acer and other companies.

Unlike its rivals, Microsoft has not offered users compelling reasons to use Cortana. At one point, the bot offered song recognition tech, but that ended when the Zune music service died. And its efforts to get Cortana to its bread-and-butter business clients also took a hit when it dropped a Dynamics 365 integration project.

As with its failed mobile platform, Microsoft’s problems also stem in part from its inability to attract third-party developers to Cortana. For instance, while Cortana has just a few hundred skills, Alexa boasts around 25,000, as Mary Jo Foley recently pointed out.

Qualcomm’s Cortona announcement is good news for Microsoft, but it’ll be tough for it to convince hardware OEMs to choose Cortana over Alexa or Google Assistant — Harmon Kardon’s Invoke is a great-sounding speaker, for instance, but Cortana is its weak point. Microsoft started the voice assistant race around the same time as its rivals, but it may already be too late to catch up.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.

3M’s HVAC air filter tells you when it needs replacing

As people get more concerned about the air that they’re breathing, so the case for buying a smart air purifier becomes more pressing. That’s what has prompted 3M to build the Filtrete Bluetooth-enabled residential air filter that can let you know when it’s time for a change. The idea being that the filter itself can alert you — via an app for your smartphone — when it’s time to run to the store and buy a $30-ish replacement.

The filter itself is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but with a wee bump nestled on the front, which houses the Bluetooth radio and sensors. The system doesn’t just act as a prompt for spending more money, and can also offer up real-time data on the air that you’re breathing. At least, that’s something you can do so long as you spend more cash on a compatible air quality monitor, although that’s likely to come with its own app. The platform can also offer up helpful hints on how better to improve your indoor air quality and life.

The EPA recommends that you change your air filter once a month, but 3M’s data suggests that most folks string theirs out for up to three months at a time. But that doesn’t take into account the variable air quality that’ll be different in every home and location, or your particular usage pattern. By using a machine that can alert you when your filter begins to degrade, you might wind up avoiding the problems inherent with breathing dirty air.

The 3M Filtrete Smart Air Filter will be available for purchase in the Spring for a price that has yet — as with so many things at CES — to be determined.

Nicole Lee contributed to this report.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.

Kingston’s 7-in-1 USB-C hub saves your MacBook from the dongle life

As sleek and powerful as Apple’s latest MacBooks are, one of their shortcomings is the lack of ports and slots, like an SD card reader. And while that’s easily fixable with a dongle, things can get tricky if you simultaneously want to charge your computer or pair it to your TV with an HDMI cable. With that in mind, Kingston today launched its 7-in-1 USB Type-C hub, the Nucleum, which aims to save you from having to live the #donglelife. The device has two USB-C ports (one for power, the other for data), HDMI, a couple USB-As, as well as SD and microSD card slots.

Naturally, since the product is being geared toward newer MacBook owners, it sports a silver finish that’ll match your Apple laptop. It’ll definitely come in handy to many people, so if you’re one of those, you can get it now from Kingston’s site for $80.

Jessica Conditt contributed to this report.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.