Google reportedly shipped 3.9 million Pixel phones in 2017

Google saw a lot of device shipments in 2017, but it still has plenty of room to grow.

Display controversies aside, Google’s second attempt at making smartphones with the Pixel 2 was mostly successful. The smaller Pixel 2 is still one of the best Android phones you can buy, and thanks to the many improvements Google made to its hardware department from 2016 to 2017, it also saw a nice uptick in sales.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai previously said during the company’s latest earnings call that device shipments more than doubled year-over-year, and now according to IDC Research Director Francisco Jeronimo, we know that the exact number of shipments was around 3.9 million.

While that’s technically double the phones Google shipped in 2016, there’s a fairly important caveat to take note of. Google started selling the first-gen Pixel in October of 2016, meaning that it only had about 3 months of 2016 to sell the phone. That 3.9 million number accounts for all of 2017, meaning that sales were taken from both the Pixel and Pixel 2 over the course of 12 months.

Either way, it’s still encouraging to see Google’s hardware division expanding the way it is. Jeronimo notes that Pixel phones still only account for “a tiny portion of the smartphone market”, and while that may be true, it’s evident that Google is slowly on its way to become a real contender in this space.

What are your thoughts on this number? Do you think 3.9 million shipments is a good milestone for Google’s second year as a hardware company, or were you expecting more? Leave your thoughts in those comments below.

Only 88,000 units of the Essential Phone were sold in 2017

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

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• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
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• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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Stories are now part of Google Search because you can’t escape them

Welcome to the future of mobile storytelling.

Ever since Snapchat first introduced its Stories feature in late 2013, we’ve seen countless companies try and mimic the same formula with their own services. Following in the footsteps of Instagram, Facebook, and more, Google is the latest company to dip its toes in these waters.

Before you grab your torches and pitchforks, this doesn’t mean that Google is trying to launch its own social network where you share stories of yourself. Instead, Google’s AMP Stories is being created specifically for content publishers like CNN, The Washington Post, and others so they can share news and articles in a style that’s more interactive and mobile-friendly.

As the name of AMP Stories suggests, the technology is based on Google’s AMP platform that’s dedicated to making your mobile web-browsing experience as fast as possible. AMP Stories can be linked to main websites for these publishers, and they’ll slowly start to show up in your Google Search results along with traditional URLs.

Anyone can start creating AMP Stories for their website today, and right now you can view a variety of different ones from CNN, Mic, Cosmopolitan, and others. AMP Stories are currently only viewable on smartphones, but Google wants to expand them to desktops and laptops in the near future.

The Stories format is one that’s picked up a lot of steam over the past couple years, and it’ll be immensely interesting to see how people take to them showing up in their online searches. I personally enjoy watching them from time to time, but Google’s going to need to walk a fine line with their promotion to ensure that they’re visible without overtaking regular search results.

Are you excited for the launch of Stories within Google Search?

Stories are coming to YouTube as part of expanded Community feature

Grab yourself a comfy new Casper mattress for as little as $476 today only

The clock is ticking.

If you’ve been thinking about seeing what all the hype around the Casper mattress is but wanted to save a few bucks on the purchase, today’s the day to buy one. Amazon currently has all the sizes of this bed in a box at 20% off, dropping prices to as low as $476. Each mattress comes with a 100-night risk-free trial so you can break it in a bit and see how you like it.

• Twin Mattress – $476 (Was $595)
• Twin XL Mattress – $516 (Was $645)
• Full Mattress – $716 (Was $895)
• Queen Mattress – $796 (Was $995)
• King Mattress – $956 (Was $1,195)
• California King Mattress – $956 (Was $1,195)

Keep in mind that these prices are only good for today, February 13, so don’t wait too long to make your purchase. You’ll want to give your mattress 72 hours to fully expand and for any potential odors to dissipate.

Amazon has Sony’s DualShock 4 PlayStation controller on sale for $36

Replace your worn-down controller with a fresh new one at a discount.

The Sony DualShock 4 PlayStation controller is currently on sale at Amazon for only $36 while supplies last. Though it has a retail price of $60, this controller more regularly can be found between $45 and $50 depending on where you look. With that in mind, this sale saves you at least around $10. Today’s offer is one we don’t see very often – especially at Amazon – so grab it while you can.

The DualShock 4 controller features a stereo headset jack, motion sensors, a built-in speaker, a multi-touch clickpad and more.

See at Amazon

Samsung’s former head of Bixby has reportedly moved to Google

Rhee is said to be working on IoT projects at Google.

In late December, Samsung’s newly appointed CTO Rhee In-jong announced that he was leaving the company due to family matters he needed to tend to. Now, according to a report from ZDNet, Rhee’s accepted a new position at Google as an entrepreneur-in-residence.

What exactly Rhee will be working on at Google is unclear. It’s said that he’ll focus on Internet of Things projects, but aside from that, we don’t know much else. Entrepreneur-in-residence spots are usually temporary within companies, so while Rhee could just be calling Google his home for a short period of time, we could also see him move up to a more permanent spot later on down the road.

Along with Rhee’s short-lived time as Samsung’s CTO, highlights for his career include serving as the head of Bixby development and having deep involvement with the likes of Samsung Knox and Samsung Pay.

Rhee first started working at Samsung in 2011 and didn’t leave until six years later in late 2017. We aren’t sure if he’ll spend as much time at Google, but either way, it’ll be interesting to see where Rhee goes from here.

Samsung’s CTO and former Bixby head has left the company

Best Cases for Moto X4 in 2018

Own a Moto X4? These are the cases that deserve your dollars.

The Moto X4 is a big departure from past Moto X devices, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad phone. In fact, it’s one of the best mid-range Android handsets on the market right now.

It’s the first entry in the Moto X series to feature a glass back, and while it looks downright gorgeous, this also makes the X4 rather fragile and easy to break. To ensure that doesn’t happen and your phone continue to look as good as can be, these are the cases we recommend checking out.

• Lenovo Touch Flip Cover
• Dretal Full-Body Protective
• Spigen Liquid Crystal
• Mustaner Dual Layer
• Encased Slim Fit Holster Shell Combo
• Anccer Colorful Series
• KuGi Flexible Soft TPU
• KwMobile Wallet
• Cimo Heavy Duty

Lenovo Touch Flip Cover

There aren’t a ton of first-party cases for the Moto X4, but one of our favorites is the Lenovo Touch Flip Cover. The case snaps onto your phone with a durable material that promises to keep you protected from any unwanted bumps or scratches, and when the case is folded up, you’ve got rock-solid protection on the front and back.

The front easily opens so you can use your Moto X4 like normal, but even when the case is closed, you can still interact with the display to see and accept/reject incoming calls thanks to the transparent design. It’s the most expensive case on this list at nearly $15, but it’s well worth it.

See at Amazon

Dretal Full-Body Protective

If you prefer something more traditional, cheaper, and with increased protection, Dretal’s Full-Body Protective case is certainly worth a look. The carbon fiber and anti-stretch TPU rubber design encase the Moto X4 is a durable shell, and the multi-texture design on the back adds a nice bit of flair.

There are a multitude of colors to choose from, including Navy, Black, Gray, Red, and Mint, and all of Dretal’s products come with a generous 30-day warranty. For under $8, it’s hard to complain about this one.

See at Amazon

Spigen Liquid Crystal

While the colors of Dretal’s case look great, you might be inclined to show off the reflective glass back of the Moto X4. We certainly don’t blame you, and if that’s the case (get it 😂), Spigen’s got your back.

The Spigen Liquid Crystal is a clear case for the Moto X4, and it does an excellent job of showing the sleek look of the X4’s back. The case is made out of a durable and anti-slip TPU material, and in addition to keeping your phone nice and safe, it still manages to remain light as a feather.

Spigen uses a dot pattern for its case, and unlike a lot of cheaper clear options, this helps to drastically cut down on the smudges it picks up. For just under $13, this isn’t a bad choice at all.

See at Amazon

Mustaner Dual Layer

For users that are rough on their phones and treat them like they would any other tool in their toolbox, Mustaner’s case is the one we’d recommend getting. This isn’t as slim or fashion-forward as some of the other options on this list, but what it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for with awesome protection.

Mustaner’s case features a two-layer design – including a soft TPU base layer and hard shell frame that goes on top of it. This combo allows for maximum safety no matter what happens to your Moto X4, and the built-in kickstand on the back is a really nice touch.

You’ve got six different colors to choose from, and all of this comes in at under $8 before using a free 5% off coupon.

See at Amazon

Encased Slim Fit Holster Shell Combo

There’s a lot of functionality packed into the Mustaner case, but if you want your case to do even more for just a couple extra dollars, look no further than what Encased has to offer.

This case is made out of a reinforced polycarbonate frame, and as expected, offers ample protection against any accidental spills. You’ll find a subtle texture on the back for increased grip, and along with a kickstand that can prop up your phone vertically or horizontally, Encased also includes a holster that your Moto X4 can slide into so you can easily attach it to your belt. For less than $12, that’s a steal.

See at Amazon

Anccer Colorful Series

The above two cases are great for buyers that prefer function over form, but if like things the other way around, one of your best bets lies with the Anccer Colorful Series. This is the thinnest case on the list measuring in at just 0.3mm, but even with the thing design, Anccer’s case still manages to protect against, drops, bumps, and shocks.

Available colors include Black, Blue, Red, Rose Gold, Gold, and Silver, and these are available in either gravel or smooth finishes. This is a great case for adding some color to the Moto X4 while protecting it at the same time, and you can do so for about $11.

See at Amazon

KuGi Flexible Soft TPU

What’s a person to do if you want a case that looks awesome while still offering as much protection as can be? What you do is pick up the KuGi Flexible Soft TPU case. The TPU material that’s present here does a fantastic job at housing your X4 in a secure home from just about any element imagineable.

Non-slip sides allow you to always have a confident hold on your device, bumper guards protect against unwanted shock during a drop, and the faux-leather material on the back looks and feels like a million bucks.

KuGi sells its case in Navy, Black, and Gray, and you’ll pay just under $8 before applying an extra 8% off.

See at Amazon

KwMobile Wallet

There’s no denying the usefulness of a wallet case, and one of the best ones you can get for the Moto X4 is KwMobile’s option.

Available in Black, Black/Brown, and Grey/Black, the fabric design of the case is great for both looking and touch, and the plastic shell the X4 sits in offers ample protection against any mishaps. The front of the case is held together by magnets, and you have access to a three-card compartment for carrying around your most important plastic.

See at Amazon

Cimo Heavy Duty

Last but not least, the Cimo Heavy Duty case is another great choice for customers that want great protection and looks at the same time.

Cimo uses a lightweight design here, and this allows your Moto X4 to stay safe and secure without adding much bulk. The two-layer design offers more than enough protection against most all drops, raised bezels help to protect the X4’s screen, and the grippy back is something we always love to see.

You’ll pay just under $8 for this case, and it comes in Armour Black, Gray, Purple, and Red color options.

See at Amazon

What one do you choose?

Which of the above cases meets your fancy? Let us know down in the comments below and if there’s another awesome pick we may have missed.

Moto X4 review: A mid-range phone done right

ASUS puts discrete graphics inside its ultra-thin ZenBook

ASUS showed off its ridiculously thin and light ZenBook 13 at CES earlier this year, but the model was missing a key component: a dedicated GPU. Now, though, the new ZenBook 13 UX331 offers the whole shebang at just 0.47-0.55 inches thick and weighing in at just 2.47lbs, with a discrete graphics card on board and a 13.3″ FHD touchscreen display.

The visual grunt work comes courtesy of an Nvidia GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5 GPU, and will provide extra performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks and certainly a boost over the Intel UHD cards found in ultrabook counterparts. ASUS says it’s the world’s thinnest laptop with a discrete GPU, and it’ll no doubt play a role in bumping the brand’s sales of gaming machines, which Asus expects to increase by 33 percent this year.

The machine also features two USB 3.0 ports, a micro SD card reader, headphone-out, audio-in jack, dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a 50Wh lithium polymer battery that boasts up to 14 hours of runtime. You’ll get 60 percent charged in just 49 minutes, too, but then again you’d expect a quick charge time for such a lightweight machine. It’s on sale now for $1,000.

Source: Tom’s Hardware

Panasonic’s GX9 packs 4K video and more into a tinier body

Panasonic’s Lumix GX8 flagship compact was already a pretty innovative camera back in 2015 with 4K video, stabilization and a relatively high resolution 20.3-megapixel sensor. The next generation Lumix GX9 builds on that tech, but lowers the price and fits it into a new body borrowed from the GX85. That’s a good thing — the GX85 is a nice-looking, very compact camera with physical dials, and the GX9 brings its bigger sensor, tiltable electronic viewfinder (EVF) and other nice perks.

As you’d expect from one of Panasonic’s top Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, the GX9 has pretty high-end specs. That includes a 20.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, powered by the latest Venus Engine. It’s the same resolution as before, but sans the GX8’s low-pass filter — identical to the one on the flagship GH5, it seems. The contrast AF “depth from defocus” system has face and eye detection and can focus in .07 seconds, Panasonic says. The camera now has a electromagnetic, rather than a mechanical shutter, which reduces vibrations by up to 90 percent.

The GX9 has a new wide screen 16:9 electronic viewfinder (which Panasonic calls a “live view finder,”) with 2,760 dot resolution, 90-degree tilt-up angle and 100 percent field of view. The rear LCD can be tilted, but unfortunately for vloggers or tourists who need a full self-portrait mode, it no longer flips out like it did before. You get 5-axis in-body stabilization, compared to 4-axis on the GX8, which can be paired with lens stabilization to reduce shake on telephoto shots. The GX9 also includes a built-in flash, unlike the last model.

Video is Panasonic’s strong point, and you can capture UltraHD 4K video at 30p or 24p, and 60fps 1,920 x 1,080, all with full time AF. Again, that’s identical to the GX8, but Panasonic has augmented its so-called 4K Photo options, making it easier to grab 8-megapixel equivalent photos. That’s thanks to a new “auto marking” function that will automatically find unique shots, and a “post focus” mode that uses the 4K mode to let you change the focus of shots even after you take them.

Finally, Panasonic has introduced an L.Monochrome D mode that will yield black and white images with better dynamic range and more control of grain (noise). The Panasonic GX9 will arrive in mid-March in black or silver with the kit 12-60 f/3.5-5.6 kit lens for $1,000 — a good $200 less than the GX8 with a body only.

Panasonic’s ZS200 compact camera doubles down on zoom

Along with the all-new GX9, Panasonic launched the ZS200 compact superzoom, a successor to the excellent ZS100. The new model hasn’t massively changed, as it still offers a 1-inch, 20.1 megapixel sensor, 5-axis stabilization, 4K, 30 fps video and more. However, there’s enough new stuff there to make it interesting. Mainly, the Leica-built zoom lens has an increased range of 24-360x, compared to 25-250x (35mm equivalent) for the last model, albeit at a loss in aperture speed from f/2.8-5.9 to f/3.3-6.4.

Panasonic says the new lens offers “minimal distortion and flare,” but we’ll have to see if it’s sharper than its predecessor at longer zoom lengths. It also offers a nice 3cm macro capability, all of which should make it a more useful for its intended tourist and casual shooter market. The higher minimum f/stop is unfortunate, but the ZS200 has pretty decent light sensitivity for camera with a 1-inch sensor. In particularly dim situations, you can also use the built-in flash.

The ZS200 has a new 2,330K-dot EVF and updated 4K Photo mode that makes it easier to find interesting shots and do post focus and other effects. It also gains an L.Monochrome mode for more artistic black and white shots. Features carried over from the last model include a 20.1-megapixel sensor and Venus Engine with 0.1-second contrast-detect autofocus, 4K, 30fps video, and wireless transfers via WiFi or Bluetooth 4.2. The Lumix ZS200 will hit stores on March 20th in black or silver for a suggested retail price of $800.

RED teaming with Foxconn on smaller, cheaper 8K cameras

Foxconn plans to build smaller, cheaper 8K cameras in collaboration with cinema company RED, Nikkei reports. “We will make cameras that will shoot professional-quality films in 8K resolution but at only a third of current prices and a third of current camera sizes,” CEO Terry Gou told reporters. RED currently has several 8K models, including the 3.35 pound, $30,000 Epic-W 8K (above). That means Foxconn could conceivably produce an 8K camera that costs around $10,000 and weights just over a pound — less than many DSLRs.

The news is part of a broader Foxconn effort to branch out from smartphones, a market it says has become stagnant. Foxconn currently relies on Apple for around 50 percent of its sales, manufacturing iPhones, MacBooks and other products.

The company recently purchased Sharp, and plans to drastically ramp up its production of displays, having recently announced a $10 billion investment in the US. “Not only displays, Sharp controls important chip technologies for various image sensors that go into digital cameras and televisions. We will definitely make good use of them and make more of them,” Gou explained. “And we will make these [chips] much more cheaply. That’s our important goal and project for this year.”

The company is also going into the cloud business in a big way with a new subsidiary, FII, likely because of new laws forcing foreign companies to host Chinese user data locally. According to a prospectus, it’s key clients already include Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Dell, HP and Lenovo.

RED’s cinema cameras, including the Weapon Montro 8K VV (VistaVision) and Epic W, have been used on films like Guardians of the Galaxy, The Hobbit, Transformers and House of Cards. The company has always touted its US manufacturing, so it seems out of character for it to manufacture in China. However, it recently branched into smartphones with the Hydrogen, set to arrive this summer, and it’s unclear whether that device will be built locally.

There isn’t yet a huge market for 8K, which has so far only been used for cinema, but wider adoption for television and other mediums is coming for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. RED would probably target a different market and have a reduced feature set if it did build a cheaper 8K cameras, so as to not cannibalize its high-end products and alienate current customers. The company hasn’t commented on Nikkei’s report, but Engadget has reached out for more details.

Source: Nikkei