Leaked Google Pixel phones might look familiar
In just a couple of weeks, we could have our first official look at Google’s renamed flagship phones, so brace yourself for leaks and unofficial revelations. Take for instance, these images posted by Android Police. They apparently show the Pixel and the Pixel XL, and they do look like the computer render of the phone that leaked earlier, as well as the device Nest used in a new commercial.
If legit, then the big G’s latest devices resemble the phones its staunchest rival is known for. Before anyone starts hurling copycat accusations, though, take note that HTC developed the Pixels, and the Taiwanese manufacturer has been using a similar design for its previous models. When it comes to Apple and HTC, there’s been a lot of discussion about who copied whom over the years.
In the photo of the phones’ backside above, you can see a fingerprint sensor in the middle of the shinier, glass-like section. You can also see a snapshot of the phones’ screens with their thick bezels below. As always, take these leaked images with a grain of salt — you’ll only have to wait a bit more before the actual reveal anyway.
[Image credit: Anonymous Alligator/Android Police]
Via: Droid Life
Source: Android Police
Google’s likely Pixel phone event is happening October 4th
Hot on the heels of rumors and whispers aplenty, Google is sending out invites to an October 4th event that’s expected to reveal, in full, new flagship Android phones, likely tagged with its Pixel branding. We’re sure the company has more than a new phone or two. Unfortunately those aforementioned rumors also suggest they may not be as handily priced as their Nexus forefathers. We’ll be there to tell you all the important stuff. That said, the teaser video (below) doesn’t show us much of anything. Maybe it’s a new vertical search box? Be still, my beating heart.
Google’s next phones may be much more expensive
For years, Google’s reference Android smartphones have been relative bargains. Even the $649 Nexus 6 was a steal considering its then cutting-edge screen. You might have to get used to shelling out much more going forward, though. A reportedly trustworthy Android Police source claims that Google’s HTC-made 2016 phones (currently known as the Pixel and Pixel XL) will start at $649. That’s the typical manufacturer price for a mainstream device like the iPhone 7 or Galaxy S7, and well above the $499 it took to buy the Nexus 6P when it was new. The Pixel XL would almost certainly cost more, too.
Supposedly, Google is counting on financing options to soften the blow. And while Verizon will purportedly be the only US carrier selling the Pixels in stores, you’d still get to buy them online from Google.
It’s not clear what’s prompting the price hike, provided it’s real. High-end specs by themselves don’t dictate prices at Google. However, CEO Sundar Pichai previously hinted that future Google phones would be more “opinionated,” carrying distinctive software features that help them stand out. In that light, the Pixel line may represent a change in focus. Instead of focusing on developers and early adopters, as with the Nexus line, Google could directly compete with high-end Android manufacturers that already offer unique takes on Android. That’s something of a gamble — does the Google name command that much of a premium? You might not have long to wait for the truth, however, when rumors have the Pixel range launching on October 4th.
Source: Android Police
Samsung shows how to identify safe Galaxy Note 7 models
Samsung has already hinted that there will be easy ways to determine whether or not the Galaxy Note 7 you have in your hand has a safe battery, but it’s not leaving anything to chance. The company has posted a guide that shows you exactly what to look for if you’re worried that someone gave you a dud. That green battery icon Samsung mentioned before? It’ll be everywhere, whether it’s in the status bar, the always-on display mode or the power-off screen. You can also look for a square symbol on the box label. These visual cues will likely be unnecessary before long, but it’s good to have them in case someone tries to sell you one of the fire-prone models.
Via: Gizmodo
Source: Samsung Newsroom
Google Photos intros smart themed movies and faster sharing
Google Photos already makes movies using your photos, but they don’t really have that personal touch. Where’s that Facebook-style ability to automatically create videos around major life events? Relax, it’s here: Google is trotting out a Photos update that introduces smart themed movies. The service now digs through your whole photo collection and creates clips based around concepts, such as your children growing up. In that case, it’ll find high-quality photos of your young ones (no blurry shots, thankfully) and stitch them together to show their progress over the years. Only a few concepts will pop up this week, such as a summer retrospective and a concept for formal events, but there are more “coming soon.”
On top of that, it’s now much quicker to share photos and videos with friends. There’s a new in-app share sheet on Android and iOS that focuses on people, rather than third-party apps. You just choose the photos, choose the recipients and fire away. Google Photos users will get a notification, while email and SMS users will get a web link. Frankly, that’s how it should be — you probably care more about who gets that album than where you’re sending it from.
Via: The Verge
Source: Google Official Blog
Twitter removes character limit for photos, videos and quotes
Right on schedule, Twitter’s long-anticipated announcement goes live today: photos, videos, GIFs, polls and quoted tweets will no longer count towards the 140-character limit. The company is also testing out some new changes to the way @-replies function on the service.
While the feature is still rolling out to all users today, users might notice that when replying to a tweet, the @names at the beginning of will no longer affect the number of characters remaining. Replies will also be seen by all of your followers, not just the ones who follow both accounts, which means a death of the “.@” reply convention. (But it’s still unclear for now whether you’ll be able to keep adding on usernames until you eventually build a never-ending Twitter canoe.)
If you’re tweeting through one of Twitter’s official apps, the usernames you are replying to will appear in the heading of the your compose window instead of being listed in the body of your Tweet. So, if you’re using an outdated app, Twitter says tweets might look a little weird or cut off for awhile. Finally, there’s no word yet on that rumored feature allowing users to attach longer text blocks or, you know, more useful anti-troll tools.
Say more about what’s happening! Rolling out now: photos, videos, GIFs, polls, and Quote Tweets no longer count toward your 140 characters. pic.twitter.com/I9pUC0NdZC
— Twitter (@twitter) September 19, 2016
Source: Twitter, Twitter Blog
Google Trips is a pocket-sized vacation guide
If you’ve ever visited a foreign country and realized that you’re not quite sure what to do after hitting all the major tourist attractions, the new Google Trips app might be the digital tour guide you’re looking for. The new app for iOS and Android helps build itineraries around the places you already want to see to help travelers get the most out of their vacation.
In addition to building a game plan for your time away, the app gathers all the information about your vacation — including flights and hotels from your Gmail account — and automatically places them into the trip. That itinerary is then downloadable and available offline in case you’re unable to track down WiFi or don’t an international data plan.
Google says its new app has information available for the top 200 cities around the world. So there’s a good chance if you’re headed out on vacation, Google Trips will have some ideas on what you can do when you get there.
UK government to double fines and points for texting drivers
In a bid to reduce the number of texting-related incidents on British roads, the UK government is set to double fines and points awards for those caught using their mobile at the wheel. The Department for Transport’s new rules, which will be introduced in the first half of 2017, will impose a six point penalty with a £200 charge, which may require newly-passed drivers to retake their test.
Experienced drivers will also see tougher penalties if they’re charged more than once. If found texting at the wheel for a second time, they’ll have to go to court and may be given up to a £1,000 and a driving ban of at least six months.
App makers are starting to warn users against using mobile phones while driving. Niantic, makers of the hit game Pokémon Go, were forced to implement new checks that warn drivers about playing while behind the wheel, after numerous reports of players crashing while trying to catch the cartoon creatures.
“As technology develops, mobile phones are common place, but we need to take responsibility for our actions and as drink or drug driving has become socially unacceptable, so must using mobile phones at the wheel,” says Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who will formally confirm the plans in the coming weeks.
“It may seem harmless when you are replying to a text, answering a call or using an app, but the truth is your actions could kill and cause untold misery to others.”
Via: BBC News
Engadget UK giveaway: Win an iPhone 7 courtesy of Mobilefun.co.uk
It’s that time of year again. Do you upgrade to a new iPhone or hold out for next year’s models? Or, do you just let us make that decision for you? Thanks to our friends at Mobilefun.co.uk, we’ve got a silver iPhone 7 (32GB) to give away this week, complete with one of the accessory specialist’s cases “for life.” Even if you don’t win, you can take advantage of this promotion and get a free, clear shell for your 7 or 7 Plus by signing up to the retailer’s newsletter. Once you’ve received your cover, you can always unsubscribe if you’re not interested in the tips and offers, and you’ll still be able to claim another free iPhone case every time you upgrade (hence the “for life” clarifier). As always, you can enter the competition up to three times via the widget below — after you’ve read the rules, that is.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the UK, 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive one (1) iPhone 7 and case for life.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email or Facebook login. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Apple, Mobilefun.co.uk and Engadget / AOL are not held liable to honour warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until September 23rd at 11:59PM BST. Good luck!
Source: Mobilefun.co.uk
Samsung begins replacing Galaxy Note 7 handsets in the UK
Although Samsung acted quickly to stop the bulk of Galaxy Note 7s making their way to consumers before its recall in the UK, units were delivered before the official launch. Now that it’s had to time to prepare, the company today kicked off its Galaxy Note 7 Exchange Programme, allowing those affected to swap their defective unit for a brand new one.
Samsung says that after a thorough inspection, it’s confident that the battery issue, which caused some units to explode when on charge, has been “completely resolved” in the new stock arriving in the UK this week. The new devices have been updated to show a new “green” battery icon, which replaces the older white icon to signify that it’s not affected by the same power issues.
“Our absolute priority is the safety of our customers – that’s why we are asking all Galaxy Note 7 customers to act now and exchange today. We would like to apologise to our Note 7 customers for not meeting the standard of product excellence that they have come to expect from Samsung and we sincerely thank them for their understanding and patience,” says Mobile VP Conor Pierce. “We are confident that by exchanging their existing device for a new Note 7, customers can expect to enjoy a smartphone experience of the very highest quality.”
By now, UK providers and operators should have contacted owners to arrange an exchange. Samsung’s customer support team is also handling replacements and can be contacted on 0330 7261000.
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