Rumor states Google will not release the second-gen Pixel XL this year

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 13, 2017       

There's no denying the fact that Google has already started working on next generation Pixel Smartphones. Already there are couple of leaks speculating the codenames of the phones- walleye, muskie, and taimen.


According to the latest reports, Google will not release the 2017 Pixel XL (Pixel XL 2) codenamed muskie, which was leaked last week with 5.6-inch display, 18:9 aspect ratio, and Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM and 128GB Internal Storage.

The reports also claims that Google plans to release only two Smartphones i.e. "walleye", the successor of the Standard Google Pixel and "taimen", the beast Pixel Smartphone with a larger display.

Rick Osterloh (Google's head of hardware) has already confirmed that the second-generation Google Pixel(s) will be released this year and will stay premium.

Via: AndroidPolice

Google Pixel XL 2 Leaks: 5.6-inch Display with 18:9 aspect ratio and more!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 09, 2017       

Alright Guys! There's no denying the fact that Google has already started working on next generation Pixel Smartphones. Already there are couple of leaks speculating the codenames of the phones- walleye, muskie, and taimen.

As spotted by Roland Quandt of Winfuture, the 2017 Google Pixel XL under codename muskie has appeared in the GFXBench revealing most of the specification of the Smartphone.


Starting with the display, the Pixel XL 2 will feature a 5.6" 2560 x 1312 Screen resolution. The device could join the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6 with an unusual 18:9 aspect ratio. The leak also reveals that the device will be powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM and 128GB Internal Storage.

As far as the camera is concerned, the Pixel XL 2 will feature a 12MP Rear Camera, we don't have any info whether the camera is a Dual or Single. There's going to be a 8MP front-facing shooter and It will support 4K Video recording as well. The Google Pixel 2 is expected to come with a much improved camera hardware with the key focus on enhancing the low-light photography. 

The device will feature almost all the sensors except altimeter (altitude meter) and heart rate sensor. You will find the latest bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and Android 7.1.1 or Android 8.0 (if released) out of the box. Speculations are also such that the Pixel 2 is reported to ditch the 3.5mm audio jack. All said, we now have the upcoming Pixel XL phone specs confirmed. 

Thoughts?

Via: Winfuture | Source: GFXBench

Android O Developer Preview 3 now Available for Pixel and Nexus Phones

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 09, 2017       

The Android O Developer Preview 3 Factory Images are now available for the Nexus and Pixel Smartphones. For those not in the Android Beta Program, have to flash the firmware manually.

The new Android O Developer preview 3 has build OPP3.170518.006 for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, and Nexus Player. You can download the Factory Images from the link below.

Android O Preview 3 Images | Release Notes

Google now lists expiry dates for Nexus and Pixel Telephone, Online support

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 09, 2017       

We already know that approximate length of Nexus and Pixel Devices to get Android software updates is 18 months and Security Patch is 3 years after available on the Google store and Google already made this clear by providing the exact end-of-life (EOL) dates.


Now, Google has updated its Android updates page to clarify how long they will support both Nexus and Pixel devices with telephone and online support.The Pixel and Pixel XL will be getting Online and Telephone support until October 2019 and so (three years after their initial launch), Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X until September 2018, and Nexus 9 or Nexus 6, until October 2017.

Via: Google Support

Google Opinion Rewards Finally Lands in India, Turkey, and Singapore

 By Unknown on May 24, 2017       

Google has finally brought its Google Opinion Rewards to few more countries including India, Turkey, and Singapore. With the Opinion Rewards app, you can earn credits for the surveys being conducted by Google in the app. 

Google will send surveys every week from now, and if you answer them correctly, you will be rewarded with some amount, which you can use to purchase any app or game in the Google Play. 

So, in the US, the company will give up to $1 for each survey, and in India, it will start from Rs. 10 and may go up for each survey. The survey amount credits will be linked to your Google account. 

Google has taken a long time to bring the app to India, but it's now official in India. Go and give your first survey to earn some amount. 


Play Store

2017 Google Pixel With Codename Taimen and Android O Spotted on Geekbench

 By Unknown on May 11, 2017       

It might be early, but here's the news: The 2017 edition of Google Pixel has been spotted on Geekbench with codename 'Taimen.' Earlier rumours said that Google is working on three Pixel phones- walleye, muskie, and taimen. 

The Google Taimen is said to a smartphone with a 6-inch display, and the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and will feature 4GB of RAM, according to the listing. Also, at the time of testing, the device was running Android O. 

Not many details have revealed by the Geekbench listing, but we're expecting to surface in coming weeks. That said, it's now almost confirmed that Google is working on three Pixel smartphones this year. 

Also, the three Pixel phones will be separated by the screen size and battery capacity, same as what we saw with Google Pixel and Pixel XL last year. There are no details about the Walleye and Muskie as of now. 


Via: Techupdate3

Google is Testing Search Bar in Notification Panel and This Concept Video Shows How it May Look

 By Unknown on May 11, 2017       

A few days back, folks at Android Police tore down the APK of Google App beta 7.1 and said that the company is working on adding a search widget in the notification panel and today, a reddit user has posted a video on how it may look when Google really implement it. 

As you can in the see in the YouTube video, he has imagined two scenarios- one is the normal Android style Google search bar and the other one is the Fuchsia OS-based search bar, and it looks far better than what we had imagined when the news broke out.

The primary intention of having a search bar in the notification panel is to quickly search the user queries. Some might think it as a redundant feature as the home screen already has the search bar, but in the Pixel phones, Google has moved it to just a small 'G' letter in the left corner.

As of now, there's no info on when this feature will officially roll out, but it will be added in the next Android OS upgrade to the Pixel phones.

Google's 'Fuchsia' OS Under Development; Now Has a New Functional UI

 By Unknown on May 09, 2017       

From the past few years, it was regularly rumoured that Google is building its own operating system that is not based on Linux called as Fuchsia. Instead, the Fuchsia OS will be based on the search giant's own kernel 'Magenta.' 

Back in August 2016, the Fuchsia OS was just a command line, and now, it has a wild user interface with a card-based design, claims Ars Technica. The UI was first spotted by Kyle Bradshaw at Hotfix, and the interface servicing the default system UI for Fuchsia will be called as Armadillo. 



Armadillo and other Fuchsia apps are built on Google Flutter SDK, and the apps can be used on any platform- Android or iOS or Fuchsia OS. As you can see in the video above, the Fuchsia OS may support both smartphones and tablets. The OS might be an entire card-based UI.

The video also shows that the cards can be aligned with each other to use it as a multi-window mode and yeah, there are Google Now suggestions as well. 

There's no info on why the Fuchsia even exist? Is Google planning to replace Android and Chrome OS with Fuchsia? There might be something about the new OS at the Google I/O 2017 event due to commence next week. 

Google I/O 2017 App Can Now be Downloaded from Google Play Store

 By Unknown on May 08, 2017       

Following its tradition, Google has released a dedicated app for its Google I/O 2017 app on Google Play Store. The application is available for free to download and has all the events which are lined up at the event. 

However, the major purpose of the application is that it reserves your seat for the event. Also, the application has all the events already completed in the recordings form, which you can watch later after missing the event. 

Also, you can set reminders for the events if you're attending the show. There are various other features which make the application a must downloaded one if you're attending the show. And for others, you can download it later to watch all the missed events. 

That said, if you have the Google I/O 2016 app installed on your phone, an update will appear in the Google Play Store. Just update it and you'll be on the Google I/O 2017. 

A New Concept Image of Google Pixel 2 Popped Online and it Looks Absolutely Shit

 By Unknown on May 02, 2017       

Various recent reports claimed that Google is already working on the Google Pixel 2 series of phones. A total of three smartphones named Walleye, Muskie, and Taimen codenames have popped online in recent times in the Android Open Source code.

And now, a Reddit user have designed a concept of the upcoming Google Pixel 2, and I must say it looks absolutely shit. The design of the phone looks similar to the first generation Pixel phones with trimmed down bezels. 

Also, he imagines the dual camera setup at the back and the sensors are vertically placed to each other. Aforesaid, the phone has the same design language as Pixel with half glass and half metal back.

However, Google won't go with this design language definitely as the search giant will go for the Infinity Display with almost zero bezels as already a concept with the same have surfaced online, which looks a lot more beautiful than this.

SOURCE

Google Pixel Selling in Canada and the US with a More Secured Android Skin, But it's Tad Expensive

 By Unknown on May 01, 2017       

The main forte of using a Google branded phone is the presence of near stock Android OS. If you're an avid Android customizer, then you can head over to XDA Forums and download a custom ROM to enhance the usage of the device. 

However, one of the famous custom ROM CopperheadOS is directly selling the Pixel XL and Pixel with the OS preloaded. The specialty of CopperheadOS is the security it offers. Although Google is pushing monthly security patches and regular software update, CoopperheadOS claims themselves as the more secure than the Google' stock Android. 

The CopperheadOS is available for various Google-branded devices, but if you want a Pixel phone which is more secure than ever, you can purchase the device from CopperheadOS store. Also, the phone is available to purchase only in Canada and the US. 

There are no details regarding the availability of Pixel XL from the CopperheadOS store, but indeed, the store is selling the Pixel for $1049 (32GB option), whereas the 128GB one costs $1149. 

CopperheadOS

Google VP of Hardware Product Development, David Foster Exits the Company in Just Six Months After His Joining

 By Unknown on April 29, 2017       

Google Vice President of Hardware Product Development, David Foster has resigned to his position from the company, which was confirmed by an employee of Google to Bloomberg, a couple of days ago. However, the Mountain view based company did not give any reply when asked about the situation.

As of now, there's no info on why Foster left the company. Google acquired him just seven months ago from e-commerce giant Amazon to strengthen its position in the hardware department and immediately after he roped in, Google announced the Pixel phones.

While in this stint with Amazon, Foster and his team developed various hardware products from including the Amazon Echo. It is also reported that Google is working on three Pixel phones for 2017, and the Foster is also leading the team, but his sudden exit turns down some shackles.

Foster, however, did not make any public statement on his next journey. We're expecting him to join Andy Rubin's Essential, but not sure about the same though. 

Google Pixel 2 Series Might Hit the Shelves Much Faster than we Anticipated

 By Unknown on April 28, 2017       

There's no denying the fact that Google is working on next generation Pixel phones. Already there are couple of leaks speculating the codenames of the phones- walleye, muskie, and taimen.

While there are details about the Walleye and Muskie, there are absolutely zero details about the Taimen. Some rumors also suggest it as phablet or tablet, but nothing is official yet.

Today's leak also came from the Android Open Source Code (AOSP) as a Google employee is allegedly using a next generation Pixel phone and he got his hands on the Walleye, which is expected to be the low-end Pixel phone.

Previous leak also revealed that the devices will come powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM and Adreno 540 GPU.

So, if the employee already using the device, we might see the leaks about design in coming days. Also, the devices launch might happen earlier itself.

Florian Kainz, a Google Daydream Software Engineer Captures Insane Nighttime Low Light Images From an Experimental Pixel and Nexus 6P Camera App

 By Unknown on April 27, 2017       

Well, Google employees love challenges and it they have proven it again. Florian Kainz, a software engineer at Google Daydream department, was recently tested by one of the teammates when he showed an image of Golden Gate in San Fransisco captured by a DSLR. 

His teammate challenged him to show the same DSLR image results with a smartphone camera. Kainz developed his own camera application, which allows to manually control the exposure, focus, and ISO on the phone. He then installed the application in a Pixel and a Nexus 6P smartphone.

He first sets up the focus on the object and the application will start capturing images with different exposure levels. That said, the images came out stunning.

Later on, he transferred the images to his computer and they are insanely good; in-line with the shots that were captured with the DSLR camera. You can catch the entire story and images from here.

Google Pixel 2 to feature Snapdragon 835 processor

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 24, 2017       

This year's Google Pixel will be the most anticipated phone of 2017, which is rumored to release in October. Google Pixel 2, the next instalment from the internet giant’s stable, might feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor just like the SoC of Samsung Galaxy S8 and Mi6.

As spotted by Roland Quandt of Winfuture, the 2017 Google's Smartphones under codename "taimen", "muskie" and "walleye" has appeared in the AOSP code with the CPU model number as "MSM8998" i.e. Snapdragon 835.

According to earlier rumors, the Walleye will be the smaller Pixel, whereas the Taimen is being touted as the third phone, which will be massive to hold.

The Google Pixel 2 is expected to come with a much improved camera hardware with the key focus on enhancing the low-light photography. Speculations are also such that the Pixel 2 is reported to ditch the 3.5mm audio jack. All said, we now have the upcoming Pixel phone SoCs confirmed. 

Source: Winfuture

Google Chrome Will Soon Get an Ad Blocker that Blocks Annoying Ads: Report

 By Unknown on April 20, 2017       

Google is working on an ad blocker to embed it in the Google Chrome browser. Google itself is an ad company and is now looking to block ads from websites that are ruining the experience of users. 

The report came from Wall Street Journal, and it states that the ad blocker is not a fill fledged ad blocker. Instead, it will block some ads in websites that are giving users a headache. 

There are some potential sites which are flooded with ads. Even though users will erase ads, some more will arise, which is causing users to search for an ad blocker. 

The report further cites that Google will kill ads such as pop up, auto-play ads. Google is looking to add the feature in coming weeks, and it is also said that the search giant has finished testing the feature.

Grab the Google Pixel 2 Concept's wallpaper here!

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 19, 2017       

A couple of days ago, we wrote an article on a brand new Google Pixel 2 and Pixel launcher concept, which was shared by Gabriel Zegarra and it looks absolutely stunning.

Some of you guys were asking about the wallpaper used in these concept Images. So you can grab the concept's wallpaper along with few other beautiful wallpapers from below.

Credits: Rose pilkington

Google Play Store's 'My Apps and Games' Section is Getting a Much Needed Refresh

 By Unknown on April 18, 2017       

Google is pushing a much-needed update to the Google Play Store with a revamped 'My Apps and Games' section. After the new update, you can quickly update each application from the Play Store without opening the complete application page. 

As you can see in the image above, Google is adding a new 'Update' button for each application that is installed on your phone, allowing you to press the update button for per app updation, which is a good feature to have around. 

Previously, users were left with only one option of 'Update all,' which by pressing start updating all the apps on your phone with newer versions. Nevertheless, the 'Update all' button is still present out there. 

There's a new Updates section that displays all the apps which are yet to be updated and all the apps which are recently updated. Another new section is 'Library,' that shows the applications which you have installed from your Google account in the past. Nice handy feature to show all your essential apps. 

The update has already started rolling out in some countries, and it will take some time to reach your phone. Anyways, do keep an eye on the My Apps and Games section though. 

New Google Pixel 2 Concept Suggests Minimal Bezels and it Looks Gorgeous

 By Unknown on April 18, 2017       

This year's Google Pixel 2 will be the most anticipated phone of 2017, which is rumored to release in October. A new concept of the Pixel and Pixel launcher has posted online by a Google Plus user Gabriel Zegarra and it looks absolutely stunning.

As you can see in the images, the Pixel 2 will have almost zero sized bezels on either sides, same as the LG G6. Also, the phone in the images has very small chin compared to current Pixel phones. 

Coming to the Pixel launcher, it is the same one seen the Pixel phones, but the user suggest that the font on the lock screen, home screen, and app drawer will be changed this time around. Google might replace Roboto font with Product on both lock screen and home screen, says the user. 

Google has already confirmed the existence of Google Pixel 2 and it stay premium as per one of the company's official. Would you like to see the upcoming Pixel 2 with thin bezels? Let us know in the comments below. 

SOURCE

Huawei is Not Hesitating to Blame Google Over the Nexus 6P Bootloop and Shutdown Issues

 By Unknown on April 15, 2017       

Back at the end of 2016, the 2015's flagship phone for Google, the Nexus 6P users have faced several bootloop and shutdown issues even at 60 percent battery left. And now, Law firm Chimicles & Tikellis LLP is investigating the case of bringing a class action lawsuit against Google regarding the owners of Nexus 6P who are experiencing the issue. 

Also, in the same lawsuit filed against Google, the firm might also include the Nexus 5X which was also affected by a similar problem. Several users have reported the problem on Android 7.0 Nougat, but downgrading the device to Android Marshmallow did not help either for some users.



The major issue here is that neither Google nor Huawei is taking the responsibility to solve the issue. Google is aware of the issue, but all the search giant can do is inform customers to get a replacement device. 

But that isn't the case with Huawei though. The Chinese firm is blatantly saying that the issue in the Google' software and not the hardware and hence, the issue will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. So, the entire blame is now on the heads of Google to give a proper reply to the customers.



VIA