TechDroider: google

Android Oreo Go announced for entry level Smartphones

Android Oreo Go announced for entry level Smartphones
Back at Google I/O, Google promised a version of Android for low-end devices. Today, Google announced the "Android Oreo Go" with Light weights applications and interface. The Software is readily available for developers and device manufacturers.

Android Oreo Go features a handful of Google apps including the GoogleGo, Google Assistant Go, Maps, Gmail, YouTube Go, and other light-weight stuffs.


The Android 8.1 Oreo Go is designed to run better on phones with either 512MB or 1GB of RAM. However, that doesn't mean it will be available for every low end device.

"With the launch of Android Oreo (Go edition) in Android 8.1, partners will soon be able to ship this new release on their entry-level devices around the world. We can’t wait for our partners’ devices to hit shelves in the coming months.  - Google"


Google Play Reveals 'Best of 2017' Apps, Games, Books, Movies, TV Shows

Google Play Reveals 'Best of 2017' Apps, Games, Books, Movies, TV Shows
Towards the end of every year, Google announces the list of the Best applications, games, songs, movies, TV shows, and books on Google Play, and continuing its tradition, the search giant has now announced its list for 2017.

At the top of “Popular Games” is Super Mario Run. Not a huge surprise, given how popular the game was, even though it has fallen in popularity since it launched. Other games on the list include Bubble Witch 3 Saga, Magic Tiles 3, CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars and Ballz. Moving onto apps, these are the ones that made the list: Photo Editor - Beauty Camera & Photo Filters, What The Forecast?!!, Boomerang, TopBuzz Video: Viral Videos, Funny GIFs &TV shows, and Yarn - Chat Fiction.


The top movies of 2017 are dominated by animated and super hero films. Coming in at #1 we have Moana, followed by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Wonder Woman (2017), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Doctor Strange. When it comes to the most streamed songs of the year, we have HUMBLE. by Kendrick Lamar on #1, followed by Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, DNA. by Kendrick Lamar. Mask Off by Future. and Body Like A Back Road by Sam Hunt.

For TV shows, Game of Thrones took the top spot followed by Rick and Morty, Walking Dead, The Big Bang Theory, and Doctor Who. For the top books of the year, It was The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, It by Stephen King, The Battlemage by Taran Matharu, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.


Google Pixel 2: Fix For Buzzing Sound During Phone Call Coming Soon

Google Pixel 2: Fix For Buzzing Sound During Phone Call Coming Soon
Google had a promising start to their new smartphones, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL impressing everyone right from day one. However, it was from software side where several users of both the phones complained to have issues.

That said, here comes another issue. From the last week or more than, most of Pixel 2 XL users are complaining about an issue which causes faint clicking/buzzing noise during phone calls.


However, turning off the NFC temporarily fixes the problem, but that's annoying.

Finally, a Googler posted in the product forum that the Buzzing Sound fix would be rolling out to the affected Pixel 2/ Pixel 2 XL users in the coming weeks.

We're rolling out a software update in the coming weeks which eliminates a faint buzzing sound on some Pixel 2 devices when the phone is placed to your ear during a phone call.

Files Go Application from Google [Screenshots]

It seems that Google is planning to launch a File manager on the Play store for all the Android Smartphones. Named Google Files Go, the app went live in the Play Store a few hours back, but it's taken down as of now.

The Google Files Go will be able to offer suggestions to users for apps they can delete that they no longer use, and it can also help find and remove any duplicated images or files that you have stored on your drive. The Application will also help user transfer files while offline.


Play Store

Pixel 2 gets Color Profiles and Nav Bar Dimming with November Update

Pixel 2 gets Color Profiles and Nav Bar Dimming with November Update
November Android Security update is now live for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel and Pixel XL.

Google has also added new Colors section in the display settings for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL that lets you adjust phone's color profile. The new Display menu includes Boosted, Natural, or Saturated color options. Boosted is likely for Vibrant colors, Natural for sRGB, and Saturated for not so intense color.


The update also includes burn-in protections through a fading navigation bar. We've already seen fading navigation bar for both Nexus and Pixel devices in Android 8.1 Dev Preview 1.

Google plans to add more features in December update. "Further enhancements will be included in our planned December software update." Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Download: Pixel 2 Ringtone and Notification Sounds

Download: Pixel 2 Ringtone, and Notification Sounds
You can now download the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL new alarm, notification, and ringtone sounds for your own device.

If you want to try these sounds, all you need to do is place the files into the specific Alarms, Notifications, and/or Ringtones folders in your phone's storage and select them from the sound picker.

Also Check:

Google Pixel 2 Launcher now available to Download

Download Pixel 2 Camera App with Motion Photo for Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Downloads:

Leak Reveals 2018 Google Pixel Codenames

Leak Reveals 2018 Google Pixel Codenames
It's not even been a month since Google officially revealed the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in San Francisco and we already have the leaks about 3rd Generation Pixel devices.

As we all know that the Nexus and Pixel line has a long history of fish or aquatic life inspired device codenames, and the same have an equally long history of getting leaked via rumors and AOSP commit comments. According to Droid-Life, the codenames for the 2018 Pixel devices are “Crosshatch,” “Albacore” and “Blueline.”


Additionally, these devices will come with huge design and hardware upgrades over the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The report alleged that Google may end up referring to these devices simply as A, B, and C just to keep them secret. The report further claims that two of these devices will be considered premium, while the third could be a high-end variant

Confirming the codename, Crosshatch has already made its way to the AOSP gerrit. There's also a listing of mystery device named "Wahoo". The report alleged that "Wahoo" is probably the leftover from 2017 Google devices and may not necessarily in the 2018 group.

Source: Droid-Life | Image: Concept Creator

Pixel 2 XL Gets the Teardown Treatment, Receives Decent Repairability Score

Pixel 2 XL Gets the Teardown Treatment, Receives Decent Repairability Score
The recently announced Google Pixel 2 XL with 18:9 3D display gets the teardown treatment from IFixit with decent repairability score. A teardown is important as it will tell us if it is well-built or if it is easily repairable.

The Pixel 2 XL is water-resistant, which makes the phone hard to open. Once inside, you will see the fingerprint sensor cable attached to the motherboard, LG Battery and new heat pipe to keep the internals from overheating.


The phone may remind you a lot of the 2016 Pixel XL but this one has ditched the audio phone jack. Completing the camera system is an 12.2 MP, f/1.8 rear and 8MP selfie camera and a dual camera module with optical image stabilization.

Checking out the motherboard, you will see inside the RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 64GB or 128 GB internal flash storage, and USB C port. Most of the parts are easy to repair so IFixit gives a score of 6 out of 10, which is better than many other devices.

IFixt | YouTube


The Google Pixel 2 has a new tiny power menu

The new Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL comes with a lot of Pixel Exclusive stuff including the new Launcher, Live Wallpaper, an updated Google Assistant, and a brand new power menu.

Yes, Google just added a new look to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's power menu. This is shown off in a new video surfaced online today. As seen in the video, the new Pixel 2 tiny power menu appears on the top left side making it easy to access.


There's no information if this new "Easy to Access" Power menu is coming to other devices or not. But Google Pixel and Pixel XL (2016) will surely get this feature. Also Read: The Google Pixel 2 has a hidden LED.

Until then enjoy the Pixel 2 Launcher which comes with Bottom Search bar, Google Pixel 2 Motion Camera Application, Pixel 2 Live Wallpapers, and other Pixel 2 goodies.

YouTube


Android 8.1 is Coming Soon!

Android 8.1 is Coming Soon!
It seems that Google has already started working on next iteration of Android OS i.e. Android 8.1 Oreo.

The confirmation came from a Reddit user, who noticed that the Android SDK Build-Tools 26.0.2 added the support for Android 8.1.0. Another thing worth noticing is that few Google Apps are already targeting API 27.

Also Watch:


//Reddit

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 has a notification light

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 has a notification light
Recently announced Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL comes with an always-on display which can be enabled via Settings. But, Did you know that the Pixel 2 (duo) has a notification light? It does. We don't think it's on by default, but it's a nice addition to the phone's always-on display.

Twitter user Darren Gloster uploaded an image confirming the feature (notification LED) for Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. As you can see in the above image, there's a greenish-blue color LED.


Just like the 2016 Google Pixel(s), you can enable the notification LED by following the below steps:
  • Go to your phone's Settings. 
  • Tap on Notifications. 
  • Tap on the Gear icon in the top-right corner. 
  • Tap on the toggle next to "Pulse notification light".
It could be a multi-color LED, so if you want to test it, you can install Light Flow from Play Store.


Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Specs: With the regular Pixel 2, you get a 5.0-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 12.2MP 1.4 micropixels at f1.8 (OIS/EIS) for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing, 8MP front camera, 2700mAh battery, fast wired and wireless charging, IP67 water and dust resistance, and Android 8.0 Oreo.

The Pixel 2 XL isn’t much different, but it does have the bigger and almost bezel-less 6-inch pOLED Quad HD+ display and a bigger 3520mAh battery. The rest is the same.


Google Nexus 6 finally receives Android 8.0 Oreo via Custom ROM

How to Download and Install Android 8.0 Oreo on Nexus 6 (Shamu) | Unofficial AOSP Android Oreo Custom ROM for Motorola Nexus 6

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update has already started. Additionally, Android Oreo is already available for Google Pixel and eligible Nexus devices.


However, Older Nexus phones like the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 will not get the official update. But you can still install Android Oreo right now via SIX AOSP ROM. Developer "Frankie T (R3Ds)" has successfully ported Android 8.0 Oreo for the Nexus 6. Additionally, most major aspects of the phone are working as expected.

With Android 8.0 Oreo, you'll get new Settings and Notification panel UI, latest features including Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, and new emojis.

You'll need to Unlock Bootloader and Install TWRP Custom Recovery in-order to Install the SIX AOSP Custom ROM based on Android 8.0 Oreo on Nexus 6 Shamu. You can grab the Custom Rom ZIP file from below.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Download Nexus 6 Shamu

Direct Download: SIX ROM (// +FrankieTR3Ds)

Android 8.0 Oreo Gapps

These Photos were shot with the Google Pixel 2

These Photos were shot with the Google Pixel 2
Google announced its new Pixel 2 smartphones this month, boasting that it has “the best smartphone camera ever.” DxOMark agreed, giving the phone’s camera a record-breaking score of 98.

Googler Isaac Reynolds has published "Unedited" sample photos and videos showing how the Google Pixel 2 performs in the real world.

"We showed a few photos taken on Pixel 2 during the keynote, and we know some our our most enthusiastic fans will want to see them up close for themselves. Go ahead — take a look at some of our favorite unedited Pixel 2 photos and videos. There are also two videos edited to show side-by-side comparisons of video stabilization."

Here’s a selection of sample photos shot in a number of environments and lighting situations with various camera settings.
Google Pixel 2 Camera and Video samples
Google Pixel 2 Camera and Video samples
Google Pixel 2 Camera and Video samples
Google Pixel 2 Camera and Video samples
Google Pixel 2 Camera and Video samples

You can find larger sets of higher-res Pixel sample photos and videos in Reynolds’ album

Google: The Pixel 2 still comes with a headphone jack, but...

Google: The Pixel 2 still comes with a headphone jack, but...
Just a little few days back, Google announced the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, both of the devices have unique design, best-in-class camera, and top-notch specs. They also don’t have headphone jacks.


In the Google support forum, Pixel/Nexus Community Manager Orrin Hancock explained that "The Pixel 2 still comes with a headphone jack but we have moved to USB-C, a standard that is becoming commonplace in the best phones and laptops of today. Moving to the USB-C audio port with Pixel 2 allows us to provide a better audio and digital experience, as we move towards a bezel-less future."

Hancock’s also listed the Made For Google headphones that have been verified to be compatible with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
Hancock also confirmed that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will come with an adapter in the box which can be used with existing 3.5mm headphones.

At last he says that Other USB-C to 3.5mm adapters/splitters or USB-C headphones should work, but please be sure they are compatible with digital audio and support the proper audio standards. Thoughts?

Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: 3 key differences

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are now official with Best rated Smartphone camera, enhanced features such as an Active Edge, and front facing stereo speakers. The Pixel 2 XL is exactly a carbon copy of the Pixel 2 with few upgrades. In this article we will talk about Key differences that you will find in Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL.

Display: The Google Pixel 2 comes with 5.0" FHD AMOLED Display with 2.5D Curved Gorilla Glass 5 Protection. However, the Pixel 2 XL features a FullScreen 6.0" QHD+ pOLED with 3D Curved Gorilla Glass 5 Protection


Color: The Google Pixel 2 is available in three rich color variants including Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue. The Pixel 2 XL, on the other hand is only available in Just Black, and Black-White color options.

Battery: You get 2700 mAh battery with the Pixel 2 and 3520 mAh battery with the Pixel 2 XL. Both of the Smartphones provides 7 hours of go with 15 minutes of charge.

That said, these are few of the key changes you'll find between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Which one would you choose? Let us know in the below Comment section.

Pixel 2 vs OnePlus 5: Specs Comparison

Pixel 2 vs OnePlus 5
OS And Hardware
OSAndroid 8.0 OreoAndroid 7.1.1 Nougat
Processor2.35Ghz + 1.9Ghz, 64Bit Octa-Core2.45 GHz Octa-Core CPU
ChipsetSnapdragon 835Snapdragon 835
GPUAdreno 540Adreno 540
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
TypeAMOLEDOptic AMOLED
Screen Size5.0 inches FHD5.5 inches FHD
Memory
Internal64/128 GB64/128 GB
RAM4 GB6/8 GB
Camera
Primary12.2MP, f/1.8, OIS, EISDual 16MP, ƒ/1.7, DCAF
Secondary8 MP16 MP
Battery and Power
Type2700 mAh | Quick Charging3300 mAh | Dash Charging
Other
3.5mm JackNoYes
IP67YesNo
Stereo SpeakersYesNo
Price
USD$649$479

Which one would you choose?

Google Announces Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Google Announces Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
You are probably watching along to the Google live stream, but the Pixel 2 phones are now official with enhanced features such as a Active Edge, Colorful Power button, and front facing stereo speakers that offer a new level of functionality and convenience.

As for the rest of the story that has been leaked in various forms over the past weeks, this is what we are looking at. So, we have a "new era of Android Smartphones, opening up new ways to experience the world".

With the regular Pixel 2, you get a 5.0-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 12.2MP 1.4 micropixels at f1.8 (OIS/EIS) for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing, 8MP front camera, 2700mAh battery, fast wired and wireless charging, IP67 water and dust resistance, and Android 8.0 Oreo.


The Pixel 2 XL isn’t much different, but it does have the bigger and almost bezel-less 6-inch pOLED Quad HD+ display and a bigger 3520mAh battery. The rest is the same.

The Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL will be available starting on October 19th and November 15th. The Pixel 2 be offered in a rich color palette including Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White, the Pixel 2 XL will be available in Just Black and Black & White (Panda).

What else new, though? Well, Google also announced the Home Mini (Your Mini Assistant) with new features and look, the Google Max which comes with huge woofers at $399, Rotatable Pixelbook with 12.3" Display with Pixelbook pen, Soft-touch keys, i5 and i7 processor paired with 16GB RAM.

The Pixel 2 starts at $649 (64GB) and ships on October 17. According to the Google Store, the Pixel 2 XL will begin shipping in 5-6 weeks, starting at $849. Pre-orders are up today.
Full Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Specs

Google Pixel 2 Surpasses Galaxy Note 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in DxOMark camera ranking

Google's Pixel is back at the top of the DxOMark camera rankings. The sensor improvements and new features in the Pixel 2 gave it a score of 98.

In the breakdown, DxOMark said that the Google Pixel 2 now has the best performing camera they have ever tested for photography. It also has the joint-highest score for video quality, better than iPhone 8 Plus and Note 8.

The Google Pixel 2 is the top-performing mobile device camera we’ve tested, with a record-setting overall score of 98. Impressively, it manages this despite having “only” a single-camera design for its main camera. Its top scores in most of our traditional photo and video categories put it ahead of our previous (tied) leaders, the Apple iPhone 8 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, despite the Pixel 2 coming in lower in the new Zoom and Bokehcategories. The Pixel 2 is also a major step forward from the Pixel (which was our top scorer when it was released a year ago), moving from 90 to 98.
The Google Pixel 2 not only takes the DxOMark Mobile scoring crown with a stunning Overall score of 98, but its video performance improves by 5 points over the original Pixel, putting it at 96 and at the top of our video ranking. The Pixel 2’s photo performance is really impressive at 99, and just one point short of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which scored an amazing 100 in our photo category.

Read full DxOMark Pixel 2 Camera Review Here 

Download: Pixel 2 Stock Wallpaper

Pixel 2 Wallpaper download
If you need to get your hands on the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL wallpaper, you can grab them straight from the link below. There's only 1 exclusive wallpaper, more if you include previous 2016 Pixel Smartphone wallpapers.

Downloadable in 1440 × 2880, the wallpaper will look great on your Smartphones. To get it on your phone, you can simply save the image from below, or follow the link to a direct download (End of Article).


Today is the day in which Google reveals the Pixel 2 Smartphones and ahead of the launch, we’ve seen a ton of big leaks. Summing up everything, the HTC-made Pixel 2 with old 16:9 aspect ratio will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White. It will be available starting $649 for 64GB of storage while the 128GB variant would cost $749.

The LG-made Pixel 2 XL, on the other hand will feature a 5.99-inch display (18:9) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage. The 64GB model will cost $849, while the 128GB model will jump to $949.

Just a few minutes left for Google Pixel launch event, Watch it right here.
Pixel 2 Wallpaper download
Direct Download

Google Pixel 2 leaks at last minute before event

Google Pixel 2 leaks at last minute before event
Today is the day in which Google reveals the Pixel 2 Smartphones and ahead of the launch, we’ve seen a ton of big leaks. Now according to latest leaks from Roland Quandt, we've the fresh look at Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL front.

The below render shows us the "Kinda Blue" variant of the Pixel 2 with the color peeking around the border of the phone from a front view.” Roland also states that there's not going to be a "Kinda Blue" variant of the Pixel 2 XL, which is quite disappointing. 

The HTC-made Pixel 2 with old 16:9 aspect ratio will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White. It will be available starting $649 for 64GB of storage while the 128GB variant would cost $749.
Google Pixel 2 leaks at last minute before event
Here's another render revealing the Black Pixel 2 XL with 18:9 FullVision Display. The LG-made Pixel 2 XL will feature a 5.99-inch display (18:9) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage. The 64GB model will cost $849, while the 128GB model will jump to $949.
Google Pixel 2 leaks at last minute before event
According to previous reports the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will sport different launch dates, with the Pixel 2 being available on October 19th, and the Pixel 2 XL coming on November 15th.