Google announces "Google Assistant" for all Android 6.0 and above devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 26, 2017       

In what could be called as a surprising news, the Google Assistant is now officially coming for all Android devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android Nougat with Google Play Services.

The Google Assistant will start rolling out this week for the English users in the U.S., followed by Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as German speakers in Germany.

Just long press on the Home button or say “Ok Google” to get started!

Source: Google Blog

LG G6 is Official with 5.7-Inch QHD+ Display, Dual Camera, Snapdragon 821 and More

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 26, 2017       

LG has finally unwrapped its flagship "G" phone for 2017 today in Barcelona. 

With the LG G6, you get a glass body and a metal frame, a 5.7-inch QHD+ FullVision (2880 x 1440) resolution, wide-angle front camera with 5MP sensor (100°) and dual 13MP rear lenses (71° and 125°), Snapdragon 821 processor paired with Adreno 530 GPU, 4GB of RAM and 32GB storage. The phone runs Android 7.0 Nougat with LG's UX 6.0 UI on the top, it is powered by 3300mAh battery which supports Wireless charging.

The LG G6 and G5 have almost similar body dimensions, with G6 having taller and narrower screen with 18:9 ratio, tiny bezels and non-modular design.

The G6 is the first LG's "G" smartphone to come with dust, water resistant, and a proprietary heat dissipation technology.

Update: Here's LG G6 Official Video-

Will you buy a new G6? Let us know in comments!

These are 2017 Sony Xperia Smartphones!

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 26, 2017       

We're just a few days away from new phones for 2017, but thanks to multiple leaks and rumors, we already know what the upcoming devices are going to look like.

Sony is expected to announce two presumably Xperia handsets by the model number G3112 and G3121 at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 on February 27th.



Now, the latest leaked image by Evan Blass (@evleaks) shows the upcoming Sony Xperia Smartphones in fully glory!

The above image shows different 2017 Sony Smartphones in different colors and design, which looks absolutely stunning. Other than that, we don't have any information regarding Specifications and naming of these devices. 

Blackberry 'KEYone', the So-Called Blackberry Mercury Goes Official With Snapdragon 625 and 3GB of RAM

 By Unknown on February 26, 2017       

Blackberry, the TCL-owned company launched their much anticipated Blackberry KEYone, the so-called Blackberry Mercury at the just started MWC 2017 event. 

The Blackberry KEYone was earlier showcased at the CES 2017 event at the start of 2017, but the company chose not to reveal the specs of the phone. And now, the company made the specs of the phone official. 

The Blackberry KEYone comes with a 4.5-inch Full HD screen, coupled with the mid-range Snapdragon 625 SoC and 3GB of RAM. 

Camera-wise, the Blackberry KEYone features the same camera setup as seen on Google Pixel phones with a 12MP sensor at the rear and 8MP one at the front of the phone. 

The phone is armed with a 3505mAh battery, which also has support for QuickCharge 3.0 tech. The Blackberry KEYone has a keyboard and runs Android 7.1 Nougat. 

The phone will retail with a price tag of $549 from April 2017. 

Get Pixel-Like Navigation Keys on any Android Smartphone (No Root)

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 25, 2017       

Google's Pixel and Pixel XL runs custom version of Android with some exclusive features including a new set of navigation keys.

The Pixel key layout uses a solid triangle (back), circle (home) and square (recent apps) for the three main Android keys, with the home key having a white border around it. 



You can get Pixel-Like Navigation Keys to your non-Pixel Phone with an app called Pixbar. Pixbar modifies your device's navigation bar to have solid buttons. Currently, you can only use this application on Smartphone with Stock buttons (Nexus, Motorola or Android One). 

Screenshots

You can purchase this application just for 0.99$ on Google Play, it doesn't require a rooted Smartphone.

Via: Droid-Life

Nokia is Expected to Bring their Smartphones to these Countries First

 By Unknown on February 25, 2017       

The biggest tech show for the year is just moments away from now and we have an iconic brand making its comeback. Nokia, the Finnish company under the leadership of HMD Global is expected to announce a couple of smartphones and a revamped Nokia 3310.

But the big question till date is: Which all countries will we get to see Nokia phones first? Well, this might be the answer. HMD Global has taken their official site live in some countries. 



If that wasn't enough, the company even made the regional languages live and here are the markets, which might see the launch of Nokia phones very first: Taiwan, Russia, India, Spain, France, Germany, UK, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Finland, Vietnam, and the Ukraine.

SOURCE

Verizon's Motorola DROID Turbo 2 is now receiving Android 7.0 Nougat

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 25, 2017       

World's first Shatterproof Smartphone is now receiving the sweetest Android update!

Verizon Wireless has now started rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Motorola DROID Turbo 2. Along with Nougat sweetness, the update also features bug fixes, performance improvement and December Security patch.



Screenshots:

Source: Verizon | Via: Motorola-fans

Nexus 6P gets Android 7.1.2 Beta

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 25, 2017       

Last month, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Beta for selected Nexus and Pixel Devices, although the Nexus 6P wasn't on the list , but did Google said 6P will get the update "soon."

Now, If you're using the Nexus 6P and has enrolled in the beta program, you should be getting a new update of size 1.293GB which comes with the requisite bug fixes and performance improvements. The build is NPG05F.

via: Androidcentral

Really Blue Variant of Google Pixel Now Available for Purchase in UK via EE

 By Unknown on February 24, 2017       

Google's Pixel phones was the first attempt from the company to take on Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxies. However, the company succeeded this my producing a good smartphone, but doesn't able to keep the demand. 

Yes, several people from various countries across the world is complaining about the availability of Google Pixel phones in stock. In that scenario, getting a limited edition Really Blue variant of the Pixel is a fool's errand. 

But, here's something to cheer about Pixel lovers in the United Kingdom as the Really Blue color variant of the phone goes on sale from the e-commerce site, EE, where they are selling the 32GB variant of the phone for $40.99 with two year contract period. 

Head over to Shop.EE and get a Really Blue variant of the Pixel right away. 

Bluetooth Bug Fix Will Be Coming Soon to the Google Pixel

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 24, 2017       

The latest security update of February might have broke something related to Bluetooth files in the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, apparently causing the Bluetooth to turn off automatically without any signs, however, it can be turned on manually again, but that's annoying.



After numerous reports submitted by Pixel Users , Google has now acknowledged the issue and is said to be working on the fix.

Thank you all for your detailed feedback, and to those that submitted bug reports. It has been extremely helpful. The team has identified a fix, and it will be rolling out in an upcoming release. I'll keep you all posted with any other details!

We expect Google to release Bluetooth Bug fix update along with March's Security Patch.

Source: Google

Nokia 6 Goes on Sale in Philippines via e-Commerce Site Widgetcity

 By Unknown on February 24, 2017       

Nokia 6, the smartphone which marked the Finnish company's return has been successful till date. However, Nokia's parent company, HMD Global decided to not let the phone go out of Chinese market due to some obvious reasons. 

But, Nokia 6 has been seen selling on various countries unofficially including Ebay India, who was selling the phone for a whopping price of Rs. 33,000. And that's not going to stop.

Now, Philippines e-commerce site, Widgetcity has listed the Nokia 6 for 17,999 Philippine Peso, which converts to Rs. 23,887 ($358.57), which is a very high price considering the specifications of the phone. 

Yes, the Nokia 6 is considered to be an entry-level smartphone in terms of specifications with Snapdragon 430 SoC and 3GB of RAM. That said, if you're from Philippines and want to get your hands on a Nokia 6, head over to Widgetcity now and purchase the device right away. 

Do make a note that the phone is being sold in the country unofficially. So, there won't be any after-sales support though. 

[Update] Account Action Required: People getting signed out of Google Play Services

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 24, 2017       

Account Action Required: There's been a change to your Google Account. For your security, sign in again

You might already have got a notification saying "Account Action Required". Well, It's not just you, Lots of people are reporting getting signed out of Google Play Services.

We have no idea what's going on, but a Google employee have replied to this issue:

We've gotten reports about some users being signed out of their accounts unexpectedly. We're investigating, but not to worry: there is no indication that this is connected to any phishing or account security threats.

Please try to sign-in again at accounts.google.com and if you cannot remember your password, please use this link (g.co/recover) to recover your password. If you use 2-Step Verification, there may have been a delay in receiving your SMS code. Please try again or use backup codes.

Got Signed out of Google Play Services? Is this phishing? Or a Glitch? Discuss below and Share your thoughts

Update 1:

We know some of you had issues signing in today. Please try again now. Rest easy -- your account's security was not affected.

— Google (@Google) February 24, 2017

Project Fi Users Are Testing VoLTE Features, Says Google

 By Unknown on February 23, 2017       

Google's Project Fi broke into the limelight when it was first introduced. But lately, there's no news about the Project Fi as Google apparently started offering new features. 

Google today officially confirmed that several users of the Project Fi are testing the VoLTE features. In their Google's support forums, the company said that VoLTE features are being tested internally for a while now. 



How to Check Whether You're Enrolled Under VoLTE Project Fi User? 
That's too simple. If you're on a phone call and your network still showing as LTE, then you're a tester of these VoLTE features. However, it is also reported that the VoLTE features are available only for T-Mobile network. 

Project Fi is available in Sprint and US Cellular as well. So, the feature will be slowly rolled out to other networks as well. 

SOURCE

Google Pixel and Pixel XL Users Reporting Automatic Bluetooth Disconnection Issue

 By Unknown on February 23, 2017       

Google had a promising start to their own smartphones, Pixel and Pixel 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, 100's of Pixel and Pixel XL users are complaining about the issue of Reddit. 



Nevertheless, we believe that the security update of February might have broke something related to Bluetooth files, which is apparently causing this issue. The actual issue is the Bluetooth is turning off automatically without any signs, however, it can be turned on manually again, but that's annoying. 

An employee of Google on Reddit responded related to this issue and said that the company is on the fix. So, hope the gets fixed at the earliest. 

This Upcoming Moto Mod Will add QWERTY keyboard to your Moto Z

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 23, 2017       

Modular phone was first introduced by LG back at the MWC 2016 with the LG G5. However, it was Lenovo who took the concept to a whole new level with their Moto Z range of phones. Motorola is betting big on the modular phones and so does others. 

And today, here's another Moto Mod, which adds a high-end Keyboard slider to your Moto Z. It's a 5-row QWERTY physical keyboard, which also comes with an 2100mAh internal battery.

You can follow this project at Indiegogo

Via: Motorola Fans

Samsung's Exynos 9 Series 8895 goes Official, Will be used in Galaxy S8

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 23, 2017       

Today, Samsung unveiled its latest premium octa-core chip, the Exynos 9 Series 8895. This new processor offers up to 27 percent better performance while using 40 percent less power than its predecessors.



Samsung is expected to use Exynos 9 in some models of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus smartphones, while the US version of the phone will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835.

The Exynos 8895 chipset supports, Rear 28MP, Front 28MP 28MP+16MP Dual Camera, video recording at up to 4K resolutions at 120 frames per second, embedded Gigabit LTE modem with support for download speeds up to 1 Gbps and ARM Mali-G71 graphics with support for 3D graphics and 4K virtual virtual reality experiences.

Source: Samsung

Instagram now lets you share multiple photos and videos in one post

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 22, 2017       

Today, Instagram announced a new feature that will enable you to share multiple photos and videos in one post.

With the latest update, users will be able to combine and upload up to 10 photos and videos in one post and swipe through to see them all. While uploading the feed, you’ll see a new icon to select multiple photos and videos. You can tap and hold to change the order, apply a filter to everything at once or edit one by one.

The update is now live and is available as part of Instagram version 10.9 for iOS in the Apple App Store and for Android on Google Play.

Source: Instagram

Nokia will livestream their event from Mobile World Congress in 360-degree

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 22, 2017       

Nokia is one of many manufacturers that will have a new gadgets to show off at Mobile World Congress. HMD Global is expected to announce its new Android-Powered Smartphones namely the Nokia 5, Nokia 3, Nokia 8 and Nokia 3310, while Withings (the French company acquired by Nokia last year) is expected to unveil new Smartwatches and health devices.



The good news is you’ll be able to watch the unveiling in 360-degree without flying to Barcelona. 

Nokia will be hosting the livestream for the event on February 26th at 16:30CET/10:30EST/9:00IST on YouTube and Facebook using a Nokia OZO 360-degree VR camera.



via: NPU

CyanogenMod Theme Engine is dead, LineageOS to Find Replacement

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 22, 2017       

We already know that the Lineage OS is a continuation of what CyanogenMod was, However Lineage OS is still in formation phase, you might wonder what happened to Cyanogen's older theme engine.

Now, According to XDA-developers it's been confirmed that the person who was in charge of the CyanogenMod theme engine has moved on and it will not be ported to LineageOS in any official way.

It might be possible that LineageOS comes up with a new Theme Engine or even merge with Substratum.

Source: XDA

Verizon Moto G5 Plus renders leaked by Evan Blass

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 22, 2017       

Motorola is widely expected to unveil the much-anticipated Moto G5 and the G5 Plus on February 26th in an event during MWC in Barcelona. The Moto G5 Plus specs and design is no longer a mystery, as the device have been already leaked multiple times. But, today's leak is coming from the most prominent tipster Evan Blass (@evleaks). 



In his tweet, he posted an image of Verizon's version of the Moto G5 Plus, which looks absolutely stunning and is on-par with the earlier leaked rumors. Yes, There's no Verizon logo on the Smartphone.

Moto G5 Plus for Verizon. pic.twitter.com/XfmzLMc8zn

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 22, 2017

Verizon might release the Smartphone on April 3, since that's the date seen on the phone's home screen.