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Tag: Google

  • Google Pixel 4 detailed images leaked

    Google Pixel 4 detailed images leaked

    While Google has officially teased several images of the upcoming Pixel 4 flagship. That said, those photos didn’t reveal anything concrete apart from the square camera housing on the back. However, a new set of alleged leaked images of the device seemingly gives us our first close look at the Pixel 4.

    The images show both front and back of the Pixel 4, along with sensors and bezels. The photos show a rather thin bottom bezel, but it still appears pretty big compared to several other phones. Meanwhile, it appears Google has ditched the notch on top. However, it doesn’t seem too tall despite all the sensors it houses. Besides, the image also shows a narrow, but a slightly taller speaker grille compared to the Pixel 3. Also, we can see a greyish-white power button housed on the right edge, with volume rockers placed right below it.

    The back of the phone shows the massive square camera housing, which is rumored to pack a standard 12MP lens with phase detection autofocus and a 16MP telephoto lens. Besides, the image suggests that Google has possibly used glass on the back instead of the dual-tone matte soft-touch glass, as the Pixel 4’s rear appears quite shiny.

    Though as is the case with every leak, readers are advised to take this with a pinch of salt as there’s no confirmation that these images are real. With that being said, these images were seemingly taken by a Sprint engineer as the “Sprint” text is clearly visible on the lockscreen. Given the fact that Sprint currently sells the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, it shouldn’t be a surprise that these images show the real Pixel 4.

    As per earlier leaks, Google is expected to release the Pixel 4 range in October, while shipping is likely to begin later that month. More leaks about the Pixel 4 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Android Q renamed Android 10, Google ditches dessert names

    Android Q renamed Android 10, Google ditches dessert names

    Until now, Google has named its Android operating system after treats or desserts in alphabetical order. After their alpha and beta versions, the company released Android Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jellybean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, and Pie.

    That said, that’ll change with the forthcoming release of Android. As after nearly ten years, Google has decided to ditched dessert-themed names for its Android operating system. The company’s next version, earlier known as Android Q, has been renamed Android 10. The move comes as Google believes that switching from dessert names to numbers won’t be confusing for global users, as numbers as easier to understand and remember.

    “We are changing the way we name our releases. Our engineering team has always used internal code names for each version, based on tasty treats, or desserts, in alphabetical order. This naming tradition has become a fun part of the release each year externally, too. But we’ve heard feedback over the years that the names weren’t always understood by everyone in the global community.” said Google in a blog post.

    The company also added that the change comes after feedback over several years. According to Google, some alphabets such as L and R aren’t easily distinguishable when spoken aloud in certain languages.

    “As a global operating system, it’s important that these names are clear and relatable for everyone in the world,” further added Google.

    Apart from the name, the Android logo also got a slight refresh. The green Android mascot now only shows the head instead of the full body. Besides, the Android name, which was earlier in green, is now in black. It’s only a slight tweak, and still, very much easily recognizable, something users might not even notice.

    Currently, in beta, Google is expected to release Android 10 in Q3 2019, most probably by the end of August.

  • Google Pixel owners can claim up to $500 over defective mic

    Google Pixel owners can claim up to $500 over defective mic

    Google finally settled a class-action lawsuit for regarding defective mic found in first-gen Pixel phones. A lawsuit filed against Google alleged that the company chose to ignore the problem. Following the class action lawsuit, Google decided to settle the defective Pixel lawsuit for $7.25 million. Google denied allegations that it chose to ignore the problem, but still agreed to pay over $7 million to settle the lawsuit. Now, owners of defective first-gen Pixel handsets can file a claim via the new Pixel settlement website.

    Owners can get up to $500 if they purchased multiple defective Pixel devices. Besides, everyone that bought the first-gen Pixel before the cut off date can claim $20, even if the device has no defects.

    The company has also detailed four payment tiers for customers:

    “FIRST, MONEY WILL BE SET ASIDE TO PAY UP TO $20 TO EACH PERSON WHO DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT OR WHO CANNOT PROVIDE ANY DOCUMENTATION TO SHOW THAT THEY EXPERIENCED IT. SECOND, PEOPLE WHO PAID AN INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT PIXEL WILL BE REFUNDED THE AMOUNT OF THE DEDUCTIBLE. THIRD, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON MORE THAN ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $500 EACH. FOURTH, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $350 EACH, UNLESS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY LEFT TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS, IN WHICH CASE THE REST OF THE FUND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THEM ON A PRO-RATA BASIS.”

    The Pixel settlement site also states that Pixel 1 owners are eligible for compensation if they bought a new Pixel or Pixel XL manufactured before January 4, 2017. It’s also important to note that you need to be a US citizen and must have purchased the handset before January 4, 2017. Besides, you’ll no longer qualify if Google has already replaced your original phone.

    “If you are in the United States and bought, other than for resale, a new Pixel or Pixel XL smartphone manufactured before January 4, 2017, and did not receive a replacement Pixel manufactured after January 3, 2017, or refurbished after June 5, 2017,’ explained Google.

    To get the full amount, you’ll need to prove you bought the Pixel 1 before January 4, 2017 and could not get a replacement. Besides, it appears that almost every Pixel owner is eligible for at least a $20 payment.

  • Play Store gives developers the ability to tag apps to improve discovery

    Play Store gives developers the ability to tag apps to improve discovery

    Users would like to find apps quickly, and so do developer who’d want their apps or games easily found. However, it can be a daunting task for developers to get their application discovered among millions of apps on the Play Store. Now, in an attempt to boost their app’s ranking in search, Google will allow PlayStore developers to tag their applications with keywords to help discovery.

    According to a report by 9to5Google, the ability to add tags on the Play Store arrived a few weeks ago. The feature gives Play Store the ability to compare a particular app with others and then decide where to place it.

    Developers can choose up to 5 tags out of Google’s predetermined list of 150 tags, which can be found at the top of the tags section. Besides, developers can only change tags if they make noticeable changes to the app’s content or functionality.

    For instance, a multiplayer racing game with classic cars is likely to have the tags Racing or Car Racing because that’s what the game is all about. Hence, the game should not have tags like Dirt Racing or Truck Racing because these tags do not reflect what the game’s true genre.

    To access Tags, just bring up the Google Play console, then select Store Presence> Store Listing> Categorization> Manage Tags.

    The ability to add tags with keywords will definitely improve application discoverability for developers. That said, we hope developers do not abuse the new system in an attempt to boost their app’s ranking on the Play Store.

  • New Android Auto has finally arrived: Here is what’s new

    New Android Auto has finally arrived: Here is what’s new

    Google has finally started rolling out the latest version of Android Auto for users worldwide. The first set of users have begun receiving the update, while a full rollout is expected to complete in the coming weeks. As expected, the latest version of Android Auto comes with a plethora of improvements and features.

    To begin with, it gets a redesigned app launcher which makes it much easier to find apps you use the most. The app launcher has been relocated from the center of the display to the left corner. It displays multiple apps from there, making it easier and safer for users to launch apps they use the most. Favorite apps are now located within the top row of the app launcher. Hence, for someone who just uses Google navigation, a music app, and the phone, the first row is everything you’d need.

    Redesigned Navigation Bar

    Another major change in Android Auto is the new navigation bar that makes it easier to control apps from the bottom of the display. It now features a dynamic approach, which essentially means that it adapts to what users have on the screen.

    The new navigation bar is now located on at the bottom of the display, which allows users to mange applications at ease. For example, users can play, pause, or skip tracks from their favorite music app from the bar itself. Besides, they can also access Google Assistant or notifications directly from the bar.

    Android Auto’s new Navigation bar

    “The new navigation bar sits at the bottom of your display, and allows you to manage multiple apps, more easily. So if you’re listening to music, you won’t miss your next turn; or if you’re following directions, you can still easily pause or skip a song. You can also jump straight to your app running in the background with one tap.” explained Google.

    Elsewhere, Android Auto will also offer deeper integration with Google Assistant. As users will be able to perform more commands through a new assistant icon next to apps.

    The latest Android Auto also caters to different display sizes. Hence, some users can take advantage of more screen real estate offered by their carmaker. Besides, it also brings a new dark theme and customized accents that go well with your car’s interiors.

    The new Android Auto is rolling out in phases. Tye first set users have started getting the update, and it should arrive on all Android Auto compatible handsets in the next few weeks.

  • New Pixel 4 video goes big on gesture controls and face unlock

    New Pixel 4 video goes big on gesture controls and face unlock

    Google is seemingly trying to build a hype about its upcoming Pixel 4 range. The company just released a new video which teases the handset’s new face unlock mechanism and gesture control feature. Whether both features will attract more users towards Pixel 4 handsets, only time will tell. For now, Google has shown-off Pixel 4’s face unlock and gesture control features in the new video. The short video posted on YouTube essentially suggests how users will be able to control the Pixel 4 without touching the screen, just by hand gestures.

    According to Google, gesture control features is the result of new radar technology called Soli. The upcoming Pixel phones will have support for this technology developed by the Advanced Technology and Projects division at Google. Soli relies on high-end optical technology to detect movements off the screen, while the underlying software responds to such movements.

    “Pixel 4 will be the first device with Soli, powering our new Motion Sense features to allow you to skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls, just by waving your hand. These capabilities are just the start, and just as Pixels get better over time, Motion Sense will evolve as well,” said Google.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=KnRbXWojW7c

    Elsewhere, Google also plans to upgrade the face unlock mechanism with its new Pixel range. The latest video shows how a user unlocks the Pixel 4 by looking at it, similar to how Face ID works. The company will hope to make it as secure as Apple’s Face ID technology, as face unlock technology in Android phones aren’t considered as secure as Apple’s. Google, however, suggests that won’t be the case with the next-gen Pixel.

    “Face unlock uses facial recognition technology that is processed on your device, so that image data never leaves your phone. The images used for face unlock are never saved or shared with other Google services,” the company explained.

    The Pixel 4 is expected to release this fall, most probably sometime in October. Google is expected to launch two variants of the handset, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. More details about Google’s next flagship are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google rolls out July 2019 Android security patch to fix multiple flaws

    Google rolls out July 2019 Android security patch to fix multiple flaws

    Google today released July 2019’s Android security patch for all supported Pixel devices. The latest patch address several security isssues, bug fixes, and multiple improvements. The Android security patch for July 2019 includes 2019-07-01 and 2019-07-05 security patch levels.

    The latest security patch addresses a total of 33 security vulenrabilties affecting Android devices. These issues were found in the Android systrem, framework, library, media framework, along with Qualcomm componnets. According to Google, the most critical flaw was discovered in Android Media framework.

    “The most severe of these issues is a critical security vulnerability in Media framework that could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device,” explained Google in the security bulletin.

    Apart from multiple security fixes, July 2019’s Android security patch also fixes sveral bugs for supported Pixel handsets. For instance, it improves ‘OK Google’ and music detection on the Pixel 2, Pixel 2XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL. Besides, it also fixes an issue for some Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL devices that get stuck while a reboot is performed.

    Elsewhere, Google has also fixed an issue on the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL handsets that get stuck in the ELD mode. Besides, the latest security patch also improves Unicode language support for Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL.

    The July 2019 Android security patch is now rollong out on all supported Pixel handsets. These include the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL devices. The rollout is taking places in phases, and is likely to arrive in a few days for all users. The patch should also arrive soon for other Android devices such as the likes of Essential, HTC, Sony, and more.

  • Google starts rolling out the latest version of Android Auto

    Google starts rolling out the latest version of Android Auto

    Back at I/O 2019, Google announced that refreshed Android Auto would start rolling out in summer. Now, it appears Google has lived up to that promise as the rollout of the new version has begun. The latest update is a part of Android Auto version 4.4. That said, not everyone is getting the redesigned version just by installing v4.4.

    Besides, it’ also important to note that not everyone’s getting the new version, as the rollout appears to be taking place in phases. However, users who did receive the overhauled Android Auto were prompted to unplug and reconnect the phone to the car, following which the new UI showed up on their screens. A posting on Reddit suggests that the redesigned version is now available for some users in the United Kingdom.

    The latest version of Android Auto brings a completely new design to make driving simpler, less cluttered, and more personal. Google has promised that the new version remembers your settings and apps, so it’ll just start playing songs and load navigation apps that you mostly use.

    The overhaul also brings a redesigned navigation bar that shows turn-by-turn directions, while also providing easy access to apps and phone controls.

    “With the new navigation bar, you’ll be able to easily control your apps with one tap. Get turn-by-turn directions, rewind your podcast or take incoming call all on the same screen,” said Google.

    Apart from the redesigned navigation bar, the refreshed version also gets a notification center that displays recent calls, messges, as well as alerts.

    The new Android Auto update is expected to roll out in the next few days. In the meantime, make sure to watch out for an OTA alert or head over to the PlayStore to check if the latest update is available for download.

  • Google plans to rebrand Google Home to Nest Home

    Google plans to rebrand Google Home to Nest Home

    Key sources indicate that all Google Home products might be renamed to the Nest brand. According to a listing spotted on Google Store, the Connected Home Accessories section for old swappable bases for Google Home is showing as Nest Home bases.

    The official product page still mentions them as ‘Base for Google Home’, however, the disocunt listing had renamed it to ‘Nest Home Base’.

    That said, after multiple reports about the new name change were published, Google has apparently removed all references to ‘Nest Home’ today. Now, this essentially implies that the rebranding was wasn’t ready to go live.

    google nest

    To recall, Google did confirm during I/O 2019 that all its smart-home products in the future would be rebranded to Google Nest. The first product under the new brand name is the Nest Hub Max, while Google Home Hub was immediately rebranded as Nest Hub. The Google Nest branding has already started rolling out to multiple already-available smart home products in the company’s portfolio. These include the classic Nest Thermostat, security cams, as well as Hello Video Doorbell.

    For now, it appears Google hasn’t rebranded any smart speakers with the new brand name. That said, it could all change in the near future. Google VP Rishi Chandra has already confirmed that the Nest rebrand will eventually come to Google Home speakers. That said, it appears the rebranding isn’t happening right away, and would likely apply to next-generation products, instead of current ones.

  • Google Pixel 4 leak shows off the phone in three color shades

    Google Pixel 4 leak shows off the phone in three color shades

    Leaks about the upcoming Pixel 4 flagship are flying thick and fast. Besides, Google has already given us a taste of what’s in store by revealing a teaser image of its upcoming handset. Now, we have another alleged leaked render of the flagship thanks to IndiaShopps.

    To begin with, the handset shown in the latest render appears to be the smaller of the two Pixel 4 models, i.e. the non-XL variant. Besides, the leak shows handset in three different color variants. These inlcude Black, White, along with a new subtle mint-green shade.

    Additionally, the renders also show-off the typical contrasting power buttons. These are white for the black color variant, blue for the white one, and sort of acidic yellow for the mint-green model.

    It’s also worth noting that these renders fall in line with previous leaks. We can see a large top bezel on the handset and no physical fingerprint scanner on the back. Now, this essentially implies the Pixel 4 might feature an in-display fingerprint scanner or a facial recognition, similar to Apple’s Face ID.

    Not to mention, the leak also shows the much talked about square camera bump on the rear.

    As is usually the case with leaks, readers are advised to take this information with a pinch of salt as nothing is official for now. Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 4 series towards the end of October, much like Pixel launches in the past.

    More leaks about the Pixel 4 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google accused of stealing song lyrics from Genius.com

    Google accused of stealing song lyrics from Genius.com

    Genius.com has accused Google of stealing lyrics from its site and then reposting them for use in search results. Genius further claims it has irrefutable evidence against Google of lifting songs directly off its website thanks to a Morse code embedded within their lyrics.

    Key sources indicate that Genius witnessed a significant drop in web traffic in recent years. The reason being that Google started posting lyrics on its search page within ‘information boxes’, instead of redirecting users to lyric sites like Genius. While Google posting song lyrics is not a crime, however, Genius accuses Google of directly copying lyrics from its site.

    Back in 2016, Genius made a change to its site where it began alternating the lyrics apostrophies between straight and curly, which is essentially a water mark for every copy. With this change, when the apostrophies are converted into morse code, it spelled out the words red-handed. Genius claims it found over 100 different instances of this happening on several songs.

    “Over the last two years, we’ve shown Google irrefutable evidence again and again that they are displaying lyrics copied from Genius. We noticed that Google’s lyrics matched our lyrics down to the character,” Genius’s chief strategy officer Ben Gross told the Wall Street Journal. “

    In response, Google denied such accusations stating that lyrics were licensed from partners. The search engine giant further adds that it is going to investigate the matter and terminate agreements with any of those partners who were not complying to ethical practices.

  • Google Pixel 4 spotted again with a square camera bump on the rear

    Google Pixel 4 spotted again with a square camera bump on the rear

    We’ve already come across numerous leaks about the Pixel 4 this week. After a bunch of CAD renders that were leaked on the web, Google surprisingly posted an official image of the flagship. Now, the Google Pixel 4 has been spotted in the wild, and the latest leak lines up nicely with earlier leaks of the device.

    The latest set of images posted by 9to5Google, show the device with a squared camera box which houses the dual-rear cameras. That said, these images don’t give us any new information since Google teased official photos of the handset.

    Credits: 9to5Google

    Going by the latest leaks, it appears Pixel 4 will be the first Pixel handset to get more than one primary camera sensor. So far, leaks hint at dual-rear cameras for the Pixel 4, though rumor has it there could be one more ToF sensor. Besides, there appears to be a tiny cutout for the microphone on the top of the device.

    Another noticeable change based on the leaks is a single physical button on the left, which could be either a power button or a dedicated button to activate Google assistant. It’s also worth noting that no such button exists on the Pixel 3 series, as it had all its physical keys housed on the right.

    Significantly reduced bezels

    Besides, leaks also point at the absence of bezels or near bezel-free edges on the new Pixel 4. Some sources even point out at a Galaxy S10-like punch hole at the top right corner for the selfie camera. It could either be a dual-camera setup or a single camera bundled with a front flash.

    Also, the bottom bezel gets reduced significantly, which could mean the Pixel 4 won’t pack front firing speakers. Leaks also point towards the absence of a physical fingerprint sensor, which suggests it could either be placed underneath the display or within the side-mounted power button.

    Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 4 series sometime in late October. More leaks about the handset are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google officially teases the Pixel 4

    Google officially teases the Pixel 4

    Google has officially posted an image of the upcoming Pixel 4 Android flagship on Twitter, putting an end to a set of leaks that surfaced on the web recently.

    The Pixel 4 is expected to release this fall, most probably sometime in October. Now, the company has teased the handset giving us a fairly good idea about the Pixel 4’s design. Going by the image posted on Twitter, we can see a square which houses dual rear cameras and the flash. Google’s Pixel phones are known for their camera prowess, and this will be the first time Google is using multiple camera lenses at the rear.

    Besides, the image shows that Google’s G logo is placed at at the bottom of the screen. However, the tech giant has only teased the back of the device for now.

    A tag line also accompanied the tweet which stated, ” Wait till you see what it can do”. Now, this suggests that the Pixel 4 will feature the latest mobile technologies. Hence, we can expect Pixel 4 to come with wireless charging, stereo speakers, USB Type C, face unlock, as well as in-display fingerprint sensor. Besides, the next-generation Google Assistant will also be included in the Pixel 4.

    As fas as Pixel 4 specifications are concerened, for now, we have no idea about what’s under the handset’s hood. However, rumor has it that the Pixel 4 will boast 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, at a minimum.

    Google is expected to launch two variants of the handset, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. More details about Google’s next flagship are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Pixel 4 leak shows an iPhone 11-like design

    Pixel 4 leak shows an iPhone 11-like design

    There’s been a dearth of leaks about the upcoming Pixel 4. However, finally it seems like we’ve some proper renders about the upcoming device. OnLeaks in collabortaion with PriceBaba has published a bunch of renders, which are based on ‘early prototyping schematics’. Now, this essentially means that the handset’s design could change by the time of official release.

    Nevertheless, the latest renders show-off the handset with a near bezelfree display. Besides, it shows a camera bump on the rear, which looks quite similar to a few iPhone 11 leaks we’ve seen in the past.

    The leak suggests that the square bump could house at least two cameras. If this turns out to be true, this would be the first time Google will use more than one camera lens on the rear.

    Elsewhere, the leak indicates that the speakers could move on to sides, instead of front facing speakers found on current-gen Pixel phones. Besides, the leak suggests there won’t be a physical fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 4. Not to mention, there is no headphone jack either. As far as Pixel 4 specs are concerned, rumor has it that the device will come with a minimum of 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage.

    Fans aren’t really excited about this Pixel 4 leak, and Reddit is full of users dissappointed about the awful camera square. That said, we’ll take this leak with a huge boulder of salt as other Pixel 4 leaks show a completely different design. There’s a lot of incoherent information about the handset based the latest leaks. However, we expect rumors to start lining up nicely as we approach the handset’s official unveiling.

    We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google Stadia: Price, Release, Games, and more

    Google Stadia: Price, Release, Games, and more

    Google Stadia is a streaming platform designed to run games without a high-end PC or console. All you’ll need is a Chromecast and a television which allows you access high-resolution games via cloud.

    Announced back in March, Google Stadia is slated for a release in November 2019 via a Founder Edition Bundle for $130. This edition includes three months of Stadia Pro which costs $10 a month. It lets you stream games up to 4K HDR at 60fps, includes a copy of Destiny 2, offers discounts on all games on Stadia store, as well as access to a collection of free games.

    Besides, the Founder’s Edition also includes a Buddy Pass which you can gift to a friend for three months. It also includes the exclusive Stadia controller along with Chromecast Ultra.

    The base subscription called Stadia Pro will be offered at $10/month. It gives players access to stream games at 4K resolution/60 frames-per-second. However, the service won’t offer all games as new ones need to bought separately. Also, you’ll have to purchase the standalone Stadia controller which costs $70.

    Google also notes it’ll be just one user per Stadia account, that’ll be linked to your Google ID. However, you won’t be able to subscribe to the standard Stadia Pro subscription until 2020.

    Finally, a free version of Stadia, called Stadia Base, is slated for a release sometime next year as well.

    Games available at launch

    In an official stream, Google also revealed a list of over 30 games whicch will be available for purchase when Google Stadia officially lainches in November. These include the likes of Doom, Doom Eternal, Ghost Recon: Breakout, as well as other popuklar first-person shoooters. Other Stadia games announced include Final Fantasy XV, Darksiders Genesis, Metro Exodus, The Divison 2, and many more.

    Both Mortal Kombat 11 and Battle for the Grid will also be available on launch day. Google Stadia will rival Microsoft’s Project xCloud and Apple Arcade gaming services, which are also slated for a release in the near future.