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Google shows off the new Chromecast Ultra

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chromecast ultra

Google has announced the new Chromecast Ultra. Launching in November with a handful of new features, the new tiny device will debut at an MSRP of $69. It’s similar to the $35 Chromecast in shape and function with its small size and direct HDMI plug. However, unlike previous editions of the Chromecast, the new Chromecast Ultra will support 4K Ultra HD resolutions as well as full HDR and Dolby Vision.

Similar design but with an updated logo and 4K support

Users with 4K TVs will benefit with higher resolution streaming and high dynamic range lighting. HDR on televisions is different than the HDR function you find in newer cameras on smartphones. The wider color gamut and higher contrast allows for more realistic images in video.

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Chromecast Ultra supports 4K streaming in YouTube, RedBull and Netflix with more to follow soon

Google reports that the new Chromecast Ultra is 1.8 times faster at loading media than the previous version and also has an added ethernet port for direct network streaming which can be more reliable in certain situations. We’ll report more as soon as we get our hands on the device.

You can pre-order Chromecast Ultra at the Google Store.

Google unveils the Pixel and Pixel XL

Matt Adams
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Today, Google took the stage and finally officially showed off the Pixel and Pixel XL, the newest phones in the search giant’s arsenal. The phones have been leaked over and over and over again for the past few months so the details weren’t a huge surprise today, but it is nice that they are finally official.

Specs

  • Pixel
    • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (2.4GHz)
    • RAM: 4GB
    • Storage: 32GB/128GB (non-expandable)
    • Display: 5″, 1080P AMOLED
    • OS: Android 7.1 Nougat
    • Battery: 2770mAh
    • Camera: 12MP rear camera with OIS, 8MP front camera
    • Dimensions: 143.8mm x 69.5mm x 8.6mm
    • Weight: 143 grams
    • Connectivity: USB Type-C, Bluetooth, Headphone jack, NFC, GPS, WiFi
    • Fingerprint scanner: Rear
  • Pixel XL
    • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (2.4GHz)
    • RAM: 4GB
    • Storage: 32GB/128GB (non-expandable)
    • Display: 5.5″ 2560 x 1440p AMOLED
    • OS: Android 7.1 Nougat
    • Battery: 3450mAh
    • Camera: 12MP rear camera with OIS, 8MP front camera
    • Dimensions: 154.7mm x 75.7mm x 8.6mm
    • Weight: 168 grams
    • Connectivity: USB Type-C, Bluetooth, Headphone jack, NFC, GPS, WiFi
    • Fingerprint scanner: Rear

As you can see, the devices are very similar. The HTC produced phones are devoid of any HTC branding and are true “Google Phones” this time around. Google will handle all aspects of the devices while HTC just manufactures them.

The biggest differences between the devices is screen size. We don’t get many flagship level small devices anymore, only the Sony Xperia X Compact and possibly the Samsung Galaxy S7 spring to mind. In the smaller pixel you will get a smaller battery, but a 2770mAh battery in a phone that only has a 5″, 1080P display should provide good battery life.

google-pixel

While some leaks had erroneously reported the Pixels would have a MicroSD card slot, that’s not the case. We do get a base 32GB of storage with a gigantic jump up to 128GB of storage as the next step up. No more 64GB option like we saw last year in the Nexus 6P. What will return, however, is the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.

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Software has been one of the most talked about issues in the lead up to the release of the Pixel and Pixel XL. Leaks from AndroidPolice showed a custom software suite that deviated from stock Android. While the Nexus devices of the past always gave a clean install of Android, the Pixels will feature more software customization that set them apart from other flagships on the market. Google is no longer setting the stage for what it would like to see in the mobile world, it’s now trying to lead it.

Unsurprisingly, Google Assistant will be playing a starring role on the Pixel. The Pixel and Pixel XL will be the first phones with Assistant built in. Google has aimed to make assistant an integral part of your phone experience. No longer will you go looking for the information you need, you just ask your phone. Check out our full coverage of Google Assistant here.

Preorders are being taken now on Google’s Store and orders are giving an estimated delivery date of late October for delivery. You’ll also be able to pick one up at Best Buy. Google will offer a payment plan that will come out to about $27 a month for the lowest-priced option (32GB Pixel). Verizon Wireless will be the exclusive major carrier in the United States, but you will be able to use the unlocked version on any carrier including Google’s own Fi.

Pre-ordering from Google’s store right now will also net you a free Daydream View VR headset

Planning to buy a smartwatch? Here are things you need to know

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As we head into the end of 2016, the smartwatch market is quite hot; buyers have a good number of options to deal with. From some of the top brands like Tag Heuer and Fossil to Apple and Samsung, the smartwatch industry has much to offer you.

Smartwatches comes with a number of features and designs meaning that you can likely find one that fits your need and budget. So, whether you want to receive calls or send a message, control your music or stay active on social media, there’s something or you. Fitness tracking is another feature found in most smartwatches which is worth looking into. In short, there should be no problem in finding what you need without having to rely on your smartphone. Simply look at the wrist.

Finding the right smartwatch is really a task you need to care for especially when it comes to your budget. There are often deals and discounts floating around on just about any given day. You can also make use of websites and service such as Curry’s voucher code while buying to get discounts.

Here are some basic features and tips to look for when shopping for a smartwatch:

  • Find a smartwatch compatible smartphone: any Android or iOS model should suffice
  • Find a smartwatch which measures heart rates, steps, or other stats you care about
  • Smartwatches should come with a decent battery life; most get through one or two days at a time
  • At an absolute minimum, the smartwatch should be smart enough to show time
  • The smartwatch should come with an easy buckle or clasp system
  • The wearable should be compatible with most of the apps you plan to use

Device and OS compatibility

Most people want their smartwatch to work well with their smartphone. They’re not quite as fun if they operate independently or don’t tie to your phone. Therefore, device compatibility is very important. Many of the bigger name watches you’ll come across are compatible with one or both of these platforms. Thanks to a recent update, Android Wear works with both Android and iOS.

Most of the smartwatch companies like Pebble, Alcatel OneTouch and Martian work well with both platforms. How? In short, they pair via Bluetooth to talk with the phone. But, it’s not a universal approach of picking a phone and pairing it with a watch. The Samsung Gear S2, powered by Samsung’s Tizen, is compatible with Android handsets while Apple Watch works only with iPhones.

LCD or E Ink?

Most of the smartwatches in the market have an AMOLED display or LCD screen while others like the ones from Pebble have an e-paper display. E-paper displays are available in color or monochrome options. The anti-glare property of e-paper display helps you to carry it out even during the day time. These E-ink displays are very easy to see in all lighting conditions, especially the brightest of days.

Displays consume a decent amount of battery life so most of the smartwatches are default to turn off the screen when not in use. If you have to see the time, you may have to turn on the screen or flick the wrist to activate the display. Many watches let you toggle the display to stay on at all times, but it comes at the cost of battery life.

Touchscreen or buttons?

Having a watch with a touch screen may feel like a no-brainer, but it’s worth looking into. Not all watches let wearers interact with the screens. And, just because we’re conditioned to work with display on our phones, that doesn’t mean you have to get a touch display on your watch.

The Pebble line of watches make use of buttons to scroll the screen and for other activities and apps; it gives wearers the feel of traditional watches. On the other hand, the Android Wear-powered watches comes with card-based notifications which are easy to use and interact with. Sometimes it’s a simple swipe for notifications to dismiss them, or a tap to pull up the calendar or daily steps taken.

On the other side of the fence, the Apple Watch comes with both – digital crown on the side and a touch display. This means you can simply zoom the screen using the digital crown and use the touch screen for your actions.

Personalization

Most of the smartwatches sold today offer a some degree of personalization. Android Wear is perhaps among the most flexible, letting users customize the display, bands, and notifications.

Alerts and notifications

One of the best uses of a smartwatch is the alerts and notification for simple things such as when you get a message or call. This way you can decide whether you want to take the call or not. But, even a more basic watch from today also allows for some apps and limited functionality. Opt for an Android Wear or Apple Watch, though, and a whole world of possibility opens up.

Battery life

When it comes to smartwatches with a color screen, they will typically last for 1-2 days while those with e-paper displays lasts for 4-5 days. Similarly, watches with voice capabilities also use more battery life. How often do you want to charge your watch? Can you take it off at night and plug it in just like your phone?

Pricing

The price of smartwatches varies depending on its features and design. A smartwatch with a metal body costs you more than one with a plastic housing. Price always matters and so make use of Dealslands discount deals while shopping and you may get the right smartwatch within your budget. Look around and compare prices; there are many places to consider.

The smartest of smartwatches are all about features and app support. Is that what you need? Perhaps you just want something that notifies you on the wrist and keeps you from getting your phone out. There’s plenty to consider, but keep in mind that you’ll pay for function as well as fashion. A classy looking and smart wearable will cost more than a block and basic utilitarian watch.

Here’s where you can watch Google’s Tenfour Pixel event

Matt Adams
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Today we’re getting a look at the future of Google. With the expected launch of two new phones, now the Pixel lineup, Google will let us in on its vision for its hardware division. The Pixel lineup will apparently be taking over for the Nexus line which fans have grown to love since the Nexus One was released in 2010.

We expect to see more new hardware from Google during the presentation. Rumors have pointed towards a new 4K and HDR capable Chromecast and Google’s new home assistant dubbed Google Home. We may even get a look at Google’s long-rumored Android/Chrome OS crossover, Andromeda. Details are thin but leaks point to Andromeda being based on Android with the best bits of Chrome OS in it as well.

All that’s left is to watch! Below you will be able to stream the event live at 12PM Eastern/9AM Pacific

Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile call up LG Tribute HD

AndroidGuys
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Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile have started off the week by offering up a new smartphone for their respective services. Starting from today, the LG Tribute HD can be purchased through each website.

Both Boost and Virgin are prepaid brands which utilize the Sprint network for coverage. Moreover, the LG Tribute HD is a low-cost smartphone which gives customers enough to get started in the world of Android, without breaking the bank in the process.

The LG Tribute HD runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and features a 5-inch display at 720 pixel resolution. Powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 212), the handset includes 1.5GB RAM and 16GB internal storage.

Buyer’s Guide: Prepaid Carriers

Other specifications for the LG Tribute HD include a rear 8-megapixel camera, front-facing 5-megapixel shooter, and 2,100mAh battery. All are on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of what’s available today, but it helps to keep the cost in line.

Boost Mobile sells the Tribute HD for $80 while Virgin Mobile offers it for $99. Prepaid service

Facebook introduces a new marketplace and an easier way to communicate

Dan Bartram
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Facebook has been busy today with new feature announcements. Facebook Marketplace, a new e-commerce feature hitting mobile devices today, as well as a new version of Facebook Messenger for lower powered devices.

Facebook Marketplace:

Facebook Marketplace is a new feature coming to iOS and Android today that aims to be a less sketchy version of the popular site fro buying and selling, Craigslist.

Using a simple process, anyone can post their goods for sale. Just take a photo of the item, set your price and describe it, and then post it for sale. Marketplace features a full transaction log as well as, of course, chat through Facebook for talking with sellers and potential buyers.

Marketplace looks like a great way to sell your stuff, or get something cool on the cheap, all while staying away from the more potentially dangerous world of Craigslist. Hopefully Marketpalce remains transparent with who is buying and selling and offers a solid customer support system as well.

Marketplace will be baked right into the mobile app experience and will be rolling out over the next couple of days. Marketplace is available only for users who are listed as 18+, the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Messenger Lite:

Facebook also announced Messenger Lite today, a basic version of the popular Messenger app for Android devices that are less powerful or have less storage. This should allow older devices and devices in areas of poor connectivity to stay connected and still have a near full Messenger experience.

Facebook has managed to slim the app down to 10MB total, while keeping most of the core features like texting, linking webpages, sharing photos and videos and using stickers.

There are some lost features as well, such as the pop out “chat heads.” and a new icon to help differentiate the app from the fully featured Messenger. The new icon is inverse in color, with a white balloon and blue bolt.

Messenger Lite is currently only available in Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela right now, but it should be rolling out in more countries in the coming months so stay tuned if you’re interested.

Five steps to optimizing a mobile friendly website

AndroidGuys
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In the past few years, the mobile influence has steadily grown. Today, the majority of people prefer to use small screen smart devices to browse the web. In this nonstop, hectic culture, it is often simply faster, easier and more convenient to just search and shop online anytime a few free minutes present themselves. In fact, an estimated 10 percent of all Internet users now only use their mobile devices to search for information, browse and shop online.

This has presented some interesting challenges and opportunities for web hosting companies, webmasters and site owners. One of the biggest hurdles is something called “mobile friendliness.” In this post, learn 5 key steps to take to ensure any site is optimized for mobile users.

Step 1: Use Google’s mobile friendliness checker as a starting point.

Google’s famous browser algorithm now places “mobile friendliness” right up there at the top as one of its most important determinants of search engine browser rankings. What this means is that if a website is not mobile friendly, its link is likely to be buried down at the bottom of Google’s browser results.

Google has offered a free Mobile Friendly Test tool to help webmasters and web hosting resellers determine whether a site is mobile friendly according to Google’s algorithm. Not only will this tool quickly evaluate a website for mobile friendliness, but it will also as quickly report back on potential problems or errors that may be interfering with a site’s overall score.

Step 2: Simplify, simplify and simplify some more.

One of the keys to developing a mobile friendly website is to think like a mobile user. A mobile user is typically going to conduct a browser search for information in a short window of time – perhaps for the five minutes while they are waiting in line or stuck at a traffic light.

As such, a mobile user wants to find the exact information they are looking for as quickly as possible. They don’t want to read lots of text or wait for complex graphics to load on a website. They want to get to their desired destination, finish their business and be on their way. So the simpler the website’s architecture, navigation and page layout is, the better it will perform with mobile users.

Step 3: Follow Google’s outline for mobile friendly optimization.

Google has outlined a series of optimization tips designed to help any website developer improve any site’s mobile friendliness score. These tips are the results of an intensive mobile user focus group including iPhone and Android users, so they come right from the “horse’s mouth,” so to speak.

Here are some of the main tips offered:

  • Make the search function easy to find right from the home page.
  • Balance special promotions with regular site features.
  • Take care when asking for a user’s location or requiring membership registration (even if it is free) – mobile users often don’t want to take time for either.
  • Make browsing and buying secure yet easy by always offering a “checkout as guest” option.
  • Ensure a mobile user can finish any purchase on a larger screen device if desired.
  • Offer mobile users visual tools to make completing online forms easy (i.e. calendar date pickers, content pre-population, et al).
  • Opt for a responsive layout that automatically adjusts the website for screen size.
  • Don’t require opening multiple windows on small screen devices.
  • Make small size images expandable for mobile.
  • Make orientation suggestions (i.e. portrait, landscape) automatically.

Step 4: Don’t forget about page loading times!

An essential aspect of mobile friendliness is fast load times. If a site fails to fully populate on a small screen device in four seconds or less, an estimated 25 percent of users will already be gone and on to the next (hopefully faster loading) website. Mobile users are too time-crunched to have any patience with slow-to-load sites….and

Google won’t treat that site well either.

Luckily, Google has developed another free test tool called PageSpeed Insights that can be used to test any website’s loading speed. Using this tool delivers a website’s relative speed as a percentage of 100 and offers specific tips for how to fix slower load times in a variety of areas.

Step 5: Eliminate pop-up images, flash imagery and other interruptions to the mobile experience.

Even desktop users sometimes express frustration with having to cope with multiple pop-up images, flash-based introductions and too-complex landing pages. Mobile users have no patience for these types of interruptions and will quickly navigate away from a site that attempts to redirect them from their primary reason for browsing.

Even worse, since small screen smart devices come in all shapes, sizes, operating systems and storage sizes, some such devices may not even have the necessary plugins to operate tools like Flash, which means the site may not load properly from the get-go for some mobile users.

And since a “small screen” device can range from a tiny pocket-sized phone to a tablet, you want to try to optimize tappable or interactive graphics to be accessible on any screen size. If interactive graphics are too tiny on the smallest screen devices, a mobile user may not even be able to tap them successfully on the first try, which nearly guarantees they will assume the site is not loading properly and will then navigate away.

Optimizing a website for the most mobile friendly experience is not rocket science, but it does take some careful planning and meticulous testing to ensure that all small screen users will have a quick and effective experience.

By using Google’s free mobile friendliness and page load speed testing tools, experiencing the site on mobile devices with multiple screen sizes, gathering feedback from actual users and continuing to simplify, it is possible to greatly improve a site’s performance in Google search rankings and for mobile users themselves.

Try these Google Maps voice commands on your next vaction

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Google maps have been integrated so heavily into the way we travel that it’s hard to imagine how one was able to take road trips before Turn-by-Turn directions. There was an abundance of paper maps for cities, counties, and states prior to GPS, but have you ever tried to read one without knowing your exact location? It’s more difficult than having to re-fold the map that you just spent the last 30 minutes trying to decipher your location on. On September 29th, Google announced how it was going to make your traveling experience better yet again by allowing you to interact with your GPS using your voice.

Google Maps Smartdrive

Googles newest addition to Google Maps will now allow you to navigate with only your voice. Once enabled, all you need to say is “Ok Google” followed by what you would like maps to do. One example would be “Ok Google, find gas stations.” In addition to giving Maps directions, Maps will now let you adjust your route using only your voice. You can tell Maps to “Avoid Tolls”, “Enable Highways”, and “Exit Navigation.” Along with Google’s announcement, Google included its list of ways to interact with Maps.

This update to Maps is not just about changing how we interact and input directions to our device. The ability to tell maps what you want it to do will allow more drivers to drive completely hands free creating a safer commute for everyone.

 

What’s the best $400 phone you can buy?

AndroidGuys
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As attractive as phones like the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge are, it’s sometimes hard to justify spending the money on them. With some devices approaching $850, you’d be forgiven if you weren’t in a hurry to open up your wallet.

Given that models refresh at an annual rate (or faster), we’re often looking at something even more appealing in a year’s time, anyhow. What happens if you don’t want to spend that sort of money on a phone? Are you short-changing yourself? Maybe, but it really depends on your needs.

Not many people know this, but you can actually get more than enough phone for the average user, but at a fraction of the cost of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Like, literally half. Sure, there may be a few compromises in order, but you might be surprised by how much handset there is at the $400 price range.

We’ve gathered up five of the best Android-powered smartphones on the market, all of which come in around $400. Moreover, most of these are is offered in an unlocked capacity, meaning you can pair it with your GSM carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile) of choice. In one particular instance, you can tie it to a CDMA carrier (Verizon, Sprint), too. In the one case where it’s tied to a carrier, there’s something special about why you want the phone.

While it’s damn near impossible to name one phone the be-all-end-all best, each of these fits a certain niche quite well. In other words, you can’t go wrong here; and, depending on your needs, one might work better than others.

oneplus_3

OnePlus 3

In terms of future-proofing yourself, it’s hard to beat this one. There are so many cutting edge specifications inside the svelte phone that it boggles the mind. There are desktop computers with less hardware than what’s present in the OnePlus 3. It’s thin, gorgeous, and just the right blend of custom Android OS to keep things fresh. Seriously, though, 6GB RAM?

axon7

ZTE Axon 7

As an unlocked phone that works with both GSM and CDMA carriers, there’s something to be said about carrier freedom. Want to switch from one network to another? No problem. Hell, put two SIM cards in it and switch on the fly! The 2-year Passport protection plan means you’ll sleep easier knowing your phone can take a beating and not end up costing you to fix it. Flagship through and through, you’ll get a 5.5-inch display, 20-megapixel camera, and 64GB internal storage.

Amazon | B&H | Best Buy

z_play_droid

Motorola Moto Z Play Droid

Like the idea of adding extra functionality to your phone on the fly? This Motorola, a Verizon exclusive, is designed with support for MotoMods which allows for add-on components from big-name brands. Want a better speaker? How about a pico-projector or camera with an optical zoom? The Moto Z Play Droid lets you snap each on in a matter of seconds.

It doesn’t hurt that the phone looks awesome and totally unlike the pre-Lenovo era of Motorola. Oh, we can’t forget the custom software touches that Motorola adds to Android. Gestures and tweaks let you open the camera with the flick of a wrist or wave your hand to see the notification screen.

An unlocked version of this phone is also available, but it comes at a slightly more expensive $450 price tag. Still, it’s really hard to beat this one.

Verizon | Best Buy

idol_4s

Alcatel Idol 4S

Interested in the growing field of virtual reality? Alcatel’s phone not only packs a heck of a punch, but it’s paired with a dedicated VR viewer, some JBL speakers, and a protective case. The Android 6.0 build is as current as anything else non-Nexus on the market; the hardware puts this firmly in the pack of upper-end devices. You’ll come for the 16-megapixel Sony camera, and you’ll stay for the 3000mAh battery. Sprinkle in 3GB RAM and 32GB storage (with microSD card support), and you’ve got a sweet little package.

Amazon

zenfone3

Zenfone 3

A picture-taker’s friend, the Asus comes in a variety of colors, all of which look simply stunning. We’re talking a 16-megapixel rear camera that’s decked in a whole suite of features and shooting modes.

The 2.5D curved glass screen is a beauty to behold, especially atop the 5.5-inch display. It’s hard to argue with a phone that packs this much hardware in such a sexy little unit. Did we mention it leaves $50 in your pocket? Yes, this one is only $350.

Amazon

UMi Plus sells 64,000 units in pre-sale; Last day to to get $70 discount

AndroidGuys
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Yesterday we saw the first unveiling of the beautiful UMi Plus, the new unlocked “budget flagship” which aims to redefine the mid-range experience giving high performances in every field.

It seems many people were convinced by UMi’s effort, because the company just told us they’ve received 64,000 pre-orders, a huge number for a pre-sale model. The first batch of shipments will be heading to retailers today, September 30th, according to UMi.

Undoubtedly, one of the elements which helped reaching this number is the $70 dollar discount for all the users who made a request for it on UMi’s website: there, you can also find a contest where is possible to win an UMi Plus for free.

You still have the last chance to get the UMi Plus at the presale price, but you’ll have to hurry up! There are only a matter of hours left where you can get the phone with Helio P10 Octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB ROM, 4000mah Battery, PE+ fast charging technology, 13MP Samsung PDAF Camera, full metal body for a price of $179.99 dollars!

Starting tomorrow, Saturday October 1st, the phone will return to its regular price, so don’t miss the last chance!

You can reach UMi Plus’ dedicated page and get the 70$ discount here: http://bit.ly/UMiPlusPresales

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