Home Blog Page 630

Google makes Android Q developer beta available to Pixel phones

0

Google has released its first official preview of Android Q for developers, making it available in a beta version. This follows the pattern that has emerged with the last few builds of Android where an early look arrives in the first part of the year well ahead of general release.

In an interesting twist, the Android Q beta is being offered up to all three generations of the Pixel phones. Some had anticipated that Google might try to provide the build to its flagship phones, but the general expectation was that it would only be the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 line getting the beta.

As is the case with previews, this is a build designed for developers so they can begin to prepare their apps and games. It’s also a chance to leverage anything new that’s introduced in Android. In other words, it’s a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that end users won’t immediately recognize.

Google indicates that Android Q will bring some interesting changes such as better privacy controls and native support for foldable phones. Given the trend of the day is to go explore with devices that fold, Google is making it easier for developers to work with the tech.

Privacy Over All

One of the key changes in Android Q is additional privacy settings for location access. Instead of allowing apps to pull in location data at pretty much any given time, the new option lets users define whether it can be always shared, never shared, and somewhere in between. Similarly, Google is putting new restrictions on the access that apps have for things like audio, video, and photos.

The Future is Foldable

The Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X will arrive later this year as two of the first Android phones with folding screens. Until now, both companies had to code things internally and make the experience work with its unique hardware. This won’t be so hard for future generations.

Google is building in support for foldable displays so developers can tap into the larger, or split-screen layout. The Android Q beta is the first chance for developers to get their apps ready for the future of phones.

Settings Panel

Ever try to pair a phone to a Bluetooth speaker? Chances are good that you had to back out to the settings screen to toggle on Bluetooth or search for the accessory. Even when you have an app from the OEM, it’s likely you had to access device settings somewhere along the way. The same goes when adding something that requires Wi-Fi or NFC.

Android Q makes it much easier for users to toggle settings when they’re needed. The beta includes a Settings Panel API which lets developers offer instant, pop-up access to the relevant device settings.

Fixing Shares

As much as we like the way Android lets us share to and from so many apps and services, it’s slow and tedious. This Android Q candidate allows for developers to pre-publish how their apps handle sharing, letting the share UI load instantly instead of building on the fly. It’s small, and may not be noticed by all users, but it will be appreciated by those who do.

What Else?

As indicated before, the Android Q beta doesn’t do a lot on the surface and it will be some time before we get to see and feel the final things as users. With that said, there are a few other details included such as Dynamic Depth which makes it easier for third-party apps to offer bokeh and specialized blur effects. Moreover, Android Q gains support for AV1 video codec, which should lead to improved streaming quality with less bandwidth.

A formal name for Q?

When it comes to a formal name, we still don’t know what Google plans to do with its Q build of Android. There’s nothing in the code yet that indicates where Google is heading so it’s hard to say which sweet, snack, or dessert it has in mind.

Verizon taps Chicago, Minneapolis as first 5G markets

0

Verizon on Wednesday announced that Chicago and Minneapolis will serve as the carrier’s first two markets to receive its 5G Ultra Wideband technology.

The next-gen, super fast network gets started on April 11 with select areas of each city getting the 5G treatment. The two are just the first of what should be some 30 cities over the course of 2019.

According to Verizon, the 5G service plan comes with unlimited data for just $10 per month with any of the carrier’s unlimited plans. This includes the Verizon Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited, and Above Unlimited plans; the first three months will see the $10 rate waived.


EDITOR PICKS


As for phones with support for Verizon’s 5G network, there’s just one at this point: the Motorola Moto Z3. It’s not built into the device, though, as it requires an add-on module, or Moto Mod. As such the Moto Mod will retail for just $50 as part of a special offer.

With an expected retail price of $350, it’s otherwise quite an expensive piece of hardware to tack on just for the privilege of accessing faster data.

To buy the 5G Moto Mod at the discounted price, customers must either have an active Moto Z3 (READ OUR REVIEW) on their account or purchase one at the same time.

On March 14, customers can get the Moto Z3 for free if they active a new line of service on a device payment plan. What’s more, if they order the 5G Moto Mod, they can get a free Verizon Dual USB-C travel charger. It’s a one-day-only sale and limited to supplies on hand.

Top things to do when setting up a Samsung Galaxy Note 9

0

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is the pinnacle of the Galaxy line. You get the most screen, RAM, and a stylus S-Pen that’s always just a step above the Galaxy S lineup. It’s a great flagship device and we wanted to take a brief moment to help walk you through some of the more important features you may want to check out when first getting a Note 9.

Check for updates

This should be the first move when you get any phone. You want to make sure the phone is on the latest OS, but more importantly, you want to make sure you have up-to-date security patches. This will keep your phone, and its data, as secure from external threats as you can get.

  • Open up Settings
  • Scroll to the bottom and select System Updates
  • At the popup tap Check for system updates

If updates are available, you’ll be prompted to download and install. If not, you’ll get the all clear popup in the final screenshot above.

Secure the phone with Iris or fingerprint scanner

Speaking of security, now that your software is locked down, let’s make sure the same can be said for your hardware. Samsung has offered several ways to unlock/lock your new Note 9. You have the standard pattern and PIN combo that’s been in Android for years, but there are also some newcomers like iris and fingerprint biometric scanners.

Samsung is one of the only OEMs to offer iris scanning and it works pretty well even though my glasses sometimes trip it up. Either way, it’s a quick effective way to unlock the device.

  • Head back to Settings
  • Biometric and Security
  • Iris Scanner
  • Enter your PIN or enable one as secondary authentification
  • Go through the guided steps
  • Make sure Iris unlock is toggled on in Iris Scanner settings

Personally, I prefer the fingerprint unlock method. It’s conveniently on the back where I rest my fingers when holding the phone, and Samsung has one of the fastest scanners I’ve ever seen at actually scanning your prints.

  • Open Settings app
  • Biometrics and Security
  • Tap Fingerprint Scanner
  • Enter your PIN
  • Select Add Fingerprint
  • Follow the on-screen guide
  • Make sure the Fingerprint Scanner toggle is on

Log into or create a Samsung account

If you’re new to the Galaxy line this one may make you ponder, but I recommend you take the time to do it. You really will need it to take full advantage of the Note 9 experience.

  • Head to the Settings app
  • Select Accounts
  • Add account
  • Samsung account
  • Login or create your Samsung account
  • Agree to the terms
  • Tap Done

Setup Samsung Pay

To piggyback off the new Samsung account you now own, let’s move to Samsung Pay. This is very similar to Google Pay if you are coming from another Android device. However, one key difference on the Note 9 is that it has additional hardware that allows you to use a credit card scanner at the store even if it doesn’t have NFC payments.

  • Open Samsung Pay
  • Click Get Started
  • Use biometrics verification (iris or fingerprint)
  • Create a Samsung Pay 4-digit PIN
  • Add a card or Paypal to your Wallet

S-Pen Shortcuts

If you’ve bought the Note 9, chances are you are a fan of the stylus S-Pen. Well, you should be. It’s a unique way to interact with your smartphone and Samsung really has done a great job of designing features that make it stand out with the Note 9. You can even choose what you want it to help out within the Settings with S-Pen Shortcuts.

  • Open Settings
  • Find Advanced Features
  • Tap S Pen
  • Select Shortcuts

From here you can customize the S-Pen and all the apps you want to quickly use with it.

Change the Navigation Buttons

It’s always bugged me but Samsung has been doing it for a decade now. By default, they reverse the normal Android navigation buttons layout. Instead of Back-Home-Recents, Samsung aligns them Recents-Home-Back. Thankfully, over the last few generations, the company has added a setting option to change this back to the Android default.

  • Find the trusty Settings app
  • Select Display
  • Scroll down and tap Navigation Bar
  • Click the final option of Button Layout
  • Choose the layout that you prefer

Turn on all notifications in the Status Bar

Here’s another Samsung quirk. For some reason, they limit the number of icons that will show in the Status Bar to only three apps. It’s not a huge deal but it could become another point of annoyance for Android users with their first Galaxy device. Again, you can at least turn this option off.

  • Go to Settings app
  • Tap Display
  • Find and open the Status Bar option
  • Toggle the Show recent notifications only to OFF

There are still many other ways to customize your new Samsung Galaxy Note 9, but these are some initial tweaks we thought you might not be aware of or just needed a reminder. Now, go enjoy that new awesome phone you have in your hand!

Coal Catalyst portable charger review

Take a look at all of the various gadgets and gizmos you charge on a regular basis. What do they have in common? Unfortunately, it’s not the plug they each use. No, some of our stuff is on microUSB while others are on USB Type C. Then there’s that whole Lightning port that Apple uses. What a mess.

The Coal solution is a simple one: a single cable with a variety of tips. And, while it’s not an entirely new concept, it is among the best looking and more durable ones we’ve seen. It also happens to come with a portable charger and/or wall charger.

Available in 8,000mAh and 12,000mAh capacities, the Coal Catalyst is a portable power bank with multiple ports. Plug your preferred cable in via one of the USB ports and top off your phone, Switch, or earphones.

Don’t have a cable with you? Not to worry, this one comes with the aforementioned handy cable. It’s a nice one, too; it’s braided and won’t tangle up from being tossed in your backpack or bag.

Coal Catalyst Features

  • Fully charges your phone in just 2 hours. Mega Battery Capacity: 12000 mAh charges most smartphones 3 times, the largest tablet 1.2 times, or a smart watch 43 times.
  • COAL portable charger fully recharges in 4 hours with the COAL fast charging wall adapter to get you out and about for your next project, your bold adventure or high-demand business travel.
  • Multi-head adapter cable meets all your charging needs. Cable length 3 feet (1 meter).
  • Cable size matters—fatter is faster. 22/28 gauge cable allows maximum current flow to charger giving you a faster charge vs standard cables. Don’t settle for slow.
  • Certified Charge Protection Keeps your devices safe with temperature control, surge protections, short circuit protection and additional high-tech safety features.

Choose from five different designs and color palettes, each of which looks hip and modern. The finish is soft to the touch and feels better than that boring old black brick your co-worker lugs around.

Color options: Quartz, Cobalt, Pitch, Bronzite, Carbon

With enough juice to charge your standard phone multiple times over, the digital read-out lets you know how much is left in the tank. $45 at Amazon

Coal 48 Watt Wall Charger

If you’re looking for a traditional wall outlet instead of a portable charger, Coal has you covered there, too. Its 48 watt unit features Quick Charge 3.0 5V/3A(max) 9V/2A(max) 12V/1.5A(max) and and Type C port with 5V/3A output. Chances are good that you’ve got devices that use one or both of these ports.

Like the portable charger, this one also comes with a 3-foot triple-head adapter cable. Throw them in a bag and rest easy knowing the cable isn’t going to tangle itself/ Not only that, but you’ll look like a real hero when you break out a cord that works for everyone. It’s not cheap at $55, but it’s strong, fast, and versatile.

Klipsch THE THREE with Google Assistant review

Klipsch has been making speakers for decades and knows its stuff, particularly when it comes to audio quality. Now the American brand has combined its audio prowess with Google Assistant and retro design to deliver The Three with Google Assistant.

Design

Almost every Google Assistant speaker these days is nothing more than plastic and fabric. What do you do if you want something made with more premium materials and a classic design? Enter THE THREE with Google Assistant from Klipsch.

There is nothing that really stands out about the shape of The Three — it’s just a boxy rectangle. However, the materials are what really make you take notice. It uses real wood veneer on the top and bottom and it feels much warmer and inviting in the home as compared to your typical plastic or metal smart speaker.

The wood is offset by the metal inlay at the top that features all of the buttons and volume knob. I cannot overemphasize the tactile and premium feel in The Three’s metal buttons and volume knob. It feels like you are using a piece of stereo equipment meant to last decades instead of a cheap piece of plastic.

One omission from The Three’s design is a 3.5mm jack. With a smart speaker, that isn’t the end of the world. These are meant to play your music wirelessly with plenty of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Chromecast support.

The Assistant Experience

Since all Google Assistant speakers come with the same cloud-based commands, you’d think they are all the same. This is not the case, as some differ slightly in features. For example, Google Home speakers feature an equalizer in the Google Home app that other Google Assistant speakers lack, including The Three.

Other ways in which these speakers can differ include accessibility sounds and the volume of the Assistant’s voice. The Three with Google Assistant lacks the option for accessibility sounds and it is one of my biggest complaints about the speaker.

This might not be important to everyone, but I enjoy hearing that audible ding after I utter “Hey Google” to know that it has been triggered and is awaiting my command.

I’m not always in a position to see the lights on top react after speaking the activation phrase. Without this audible feedback from the speaker, I’m left guessing as to whether it heard me or not. It becomes particularly frustrating when you give a command and nothing happens, causing you to repeat yourself.

Another way Google Assistant speakers differ is some have a set volume for the Assistant voice, while others allow it to get quieter as you lower the volume. I’m happy to report The Three from Klipsch gets quieter as you lower the volume. This is a big advantage over smart speakers with a set volume because the voice is always quite loud. It isn’t so much an issue during the day, but early in the morning or late at night it can disturb others and means you can’t use your smart speaker.


EDITOR PICKS


Finally, we have the mic sensitivity. The Three with Google Assistant didn’t have the most sensitive microphone of all the speakers I’ve tested, but it worked most of the time. As with all smart speakers it had varying degrees of success but it worked 70-80 percent of the time. This is why having that audible feedback with the accessibility sounds is so important to me.

Sound Quality

The Three with Google Assistant from Klipsch has a bass-forward sound signature. That doesn’t mean the bass is overwhelming, however. Even though it puts the bass at the forefront it doesn’t lose the mids or highs. Instead, what you end up with is a nice balance between low bass, rounded off highs, and present mids for a full rich sound with plenty of volume.

When I say plenty of volume, I mean it. The Three is capable of filling a large room and easily can be heard a couple of rooms away.

Final Thoughts

Klipsch combines vintage design, decades of experience in speakers, and the smarts of Google all into one package with The Three featuring Google Assistant. In a sea of smart speakers, this all helps it stand out in the best of ways. Unfortunately, all of this comes at a price.

While reviewing The Three I found the $500 price tag, the mic occasionally response issue, and lack of accessibility sounds to be quibbles. All of these are minor complaints; the main one I think truly affects buying decisions, is the price.

If you want something a little cheaper with similar sound quality, I’d recommend the JBL Link 300. The difference is you’ll sacrifice the classic design and louder volume of The Three.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Klipsch

PODCAST: Why you should consider switching to Google Fi

0

Google Fi, formerly known as Project Fi, is one of our favorite wireless service providers. Why? For a variety of reasons, really.

Some days it’s the simple billing and management from the website and app. Other days it’s because of the seamless coverage between T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, and Wi-Fi. VPN protected data, inexpensive data, and bill protection are other reasons we’re fans of Google Fi.

If you’re not familiar with Google Fi, or perhaps may have some lingering questions, we encourage you to check out our latest podcast.

SUMMARY: As we approach the four year anniversary of Google’s phone service, Scott and John break down the various features and benefits of what was formerly known as Project Fi. Is it the right carrier for you? How much does it cost? What are the drawbacks? Tune in and find out!


EDITOR PICKS


Subscribe!

If this is your first time exploring the AndroidGuys podcast, we would love it if you subscribed or gave us feedback. We’re constantly looking to improve the experience and welcome your opinion.

Get more of the AndroidGuys Audio Experience

Google Play Music | Simplecast | iTunesStitcher | Pocket Casts

For questions, concerns, or general feedback about the podcast feel free to contact us at podcast [at] androidguys.com.

Click here to directly download the “Why you should consider switching to Google Fi” MP3 file and enjoy immediately.

Price and availability for Moto G7, Moto G7 Play, and Moto G7 Power

0

Moto’s trio of budget-conscious phones including the Moto G7, Moto G7 Play, and Moto G7 Power now have release dates and presale info. All three of these phones can be had for under $300 and that’s great news if you’re on a budget. What’s even better is they all come with Android 9 Pie and you can begin pre-ordering any of the three models starting this month.

Moto G7

Starting with the Moto G7 which is already available for purchase and will set you back $299. This midrange phone comes with a 6.2-inch 2270 x 1080 display with a teardrop notch. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 632, 4GB of RAM, and has 64GB of storage along with a microSD card slot.

As for cameras, there is a dual 12MP + 5MP shooter on the back with an 8MP camera for selfies on the front. The Moto G7 also comes with a rather sizable 3000mAh battery, water repellent nano-coating, and runs Android 9 Pie out of the box.

If you’re looking to pick up one today you’re in luck, as the Moto G7 is currently available from Best Buy, B&H Photo, Motorola.com, and Walmart.

Moto G7 Play

The Moto G7 Play will be available for pre-order on March 29 with a release date of April 5 and the starting price of $199. While the G7 Play is the more affordable option it takes a hit in most of the specs.

It still includes the same Snapdragon 632 CPU but with only 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage with an expandable microSD card slot. The display also takes a dip shrinking to 5.7-inches and a lower resolution of 1520 x 720. The cameras aren’t spared either, as the back features a single 13MP shooter but the front camera retains an 8MP selfie camera.

Look out for it at Amazon.com, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Motorola.com soon.

Moto G7 Power

The Moto G7 Power is all about battery life with a massive 5000mAh battery and it can be yours for $249 beginning March 22. If you’re even more anxious to get your hands on one then pre-orders begin March 15.

Besides the huge battery, the Moto G7 Power features a 6.2-inch screen with a low 1520 x 720 resolution to save even more power savings. It still includes the same Snapdragon 632 but with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage with an expandable microSD card slot. While there is a single 12MP camera on the back and 8MP camera on the front for selfies.

The Moto G7 Power will be available from several stores this month including Amazon.com, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Motorola.com.

First five things to do with your Samsung Galaxy Watch

0

The Samsung Galaxy lineup has become one of the best options in mobile for your smartphones, tablets, and even watches. One of Samsung’s latest watches is aptly named the Samsung Galaxy Watch. So maybe you just picked one up, but you’re not really sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

Here are the first five things to do with your new Samsung Galaxy Watch.

Sync to the Companion App

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch does have a version with full LTE, you will most likely be syncing this with the app.

  • So, hit the Google Play Store find the Samsung Galaxy Wearable App.
  • Open the app and you’ll be prompted to connect a new device
  • Choose the device from the listed ones
  • Confirm the Bluetooth pairing on the watch

Pick a Watch Face

Another great thing about having a smartwatch is the customizations. Samsung’s default offerings for watch faces is fairly robust and you can download even more. You can also set custom colors and widgets on each face.

  • Open the Wearable app
  • Tap the Watch Faces tab at the top
  • Choose the watch face that you prefer
  • Choose the customize button to further change the watch face
  • Save the watch face

Setup Samsung Pay

You can also pay from your snazzy new Samsung Galaxy Watch via Samsung Pay. Just like your smartphone, you have the option to make wireless payments without your physical credit card. There is one caveat to the watch payments. It uses NFC to transfer the payment information instead of MST. Check this post for a better understanding of the difference.

Setup is super easy via the companion Wearable app previously mentioned.

  • Open Wearable App
  • Find Open Samsung Pay option or Samsung Pay under apps
  • This will install the Samsung Pay Plugin on the Watch
  • It will also launch Samsung Pay
  • Accept the permissions needed
  • View tutorial
  • Log into your Samsung Account
  • Add cards to Samsung Pay

Now with just holding down the top-right button on the Samsung Galaxy Watch you can launch Samsung Pay and use your preferred card at checkout.

Decide Which Apps You’ll Get Notifications

One of the best things about a smartwatch is notification triage. You can quickly sort through your app notifications without completely depending on your phone if you don’t need to. However, there may be apps that you find annoying or simply just don’t want to buzz your wrist. Thankfully, we can easily decide which apps are pushed to the Galaxy Watch.

  • Open the Wearable app
  • Find Notifications in the list of menu options
  • Then Manage notifications on the next screen
  • Toggle apps you don’t want to ping your Galaxy Watch

Setup Good Night Mode (Do Not Disturb)

Much like toggling apps on and off, you may have times that you don’t want to hear anything out of the Galaxy Watch. Like while you’re asleep for instance. Samsung has taken this into consideration and including a Do Not Disturb option, and another, called Good Night Mode.

  • Open Wearable app
  • Scroll and find Advanced
  • Find Good Night Mode
  • Toggle on or off for manually notification shutoffs

You can also schedule times with the traditional Do Not Disturb Mode

  • Open Wearable app
  • Advanced
  • Do Not Disturb
  • Manually toggle or set a scheduled times

This is an example of some classic Samsung software. I’m not sure why that both overlapping options are available, but choice, right?

Welcome to your Samsung Galaxy Watch! Obviously, there’s a multitude of other settings available, but we hope this list at least helps you hit some of the most important ones for you.

Get a first look at the new Harry Potter: Wizards Unite game; pre-registration starts today

0

Wands at the ready all of you aspiring witches and wizards out there. Today, we got a first look at the new Harry Potter: Wizards Unite game. This new venture into the wizarding world of Harry Potter comes to us from WB Games and Niantic.

If Niantic sounds familiar, there is a good reason for that. Niantic created the ever popular Augmented Reality game Pokemon Go. Which means, of course, the new Harry Potter: Wizards Unite will have an AR aspect to it. This will be unlike any Harry Potter game you’ve played before.

In the game, you start your journey as a new recruit for the Statute of Secrecy Task Force with the purpose of investigating a Calamity befalling the wizarding world. In order to accomplish this, you’ll have to search the real world for foundables including artefacts, creatures, people, and even memories – trapped by Confoundable magic. Once found they’ll have to be returned to keep hidden from muggle eyes.

Just like Pokemon Go, this will require venturing out into real-world locations including parks, banks, municipal buildings, college campuses, libraries, monuments, zoos, art galleries, and more.

Not only will you be collecting items for the Statute of Secrecy Task Force, but you’ll also test your combat skills in fortresses throughout the real world. Inside the fortresses, you’ll uncover dangerous foes such as Death Eaters and soul-sucking Dementors. Some of which will be too powerful for you to defeat alone and requiring you to team up with other witches and wizards. Hence the Wizards Unite portion of the game.

That all probably sounds very similar to the gyms featured in Pokemon Go and that’s not where the similarities end. In Harry Potter: Wizards Unite every spell you cast uses up spell energy. In order to cast more spells, you’ll have to refill your spell energy at inns with food or drink. Reminiscent of the Poke balls we’ve often had to collect from Pokestops to continue building our collection of Pokemon.

As you traverse the world, you’ll also come across ingredients in order to craft potions to aid you in your journey. That’s not all you’ll have to look out for in your travels. Keep your eyes peeled for Portmanteaus that can be used to unlock Portkeys which will transport you to wizarding locations. For example, you’ll be able to visit Ollivander’s Wand Shop in a complete 360 degree AR environment.

While the game isn’t ready quite yet, it will be launching in 2019 on both Android and iOS devices. If you’d like to be one of the first to try out your wizarding skills then be sure to sign up for pre-registration on Android today.

How to take a screenshot of your Wear OS watch

0

We’ve all taken screenshot of our Android phones. The process is straightforward, often requiring a simple two-button shortcut or gesture. Taking a watch screenshot, however, gets a little more complicated. Wear OS lets us do it, but it might not all too obvious.

Not to worry. It may not be as simple as taking a screenshot on your phone but taking a grab of your Wear OS watch screen is not that complex.

Check out the steps below and you’ll be snapping away in no time.

Read: How to capture and edit long screenshots on Android

We begin by installing the Wear OS app and move through just a few steps.

  1. Open the Wear OS app on your phone
  2. Tap on the 3 dot menu in the top right corner
  3. Tap on Take screenshot of watch
  4. Wait for the notification to appear on your phone
  5. Select where you’d like to share or save your screenshot

While this is a fairly simple process there are some things worth noting. For starters, the watch screen will have to be active and not in ambient mode before it can send the watch screenshot to your phone. Watches typically have a short timeout period, so you’ll have to be quick to capture what’s on the screen.

There is also the issue that it doesn’t automatically save the image to your device in the same manner that a phone screenshot does. Instead, you’ll use the Android share menu and have a file manager with a save option, share it immediately, or upload to Google Photos.

Lastly, and this is a big one, every watch screenshot has the exact same name. If you’re saving them locally, you will run into an error when saving more than one screenshot. The only way around this is to rename every file manually before taking another.