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Google pulling Android Messages update is a breach of trust

Andrew Allen
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Google recently pushed an update out that brought its new Material Theme and dark UI to Android Messages. Users were happy to see this new version of the app hit their phones. Unfortunately, the excitement was short lived. Less than 48 hours after the update, Google pulled the new UI back with no explanation via a server-side regression.

Downgrading a new version of an app isn’t uncommon. Developers find small bugs after the fact all the time and recommend users to revert back to the previous installation. However, these server-side changes by Google feel different. There’s a slight hint of betrayal.

The way the update is pulled makes a huge difference in how it’s viewed by the user. That’s because ultimately we, as users, should have full control over individual apps we install. Especially those that are already sitting in our app drawer. Google stripped us of this right when they made changes to Messages without the user’s consent.

I’m not one to make a fuss about the “big bad” Google. I’m normally OK with the company and the tradeoffs it offers me for data, etc. However, pulling back a service that was literally a different version with new features is a step too far for me.

This would be fine if I were running Android beta software and a settings element is removed or added, but taking the entire new Material Theme back from the Android faithful isn’t what a company like Google should be doing. You don’t see Apple doing something like this. If Tim Cook and friends don’t want you seeing a new version, then you simply don’t see it. They make sure that nothing is revealed to users until it’s ready for prime time. Or if it is a mistake, then Apple is more apt to make an official statement to its users that the app will be pulled or changed.

Honestly, that may be my biggest issue with these server-side changes. It’s the lack of transparency. Making changes in the background without notification or consent is just confusing. Hell, we see users running the exact same software version of applications but seeing completely different experiences on their phones. This shouldn’t be common practice for a company with the scale of Google.

We are happy to report that the new UI theme is back live for some users, but it doesn’t change the fact that the way it’s being implemented is more than murky. It might even be a little shady. Google needs to decide on a better way to reach its base with new features in its official apps. Pulling it after people are seeing it on devices without warning is a breach of trust. We deserve better. And we should demand better from Google when many of us are buying close to $1000 hardware running Android.

Motorola One and One Power offer the notch on the cheap

Alexandra Arici
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After months of leaks and rumors, the Motorola One and One Power are finally official. The Lenovo-owned company introduced the two phones just in time for IFA 2018.

These are Motorola’s first smartphones featuring a notch, so if you’re a fan of this popular design trend you’re probably going to be quite excited about the two new models. The One and One Power are also part of the Android One family, so this means you’ll get near-stock Android experience and fast updates.

Motorola pushes out two new Android One devices

So what’s the difference between the two devices? Well for starters the Motorola One features a 5.9-inch display with 1080p resolution and a shiny glass body. In contrast, the One Power has a larger 6.2-inch FHD+ screen onboard and boasts a matte polycarbonate body.

When it comes to specs, the One Power is the more powerful affair. It relies on a Snapdragon 636 chipset, while the One has to make do with a Snapdragon 625. However, both include 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

Motorola One

The One Power also has the advantage of bundling a large 4,850 mAh battery, versus only the 3,000 mAh one inside its smaller sibling.

When it comes to photography both smartphone feature a dual-camera setup on the back, but the One Power’s is more impressive. It’s made up of two 16MP + 5MP sensors, while the One has two 13MP cameras living on the rear.

Motorola One Power

The One Power will be the better choice for those who are looking to take great selfies too, as it includes a 12MP front snapper. The One only has an 8MP one.

The company says the two One devices will be the first to get the Android P update.

Motorola was pretty vague about release dates. Still, we do know the One is coming to Europe, Asia and Latin America for €299/$348 in the coming months. While the One Power will be exclusive at launch to India.

Mophie introduces four new wireless chargers from the Charge Stream family

Alexandra Arici
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Mophie known for its quality mobile accessory, this week launched a four new additions to the Charge Stream lineup. These are all wireless chargers designed to work with compatible smartphones from Apple, Samsung and other Qi-enabled smartphones.

The new products are the vent mount, desk stand, powerstation wireless, and powerstation wireless XL. Below we take a quick look at each to see what they bring to the table.

Vent mount

Mophie offers a wireless charger that attaches itself to your car’s air vent mount. The accessory can hold your phone in place securely while its juicing it up. It has a wireless charging output of 10W and is optimized for Samsung’s 9W maximum charging capacity, as well as the iPhone’s 7.5W. It’s available for $69.95 starting now.

Desk stand

As the name suggests, the desk stand is a wireless charging station that can be placed on all sorts of furniture in your home. The device allows you to charge your phone in either portrait or landscape mode. You can also remove the wireless charging pad and use it as a normal charger pad. It outputs power at 10W. The desk stand will be available this fall for $69.95.

Powerstation wireless and Powerstation wireless XL

While most wireless chargers can charge your phone sans chords, they themselves are usually tethered to a power cord. But not the powerstation wireless and powerstation wireless XL. Instead, they have built-in 6,040 mAh and 10,000 mAh batteries, so they function as true wireless chargers.

But there’s a tiny catch here. They can only output 5W when in mobile mode. The good news is that you can still get 10W. If you don’t mind using the USB cable, that is. Both powerstations are currently up for grabs for $79.95 and $99.95 respectively.

All four new mophie wireless chargers can work with phone wearing cases up to 3mm thick.

UE unveils Boom 3 and MegaBoom 3 speakers with Magic Buttons

Alexandra Arici
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Smart speakers might be very hot right now, but not everyone enjoys talking to their electronics. Sometimes all you need is the essentials.

That’s exactly what Ultimate Ears is offering with its latest set of wireless speakers. The UE Boom 3 and MegaBoom 3 might not carry the AI wits of Alexa or the Google Assistant, but they can blast quality audio and look pretty while doing so.

The two speakers are the latest iterations of UE’s Boom family which has been around ever since 2013. With the latest models, the company has updated a few things, especially in the design department.

UE’s new speakers bring a fresh look

While they are still 360-degree speakers with an IP67 rating, the Boom 3 and MegaBoom 3 now have much larger volume buttons. These are embedded within the speaker grill and not on a separate rubber strip. The fabric has also been revamped, as it now comes in a very appealing two-tone style.

Boom 3

But the most noteworthy addition is the so-called Magic Button. This is basically a play/stop/skip button with alternative functions. For example, users can download the Ultimate Ears app and use it to program up to four Deezer or Apple Music playlists. These will start playing with a simple tap of the Magic button. Spotify and Pandora playlists are currently not supported, but that might change in the near future.

MegaBoom 3

Other small updates to the Boom 3 and MegaBoom 3 include a cloth loop to be used for hanging. On top of that, the speakers have been designed to float on water. UE has also changed the position of the charging port which now lives on the side, so now you can charge the speakers while they are still in use. The Booms promise 15 and 20 hours of battery life on a single charge respectively.

For those interested in getting one (or both) UE’s new “dumb” speakers, the products will hit the market in September. The Boom 3 will go on sale for $149, while the MegaBoom 3 will take you back with $199.

UE Boom 3

UE MegaBoom 3

Marshall unveils two smart speakers powered by Alexa

Alexandra Arici
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Marshall is mostly known for being the amp of choice for the majority of rock musicians. But did you know that the company recently entered the smart speaker market?

Present at IFA 2018 in Berlin this week, Marshall unveiled two smart speakers that offer Amazon Alexa control. The Acton II and its larger and more powerful brother the Stanmore II are part of Marshall’s Voice lineup of speakers. But they are the first to bring Alexa into the equation.

The speakers feature Marshall’s signature look and iconic logo on the front mesh. It’s not too original, but it’s the sort of timeless design that will most likely find a fit in most homes.

Marshall enters a new niche with its latest products

Marshall says the two audio devices will launch this fall with Alexa on-board. So you’ll be able to ask Amazon’s AI assistant all about your favorite bands and songs. But the company also plans to add Google Assistant support later this year, so customers will have the chance to use the assistant they like best.

Details on the technical specifications are currently pretty scarce. But the company did reveal that the two new Voice speakers take advantage of class D amps and custom drivers to provide a “balanced and dynamic response”.

If you like the idea of getting a Marshall smart speaker for your home, then let us tell you the Stanmore II is already available for pre-order for $399, with deliveries starting on October 2. While pre-orders for the Acton II will start on October 2 for $299, with availability on November 9. The devices will first be available in the US, then launch in other markets as well.

At IFA this week, we saw a lot of new speakers arrive. For example, Soundcore unveiled a party speaker called the Flare S+ which is far more affordable than the Acton II or Stanmore II. But if you want to bring the rock star vibe into your home, you’ll definitely look into Marshall’s direction.

TCL announces a new Android Go tablet – the Alcatel 3T – at IFA

Donovan Jeska
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At IFA in Germany this week, TCL announced a new tablet powered by Android Go; the 8″ Alcatel 3T. The Android tablet market is floundering to say the least these days, but perhaps Android Go is the way back to relevance? While no formal hardware specs have been announced, the Alcatel 3T looks to make sales purely on its price – starting at just $138.

The Alcatel 3T sports an LTE connection and a 4,000mAh battery, two of the only hard specifications we have on the device. And while TCL hasn’t announced availability for the North American market yet, we expect to be updated relatively soon. The 3T weighs in at just 279 grams and is only 8.2mm thick, giving it both a lightweight and slim profile.

Perhaps most unique among the announced features, however is that the Alcatel 3T will launch with Android Go Oreo right out of the box. At $138 I’m anxious to see what kind of hardware TCL has managed to cram into the budget tablet, which appears to be competing with the higher-end Kindle Fire tablets. I doubt we’ll see anything world-breaking in the specs department, but hey – stranger things have happened.

Even if the Alcatel 3T is a surprise hit, can it even begin to repair the Android tablet markets’ rather poor reputation? I guess we’ll find out.

Hot Take: Google Pixel 3 leaks, Sony Xperia ZX3, and BlackBerry’s new cost-efficient option (Episode 23)

Matt Adams
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Join us as we sit down and discuss some of the hot tech topics out there today. This edition focuses on the new BlackBerry Key2 LE, Sony’s new flagship device, and some brand new Pixel 3 (not XL) leaks.

What we talked about today

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Lenovo unveils the first Yoga Chromebook at IFA 2018, alongside other laptops and hybrids

Alexandra Arici
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Also present at IFA 2018 in Berlin, Lenovo today introduced a bevy of new products including laptops and a new family of connected devices. Below we take a short look at each product and see what they bring to the table.

Lenovo Yoga C930

The new Yoga C930 is Lenovo’s flagship Windows 10 hybrid laptop which comes with a Rotting Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos Speaker System. Dolby Vision and a Garaged Pen are also part of the package. Pricing is set to start from $1,399.

Lenovo Yoga Book C930

The laptop is apparently the world’s first to come with a dual display with E Ink. The versatile E Ink display has all kinds of functions like doubling as a dynamic, customizable keyboard, digital paper or even E-reader. You’ll be able to have it for $999.999 and up.

Lenovo Yoga S730

The Yoga S730 is a premium clamshell that has been designed to offer ultra-portability, as it weighs little over 2 lbs. It’s offered in an aluminum case and its battery can offer up to 10 hours of battery life. The laptop comes with Windows 10 pre-installed. It will be available for $999.99 and up.

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo also introduced the first Yoga device with Chrome OS on board. It sports a sleek 4K, almost-edgeless 15-inch touchscreen. Featuring a sleek all-aluminium body, it’s built for entertainment. Prices will start at $599.99.

Lenovo Yoga C630 WOS (Windows on Snapdragon)

The Lenovo Yoga C630 is the first laptop to be powered by a Snapdragon 850 Mobile Compute Platform. The device runs Windows 10 and boasts a 13-inch FHD IPS touchscreen which can be rotated at 360-degrees. It will go on sale for $849.99 and up.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme

For those who like the more classical approach to laptops, check out the ThinkPad X1 Extreme. It’s aimed at power users and comes with an advanced set of specifications. The device ships with a 4K HDR display with Dobly Vision, Dolby Atmos and 100% Adobe RGB. Prices start at $1,849.

Lenovo C330 Chromebook

Lenovo also announced an affordable Chromebook starting at $279.99. Powered by a MediaTek processor, the laptop features a 2-in-1 hybrid design and an 11-inch IPS touchscreen display. It weighs only 2.6 lbs.

Lenovo S330 Chromebook

The S330 is even a more affordable option at $249.99. It features a slim clamshell form factor with an up to 14-inch FHD IPS display.

Lenovo Smart Home Essentials

Lenovo Smart Home Essentials is a new family of connected devices that are compatible with the Google Assistant, Alexa and the recently launched Lenovo Smart Display. These Essentials include:

Lenovo Smart Plug

A small device that can be plugged into any outlet that gives users the ability to control any compatible device that’s plugged into it. It will be available for $29.99.

Lenovo Smart Camera

A small security camera that lets you remotely monitor your home. It has a built-in mic and speaker which can be used two-way. It will start selling for $99.99.

Lenovo Smart Bulb

A smart bulb that lets users remotely customize and schedule lighting. It can be yours for $29.99.

Avido Wiba review: Wireless power, anywhere – but at a price

Donovan Jeska
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After raising over $40,000 back in July on IndieGoGo, the WiBa wireless power bank from Avido is finally ready to ship. The WiBa (presumably short for Wireless Bank) is a combination charging dock and external battery bank, both with Qi charging built in. We got our hands on the innovative device, and took it for a test-drive. The WiBa retails for $99, available for pre-order directly from Avido.

Hardware

The Avido WiBa is actually two products that function symbiotically as one. The first half of the product is a Qi-charging cradle, with built-in pins to charge the latter piece, which is a 5,000mAh power bank. Said power bank is a little larger than a 6″ phone, and a little thicker as well. It features a Type-C input port (which is all-but superfluous, as you’ll see), USB-A Quick Charge output port, and Qi Wireless Charging on its top face. Its bottom face also features contacts to charge the battery wirelessly – when Avido advertises the WiBa as a wireless charging solution, it means it.

Aesthetically, the WiBa doesn’t try to do anything fancy. It’s made of a soft-touch bone-colored material, which unfortunately doesn’t quite fit in with the standard black of most smartphones these days. It does, however, fit rather perfectly with the white ceramic aesthetic of the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S – eerily so.

Specs & Performance

Specification-wise, both the Power Bank and Charging Cradle feature standard Quick Charge speeds. The former can charge devices both wired (5V/2.1A) and wirelessly (5V/5W). The latter only charges devices wirelessly – at the fast-charge rated 9V/10W current. But it churns out enough power to charge both the power bank and your phone by stacking them atop one another, which is a great convenience. One cable to the cradle charges both your Qi-enabled phone and the WiBa power bank, and taking them off the cradle is a simple as picking them up. No wires, no cables. It’s pretty cool.

Value

At $99.99, the 5,000mAh Avido WiBa is no cheap buy. Most batteries of that capacity are $20 or less. Even if you include a fast-charging Qi Charger to the cart, you’re only looking at about $40. But the wireless technology in both the charger and battery shouldn’t be underestimated, nor should the convenience of being able to stack a battery and phone on top of the charger for utterly effortless charging.

At this price point, the Avido WiBa is, unfortunately, a rather niche purchase. But if it can sell enough of these to make the investment worthwhile, I have a feeling a WiBa 2.0 could change the way we think about charging. If you just can’t do without the ability to stack your battery and phone atop one-another to charge, the Avido WiBa is up for pre-order for $99 on Avido’s website.

The Arlo Audio Doorbell and Arlo Chime have joined the Arlo family of products

Jason England
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Netgear has just welcomed the Arlo Doorbell and Arlo Chime into its line up of home security products. These two new security products work in tandem to guard the most important gateway into your home.

Arlo Audio Doorbell

Unlike many other smart doorbells on the market, there is no camera. Instead, the Arlo Audio Doorbell calls your phone via the Arlo app and allows you to communicate through a microphone and speaker in the doorbell.

You have the choice of speaking to the person in real time or playing a prerecorded message if you’re unavailable. If you want to see who is actually at your door that will require using one of Arlo’s wireless cameras which can be bought separately.

Similar to Arlo’s wireless cameras the Arlo Audio Doorbell is also completely wireless and weather resistant. It is powered by a pair of AA batteries and can last for up to a full year.

If used along with the wireless cameras you can also take advantage of Arlo Smart to intelligently detect people or call e911. With Arlo Smart, the Arlo app provides you with a way to call emergency services to the location of the camera instead of your phone by using e911.

Arlo Chime

The Arlo Audio Doorbell fully replaces your old doorbell and can connect to your old chime. However, if you don’t have an existing doorbell or simply want a more flexible chime that’s where Arlo Chime comes into play.

The Arlo chime plugs into any standard power outlet and plays back your choice of melodies when the Arlo Audio Doorbell is rung. You can use one or several Arlo Chimes to plug in throughout your house. Included among the different chimes is an 80+ decibel siren, as well as a do not disturb mode for those times when you require silence.

 

 

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