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Google adds Google Assistant integration to the Nest x Yale smart lock

Donovan Jeska
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Starting today, you’ll be able to control your Nest x Yale smart lock with Google Assistant voice commands. That means you’ll be able to simply tell Assistant (via your phone or Google Home) to lock the door, and it’ll do the heavy lifting. In addition, you’ll be able to integrate these commands into Google Routines to perform batch voice orders.

There are a number of commands at your disposal, including: “Lock the door,” “unlock the door,” and “is the door locked?” As a Nest x Yale smart lock user, this is functionality I’ve wanted to see from Day One, and I’m glad we’re finally seeing it integrated.

It’s not the most important functionality around, but in a world that’s quickly trending toward Smart Home technology, it’s an integral one.

Personally, I plan to set it up with a Google Routine that will lock the doors ensure the garage door is closed (whenever I get myself a smart garage door opener, that is) and turn off all my smart-enabled lights when I say “Goodnight.”

 

The Nest x Yale smart lock retails for between $249 and $279, depending on whether you need a Nest Connect or not. It’s a smart deadbolt system that replaces your original lock, and can be opened via assignable code, smart phone or, now, voice command. To learn more about the Nest x Yale smart lock, check out our review. Spoiler Alert: we love it despite its blemishes.

Two more LG G7 phones are coming to IFA, the G7 One and G7 Fit

Jason England
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In a curious turn of events, LG has announced the G7 One and G7 Fit which will be shown off soon at IFA. These two phones are either low-end flagships or high-end midrange phones depending on how you look at it. Both of them share the G7 moniker but outside of the name and design aesthetics they are quite different.

LG G7 One

The LG G7 One is the more powerful of the new pair of phones but not quite as powerful as the original G7 ThinQ. It’s not all about specs though, the most exciting part of the G7 One is that it runs Android One. For those unacquainted with Android One, it is a stock version of Android that receives faster updates through Google.

Any of you who are old enough to remember Google Play edition phones are excited about this I’m sure. The LG G7 One will be one of the most powerful Android One phones on the market, making it another compelling choice for the platform.

Specs

  • Display: 6.1-inch 3120 x 1440 LCD
  • SoC: Snapdragon 835
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 32GB; microSD up to 2TB
  • Camera: Rear 16MP f/1.6; Front 8MP f/1.9
  • Battery: 3000mAh
  • OS: Android One 8.1

The trademark dual rear camera is missing from the G7 One, unfortunately. However, you’ll still have access to the AI Cam and Google Lens for the single rear camera on the back. A few of the hardware perks include a fingerprint scanner, Quad DAC, and Boombox speaker. All of this provides you with a few key extras found on LG phones with a stock Android software experience.

LG G7 Fit

The LG G7 Fit is even more peculiar than the G7 One. It is essentially a 2017 flagship being released in 2018, which makes it a midrange phone these days. Most manufacturers choose to use the latest midrange Snapdragon processors for phones like this. LG has gone a different way though by using the Snapdragon 821 over the 600 series.

Specs

  • Display: 6.1-inch 3120 x 1440 LCD
  • SoC: Snapdragon 821
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 32GB/64GB; microSD up to 2TB
  • Camera: Rear 16MP f/2.2/ Front 8MP f/1.9
  • Battery: 3000mAh
  • OS: Android 8.1 Oreo

Even though the camera gets a downgrade from the G7 One it still includes AI Cam features, the Quad DAC, and the Boombox speaker. There will also be a G7 Plus Fit with 64GB of storage and it appears both models will run Android 8.1 Oreo with the typical LG skin.

The two new G7 models appear to follow the strategy of throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. However, LG puts it much more eloquently as a way to cater to consumers who prefer an older flagship over a new midrange phone. Having been one of those consumers myself I’m still a bit puzzled by this pair of phones.

Essential should open source its accessories platform

Andrew Allen
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Essential hit the ground with a nice buzz last year with the launch of the PH-1 Android phone. Fans, including this guy, loved the idea of super solid hardware running very stock Android. For the most part, Essential accomplished this but had glaring issues with the camera being rather crappy. It also had pricing completely wrong. The company failed to identify its competition being Moto and OnePlus. Instead, it priced the phone at $700 in a flooded premium market dominated by Samsung, LG, and Google.

With all these shortcomings, the company has struggled under the father of Android, Andy Rubin. Sales estimations of the PH-1 have come in well below 200,000 units. Subsequently, the rumors have been rampant that the company is up for sale to get out from under its debts. Another struggle has been its proprietary accessory system. That’s the topic I’d like to take on in this post. Essential should open source its plans for mods.

I know I will have some haters on this, but Moto has laid the groundwork for this model and Essential should consider a similar route. Motorola went to the community to help fund ideas for new mods via an Indiegogo campaign. While the company continued its own in-house development as well, I think it really helped to outsource R&D and consumer interest on just what kind of mods people are willing to spend money on.

This crowdsourced effort is where many of Moto’s current mod lineup originated from. The wireless charging shell, Gamepad, and QWERTY keyboard mods all started with hobbyist users and the Motorola reference program. Essential could easily leverage a similar situation with its user base.

Honestly, Essentials followers may be the perfect market. They seem to be Android purists who really embody the hacker mentality behind AOSP and the heritage of Android’s rise to becoming Google’s behemoth operating system. The company should find a way to harness this community and maybe the accessory platform is the perfect place to do it.

I strongly believe that the Android community is an extension of the Linux nerds at heart. They thrive in a challenge and love a good hack job. The extreme hobbyist techie would have to take a look at Essential designs for it’s charging dock, or a true Qi backplate, and find a way to make it work. They could then even sell them directly through Indiegogo/Kickstarter or have a partnership with Essential to produce them. Either way, the onus of the prototype and testing phase isn’t financially connected to Essential.

Oh, and it could also offer them a profitable venture. Again, Moto set the standard. The phone should come at a discount because the profit is in the addons. Essential could help fund its current ventures with a healthy mod ecosystem and possibly rebound from some of the losses they accrued during the growing pains of the PH-1 launch. That is, if they can find a compromise that gets more accessories in its store.

I don’t think this solution is a cure-all for Essentials woes. The company has had more than one misstep, and really looks to be in a financial crisis, but it might offer a spark. Community goes a long way with a company’s success. Andy Rubin has stood by his promise of industry-leading turnaround time on OS updates, but he needs to find a creative way to get accessories for the PH-1’s pin system back into play. And who knows, he might even find a new revenue stream in the process.

Pixel 3 could be released on October 9 this year

Jason England
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A Bloomberg article about the upcoming Apple iPhone launch dropped a little Pixel knowledge on us today. According to the article the Pixel 3 launch event will take place on October 9 at a media event in New York City.

There are several reasons this is news. The first being that no official statement has been given about when or where the Pixel 3 phones will launch. The second reason would be this bucks the trend of the previous Pixel 1 and Pixel 2 launches. Previously both the Pixel 1 and Pixel 2 events happened on October 4 in San Francisco.

Not only would this mark the first time they’ve changed the date, but it would also be a big change in location. Yet another oddity would be that October 9 is on a Sunday. The previous two launches took place on a Tuesday and a Wednesday.

If Google were to launch on October 4 of this year it would again put it on a Tuesday which seems more likely. Launching during the weekend would be quite peculiar, unless Google couldn’t book the venue at another time. Which again seems highly unlikely.

Although none of this is set in stone and it is always possible the Bloomberg article or source is mistaken. It does seem bizarre that of all places for the launch date and location to drop would be an Apple article, but stranger things have happened I guess.

At this point, the Pixel 3 XL is hardly a secret. It has been leaked in so many ways confirming the design from all angles and the specs. However, it’s always possible Google still has some secrets up their sleeves to surprise us with at the event.

Generally, the Pixel phone launches with at least one software exclusive that makes it stand out from all other phones. While the Pixel 3 XL has already been unboxed, photographed, reviewed, and shown off in just about every way. It is still likely those models weren’t running the final version of the OS. For now, we’ll just have to wait for October 9 or possibly October 4 to find out what Google might have been able to hold back, if anything.

Nine tips and tricks for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Jason England
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The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is a massive phone with an abundance of features. The deeper you dig the more you find lurking in the menus. We’ve already shown you the first 10 things you should do after getting your new Note 9. Now, let’s dig a little deeper and show you a few tips and tricks. Before we get started I’d like to thank AT&T for providing the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

Unlock with the S-Pen

One of the handy new features the S-Pen has gained after using Bluetooth LE is the multifunction button. Samsung now allows you to use this button to unlock your phone.

It’s not all that secure but if you use the pen frequently and want to use then it’s there. Once enabled with a simple click of the button your phone will unlock and show your home screen.

  • Open settings
  • Advanced Features
  • S Pen
  • Unlock with S Pen remote

App Pair

The addition of native multitasking in Android is a wonderful thing. Having the ability to have two apps opened at once can save you a lot of time and frustration. It is even better on a phone with a display as large as the Galaxy Note 9 and the use of the S-Pen.

You might wonder, what could make it even better? How about a way to launch two apps you use often in split-screen mode with a handy shortcut. The Galaxy Note 9 gives you this very option from the Edge Panel.

  • Swipe open the Edge Panel
  • Swipe over to Apps Edge
  • Tap Edit
  • Create App pair

Hiding the Navigation Bar

In the past, Samsung made use of capacitive buttons on its phones for navigation. These days with the slimmed down bezels they have opted for software navigation keys like most other manufacturers. The big issue with software navigation keys on an OLED panel such as the Super AMOLED panel used on the Note 9 is burn-in.

This occurs when a static image is shown too long on an OLED screen and a ghost image appears there permanently. One great way to combat this is by hiding your navigation bar when not in use. As an added bonus it also makes using your apps more immersive. After following the steps below you’ll notice a small dot in your navigation bar that can be used to toggle this feature.

  • Open Settings
  • Display
  • Navigation bar
  • Show and hide button

Customize the Always-On Display

The Always-On Display is a convenient feature that allows you to get a quick look at the time and your notifications without even pressing a button. Not only is it convenient, but did you know you can customize it? Within the Samsung Themes store, there are tons of themes for the AOD. Some are free but many require a nominal fee.

  • Open Settings
  • Wallpapers and themes
  • AODs

Even if you want to stick with one of the default themes you can customize the color to make it your own.

  • Open Settings
  • Lock screen
  • Clock style

Customize Edge Lighting

Edge lighting is another one of those eye candy features the Note 9 offers. Usually, you only see the edges light up when receiving a call or text. However, if you dig into the settings a bit you can enable it for any app you choose. You can also select what color to use, the width, and whether it should show with the screen on, off, or both. You could even toggle it off if you find you don’t like it.

  • Open Settings
  • Display
  • Edge screen
  • Edge lighting

Add More Edge Panels

Speaking of the edge features on the Note 9, there are a whole plethora of edge panels you can add. While only two come enabled by default, there are several others including ones for weather, a calculator, news, and sports feeds, and more. Just follow these steps and soon you’ll open up a whole new world of what the Edge Panel is capable of.

  • Swipe open the edge panel
  • Tap the settings cog in the bottom left
  • Tap the 3 dot menu in the top right corner
  • Tap Download

Secure Folder

These days our phones have taken on the role of our most used devices. As such we often keep a great deal of sensitive information on them. With Secure Folder, you can keep prying eyes away from some of your most private information. It allows you to protect pictures, notes, and apps on your phone. Requiring a PIN, password, pattern, or a form of biometric security in order to access them.

  • Open Settings
  • Biometrics and security
  • Secure Folder

Multi Window

Don’t confuse Mult window with the split screen view which was introduced in Android Nougat. This is an entirely different feature from Samsun that enables you to shrink down apps into a smaller window. While different from split screen mode in Android it is just another way to multitask that can sometimes work better.

Intelligent Scan

Intelligent Scan is not quite the face unlock feature found on the iPhone. Instead, it combines the benefits of face recognition and iris scanning to unlock your phone. While each individually could unlock your phone when they are combined it becomes more secure than either used by itself. Until Samsung comes up with a way to copy IR facial scanning this is the best we’re going to get for now.

Devices used in this article were provided by AT&T

Samsung just entered the Android Go arena with the Galaxy J2 Core

Jason England
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It has been rumored for a while that Samsung would soon release an Android Go phone. That day has finally come as the Galaxy J2 Core was just announced. Similar to most other Android Go phones out there, the Galaxy J2 Core will run very basic specs.

Specs

  • 960 x 540 5-inch TFT
  • Exynos 7570
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 8GB of storage; expandable with microSD
  • 8MP f/2.2 rear-camera
  • 5MP f/2.2 front-camera
  • 2600mAh battery
  • Android 8.1 Go Edition

As I said, the specs on the Galaxy J2 Core are quite basic. That is the case for most Android Go phones, which are made to be affordable phones for emerging markets. Recently, I reviewed Galaxy J3 2018 with similar specs but running the full version of Android. It was a slow but capable phone. Here’s hoping the slimmed down version of Android Go makes the Galaxy J2 Core a little speedier.

Unlike most other Android Go phones on the market, Samsung includes their own skin over the OS. While most choose to leave Android Go alone, Samsung has chosen to offer the Samsung experience, even on the lowest end of phones.

The Samsung Galaxy J2 will be available beginning today in India and Malaysia and can be purchased for approximately $100 US dollars. Samsung also states the phone will expand into more markets in the future.

T-Mobile customers may have had their personal information leaked

Jason England
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T-Mobile customers may have cause for concern, as it is possible some of your personal details were accessed recently. T-Mobile has released a statement regarding the incident which occurred on August 20. On the day in question, T-Mobile’s cybersecurity team detected the breach and promptly shut down the attempt to access any unauthorized information and informed the authorities.

What was accessed

The good news is, according to the statement your social security number, financial info, and password were not accessed. The bad news is, it is possible they gained access to one or more of the following information including your name, billing zip code, phone number, email address, account number and account type (prepaid or postpaid).

What should you do

All customers affected have been or will be notified soon. If you do not receive a notification it means your account was not part of this breach. If you received a notification or need any more information regarding the breach you can reach out to T-Mobile through one of the following methods.

  • T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers can dial 611
  • Use two-way messaging through MyT-Mobile.com
  • Use the T-Mobile app
  • Use iMessage through Apple Business Chat
  • Schedule a call back from the Team of Experts through the T-Mobile app or MyT-Mobile.com

It is also recommended that you take this time to change your passwords. Regularly changing your passwords is one of the best ways to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. Especially after an incident like the one above has occurred.

Purchasing a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 today? Look here first for the best deals

Donovan Jeska
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The Korean smartphone giant unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 earlier this month, to much fanfare. As always, the Note 9 takes everything Sammy learned from the S9 and S9 Plus and crammed it into a larger-profile phablet, complete with improved S-pen.

If you want the latest and greatest from Samsung, this is the place to be – but it’ll cost you a very pretty penny.

Samsung added a few interesting features to the Note series this time around, including an enhanced 4,000mAh battery, water-cooling, and a new, smart S-Pen that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to add new functionality to the previously “dumb” pen.

Read more: First 24 hours with the Samsung Galaxy Note 9: nothing but a pleasure | Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Specs: A complete monster

Other features are more standard, including 6.4″ Infinity Display, Snapdragon 845 processor, and either 6/128GB or 8/512GB RAM/ROM, depending on the model you choose.

How to buy, you ask? Let’s take a look.

Samsung

While Samsung did offer some pretty nice pre-order bonuses, those are now over. Early adopters were able to choose from either a Fortnite pack worth about $150 or a pair of AKG earphones.

But, if you didn’t get in on the pre-order, you’re not out of luck. Samsung is still sweetening the deal if you pick up the device directly from the manufacturer. Right now, you will be rewarded with a free Duo wireless charger plus any Note 9 cover of your choice. For a $99, you can get both of these, plus the 2018 IconX truly wireless earbuds. That’s a 50% savings on Samsung’s wireless audio solution.

Samsung

Verizon

Verizon is currently running one of the best promotions out there. When you pick up one Samsung Galaxy Note 9, you can get a second for free. The free device comes in the form of 24 bill statement credits of $41.66 that are automatically applied to your bill. You don’t have to trade in a phone, add a line, or any of that. Just get two phones and pay for one. Not bad.

Verizon Wireless

AT&T

AT&T’s deal is a lot like Verizon’s. You can currently get a FREE Samsung Galaxy Note 9 when you purchase one. You recieve the bill credits over a 30-month period and must have service that costs more than $65 a month after credits and discounts.

Unfortunately, to get this deal, you’ll need to add a new line of service. Also, if you’re interested in this deal, you’ll need to act fast. This offer only lasts until 8/30/18.

AT&T Wireless

T-Mobile

T-Mobile was the first of the major carriers to advertise a trade-in deal for the Note 9, offering up to 50% off if you trade in an eligible Samsung Galaxy Device. These devices range from the S8+ down to the S5, with a couple of the lower, entry-level Galaxy devices thrown in there for good measure. If you’re a faithful Samsung follower and T-Mobile customer, this may work out well for you since you don’t need to add a line.

Something to note, T-Mobile is asking some customers that are newer to the service or who don’t have the best credit to plop down a tidy $280 at the time of purchase. While this is a huge lump sum to ask for up front, it does drop the monthly equipment installment payment down from around $41 advertised at other carriers to $30 a month.

T-Mobile

Sprint

Sprint has its own Note 9 deal happening now, but we have to say its the least enticing of the big four carriers. Currently, you can get 50% off your Samsung Galaxy Note 9 but you must purchase the device on Sprint’s Flex lease plan and add a new line of service.

Sprint

US Cellular

US Cellular is not currently offering any deals on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. You can get the base mode Note 9 for $33/month for 30 months or the 512 GB version for $41.64/month for 30 months.

US Cellular

For a limited time get Sprint Unlimited for $25/month with the Sprint Kickstart flash sale

Jason England
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If you’ve been looking for a better plan or way to save money on your mobile plan, and really, we all are. Then today might be the day to jump over to Sprint and give them a try. Once again, Sprint is running their Kickstart flash sale for Sprint Unlimited that offers unlimited talk, text, and data for only $25 a month.

Sprint says this deal will be gone in a flash, but they don’t mention exactly when it will end. Meaning if you’re interested you better jump on it now. With Unlimited Kickstart, you get unlimited talk, text, and data for $25 a month per line. This includes video up to 480p, music up to 500kbps, and game streams up to 2mbps. However, data will be throttled during times of congestion.

In order to get the deal, you’ll need to open a new line with Sprint or port in one from another carrier. You’ll also need to bring your own phone or buy a new one through Sprint. This offer won’t be available in stores, so follow the link to sign up online or call 1-800-SPRINT1 for more information.

If you’ve been interested in trying Sprint in the past or you’re just looking to save some money this is the perfect time to give them a try. If you have any concerns about coverage or speed, rest assured Sprint has been making improvements. According to Ookla Sprint has the most improved mobile network over the past year.

In Brief: Note 9, Google Coach, LG V40, and more (Ep. 21)

Donovan Jeska
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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 Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch, press leaks for the LG V40,  Google’s rumored AI health assistant, Coach, Google Pixel 3 leaks, and the Oppo R17 Pro.

What we talked about today

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