With the Pixel Watch closer to release, a new report has revealed that Google might be working on a health and fitness assistant for wearables called Google Coach.
According to the Android Police who received the tip, Google Coach will be more than a simple tool for tracking your workouts. Like the Google Assistant, the upcoming personal trainer will also use AI to learn about your behavior and then suggest ways to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Internally known as Project Wooden, Google Coach could be able to do things like recommend workout routines or offer alternatives when you missed a planned sporting session.
Google Coach: a new take on Assistant?
Another big part of Coach appears to be nutrition. The assistant will apparently help you creative in the kitchen by suggesting meal ideas or places where to eat. What’s more, it will also be in charge of sending you reminders to drink water or take your medication.
But you won’t be bombarded by suggestions every second. According to the report, the health assistant will serve these notifications bundled together, as to make them more conversational.
The report goes on to mention that Google Coach will probably be rolled out to Wear OS devices in the initial stage. However, the health assistant will be functional in part on smartphones, as well. For example, you’ll be able to monitor suggestions and older data on your handset, but you’ll still need a Wear OS smartwatch for live tracking.
Google might also add Coach to other types of hardware products including Android TV and Google Home. But this will most likely sometime after launch.
We have no rumored date for the launch of Google Coach just yet. However, it’s possible that it might make an appearance on the upcoming Pixel Watch. Although we’re just speculating.
As it’s the case with most rumors, we don’t have something definitive. So Google Coach could end up being launched under a different name or with other features on board.
Last year, Google launched a stripped back version of its mobile operating system designed for low-spec smartphones. The promise behind Android Go was pretty simple. Built on Android Oreo, this version was meant to run better on phones with either 512MB or 1GB of RAM.
Google said that every Android release would have an Android Go configuration. And with Android 9.0 Pie out and about, Google has this week announced the updated Go variant.
It’s called Android 9 Pie (Go Edition). The new build relies on the foundation of the previous version but brings a series of new features.
Android 9 Pie (Go edition) adds new features and more options
For starters, Google has managed to shrink down its size with an additional 500MB compared to the Oreo Go edition. This allows the new variant to leave up to 5.5GB of free space on a device with 8GB of storage. The search giant says the regular version of Android 9.0 Pie would leave only 2.5GB free.
Other improvements coming in the new Go Edition include faster boot times and increased security. What’s more, Google has also baked in a dashboard especially designed to monitor data consumption.
Google’s host of Go Edition apps, which have been reimagined to provide a better experience on lesser hardware have also been improved in the new version.
For example, the Android Messages app for Go now weights half the size compared to the regular variant. What’s more, the Google Assistant Go app supports new languages like Spanish and Portuguese. Google also updated Maps Go with navigation services, while Files Go is now capable of transferring data peer-to-peer without using mobile data.
Google says the new Android 9 Pie (Go Edition) will arrive sometime this fall, but it hasn’t revealed the exact date yet.
There are currently over 200 Android Go devices available in 120+ countries like the US, Nigeria, Brazil or India. And according to Google, more than 100 manufacturers have plans to release new devices by the end of this year.
As much as we strive to live in a paperless world, there are bound to be times when you need to print.
Fortunately, you can do that directly from your Android phone or tablet, even if you don’t have a wireless printer. Good old Google has created a system that links your printer, Chrome account and phone in order to let you print seamlessly from your mobile device.
It’s called Google Cloud Print and works with most printers out there. Even so, some models aren’t be supported, so before anything, you might want to check Google’s list to see whether your printer is good to go. If it is, you’ll need to follow these instructions to connect to Google Cloud Print.
How to connect to Google Cloud Print
Open up Chrome on your desktop computer and Sign-in with your Gmail account.
Access Settings (the three dot-menu located in the top-right corner).
Go to Advanced Settings (by clicking on Settings, now in the top-left corner).
Choose Printing.
Click on Google Cloud Print>Manage Cloud Print devices>Add Printers.
Select your Printer of choice.
Now take out your Android device. You’ll need to have the Google Cloud Print app installed on your phone/tablet. Some handsets already have it onboard, but if yours doesn’t you can always download it from the Play Store. You won’t have to run the app once you install it, because it functions as an add-on.
How to print from your Android device
Open a document/picture you’d like to print on your phone.
Tap the three-dot menu in the right corner.
Click Print and then Cloud Printing.
Select the Printer you want to print with. If you don’t see it right away, tap on All printers to see a list of all the printers that are connected.
Once you’re all set, tap on the print button and wait for the printing job to start.
On top of being allowed you to print documents and pictures, Google Cloud Print also lets you print webpages from Chrome or Gmail.
You should find the Printing option in Chrome under the Share option in Settings. While in Gmail, you simply have to tap on the three-dot menu located in the top right corner to find it.
Have you ever tried Google Cloud Print to print from your Android device? We’d like to hear your thoughts on using the service, so let us know in the comment section below.
No more robots for T-Mobile, the Un-carrier is getting more personal with their support. From now on when you call T-Mobile in need of help you’re going to get a real human being. Not only that but T-Mobile promises no more run around by being bouncing around the call center.
Team of Experts
Traditionally when you would call for support you would get a robot or bounced from person to person, hoping to find someone who could solve your problem. All the while having to re-explain your issue again and again to each new agent. T-Mobile is putting a stop to all of this madness. Beginning today when you call you’ll get a real person and not just any person but a Team of Experts.
Similar to how Best Buy has the Geek Squad and Apple has their Geniuses, T-Mobile will connect you with a Team of Experts to solve your problem. This highly trained team is dedicated to you with knowledge of a wide range of topics. What that means for you is, less time explaining yourself and more time getting your issue resolved.
The Un-carrier believes that real problems deserve real people. Which is why this tight-knit group of Experts will be ready to serve you whenever you call or message. If you’re wondering how much this is going to cost you, then here’s the even better news. It is 100% free.
How to Contact
You might have gotten used to other brands telling you when to call and living by their schedule. T-Mobile will have none of that, with the Un-carrier you are the one in control. Your Team of Experts will be available 24/7 at your convenience. If you’d rather schedule a call back that’s fine as well.
Soon you’ll even have the ability to ask Alexa or Google Assistant to schedule your callback. T-Mobile has also launched asynchronous messaging for all customers through the T-Mobile app and iMessage for Apple users.
Beginning today Team of Experts is live for all T-Mobile postpaid customers and being rolled out to business and public sector customers as well. The best way to reach the Team is by dialing 611, messaging through the T-Mobile app, or iMessage using Apple Business Chat.
Live Nation and Pandora Plus
To T-Mobile, you’re not just a customer but a rock star, which is why they treat you like one. Through an exclusive deal with Live Nation, you’re about to get some fantastic benefits. Beginning with access to $25 tickets for amphitheater shows and the use of last-minute reserved seats in sold-out sections. This is a first for Live Nation and be on the lookout for more benefits in the future.
Concerts are great, but how are you supposed to get your music in between live shows? T-Mobile thought of that as well and has struck a deal with Pandora. With their new partnership, every T-Mobile customer will get a free 12 months to Pandora Plus through the T-Mobile Tuesday app beginning August 28.
Being a T-Mobile customer just keeps getting better and better as they shake up the industry and show everyone what being the Un-carrier is all about.
Look around your home, school, or office, and you’ll probably find a number of devices that require regular charging. Maybe it’s a few phones, a tablet, wearable, or even a Nintendo Switch. Chances are that you’ve got something that needs an occasional, or daily charging.
Toss in a roommate, spouse, or co-worker, and we imagine things get pretty hairy around the wall chargers. No matter how big phones are or how great the battery life, you’re always going to want (or need) more.
What happens if you’re out and about and don’t have access to a wall or auto adapter? Consider adding something from myCharge.
We’ve long been a fan of myCharge portable charging solutions, having had the privilege of reviewing them over the years. The 2018 selection is no different; it’s bigger capacities, faster charging, and smaller footprints. Not only that, but myCharge has a few recent tricks, too. What’s more, we’re happy to see the brand moving into other areas, such as the Nintendo Switch.
For your consideration
Our team has spent a few weeks using a number of myCharge portable charger options, each of which speaks to a different type of user. Here’s a couple that we’re more than happy to recommend.
Having 10,000mAh of juice in your bag or pocket is pretty cool, but you’re probably still lugging around a cable. Even if it’s short, or attached to the charger, it’s one more piece to worry about breaking down.
The UnPlugged 10K is not your standard power bank. Sure, it can juice up your phone some 3-4 times, but that’s not all. There’s a Qi-ready charging platform on the top of the unit which lets you top off the battery simply by placing your phone on it.
Like other portable units, though, you still have a couple of USB-A ports to work with, too. This way, you can plug in your older phones for a direct charge. Or, mix and match at dinner time and you’ll all be ready to go for the rest of the night — or weekend.
With so many phones offering wireless charging today, it just makes sense to take advantage of the technology. Sometimes it’s pretty expensive to go with the OEM’s preferred charger; myCharge offers a more affordable alternative.
The PowerDisk+ delivers incredibly fast charging speeds with Qualcomm 3.0 Quick Charge support. With up to 10W of output, it’s strong enough for any device you place on the platter.
Not only do you have the wireless surface to work with, but you’ve also got a USB port on the side. Indeed, you can plug in a secondary phone or device and charge (2.4A) at the same time.
Offered in white, the high-end charging pad won’t break your budget. At just $50 it’s the Qi-enabled charger your new phone deserves.
A departure from the stuff you’d use for a phone or tablet, this one is more niche. That’s not to suggest there’s not a market for it, though. No, this one is designed strictly for the Nintendo Switch.
Featuring a 7,000mAh battery, the PowerGame plugs directly into your Switch and hugs the back of your console. Good enough for 10 hours of gaming, it’s everything you need for a week’s worth of commutes.
In addition to charging your Switch, it also pulls double duty with its kickstand. Feel free to put the unit down on a table and remove the controllers. It’s equal parts practical and convenient. Grab one for only $49.99 from myCharge today.
It’s August which means that we were greeted with a new version of Android. This has been Google’s MO for the last few years, and Pie is now available on your Pixel devices, along with the Essential Phone.
Android Pie made its debut after being unveiled at Google I/O 2018 and then came to handsets through Google’s beta program. Then, in a move that surprised most, Android 9 Pie was officially made available.
For the purpose of our review, we have been using Android Pie for the last month through the beta program and final release. This is also the reason why our review is a bit later than others, because we wanted to spend some time with Google’s final product.
What’s new?
At first glance, you probably won’t think that there is much packed into this latest release. But the real fun comes when you start diving deeper. Here is a list of some of the features coming with a “higher profile”:
Adaptive Battery
Adaptive Brightness
Digital Wellbeing
Gesture Navigation
Notch Support (up to 3)
App Actions
New App Switcher
These are just some of the new features, and while that’s all fine and dandy, you probably want to know about the important ones. So let’s get started with the most surprising one – Battery Life.
Battery Life
Android Pie has provided a pleasant surprise in the battery department. In my usage, I was seeing all-day battery life with around 15% left with at least 4 hours of screen on time (SOT).
In fact, there were a few nights where I forgot to plug in my Pixel 2 XL, only to find that the battery drained just a little bit. Most recently, I went to bed at 1 AM with around 50% remaining, and woke up with 42% battery remaining.
This is no doubt in part to the new Adaptive Battery features. Google explained that this new functionality was intended to learn which apps you use, when you use them, and when to shut them down.
It seems that Android Pie really takes things into overdrive, as my battery life has just been incredible. From time to time, I noticed that an app (like Twitter) was closed when it had been a few hours, but notifications continued to come through.
Adaptive Brightness is another feature that is undoubtedly helping with the battery life race. The only issue that I found came when I was looking at my phone at night. The dark light of my room seemed to cause confusion with my device, as the brightness would fluctuate randomly and annoyingly.
What is making these new battery tweaks exciting is Google’s initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence into its software. This is nothing new, but it will be interesting to see how everything holds up over time and with newer devices launched with Pie.
How are the gestures?
The next biggest change that users will be able to see is the removal of the good ole’ navigation bar. Instead of having three buttons to tap at the bottom, you are now greeted with a “pill”, which acts as the navigation for your device.
Android Pie ‘pill’ button
As someone who switched from an iPhone X to the Pixel 2 XL with Android Pie, the learning curb was not all that bad. Here are how the gestures work:
Tapping the pill button will take you home
Swiping to the right once will take you to the previous app
Swiping and holding will allow you to scroll through your open apps
Swipe up once to reveal the multi-tasking drawer
Swipe up twice to reveal the App Drawer
In practice, this makes quite a bit of sense, other than the whole App Drawer debacle. You can do a slow drag to reveal the drawer, but having to swipe up twice to reach all of your apps is rather annoying.
Android Pie Multi-tasking
To help combat the issue, I resorted to placing more apps on my home screens. My home screen has turned into folder-central and it is rather annoying for someone who doesn’t want a whole lot going on.
One extra feature that has been added is for those who make use of rotation lock. If you are using rotation lock but want to view one specific app in landscape mode, a new icon shows up in the navigation bar. This will allow users to view content how they want to, with just the tap of a button.
Visual enhancements in Android Pie
Something else that you may notice when you start poking around Android Pie is some slightly redesigned panels. Most notably, there has been a slight redesign to the notification tray, as the toggles are a bit brighter and more vibrant.
Additionally, since more devices are launching with notches, the clock has been moved from the right side to the left. This is to help make sure that you can see all the necessary notifications, while still seeing the time.
For some reason, Google has placed a limitation of three notches for Android OEM’s to be able to use with Android Pie. Hopefully, this doesn’t mean that Google knows something that we don’t and a phone is incoming with too many notches.
Notifications for messages have also been slightly revamped, as there are new quick reply features. You may remember an app called “Reply” which surfaced earlier this year that added smart replies to your favorite messaging apps.
This has been integrated into the system of Android 9 Pie, making it possible to quickly respond to your friends or family. The API has been also opened for developers, which hopefully means more apps will take advantage of this in the future.
The fight to improve your “Digital Wellbeing”
At Google I/O 2018, during the Android P introduction, a new feature/app was announced called Digital Wellbeing. Google stated that the purpose of this app was to help provide users with a way to see exactly how much you are using your phone.
Not only can you now see that you are spending way too much time on Twitter, but you can also limit yourself. This is done with the help of App Timer, which is a setting that you set up for your “problematic” or “time-wasting” applications.
As someone who has no penchant for restraint, app timers seems like something that could be really useful. However, I ended up being more annoyed that I couldn’t access the app I was trying to view on my smoke break.
It was also a bit alarming to see just how many times I unlocked my screen or how many notifications that I received. Suffice to say, Digital Wellbeing really has given me a different look at how I should be staying off my phone when I don’t need to be on it.
The odd thing here is that it’s not automatically built into Android Pie. Instead, you have to sign up for a beta program and then wait for it to auto-magically appear in your settings menu.
As a side note, Chris Lacy (of Action Launcher fame) developed an app that allows you to view Digital Wellbeing as an application. It creates a direct shortcut, so you won’t have to dive into your settings to see what is going on.
For owners of the Pixel, Pixel 2, and Essential Phone, you likely have already been enjoying the fruits of Android Pie. However, the real question remaining is when are other OEM’s going to jump on board.
As much as I would like to sit here and give you a rundown of what each manufacturer will be doing, I can’t. We have seen failed promises time and time again, and it just wouldn’t be fair for us to convey those failed promises to you, the readers.
So instead, I will say that it’s time to just sit back and play the waiting game.
Final Thoughts
Android 9 Pie is one of, if not the best, iterations ever released. My personal excitement drove me to pick up a Pixel 2 XL of my own, and put my iPhone X in a drawer.
In the time spent with Pie, I really fell back in love with Android and enjoyed all of the new features. I can safely say that once Pie arrives on more devices, it will be a joy to just about everyone to use.
Sure, gesture navigations may be annoying, but I feel that this is the way to full experience bezel-less devices. Google is making all of the right moves, and the Pixel 3 will be interesting to see how the latest version of Android works with the latest hardware
We want to hear from you. Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think about Android Pie. Have you been using and enjoying it? Have you run into any issues? Let us know if you have any questions!
Update: Google has been made aware of the issue and is currently working on a fix. In a statement sent to The Verge, the search giant said the following:
“We’re aware of an issue where non-Power Delivery (PD) USB-C chargers no longer rapidly charge the 2016 Pixel and Pixel XL after the upgrade to Android 9 Pie. The 18W rapid charger included in-box is a PD charger and does not exhibit this behavior. We are verifying a fix for non-PD USB-C chargers and will roll it out in the coming weeks.”
Original post:
Some owners of the original 2016 Pixel XL have been experiencing issues with quick charging since upgrading to Android Pie. The issue existed back on the Android P beta as well, but by the time you get an official release, all bugs should be resolved.
When quick charging the original 2016 Pixel XL can charge at a maximum rate of 5V/3A significantly decreasing charging times. With the Android Pie update, many users are reporting a much slower charging rate.
Regardless of the phone reporting it is charging rapidly, it is never reaching the full 5V/3A speed. That makes it even more annoying because you believe your phone is charging rapidly when in fact it is not reaching the maximum charging rate.
This can be particularly frustrating for users with ageing phone batteries that might not hold a charge as long as they used to. Especially if you are using the official Google chargers and cables. Having the ability to quick charge and top off your battery in the middle of the day could be essential and change the way you use your phone.
Frustrated Pixel XL users have taken to the Google Issue Tracker to report this bug only to have the bug rejected. The original bug was marked as “Won’t Fix (Infeasible)”. Most likely this is due to the fact that the Google Issue Tracker is set up for bugs found in Android AOSP. Which is a bug that will affect all Android users, while this particular bug is only affecting Pixel XL users.
That would make the quick charging bug something for the Pixel team to address and not the Android team. However, a new bug has been opened on the tracker for the same quick charging issue. This time garnering even more attention with 26 stars currently instead of 8 on the previous bug. At the current time, this bug is still open with the status of “Assigned”.
Pixel XL users can only hope that someone from the Google team is finally communicating this issue to the Pixel team. Only time will tell as irritated Pixel XL users wait for a patch to cure their rapid charging woes. Do we have any original Pixel XL users in out there? Are any of you experiencing slower charging rates with your original cable and charger?
The Pocophone F1 is the first phone from Xiaomi’s new sub-brand meant to take on OnePlus. It seems rather commonplace in China for big mobile brands to have a sub-brand. Even OnePlus is a sub-brand of OPPO, while Huawei and ZTE have sub-brands as well.
While the Pocophone F1 hasn’t launched officially yet but that hasn’t stopped people from getting their hands on it early before the event on August 22. There are even videos on YouTube of it being unboxed.
Thanks to the unboxing and other leaks, we not only have a great view of the phone but have most of the specs confirmed as well.
Specs
5.99-inch 2246 x 1080 LCD display
Snapdragon 845
Adreno 630
6GB of RAM
64GB/128GB of storage with microSD card slot
12MP f/1.75 dual lens rear-camera
20MP f/2.0 front-facing camera
4000mAh battery
Android 8.1 Oreo
On paper, the Pocophone F1 is a powerhouse ready to take on the OnePlus 6 and any other flagship out this year. It even includes the trendy notch display with a large chin like most other 2018 flagships. Other features include an IR face unlock, fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5, headphone jack, and quick charge 3.0.
Availability and Price
Besides India, it is not yet clear where else the Pocophone F1 might launch. It is very possible Xiaomi would also offer it in Europe considering some European bloggers and journalists have already gotten them. Whether or not Xiaomi expands the Poco brand even further remains to be seen.
Pricing so far isn’t official but Roland Quandt of WinFuture tweets that the 6GB/64GB model will be priced at 420 Euros and 460 Euros for the 6GB/128GB model. With those prices converted that comes to $478 or Rs 33,500 for the 6GB/64GB model and $523 or Rs 36,700 for the 6GB/128GB version. A subsequent tweet from Roland put the pricing even lower at 390 Euros.
We’ll have to wait till August 22 to find out the official pricing and availability. However, if the price is in the market of what has been leaked it would be a steal for this phone.
If you’ve never heard of a YouTube signature device until the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch, then you’re not alone. For many of us, that was the first time we ever heard of this certification. Join us as we dive deeper into what exactly a YouTube signature device is and what devices are currently certified.
What is a YouTube Signature Device?
In short, it is a device which has been certified by YouTube to provide you with the best video quality and fastest load times on YouTube. Breaking it down further, YouTube tests the devices to make sure that they meet these specific qualifications.
HDR Video
HDR video playback certification ensures that your phone can display a greater dynamic range for videos that support it. Meaning simply that you will be able to view more detail in the highlights and the shadows of the video. It also provides you with more vivid true-to-life colors.
360° Video
Support for 360° videos that allow you to look up, down, and all around you. Whether you’re controlling it with your finger or a VR headset, YouTube Signature Devices are certified to immerse you in the scene.
4K Video
As 4K TVs and video cameras are becoming more prevalent so are the videos. Any phone that has undergone YouTube Signature Device certification has been tested to guarantee it can decode and play 4K videos. You’ll have no worries about watching all your favorite content with crystal clear clarity.
High Frame Rate
Videos shot in high frame rates appear smoother to the naked eye and are very useful for high action situations such as sports. In the case of YouTube Signature Devices, this covers any videos that are greater than 60 frames per second.
Next Generation Codecs
Video codecs are used to compress video files making them smaller and easier to transport faster over the internet. The higher the compression the smaller the file and the more advanced the codec the smaller the file can be while retaining higher quality.
The qualifications for a 2019 YouTube Signature Device requires hardware with the ability to decode the VP9 profile 2 codec. Use of the VP9 profile 2 codec allows for you to stream high-quality video with up to 30% less bandwidth.
Digital Rights Management
Digital Rights Management or DRM is a form of copy protection used to protect media from being shared or stolen. While YouTube is mainly a free or ad-supported platform, they also provide services for renting and purchasing videos as well as the YouTube TV service. All signature devices must be compliant with DRM protection.
What Devices are Supported?
Google
Pixel 2
Pixel 2 XL
HTC
U12+
Huawei
Mate 10 Pro
LG
G7 ThinQ
V30
Nokia
Nokia 8 Sirocco
OnePlus
OnePlus 6
Samsung
Galaxy S8
Galaxy S8 Plus
Galaxy Note 8
Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9 Plus
Galaxy Note 9
Sony
Xperia XZ2
Xperia XZ2 Compact
Xperia XZ2 Premium
Xiaomi
Mi 8
Mi Mix 2S
More Coming in the Future
At this time the total includes 19 YouTube Signature Devices in total. One glaring omission you might have noticed is the iPhone. Apple devices don’t support the VP9 profile 2 codec and as such cannot be YouTube Signature Device certified. However, this list can grow over time as YouTube provides a link to a form for manufacturers to request their devices be certified.
The current qualifications are specified for the year 2019. As time goes on, there will certainly be advancements in technology and the requirements are sure to evolve with those advancements.
It’s no secret that HTC’s smartphone business has been struggling for years. The company’s latest flagship, the U12+ hasn’t done much to turn things around and in July, the phone maker was forced to lay off 1,500 workers in its manufacturing unit in Taiwan.
You’ve probably heard that HTC is preparing to launch a new budget phone called the U12 Life (Imagine Life). Well, as a result of these job cuts, it seems that HTC won’t be actually making this phone. It will just carry its name.
The HTC U12 Life might not be made by HTC
A reliable leaker this week released the information according to which the U12 Life will be made by a separate ODM. An original design manufacturer is a company that designs and manufactures a product, as specified, that is then rebranded by another firm for sale. If you need a real-life example, think of what HMD has done with Nokia.
Imagine Life (Allegedly U12 Life) will be shipped with Android 8.1 on board. Interesting fact about it, this device will be ODM manufactured…
This is not a first for HTC, who used to outsource the production of several Desire models in the past. But the big difference here is that the HTC U12 Life is part of the flagship U12 series and not just a standard mid-range.
Although if we look at the rumored specs, the HTC U12 Life does seem to fit right into mid-range parameters. Unless it ends up borrowing some premium features from its more advanced U12+ brother like Edge Sense.
Last year’s HTC U11 Life
According to the leaks we’ve seen so far, the U12 Life will come equipped with a 6-inch FHD+ resolution display with 18:9 aspect ratio. The handset will rely on a Snapdragon 636 processor, backed up by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (microSD card slot included).
On the back, the device will have a dual camera setup with 16MP+5MP sensors, phase detection autofocus and 4K video. As for selfies, customers will get a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.
A 3,600 mAh battery will round-up the package. Unfortunately, the device is rumored to launch with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box and not Android Pie.
