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LG G6 gets Android 8.0 and is re-branded as ‘ThinQ’

AndroidGuys
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The LG G6 is LG’s phone from 2017, seeing that the LG G7 ThinQ is this year’s flagship from LG. And yet, LG is adding the “ThinQ” rebranding to this year’s phones as well as last year’s. The LG G6 is now rebranded as the LG G6 ThinQ.

Some readers, and our staff, are seeing the Android 8.0 Oreo update on their respective phones now. If you have an LG G6, keep an eye out for a software update. It’s a good one and it makes an already solid phone even better.

SEE: The LG G6 one year later… a review

The LG G7 ThinQ rebranding is due to its AI camera features. Artificial intelligence is one of the top tech trends of the mobile smartphone market, and LG wants to market the growing tech trend. But the serious question here is: why would LG return to last year’s flagships to market this year’s tech trend? Last year is in the past; why not let sleeping dogs lie, especially if sales are a disappointment for the phone in question?

What’s new about the LG G6 ThinQ?

The LG G6 ThinQ is no different from the LG G6, though it includes LG’s new AI camera features. LG is updating the software with the new AI camera. Rebranding the old phone is the Korean OEM’s way of appealing to more budget-conscious customers who may not want to pay this year’s prices for LG flagships.

Perhaps LG is taking a page from Samsung’s playbook. Samsung renamed its Galaxy Note 6 to “Galaxy Note 7” to align the Galaxy Note series with its Galaxy S line in 2016. Samsung’s goal behind the number change was to prevent the assumption that the “Note 6” was inferior to the Galaxy S7. Unlike LG, though, Samsung didn’t add an unnecessary label, and it gave an updated number to devices in the same year. Samsung didn’t rebrand device names from previous years such as 2015.

With every new flagship release, the prices of earlier flagships fall. The LG G6 has already dropped to a sub-$400 price tag. Potential buyers may assume the LG G6 is inferior to the LG G7 ThinQ if the old product isn’t rebranded. Perhaps LG wants to revitalize an old product in the consumer consciousness that few remember. There are few noticeable differences between the LG G6 and LG G7 ThinQ aside from the G7’s notch, wider display, and smaller battery than its predecessor.

Outside of the new AI camera features LG is bringing to its current flagships, the LG G6 ThinQ is the same smartphone customers remember from last year: it features the same Snapdragon 821 SoC, the same 4GB of RAM, the same 18:9 aspect ratio, the same LCD screen, camera lenses, and so on.

The LG G6 ThinQ needs performance improvements

LG is spending money to rebrand the G6. And yet, former G6 owners would rather see LG spend money to fix Bluetooth issues, call quality issues, and even the phone’s bootloops. To place a moniker above performance is indicative that a company is headed in the wrong direction.

What is OPPO’s budget brand ‘Realme’ all about?

Alexandra Arici
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Despite their meteoric rise in the smartphone industry, not a lot of people have heard about OPPO and their mobile devices. Especially in the Western world.

Yet the company has been selling phones since 2011 and has largely done so in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. But in 2018 OPPO has big plans for expansion, which might even include North America.

Nevertheless for the time being, the company has chosen to focus on the ever-expanding Indian market.

According to IDC, the Indian smartphone market is expected to show a double-digit growth in 2018. And admits the growing market, mobile phone makers are rushing to capture the largest share of the pie. OPPO being one of them.

The company has recently announced the launch of a new online brand called Realme which exclusively targets the Indian youth market. The new branch is currently sharing OPPO’s resources such as R&D and manufacturing for the Indian market. It will also use OPPO’s 500 service centers in India for after-sales services.

Realme will operate as an independent brand with a specific team in India, and one in China that will work on software and product development. The brand is focusing on the budget niche for the India market and the aim is to provide better customer experience in this price category.

Previously, OPPO has relied heavily on marketing and promotions to build their offline presence. With Realme, they plan on doing the same with their online standing.

OPPO’s new sub-brand faces some strong competition in the country from China-based rival, Xiaomi, which is India’s leading smartphone brand. OPPO, on the other hand, is the number four player in the Indian market. So the big questions is, will Realme help the Chinese company climb to a better position?

The Realme 1 is the first smartphone under the new sub-brand

We’ll just have to wait and see. After all, the first smartphone to launch under the new brand, the Realme 1 is a pretty typical budget Android phone. With a few notable highlights.

It comes boasting a 6-inch display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and FHD+ resolution. Customers will surely appreciate having that kind of real estate on a device this cheap. Of course, this is still an IPS LCD panel, rather than an OLED.

The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60 processor coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, a pretty rare configuration for budget devices such as this.

In the camera department, customers will get a 13-megapixel rear camera with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and an 8-megapixel camera for selfies.

The catch? The phone comes with face unlock as its only means for quick authentication. Which means no fingerprint sensor on board. On a more positive note, the Realme 1 does impress with its unique appearance. The polygonal effect on the back of the device is surely an eye-catcher. The subtle pattern is only visible when it catches the light the right way, but it gives the Realme a unique personality.

The Realme 1 is by far the best-looking smartphone by OPPO in the budget segment and so far it seems like it stands a very good chance at overshadowing rivals like the popular Redmi Note 5 Pro.

To drive adoption, OPPO has also recently unveiled a new Solar Red color option for Realme 1. It also confirmed the phone will get the Android P update.

While the Realme 1 is currently limited to India, success could prompt OPPO to release the phone into other markets in the near future.

What do you think? Would you consider purchasing the Realme 1 if it were available in your region?

Google kicks off summer sale with discounts on Pixel 2, Google Home series

Alexandra Arici
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It’s that time of the year, folks! Google has started offering a series of discounts on select products via the Google Store.

Indeed, the deals don’t apply to each and every product, but they are quite varied. So if you’re hoping to get a cheaper Pixel 2 you’re out of luck for the time being. Fortunately, the larger Pixel 2 XL model does come with a discounted price tag.

So from now until July 17, you can get the phone with $100 off, as follows:

  • Pixel 2 XL with 64GB storage – $749 (previously $849)
  • Pixel 2 XL with 128GB storage $849 (previously $949)

But before you buy the discounted Pixel 2 XL, remember that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are in the pipeline. They are probably going to see the light of day in October, which is only a few months away. So you might want to wait for that.

Or you could take a look at Google’s non-Pixel deals

The company’s smart speaker range is also available with a price cut:

  • Google Home Mini – $34 (previously $49)
  • Google Home – $99 (previously $129)
  • 2x Google Home – $158 (previously $258)
  • 2x Google Home Max – $648 (previously $798)

But wait there’s more. Other Google products also included in the summer deals.

  • Second-gen Daydream View – $49 (previously $98)
  • Chromecast Ultra – $54 (previously $69)
  • Chromecast Audio – $25 (previously $35)
  • Google Clips – $169 (previously $249)

It should also be noted that all purchases will also get free shipping in the US. Google says that the deals are available while supply last.

Don’t want to buy from the Google Store? No problem, most of the deals are also available with Best Buy and Target. The two retailers are also knocking an extra $5 off the Chromecast Ultra so you can get it for $49.

On top of the Pixel 2, Google’s summer sale leaves out products such as the Pixelbook or Pixel wireless buds.

Do you plan to take advantage of Google’s summer deals? Let us know in the comment section below.

Cheap Android phones sold in developing markets are stealing users’ data

Alexandra Arici
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Even if you’re careful about avoiding sketchy apps, there’s not much you can do if your smartphone has malware built in. That’s actually the case with many smartphones sold in developing markets.

Research from Upstream Systems found that such devices might ship with data-stealing apps pre-installed.

This malware is designed to commit digital ad fraud and will collect users’ data. It will also deplete their mobile data allowance. Or trigger fraudulent charger to their pre-paid credit, without their knowledge.

Upstream’s Secure-D, a platform which protects MNOs and their subscribers against online transaction fraud, has uncovered a number of low-end Android smartphones that come with digital ad fraud malware pre-installed before the user has even turned the phone one for the first time.  The products sell in markets like Brazil, Egypt, Myanmar, South Africa and more.

What can you get with low-end phones? Free, pre-installed malware

Upstream identified one such app. It’s called GMobi. According to Upstream’s testing, the GMobi app sent IMEI numbers, MAC addresses, and sometimes location data to servers in Singapore.

Note that it’s impossible to simply uninstall such apps. Unless users perform a rooting procedure that might have the effect of voiding their warranty.

GMobi is a performance-based ad platform that enables content monetization and global user acquisition. According to its website, the app serves over 100 OEMS including Huawei, Xiaomi and BLU and has a 150 million install base.

The Wall Street Journal contacted GMobi’s CEO Paul Wu who denied that his company violates any data collection laws. Yet the research findings paint a whole different story.

Regrettably, the malware is targeting people who are often getting online for the first time via a mobile device. In emerging markets, the cost of data remains expensive, relative to local income levels. So online advertising fraud attempts like those described in the report will directly impact the end consumer.

Deal: Save a ton on Google Home Mini for a limited time

Jason England
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If you’ve been looking to expand your smart home or jump into the realm of smart speakers, Google has a deal for you. Beginning July 8th until the 17th, you can pick up a Google Home Mini for just $34, a $15 savings. There is no coupon required and this price can be found across participating retailers including Best Buy, B&H Photo, Google, Target, and Walmart.

This compact connected speaker is small, stylish, and gives you the power of Google’s Assistant while blending in with your home decor. Whether you’re looking to get your news and weather updates, set cooking timers in the kitchen, ask what sound a whale makes, play music, or control your smart home the Google Home Mini makes a great addition to your home.

At this price, you might want to grab more than one. Thanks to the broadcast feature you can use them as a home intercom system. You can even use them for whole home audio playing the same song through multiple speakers throughout the house. If this is your first time grabbing a Google Assistant smart speaker then be sure to check out our article on 9 things you need to do with Google Home right now.

How to send texts from your desktop using Android Messages

Alexandra Arici
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06Last month, Google started rolling out “Messages for Web” support for all Android users.

While Apple iPhone owners have long been able to use iMessages on Mac, Android users are only now getting a similar functionality. Basically, the new tool allows to send text messages from any web browser, so you don’t have to keep reaching for your phone.

Over the years, Google launched a number of messaging apps, but none proved too popular. With Android Messages, which is the default texting app on select Android smartphones, Google is betting on Rich Communication Services and its newly-announced Chat platform to compete with Apple’s iMessages platform.

Haven’t had the chance to try out the new option yet? Follow the simple tutorial below to get started.

How do you send an Android text message from your desktop?

First of all, if you want to text from your browser you’re going to need to download the Android Messages app on your phone. Before you do that though, make sure you check your device, as some handsets come with the app pre-installed.

Open the app on your phone and set it as your default SMS app.

Next, head over to your desktop computer and access the following address in a browser: https://messages.android.com. You’ll be greeted with a screen that has a QR code. From here follow these steps:

  1. Pick up your phone with Android Messages loaded
  2. Tap the three-dot menu located in the top right and select “Messages for web”.
  3. Tap Scan QR Code
  4. Scan the code with your phone.

If you’re familiar with WhatsApp Web, the authentication process is very similar.

Now you should be able to see a screen that lets you start new texts with anyone in your phone’s address book. You can send text messages, as well as pictures, emoji or stickers.

Google says that conversation threads, contacts and other settings will be encrypted and cached on your browser. However, note that this doesn’t mean your actual text conversation will be encrypted.

Also, to make sure you don’t have to repeat the QR code scanning part, you can use the “Remember this computer” option. You can find it in the Settings menu in the web version of Android Messages.

Android Messages for Web works in multiple browsers including:

  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari

Another thing to keep in mind. Like WhatsApp Web, Android Messages for Web can’t work independently of your phone. So make sure to charge your handset if you plan on using the desktop messaging service.

Last but not least, Android Messages for Web has a dark mode. You can enable it from Settings in your browser. Just find the “Enable dark theme” option.

Looking for a new game to play? Check out these new Indie game highlights

Alexandra Arici
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Looking for the latest mobile gaming addiction? Have you considered trying out an indie game? Independent game studios develop some of the most unique and fun games you can hope to find out there. So we’ve put together a list of new indie games that are worth checking out when you have the time.

From casual puzzlers to startlingly deep storytelling games, you’ll surely be able to find something to munch on.

Shatterbrain

What it is:

Orbital Nine Games has come up with one of the most challenging puzzle games for Android. Called Shatterbrain, it invites players to draw shapes to solve complicated physics puzzles.

Why we like it:

  • Extremely challenging, but also very fun and addicting, Shatterbrain allows you to come up with numerous approaches to tackle each confound.
  • Each level brings a mixture of shapes you have to shatter to make them disappear, as well as others you need to avoid.
  • The game lets you compete with leaderboards for the fastest time or best solution.

Install Shatterbrain

Spider Ball

What it is:

A game developed by TTGame Studio, set on a minimalistic stage filled with obstacles, in which you need to swing past the numerous obstacles.

Why we like it:

  • Easy gameplay. Simply touch & drag to aim in the direction you want to fire your web and release to fire.
  • In the beginning, the controls feel a bit tricky, but as you continue to play you’ll get used to them and be able to control the ball as smoothly as you want.
  • Features different game modes including “Endless Mode” and “Arcade Mode”. In total, you get 45 levels of gameplay and around 40 funny balls to unlock.

Install Spider Ball

Returner 77

What it is:

Created by Fantastic, yes Returner 77 is a puzzle adventure set in a haunting alien world.

Why we like it:

  • Stellar puzzle design and storyline. You play the 77th Returner and your mission is to save humanity by exploring a mysterious alien spacecraft that could quite possibly be the key to the mystery.
  • Collect items and use them to solve challenging and beautiful puzzles.
  • The game also benefits from an immersive, ambient soundtrack, so it’s recommended you play it with headphones on.

Sidenote: This is a paid app. It will cost you $4.99 to download it.

Install Returner 77

Still Here…A cute Adventure

What it is:

Designed by StillHere, this 2D platformer game will have you search for the answer to a very interesting question: Why did mankind leave earth?

Why we like it:

  • It’s a very relaxing tap-to fly game.
  • You control curious little creatures called “Pip” as you explore the environment and try to find out why there are no longer any humans around.
  • 15 beautiful locations to explore and 3 playable characters for you to try out.
  • Customize the look of your Pip and upgrade its qualities (speed, agility, weight).

Sidenote: This is a paid app. It will cost you $3.99 to download it.

Install Still Here…a cute Adventure

Losts.io

What it is:

Developed Replay Entertainment, Losts.io invites you to step into the shoes of a primitive man whose goal is to conquer land and become a powerful landowner.

Why we like it:

  • The game challenge is to seize as much territory as you can by drawing hexagonal shapes with your weapon on the sand. Once you have conquered a piece of land you will need to guard it, because other players can easily take control over it.
  • Use the prize money you get at the end of each round to buy new weapons, badges and even tattoos.
  • 11 different characters to choose from including Poseidon, Dark Lord, Elf or Knight.

Install Losts.io

Beast Brawlers

What it is:

 

Created by PiiK Games, Beast Brawlers is a game that lets you join real-time PvP battles, and create your own collection of cool, unique beasts.

Why we like it:

  • 3D top-down view game with colorful graphics and eye-catching character design and graphics.
  • The game boasts a diverse system of beasts including Dire Hog, Emerald Dragon or Moten Phoenix. The characters are sorted in different rarities, and of course, each has its own set of abilities.
  • 3 main game modes including Emerald Pit (gain points and protect beasts), Dark Forest (explore and pick up Orbs) and Ice Cove (cooperative mode for clan members).

Install Beast Brawlers

Dandara

What it is:

A superb platformer in which you play Dandara, the heroine who is needed to save the Salt world from the forces evil.

Why we like it:

  • The game’s lack of traditional gravity is unique. As the heroine, you get to jump across floors, walls and ceilings. Dandara’s leaps have limited range and you can only latch on to certain places, so navigation becomes a small puzzle in itself.
  • Dandara is a metroidvania, the world is open, but you need to unlock new skills in order to unlock some parts of it. It offers a lot of room for exploration
  • Lovely handcrafted pixel art graphics and original soundtrack compositions make sure you’ll never forget the experience of playing Dandara.

Sidenote: This is a paid app. It will cost you $14.99 to download it.

Install Dandara

Samsung’s Bixby now shows you sports scores and news from theScore

Alexandra Arici
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It’s been more than a year since we first met the Bixby virtual assistant on the Galaxy S8, and until now we’ve seen relatively little in terms of substantive improvements.

In fact, the version of Bixby installed on the new Galaxy S9 isn’t that much better than what shipped on last year’s Samsung flagships.

For its part, the Korean tech giant is trying to make Bixby more relevant to its users. Case in point, this week we’ve learned that Samsung has partnered up with Toronto-based company theScore to allow users in the US to have access to live sports scores via the Bixby Home service.

Bixby just got more useful

Sports fans will be able to access sports headlines and live scores for the 2018 World Cup, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey and EPL Soccer through the theScore app. You’ll have to swipe right on the home screen to the Bixby Home service to get started.

What’s more, sports fans get to personalize their experience. For example, you can pick your favorite team and leagues, so that the app will know to display these results on top.

The feature is available on select Samsung Galaxy devices, including the latest Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

If you want more info beyond a simple score or news headline, you can tap on theScore’s content card on Bixby. This will take you to the app itself (if installed on the device) or to the webpage where you can see more details.

Up until now, Bixby has been the provider of news, weather, fitness and other information. And starting this week, Bixby Home will be incorporating sports content as well. This is a handy addition especially with the World Cup 2018 still going on.

If you haven’t purchased your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ yet, you can place an order directly with Samsung or with one of the carriers that’s offering the duo.

ASUS Zenfone Max (M1) with 4,000 mAh battery goes up for pre-sale in the US for $169

Alexandra Arici
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If you’re looking for a phone that won’t break the bank, consider ASUS’ new Zenfone Max (M1) offering. The phone just went on pre-sale in the US via B&H and is available unlocked for only $169.

Interested parties can get the phone in black, rose gold or red. The handset is compatible with only GSM/LTE carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T.

The new model shouldn’t be confused with its larger brother, the Zenfone Max Plus (M1) which also launched in the US earlier this year and is a bit more expensive.

What will $169 get you?

The Zenfone Max (M1) arrives with a 5.5-inch display with 18:9 aspect ratio and 1440 x 720 resolution. It’s powered by Snapdragon 425 processor, which is backed up by 2GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage.

On top of that, the device includes a dual-camera arrangement on the back that consists of a primary 13-megapixel sensor and a secondary wide-angle 8-megapixel one. The back is also home to a circular fingerprint scanner. As for the front, it hosts the 8-megapixel selfie snapper.

But the best part about the Zenfone Max is its battery. The phone boasts a 4,000 mAh power source which according to ASUS can provide:

  • Up to 41 days on 4G standby
  • Approximately 26 hours of 3G talk time
  • 16 hours of video playback
  • Up to 23 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing

The phone also supports fast charging, so users will be able to juice it back up quickly.

B&H doesn’t say when the phone will start shipping, although the website states it’s going to be “soon”.

If you think this affordable Android 8.0 Oreo phone might be for you, then you can go ahead and place a pre-order at B&H.

The larger ASUS Zenfone Max Plus (M1) is also available with the online retailer. You can pick it up for $229.

How to enable Continued Conversation in Google Assistant for longer interactions

Alexandra Arici
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At I/O 2018, Google spent a lot of time talking about the Google Assistant. One of the most interesting features announced was Continued Conversations. This was designed to allow users to continue talking to the Google Assistant without using the wake-up word each time. Basically, it lets you string string multiple commands together by saying “Hey Google” only once.

The feature started rolling out to users in the US last week. If you haven’t had the chance to test it out yourself, here’s how it works.

First off, Continued Conversation is not enabled by default, so you will need to turn it on manually from your Assistant’s settings.

Don’t Miss!

To enable the new feature, you first need to make sure your Google Assistant app is up to date. Once that’s out the way, open the app on your device and tap the Explore button located in the top right corner. Alternatively, you can open the Google Home app and select More Settings from the left menu.

How to turn on Continued Conversations in Google Assistant

  1. In the Explore tab, tap on the three-dot menu (Settings) located in the top right corner.
  2. Select Preferences
  3. In the Preferences screen find and tap on the Continued Conversation option
  4. Toggle the Continued Conversation feature to enable the setting

Once this feature is enabled, your Google Assistant will continue listening on your device for an additional 8 seconds. During this time, you can continue issuing commands or asking questions as needed. After 8 seconds, Google Assistant will stop listening and you will be required to use the wake-up word again to issue another command. However, if you want the Google Assistant to stop listening sooner, just say “thank you” or “stop”.

For example, you could ask your Assistant something like “OK, what’s the weather today?” Then you might say “What about tomorrow” and “Add an umbrella to my shopping list.” Then switch it up and ask the Assistant to “Turn on the TV”.

If you have yet to give Continued Conversations a try, you can go ahead and quickly activate the new feature by following this simple tutorial. Since it’s an opt-in feature, you can turn it off at any time in case you find it doesn’t work how you hoped it would.

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