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Android Patches, Google Lens, and Gaming Phones (Episode 10)

Matt Adams
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Welcome to In Brief, our periodic podcast which aims to provide you with all of the important things happening in the world of Android.

In this episode, we discuss a brand new gaming phone, some changes coming for everyone to Google’s favorite email service, Google Lens, and a security update.

Topics

It’s our goal to keep these podcasts short but there’s a reason we call it “The 15-minute podcast that’s never 15 minutes”. We hope you enjoy the show!

Other news to know

  • Google’s Project Fi is now allowing you to add kids under 13. The service had previously been limited to those 13 and up, but now you can officially add your children to your family plan. Google is also adding some new features geared toward the younger set. When you use Google’s Family Link app, you can monitor your kid’s phone usage through Fi and set limits on what they can do. This will allow parents to limit the number of minutes a kid can talk or just how much data they can use.
  • Microsoft has officially agreed to purchase GitHub. GitHub is an ultra-popular repository for open source software that allows developers to have a safe and open place to host their software. The deal is valued at $7.5 billion, which would be the third largest Microsoft acquisition after LinkedIn ($28.1 billion) and Skype ($8.5 billion).

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

Marc Jacobs launches its first Wear OS smartwatch, the Riley Touchscreen

Alexandra Arici
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Early smartwatches were often bulky, boxy things that were designed for tech-enthusiasts, but absolutely failed on fashion.

But in recent years not only big tech companies like Apple or LG created watches that are stylish and also functional. Even fashion brands like Armani, Kate Spade or Michael Kors started joining in the race.

The newest arrival comes from Marc Jacobs. It’s called the Riley Touchscreen and runs the all-new Wear OS.

This is the first fully-fledged smartwatch coming out of Marc Jacobs, which previously offered only hybrid smartwatches.

Marc Jacobs enters the crowded fashion smartwatch market

Well, the Riley Touchscreen is a true smartwatch that runs Google’s Wear OS and features a 1.19-inch AMOLED display.  The intelligent timepiece comes with a polished metal build and a simple silicon strap. There’s also a button that looks like a traditional crown that can be used to control the display.

Like most smartwatches these days, the Riley Touchscreen takes advantage of a Snapdragon 2100 chipset. Recently Qualcomm’s Pankaj Kedia revealed in an interview that the company is working on a new chip for Wear OS watches that will make its way into devices in time for the holidays.

Based on this information, you might want to postpone purchasing a new Wear OS smartwatch until later this year.

Unless you think the Riley Touchscreen looks really pretty and cool and the $295 price tag doesn’t scare you away.

In addition to being classically stylish, Marc Jacobs’ new smartwatch has a IP67 rating and includes a battery which should last you up to 24 hours on a single charge. The Riley charges wirelessly and takes 2 hours to replenish itself fully.

The wearable also offers Google Assistant integration, so after you’ve paired Riley with an iPhone or Android you’ll be able to ask the assistant to play your favorite track and more.

Marc Jacobs has pre-loaded the device with a series of brand-specific watch faces including the iconic Daisy design.

For those interested, the fashion company is offering three color options including the all-black model, a rose gold version with a Cement-colored strap and a gold variant with a plain white band.

You can order the Riley Touchscreen from Marc Jacobs directly or from Target.

ASUS’ new VivoWatch BP smartwatch can monitor your blood pressure

Alexandra Arici
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ASUS at Computex 2018 unveiled a new smartwatch called the VivoWatch BP, which puts a focus on health tracking.

The device takes advantage of ASUS’ HealthAI technology to enable users to keep track of their health stats including heart rate, sleep quality, activity data and distress index.

On top of that, the VivoWatch BP also provides real-time blood pressure measurements in 15 seconds. This is something that isn’t normally found in most smartwatches. Usually intelligent timepieces can only measure heart rate or blood oxygen levels.

Given how blood pressure is measured, this is not something that can be easily achieved on a wearable device. Well, the ASUS VivoWatch BP employs a novel method that’s quite experimental. No inflatable cuffs required.

The watch uses an ECG sensor for reading heart rate that works in concert with an optical PPG sensor to detect blood flow. Together they provide users with their upper and lower systolic and diastolic numbers.

How do you measure your blood pressure using the watch?

It’s easy, simply put your index finger on the sensor on the watch’s face and wait a few seconds (ASUS claims 15).

The company says the smartwatch was build using medical-grade materials and that it’s 70% smaller and 50% lighter than current wrist-bound blood pressure monitors. It promises a battery life of 28 days with normal usage.

But while the VivoWatch BP might be a step forward for health tech, it’s nothing special by smartwatch or sport watch standards. The wearable is quite bulky and unattractive in terms of design. But if you care more about keeping tabs on your blood pressure than looking stylish, then this smartwatch might be indeed for you.

The VivoWatch BP runs a proprietary operating system, not Wear OS, but it can connect to a smartphone via a mobile app.

ASUS is pricing its new smartwatch at $169, which is pretty affordable. The gadget will go on sale in Taiwan by the end of July, and in Europe in August. Unfortunately, it’s unclear whether the wearable will ever land on the US market.

How to stop apps from automatically updating

Alexandra Arici
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A few months ago, Snapchat rolled out a massive redesign. People hated it with a passion. The update basically shuffled around core features, such as putting Snapchat Stories from your friends on the Chat/Friend screen to the left of the camera.

The redesign turned out to be a disaster and it actually led to Snapchat’s user base to shrink in March. But earlier this month, CEO Evan Spiegel announced a big reversal of the redesign’s worst part.

Yet a lot of people feel like this attempt is still a mess. Unfortunately, there is no easy to downgrade the app once the new version has been installed on your Android device. Honestly, the best way to avoid the whole mess is to turn automatic updates off.

Turning automatic updates off on your Android device is pretty simple. But the benefits are great.

True, it’s kind of nice to not have to worry about updating your apps all the time. However, there are a lot of downsides to having automatic app updates.

For example, updates can have issues that can actually ruin the app’s functionality for you. If you have automatic updates enabled, there’s a big risk of being subjected to the bonked update without having control over it.

Another great reason to disable automatic app updates is to get a better idea of what brings to the table. Sometimes, app updates are nothing more than just basic bug fixes or stability improvements that aren’t so crucial to the basic user.

Yet, like in the case of Snapchat’s controversial overhaul, some upgrades are pretty big and might have important consequences. Like altering user experience in a huge way.

But if you had automatic app updates disabled, you’d be able to choose whether or not to install the update, after you had a chance to do a bit of reading about it.

How to turn automatic updates off

On your Android device

  1. Open the Play Store on your Android smartphone
  2. Tap on the hamburger menu in the top left
  3. Tap on Settings
  4. Tap on Auto-update apps
  5. Select the “Do not auto-update apps” option

Turn off auto-update just for Snapchat or a particular app

  1. Go to Snapchat’s page on the Play Store
  2. Tap on the three-dot menu located on in the top right corner
  3. Tap Enable auto update

Pretty simple right?

If you want to make sure a particular app (or all apps) doesn’t update without your say-so, make sure you follow the instructions above.

Dirac Panorama Sound aims to bring next-level audio to smartphones

Alexandra Arici
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Speakers and audio quality can be an important parameter for those who rely on heavy video streaming or love to listen to music. Unfortunately, it’s a fact that smartphone speakers aren’t very good, although some Android OEMs are trying to change that.

It’s the case of Smartisan, an obscure phone maker, which just released an interesting smartphone in China. It’s called the Nut R1 and it’s the first handset to launch with Dirac Panorama Sound on board.

For those unaware, Dirac is a Swedish audio company that works with OEMs to optimize sound quality in smartphone speakers.

For Smartisan, Dirac has developed a mobile audio solution that according to the two companies can offer a level of immersive audio that’s unprecedented in small-sized smartphone speakers.

The technology debuted in the Smartisan Nut R1 smartphone

In the Smartisan Nut R1, the main speaker is located at the bottom, while a receiver for calls sits on top. This is not unlike many other phones offered on the market.

But Dirac uses “multiple-input and multiple-output” technology to allow the speakers to coordinate with each other. An extra-wide sound field is created as a result, which gives the usesr a surround sound experience from the two small speakers.

Dirac claims their solution is unlike any other mobile audio systems. They have patented a sound field control/synthesis technology that can isolate the left and right stereo channels. The channels are then delivered directly into the listener’s corresponding ears. By doing so, the listener will be able to hear in each ear sound that is isolated despite audio coming from speakers that are very close together.

On top of this new audio technology, the Smartisan Nut R1 also packs some beastly specs. The phone has a 6.17-inch display with FullHD+ resolution and 18:7:9 aspect ratio. It packs a Snapdragon 845 processor and up to 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage!

Like most flagships launching today, the Nut R1 takes advantage of a dual-camera setup. It’s comprised of a 12-megapixel sensor + 20-megapixel sensor to capture depth information.

The phone is exclusive to China, so the availability of Panorama Sound is pretty limited at the moment. However, Dirac hopes more Android OEMs will be interested to implement the new audio solution into their upcoming mobile products.

How mobile is revolutionizing the way we play games (Promoted)

AndroidGuys
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Our mobile devices are, quite simply, taking over the way we live our lives. From the way we entertain ourselves, to the way we make payments or manage our finances, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to our smartphones. For some of us, the thought of using our phones to play anything more than the classic ‘Snake’ was something akin to sci-fi movie but today, that thought is very much a reality. Whether you’re a fan of building massive creations on Minecraft or you prefer the casual gameplay of Crossy Road, here is everything you need to know about how mobile is truly revolutionizing the way that we play games.

The Growing Popularity Of Mobile Gaming

For some, it can feel like only yesterday that we’d be breaking out our gaming consoles on a nightly basis. Okay, so some of us still do exactly that but how many can confidently say that it’s their main gaming method? For the most part, the simplicity, convenience and accessible nature of mobile gaming has pulled more and more of us away from bulky, static consoles and towards the portable alternative of our smartphones. More and more companies are focusing on building devices that can host even the biggest and most demanding of apps, with Atari even bringing out a new gaming smartwatch that comes with popular titles like Pong, Asteroids and Crystal Castles pre-installed.

So, we know that mobiles are a popular choice for our gameplay, but not many truly realize just how revolutionary this style of play really is. Our smartphones have stormed the gaming industry, becoming the most popular device for women, parents and commuters in particular when it comes to their device of choice. Studies have shown that around 71% of gamers are using smartphones, with just 26% using consoles overall which is quite the switch considering just how popular consoles seem to have been over the years! Whether this is simply down to the fact that more of us are carrying smartphones, or because these games are extremely easy to download, the popularity is undeniable.

The Revolution

Mobile gaming really has revolutionized the way we play games, from the device that we’re using to the style of games that we choose. In fact, it’s even revolutionized the market as a whole! While the gaming industry might’ve once been stereotypically restricted to teenage boys playing in the dark hole of their bedrooms, the reality of today is very different. More and more people are taking on new styles of gaming, whether it’s the players themselves or the designers putting together the games we love to play! Here are ways that mobile gaming has revolutionized our gameplay:

Convenience

If there’s one thing no one can deny, it’s that mobile devices have made gaming more convenient than ever before. Nowadays, consumers are more and more concerned with convenience, whether it’s ease of access to information online, or shopping on web-based e-commerce sites and having things delivered straight to our doors. Of course, gaming is certainly no exception and everything from a quick jump on Crossy Road to a quick check on our virtual farms is something very few are willing to go to great lengths to do. Convenience has become a huge necessity for all types of digital media and online experience, and is now a big part of the betting world, too, giving bettors and customers the opportunity to quickly react to any breaking news as it happens.

Unique Gameplay Styles

While console gaming is hardly behind in this sense, mobile gaming has given us a whole host of new gameplay styles, whether mobile-based or through new gear like VR headsets. Some of our favorite Android games are well known for providing unique styles of gaming, including the augmented reality of the revolutionary Pokémon Go, to the modernization of traditional ‘matching’ games, such as Candy Crush. Of course, each of these games has their own unique style and when you consider the sheer number of apps available on the markets today, it’s easy to see how the gaming industry could benefit from these new additions.

Design

The designs of the games we play, from the actual graphics to the storylines they follow, are all being affected by mobile gaming. Of course, it’s fairly common knowledge that mobile apps are gaining better and better graphics with every passing day, but did you also know that things are changing from a production point of view? Of course, the ease of app stores makes it simple for producers and developers to sell or give away the apps that they make, but Google has even announced a goal to empower young women to design games, too. With this in mind, mobile gaming could easily lead the way to create equality in gaming.

If you didn’t already think that mobile gaming was changing the industry as we know it, hopefully, this article has helped show you just how it really is doing just that. While there is plenty of room for growth and expansion in the coming years, mobile gaming is currently at an all-time high, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.

ASUS’s new ROG Phone wants you to forget all about the Razer Phone

Alexandra Arici
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Present at Computex 2018 in Taiwan, ASUS today unveiled its own take on the Razer Phone. The gaming smartphone category is becoming more prominent, as the ranks of mobile gamers continue to increase exponentially. So in order to cater to this particular niche, ASUS announced the ROG Phone.

Featuring the unmistakable Republic of Gamers branding, the phone is the first to feature a 3D vapor-chamber cooling system designed to keep the hardware inside from overheating. Together with a large copper heat spreader and vents at the back, it ensures the phone is kept cool even as you’re blasting Fortnite.

The hardware in questions is a “speed-binned” Snapdragon 845, backed-up by 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The processor’s clock speed has been pushed to 2.96GHz, compared to the normal 2.8GHz. On top of that, ASUS says the integrated Adreno 630 GPU has been gaming-optimized.

The smartphone also has a 6-inch 18:9 display with 2,160 x 1,080 HDR display with 90Hz refresh rate and response time of 1ms (on paper). It’s not the 120Hz of the Razer Phone, but you’re getting an AMOLED display instead of LCD.

There’s also a dual-camera setup on the back consisting of a regular 12-megapixel sensor and a wide-angle 8-megapixel rear camera. On the front, ASUS is offering an 8-megapixel selfie camera. Other specs include front-facing stereo speakers, NFC support, 3.5mm headphone jack and customizable RGB lighting. Last but not least, a 4,000 mAh battery keeps the lights on.

A phone truly optimized for gaming

To make the new product truly special in the eyes of gamers, the company has added a bunch of unique features. For example, the company has included three AirTrigger ultrasonic touch sensors. These act as bumper buttons on top of the phone when it is held in landscape mode for gaming.

What’s more, ASUS has installed so-called stereo force-feedback haptics which deliver different vibrations for left of right impacts, thus further helping with the immersive gaming experience.

But wait there’s more! The phone features a side-mounted USB Type-C for an optional WiGig gaming dock. You get a standard USB Type-C port at the bottom like in normal phones, as well.

To go with the new ROG Phone, Asus is also offering some cool peripherals. For starters, there’s the AeroActive Cooler that can be attached to the phone via the WiGig proprietary port on the side. This accessory will be included in the box with the phone.

What’s more, there’s the clamshell-type TwinView Dock which facilitates a dual-screen handheld mode. The clamshell houses an extra 6,000 mAh battery, to ensure you don’t run out of battery in the heat of battle.

A Mobile Desktop Dock resembling Samsung’s DeX station will allow users to use the phone for a desktop-like experience. While the additional 6,000 mAh battery will ensure you won’t run out of juice in the heat of battle.

A WiGig Dock to wirelessly cast your gaming sessions to a big screen and a GameVice controller will also be offered.

When to expect it?

ASUS revealed the ROG Phone will hit the market sometime in Q3, 2018. What about pricing? The company hasn’t shared that information just yet, but we don’t expect it to be cheap. If you remember the Razer Phone launched with a price tag of $699.

Nokia 8 users get new Pro Camera mode via global update

Alexandra Arici
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Own a Nokia 8? Then you might want to check it for new updates. HMD recently announced it has started rolling a new update for the Nokia 8 which brings a Pro Camera mode.

The new mode will allow users to control the individual elements of the camera and thus, take better pictures.  Once the update is installed, you will be given manual control over things like focus, white balance, ISO, shutter speed and more.

Perhaps the coolest aspect of the new update, which weighs about 600MB, is that it allows you to view what your finished photo will look like in real-time on the screen.

The Pro Camera mode was on the most popular features of the camera app of the Lumia phones. And now we’re seeing it brought to Nokia’s Android crew, as well.

New Nokia 8 update is aimed at advanced photographers

The new update will be available across the globe. HMD is currently rolling out the update on a country-by-country basis, so don’t worry if it hasn’t reached you yet.

Here’s the complete list of countries getting the Pro Camera mode:  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Cambodia, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands (Not VF), Norway, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam.

As a quick refresh, the Nokia 8 takes advantage of a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display with 2560 x 1440 resolution. The phone is a proper 2017 flagship bundling a Snapdragon 835 processor and up to 6GB of RAM + 128GB of storage.

One of its biggest highlights is the dual 13-megapixel camera with phase detection & laser autofocus, Zeiss optics and OIS. Made from a single block of aluminum, the Nokia 8 originally launched with Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Since then, HMD has released the Android 8.1 Oreo update.

And with the new update on board, the Nokia 8 just got a lot better.

Silk White OnePlus 6 will be available on June 5

Alexandra Arici
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The OnePlus 6 has been available for purchase for a few weeks now. But so far customers could only get either the Mirror Black model or the Midnight Black one.

Well if you don’t fancy these options, then you’ll be interested to know that a third version will soon go on sale. The beautiful Silk White model is due to launch on June 5 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage on board. It’s a limited edition, so if you want one you’re advised to act quickly when the day comes.

The Silk White OnePlus 6 will go on sale for $579.00

The Silk White OnePlus 6 is definitely the most intriguing version of the new flagship and comes with a glass back that includes crushed pear. This gives the rear a matte finish that doesn’t really resemble glass. When light hits it the right way, it shows off a subtle blue, pearl-like color.

For an even more luxurious feel, the OnePlus 6 has a light rose gold accents, from its metal frame and logo to its fingerprint reader located on the back.

Beyond the aesthetics, everything else is pretty much the same. The limited edition also ships with a 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED display with 19:9 aspect ratio and a notch. There’s also a Snapdragon 845 processor and a 3,300 mAh battery under the hood.

Customers purchasing the Silk White OnePlus 6 will also be able to take advantage of the phone’s dual 16-megapixel+20-megapixel rear camera. Out of the box, it runs the proprietary Oxygen OS that’s based on Android 8.1 Oreo.

So if you have been holding off the purchase of the OnePlus 6 in anticipation of the Silk White model, tomorrow you’re going to be able to place your order.

Or, if you don’t think you need all that RAM and storage, you can opt for the 6GB of RAM + 64GB of storage model in Mirror Black. It’s available for $529.00 and ships immediately.

Get the Silk White OnePlus 6

What’s your favorite game ever played on a phone? (Question of the Week)

AndroidGuys
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With myriad games to choose from on Android and iOS, chances are you’ve played your fair share of titles. Surely you’ve hopped on the hot game of the moment and tried out Doodle Jump, Flappy Bird, Draw Something, Candy Crush Saga, or Pokemon Go. What about favorite game?

Tell us and Win!

Thinking back over the years, what have been your favorites to play? Now, trim that list to just one game. Which title rises to the very top? What game is that you simply cannot live without? What is your favorite game for Android or iPhone?

Share your opinion and win a $25 Google Play Gift Card!

Leave us a comment below with your favorite mobile game of all time. Let us know what your all-time classic is and you’ll be entered in a drawing. If your name is drawn, you’ll win a $25 Google Play Gift Card. Use it to buy apps, games, movies, eBooks, or music — you decide!

Comments entered before saturday, June 9 (11:59PM PST) will be counted. As long as you’re on point and stick to the topic, we’ll consider you for the drawing!

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