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XGIMI CC Aurora review: Android smart projector that falls short in important places

AndroidGuys
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Chinese manufacturer XGIMI has its share of expensive smart projectors, but the company is back with a more affordable projector: the XGIMI CC Aurora. “Aurora” means “dawn,” and I don’t think the name is a surprise when you consider all the device does (and doesn’t) have to offer. It’s a start, a leap into a market that few have considered worthy of such an endeavor, and XGIMI both surprises and underwhelms.

Hardware

The XGIMI CC Aurora comes in a compact CNC Alloy case at 5.43 inches x 5.31 inches x 4.69 inches. The device resides in a stylish gray box with a zipper across it and a space at the top for the brown leather, XGIMI-branded strap to sit.

Upon opening the box, one discovers a pair of rechargeable, 3D glasses for content viewing alongside the CC Aurora smart projector, warranty information, and projector manual.

A separate, rectangular box provides an adjustable tripod stand for projector mounting on flat surfaces that you can turn in various directions. The front of the 1.5kg or 3.3-lb. device, a small door with “JBL by Harman” branding, slides down to reveal the projector lens.

The top of the CC Aurora features a brown leather strap that attaches to the projector by way of cylindrical, silver knobs.

The top back of the device features four dots that serve as the CC Aurora’s battery charging indicator. Directly beneath the dots are large volume indicators on the far left (volume down) and far right (volume up), and three audio buttons for rewind, fast forward, and pause/play options. The back of the device features the charging adapter port, two USB ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack.

Two audio speakers sit horizontally beneath the connection ports and provide excellent sound.

There’s one piece to the equation that I can’t leave out: it concerns the CC Aurora’s projector XGIMI-branded, rectangular remote along with two AAA batteries. The white remote contains black, functional buttons for power, voice command, projector settings, scrolling and selection, back, home, and volume up and volume down.

Setup

To set up the CC Aurora, you need only slide the small door down the front of the device to uncover the lens. Give it a minute or so to run through some initial projector presentation images. Connect the Aurora projector to your home Wi-Fi network to get started.

Once you complete the initial setup, the Android-powered smart projector’s desktop will appear. Use the hardware remote to navigate the desktop, and click “ok” when you want to open an app or access a service.

My first recommendation to get the most out of the CC Aurora is to first visit System Setup > About > System Update and download any system updates available. If you don’t see an “Aptoide TV” on your desktop where YouTube is, then you need to install a system update. Without Aptoide TV, there’s little to do.

Software and Services

Once at the desktop, you’ll first be greeted with four pre-installed apps: YouTube, Web Browser, WPS Office, and FileManager. YouTube is a welcome app here, as so many Android users love the service.

The hardware remote works fine if YouTube is the only reason you’ll use the projector, and WPS Office should be okay too. However, if you want to use the Web browser or Aptoide TV you’ll need to download XGIMI’s “XGIMI Assistant” app from Google Play on your smartphone to type words, letters, and search terms in Aptoide TV, among other things.

YouTube

The YouTube experience works here on the CC Aurora as it does on your smartphone, tablet, and smart TV, so you need not worry about the unexpected. You’ll be able to use the hardware remote without trouble, but you’ll need the VControl app (XGIMI provides this on the Aurora’s main desktop) to access voice commands and voice search for videos. YouTube remembers search terms and brings up your favorite videos with one letter typed.

XGIMI Assistant

The XGIMI Assistant app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, and it provides a virtual remote control on your smartphone from which to navigate the user interface of the CC Aurora.

You can use your Android smartphone as a remote control when you don’t have the hardware remote nearby or the remote batteries die out.

The XGIMI Assistant app has a few modes that you’ll need to get a handle on so as to navigate web browsers, Netflix and Hulu logins, and so on. One mode is the virtual remote, while another mode, “TouchPad,” allows you to use the remote as a computer mouse. This will come in handy with regard to Google’s search engine, the in-built Google web browser, as well as privacy-friendly web browsers (you can find these private web browsers at Aptoide TV).

Some games in the Aptoide TV app store demand a mouse, while others demand a gamepad. While the “TouchPad” mode on the XGIMI Assistant app provides the mouse you’ll need, XGIMI doesn’t provide a virtual gamepad whatsoever. Real Racing 3 and the original classic Sonic the Hedgehog can’t be played with the virtual TV remote.

Aptoide TV (Smart Projector App Store)

With access to YouTube on an Android-powered smart projector, you’d expect the CC Aurora to dazzle users with Google Play Services and Google Play Store integration. Sadly, I have to inform you that it does not.

There is no Google Play Services integration here, so the best you can hope for is app selection by way of XGIMI’s third-party app store, “Aptoide TV.” Once you download an app from Aptoide TV, it will appear on your desktop automatically.

 

Aptoide TV has some options, including FreeCell (Solitaire), Real Racing 3, Mahjong, old Sega Genesis games such as Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2, and newer games such as Candy Crush and Clash of Clans, but the app selection is rather underwhelming.

Some sections of the Aptoide TV app store have nothing in them, many with only 5-6 titles (max) available for purchase. Skype and Facebook are here, but you don’t get Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Google Duo, if you’re wondering.

 

You do get CBS, ABC, NBC, and even popular services such as Netflix, Hulu, and CBS All Access, but you don’t get YouTube TV because, as the screen popup says, “YouTube TV won’t run without Google Play services, which are not supported by your device.” Of course, the same popup appears for Mahjong Village but you can still play Mahjong (it even has Facebook social sharing integration).

If you’re a parent looking for cartoons and kid content, PBS Kids is an excellent choice. I was able to go online to PBS Kids on my smartphone and enter an access code and immediately gain access. I’ve watched “Ready Jet Go!,” “Arthur,”

Do note that you only have 16GB of internal storage with the CC Aurora, so don’t get too program-happy when selecting programs to view. XGIMI says that its 16GBs of storage can hold 4,000 songs and 10 movies, so you can download music to your heart’s content.

Charging and Battery Life

The XGIMI CC Aurora smart projector charges by way of the supplied adapter, but it takes about 4 hours for the device to charge. It’ll charge up to three of the battery “dots” in about 2.5 hours, but don’t expect the remaining battery dot to charge quickly.

Four hours of charging is quite a lot, but the additional misfortune is that the CC Aurora will only last 4 hours on a single charge. XGIMI says that the short battery life of the CC Aurora is “enough for an outdoor party,” and the CC Aurora still outlasts the 2.5-hour battery life of the LG MiniBeam Projector, but the battery life is a disappointment.

Price and Availability

 

The XGIMI CC Aurora costs $699 at Amazon.com, but you can get it for either the typical $699 price at eBay or the discounted price of $625 at eBay. The MSRP is $569, so you’ll likely pay a slightly steeper price for access to the smart projector that can do a little of everything.

What the XGIMI CC Aurora smart projector does right

 

The following are strengths of the XGIMI CC Aurora smart projector:

  • Easy Setup: The XGIMI CC Aurora is easy to set up and easy to use
  • Audio by JBL (Harman) is excellent: The audio quality in internet TV streaming is where the JBL/Harman audio shines
  • Multipurpose: The CC Aurora is many things at once: a Bluetooth speaker, music player, internet browser, TV/movie-watching machine, game console, etc., all in one device.
  • Price: While some may not want to pay around $600 (around $569) for a smart projector, I think the price is acceptable for its capabilities.
  • Connect to other devices:  One doesn’t need a smart projector to watch Netflix and Hulu, but might want to stream Spotify or Pandora through the CC Aurora.

Where the CC Aurora smart projector could improve

 

  • Size: The CC Aurora isn’t terribly heavy but it isn’t as lightweight as, say, the one-pound ZTE Spro2 smart projector from 2015. A more compact feel and look would sell the device even more.
  • Battery life: The CC Aurora only provides about 4-4.5 hours of battery life.
  • Resolution: 720p content viewing is acceptable at times but appears washed out at other times. The CC Aurora projects 180 inches across walls; I’d like to see 720p become 1080p or 2K (4K viewing is ideal).
  • Storage: 16GB of storage is okay for music because you can store up to 4,000 movies, but 10 movies (max) on a home theater device is insufficient.
  • Controller: XGIMI includes a pair of 3D glasses in the box of every CC Aurora smart projector, but some games in Aptoide TV “require a GamePad”. I think that XGIMI should either add a GamePad.G
  • Google Play Store and Google Play Services: This is one of the biggest drawbacks that XGIMI must fix. It seems odd that the company offers an Android-powered smart projector that has YouTube, Chrome web browser, Google Translate, and the Google search engine but doesn’t include Google Play or Google Play Services.
  • Water and dust resistance: Water and dust protection would make the smart projector more kid-friendly.

Final Thoughts

 

The XGIMI CC Aurora deems the smart projector to be an all-in-one substitute for TV, music player, Bluetooth speaker, computer, tablet, and smartphone. As an ambitious device that looks to supplant all others in the coming years, the CC Aurora must do more to meet the needs of consumers who might expect a “galaxy” device for $600.

The nature of the smart projector creates the “everything” problem. If a product promises to be “several devices into one,” then the product must make good on that claim. The CC Aurora fails on some important fronts, and this must change if XGIMI has ambitions to corner the American smart projector market.

How to enable the swipe gesture navigation in Android P

AndroidGuys
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Among all of the great things introduced in Android P at yesterday’s Google I/O, the swipe navigation was perhaps the most exciting. Internally, at least, it was one of the changes which had us anxious to try out. So we did.

We installed the Android P beta on our Pixel 2 and started kicking the tires. Interestingly enough, our navigation was the same as before, even after the update. Indeed, the swipe gesture was not enabled by default. Not to worry, though, it’s quite easy to turn it on.

Don’t Miss!

If you’re just getting started with a Pixel 2 or Pixel XL 2, you might not be familiar with some of the customization and tweaks at your disposal. For more seasoned and savvy users, you might know where to look first. The option is, logically, found tucked away with other gestures.

Traditional navigation (left) and Android P swipe (right)

Here’s how to enable the swipe gesture navigation in Android P beta (on a Google Pixel 2). Note that if you are using a different device, it might be a little different.

How To

  • Open Settings
  • Tap on “System”
  • Tap on “Gestures”
  • Tap on “Swipe up on Home button”
  • Enjoy!

How to speed up and customize your Google Pixel 2

Here are the devices that support the Android P Beta Program

Andrew Myrick
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During the Google I/O 2018 Keynote, the company announced that Android P would be coming to new devices through a beta program. With the update to Developer Preview 2, there is a slew of new features.

New Android P Beta

These features range from new system-wide gestures, machine learning enhancements, and more. However, the fun didn’t stop there as Google made a rather surprising announcement.

READ MORE: What’s new in Android P

For the last few years, the beta program for new Android versions has been limited to Google’s Nexus or Pixel devices. That has all changed as an array of OEM’s have partnered with Google for the Android P beta.

Here’s a list of all of the devices:

As you can see, there are some popular devices on this list, along with a rather curious one. The OnePlus 6 has not even been announced yet but will take part in this beta program.

READ MORE: Everything we know about the OnePlus 6

The handset is slated to make its debut next week on May 16th. But OnePlus has already confirmed that owners of the device will be able to join the program the same day.

As you can expect, the process to join the beta program on other devices is not as simple. So in order to get the proper instructions, you’ll need to follow the links listed above for each device.

If you are able to join the beta program on your non-Pixel device, let us know how it’s running for you. Be sure to stay tuned to AndroidGuys as more announcements come from Google I/O 2018.

You can now buy movie tickets in Instagram

Alexandra Arici
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It’s no secret that Instagram is constantly adding new features in a bid to make the app more compelling to use.

Well starting this week, Instagram users will be given a new option and that is buying movie tickets without leaving the app. Both Fandango and Atom Tickets announced ticketing integration into Instagram.

A new “Buy Tickets” button is now available when you visit Fandango’s and Atom Tickets’ Instagram profile. Additionally, the latter also gets an additional “Shop” button that will allow users to check out movie merchandise directly from Instagram.

Instagram aims to become a shopping app?

Clicking on Buy Tickets will open up the Fandango or Atom Tickets’ homepage within Instagram. From there you can quickly book the desired movie, reserve the seats and even buy your favorite popcorn in advance.

To clarify, Instagram does include featured ads that users can tap and purchase items. But the new initiative with Fandango and Atom Tickets is housed entirely on the company’s profile page. So it’s not a sponsored Instagram post.

The new integrations are a continuation of Instagram introducing native shopping and appointment booking over the past year. For example, retailer Kate Spade New York has been using shopping on Instagram since November with great results.

Now Fandango and Atom Tickets are making it easier for Instagram fans to purchase movie tickets from their favorite app.

In related news, Instagram earlier this month announced a host of new features which will be coming to the platform soon.

For example, the app is gearing up to roll out a much-requested fan feature, video chat. The feature will allow users to enhance in real-time video chats in a small group or one-on-one.

On top of that, Instagram wants to help users discover things more easily. With this in mind, it will soon roll out a redesigned Explore interface, which will be organized into topic channels. This way you will be able to explore your favorite topics unhindered.

Qualcomm is working on new chipsets for Wear OS smartwatches

Alexandra Arici
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Google didn’t share any new info about Wear OS, formerly known as Android Wear, during its I/O 2018 keynote.

To say Wear OS has stagnated for the past few years is an understatement, with very few, new decent smartwatch hitting the market. To make matters even worse, Google itself blatantly ignored the platform during one of its most important events.

But don’t worry. It’s not all lost. In a recent interview with Wearable, Qualcomm’s senior wearable director Pankaj Kedia revealed the company will launch new chips for Wear OS this fall, alongside a flagship device. Several partners will also be launching new Wear OS watches based on the new chips in time for the holidays.

The refresh is long overdue. Most Wear OS watches launching today take advantage of a Snapdragon Wear 2100, a chipset which dates back to February 2016.

Qualcomm set to breath new life into Wear OS

But finally, it seems that Qualcomm is gearing up to offer a revamp. Kedia says the new chips will be designed from the ground up. It will also enable manufacturers to build smaller watches with better battery life.

The chipmaker also aims to make the platform work more effectively with always-on displays. This was apparently prompted by fitness brands which are not happy with the current black and white ambient displays, as they do not look good.

Kedia claims the new processor is bound to significantly change the Wear OS ecosystem, and we certainly hope that’s the case. Google’s wearable platform definitely needs a shake-up and hopefully, Qualcomm’s new chipset will help with that.

But even with a new chip is in the making, some companies are apparently still working on products based on the old platform. Prior to Google’s I/O 2018, a new LG smartwatch codenamed ZNFW315 was spotted at the FCC.

The wearable might be the recently rumored LG hybrid smartwatch featuring analog hands and a traditional quartz movement.

Yet the supposed specs show the device runs a Snapdragon 2100. Bearing in mind that a new chipset is in the pipeline, you might want to abstain from buying the upcoming LG smartwatch, should it launch before autumn.

Google I/O 2018: What’s new with Android TV

Alexandra Arici
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During its I/O 2018 conference, Google announced the new ADT-2, a reference Android TV device about the size of a Chromecast Ultra.

The Google-branded dongle passed through the FCC last month, so its launch was imminent. The device runs Android TV and includes an HDMI plug and power port. It comes with 8GB of storage and 2GB of RAM.

Additionally, the dongle supports 4K video streaming and works in concert with a Bluetooth LE remote that can summon the Google Assistant.

Since it’s meant to be a reference device, the ADT-2 will be only available for developers and not for general public. The device will run Android P when it will start shipping out to devs later this summer.

Google said that only a limited number of developers will get the dongle, and that priority will be given to those who have a Google Play account. You can sign up here to get one. If you get chosen, Google will reach out to you.

On top of announcing the ADT-2, Google also details several changes that are coming to the Android TV platform.

The improvements fall into three main categories:

  • Better performance
  • Easier setup
  • Improved access to settings

Starting off with performance, Google has tweaked requirements to enable Android TV to run on lower-end devices with Android P. This should also translate into an improved experience on better hardware.

The search giant also says it has simplified setup. If you are using an Android device, the system’s “Nearby” notification will now help you to easily set up Android TV. For iOS users, Google has worked to improve the browser sign-up process.

The setup will also be able to suggest which apps should be auto-downloaded and installed thanks to the Play Auto Installs step.

What’s more, it will also help you log into accounts like Netflix by using Google’s Autofill function.

Last but not least, setup will let you know if there are any settings that you might have missed giving you quick access to what you need for a full experience.

As part of Android P, Google also has plans to introduce new hardware form factors for Android TV. Among the first will be the JBL Link Bar, which will feature an always-on Google Assistant. This is a typical-looking home theatre soundbar, but when plugged into a TV it can offer a complete Android TV experience. The product will become available to consumers later this year.

Huawei offers steep discounts on the Mate 10 Pro for Mother’s Day

Andrew Myrick
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We’re just a few days away from Mother’s Day, and if you haven’t picked up a gift yet, Huawei has your back. The manufacturer is offering some great discounts on various devices, including the Mate 10 Pro.

Mate 10 Pro

In our review of the Mate 10 Pro, we rated the device with a score of 4 out of 5 stars. The handset sports incredible specs, a great camera system, and a wonderful build quality

READ MORE: Huawei Mate 10 Pro Review

To celebrate Mother’s Day, you can pick up the Mate 10 Pro for just $649.99. This is down from the retail price of $799.99, so you’ll be saving $150. The best part is that you can pick this up from Amazon and have it ready in time for Sunday.

Buy the Huawei Mate 10 Pro!

Huawei Band 2 Pro

Huawei Band 2 Pro Wristband

If you aren’t looking for a fully-featured smartwatch, but don’t want to spend a boatload on a fitness tracker, then the Band 2 Pro may be for you. In our review, we gave the Band 2 Pro a resounding recommendation with many included hardware features.

READ MORE: Huawei Band 2 Pro Review

For a limited time, you can pick up the Band 2 Pro for just $49.99 with free Prime shipping. This is a savings of $20 and could definitely be a great replacement for those who don’t want to jump into the Fitbit world.

Buy the Huawei Band 2 Pro!

More savings

For those who are looking for some different gift ideas, Huawei has some more great sales going on. Here are some of the best:

These deals are available now, and last until May 19th. So if you have been putting off the idea of getting a gift for your Mom, you don’t have to wait any longer.

Sound off in the comments below if you have any other suggestions for a great Mother’s Day gift!

Seven of the best announcements from the Google I/O 2018 Keynote

Andrew Myrick
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Earlier today, Google I/O 2018 started off with quite a bang. The company shared some extremely exciting projects that have been in the works for some time.

If you’re like us and want to stay updated, you might be worried about missing something in today’s flurry of news. Well, you’re in luck, as we have condensed a lot of the major announcements.

Google News

Ever since Google Reader was laid to rest, we have been looking for a proper replacement. Sure, Feedly is a great replacement, but Google obviously knows how to give us the news we want.

Google News gets an AI-focused redesign

To the surprise of many, a new Google News application was announced at I/O. Not only will you get headlines from many of your favorite sources, but there is also Youtube integration and more.

What makes this even better is the fact that you don’t have to wait for News to be released. Instead, Google started rolling out the new app to 127 countries on iOS and Android today.

Photos

Google Photos is becoming the best option to keep all of your photos stored digitally. During the keynote, Google shared that a few impressive updates will be coming to the Photos app.

These include the ability to take a picture of a document, convert the image into a PDF, and then be able to share that later. Additionally, if you use Photos to store your “old-timey” pictures, a new feature is coming to help add some color to the black-and-white originals.

Unfortunately, Google stopped short of sharing a specific timeline. Instead, we will have to wait a “couple of months” before these features are rolled out.

Gmail

Just a few weeks ago, Google released a much-needed interface overhaul for the Gmail web app. This updated included a Confidential Mode, Smart Reply, and security warnings.

It seems that Google wasn’t done just yet, as Gmail stole some of the show during the I/O Keynote. Over the next few weeks, an update will be coming called “Smart Compose”.

When composing an email, the built-in AI capabilities will use contextual clues to auto-suggest words and phrases. Then, as you begin typing the email, Gmail will show prompts that you can select by pressing the “tab” button.

Assistant

As we expected, Google Assistant was going to play a major role in this year’s I/O conference. The company revealed a new technology called ‘WaveNet’ which relies on datasets of audio waveforms, versus full words and fragments.

The introduction and development of WaveNet has opened the door for some new voices. This means that you can now change the default voice response that you receive when interacting with Assistant.

What’s new in Photos, Gmail, and Assistant

The fun didn’t stop there as Assistant now features “Multiple Actions” and “Continued Conversation”. You will now be able to ask Assistant to perform multiple tasks at once, while also keeping up a conversation without constantly using the “Hey Google” keyphrase.

Perhaps the most surprising new feature coming someday to Assistant is Complex Calls. On the stage, there were a couple of phone calls demonstrated. These calls were performed by Assistant when trying to schedule a hair appointment and make dinner reservations.

Maps

Google Maps is already arguably the best navigation service around. However, Google is not letting this just sit around and collect dust. During the I/O Keynote, the company showed off a few new AR and machine learning features that are on the way.

New features coming to Google Maps

On the AR front, Maps will be able to use your camera to identify exactly where you are. The directions will be projected on your display, while also showing you information about local businesses.

When it comes to the included machine learning features, a new “For You” section will give you various recommendations. These recommendations will be provided based on your history and interests.

We’ll have to wait until this Summer, as Google is not yet ready to roll these features out just yet.

Android P

Android P was likely the most-anticipated featurette of the I/O Keynote. If you thought that Google would finally share the name of the next version of Android, you were a bit disappointed. However, this should not come as any surprise given Google’s recent track record.

New features coming to Android P

Instead, Google got everyone excited about quite a few new features that were not previously included. This includes a few an emphasis on machine learning with the help of the following:

  • Adaptive Battery
  • Adaptive Brightness
  • App Actions
  • Slices

However, Google shocked everyone by showing off a new way to use gestures with your Android P device. Instead of having three navigation buttons, Android P will use just one.

A swipe up will show you the most-recently-used apps, while swiping up again will open your app drawer. When swiping up for the first time, you can use the new gestures to quickly switch between apps.

How to get the Android P beta today!

In an effort to help keep you connected to the outside world, Google is also focusing on your wellbeing. This will be done with the help of Dashboard, App Timer, and Wind Down.

The Dashboard will show you the amount of time each app has been used. App Timer will let you set time limits on various apps, and then the app will be greyed out when the limit is met. Finally, Wind Down is a new way to help save your eyes when looking at your phone in bed by fading into grayscale until it’s bedtime.

Finally, for the first time ever, Google is bringing the Android P beta to non-Pixel devices. These include handsets from OnePlus, Sony, Nokia, and others.

Odds & Ends

These were just some of the major announcements made during today’s I/O Keynote. Here’s a list of some of the smaller tidbits provided by Google:

  • A new ‘morse code’ mode is coming to Gboard
  • There are over 500 million devices with Google Assistant
  • Android users total in the billions across the globe
  • Assistant speakers with displays are launching this July
  • More than 5 billion photos are viewed daily with Google Photos
  • Google is opening AI centers across the globe

Want Android P? Here’s how to get it on your device today!

Andrew Myrick
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Unless you have been living under a rock, you may have noticed that Google I/O 2018 kicked off today. The keynote mentioned quite a few different updates, including new features coming to Android P.

These include an even-bigger focus on machine learning, along with an all-new navigation method. In addition to showing off these new features, Google actually opened the Android P beta program.

This means that you can now join the program and get it on your smartphone. In previous years, the Android beta software was only available on Pixel and Nexus devices. This is no longer the case, as a few OEM’s have partnered with Google.

READ MORE: What’s new in Android P

Eligible Devices

How to get Android P Developer Preview

Each specific OEM has detailed instructions on you can get the Android P beta on your device now. However, the following instructions are for those who are rocking either the Pixel or Pixel 2.

The quick-and-easy method

If you have a compatible device, the easiest way to join the beta program is to head over to Google’s landing page. From here, you will need to sign into your Google account, and confirm that you are okay with using pre-release software.

Once you have registered, a notification will appear on your handset. By opening this, the Android P software will download and your device will update like normal.

Join the Android P Beta Program!

The Old-fashioned method

The main method of installing the Developer Previews is to manually flash the software image to your device. Manually flashing is useful if you need more exact control over your test environment or expect to reinstall frequently. If you’re considering dabbling in various ROMs or bouncing around from one build to another, this might be the way to go.

Caution: Installing a system image on your phone removes all data from the handset. Back up your data first and proceed carefully. Worth noting, the manual route does not allow for automatic software updates.

The factory image downloaded from this page includes a script that flashes the device, typically named flash-all.sh (On Windows systems, use flash-all.bat instead).

To flash a device you also need the latest fastboot tool. You can get it from one of the following sources:

Once you have the fastboot tool, add it to your PATH environment variable (the flash-all script below must be able to find it). Also be certain that you’ve set up USB access for your device.

Flash System Image

  • Download the appropriate system image for your device from, then unzip it to a safe directory.
  • Connect your device to your computer over USB.
  • Start the device in fastboot mode with one of the following methods:
    • Using the adb tool: With the device powered on, execute: adb reboot bootloader
    • Using a key combo: Turn the device off, then turn it on and immediately hold down the relevant key combination for your device.
  • If necessary, unlock the device’s bootloader run this command: fastboot flashing unlock
  • The target device will show you a confirmation screen. (This erases all data on the target device.)
  • Open a terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.
  • Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.
  • Once the script finishes, your device reboots. You should now lock the bootloader for security:
    • Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
    • Execute: fastboot flashing lock

    Locking bootloader will wipe the data on some devices. After locking the bootloader, if you want to flash the device again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.

What’s next?

After the software has been downloaded to your device, there’s something important to remember. This is very early software, and it should not be used with your “daily driver”.

With each beta software update, there are likely to be bugs that could affect your day-to-day usage. If you are willing to take the risk, then flash or download away and get Android P today.

If you run into any issues, be sure to sound off in the comments and let us know!

Google Maps to get updated with new Assistant, AR, and recommendation features

AndroidGuys
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The mission for Google Maps for the past several years has been to help people get around in their environments. That mission hasn’t changed and in fact should get stronger with the addition of Assistant, AR, and machine learning in Maps.

For the first addition in Maps, we will be seeing Assistant coming this summer. While having a minimal and less intrusive experience, Assistant will allow you to navigate throughout your world verbally. Assistant will also be able to build upon all of its new features within Maps as well.

Google Maps is adding a “For you” section as well. Using machine learning, For You will offer up better recommendations of places to go. The feature was ultimately made so that users can make “better decision on the go and experience the world in new ways.”

“Your Match” is a new fourth tab coming in Google Maps this summer. It will off personalization recommendation based on your location habits. Using a few different factors, such as general business knowledge and your personal preferences, will allow “Your Match” to generate a score. The score, out of 100, shows why a place is recommended and how likely you are to enjoy it.

There’s also a new shortlist feature coming to allow users the ability to offer up multiple locations with their friends. The “Explore” tab will also now show “everything new and interesting nearby”. You’ll be able to see dining, event, and activity options in any area that you’re looking.

Lastly, Google is also adding a few augmented reality (AR) features. In the new camera interface, users will be able to tell precisely where they are and where they need to go. They will also be able to get help with directions from a nifty fox.

All these changes should be coming this summer. They will likely come with a new app update along with many background changes.

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