The weekend tends to be the quieter of times in the tech industry which provides a valuable opportunity to somewhat switch off from the world and actually enjoy tech from a consumer perspective.
This opportunity often results in observations and testing that otherwise may have gone unnoticed in the regular hustle and bustle of the working week. One such observation seemingly calls out the Pixel 2 XL as possibly having an issue with screen burn-in. It is something that can affect OLED screens and is where static buttons on a smartphone – like the navigation buttons in Android – keep certain pixels permanently active and so when they are eventually turned off by viewing another image that changes the regular color those pixels usually are lit up with, the original image is still visible.
That's some pretty wild OLED burn-in on the Pixel 2 XL after maybe 7 days of full-time use pic.twitter.com/EPJTs6D0Kg
Case and point is this review unit that is around 7 days old but the navigation buttons can be clearly seen even when viewing a full-screen grey image.
Viewing a grey image on the screen, you get a clear look at where the navigation bar has started to settle in on the display. You also interestingly see the portions of pixels where the back, home, and recents buttons go — those don’t seem to be burned in themselves (displaying white instead of black), but the outlines clearly show where they are compared to the black portion that’s burned in. Or that may be some optical trickery and the buttons are burned in. We’re just not sure what we’re seeing here.
While it certainly isn’t necessary for everyone with an OLED display to test for screen burn-in (trust me, if you had it you’d notice it), it does pose an interesting question if this is indicative of the review unit or a wider quality problem with the Pixel 2 XL units. Screen burn-in after a week of use is unacceptable and will certainly trigger a return under warranty but it could also be limited to the batch of review units that have been issued to the various media publications thus far, including the unit pictured above.
It will no doubt be something that is kept a close eye on, and while it is certainly something to be considered, you shouldn’t let it change your purchasing decision of the Pixel 2 XL.
The running theme of this review is going to be pretty consistent across the board; adequate, but unspectacular.
Build
Opening the Mpow H2 is non a religious experience. You open the plain, manila-colored box and they’re just laying there, protected by a clear plastic baggy. The unit itself is also plain, with a matte-black plastic chassis and leatherish cushions for your ears and head. Each earcup can fold up into the band, but only one can be folded at a time, and even at it’s smallest it is not much smaller than fully extended. The on-ear design will always flummox me, as it pushes against your ear rather than wrapping around it or sitting within it. Some might find it to be a nice balance between the two of those, but I personally would prefer either of the extremes to the half-measure. There’s a 3.5mm port on the Left cup and a MicroUSB port for charging on the Right – as you’d expect.
Said formation. Note the redundancy of the Pause/Play/Call and Power buttons.
All of the controls are on the Left earcup – five buttons, in a square-and-center formation; Power, Play/Pause/Call, Equalizer, and Volume Up and Down. Even scouring the rather pointlessly thick instruction manual, I have yet to figure out why there are five buttons on this headset. In an era where buttons can be tapped, pressed, double-pressed and long-pressed, and a single dial can raise or lower a volume, I see no reason why this unit need have more than two buttons and one dial – Power/Play/Pause/Call (depending on context), the Equalizer button (which as you’ll see later, is rather useless), and a volume dial.
But, as usual, I digress.
Overall, for an on-ear headset, the H2’s are comfortable. They feel solid both in-hand and on-head, and never feel at risk of falling off even while in motion. The extenders on each cup are a bit stubborn, so I’d recommend adjusting them once and leaving them that way.
Performance
Pairing the H2’s is pretty simple. Turn them on, find them in your Bluetooth menu, connect. There’s no bells, no whistles, and no hassle. If only operating the thing was so simple. With five buttons on the Left cup, remembering the location of each and then finding the one you want is an adventure, even after using them for a week. I’m sure eventually you’d have enough muscle memory to know where each button is and what it does instinctively, but be prepared for a steep learning curve.
Foldable, but not exactly collapsible.
The H2s feature Bluetooth 4.0, which – while a couple versions behind the bleeding edge – is still a modern standard. They can pair to two devices at once, which is an interesting feature, but one that’s not particularly useful in a real-world scenario. The leatherish earcups provide rather nice passive noise cancelling, both in terms of keeping sound out and in terms of making sure the music doesn’t distract those around you.
When it comes to sound quality, the H2’s are a mixed bag – while the clarity of sound and volume are excellent, there seems to be a distinct lack of depth to all sounds, and not much bass to boot. The Equalizer settings are no help, either. There are four of them – Natural, Heavy Bass, High Pitch, and Rock – but none of them really provides the added depth you’d want (and expect) in a larger headset.
With a 400mAh battery and 13 hours of play time, the H2s should provide plenty of perfectly average musical listening, and the MicroUSB charging means you’ll never have to look too hard for a charging cable – until USB-C dominates the world, at least.
The Verdict
To be perfectly honest, I was pretty disappointed in the H2s. They are perfectly adequate in most every way – dubious design snafus notwithstanding – but they don’t have a single feature that really set them apart from every other headset on the market. At $34.99 on Amazon, they certainly won’t break the bank, but for all you audiophiles out there, you can do a whole lot better at the $50 price point.
By now, no doubt you’ve heard about the issue where text messages would go missing on the original Pixel and Pixel XL that seemed to start as soon as the Oreo update hit the device. Google says its tracked down the culprit and is promising to fix it.
It seems that only a few Pixel owners were actually affected by this, which makes the fact Google has not only found the issue but also fixed it so quickly even more impressive. Usually, issues that only impact a minority of users are extremely hard to replicate let alone fix. Some reported a factory reset seemed to fix the issue, and most users seemingly were on Verizon, but others had not as much luck.
Google has investigated and confirmed that the bug was introduced in Oreo, affecting “Pixel (not Pixel 2) users.” Here’s the full post from Google.
Hey everyone,
We want to let you all know that we have been able to identify and implement a fix for this issue. Thank you to those that sent over bug reports and for including detailed information here on this thread.
There was an issue introduced in the release of Android Oreo that affects text message (SMS) delivery for a subset of Pixel (not Pixel 2) users.This issue was only seen on a small number of carriers. Unfortunately, this has resulted in devices getting into a state where they do not receive messages.
The fix will be included in the November Security OTA which will be rolling out soon… Please let us know how it goes after accepting the update.
Thanks!
– Pixel Team
It seems that the fix isn’t far away and the November security patch will fix the SMS issues for those users affected. Keep checking that “check for updates” button to get the update as soon as its issued.
Google wants to make sure that the accessories you use with your brand new Pixel 2 are of the same quality that the smartphone itself provides. Put simply, a quality smartphone demands quality accessories.
The “Made for Google” program is a way for Google to certify accessories that it deems as of sufficient quality to be used with its products without actually having to manufacture them itself.
Those accessories will get a “Made for Google” sticker and instantly signal to the consumer that they can buy with confidence.
Google has updated the Made for Google website with a list 22 brands that are included in the program. These brands range from well-known names like Otterbox, Incipio, and Speck, to lesser-known names like tech21, Moshi, and Libratone. The accessories include everything from cases to headphones and cables.
Clicking through on one of the manufactures will forward to the respective site to make a purchase. It’s important to note that the transaction isn’t handled by Google through the store, simply a sign that Google certifies the product and can be purchased through the manufactures normal distribution channels.
The “Made for Google” program is a great way to ensure that you get a cable that is up to standard or a case that is worth the price tag.
After debuting the intriguing dual-screen Axon M under the AT&T banner, ZTE today launched a new affordable phone, the Blade X Max which is available from Cricket Wireless and select stores.
The phone targets those on the budget, as it retails for $119. For this amount of money, customers will receive a handset with a spacious 5.5-inch display with 1280 x 720 resolution with 2.5D Dragontrail Glass for added protection.
The ZTE Blade X Max is powered by a 1.4GHz Snapdragon 425 processor which works in combination with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage (microSD card slot available for memory expansion up to 2TB). The 3,000 mAh battery powering it is supposed to allow for talk time up to 23.1 hours and standby time for 31 days. The device also includes a quick-responding fingerprint sensor on the back.
In the photography department, the device supports a 13-megapixel main camera with LED flash and a 5-megapixel selfie shooter. The phone also takes advantage of Dobly Audio for premium sound and a 3.5mm headphone jack. ZTE’s new phone for Cricket Wireless runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box, but don’t get your hopes up that you’ll get the Android 8.0 Oreo update anytime soon.
The Pixel 2 camera achieved one of the highest DxOMark ratings of any smartphone on the current market but much of that performance is down to software.
The improved Google Camera app has some pretty significant features that help the Pixel 2 take some amazing pictures. Officially, it’s only available on the new Pixel 2 devices but those over at XDA have managed to port it to the older Pixel and Pixel XL devices from last year.
You will be able to enjoy several new features of the camera app including Motion Photo and Face Retouching. Motion Photo is akin to the iPhone’s Live Photos feature that captures a few seconds before you press the capture button into a mini-GIF.
While the camera port works on Nexus devices too, you’ll only get a better UI and increased framerate; the new features, unfortunately, won’t work so you’ll need a Pixel device for that. Non-Google devices will have to wait a little while longer, although the group is said to be working on an APK for other Android devices.
Until a point at which the port is available for a wider array of devices, if you have a Pixel or Pixel XL, you can download the APK from here.
Right after the announcement that HTC will be manufacturing the Google Pixel 2, most of us started anticipating that the device might come with the Squeeze feature that was introduced to the HTC U11 by HTC. In the HTC U11, you can squeeze the device to perform common actions like launching an app, taking a picture or start a voice recording and so on.
However, when Google introduced the Squeeze feature to its 2017 flagship devices, the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL, it had assigned the squeeze action to only launch the Google assistant. While this is a convenient and a sensible alternative to trigger the AI assistant of Google, most people felt whether it was really necessary.
Because, as you might have known you can already launch the Google assistant by either using your voice or by long pressing the home button and with the new squeeze feature, it might feel like too much. It would have been cool if Google, by default, added an option to assign custom actions to the squeeze function besides launching the Google Assistant.
Since Google didn’t do that, a developer came forward and provided the Pixel 2 users a simple solution by introducing the remap feature for the Squeeze function in an already existing and a pretty popular Android app called, Button Mapper: Remap your keys.
Even though the app does not require root access to work, it still requires you to execute some commands from your computer by connecting your phone to it using a USB cable.
So, before you proceed to remap the squeeze action on your Pixel 2, first follow the steps here to install the Android Debug Bridge on your PC.
Once you have completed the steps mentioned in the link and have installed ADB on your PC, follow the below instructions to actually remap the squeeze function to launch your favourite app or action.
Now open the app and then pass through the initial steps. You have to enable the accessibility settings for the app now by clicking on the go button at the bottom and then selecting the app from the accessibility settings list and then enable the setting.
Step 3:
Go back to the app and then select the Active edge option at the top and then enable the customize option. The app will now ask you to execute a command on the ADB bridge.
Step 4:
Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable and then open the folder where you have installed the adb files. They will be usually present at C:\adb
Right click on an empty space while holding shift and then select open command window here.
Step 6:
Copy and paste the following command to the command window on your pc adb shell sh/data/data/flar2.homebutton/keyevent.sh and press enter.
Step 7:
Once the command is executed, go back to the app on your phone and then enable the customize option again. This time the app will ask you to restart it. Just click ok to restart the app.
Step 8:
Once the app reopens, you can go the active edge customization option and then select on the single tap option to assign your favourite action like toggling the flash light, switching sound profiles, or your favourite app to launch upon the squeeze action instead of the Google Assistant.
That’s it. You have successfully remapped the squeeze action on your Pixel 2 or Pixel XL 2. If you have any doubts regarding this process, feel free to comment below!
Google announced the concept of Instant Apps last year at its I/O conference. It was initially made available only to a select number of developers but the Instant apps development was made public a few months back and developers are working to bring the instant apps version of their apps to the Google Play Store.
Instant apps are basically a web version of the traditional apps with all the essential features of the app. The key difference being now you don’t have to download or install the app on your device; access the app instantly thus saving your precious storage space and browsing data.
However, as of now there are not many instant apps for the Android user base to try and even the apps that do come with support to instant apps are unknown to a lot of users and previously the only way you could use one was to accidentally bump into it by doing a Google search and then clicking on the Instant app link of the app.
You should also enable the instant apps feature from the Google settings on your phone. To do that, just open the settings app on your phone and then navigate to Google and open it. You can find the Instant apps option there. Just enable it to start using the Instant apps on your phone. All the apps you try from now on will appear here.
To reduce this complication and to help the millions of Android users to easily discover all of the available Instant apps, Google has recently updated the Google Play Store with a new Try now button right next to the Install button of the app.
When you click on the new Try now button, the part of the code that is required to run the most essential features of the app will run and you can begin using the app almost instantly. If you like the app, then you can proceed to install the full version of the app by clicking on the Install button at the top.
You can follow the link here to try out all the instant apps that are currently available. I was able to test Buzzfeed and Share the meal apps from the list and I am currently on the Google Play Store version 8.3.41.
Since this is a server-side update, it might take some time before it reaches everyone. So, if you are not able to test out the instant apps right now, you can either wait till you receive the update, or you can proceed to manually install the update by downloading the latest APK of the Google Play Store from here.
Have you tried out the Instant apps feature yet? Do you think it might be more useful than the normal web versions of the app? Let us know in the comments below!
When it comes to the concepts of connected homes or smart, activity-based accessories, we rarely think of bicycles. Outside of an app, a wearable, or a combination of the two, there’s very little to smarten up bike rides.
That’s where something like the SmartHalo comes in.
Backed by a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, it’s all about smartening up bicycles. Priced about $150, it’s an electronic accessory that adds a whole wealth of features to your two-wheeled companion.
As to what it does, it’s probably easier to list out what it doesn’t do. In all seriousness, though, the SmartHalo does quite a bit. Among the details are a visual speedometer, fitness tracking, compass, light, and notification system.
There’s no display to be found, but that doesn’t hinder its capabilities. In fact, once paired to your phone, you can put the handset away, relying on the innovative LED light system. Both Android and iPhone devices can connect via Bluetooth Smart and ANT+.
Setup
Installation is rather simple and uses a clamp system that works on pretty much all bicycles. You’ll need to use the bracket, and, in some cases the risers and rubber spacers to secure itself.
In some cases it takes all of 5-10 minutes to put together and it utilizes a special (HaloKey) magnetic key. Because of the key, the SmartHalo stays put and is not susceptible to theft. Well, that, and the internal alarm system keep it in place.
For those who need to use some of the rubber spacing or longer screws, it can be somewhat tricky assembling if only because of the number of pieces. The included hex screw is thin and it can be awkward to hold things together. The great thing is that once in place, you’re good for the long term.
Although the unit is essentially meant to stay put in a permanent manner, it does need to be recharged. You’ll get about three weeks of 1-hour rides out of the internal battery before you plug it via USB.
Once physically in place, you’ll turn to the mobile app to handle the controls and settings. We found the Android app to be intuitive and helpful, especially as first-time users. There’s plenty here to spell out the features and options; you’ll be riding in no time.
Let’s Ride
The SmartHalo is just that: a halo of light. With 25 LED lights that circle the device, it’s quite interesting how effective things can be, even without an actual display. It takes very little time to understand how the lights work across its various functions.
Using turn-by-turn navigation, for instance, the SmartHalo indicates which way you need to turn and with the right amount of notice. It’s worth pointing out here that it’s not Google Maps that powers the navigation but Open Street Maps. This isn’t necessarily an in issue, though, because we find benefits in using both systems on our phone.
Let’s say you don’t care so much about getting from Point A to Point B but would prefer to just find your own way to a destination. Maybe you want to mark where your car is parked and then always know which way to go to get back. Use the compass and watch how the light seems to float around, always giving you an indicator of the marker.
Similarly, the app is helpful for times when you need to find your bike. Pull up your phone and it will give you a pinpoint of where its last known location. Very cool stuff which comes in handy when you’ve gotten off the bike to explore new terrain on foot.
Other Features
The SmartHalo automatically recognizes when its time to turn on the light. Indeed, it not only has the LED lights on top of the plate, but it also has a few to lead the way, too.
In terms of fitness tracking, we really like what the SmartHalo delivers. Too often we find that apps can’t effectively calculate biking details. But, since this one is literally connected to your bicycle, it can help track speed, elevation, distances, calories burned, time, and more. Moreover, the app also archives things for you so you can look back on individual rides or cumulative totals.
As it pertains to an alarm system, you’ll sleep easier knowing that your bike will sound off when someone messes with it. The internal sensors can detect when a would-be thief starts rocking it back and forth.
The alarm can be manually controlled with a custom code that you tap on the SmartHalo. The better, automatic side of things kick in when you approach with your phone. Once they detect each other, they alarm is deactivated.
Do note there is no GPS unit inside of the SmartHalo. It’s not going to show you its current location on a map. Additionally, it relies on your phone for the navigation. So, keep those in mind when setting out on a ride somewhere, especially if in a sketchy area.
The notification system is a nice feature to have when you are expecting calls or messages. Heck, it’s even better when you aren’t expecting them and have your phone tucked away in a backpack or bag. A quick blink lets you know that someone’s trying to reach you.
There is an audible notification for turns and other functions, but you likely won’t hear it if riding with headphones or earphones. You can adjust the volume level; play with what feels right for how much you want to be notified. Sometimes we just really want to unplug from the world.
Conclusion
One of the biggest pain points we have when trying to unplug for a bit is the fear of missing that all-important phone call. What’s more, we hate having to hold onto a phone will navigating our way across busy or rough terrain. Both of those problems are alleviated here.
We loved the fitness tracking in the app and appreciate that it keeps a log of things for us. This is important and helpful for those training for a special event; it’s also great just to help motivate someone looking to loose weight.
The LED lights are a fun and intuitive and took very little time to understand. You may want to dial off notifications in the early rides and slowly introduce things. Otherwise, you could find yourself overwhelmed a bit in the first few days.
The SmartHalo is just about the coolest thing you can add to a bike — and pretty much the most feature-rich, too. You could probably cut the number of details in half here and we’d still be game to purchase one of these.
If you’ve been living under a rock for the last week or so, you might have missed some fun drama in the Android world. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL officially began landing on doorsteps for those who pre-ordered the device early, and not all of the first impressions are glowing.
The Pixel 2 XL, which was manufactured by LG, features an AMOLED display which appears to be suffering from some muted and undersaturated color options on the device. This has left many wondering if there is some type of defect from Google’s latest flagship device, but it seems that’s not necessarily the case.
One of these said issues is that there appear to be “blotches” on the display when viewing content with white backgrounds and the display brightness turned down. This has also plagued some LG V30 units, suggesting that LG is just not capable of creating the same quality of AMOLED panels that we are accustomed to seeing from the likes of Samsung.
The difference between the V30 and the Pixel 2 XL is that LG has included various display color options in the settings menu. This will allow for users to switch things up and have a more saturated display to help get rid of some of the quirks. Unfortunately, since the Pixel 2 XL runs stock Android, Google has not included as many options in its software. But a fix may be on the way.
We designed the Pixel display to have a more natural and accurate rendition of colors this year but we know some people prefer more vivid colors so we’ve added an option to boost colors by 10% for a more saturated display. We’re always looking at people’s responses to Pixel and we will look at adding more color options through a software update if we see a lot of feedback.
While some have already dubbed this “#screengate” I think everyone needs to just slow down a bit and take a step back from the situation. These panels may not be the greatest, but it’s not the end of the world, and won’t necessarily impact your day-to-day interactions with the Pixel 2 XL.
Nonetheless, feel free to let us know in the comments below whether you have experienced similar issues with your Pixel 2 XL or LG V30. Furthermore, let us know if these display issues have deterred you from looking to pick up either device for yourself.
