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How to watch the Galaxy Note 8 launch event

Dan Bartram
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It’s less than 24 hours away.

With so many left wanting after the Note 7 issues, Samsung are ready to unveil the next Galaxy Note 8 that is set to redefine smartphones. You know Samsung are going all out for this one so here’s how to make sure you don’t miss the action in New York City for Samsung Unpacked.

Samsung is going to be livestreaming the event so all you have to do is bookmark this page and come back tomorrow, August 23, at 11:00 Eastern Time and it’ll be right here ready to watch.

Samsung Unpacked Note 8 launch times worldwide

UK 16:00 / U.S Western 08:00 / US Central 10:00 / Europe 17:00 / China 23:00 / India 20:30

Switch from iOS to Android with ease with the MEEM Network

Alexandra Arici
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From the creators of the MEEM memory cable which can back up your phone’s data while also charge it up, this week comes a new product called the MEEM Network.

The MEEM Network offers cross-platform functionality between Android and iOS by allowing users to back up different devices onto the same cable with full visibility.

Furthermore, thanks to the accompanying MEEM desktop app, MEEM Network users can back up their data via Wi-Fi to a laptop or desktop computer in order to make absolutely sure the data doesn’t get lost.

The MEEM Network backs up across platforms and offers a simple Swipe-to-Share data mode between devices / platforms (3 devices per MEEM) when connected to the MEEM cable. It can also restore your backed up data to a new phone by virtue of a single swipe.

You’ll never know the hassle of going from iOS to Android and back again, as MEEM’s latest tool enables users to back up Android and iOS content up on the same MEEM cable.

“Until now, millions of consumers have resisted changing to another phone or platform because of the fear of losing data. Contacts, calendars, documents, messages, photos, and videos have been located on a singular platform, leading to a cumbersome backup process that is time-consuming. With the MEEM Network, going from an iOS to Android or Android to iOS device or just upgrading your device is easier than ever before.”

Kelly Summer, CEO of MEEM

The Network will prove useful to families with kids, as well. Parents can now view their children’s content while keeping their own data private. Once a parent adds their child to the MEEM Network, his or her contacts, messages, photos and video will be backed up and visible to the adult, once the parent connects their device to the MEEM via Wi-Fi.

If you’re interested in trying this system out, the MEEM Memory app which includes MEEM Network is currently available for download in the Google Play Store. The Desktop and laptop version can be downloaded from MEEM’s official website.

Metal Gear Solid 2 HD comes to Nvidia Shield TV

AndroidGuys
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Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was one of the best games to come out on the PlayStation 2, and it’s one of my favorite games ever. There have been a few re-releases and remasters, but now the critically acclaimed game has made its way to the Nvidia Shield TV Android set top box/game console.

“Play as the legendary hero, Solid Snake, as he sets out in pursuit of a tanker carrying a new Metal Gear prototype, and as Raiden, a rookie within the special ops unit, FOXHOUND, sent to infiltrate the Big Shell and rescue the US President from a mysterious group called Dead Cell. World peace hangs in the balance.” This is the full-fat MGS2 experience, with the full HD game with all content, as well as the VR missions that were added in MGS2: Substance.

Exclusive to Android on the Shield, this is essentially a port of the HD collection version from the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, which means only 720p resolution but an excellent 60 frames per second experience. The visuals are still as good as ever, however, with the improved HD textures and graphics being faithfully represented on the Shield version with the X1 Tegra processor.

Gameplay is as I remembered it, wonky controls and all. Thankfully they didn’t try and make the controls more traditional here and kept the classic MGS scheme. It is a bit different using the Shield controller to play this, instead of the classic PS controller but the improved Shield controller is an admirable substitute for the most part. I had little difficulty adjusting and found myself successfully sneaking my way through Big Shell in no time.

Metal Gear Solid is not a game series that appeals to everyone, but it is an amazing experience and if you haven’t had the opportunity to play it before, and have access to a Shield TV I’d definitely recommend checking this game out. The only downside is that not every Android user will be able to experience this classic, as it’s Shield exclusive, but the Shield TV is probably one of the few Android devices I’d trust to run this game at a respectable level. If you’re looking to pick it up, it launches today, August 22, and will be on sale for 33% off for a limited time ($9.99) and will normally go for $14.99 in the Google Play Store.

 

Download Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty HD from the Google Play Store

Bixby makes its global debut but still limited

Dan Bartram
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We saw Samsung lining up the launch of Bixby only yesterday with updates to the core components of the virtual assistant. Today it seems that Samsung have finally pulled the trigger and updated the final component to mark the global release of Bixby.

Just in time for the Note 8 launch, Samsung have finally flipped the switch on Bixby. Owners of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ should find an update to the Bixby Home app in the Galaxy App Store that will enable the full capability of Bixby. The virtual assistant that was supposed to launch alongside the Galaxy S8 series is still only restricted to Korean or U.S English but there is a disclaimer that Samsung are working on supporting more languages.

On first run you’re taken through instructions on how to setup a trusted voice unlock phrase as well as a few examples of how to interact with certain apps.

I suspect we’ll see Bixby front and center of the Note 8 launch and possibly even more functionality unveiled.

Google Assistant-powered headphones might soon be a thing

Alexandra Arici
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It was recently revealed that Google might be working on a next-gen Pixel Chromebook and a mini Google Home portable speaker.

But if the APK teardown of Google’s latest app (version 7.10) is any indication, a pair of Google Assistant enabled headphones are also on the way. The alleged AI-infused ear accessories are codenamed Bisto, a moniker which previously appeared a few months ago in the beta version of the 7.0 version of Google’s app.

Back then it was speculated Bisto could be a portable audio device, but recent findings suggest we’re looking at a pair of headphones instead. For example, the code reference below taken from Google’s latest app hints you’ll be able to employ the help of the Google Assistant to ask your questions and tell it to do things:

<string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_text”>”Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”</string>

Based on other strings of codes we’re seeing, we can speculate the Google Bisto headphones will come equipped with at least two physical buttons, one you can press and hold in order to summon and talk to the Google Assistant and another one to activate verbal notifications alerts. This means users will be able to hear incoming notifications and have them read out loud to them.

“<string name=”expand_bundle4_1″>To hear them, press the Google Assistant button” and “<string name=”expand_bundle_1″>To hear them, press and hold the top button.</string>”

At this point, it appears that Bisto will be running Android Wear, so it will be a first to see the OS operate on a non-smartwatch device.

With the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launch coming up, who knows maybe the Bisto headphones will be unveiled alongside them and offered as part of the bundle.

Virtual assistant-powered headphones aren’t exactly a novel idea. For example, Inspero Inc. and Arrow Electronics successfully raised funds on Indiegogo for the Vinci – “a smart, wireless headphone that is controlled by your voice and powered by cloud technology.”

The US market might get a customized Nokia 8 version

Alexandra Arici
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Nokia’s come back flagship, the Nokia 8 is expected to hit retail shelves in early September in Europe. But what about Nokia fans who don’t live on the old continent?

Unfortunately, at launch HMD remained mum on the topic of whether the Nokia 8 will make it on the US market. Now a new report coming out of NPU gives us hope.

According to sources familiar with the matter who have talked to the publication, HMD is planning a US (and Chinese) launch for the Nokia 8. However, we’re told the company will offer a “customized version” of the handset, but whatever that means exactly we’re yet to find out.

By looking at HMD’s previous strategy, it makes sense to assume the Nokia 8 will eventually land in the US. The company launched the Nokia 6 in China six months before making it available in other markets including the US one.

The same report reveals the Nokia 8 destined for America will be compatible with all the carriers in the country (or at least GSM ones). The Chinese version is expected to pack more RAM and internal storage than the global variant which packs 4GB of RAM + 64GB storage.

Previously HMD introduced the Nokia 6 with 3GB of RAM + 32GB storage on the international market, while the 4GB of RAM + 64GB storage version was sold only in China.

The same sources also reveal that the US market does not have a high priority for HMD, but the Chinese one does.

In related news, rumors have surfaced that Nokia and HMD are prepping a second flagship which will make a debut with a larger display. It could be the Nokia 9 model which has previously made an appearance in the rumor mill.

Google tipped to be preparing new Chromebook Pixel, mini Google Home version

Alexandra Arici
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With the Android 8.0 Oreo announcement behind us, Google is now preparing for the next-big event – the launch of its next-generation Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

But according to a report coming out of the Android Police, Google is also gearing up to introduce an all-new Pixel-branded Chromebook, as well as a miniature Google Home product, alongside the two new phones.

While not many details are currently available about the upcoming Pixel Chromebook – the successor of Google’s 2015 Chromebook Pixel – there are signs the new laptop is actually a continuation of the fabled “Project Bison”.

A couple of years back, rumors surfaced that Google was working on an Android and Chrome OS “merger” of sorts dubbed Andromeda that would launch on a convertible laptop in late 2017. That obviously didn’t happen, but according to the report at hand, it’s quite possible that in the meanwhile “Project Bison” has been repurposed for Chrome OS.

Project Bison was supposed to launch as a convertible PC with a tablet mode, a spacious 12.3-inch display, optional Wacom stylus and $799 price tag. So who knows maybe the next Pixel Chromebook will come boasting one of these characteristics.

On the other hand, the new Chromebook might turn out to be the often leaked Eve, which according to recent information could arrive with the Google Assistant onboard.

While we can’t be 100% sure regarding most of the details related to the new laptop, it makes sense Google is getting ready to launch a successor given the two gap year between the 2013 and 2015 models.

Google is also reportedly prepping a smaller version of its Home smart speaker. Like Amazon who has the Echo and Echo Dot so will Google soon start offering a miniature Home version which will most likely sell for a more affordable price tag.

Android 8.0 Oreo OTA now available for devices in the beta program

Alexandra Arici
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Google officially announced Android 8.0 Oreo a few hours ago and now the new software version has started rolling out to compatible devices.

We’re talking about the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C or Nexus Player that have been enrolled in the beta program. If you too own one of these devices, you should know the Android 8.0 Oreo OTA is available for download.

If you haven’t enrolled in the Android Beta Program until now don’t worry, you can easily do so now. Just visit the official Android Beta Program page, sign in with your Google account and click on “Enroll Device” to get your phone or tablet on board.

Some users initially reported the update failed to install on their Pixel devices running the Developer Preview 4, but since then Google fixed the issue so there’s nothing preventing you from installing the update on your Pixel if you want to.

Android 8.0 Oreo arrives with a host of enhancements in tow. One of its key features is superior battery life. A new copy/paste feature and highlighting tool have also been added into Oreo, as well as a picture-in-picture mode for making multitasking easier and improved notifications.

Read more about some of Android 8.0 Oreo’s killer features in our in-depth piece.

Android Oreo to land on new and existing hardware by the end of 2017

AndroidGuys
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Android 8.0 is officially known to the mobile world as Android Oreo, and we’re happy that the baton has passed from Nougat to the newest sweet treat. Now that the next sweet treat of a mobile update has been announced, the question on everyone’s mind is, “When is my device getting Android Oreo?” This question is easy to answer if you have a Google device such as a Pixel or Pixel XL; if you don’t, then prepare for what could be a complicated situation.

In line with increasing tech-savvy customer expectations of faster update releases, Google has provided a statement that Android OEMs will have Android Oreo on new and existing devices by the end of 2017.

We’ve also been working closely with our partners, and by the end of this year, hardware makers including Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony are scheduled to launch or upgrade devices to Android 8.0 Oreo. Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also receive this final version.

As with all promises, though, not everything comes true. In the case of Google, the search engine giant will push out Oreo to the recent Pixel and Pixel XL as well as the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. Determining when Android OEMs release Oreo is another matter entirely.

Normally, Android OEMs would release the update to carriers, who would then have to check for compatibility before it lands on carrier customer devices. And yet, if we can take anything from Google’s newly-announced Project Treble, it’s that vendor implementation may be easier than ever in the future such that device compatibility won’t be a question any longer. What that means for the Android Oreo release isn’t clear, but perhaps Oreo will really prove to be “sweet” for update-hungry fans.

While it’s unlikely that Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 will see Oreo immediately, the LG V30 could prove to be a possible candidate because its predecessor, the LG V20, was the first Android-powered smartphone to feature Android Nougat out of the box.

In the final analysis, it’s easy to release Android Oreo on new smartphones rather than update existing ones, so Oreo-powered hardware is most likely. Android OEMs are working hard to improve on update releases, though, so here’s to hoping Google’s promise is more fact than fiction.

Android 8.0 Oreo update list

Android 8.0 Oreo update list

Matt Adams
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https://www.androidguys.com/2017/08/31/androidguys-ten-for-ten-giveaways-celebrating-ten-years-of-android-week-1/

Android 8.0 is here and it is as sweet as ever. With new upgrades and under-the-hood fixes, it promises to be a fantastic upgrade. We’re excited to see how the floating picture-in-picture and grouped notifications change how we use our phones on a day-to-day basis. While it’s a given that the newest flavor of Android will hit the most recent Pixel and Nexus devices, pretty much everything else is a mystery. We’ve reached out to a number of phone manufacturers to see what their plans are. The list below is a combination of official responses and information we’ve picked up along the way.

We’ll continue updating this list as more devices are confirmed to get the update.

BlackBerry

BlackBerry hasn’t released many Android devices yet, but its most important and up-to-date device, the BlackBerry KeyOne is confirmed to get Android Oreo. We’ve yet to get any word on the Priv, DTEK50 or DTEK60.

  • Confirmed: BlackBerry KEYOne

Blu

Blu makes cheaper devices that generally don’t get OS updates. In the rare occasion that they do, they’re delayed by a significant amount. Blu reached out to let us know that if any of its devices did receive the Oreo update, it would be at least February 2018 before we see it.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: None

Google

You can already flash Android Oreo on one of your Pixel or Nexus devices. Head on over to the Android System Image page and flash the image but be aware, flashing the image will wipe your device. If you don’t want to lose your data, you can wait on the Over the Air update that should be coming soon.

  • Confirmed: Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X

HTC

HTC has been pretty decent about quick and long-term updates in the past. However, the company has lost money for seven straight quarters so you have to wonder how much capital it is going to invest in updates to older phones. We expect to see updates for the flagship and midtier lineup from the last 12 months.

Update (8/22/17): HTC has issued the following statement: “We’re excited to bring Android 8.0 Oreo to HTC U11, HTC U Ultra, and HTC 10 owners worldwide! Timing, additional devices, and other details to be announced in the near future.”

  • Confirmed: HTC U 11, HTC U Ultra, HTC 10
  • Possible: HTC U Play, HTC Desire 10 Pro, HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle, HTC 10 Evo

Huawei

We know that the Huawei-made Nexus 6P will get the Android Oreo update, but nothing is confirmed beyond that. We reached out to Huawei and they have declined to share their update plans at this time. We expect to see most of Huawei’s most popular devices from the last year updated to Android 8.0 eventually.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: Huawei P10, Huawei P10 Lite, Huawei P10 Plus, Honor 9, Honor 8 Lite, Honor 8 Plus, Huawei Mate 9 Porsche, Huawei Mate 9, Huawei Mate 9 Pro, Huawei Nexus 6P

LeEco

LeEco hasn’t gotten much press since hitting the pause button last year. We’re not expecting to see updates for the devices it released in the last 12-24 months.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: None

Lenovo

Lenovo has been a bit of a mystery since it acquired Motorola. We’ve reached out for comment on updates going forward but we don’t expect many devices, if any, to get the update.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: Lenovo Zuk Edge
  • Possible: Lenovo Zuk Z2, Lenovo Zuk Z2 Plus, Lenovo Zuk Z2 Pro

LG

LG has been fantastic about updating older devices to current software and we don’t expect that to stop. Most, if not all, devices released since the LG V10 should be updated to Android Oreo at some point.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: LG G6, LG V20, LG V30, LG G5, LG V10, LG Q8, LG Nexus 5X, LG Q6, LG X Venture, LG Pad IV 8.0
  • Possible: LG G4

Motorola

A large part of why people are interested in Motorola’s devices is the near-stock experience. This helps Moto roll out quick updates to its entire lineup. We’re expecting to see pretty much everything released in the last 18 months updated to Oreo.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: Moto Z2 Force, Moto Z2 Play, Moto Z, Moto Z Force, Moto Z Play, Moto G5 Plus, Moto G5, Moto G4 Plus, Moto G4

Nexbit

Nextbit’s only phone, the Robin, will not receive the Android Oreo update.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: None

OnePlus

OnePlus has gotten a black eye around software updates after not supporting the OnePlus One, Two, or X for very long, but we’re expecting to see fairly quick updates for the OnePlus 5, 3, and 3T.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: OnePlus 5, OnePlus 3T, OnePlus 3

Samsung

Samsung has a reputation for extremely slow updates, but it’s probably just because they are trying to support so many phones. Samsung puts out more phones than anyone and more software updates than anyone else too. Most of the phones released in 2017 and the second half of 2016 should receive the Android Oreo update.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Samsung Galaxy A3, Samsung Galaxy A5, Samsung Galaxy A7, Samsung Galaxy A8, Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro, Samsung Galaxy J7 Max, Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro, Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime, Samsung Galaxy A9 (2016), Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016), Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016), Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016), Samsung Galaxy Note FE

Sony

Sony, like Motorola, has a pretty light skin on top of Android which makes it pretty easy to update. Most of the devices released in the last 18 months or longer should see the Android Oreo update.

  • Confirmed: Xperia X, Xperia X Performance, Xperia XZ, Xperia X Compact, Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia XZs, XPeria XA1, Xperia XA1 Ultra, Xperia Touch, Xperia XA1 Plus, Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact

Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s MIUI skin is so heavy that you could get the Android Oreo update and not realize it. We do expect to see Android Oreo eventually on a lot of device but not for a while.

  • Confirmed: None
  • Expected: Xiaomi Mi 6, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, Xiaomi Pro 2, Xiaomi Mi 5s, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, Xioami Mi Max, Xiaomi Mi Max 2, Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus, Xiaomi Mi Note 2, Xiaomi Mi Mix
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