When the HTC U11 was announced, the company confirmed that there would be the option for users to switch between Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, support for Alexa was not made available out of the box, leaving owners of the device wondering when the U11 would be properly updated.
It seems that the update is already happening, but there’s a bit of a catch. If you fire up the Play Store on your U11 now, you’ll likely see an update for the Edge Sense application. Once updated, there will be an option to enable Amazon Alexa now, but it won’t actually do anything.
Instead, HTC will be flipping the switch on Alexa come Monday, July 17th. From then, you will be head back to the Edge Sense settings, enable Alexa, and use Amazon’s voice services to your heart’s content.
This is a huge development for Amazon as it looks to continue taking on the likes of Google Assistant in a battle that has moved from your living room to your smartphone. A similar update was expected for the Huawei Mate 9, but there were mixed reactions about performance.
Hopefully, Amazon and HTC recognized the issues that were appearing and continued updating Alexa to become a more viable option with the HTC U11. Only time will tell, so we’ll be waiting (im)patiently for HTC to push Alexa to the U11 on Monday.
Back when Motorola announced the new Moto Z2 Play, the company also announced a few new Moto Mods which would be compatible with previous iterations of the Z lineup, as well as future ones. One of these new Moto Mods was the new Moto Style Shell with Wireless Charging, which added a bit of flair to your device, while also making it possible to completely get rid of the wires when charging.
There was a bit of a hold up on Motorola’s end, but now the new Style Shell is available for purchase, and it’s only $40. You would naturally expect something like this to cost closer to $100 for an accessory, but that’s not the case here.
Currently, the standard Style Shell is sold out, leaving you with the option to purchase a pretty flower-pattern Style Shell, if that’s your thing. In the meantime, we’re sure that Moto is trying to keep up with demand, so keep your eyes peeled to see when the standard Style Shell is restocked.
Let us know what you think about the new Moto Mod and if you’ll be looking to pick one up for yourself. Additionally, let us know if you went for the new Moto Z2 Play, or if you’re holding out until the Moto Z2 Force is unveiled next week.
As we approach the time of the year when attention turns to what Google have in store for the next Pixel, naturally rumors emerge as to what that could entail.
The larger Pixel XL 2 is codenamed Taimen and will feature a 5.99-inch 1440p display provided by LG. According to the latest rumors, the screen will also feature an Always on Display option that will display useful information when the device is locked and idle. A similar feature has been available on the Samsung Galaxy S devices for a few generations so it’s good to see this come to the Pixel line.
Also in the rumor mill is the inclusion of HTC U11 inspired squeezable bezels that can be linked to shortcuts or actions. It is thought that this will be used as a shortcut to launch Google Assistant and can be customized depending on the pressure of the squeeze.
Google seems to be continuing it’s work on enhancing the Pixel display as it is expected to include Display Profiles. The Pixel 2 display settings will be accompanied by a Vivid Colors option to enhance the colors of the display.
It seems the Pixel XL 2 is going to include some great new features when it comes to the display and also borrow some features that seem to have worked from other already released devices such as the almost bezel-less display of the LG G6 and Galaxy S8.
Stay tuned to AndroidGuys for more Pixel 2 news as we approach the official launch.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 has been out for a few months now and that means there has been plenty of time to test our some cases for the device to see what offers the best balance of practicality against aesthetics.
You may have seen our other review of the SHIELDON Leather Wallet Case that is aimed at those who want to condense the number of things they carry on them. The Galaxy S8 Dual Layer Case serves a different purpose and offers a slim profile rear and side protection for your device.
The SHIELDON Galaxy S8 Sunrise Series Dual Layer Case -SAMSUNG S8 Protection Case Details:
– The Galaxy S8 Case provides full protection, 4 thickened TPU cushion corners ensure your phone against drops and bumps; Raised edges and the 4 extra 1MM Raised Pads on the bottom of the TPU case to protect the screen, camera and the slim hard back case from scratches and dirt
– 2 IN 1 Hybrid dual-layer design, features a soft TPU Inner Protective Case and a Hard Polycarbonate Back Frame Cover, helps enhance the protection of the phone
– Precise laser cutouts enable easy access to all Buttons, Ports, Speaker, Fingerprint sensor, Cameras and Flash. Allows charging without removing the case
– Keeps the natural shape of the Galaxy S8. The 3D textured internal design holds the phone steadily, reduces the force from drops and lessens the heat via improving airflow
-4 Extra 1MM Raised Pads on the bottom. Lift the case off the ground, protect the slim back case from scratches and dirt.
– Easy Snap On. Just snap on the case in one smooth step and enjoy super full protection
The first thing you’ll notice when unpacking the case is that it feels very solid in the hand. The Galaxy S8 fits extremely well into the case and offers sufficient access to all the necessary ports that you’d expect without any excess movement. The case has a raised lip design around the edge that aims to protect the screen should it experience a front impact, or to protect it when placed face down on a surface. There are also 4 thickened TPU cushion corners designed into the case in order to further protect the device against drops.
The case is extremely well made and will definitely protect the device from everyday knocks and bumps. The layered design to offer added protection does come at a cost, however, adding some additional bulk to the thickness profile of the device that those who prefer a minimalist design might find bulky. It’s a small price to pay for the level of protection the case offers.
The SHIELDON Galaxy S8 Dual Layer Case is an extremely good case for those who are looking for some added protection and is thoroughly recommended.
If you want to get your hands on the SHIELDON Galaxy S8 Dual Layer Case then head on over here to pick one up. Better yet, there’s a special 10% discount for AndroidGuys readers’ using the code SDCODE10.
The Xiaomi Mi 6 has been available in select markets since April, but it seems that the device is getting another color scheme tomorrow. At launch, the Mi 6 came in Coral Blue, Black, and Silver, while some were forced to wait for the White variant to be released.
Today, Xiaomi officially confirmed that the Xiaomi Mi 6 in White would be launching tomorrow, but there are no differences in price or specs. The device features a 5.15-inch FHD display, while being powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC and either 6GB of RAM along with either 64GB or 128GB of storage.
Pricing will also stay the same, as the 6GB/64GB variant will be priced at 2,499 Yuan (~$368) and the 6GB/128GB priced at 2,899 Yuan (~$427). I do have to say that while the Mi 6 itself already looks amazing, the upcoming White variant may take the cake in terms of looking the best.
Although Google Home was launched almost a year ago, there are still many things that the personal assistant is not capable of. However, Google is continuing to update the software side of things to continue making Google Home useful.
Considering the fact that many of you are likely using Google Play Music, you’ll be happy to learn that Google Home can now play your uploaded music from your GPM library. Previously, Home was limited to only the music stored in its online library, but now those obscure songs from your teenage years can be played at full blast.
Google reiterates some points when it comes to using this newfound capability. First and foremost, your uploaded/purchased music won’t be played when you use the “Play <genre/mood/activity>” voice command. Additionally, you’ll need to use a specific phrase if Google Play Music is not already set to your default music player.
Of course, we’re still waiting for some more simple capabilities, such as being able to easily set reminders, but we’re hoping that will come sooner rather than later. Regardless, Google Home is doing just fine, for now, but this Fall should bring some exciting things to the personal assistant.
SEGA now offers a large collection of games on the Google Play store and amongst them is Altered Beast. Altered Beast first appeared in the arcades in 1988 as a standalone arcade cabinet but later came to the SEGA Genesis. The arcade version was more detailed and ran more smoothly when compared to the home version. Unfortunately Altered Beast on Google Play is an emulation of the lesser quality Genesis version. The game is still a cult favorite of the “SEGA kids” that grew up with the SEGA Genesis home console.
A classic game that may create a beast out of you… from the frustrating difficulty
Playing as the beast
Altered Beast on the Google Play store plays virtually identical to the home version, with the biggest difference being the lack of physical buttons to press. SEGA chose to do a transparent overlay of the directional pad, Start button, as well as the A, B, and C buttons. Surprisingly this works much better than I expected as I had very few issues with controlling my character, and as a bonus, Altered Beast supports many standard Bluetooth controllers.
During 2015, SEGA began removing select titles from the Google Play store as a precursor to launching the ‘SEGA Forever’ game service on mobile. Some reports have indicated that the emulation through SEGA’s current mobile offerings suffers from the use of Unity on the ports. Through my game sessions, it was quite difficult to detect any differences in framerate, sound or graphics and Altered Beast seemed to play very close to the original Genesis version.
As was true to the original, the gameplay is simple but challenging. Fight off the undead and other beast-like enemies to unveil the next location. Bosses will appear at the end of some levels and are designed to take multiple lives, as this was originally an arcade game meant to munch quarters. SEGA fans of yesteryear may enjoy revisiting this classic, but most gamers won’t find much meat to chew on here.
A fluff-ball of features
Altered Beast is supported by the ‘SEGA Forever’ platform which works both in Android and iOS. SEGA Forever is a new service advertised as a “free” gaming platform for classic games on mobile devices with add-on features that have an added expense. Altered Beast is free to play, but contains ads throughout the game which can be disabled by paying the $1.99 fee. Paying two bucks to disable the ads is highly recommended, as it also adds the feature to save your game-state at any time during play.
Now you can get rabies while playing Altered Beast on your mobile device
As mentioned previously, Altered Beast supports Bluetooth controllers but does not offer settings to remap buttons or check pairing status for said devices. Within the settings, there are options to invite friends from Facebook to try the game, a button to turn the music off or on, as well as a ‘send message’ feature that apparently goes directly to SEGA’s support team.
A lacking package
SEGA’s Altered Beast is a game that brings back memories for some, but not always good ones. On the one hand, this is a full re-creation of the Genesis classic that is hampered slightly by sub-par emulation and the Genesis version’s slow gameplay and dated graphics and sound. Surprisingly, the sound reproduction is spot on, but with this being the Genesis port, the sound is far from great. Visually the menus are laid out nicely and it’s very easy to get from page to page.
The overall settings and features in Altered Beast are somewhat lacking, but get the job done
Considering SEGA has the SEGA Forever platform, we could see advancements in the future, but as it stands now, there’s not much of a punch from this beast. While the asking price is still low, you’d be better of finding a stronger emulator on another platform–especially if it was for the original arcade version.
Since the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are such fragile devices you will most certainly have to pair them with a protective case. But wouldn’t it be nice if that protective case brought along some extra perks?
Case manufacturer and antenna technology for wireless devices company, Antenna79 just introduced two special cases for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. The first one is called ReachCase and apart from meeting the industry’s standards for drop protection, it claims to maximize signal performance for greater coverage and faster data speeds.
Antenna79 has partnered up with AT&T’s largest authorized retailer in the US, Spring Mobile to offer the ReachCase. Customers will be able to purchase the case from select Spring Mobile retail locations, as well as online at ReachCase.com for $44.99. Note that the case is compatible with Galaxy S8/S8+ units operating on AT&T and T-Mobile.
The Pong cases have another special trick up their sleeves – they apparently help reduce exposure to cellphone radiation. Back in April, an Italian court ruled excessive mobile phone use caused an executive to develop a benign brain tumor. Even so, scientific studies on potential health risks of mobile phones have mostly concluded they pose no serious risk to human health.
But if you too are worried about the potential dangers of phone radiations, you can invest in a Pong case. The Galaxy S8 one costs $39.99 while the Galaxy S8+ will set you back with $49.99. You can pick up one of these cases from PongCase.com. They are compatible with Galaxy S8/S8+ units on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Amazon recently introduced the Echo Show – its new take on the whole connected speaker concept – which is quite distinct compared to the original Echo model.
While the Amazon Echo looks like a cylinder – tall and narrow – the Echo Show comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and is more rectangular in nature.
Well, now we’re hearing Amazon is working on an upgrade for the original Echo. However, don’t expect it to look very much like the current speaker. Actually, it will resemble Apple’s recently launched HomePod smart speaker, a new report by Engadget claims.
Hey Alexa, are you in here?
According to the information we can expect the Echo 2 to be shorter (but slimmer than the original), stout and covered in a cloth-like covering. The new speaker should be able to deliver better sound thanks to the addition of several tweeters. It’s also going to have improved microphone technology, so Alexa will be better equipped to hear your wishes and desires.
Moreover, the yet-to-be-announced speaker will be able to activate your smart appliances, give you the latest news, sports scores, stock reports, provide you with weather data and stream playlists from compatible music apps.
The report doesn’t include any information about how much Amazon plans to ask for the Echo 2. However, if Amazon manages to launch the new speaker in time for the holiday season and with a competitive price tag – maybe leaning towards the $129 of the Google Home – the device could make a big splash.
Fancy BlackBerry’s latest KEYone handset? Good news! You’ll be able to pick it up from Sprint as soon as tomorrow. Previously customers could buy only the unlocked KEYone which was not compatible with Sprint’s network.
Sprint will thus become the first carrier in the US to directly offer the phone, although we heard rumors a Verizon version is also in the works.
Information about the KEYone’s release surfaced on the Sprint community forums, where a company representative revealed the smartphone is expected to launch for online direct ship order starting July 14. Customers who’d rather pick up the BlackBerry KEYone from a Sprint brick and mortar store, have to wait two more weeks until July 28.
Pricing information is yet to be revealed, but the unlocked BlackBerry KEYone with 32GB of storage is currently going for $549.99 in the US.
The phone comes with an aluminum frame and textured back, thus making it quite easy on the eyes. It includes a 4.5-inch touchscreen display with 1600 x 1050 resolution and a QWERTY physical keyboard – the standout feature of this package, which provides tactile feedback while you type.
The KEYone is a middle-range handset boasting a Snapdragon 625 processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It also carries a 12-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel selfie snapper.
