JBL drops massive $300 off the Link 500 speaker with Google Assistant
Get chart-topping sound quality and performance-worth connectivity anywhere in your home with the JBL 500 voice-activated speaker now on sale at a $300 discount only on the company's website.
Finally, stereo speaker pairing comes to the Google Home and Home Mini
At first, only Google Home Max could pair with stereo speakers, and then Google added the Nest Mini. Over the weekend, though, Android Police discovered that now you can pair your stereo speaker system with Google Home and Google Home Mini speakers, too. Here's what you need to know and how to set it up.
Why would Google want to buy Fitbit?
Why would Google want to buy Fitbit? Though Fitbit is a big player in the wearables market, it is struggling to transition from fitness trackers to smartwatches. Google's Wear OS has not given it much of a foothold, and it has smartwatch ambitions. Could this be a marriage made in heaven or a disaster?
How to turn on the futuristic RCS messaging in Google Messages right now
It might not be as exciting the next Galaxy smartphone, but RCS messaging represents a long-awaited upgrade to the extremely basic SMS text message, and it adds features that turn the humble text message into a chat app. But it's not available yet -- unless you use this trick to turn it on in Google Messages.
Google owner Alphabet has reportedly made a bid to buy Fitbit
Google may be looking to bolster its wearable tech, and has reportedly made a bid to buy fitness-tracking company Fitbit. The terms of the offer have yet to be revealed, and there's no guarantee that a deal will go through at all. Google has been rumored to be working on a smartwatch for years.
Project Treble helps solve Android fragmentation, but still nowhere like iOS
Project Treble, which Google rolled out to help solve the Android fragmentation problem, seems to be working. Just before the launch of Android 9 Pie, Android 8 Oreo was installed in 8.9% of devices, and in comparison, just before the launch of Android 10, Android 9 Pie was installed in 22.6% of devices.
Google Pixel 4 box hides augmented reality Easter egg: Here’s how to find it
Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL owners should not throw away the box of their new smartphones, at least not until viewing the augmented reality Easter egg. The show, which may be unlocked by using the device's camera with Google Lens activated, differs slightly between the Pixel 4's color options.
Google Play Store malware hits 42 apps with 8 million downloads
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered an adware campaign affecting 42 Play Store apps that have been downloaded 8 million times. Google has now removed them, though they remain available in third-party app stores. The most popular app, Video Downloader Master, received 5 million downloads.
Google agrees to replace its bricked Home and Home Mini smart speakers
A recent firmware update caused a number of Google Home and Home Mini devices to stop working. Google says it’ll replace the bricked devices, and also roll out a fix to stop it happening again. Some affected customers managed to get their device working again via a factory reset, though this hasn’t worked for everyone.
Google announces game studio dedicated to original titles for Stadia
On Thursday, October 24, tech giant Google has announced its first game studio, Stadia Games and Entertainment. According to Google, this new Montreal-based studio will be dedicated to creating original and exclusive video games for its upcoming cloud-based gaming service, Stadia.
Addicted to your phone? Try one of Google’s clever new ‘experiments’
Think you need to use your phone a little less? Google has launched a series of so-called Digital Wellbeing "experiments," which are apps that help you manage and track how often you use your phone. As part of the initiative, there are six apps -- though more could be added over time.
Google Pixel 4 XL vs. iPhone 11 Pro Max: Can Google bite the big Apple?
Google's Pixel 4 XL is the search engine giant's latest addition to its range of flagship phones, and it's a good one. With upgraded internals, an improved camera, and the radar-powered air gestures, it's the phone of the moment. But can is it good enough to take a bite out of the big Apple: the iPhone 11 Pro Max?
Google declares quantum supremacy in its latest research paper
Google published a research paper in the scientific journal Nature stating it achieved quantum supremacy. Google's CEO compares the breakthrough to the first flight, indicating that real applications taking advantage of quantum computing — like developing new drugs — won't happen for another 10 years.
Google Stadia pre-orders don’t guarantee you’ll get to play on release day
Google Stadia early adopters who pre-ordered the game's Founder's Edition or Premiere Edition could be waiting up to two extra weeks beyond the November 19 launch date before they can play. The Founder's Edition also includes a Buddy Pass for a friend to play, and is completely sold out already.
Not a bright idea: Pixel 4’s 90Hz Smooth Display doesn’t work on a dim screen
It has been discovered the Google Pixel 4's 90Hz Smooth Display feature only operates when the screen is above 75% brightness. Below this, the screen reverts to a 60Hz refresh rate, the same as most other smartphones available today. This can be overridden in the developer settings, but it may impact battery life.
I asked 10 U.S. banks when they plan to support Google Pixel 4’s Face Unlock
Google's Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL come with new Face Unlock technology that makes unlocking the phone fast. But if you want to use it to access bank apps or authenticate purchases in third-party apps, it's looking like you'll have to wait a while. I asked a handful of banks when they expect to add support.
All the smart, new Pixel 4 features coming to older Pixel phones
The Pixel 4 offers a ton of awesome new features, but the great thing about them is that many of them are software-based. That mean lots of those features will end up coming to other Pixel phones. those features include the new Recorder app and some of the great camera features.
Pixel 4 XL vs. iPhone 11 Pro vs. Note 10 Plus vs. OnePlus 7T: Camera shootout
The Google Pixel 4 is here with another winning camera, despite its battery woes, so how does it stack up to competitors like the iPhone 11 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus, and the OnePlus 7T? We took all four phones for a spin on a photo walk to find the best in this smartphone camera shootout.
On Pixel 4 battery, Google’s various teams don’t see pixel-to-pixel
Google's Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are excellent smartphones with slick screens that support a 90Hz refresh rate, smart software powered by machine learning, and killer cameras that use computational photography. But after three years, they still falter at battery life. Why? Is it a compromise to make a thinner phone?
Pixel 4 vs. Pixel 3 camera shootout: Where are the photography improvements?
Pixel 3 owner? Thinking about upgrading to Google's Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL? You might be wondering how different the camera is, and we've got the answers in this Pixel 4 XL vs. Pixel 3 XL camera shootout. Take a look as we go through the differences between the two phone cameras, and see which comes out on top.
Google’s Pixel 4 will get an option requiring open eyes for face unlock
Google's Pixel 4 will get an update in the coming months adding an option requiring eyes to be open for Face Unlock to work. The news comes after reviewers discovered the phone can unlock even if the device owner's eyes are closed, a security risk as it can be used to easily access sensitive information.
Google VP says guests should be informed if you have smart devices in the home
In an interview with the BBC, Google VP Rick Osterloh said that homeowners should inform guests if they have smart devices that might film or record their conversations, a statement that has raised concerns over privacy. The statement follows several incidents in the previous months surrounding smart devices.
The Google Pixel 4’s face unlock feature works when your eyes are closed
The Google Pixel 4 traded a fingerprint sensor for facial recognition tech, but that tech may not be quite as secure as you might want it to be. According to new reports, the tech works even when your eyes are closed -- meaning that someone could gain access to your device when you're asleep.
Pixel 4’s Live Caption feature will come to the Pixel 3 line by year’s end
If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, or simply in a situation where you can’t listen to audio, Google’s Live Caption can help. Providing captions for videos and audio messages, Live Caption launched with Pixel 4 and is coming to the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL by the end of 2019.
Google continues to ignore the Chromecast, the best product it ever made
There was no sign of the Google Chromecast at the company's Pixel event. The Chromecast was launched more than six years ago, but remains fundamentally the same. The lack of attention has allowed competitors like Amazon and Roku to prosper. Here's why the Chromecast desperately needs a major upgrade.
What I like and don’t like about Google’s new Pixel 4 phone
Now that we've had some time to let our thoughts stew on Google's Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, here are some of our favorite new features on the phone -- and things we hate. From radar-sensing tech that's genuinely helpful to a measly 64GB of internal storage, there's a lot to unpack.
Google kills Daydream with a lack of support on the Google Pixel 4
It seems as though Google's attempt at building a virtual reality platform may be over for now. The company has announced that the new Google Pixel 4 will not support the Google Daydream virtual reality platform. It has also discontinued sales of the Google Daydream View headset.
Google’s Pixel 4 could have looked like the Nexus 6P
Google's Pixel 4 is here, and we've known what it would look like for months. Now, the design team has shared photos showing concepts and what it could have looked like before they settled on a final design. The photos are packed with goodies like a Pixel 4 that looks like a Galaxy Note 10 Plus, an iPhone 11, and more.
The Pixelbook Go is another spinoff, but I’m still waiting for a true sequel
Google has launched the new Pixelbook Go, a cheaper alternative to the Pixelbook. It looks like a solid addition to the lineup, but it's not the true sequel to the Pixelbook I've been waiting for. There are a number of features I would have liked to see come to the Pixelbook 2, but for now, I'll still have to wait.
Google Pixel 4 vs. Pixel 3
If you're thinking about buying a Pixel, but you can't decide between the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 3, or maybe you're wondering if it's worth upgrading from last year's model, we've got the details you need to make a decision. We compare the Google Pixel 4 and the Pixel 3 to explain all the differences.
Why it’s OK that Google didn’t announce a Pixel 4 phone with 5G
Wondering where the 5G Pixel 4 is? It was absent from Google's packed Made by Google launch event, despite some rumors saying it would arrive, meaning you'll have to buy a 4G Pixel 4. Does it matter? The answer is no. Although the technology is exciting, you really aren't missing out just yet.
Nest Mini, Pixelbook Go, and more: Everything Google announced at the Pixel 4 event
Google took to the stage at the Pixel 4 Made by Google event, and it announced a wealth of new devices to take your heart away. But not everyone can watch live, and you may need to catch up. From the Google Pixel 4, to the new Pixel Buds 2, and even the Pixelbook Go, here's everything announced at the Pixel 4 event.
The Pixel 4 won’t have free, unlimited full-res Google Photos storage
Google is not bundling free, unlimited full-res Google Photos storage on the new Pixel 4 smartphones. Instead, it's offering a three-month trial of its Google One subscription which gets you a 100GB of cloud storage — which might be a deal-breaker for some users.
Google Nest Mini hands-on review: New name, few changes
Google's new Nest Mini looks a lot like the older Google Home Mini speaker, and that's not the only similarity. Despite the new name, the Nest Mini is only a minor revision of its predecessor, and the focus is still on Google Assistant.