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Google brings automatic call screening to all of its Pixel phones
Over the last couple of years, Google has updated older Pixel devices with features that first appear on its most recent phones. The latest tool to make its way from Pixel 4 to the original Pixel, Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 is automatic call screening, which debuted on the former in December.
Google's powerful Recorder app now works on older Pixel phones
Over its last few Pixel cycles, Google has made a point of bringing some features of its most recent phone to other devices. This week, for instance, Pixel 4's live audio captioning tool expanded to Pixel 3 and 3a devices. Now, owners of older Pixel handsets can check out one of Pixel 4's niftier aspects: the Recorder app that can capture and transcribe audio simultaneously.
Google found a serious Android flaw affecting Pixel, Samsung and Huawei phones
Google researchers have discovered an unpatched vulnerability on its own Android OS that affect the Pixel 1 and 2, Huawei P20, Samsung Galaxy S7, S8, and S9 and other devices. It disclosed the problem just seven days after finding it, as the exploit is a "zero-day" that is already being exploited in the wild. Oddly, the bug -- which affects Android 8.x and later -- was discovered and patched in December 2017 on earlier versions of the OS. However, the fix was apparently not carried over to newer versions.
The Pixel 3a vs. the Pixel 3 and Pixel 2: What's changed?
It's only May but we're already getting new a Pixel phone, just in time for Google I/O. But this release isn't a full-fledged Pixel 4, which we'll probably see this October. Instead, it's the 3a, a slightly stepped down version of Google's flagship with a discounted price to match. How stepped down is it, exactly? We've lined up all the important details about both the 3 and 3a as well as 2017's Pixel 2 to see what corners got cut. However, to see if it's really worth your time and money, we recommend giving our review of its larger sibling a peep.
Google stops selling the Pixel 2 and 2 XL
Google is no longer selling the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL through its store, in the hope you might instead buy the Pixel 3. As spotted by Android Police, the older devices are no longer visible on the Phones section of the Google Store, and if you try to visit the Pixel 2 page directly, you'll be redirected to the Pixel 3 listing. The devices are also no longer available through the Google Fi store.
Pixel 3 update addresses multitasking woes
Google's initial Pixel 3 software had multiple rough spots, but one of the most common complaints has centered on memory management -- users have seen their phones close apps when doing something as simple as taking a picture. That might be less of a problem going forward. The company has detailed an imminent December update that promises "improved memory performance in certain circumstances" on all Pixel 3 and Pixel 2 variants, not to mention faster camera capture.There's no guarantee this will solve every complaint (the Pixel 3 does have just 4GB of RAM, after all), but it should help.
Google's call screening transcripts roll out to Pixel owners
You no longer have to stare at your Pixel to see whether or not that Assistant-screened call was worth answering. Pixel owners have reported that Call Screen transcripts are starting to reach their devices, including older devices as well as the Pixel 3. Check the recent calls in your phone app, choose Call Details and you'll find a See Transcript option if you have the feature. If you do, you can review what a mysterious caller said and decide whether or not it's worth a follow-up.
Google's conversational Duplex AI rolls out to some Pixel owners
After months of hype, Google's reservation-placing Duplex AI is available to the general public -- if only just. The company has confirmed to VentureBeat that Duplex is rolling out to a "small group" of Pixel phone users in "select cities." It wasn't specific about those cities, but it likely includes the previously announced cities of Atlanta, New York City, Phoenix and San Francisco. Google is starting with a "slow rollout" to ensure a "good experience" for both Pixel owners and businesses,
The Pixel 3's most important feature needs to be reliability
Google's Pixel 2 was announced last October in two different flavors: a five-inch device made by HTC and a six-incher from LG. Unfortunately, both handsets had something of a rocky start, with the larger device seemingly riddled with flaws. In the past year, the company has been forced to push several software updates to fix problems it should have caught beforehand.
Google and uBreakiFix provide free Pixel repairs to hurricane victims
If you own one of Google's Pixel phones and it fell victim to Hurricane Florence, relief might be at hand. Google is partnering with uBreakiFix to offer free repairs for any Pixel phone damaged in the storm So long as you can visit one of uBreakiFix's locations in North Carolina, South Carolina or Virginia, the repair shop will fix cracked screens and water damage at no cost. You don't need an appointment to take advantage of the offer.
Google is working on a fix for the Pixel XL's fast charging issue
On Monday, reports of a problem with Pixel XL devices' fast charging system surfaced after users updated to the latest Android operating system, Pie. As a result of all the reports, Google says it's aware of the issue and is working on a timely fix.
Moment Pro camera app now supports the Pixel 2's custom HDR chip
One of the biggest selling points of Google's Pixel 2 is undoubtedly its camera, thanks largely to the Pixel Visual Core -- the custom chip that makes Pixel photos really pop. Some third-party apps such as Snapchat and Instagram have built in support for this, and now the Moment Pro Camera app is joining the fold. It's not a huge surprise -- Moment announced it would be launching a Pro Camera app for Android about a month ago, and said it would roll out support for Pixel Visual Core in a future update. And here it is.
Android P beta 3 is ready for testing
A little less than a month since Google released the second beta for its Android mobile operating system, the company has launched a third iteration. Android P beta 3 is available now for developers.
Wireless Android Auto is available for Google phones
JVCKenwood was a tad premature in announcing head units with wireless Android Auto given that phones weren't officially ready for it, but that support is finally here... more or less. Google has enabled cord-free Android Auto in vehicles that have an Android Auto Wireless-compatible infotainment system (built-in or aftermarket), but only if you have a relatively recent Google phone running Oreo -- that means a Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P. Sorry, folks, your LG- or Samsung-branded phone will have to wait. You'll also need a USB cable for the initial setup, so don't leave the wire at home the first time around.
Google's Pixel 2 portrait photo code is now open source (update: not quite)
Of all the AI-related features inside the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, the portrait mode is arguably the most impressive -- Google manages to produce dramatic-looking depth-of-field effects without relying on dual cameras or other exotic hardware. And now, it's sharing some of those secrets with the rest of the world. The company has opened up the source code for DeepLab-v3+, an AI-based image segmentation technology similar to that which helps Pixel 2 phones separate the foreground and background. It uses a neural network to detect the outlines of foreground objects, helping to classify the objects you care about in a scene while ignoring those you don't.
Google Pixel 2 users can now save Motion Photos as GIFs
If you have a Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, a fun new feature just went live on your phone. According to 9to5Google, you can now export your Motion Photos as GIFs.
First Android P beta adds full support for notched displays
It's March, and that means it's time for Google to release its first look at the next version of Android. As of today, developers can download the first version of Android P to last year's Pixel and Pixel XL as well as the newer Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Since it's a developer preview, we're not getting a ton of information about consumer-facing features, there is a lot of detail on what new features and technologies developers will be able to take advantage of in their apps when the next version of Android arrives later this year.
Google Lens is now available for non-Pixel Android phones
Google Lens is making it way from the Pixel to Android devices and iPhones alike starting today. In a roundabout way, that is. The AI-powered photo analyzing app will live inside Assistant in Google Photos, as spotted by 9to5 Gooogle. The announcement was first made at Mobile World Congress. You should see an overlay on your photos indicating that it's available for the Lens treatment. The Android roll-out is happening right now, so if you don't see the update you might need to be patient. Apple fans, however, will have to make do with an ambiguous "coming soon."
The Galaxy S9 vs. the competition: Under the hood
On the outside the Galaxy S9 looks pretty familiar: not only does it maintain the same basic shape as the S8, but it's kept the screen and battery size of its predecessor as well. In fact, other high-end phones like the Pixel 2 and iPhone 8 have also stuck with familiar design language, which means that you have to look at the specs to see what's been revised or refined. This year it's mostly about the S9's cameras, with the rear-facing one boasting a dual aperture and the software adding a slew of new features for better pictures and videos. But what other changes should you look at, and how do they compare to what's already on the market? We've stacked up the Galaxy S9 versus its closest competitors so you can get a better idea which one you might want to pick up this spring -- though we also advise checking out our full review of the S9 when it drops next month.
Google Pixel 2 users report warming phones and shortened battery life
If you've noticed your Pixel 2 running warm lately or found its battery life to suddenly be shortened, you're not alone. As 9to5Google points out, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users are reporting on Reddit and Google's Pixel User Community that their phones are having some issues since they installed Google's February security update. 9to5Google's Ben Schoon reports that his own Pixel 2 XL has been running warm while in standby mode since the update and that its battery life is noticeably reduced.