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Wes Anderson's 'Isle of Dogs' VR mock-doc is live on Pixel phones
Big-budget VR tie-ins are nothing new. Dunkirk got its own version from Intel, Blade Runner 2049 has one that debuted at Comic-Con and even Spider-Man got his own virtual reality "experience" when the reboot launched last year. Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs premieres next month in the US, but you can experience the film's VR tie-in now via Google Spotlight Stories app and your Pixel phone. The faux-documentary will go live for everyone else via YouTube (VR, 360 and 2D) March 2.
Google flips on Pixel 2's HDR+ feature for your go-to photo apps
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL include Pixel Visual Core, Google's first custom imaging chip that allows for HDR+ quality pictures in third-party apps like Instagram and Snapchat. But Pixel 2 users haven't been able to take advantage of those capabilities because the co-processor hasn't been enabled. Well, they'll be able to soon because Google announced today that it's turning on Pixel Visual Core, bringing the HDR+ technology that's been available through the Pixel 2's main camera app to other photography, social media or camera apps.
Pixel 2’s ‘Portrait Mode’ unofficially makes it to non-Google phones
While Google's Pixel 2 didn't change much from its predecessor, which came out only a year before, one of the newer smartphone's standout features is the background-blurring Portrait mode. But this photo tech might not be exclusive to Google's flagship phone anymore: Members of XDA Developers community got Portrait Mode working on other devices, from the original Pixel to non-Google devices running Android Oreo.
Google ends Tango support to fully focus on ARCore
Google began delving into the world of AR with its 2014 venture Project Tango, or just Tango as of last year, and its AR work has grown quite a bit since then. Earlier this year, it unveiled ARCore, an augmented reality platform that differs from Tango in that it doesn't require any specialized hardware. Today Google announced an update to its ARCore Developer Preview and with it, the end of Tango support. "As we focus on bringing augmented reality to the entire Android ecosystem with ARCore, we're turning down support of Tango," Google said in a blog post.
Google's Pixel AR stickers are available starting today
During Google's Pixel 2 event in October, the company teased its upcoming AR stickers and starting today, Pixel users can actually get their hands on them. Those with Pixel phones running Android 8.1 Oreo will have access to AR stickers like Foodmoji, 3D text and celebratory balloons and champagne just in time for the holidays. And ahead of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Pixel users can also get a pack of Star Wars-themed AR stickers.
Android 8.1 starts rolling out to Nexus and Pixel devices
As promised, Android 8.1 is ready to reach the masses. Google has started pushing the new mobile operating system to Nexus and Pixel devices, and expects to complete the rollout over the next week. Naturally, it's also posting the source code. The biggest tangible improvement should be for low-cost Android Go phones aimed at developing markets, but there are plenty of important improvements -- particularly if you have a Pixel 2.
New in our buyer's guide: Apple, Google and a little Sonos
Separate from our holiday gift guide, it was time for us to update our year-round shortlist of recommendations. Since our last round of additions, three months ago, we've reviewed a boatload of flagship handsets, with the iPhone 8/8 Plus and Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL all making the list. (It's not that we don't recommend the iPhone X, but we recommend the 8 and particularly the 8 Plus for more people.) While we were at it, we also decided that the Sonos One, Google Home Mini, Apple TV 4K, second-gen Daydream View VR headset and the GoPro Hero6 were also worthy of this list. Find all that and more in the Engadget buyer's guide.
Pixel 2 buzzing noise will be fixed with upcoming update
Not all of Google's Pixel-oriented updates have been as fun as the recent introduction of Lens to its flagship phones. Mainly, the big G has been scrambling to fix display and audio issues plaguing its big guns. The same goes for its upcoming update that seeks to vanquish the buzzing noise from certain Pixel 2 phones. If you heard the strange sound on your expensive new handset, help will arrive in the coming weeks, according to Google community manager Orrin Hancock.
Google Lens comes to Assistant on Pixel phones
You no longer have to fire up Google Photos if you want to use Lens to glean information from the world around you. Users have noticed that Lens is now available in Google Assistant on both original Pixel and Pixel 2 phones. Tap a camera button while using the AI helper and you can have it perform a search when you take a photo. It can identify what you're looking at, scour the web and launch other apps. You can rate results, too, so you'll hopefully refine Lens' results over time.
Google Assistant can help troubleshoot your Pixel 2 phone
Plenty of companies offer chat support to troubleshoot problems with your phone. But do you really want to talk to another human for what could be a simple fix? You don't have to... if you have a Pixel 2. Android Police has discovered that you can ask Google Assistant for help with battery issues. Ask why your battery isn't charging properly and the AI companion will not only run a diagnostics check, but look for particularly power-hungry apps. It offers to connect you to Google's chat or phone support if it can't answer your questions in one shot, although problems in the AP test suggest this component isn't ready for prime time.
The best smartphones and tablets to give as gifts
Let's be real: Smartphones are pricey and as far as gifts go, they're hard to keep a surprise. But there's also a good chance someone in your life is due for an upgrade, and as the holiday season approaches, you're likely to spot some good deals. For Engadget's 2017 holiday gift guide, we recommend four phones: the iPhone 8/8 Plus, the Google Pixel 2 and 2XL, the older-but-still-good Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, and the Moto G5 Plus, for the budget conscious. We also threw in some tablets for good measure: the basic iPad for Apple fans and the Galaxy Tab S3 for Android users. Certain folks requiring more power might be better served by the 10.5-inch iPad Pro or Microsoft's Surface Pro, but unless your giftee also needs a laptop replacement, you can easily get by with something less expensive.
Google explains the Pixel 2's super-stable video recording
Google's Pixel 2 phones have a clever trick up their sleeve when recording video: they can use both electronic and optical image stabilization, delivering largely jitter-free clips even if you're walking down the street. But how does it meld those two technologies, exactly? Google is happy to explain: it just posted an in-depth exploration of how this stabilization works. As you might guess, Google uses some of its machine learning know-how to incorporate both anti-shake technologies where many phones can only use one or the other.
Google updates Pixel 2 XL with new color display modes
Google has been quick to address the flak it caught over the Pixel 2 XL's display color and burn-in issues. Now, it's taking action in the form of a software update, which packs several modifications for the device's P-OLED screen.
Some Google Pixel 2 XL phones are reportedly shipping without Android
Google's Pixel 2 smartphone has had a trail of problems following its launch. From software patches to fix audio issues to screen burn-in, the issues keep cropping up, leading the internet titan to extend warranties to make up for everyone's trouble. So, here's another: A small number of users are reporting that their Pixel 2 XL devices are shipping without operating systems.
Google plans software update to fix another Pixel 2 audio issue
Google just announced software updates are incoming to deal with issues Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners are reporting with their screens and speakers, and now there's another one on the list. Its audio recordings seem to have an issue that makes them suddenly turn tinny and garbled, as noted in a thread on the support forums. Company representatives tell CNET and Android Police that Google is aware of the issue, and plans to fix it with a software update that will roll out in the next few weeks. That should be quite a patch when it arrives.
Google responds to Pixel 2 issues: Extended warranty and updates
While the Pixel 2 family initially garnered strong reviews, early adopting owners have reported an array of issues. Some have complained about dull colors or even "burn-in" on the Pixel 2 XL's OLED screen, while others have reported clicking sounds from their Pixel 2's speaker. In a couple of posts on its support forums tonight, Google employees explained what's going on and what the company will do.
Android 8.1 preview unlocks your Pixel 2 camera's AI potential
Remember how Google said the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL both have a custom imaging chip that's just laying idle? Well, you can finally use it... in a manner of speaking. Google has released its first Developer Preview for Android 8.1, and the highlight is arguably Pixel Visual Core support for third-party apps. Companies will have to write support into their apps before you notice the difference, but this should bring the Pixel 2 line's HDR+ photography to any app, not just Google's own camera software. You might not have to jump between apps just to get the best possible picture quality when you're sharing photos through your favorite social service.
Some Pixel 2 phones are making strange noises
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are Google's best-rated smartphones yet, but early quality-control and testing problems could ruin the sales party. On top of display color and burn-in issues that have prompted some to advise against buying the device for now, users are also reporting sound problems. According to around 100 buyers on Google's Pixel product forum, the Pixel 2, and to a lesser extent, Pixel 2 XL are emitting clicking and/or high frequency sounds from the call speaker.
Google compensates Pixel 2 buyers who overpaid at pop-up stores
If you rushed out to buy a Pixel 2 at one of Google's pop-up stores on October 19th, you probably got a rude surprise: the Verizon reseller handling your purchase, Victra, was charging customers an extra $30 on top of the normal price. Unless you knew enough to haggle it back down, you paid a premium to walk out of the shop with a phone in hand. However, Google isn't having any of it. The company informed The Verge that it's reimbursing the difference for customers who overpaid for the device, and it'll contact you if you haven't already heard back. "This is an error, which is now fixed," a spokesperson said.
Google will 'fix' the Pixel 2's hidden menu button
Looks like the Pixel 2's "secret" menu button was just leftover code, after all. Google has confirmed to CNET that this was a bug, not a feature, and that it'll be patched out in the future. If you're still enjoying that new phone smell, open up the settings menu and double tap in the lower right while you still can.
