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LG's first Android One phone is a stripped-back G7
LG is embracing Google's Android One program ... just not in the way you might have expected. It's launching the G7 One, a device that melds the G7 ThinQ's core design with Android One's streamlined app loadout and focus on timely security updates. Don't think of this as a G7 with less bloat, however. While it has the 6.1-inch QHD+ screen, glass body and quad DAC, it's using last year's Snapdragon 835 processor, reverts to a single 16-megapixel rear camera and carries just half the built-in storage at 32GB (still expandable, thankfully). Really, it's an upper-mid-range phone in a flagship's clothing.
Intel's new laptop CPUs focus on gigabit WiFi and voice commands
Intel already has a wide variety of eight-generation laptop processors targeting performance and gaming. But with its latest round of chips -- a new batch of U-series CPUs for mainstream laptops and the debut of Y-series processors for very thin machines -- the company is focused on improving the ultraportable laptop experience. For one, they all feature integrated gigabit WiFi, which will vastly improve your networking performance on modern AC routers. There's also a quad-core audio DSP, which will make it easier for laptops to recognize voice commands for multiple virtual assistants. Even better, it lets you shout commands while your computer is asleep.
Harman Kardon's Google Assistant speaker packs 200W of power
You now have a viable option if you want a high-end Google Assistant speaker that slots between the good-but-not-mind-blowing Home Max and Bang & Olufsen's ultra-premium Beosound models. Harman Kardon has unveiled the Citation 500, a smart speaker that touts 200W of stereo audio and high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz support in a compact form for $600/£649. That's a huge outlay for any smart speaker, but it's not so ridiculous that you'd rule it out if you're a stickler for sound quality. It's difficult to say for sure that it bests the Home Max when Google doesn't provide official wattage, but it could easily outperform much of what's on the market.
Samsung ships its curved QLED monitor with Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 displays are still quite rare in the PC world, let alone curved ones, but Samsung is ready to supply both at once. After a preview at CES, it's releasing its CJ79 curved QLED monitor worldwide. The 34-inch screen mates an ultra-wide 3,440 x 1,440 quantum dot screen (including a 125 percent sRGB color gamut) with two Thunderbolt 3 ports that provide 85W of power, a display signal and data through a single cable. Samsung pitches it as a productivity hub for MacBook Pro and Windows laptop owners who want a vast workspace without straining their eyes looking at a flat screen.
What to expect at IFA 2018
Of all the annual meetings of tech-obsessed minds, IFA is perhaps the most unpredictable. You know everyone and their mother is going to CES to set the tone for the year, and MWC is all things mobile. At IFA, though, you never quite know what surprises lurk behind the floor-to-ceiling displays of kitchen appliances that dominate the halls of the sprawling Messe Berlin conference center. History and rumors give us some idea, however. Naturally, we'll be on the ground to bring you all the important news, but these are some of things we expect to see announced at this year's show.
Google Assistant comes to LG ThinQ TVs in the UK and Canada
LG's deep collaboration with Google continues, as it just announced that Google Assistant is coming to ThinQ smart TVs in seven more markets and five languages. It's now available in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, with support coming by the end of 2018 to France, Germany, South Korea and Spain. LG will also expand Amazon Alexa support to Australia and Canada. Google Assistant first arrived to ThinQ AI TVs in the US earlier this year.
LG adds an exoskeleton to its line of CLOi robots
Today, LG announced that it will reveal its first robotic exoskeleton at IFA 2018, which takes place in Berlin from August 31st to September 5th. The exoskeleton, called LG CLOi SuitBot, is designed to support a user's legs to allow for more limb strength
The world's first planar magnetic wireless earphones don't come cheap
Planar magnetic headphones are the HiFi tech du jour via impressive (but pricey) recent models like the Blue Ella and Audeze Sine. Now, RHA has brought the tech down to a tiny new size with the CL2 Planar earphones. Not only are the buds very compact, thanks to a 10mm transducer and 16 micrometer diaphragm, but they're the first ever planar magnetic wireless headphones, says RHA.
LG's wireless Tone headphones have a Google Assistant button
With the G7 ThinQ smartphone, LG cemented its commitment to Google's AI, and now it's doing the same with its neck-worn Tone headphone lineup. The LG Tone Platinum SE supports Google Assistant via a dedicated button, letting you get information or a translation without the need to pull out your smartphone or say "OK Google." LG didn't specify, but it appears to be just a button and not full Google Assistant integration like you'll find on certain Sony headphone models, for example.
