Unlocked HTC U11 Life Android 8.0 Oreo update arrives today

Hot on the heels of the unlocked HTC U11 getting its update to Android 8.0 Oreo, another HTC device is getting a cookie.

HTC Vice President of Product Management Mo Versi has confirmed that the unlocked HTC U11 Life is now receiving its Android 8.0 Oreo update. The new software should be available to download beginning today.

With this update, you’ll get the new features built into Android 8.0 Oreo like

picture-in-picture support for videos, the ability to autofill passwords for apps, notification dots, and more.

Do you have an unlocked HTC U11 Life?


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You can now assign Android TV devices with Assistant to specific rooms

Early last month, we started seeing the option to include Google Homes and Assistant-enabled speakers in rooms inside the Home app, just like you would for your lights and switches and thermostats. Now it seems that option has propagated to Android TV devices as well.

Artem spotted it this morning: in his Google Home app, his two SHIELD TVs appear in the Home control tab, under the Assistant section. Tapping on them lets him assign them to a room.

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You can now assign Android TV devices with Assistant to specific rooms was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Google Home now supports handling two commands at once

Getting stuff done with a smart speaker is supposed to be easy, and in most cases, the manufacturers have done a solid job making that a reality. And now Google Home has learned a new trick to make getting stuff done even easier.

As first reported by CNET, the smart speaker now supports handling two commands at the same time. So, instead of having to list off one command after another, you can just say something like, “Okay Google, turn on the TV and what’s the weather?” Your TV will come to life and then the smart speaker will tell you the weather.

The benefit here is that you don’t have to predetermine these commands in the Google Home app. So you can string commands together, like telling Home to turn on some lights and play some music, and the smart speaker should be able to handle that.

Don’t try three commands, though. Google Home will apparently just tell you it can’t handle that.

Google is also planning on rolling out predetermined commands, like telling Home a certain phrase to get a string of commands completed, but this should be one feature that goes a long way to making using Home more streamlined.


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Google finally bans apps that include shady lock screen ads from the Play Store

Ads are just a fact of life in mobile apps. You can't completely avoid them, but there are some ad implementations that are so annoying that Google has explicitly disallowed them from the Play Store. Remember Airpush? The current advertising scourge is ad-infused lock screens, which have shown up in previously safe apps like ES File Explorer, Peel, and Hotspot Shield VPN. Google has finally listened to our pleading, and lock screen ads are no longer allowed in the Play Store.

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Google finally bans apps that include shady lock screen ads from the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Essential Camera app gets updated with portrait mode, reduced compression, and more

In spite of its fancy dual camera setup, the Essential Phone did not take great photos at the time of our review. Since then, Essential has been working hard on updating various aspects of the phone, including the camera software. Amidst Andy Rubin's leave of absence, the company has just released a new version of its Essential Camera app that adds portrait mode, reduced compression, and some other things.

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Essential Camera app gets updated with portrait mode, reduced compression, and more was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Google’s new Datally app for Android will help you manage your mobile data

Google is expanding its Android app catalog with a new app that’s all about mobile data.

Datally is the newest Android app from Google. It’s focused on helping you understand and control your data usage. With it, you can see your mobile data usage on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis and get recommendations on how you can save data.

The app also includes a Data Saver feature that can block background data usage and track real-time data usage. If you find an app that’s gobbling up a bit too much data, you can block its data connection with a single tap.

Another way you can save your mobile data is by using Wi-Fi. That’s why Datally helps you to find and connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots. Once you’ve finished using a public Wi-Fi connection, you can rate it to help others find a quality Wi-Fi hotspot.

Google is launching Datally worldwide today, making it available to all devices on Android 5.0. and up. The company says that it’s been testing Datally in the Philippines over the past few months and found that users saved up to 30 percent on their data.

Datally looks like it could be a helpful app for a lot of people. While unlimited data is making a comeback in the U.S., there are still a lot of people on tiered data plans, and many other people around the world have even more limited data plans. Datally can help those people monitor their phone’s data usage to ensure that they can stay connected to their loved ones and to the world around them.


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Google's data-saving app is now called 'Datally' and is available globally

Not everyone has the luxury of an unlimited data plan. Google published a new app back in June, called 'Triangle,' designed to help users micromanage their cellular data usage. Now the app has left beta and become available worldwide, under the new name 'Datally.'

 

As far as functionality goes, it hasn't changed much since the initial beta. The app uses a VPN to determine the data usage of every app on your phone, and allow you to block background data usage on a per-app basis (Android 7.0+ can do this through the Settings, but the option is a bit hidden).

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Google's data-saving app is now called 'Datally' and is available globally was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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YouTube Community rolls out to more channels and gets a Stories clone


Last year, YouTube began trialing a new product called Community, aimed at making the video sharing platform a little more social and engaging. Community is a place where creators can share things like text, polls, images, GIFs (and who doesn't enjoy a good GIF?), and more with their subscribers. It's potentially a valuable way for uploaders to engage with their viewers — and arguably a much better one than the virtual septic tank that is YouTube's comment section — but unfortunately one that was only available to a select handful of channels.

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YouTube Community rolls out to more channels and gets a Stories clone was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Instagram testing a ‘regram’ feature, GIF search, and more

Instagram needs to make sure that it can keep growing its user base and that it holds onto the existing users at the same time. One way to do that is to continuously add new features.

A new report from The Next Web shines a light on which features Instagram may be working on. First up is a way to “regram” content. The report indicates that some Instagram users that have access to the beta version of the app are seeing two arrows that form a circle next to the standard Like, Comment, and Direct buttons.

Instagram-regram-button

As it stands right now, there’s no official word on what that button does. However, based on its design, it’ss highly likely it means users will be able to share someone else’s photo or video to their own feed. This is something that’s present in some third-party apps, so it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Instagram folding it into the stock experience.

Instagram is also testing the ability to search for GIFs which users can then be added to an individual Stories. Once you find a GIF you’ll be able to move it and resize it.

Other features rumored to be in testing by Instagram is the ability to archive Stories and something called “Closest Friends,” which would make it easier to share photos with your closest friends via the app. Instagram might make it easier to share directly to the WhatsApp, too.

What do you think of these new features? Any must-haves?


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Return to Asposia in Headup Games' 2D point and click adventure 'The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk'

Headup Games had quite a bit of success with the release of their first The Inner World point and click adventure game. So much so that they decided to bring the sequel to consoles before it was released for any mobile platform. But as of last week The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk has finally made its way to Android, and that is very good thing indeed.

Anyone familiar with the first game will be aware of its top-notch hand-drawn artwork that was very beautifully animated.

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Return to Asposia in Headup Games' 2D point and click adventure 'The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk' was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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YouTube unveils Reels to quickly share collections of short videos

YouTube wants to make sure that its creators have a variety of ways to distribute their content, and jumping on the Stories bandwagon, made famous by Snapchat and capitalized on by Instagram and other social networks, is one way to do that.

Today YouTube announced a variety of new tools to expand its reach within the YouTube community. The new feature is called Community and it has been in testing for quite some time. It has a variety of different tools baked in, with the idea to help creators connect with their audiences in more interesting ways.

The biggest new feature of the bunch is a spin-off of the “popular ‘stories’ format” we’ve seen in other social media tools. But YouTube is making a few key changes that should make it stand out. First and foremost, it’s called Reels, and it serves a similar function as film reels: store a variety of videos, designed to be shorter than a typical YouTube upload, and make them easily accessible for viewers.

The Reels will never expire, so they aren’t the same ephemeral messages we’ve seen in other story-like features. And YouTube creators will be able to make multiple Reels and store multiple videos in each one, so they can basically make a plethora of short videos about a camping trip and label that Reel as such.

Creators will also be able to link to their longer video content from within the videos in the Reels, and they will also be able to add filters and stickers.

This is another feature that will require beta testing, which YouTube is doing right now with a select number of creators. There’s no word on a wider rollout just yet.

What do you think of the idea?


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Amazon launches Silk web browser on Fire TV

Set-top boxes are designed to give owners a one-stop shop for most of the things they would want to do on their TV, including apps to games. And now for Amazon Fire TV owners, that also includes browsing the web.

Today Amazon officially launched its Silk web browser for select Fire TV models as well as the Fire TV streaming stick and the Westinghouse/Element 4K television that has Amazon’s Fire TV software built in. The new app is available to download through the app stores on those devices.

It’s worth noting here that only the first- and second-generation Fire TV set-top boxes support the Silk browser, but that the newest model does not support the web browser yet. Amazon says an update coming in December will address that issue, so if you’ve got the newest Fire TV set-top box, you’ll have to wait a bit longer to get this functionality.

The Silk web browser will let you navigate the internet right from your TV, and according to AFTVnews, the in-browser video playback is pretty solid. Otherwise it sounds like a pretty straightforward web browser. You’ll even be able to add bookmarks for quick navigation.

Is web browsing on your TV something you want to do?


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Here are 16 temporarily free and 20 on-sale apps for your Wednesday

Now that the Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday madness has calmed down, I feel like I can breathe again. Welcome back to your thrice-weekly app sales post, everyone. The size of the lists is, once again, decreasing, meaning that everything is returning to normal. Amongst today's pickings, you will find most of Forever Entertainment's catalogue on sale. Have fun.

Free

Apps

  1. Equalizer Booster Pro- Simplistic $0.99 -> Free; 1 day left
  2. UltraCorder $2.99 -> Free; 1 day left
  3. Currency Converter Easily+ $0.99 -> Free; 6 days left

Games

  1. Dragon slayer - i.o Rpg game $0.99 -> Free; 5 days left
  2. James’ amazing adventures $3.49 -> Free; 6 days left
  3. Math Shot Add and Subtract 100 $1.99 -> Free; 6 days left
  4. Spelling Bug Hangman Kid's App: Spelling Practice $2.99 -> Free; 6 days left

Icon packs & customization

  1. DOS Watch Face $0.99 -> Free; 1 day left
  2. Fireplace 3D Pro lwp $0.99 -> Free; 1 day left
  3. S8/Note 8 Pixel - Icon Pack $0.99 -> Free; 1 day left
  4. Mina Icon Pack Pro $0.99 -> Free; 2 days left
  5. Candoy - Icon Pack $0.99 -> Free; 6 days left
  6. Earth 3D Live Wallpaper $0.99 -> Free; 6 days left
  7. Oreo Square - Icon pack $0.99 -> Free; 6 days left
  8. S8-UI Note 8Launcher Icon Pack- Nova, Apex, Action $0.99 -> Free; 6 days left
  9. Minimal Colors - Icon Pack $1.49 -> Free; 7 days left

Sale

Apps

  1. GeoExpert - World Geography $4.49 -> $0.99; 1 hour left
  2. Push to Kindle $3.49 -> $1.99; 1 day left
  3. Geometry Calculator $3.95 -> $1.95; 6 days left

Games

  1. BlastZone 2: Arcade Shooter $1.99 -> $0.99; 2 days left
  2. One Up - Lemonade Rush !
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Here are 16 temporarily free and 20 on-sale apps for your Wednesday was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Google Wifi app updated with advanced LAN settings including router IP, subnet, and more

The Google Wifi app started life as "Google On" for OnHub, and it's always been one of the nicer Android router clients. However, it was missing some advanced settings from non-Google routers. Today, the Wifi app is gaining some new features, including some of those advanced settings.

Here's the changelog (for vBV10127_RC0011) direct from Google.

  • Family Wi-Fi: Delay a schedule for 30 minutes, even after it starts.
  • Advanced settings: Customize LAN settings including router IP, subnet, and DHCP address pool.
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Google Wifi app updated with advanced LAN settings including router IP, subnet, and more was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage is Bandai Namco's latest action RPG available on the Play Store

At the beginning of this month I wrote up an article about the pre-registration availability for Bandai Namco's action RPG brawler Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage. Despite the tardiness of this post (thanks to a recent holiday), I figured it would still be worth it to follow up on the pre-registration announcement to let everyone know Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage has indeed been officially released.

If you have read my pre-registration article, you would see that the main mechanic of this game has you building up a home base in order to fill it with traps and soldiers in preparation of upcoming attacks.

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Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage is Bandai Namco's latest action RPG available on the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out

New apps need lovin’ too, right? Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. We’ve shown in the past that this community can discover great apps and propel them to new heights. Our weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. Browse our new Android app picks below and let us know which ones you enjoy.

FreeFlight Thermal

 

FreeFlight

Description: Download Freeflight Thermal, the official application that allows you to set-up and pilot your Parrot Bebop-Pro Thermal drone. INSPECT, RECORD, TAKE PICTURES USING VISIBLE AND THERMAL IMAGING.

 

RetroBrowser – Time machine

 

RetroBrowser

DescriptionRetroBrowser is the time machine of the web! Lets you browse through the past in almost every web site to see how it looked back in time.
With a clean and easy to use interface you can browse any web site just like with a normal browser, with the power to select any date in the past.

 

Focus Go

 

Focus Go

DescriptionGalleries are a big canvas to showcase your pictures/cat gifs/videos on a chronological order, from new to old, nothing else. You click the picture, it loads up in a fancy animation, and voilá full screen with touch controls.

 

Mosaic from Steven Soderbergh

 

Mosaic

DescriptionIn MOSAIC, as in life, the path you pick affects your perception of reality. What one viewer may consider a fundamental fact on one path may be an insignificant piece of trivia on another — or may not even be a ‘fact’ at all. As its title suggests, MOSAIC isn’t complete until all the pieces are viewed in their proper perspective.

 

CNET: Best Tech News, Reviews, Videos & Deals

 

CNET

Description: Everything in the new CNET app (designed for phones and tablets) is focused on the areas you (as a tech fan) care the most about: staying up-to-date with the news and making informed product purchases.

 

Library

 

Library

DescriptionThis library app is here for you to finally have your books organized – in a library of books that is on your phone and therefore always with you. Have a list of your books packed in one library: Scan their QR code and automatically get all of their informations.

 

Spotify for Artists

 

Spotify for Artists

DescriptionGet the most out of Spotify with the app designed for artists and their teams. With free tools to manage your artist profile, watch your new release grow, and understand your listeners, it’s never been easier to manage and measure your new release, all from your phone.

 

Paphos Theatre in VR

 

Paphos Theatre in VR

DescriptionTravel back in time to visit the ancient theatre of Paphos in Cyprus. This app will allow you to explore the theatre from a number of different vantage points as it would have appeared in the middle of the second century AD, under the rule of the Roman Antonine emperors, Antoninius Pius and Marcus Aurelius.

 

,"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":1,"12":0,"23":2}”>com.LVR.paphos“]

Finice – Money Tracker

 

Finice

Description Finice helps to track your money. When you buy dinner of coffee just add an expense to the app. It can be done with just one click – tap on a category icon and set amount. How simple is that? 

 

My Pixels

 

My Pixels

DescriptionMy Pixels provides a relaxing and entertaining experience for both, children and adults. You’ll find hundreds of original pictures to choose from, all of them created specifically for My Pixels in cooperation with pixel artists from around the world. By playing My Pixels you support pixel artist community and help it grow!

 


Android Match

[Ho ho ho] Google's Santa Tracker app updated for 2017

You know it's getting to be that time of year when Google updates the Santa Tracker app. Yes, the app has gotten its 2017 makeover so you can follow Saint Nick on his totally real journey across the globe. The updated app includes some new games, Android TV support, and more.

Here's the changelog.

Santa and the elves' are back for 2017 with lots of new games, a redesigned village, updates for Android Wear and you can follow Santa's journey on Android TV!

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[Ho ho ho] Google's Santa Tracker app updated for 2017 was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Snapchat updates design with increased focus on friends

The Snapchat app has always been a horrendous lag-fest on Android. Users have been asking the company for years to improve the experience, but only when its earnings began to plummet did Snap Inc finally decide to fix it. Today, the company announced an updated design for Snapchat, but this isn't the all-new Android app we've have been waiting for.

If you're not familiar with the existing design, allow me to quickly go over it.

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Snapchat updates design with increased focus on friends was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Asmodee Digital has released 'Carcassonne – Tiles & Tactics,' complete with asynchronous online multiplayer

Lo and behold Asmodee Digital has stayed true to their word and have released Carcassonne – Tiles & Tactics before the end of the year. Not only does this new version of Carcassonne deliver a worthwhile online multiplayer experience, but it's also cross-compatible with the Steam version that just so happens to have launched today as well. And if that wasn't enough to garner your interest you can also expect two unlockable expansions, all-new 3D graphics, and a solo mode for all of you Meeple lovers out there who want to brush up on your skills before diving into an online or local multiplayer match.

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Asmodee Digital has released 'Carcassonne – Tiles & Tactics,' complete with asynchronous online multiplayer was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Snapchat redesign focuses on ‘separating the social from the media’

Snap already confirmed that it would be redesigning the Snapchat app so to make it easier to use, addressing a longstanding complaint for the social ephemeral messaging app.

Today Snap has given a quick rundown of what the new app will bring to the table and how users will get a better experience. The company is making it very clear that the major focus is separating “the social from the media,” which means that the new app’s design will keep your social network (your friends and family) separated from the brands that also use Snapchat.

The camera will still be the focus of this new-look Snapchat, working as the center point for the app. To the left, users will find the content from their friends and family, including their ephemeral Stories. On the right is where the content from brands will be.

Snapchat redesign

The new friends page is dynamic. Snapchat users will see it change depending on the people they connect with on a regular basis. The more you talk to a person, the higher they will climb on the friends page. Ultimately, the people you talk to the most should be easier to contact.

Snapchat redesign2

The Discover page, where the content from brands and other creators will be populated, will also change based on the content you view and search for. It will feel more personalized over time and with usage, according to Snap.

As for when this will go live for all users? The update is expected to begin rolling out this Friday.

How often do you use Snapchat?

 

Images via: TechCrunch


Android Match

Waze updated with motorcycle routing, voice commands, and HOV route support

Waze is owned by Google but it offers a different experience than Google Maps. Waze emphasizes data from the community and tends to include more experimental features. Today, it's getting three new features that Waze says have been among the most frequently requested by users. Some of the new features will only matter if you've got certain driving habits or vehicles, but the voice command improvements will be useful to more Wazers.

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Waze updated with motorcycle routing, voice commands, and HOV route support was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


Android Match

Microsoft working on mobile companion app for Windows 10 Photos

One of the new features in Windows 10 is the Photos app, which obviously shows photos stored on your computer. With the recent Windows 10 Fall Creator's Update (ugh, I hate that name), the Photos app got a major upgrade, with the ability to create videos with 3D effects/music/text. It's like a modern successor to Windows Movie Maker.

Microsoft is working on additional improvements to Photos, including a companion app for iOS and Android.

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Microsoft working on mobile companion app for Windows 10 Photos was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Andy Rubin takes leave of absence from Essential over ‘inappropriate relationship’ at Google

Andy Rubin is the co-founder of Android and he worked with Google for many years. He left in 2014, but the reasons behind that departure may be different than what was announced at the time.

According to sources speaking with The Information, Rubin departed Google in 2014 due to an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman that worked under him in the Android division at Google. She filed a complaint with HR, but the details of that report remain unknown at this time.

When Rubin left Google, he said he was doing so of his own accord. The inquiry that Google’s HR led discovered that Rubin had conducted himself in inappropriate ways and ultimately showed bad judgement. Rubin was actually working in the robotics department at Google by the time 2014 rolled around, with Sundar Pichai taking over Android duties that year.

In light of this new information, Rubin has taken a leave of absence from Essential, the company he founded after his departure from Google. That (potentially temporary) absence from Essential is due to “personal reasons,” according to the original report.

There is no telling how long Rubin will be absent from Essential.


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Moto X4 Review

Once the giant of the cell phone industry, Motorola’s hold on the market has slipped as the years have gone by. With the rise of Android, Motorola drew headlines with its DROID devices and prominent advertising, but lost ground to competitors like Samsung and LG. Now, in 2017, the company has bounced from Google to Lenovo, and its heritage is preserved only by name, as the company becomes increasingly integrated into the Chinese tech giant. Under new ownership, does Lenovo have a chance to resurge in the market?

The strategy undertaken by Lenovo involves four distinct classes of smartphones: the flagship Moto Z, the high-end Moto X, the mid-range Moto G, and the budget-friendly Moto E. The company has also partnered with Amazon to create exclusive editions of Moto G and Moto X devices, sold only through Amazon.

Most recently, Lenovo released the Moto X4, a high-end smartphone that isn’t a flagship, but boasts more features than the average smartphone. Lenovo’s partnerships are paying off in the result, as the Moto X4 remains one of only a handful of devices on the market that has Amazon’s Alexa assistant built in. But with a competitive market facing Lenovo, small features may not be enough.

DSC03051 (Resized)

One area where Lenovo has tried to distinguish itself is in the design of the Moto X4. A glass and metal body aims to encompass modernity, but instead presents a functional challenge. Slippery surfaces surround the Moto X4, while the large body makes it a tad uncomfortable to hold. While using the phone with bare hands is tolerable, god help the individual that tries to use the Moto X4 in gloves. Even setting the X4 on a couch is a waiting game, as the device will slowly slide towards the edge and onto the floor.

Functional issues may pose a problem, but from an aesthetic standpoint, the Moto X4 isn’t an unattractive device. The combination of glass and metal is clean and stays true to the slab form of modern smartphones. The step away from ordinary design is the dual camera setup, which resides under a circular, protruding lens cover. Though I didn’t encounter issues while reviewing, the extra exposure should be a red flag for individuals prone to damaging their devices, as rough surfaces, grit, and drops could easily crack or scratch the lens cover.

DSC03135

The display is bright and fairly colorful, with crisp whites. Blacks aren’t inky, but the display renders blacks at an acceptable level for an IPS display. Lenovo opted for a 1080p resolution on the 5.2-inch display, which provides excellent sharpness in everyday usage. Though innovation is lacking, Lenovo’s created a display that performs well, without getting caught in the specs race that dominates the flagship smartphone market.

The thread of “satisfying, but not exceptional,” carries throughout the X4′s hardware. Major qualms are hard to come by and the X4 performs without issue. A Snapdragon 630 processor sits beneath the hood, paired with 3GB of RAM to keep things running smoothly. Lenovo has opted for 32GB of storage, without a higher option available. Though the built-in storage is a tad low, a microSD card slot should alleviate concerns for many.

Powering the device is a 3000mAh battery which underperforms in comparison to competitors. With normal usage, it’s possible to make it through an 18-hour day, but don’t expect to stretch the battery to a second day. Fortunately, the issue is mitigated by Motorola’s Turbo Power fast charging, which works exceptionally well on the Moto X4.

DSC03234 (Resized)

With a 12-megapixel Dual Pixel sensor and an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera, the Moto X4 offers two distinct hardware options for photos. Though usable and very effective for landscape shots, the wide-angle camera does offer a light fisheye effect to photos. But the 12-megapixel sensor is impressive for low-light shooting, picking up copious light in dim scenarios, albeit too much light at times. Though the X4′s results won’t dethrone flagships like the Google Pixel, it stands its ground against the competition.

For shutterbugs and social butterflies, the Moto X4 excels. Motorola led the pack in creating a fast camera and the legacy continues as the X4′s camera hums to life with a simple tap or motion gesture. Focusing is instantaneous, light adjustment is a breeze, and snapping pictures takes no time at all. With speed and low-light prowess, the X4 will capture every joke, every memorable line, and every perfect Boomerang from your night out with friends. With the X4, you won’t miss a beat.

Moto X4 Camera Samples

The camera software, while speedy, isn’t intuitive for some smartphone users. When placed in front of friends, many were unsure of what functions the graphical elements indicated. While Lenovo has sought to keep the interface simple, the minimalist result can be confusing for novice users.

Quirky software is nothing new for Lenovo, and the company has created several devices with abhorrent software laid atop Android. Motorola, however, has focused on staying true to stock Android since the launch of the original Moto X. While elements of the tradition are in place, Lenovo has taken regretful liberties to customize the software.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the lack of basic animations. Button presses, app closes, and more are all lacking smooth animations, creating a jarring experience that makes the X4 perpetually feel like it’s in battery saving mode. The removal of animations is a baffling choice on Lenovo’s part, as Google has spent years crafting smooth, speedy transitions for Android. Without them, the X4′s software seems primitive in comparison to its competitors.

In another bizarre twist, Lenovo has created circular icons for pre-installed apps. Installing new apps, however, doesn’t force a circular design, leading to an unsavory blend of designs. Though a minor issue, it’s another move that is a step backward, rather than utilizing the high-quality standards that Google has created.

Though design may not be in Lenovo’s wheelhouse, the company is using its clout to forge partnerships for its products. With the X4, Lenovo partnered with Amazon to integrate Alexa directly into the device. Though only available in the US, UK, and Germany for now, plans are in place to expand the service to more countries.

If you’ve used an Echo device, then you know what to expect with Alexa. Amazon’s voice assistant is excellent at pairing with other apps and devices, and if you have smart home products, then Alexa will prove useful. For complex search and natural language processing, however, you may want to stick with the Google Assistant, which is also built-in. With both services, you can choose which assistant meshes best with your connected apps and devices.

DSC03133 (Resized)

Moto X47 / 10

After a long fall from grace, the Moto brand is struggling to revive itself. But the Moto X4 isn’t the phone to accomplish that goal. While good, it’s not great. While satisfying, it’s not exceptional. The software is adequate, the performance is fine, and the camera is great for quick snappers, but the Moto X4 doesn’t stand out.

Perhaps Lenovo is banking on the inclusion of Amazon Alexa to sell the device. Or maybe it’s hoping to score extra sales with the Android One edition, which is latest device to join Project Fi. But confusing software choices, functional design issues, and a lack of wow factor holds the Moto X4 back. Though this may not be the year, Lenovo has created a strong smartphone base. Now it needs to refine the formula.

Click here to purchase the Moto X4, Amazon Prime Exclusive edition, or Android One edition.


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Microsoft Edge out of beta on the Play Store

A few years ago, it would have been unthinkable that Microsoft would launch a mobile version of its web browser on Android, but we live in strange times. After dominating the desktop software space for ages, Microsoft has been unable to break into mobile. So, it's launching Android versions of its apps, including the Edge browser. This app popped up as a beta some weeks back, but now it's final.

Edge plugs into your Microsoft account to offer a seamless experience across devices, assuming you have the latest build of Windows 10 on your computer.

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Microsoft Edge out of beta on the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Google app v7.17 beta brings visual changes and Voice Match branding, hints at Android P, new Google Lens suggestions, and search filters [APK Teardown]

A bunch of new updates are rolling out as Google developers prepare to take a long holiday break. One of the big updates for the week is to the Google app itself. Version 7.17 began rolling out to the beta channel yesterday with some visual tweaks and the addition of something called Voice Match, Google's branding for its voice detection features. A teardown also reveals a curious reference to the next version of Android, new features for Google Lens, and in-app searches may finally get filters like the web interface.

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Google app v7.17 beta brings visual changes and Voice Match branding, hints at Android P, new Google Lens suggestions, and search filters [APK Teardown] was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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You can now 'remix' direct Instagram photo messages and send them back

Direct messages in Instagram are a good way of sharing photos more privately with friends and relatives. As part of the version 24 update, an extra layer of creativity has been added to the process as you can remix photos you've received before sending them back.

If you tap the camera button to snap a response to, you'll see a sticker of the original photo in the top right corner. You can drag it around, resize, or rotate it, and when you're done positioning it you can also add text and other doodles to it.

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You can now 'remix' direct Instagram photo messages and send them back was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Android 8.1 Developer Preview 2 brings Pixel C launcher to parity with Pixel phones

Though tablets often feel like the unloved member of the Android family, the Pixel C has gradually received features that first debuted in the Pixel series of phones. Android 8.1 Developer Preview 2 carries over some features from the Pixel launcher for phones. While it seems like it should be the other way around—the Pixel C was released in December 2015, 10 months before the Pixel phones—tablets are not the realm of innovation.

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Android 8.1 Developer Preview 2 brings Pixel C launcher to parity with Pixel phones was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Google will fix random Pixel 2 reboot issue ‘in the coming weeks’

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL haven’t had the smoothest launch. The two handsets have been plagued by issues with their displays, with audio, and more.

That trend continues, unfortunately, as many owners of the handsets have been reporting random and unexpected reboots. Google has identified the issue causing the problem and will be patching it in an update “in the coming weeks.”

There’s no specific date to circle on the calendar just yet, so Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners will just have to be aware of future software updates that may include a bundle of other improvements at the same time.

While these issues are certainly annoying both for Google and Pixel 2 owners, at least the company is working to address them in a timely fashion. Google has even extended the manufacturer’s warranty for both handsets to two years, which should hopefully put some owners at ease.

Have you experienced this random reboot issue in your Pixel 2?


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Microsoft Edge update adds dark theme and password syncing

Seemingly out of nowhere, Microsoft announced last month that it would bring its Edge Browser to Android and iOS. The Android version went live a week later, and despite having limited functionality at first, it has the basics right. Microsoft has started to fill in the feature gaps, with the latest update adding a dark theme and password syncing.

The main reason Microsoft is making Edge for mobile is to give existing Edge users a seamless workflow across all their devices.

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Microsoft Edge update adds dark theme and password syncing was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Damson S-Series brings wireless Dolby Atmos to your home with S-Cubes that can travel with you

The new Damson S-Series is a home theater series with a twist. Damson partnered with Dolby to bring an Atmos-supported system to your living room, but the company took it a few steps further to make the system that much better.

The main components of the $799.99 package are the S-Bar sound bar, S-Atmos attachment, S-Woofer, and two S-Cubes. The system is entirely wireless other than the power wires, using JetStreamNet for a 50 meter range. The sub has all of your inputs and outputs, and all you’ll need for the sound bar and S-Cubes are power wires. There’s Bluetooth for streaming your music to the system and you can throw a Chromecast into one of its two HDMI ports for higher quality media.

Damson S-Series 2

The S-Cubes also have built-in batteries. Grab one on the way out and use it as a Bluetooth speaker for 8 hours of play time while the rest of the system still works seamlessly. You can add and remove speakers as you please. But the best part of the battery-powered S-Cubes isn’t necessarily the portability. Instead, it’s setting up a 5.1 surround sound system with no wires running to the back of your living room. When you want to experience 5.1 surround sound, grab the two S-Cubes and throw them behind you.

The system, with Atmos in tow, features 3D sound alongside 5.1 surround sound and sounds pretty fantastic. It’s made for smaller living rooms and won’t rattle your walls apart (in fact, the sub was quite weak on the pre-production models I listened to), but it sounds clear and the Dolby magic was fantastic.

The system is now available for pre-order for $799.99 for all five parts, though you should be able to buy them separately at some point. It’s a modular system that supports up to eight speakers on the network. It’s definitely an awesome take on the home theater system, especially for apartments where you can’t run wires. The inclusion of portable Bluetooth speakers makes it even better.


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Neverending Nightmares outruns its inner demons and finally shows up on the Play Store

Neverending Nightmares offers an adult-oriented psychological horror game that contains themes not often seen on our platform. In fact this isn't even an original Android game, as it was actually ported from the PC title that released back in 2014. It did, however, make an appearance on Android in 2015 thanks to the release of the 13th Humble PC & Android Bundle. Ever since then it has only been purchasable for Android on the Humble store for $14.99, although its debut on the Play Store makes it all that much easier to grab thanks to its lower $3.99 price point.

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Neverending Nightmares outruns its inner demons and finally shows up on the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Latest Gmail and Maps versions have white/inverted nav bars on Android 8.1

White navigation bars are nothing new, with LG phones having had them as options for many years and Samsung recently making them the default to reduce burn-in on its Galaxy phones. Now they're becoming abundant in Google phones with the introduction of Android 8.1 Oreo, both for aesthetic effect and in an attempt to minimize burn-in. Their latest appearances on 8.1 are in Gmail and Maps, where they've found new homes.

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Latest Gmail and Maps versions have white/inverted nav bars on Android 8.1 was written by the awesome team at Android Police.


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Google has fixed the hamburger emoji in Android 8.1

Before the end of October, Google found itself embroiled in a huge controversy about hamburgers. More specifically, hamburger emoji.

After the release of Android 8.0 Oreo, it became known that Google had a very interesting idea for where the cheese should be located on a hamburger: on the bottom, below the meat patty. Above the meat was the lettuce and tomato, which many wouldn’t argue with. But that cheese location sent many people decrying Google via social media networks.

Seeing how it was so obviously important to so many people, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed to the world that he would “drop everything” and fix the issue as quickly as he could. And sure enough, it looks like Pichai has kept his word.

As noted today by Emojipedia, Google has fixed the burger emoji in the recent Android 8.1 Oreo beta update. As you can see from the image above, the cheese has been moved to above the meat patty, sitting just under the tomato and below the piece of lettuce.

All is right with the world again.

Google has also “fixed” the beer emojis. In Android 8.0, the stein of beer was only half full and yet the top of the big glass was covered in froth, which didn’t make any sense at all. In Android 8.1 Oreo, those beer steins are completely full of liquid so the froth makes more sense.

Android 8.1 beer emoji

The updated emoji will be available in Android 8.1, which Google just released the last developer preview for and will see a public launch in December.


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