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WhatsApp's interface is starting to look dated, especially now that Google has announced the latest iteration of its design guidelines during its developer conference, Material You. But the messenger app is making small adjustments here and there to keep things fresh, like new wallpaper theming options. And as spotted by WABetaInfo, voice messages are in for a tweak next.
Chrome OS 85 comes with Wi-Fi password sync, redesigned settings search, and a mic volume slider
Little details make for an overall better experience
Google is working on a Phone Hub similar to Microsoft Your Phone that will make your handset interact better with your Chromebook, but the company isn't ready to bring the feature to stable just yet. In the latest release of Chrome OS, version 85, the company instead focuses on many little things that make for an overall better experience: Wi-Fi password sync, improved settings search, and a volume slider for your microphone.
Moving the Google search box to the bottom of the Pixel launcher was a divisive change, although it makes complete sense to me. From the moment the first developer preview of Android P was released, Google began messing around with unimportant things like the transparency of the launcher dock, but one useful little addition was that of a microphone icon in the search widget that could be used to summon the Assistant. As of the latest (and final) developer preview, the mic has vanished.
Lately, some of you have been expressing your displeasure about the amount of Pixel 2-related issues we've been reporting on. These issues have been brought to our attention due to the sheer amount of enthusiasts who purchase and use these phones. But make no mistake about it - while the Pixel 2 and 2 XL have been having some issues that shouldn't be present on phones of this caliber, other phones have similar(ly hilarious) issues. Case in point: two of Samsung's newest flagship phones are having the same muted microphone issue that can also be solved with a Nintendo-style blow.
Half the utility of a smartphone is obvious from its very name. At a minimum, it should be able to make calls, which requires a working mic and speaker. For some, half of that simple equation is missing when it comes to the Pixel 2 and its microphone. When making calls, it just doesn't work. The current workaround is straight out of an NES-equipped childhood: blow into it.
In an effort to further diversify the content of status updates (which consist 115% of political arguments and babies being cute), Facebook is working on a way to help users share what they're listening to with others. No, the social network won't turn into a file-sharing site, but it should at least help friends give some attention to the same artists or performers you enjoy.
We all use our smartphones differently. Some people rely on them for web browsing and apps, some for texting, and many of us still resort to making calls, you know, when we have to. Even within those categories, several patterns emerge and certain habits and practices have been developed. Many of us have long since abandoned using wired headsets for calling, but a lot of people still prefer them to keeping Bluetooth headsets charged or holding a 5-inch phone against an ear. Unfortunately, these simple wired accessories can also be plagued by bugs like anything else, and both the Nexus 4 and 5 seem to suffer from a pretty big one. It turns out that the recording level for these inline microphones can be painfully low, making conversations difficult, if not impossible.
We've all heard the story before. A brand new, very popular device rolls out to the public and everybody hurries to get their hands on it. Shortly thereafter, people start to notice some of the more serious issues that degrade the experience or even make the gadget unusable. When that device is a phone and one of those issues is audio quality during calls and recordings, people can become justifiably angry. It seems this is exactly what's happening with quite a few Nexus 5 owners, as audio going into the built-in microphone is plagued by hissing, popping, loud static, and very low volume.
[Deep Review] MEElectronics Air-Fi AF32 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones With A 6-Button Controller And Mic - Very High Value, Low Compromise
MEElectronics Air-Fi AF32 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones With A 6-Button Controller And Mic
I'm a big fan of cutting the cord. But this time I'm not talking about cancelling your cable and moving your Judge Judy marathons online - I'm all about going wireless in the audio department. Wireless speakers, wireless streaming, and, of course, wireless portable audio.
Today’s smartphones are quickly absorbing the functions of other portable devices - PDAs, portable GPS units, and standalone MIDs are a thing of the past - and conventional MP3 players may be next on the cutting block.