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Google shares new privacy-focused features, including a guest mode for Assistant
Plus a cool new security alert that shows up where you're most likely to see it
In the coming weeks, this new way of interacting with Google Assistant will debut on home devices like the Nest Hub and Nest Audio. Guest mode can be activated or deactivated with a quick voice command. While the setting is enabled, none of your interactions with Assistant will be saved or recorded, and personalization features will be disabled. This could be the default mode on those Nest smart displays in hotels. Basically, it's like incognito mode on Chrome, but for voice interactions on Assistant devices.
Google introduced big updates to G Suite yesterday, including a new name and brand identity. Among the changes is a new feature coming to Google Docs that allows a user to be mentioned directly in a document for easy access to smart suggested actions.
Google Photos may revive monthly print subscription experiment with a new lower price
Scrapbooking never dies
Earlier this year, Google Photos was spotted testing a subscription that would send users prints of their photos every month. The trial program was shuttered in June in order for Google to incorporate changes based on user feedback, but now it looks like the experiment is back in development with more customizable prints and a new lower price.
Woot is offering brand-new Amazon Fire HD tablets for less than $50
And they come in yellow, the best color
Google may have given up on tablets, but Amazon is still holding on for dear life. The company's Fire tablets have always been about providing value to customers for low price points, and right now Woot is offering some of the lowest prices around on older generation Fire tablets — including the 2018 Fire HD 8 for just $49.99.
Facebook's Portal becomes almost useful with the arrival of Zoom and Netflix support
You still probably shouldn't bring a Facebook-controlled video camera into your home
Smart displays have taken off in the last couple of years. Even Facebook got in on the game with the launch of the Portal in 2018. The company refreshed the Portal product line last year, introducing new products like Portal TV. Now Portal is getting a bit more useful thanks to additions like Zoom and Netflix.
Save up to 31% off Anker Bluetooth speakers in Amazon's Deal of the Day
The Soundcore Wakey is one sexy alarm clock/speaker/wireless charging pad
Can't go clubbing 'cause of Coronavirus? Then you might as well have a dance party at home. Right now, Amazon is offering customers savings of up to 31% off Anker Bluetooth speakers — including the super slick Soundcore Wakey with an LED display and a built-in Qi wireless charging pad.There are three models being offered as part of today's deal: the Soundcore 2, Soundcore Motion+, and Soundcore Wakey. The Soundcore 2 is the cheapest option, offering 12W stereo sound for less than 30 bucks. The Motion+ ups that to 30W of audio. But I think my favorite is the Wakey, which admittedly sounds stupid, but has a sexy fabric speaker grill and a built-in Qi charging pad.
Annoying Android 11 multitasking bug squashed in October update
Guess it wasn't just an advanced Digital Wellbeing feature
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Android 11 introduced a bunch of new features, including some tweaks to the recent apps screen that saw the addition of helpful buttons and the removal of an unhelpful gesture. But those aren't the only changes the new release brought to the app switcher — some users reported that the recent apps screen is completely borked on the final version of Android 11. Thankfully, it seems that the issue has been resolved in the latest October patch from Google.
The stable release of Tasker 5.10 integrates with Android 11's power menu controls
Tasker + Android 11 = a recipe ripe for killer customizations
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Tasker is one of the most powerful customization tools on Android. It added support for more phone sensors and custom DND settings in August, and it's getting even better in the latest stable release. Version 5.10 adds support for the power menu controls introduced in Android 11, allowing users to quickly toggle tasks with a simple press and hold of the power button — and that's not all.
Samsung retires the Galaxy Note8 from receiving monthly security updates
The Galaxy J7 Prime is being dropped entirely
Samsung releases a lot of devices, which means it also issues a lot of security updates. While Google has a standard 3-year policy for Pixel devices, Samsung keeps a running list of when specific devices will receive security patches, and for how long. Now it looks like the company has made a few updates, including adding new devices to the list and dropping one older model entirely.
Note20 Ultra owners experience screen burn-in with official Samsung case
The S-View Flip Cover isn't playing nicely with Samsung's Note20 Ultra flagship
Samsung released the Note20 Ultra earlier this summer, and by almost all accounts, it's a great phone. Not everything is hunky-dory in Note20 land, however. One of the many neat case options for Note20 Ultra is Samsung's S-View Flip Cover, which allows for quick access to common functions without opening the cover and viewing the entire phone screen. While it sounds good in theory, it seems like the accessory might be causing more damage than it's worth.
Samsung has started rolling out the first public beta of One UI 3.0
Featuring new Android 11 capabilities and an updated design to Samsung's software skin
Android 11 brings with it a lot of cool new features, but most phones don't have them just yet. Samsung has been testing its Android-11-based One UI 3.0 with developers in preparation for a broader beta, and now it looks like the first release of the public beta has arrived.
Google made a video starring a sloth to promote Project Jacquard's newest smart backpack
It comes in two sizes starting at $200 with the Jacquard chip in the left strap
Google is all about ambient computing these days. From TVs to speakers, the company is prioritizing smarter, more connected technology. Google began making smart clothing when it started Project Jacquard back in 2015. Since then, the project has produced things like jackets with Levi and shoe insoles with Nike. Now Google is announcing its latest fabric-based innovation: two new backpacks developed with Samsonite. And they start at prices low enough for normal people to actually consider buying one.
Google Camera Go update brings Night Mode photography to low-end phones
The dedicated camera mode will roll out to the Nokia 1.3 first
Google introduced Camera Go earlier this year as part of an effort to bring high-end photography to low-end devices. The app provides access to Google's AI-powered photography tricks while keeping the requirements for storage space and processing power at a minimum. Portrait mode was the main launch feature for Camera Go, and now it looks like another highly requested capability is coming: a dedicated Night Mode for shooting in low light.
Google Assistant might be the most widely used digital voice assistants on Android, but it isn't the only option. Samsung introduced Bixby back in 2018 with the launch of the Galaxy S8. Though it has been subject to plenty of punchlines over the years as the built-in voice assistant on Samsung devices, it did have some handy features and unique use cases. Now it looks like Samsung is giving up on AR-powered aspects of its digital assistant: Bixby Vision's reality just got less "augmented."
YouTube Music upgrades Google Assistant integration with support for personal playlists
Plus free members can now cast uploaded music without a premium subscription
YouTube Music may be the latest attempt by Google to infiltrate the music streaming market, but not everyone is happy with the plan to replace Play Music. YTM was spotted testing the ability to play personal playlists via Assistant voice commands earlier this summer, and now it looks like the feature is rolling out more widely — and users can now cast uploaded songs without paying a premium price.
Amazon's got Anker chargers up to 44% off for today only
Wireless chargers, wired chargers, and even a power strip with a USB-C port
Wireless charging is certainly handy, and it's also becoming more widespread. Heck, even OnePlus phones have wireless charging now. Right now, Amazon is offering up a selection of Anker charging solutions for up to 44% off as part of its Deal of the Day — including wireless chargers, wall chargers, and even a power strip.If you've been looking for a new way to power up your devices, this is the sale for you. From a 10,000mAh portable power bank to a wireless charger with (dare I say it) an Apple Watch holder, this Anker charging sale offers up something for everybody. Check out the full list of products included in the deal below.
This new Zeiss camera runs Android... and costs $6,000
Ever wanted to edit photos in Lightroom on a 4.3" display?
Zeiss may partner with Nokia now, but the photography company still makes standalone cameras of its own. The Android-powered ZX1 was first announced back in 2018, but it failed to meet its early 2019 launch date. Now it looks like the camera is actually coming soon — and it's got an eye-boggling price tag to boot.
Magisk gets its biggest update in months, bringing features like Android 11 support and a brand new UI to stable
Rooters are rejoicing
For advanced Android enthusiasts, Magisk is one of the most popular tools for achieving systemless root access to a device. Since each yearly Android release introduces new underlying code changes, there's usually a lot of work to be done before Magisk can be made compatible. Developer John Wu started with the first canary builds back in April, and now it looks like Magisk version 21 is officially ready for Android 11 — as well as a completely rewritten version of Magisk Manager.
You can install the new Google TV launcher on older ATV devices — but you probably shouldn't
Putting the Google in Google TV
It may have been only about 30 minutes, but Google unveiled a bunch of new stuff at yesterday's event. One of the coolest gadgets is the Chromecast with Google TV — an updated Chromecast dongle that comes with a remote and runs special version of Android TV. The app that powers the new Google TV launcher interface has now appeared on the Play Store. It's called Google TV Home, and even though it's possible to install it on existing Android TV devices, it's pretty useless right now unless you have the new Chromecast.
The EU wants to let users finally remove preinstalled apps they don't like
A draft of the Digital Services Act also includes making big tech companies share data with smaller rivals
Google has faced a lot of scrutiny in Europe. Whether it's finding fault with Google being the default search provider on Android phones to considering a ban on face recognition in public spaces, the EU generally takes a very pro-consumer focus on things. Now a series of working documents have surfaced that indicate the European Commission is considering a number of proposals that affect big tech — including a requirement that users be allowed to remove any pre-installed applications on a device.