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Google has shown off Android Automotive a few times in the last couple of years, but you haven't been able to buy any cars with Google's fully integrated version of Android. That will change soon, but things will kick into high-gear in 2021 thanks to a partnership with GM. This might not be the first time we get to see Android Automotive in a real vehicle, but it could be what pushes it into the mainstream.
For years, Philips seemed content to just refresh its lineup of existing smart bulbs, but it's been getting fancier recently. There are more bulb styles than ever before, and it's finally added Bluetooth to the mix. At IFA, Philips has revealed a raft of new smart lighting products including bulbs, buttons, and its first smart plug.
Arlo spun off from Netgear a while back, but it's been using the same Netgear-signed app the whole time. Starting today, there's a new Arlo app under a new Play Store listing. The updated app looks the same, but it adds an important feature in the form of two-factor authentication.
It's undeniable that the Galaxy Note 10 and 10+ are the "best" stylus phones you can buy, but they're incredibly expensive. If you want a stylus that lives in your phone and don't feel like spending $1,000 to get it, the LG Stylo 5 might do the trick. This phone is easier to get now that it's available unlocked in the US, priced at $299.99.The LG Stylo 5 is a modestly specced device with a Snapdragon 450 and 3GB of RAM. The 6.2-inch 1080p LCD gets the job done, and there's a capacitive stylus that docks inside the phone. There's a fingerprint sensor around back, along with a single 13MP camera.Not only is this phone unlocked, but it also works on all major US carriers (CDMA and GSM). The phone costs $299.99, which is a bit more than carriers were asking at launch. However, Best Buy will knock $50 off the price if you activate on Verizon or AT&T and $100 off if you activate on Sprint. There's also a slightly cheaper Amazon version with bundled Amazon apps.Buy: Best Buy, B&H, Amazon
We all thought the JBL Link Bar was a clever product when it was announced, but it took more than a year for the Android TV-equipped soundbar to come out. Now, Roku has a similar product, and it's set to launch in just a few weeks. The Roku Smart Soundbar brings big sound to your TV, plus it has a full-featured 4K Roku streaming player inside.
When you turn on your phone, it boots Android. Obviously. But what if you wanted it to boot a different Android? The first "live bootable" versions of Android are available starting today with Android 10. You can download the so-called Generic System Images (GSIs) right now for ARM64 and x86 platforms.
B&O has a history of making speakers that don't look like other speakers, which can be great if you like the company's minimalist aesthetic. There's a new B&O soundbar on the way that could really complement that cone-shaped speaker it released a while back. The Beosound Stage has a thin, sleek design with Kvadrat fabric and wood or metal housings. Oh, it has a lot of speakers, too.
The Galaxy Fold is almost here—for real this time. Samsung delayed plans to launch the first true foldable phone earlier this year following a spate of defects in early review units. Now, the phone is almost ready for sale, and you can register your interest in the US and UK.
Huawei is forging onward with its next phone launch, with or without Google support. Huawei has announced on Twitter that it will unveil the Mate 30 on September 19th in Munich. The announcement also makes some "circular" promises.
The Galaxy Fold is on the verge of shipping—for real this time. Samsung spent several months addressing the issues that popped up during the early review program, but the phone will still set you back almost $2,000. That is, of course, not an amount of money most people are willing to pay for a phone right now. Of course, we thought that about $1,000 phones not that long ago. Still, Samsung is reportedly working on a cheaper variant of the Fold.
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Sony is one of the few Android OEMs that still updates its flagship phone twice a year. Before prices can even come down on one Sony phone, there's a newer model. We expect Sony to replace the still very new Xperia 1 at IFA with the Xperia 2, and a handful of leaked images provide a sneak peek at that device. Spoiler: it looks like the Xperia 1.
There have been rumors of a OnePlus TV for ages, but now it's really, finally about to happen. The company has been dropping tidbits of info since confirming the device earlier this month. We're used to the company's phone getting good update support, and CEO Pete Lau says we can expect the same from the TV. The Android TV platform will get updates for "at least three years."
Most smartwatch makers that arent' Apple are shooting for the $200-300 price bracket, but Garmin occupies a very specific niche. Its Fēnix smartwatches are more expensive and aimed squarely at outdoor enthusiasts. The company just announced a new generation of the sport-oriented watches: the Fēnix 6-series. They have larger 1.3-1.4-inch displays, enhanced run tracking, and even an optional solar panel.
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The Motorola One Pro has popped up in a few leaks, and now we're getting a few more details. It sounds like this phone may actually launch as the Motorola One Zoom, indicating Moto will really push the camera angle. That's not necessarily surprising as there are four of them, and we now have a better idea of what they'll do.
Google announced the Nest Hub Max several months ago, promising the new smart display would be able to recognize users' faces. Well, the necessary pieces are already in Assistant, although the Hub Max is nowhere to be seen. Hopefully, that means the Nest Hub Max won't be far behind.
No one in the world likes spam phone calls—it's probably the only thing on which everyone can agree. The FCC recently allowed carriers to block these calls by default, and Verizon says it's moving full-steam ahead to take advantage of that. Starting today, it will begin auto-enrolling customers in free spam blocking.
Google's Nest Hello video doorbell is an excellent product, recent LED drama notwithstanding. It's easy to install, works with most homes, and integrates well with other Google Nest devices. Google says owners have been asking for package detection functionality, and now it's obliging. Package detection is rolling out this very day.
The Google Assistant can be genuinely useful, but it's also pretty chatty. Google just updated its support site to detail a new feature that invites Assistant to put a sock in it. Soon, you'll be able to turn off Assistant speech output on your phone.
It's common for automakers to offer apps that pair with your car, but few of them are as integral to the driving experience as Tesla's app. That's usually a good thing, but it's a bit of a nuisance right now. Tesla's car app has vanished from the Play Store without warning. You can still get it if you know where to look, though.
The Lenovo Smart Clock is the first (and still only) Assistant-powered clock. It looks like a smart display, but it's not as capable as a Nest Hub or Lenovo Smart Display. The new update will bring it a bit closer, though. Google and Lenovo will help you enjoy some memories and spend less time talking to your clock.