Tag: Google

Google Pixel 6 issues: all known issues and solutions

 The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are some of the best phones out there. But unfortunately, they suffer from a surprising number of problems. Thankfully, Google has fixed most of the issues with the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro with Android OS updates, or at least provided workarounds while finding better solutions.

Here’s a list of potential issues you might run into with your Pixel 6, along with some possible fixes, so let’s take a look!

Google‘s dodgy fingerprint scanner

One of the most common complaints about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is its fingerprint scanner, and there are reportedly multiple ways to stop it from working. Users claim that the scanner can be damaged if you let the battery die or repair the screen, and the fingerprint reader is generally unreliable.

The good news is that most problems with scanners are fixed with updates, and there are some best practices you can follow to avoid problems. If you’re having trouble with the scanner, clean your phone’s screen first and make sure you’re using your right finger and part of it – depending on how you’re doing the calibration, if you’re holding it at an angle. If you use a screen protector, you may also want to make sure it’s not causing any problems, as some protectors can affect the scanner.

The only issue Google hasn’t fixed yet is that repairing the screen could cause the fingerprint scanner to stop working as well. Since even a Google-approved professional can hardly replace the screen without any problems.

Dead point

When it comes to repairing your phone’s screen, if you’ve noticed blocks of black pixels on your screen, this might be the only solution.

It’s not uncommon for phones to have dead pixels, especially if you’re not careful. Unfortunately, if they show up on your Pixel 6, your only solution may be to replace the screen. That said, we recommend checking that your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro is running the latest version of the Android operating system before sending the phone in for repair; some users have found that simply installing a software update can bring dead pixels back to life.

Other Pixel 6 screen issues

Users have also reported a few other issues with the Pixel 6 series’ screens, with some reporting flickering when the power button is pressed while the phone is off, and others reporting a green tint to the display.

While there’s no word on a fix for the greenish tint, Google has acknowledged the flicker, saying the issue can happen if you don’t press the power button hard enough to turn the phone on. The company released the fix in a January software update, but if you’re still having issues, then to avoid it, just hold down the power button until your Pixel phone turns on.

Auto rotate doesn’t work

Some users complained that the auto-rotate feature stopped working even though it should still be on.

Unfortunately, Google has not yet provided a permanent fix, but we and others have found that the best solution is to restart the phone; doing so seems to fix any issues with the accelerometer, and it should start working fine again.

Auto brightness is too dim or too dark

Some users on Reddit have also reported that their Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro will constantly adjust its screen brightness without changing the ambient lighting.

It looks like this is a result of the auto-brightness algorithm learning how bright you like your phone, so if you manually adjust the brightness when it changes to a level you’re not happy with, it should eventually learn how bright you want it to be.

Charging is not that fast

Despite initially saying that the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones could restore half their charge in 30 minutes thanks to the 30W charging cable, Google has since confirmed that neither device actually supports 30W charging — instead the base model and The Pro models top out at around 21W and 23W, respectively.

Since the Google Pixel 6 doesn’t come with a charging cable, you’ll have to rely on third-party options; if the one you pick up isn’t as fast as the minimum 21W speed the device is capable of, your charge may take longer than expected.

Wi-Fi call dropped

Some Google Fi customers are finding that Wi-Fi calling doesn’t work on the Pixel 6 series, but a post on Reddit suggests that in many cases, the issue seems to resolve itself over time, so patience may just be the case here.

In the meantime, you might have some luck if you turn airplane mode on and off again. Google also released a software update that included “fixes for an issue that disabled calling functionality on certain devices or networks in some cases,” so that’s probably what it was referring to.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

Android phones just got 5 new features to make your life easier

 December is here, so Google wanted to celebrate with some new Android features. While most of the features are pretty useful, the company isn’t letting the holidays go thanks to some new emoji in Gboard. Of course, the main focus is on some of the new features in Android and Wear OS, which we’ll break down here later. Whether it’s a new reading mode, a YouTube search widget, or the arrival of digital car key sharing for the Pixel and iPhone, Google has a lot of neat little things for most Android phones. Here’s what’s coming to your Android phone.

Holiday Emoji and Photo Collage Design

It wasn’t that long ago that Google introduced collages to Photos, but over the holidays, it teamed up with some artists to create some nice new designs. Simply create your collage and scroll to a new design to showcase your pictures. If you want to spread some holiday cheer in your messages, Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen now includes some new holiday emoji to create creative sticker combinations.

Easy access to your content

Android finally has its own Reader mode, similar to iOS 16’s. This is a minimal rendering of a web page, easier to parse for accessibility reasons. Some people prefer it because it’s easier to read. You can customize appearance such as font, size and contrast.

YouTube also now has a home screen search widget. It might seem odd that it won’t come until 2022, but we’ll take it anyway. Here’s what it should look like on your Android 12 or Android 13 home screen.

You can cast Google TV content to compatible TVs with just one tap—we’re not entirely sure which of the best Google TVs include this content. You can continue browsing content or use your phone as a remote control while content plays on the big screen.

Sharing digital car keys

Google talked about digital car keys at I/O earlier this year, and now you can share them with family members who own a Pixel or iPhone. You can easily see who has access to your car in the Digital Wallet app and control access from there.

Wear OS tiles and apps

Wear OS also got some love this holiday season. Google is adding some extra tiles to its wearable operating system for watches running Wear OS 3 that let you get more information at a glance. You can already use map tiles for quick navigation, but now there are sunrise/sunset and contacts tiles, which will make navigation even easier for those with a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or Google Pixel Watch.

The Wear OS Keep app has also been overhauled to be more consistent with the phone app. It will show tags and collaborators, as well as backgrounds, photos and drawings. If you use the adidas running app, you can start over 30 workouts from the Google Assistant on your watch.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

Pixel Fold: rumors about Google’s foldable phone

 Google could be the next big tech company to jump into the foldable space. It’s been rumored for a while that a bendable Pixel phone might be on the way, especially given the company’s focus on hardware in recent years. While the name of the potential Google foldable phone is far from confirmed — it could be called the Pixel Fold or the Pixel Notepad — rumors seem to have settled on a release timeline. According to reliable display analyst Ross Yong, it could launch as early as spring 2023.

So far, the company has been mum on the possibility of a foldable phone. But that didn’t stop the rumor mill from churning and Pixel fans hoping. Remember, Google confirmed that it was prototyping folding technology back in 2019. Before that, it filed a patent application for a foldable device.

Let’s not forget that Google isn’t the only company reportedly jumping on the foldable phone bandwagon. It appears to be an open secret that Apple is preparing to do the same, although that may not appear until 2025. Samsung, meanwhile, appears to be going full steam ahead with its foldable phones. The South Korean company unveiled its fourth-generation foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4, at its Unpacked event in August.

Pixel Fold design: More Oppo Find N than Galaxy Z Fold 4

Animations in Android 12L, Google‘s software designed for large-screen devices like tablets and foldable phones, have hinted at what the Pixel Fold might look like. Based on this, Google’s foldable phone will be in the form of a book-style foldable dual screen. Google’s foldable phone was initially rumored to resemble the taller, leaner design of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3, with an aspect ratio of around 22.5:18. But according to 9to5Google and other media reports, the Pixel Fold that opens is more like the square shape of Oppo’s foldable phone, the Find N. When closed, it is believed to have an aspect ratio closer to 18:9. If true, it would mean that, like the Find N, the Pixel Fold could more naturally function as a regular phone when closed.

Pixel Fold Design: Only 2 Colors

 Front Page Tech published renders based on images of the Google Pixel Fold online in November. The renders of the phone show two colors, one is the obsidian model (black) and the other is the chalk model (white).

Pixel Fold camera: Camera module could be downgraded from Pixel 6

There aren’t many rumors about the Pixel Fold’s camera, but there’s still room for some speculation, courtesy of 9to5Google. The site reports that the Pixel Fold will have two front-facing 8-megapixel lenses, one likely on the cover and another for the inside, as well as a 12-megapixel rear camera. The main sensor is expected to be down from the Pixel 6 series, as it is rumored to rely on the Sony IMX363 sensor used in the Pixel 3 in 2018, as opposed to Samsung’s top-of-the-line GN1 sensor, from the Pixel 6 series’ primary 50-megapixel camera. If I had to guess, the logic for this potential decision comes down to the size of the GN1 sensor, which is one of the larger camera sensors on the market. This means that foldable phones are difficult to carry around without adding to the overall weight of an already heavy foldable device. Another rumor points to the Pixel Fold having a 50-megapixel main camera along with two 12-megapixel cameras and an 8-megapixel camera.

Pixel Fold price: $1,400 to $1,800

There’s no telling what the phone’s price will be until the launch date — if that happens at all. But according to a report by 9to5Google citing unnamed sources, the Pixel Fold will be priced below the $1,800 mark. Another report spotted by BGR in March seemed to confirm this view, putting the price down to $1,399, below Samsung’s $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 4 . These rumors seem plausible, as they seem to be in line with Google‘s strategy to undercut its rivals in terms of price.

Pixel Fold Processor: Tensor

Given the complex and expensive trouble Google has had with developing its own system-on-a-chip technology, the Pixel Fold will almost certainly run on the Tensor chipset that debuted on the Pixel 6 series.

>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

Google Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 5: Should you upgrade?

 Since most people will be using their smartphones for at least two years, comparing the Google Pixel 7 to the Pixel 5 is more timely than ever, especially if you picked up the Pixel 5 in 2020 when the phone first came out. A new Google phone means it’s time to consider whether you need to upgrade your old phone. Let’s take a look at the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 5!

Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5: Prices and models

After offering regular and XL versions of its flagship phone, Google has only launched a single version of the Pixel 5 — a 6-inch phone with 128GB of storage. But just the following year, Google went back to its two modes, releasing a Pro version of its flagship phone to go with the smaller, cheaper standard version.

This brings us to the Pixel 7, which has a 6.3-inch screen and is available in either 128GB or 256GB.

Today, the Pixel 7 starts at $599, or $100 more if you want the 256GB version. That means you can get a 256GB Pixel 7 for the same price as the only 2020 Pixel 5 model. If you stick with the 128GB version, you can actually buy a new phone for less.

Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5: Design

Aside from the Google logo on the back of the phone, you hardly know the Pixel 5 and Pixel 7 are from the same company. The Pixel 5 won praise for its design at the time, as it was a compact and sturdy phone with an attractive matte finish. The rear camera array is hidden in the top-left corner of the phone, not far from the physical fingerprint sensor. Again, it was a very solid design, although it wasn’t too different from other Android phones of the time.

Google kept that feature for the Pixel 7 and made some improvements, moving to a matte aluminum material. As for that rear fingerprint reader, that’s gone, replaced by an under-display sensor that lets you unlock the phone. The Pixel 7 also supports face unlock — something the Pixel 5 lacked.

Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5: Display

If you stack the Pixel 7 with the Pixel 5, the first thing you’ll notice is that their OLED panels are different sizes. The Pixel 5 is Google’s first phone with a faster refresh rate, and its display can switch between 60Hz and 90Hz when activity on the screen demands it. A monitor with an adjustable refresh rate can display smoother scrolling text and more immersive graphics than a monitor locked to 60Hz.

The Pixel 7 also has a 90Hz display, but opt ​​for the Pixel 7 Pro and you’ll get a faster refresh rate — 120Hz. The Pixel Pro 7 can also zoom all the way down to 10Hz to preserve battery life when your screen is more static.

Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5: Cameras

Google‘s older phones were no slouch in the photo department, but hardware and software improvements helped the new model earn a spot on the best camera phone list.

On the hardware side, the Pixel 7 offers a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. That primary shooter definitely beats the 12.2MP sensor on the Pixel 5. The Pixel 5 does have a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens, though we don’t think those extra megapixels will make much of a difference.

The Pixel 7 Pro adds a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom to the camera mix – something neither the Pixel 7 nor the Pixel 5 match. But the SuperResZoom feature on the Pixel 7 gets a boost from the phone’s Tensor chip, allowing for a 50MP primary lens, cropped to 12.5MP when zoomed in.

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 5: Processors

Google said it started developing its own chips because it wanted a smarter phone experience, not necessarily a faster chip. While the Tensor can keep up with the latest Qualcomm chipsets in our tests, it’s a far cry from the iPhone’s A-series chips in terms of speed.

However, you’ll see a performance boost from the Pixel 5 because the phone uses the Snapdragon 765G chipset instead of the more powerful chip from Qualcomm’s 8-series. As a result, the Pixel 5 posted a fairly average Geekbench 5 multi-core score of 1,617. The Pixel 7 hit 3,021 on the same test with the help of Tensor G2. The Pixel 7 has better graphics and a faster 5G connection.

Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5: Battery life and charging

Of course, the demand for batteries has increased, and the battery that powers Google’s flagship phones has grown only a little — from 4.080 mAh in the Pixel 5 to 4,335 mAh in the Pixel 7. But battery life on Pixel flagship phones is going in the wrong direction, and we think that’s something Google needs to fix.

At least the Pixel 7 charges faster than the Pixel 5. That older phone supported 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 7 charges up to 30W.

>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

Pixel Watch vs Galaxy Watch 5: How to choose between Android watches

 The Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 are two high-end Android watches aimed at targeting Apple Watch dominance in the smartwatch space. Both run the latest version of Wear OS, have circular displays, track similar workouts and have many similar fitness sensors. But how do these two Android watches compare when used in the real world, not just by looking at specs on paper? Let’s take a look at it in detail below!

Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch 5 design and screens

The Google Pixel Watch features a curved screen for a sleek look, with a digital crown and side buttons. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a flat screen with two side buttons. It’s not a crown, but a virtual touch bezel around the screen. Move your finger around the bezel to navigate between menus and options.

Comfort-wise, the Pixel Watch looks and feels better on my small 152mm wrist, especially for sleep tracking, but may be too small for some wrists. That might immediately get you looking for a bigger watch and put the Galaxy Watch 5 in your favor.

The bezel around the Pixel Watch’s screen does a lot of work, but it’s only really noticeable when you have a lighter watch face in the background. Don’t forget that if your hands are sweaty or wet, especially during a workout, physical controls like the Pixel Watch’s crown are easier to control, unlike the Galaxy Watch 5’s touch bezel, which has nothing on you The fingers simply don’t work well when hydrated.

Each has a bright OLED screen that maxes out at 1,000 nits. This means they are all very easy to see in direct sunlight. They can also stay on all the time, if you want to avoid lifting your wrist or tapping the screen.

Water resistance is a feature of both watches, but only the Galaxy Watch 5 has an official IP68 rating, making it dust and water resistant. The Pixel Watch is water resistant to 5ATM or 50 meters.

Both have speakers and microphones: you can take calls, dictate messages, and hear notifications read aloud, but only the Galaxy Watch 5 lets you play music from the speakers.

Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch 5 health and fitness features

Both watches have all the basics: tracking steps, calories, sleep, and many types of exercise. The Pixel Watch relies heavily on Fitbit’s interface and ecosystem for exercise tracking, so you’ll find all of your health data integrated in the Fitbit app. Galaxy Watch 5 uses the Samsung Health app. You can also choose to use Google Fit on either, but you’ll get the most powerful experience with each company’s proprietary app.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 5 can automatically detect outdoor activities like walking and running. It’s something I miss so much when using the Pixel Watch because it can’t do it — although other Fitbit trackers can.

The Galaxy Watch 5 also has some additional sensors that might be appreciated, such as bioimpedance for measuring body composition. There is also a temperature sensor, but it was not active when comparing. There’s also an ECG or EKG app, but you’ll need a Galaxy phone to use it unless you sideload the Health Monitor app on another Android phone.

The Pixel Watch also has an EKG, but it works on any Android phone. Both watches also feature blood oxygen trackers, which aren’t yet enabled on the Pixel Watch. It also doesn’t have high and low heart rate alerts or irregular heart rhythm alerts like the Galaxy Watch 5.

Both have built-in GPS, and they each lock onto a signal within about five seconds of being out. Compared to controlling the phone, the Pixel Watch is more accurate at calculating distance, but things like step count and pace are all within the same range of each other.

The heart rate sensor on the Pixel Watch is also closer in accuracy to a chest strap than the Galaxy Watch 5; if I want the best results from my cardio, the Pixel is my watch of choice.

Sleep tracking was also excellent on the Pixel Watch, and not only was the sleep score more reflective of my overall sleep quality, but the Galaxy Watch 5 continued to give me shockingly low blood oxygen at night.

Pixel Watch vs Galaxy Watch 5 battery life comparison

For general use, including always-on display, notifications, and a one-hour GPS workout, I got 21 hours on the Galaxy Watch 5 version and up to 20 hours on the Pixel Watch. Typically, you’ll need to charge both before tracking sleep, especially if the Pixel Watch’s battery life drops by more than 20 percent overnight.

The Galaxy Watch 5 supports reverse wireless charging, so you can put it on the back of some Samsung phones to charge it. The Samsung watch went from flat to 45% in 30 minutes and took about 1.5 hours to reach 100%. The Pixel Watch charges at a comparable rate, taking at least 30 minutes for the same 45% charge and about 1.5 hours to 100%. Neither comes with a USB-C charging brick.

>>>>>>>>>>>Samsung Watch battery

Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Google’s new flagship faces old rivals

 The Google Pixel 7 Pro is finally here, and we have a new high-end flagship contender for 2022. But how does it compare to one of the best top phones of 2021, the iPhone 13 Pro Max?

While you might think of the iPhone 14 Pro Max as a natural, more contemporary competitor, it’s significantly more expensive than the Pixel 7 Pro. Will the iPhone 13 Pro Max be a better value option? Let’s take a look at the difference between them!

Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max prices and availability

The Pixel 7 Pro will be available on October 13, 2022. Pricing starts at $899 for the 128GB model.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max will be released on September 24, 2021. At launch, the 128GB model was priced at $1,099.

Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Max design comparison

Google‘s unique camera visor is back for another year, spanning from one edge of the phone to the other. The 2022 model makes that visor a shiny piece of aluminum, rather than glass, and now appears to emerge from the edge of the device.

The Pixel 7 Pro is a classic kit. Its greenish-gray hue matches perfectly with the gold bezel and camera module. You can also get snow and obsidian options if you want.

Apple’s color options for the 13 Pro Max include Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue, and Alpine Green.

At 162.9 x 76.55 x 8.9 mm, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is taller, narrower and thicker than the iPhone 13 Pro Max at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm. At 212 grams, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is also light at 238 grams.

Both phones are IP68 certified, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max is tested to withstand greater depths, has a more scratch-resistant ceramic shield covering the display, and a better-quality stainless steel bezel. The Pixel 7 Pro features Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, and aluminum rims.

Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Max display comparison

Both phones feature 6.7-inch OLED displays with a variable 120Hz refresh rate that can be dropped to 10Hz.

However, the Pixel 7 Pro’s screen is sharper, with a 1440 x 3120 (QHD+) output that compares favorably to the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 1284 x 2778 resolution. Google’s screen has also gotten brighter, offering a peak brightness output of 1500nits instead of the iPhone’s 1200nits equivalent. Google is also offering an in-display fingerprint sensor option to complement the new facial recognition system, an option Apple continues to resist.

Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Max camera comparison

The Pixel 7 Pro features a 50MP main camera sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto sensor with OIS.

Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max offers three 12MP sensors, with the main sensor backed by a more advanced sensor-shift stabilization system. Telephoto is supported by normal OIS, just like the Pixel.

Google wins at telephoto, not necessarily because of the higher pixel count, but because it can reach 5x optical zoom. Apple’s telephoto can only extend to 3 times. Beyond this level of optical zoom, the Pixel 7 Pro can reach a digital zoom range of 30x, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max can only reach 15x.

Both ultrawide sensors support macro shots, which is an interesting parallel via a dedicated auto mode.

Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max specs and performance

The Pixel 7 Pro runs on Google’s new Tensor G2 processor, which isn’t much of an improvement over the Pixel 6 Pro’s Tensor chip.

It still lags far behind the iPhone 13 Pro Max and its A15 Bionic chip in raw CPU and GPU output, although the latter chip itself has been replaced.

What Google will point to in Tensor G2, however, is its advanced machine learning capabilities. It supports unique features like real-time voice transcription, as well as supernaturally clear voice calls and the aforementioned photo deblurring. Google also claims the new processors are more power efficient than before. It’s manufactured using the 4nm standard, which is more efficient than the 5nm production method Apple used on the 13 Pro Max.

Apple offers four storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Google only offers 128GB, 256GB and 512GB to choose from.

Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Max battery comparison

The Pixel 7 Pro has a 5,000mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the 4,352mAh battery in the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Apple’s systems are traditionally more frugal, so a direct comparison of battery size is meaningless. The iPhone 13 Pro Max can handle a full day of intensive use with a third of the tank remaining.

Google is apparently closing that gap with the Pixel 7 Pro. Its new Tensor G2 chip is more efficient, and Google claims the 7 Pro can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. The company has also implemented a new extreme power saving mode in which the phone can reportedly last a full 72 hours.

Wired charging speeds on both phones are impressive. The iPhone 13 Pro Max and Pixel 7 Pro top out at just 23W.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Phone battery

Google Pixel 7 — 11 features you can enable and disable at once

 The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro officially launched on October 13, so you might be wondering how to get the most out of your shiny new Google flagship. The truth is, there are a lot of new features to try out this year, but some need to be enabled or found first.

We’ve collected all the important information you need to know. If you’re using a Pixel 6, some of these features may also appear on your phone. Without further ado, here are 11 features you can enable and disable on the Pixel 7.

Feature to enable

Call me directly

This feature will transcribe the options in the automated voice message menu so you don’t have to memorize them. Now, the new version will show them before the voice even speaks them, while adding more numbers.

But you have to open it first. Open the Phone app, then tap the overflow menu in the upper-right corner, then tap Settings. Under the Auxiliary section, go to Direct My Call. Toggles the Direct My Call and Faster menu options.

Photo deblur

Photo Unblur is a new feature in this year’s Google Pixel 7. This is a self-explanatory add-on that lets you clear some less fortunate images. It even works with old photos in your Google Photos library.

First, open the blurred photo. Select the Edit button on the bottom bar, then swipe to Tool Options. You’ll get three options, one of which is Unblur. Doing this, the Pixel 7 will do everything it can to clean up the image.

Face unlock

You may be prompted to enable it during initial setup, but if you skip it, you can easily re-enable it. Head to Settings > Security > Face & Fingerprint Unlock. Enter your PIN and tap Face Unlock.

Active stabilization

Active stabilization is Google’s answer to Apple’s mode of action. It effectively enhances video stabilization, allowing you to get smoother video when you or your subject is in motion. To use this feature, open the camera app and swipe to Video. Click the little hand shake icon to the right of the video mode selector. In the menu that appears, select Active.

Assistant continues the conversation

When you query Google Assistant, you don’t have to keep saying “Hey, Google” every time to continue the query? This isn’t unique to the Pixel 7, but it’s a nice feature. Note: If you start a new query after a pause, you still need to activate the phrase. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Assistant and tap the toggle for Continue Conversation.

Extra dim

Tired of your phone display burning your eyes at night? If you want, the Pixel 7 can give you that extra dimness. To turn this feature on, go to Settings > Accessibility. Under the Display section, you can click the “Extra Dim” toggle here, or select the option to see more information and customize it.

Car accident detection

With this feature turned on, your Pixel 7 can detect if you’ve been in a car accident and call emergency services and emergency contacts. To turn it on, go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Crash Detection. If you are not already logged into Personal Safety, you will be asked to do so.

Save photos to locked folder

Android 13 introduces Locked Folders for Google Photos, allowing you to store sensitive pictures safely from prying eyes. Pixel 7 can save pictures directly to it without you having to do it manually.

All you need to do is open the camera app and look for the grey button next to the shutter button. Press and hold it to bring up a menu of where you want to save the photo. The selected locked folder. Remember that you need to set up a locked folder first.

Common faces

If you have Top Shot enabled in your camera app, you can choose to use common faces. This feature prioritizes the people you photograph the most. Google says it helps prioritize skin tones and more accurately recommend the best photos from Top Shot. Frequent face data is stored locally. To enable it, go to Camera > Settings > Common Faces.

Features to Disable

QHD+ on Pixel 7 Pro

The Pixel 7 Pro has a QHD+ display, but you can set it to FHD+ if you want to save some battery. (Pixel 7 only works as FHD+ mode.) This may have been done for you when you set up your phone, but if not, here’s how to switch between the two resolutions. Open Settings and go to Display. Scroll down to Screen Resolution and tap it. Choose a high resolution.

Header

Google has its own version of Live Photos called Top Shot. Your Pixel shoots a very short video to capture more of the shutter button presses. Sometimes it’s neat, especially when the phone suggests the best frame for the final photo. But it gets annoying. Fortunately, it’s easy to close.

In the main viewfinder of the camera app, tap the drop-down menu in the upper-left corner. The second option is Top Shot: Off, Auto, and On. Set it to your preference.

>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

iOS 16 just got Google Maps lockscreen widgets — here’s how to add them

 If you didn’t already know, Apple added the ability to add a handful of widgets to the lock screen as part of its massive iOS 16 lock screen customization update. Third-party apps are just starting to introduce their own lock screen widgets, Google has added these for Gmail, Chrome, Google Drive and Google News, and now we have new widgets for Google Maps and regular Google apps .

You can choose between two types of lock screen widgets. The first is for frequent travel and acts as a shortcut to one of your favorite locations. Another is a quick search option that quickly scans your area for a specific type of business or service, similar to the chip you’ll find at the top of your Google Maps home screen.

As lock screen widgets, these buttons will be available when you wake your iPhone and are on the relevant lock screen. If you own an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, you’ll be able to access widgets from the always-on display at any time.

While Apple would no doubt prefer you to use its own Maps app, the truth is that Google Maps is just as widely used on the iPhone, if not more. Additionally, Apple Maps doesn’t currently offer a lock screen widget, which means if you want the fastest way to map your way home or to a nearby coffee shop, Google Maps is your best bet.

If you want to add these Google Maps lock screen widgets to your own iPhone, you can follow the steps below.

How to Add the Google Maps Widget to Your Lock Screen in iOS 16

1. Sign in to the App Store to make sure the Google Maps app is up to date. You are looking for 6.40 or later, otherwise you won’t have any widgets.

2. In order for the iPhone to recognize that new widgets are available, please open the Google Maps application at least once before attempting to add a widget.

3. By tapping and holding the lock screen with the phone unlocked, or by opening the lock screen customization through the settings menu. Click Customize, then Lock Screen to get to where we can add widgets.

4. Tap the box below the clock to open the widget of your choice, then scroll down to Google Maps and tap it.

5. Now select the “Frequent Travel” or “Search” widget and tap or drag it to snap it into place.

6. The “Frequent Travel” widget defaults to your home address and the “Search” widget defaults to the Google Maps search box. If you want to change it, click on the widget when it’s in place and choose a new option from the menu that appears.

7. After sorting, tap Done in the upper right corner to confirm your location. You are all done!

>>>>>>>>>Apple battery

Pixel tablet: Google teases the mysterious device again

 Google really wants people to know it’s working on a new tablet. After first revealing it was working on a tablet at its I/O developer conference in May, at its Pixel event on Thursday, the company dropped some hints about the upcoming device again.

Unlike the metal Pixel 7 phone, the tablet will be built with a “nano-ceramic” coating “inspired” by porcelain. The body of the tablet is made from “100% recycled aluminum”.

We still don’t know much about the tablet, although Google says it will be a “premium version” that will arrive in 2023. It will run on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, similar to the one that powers the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

The device will have a charging speaker base that attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet, turning the Pixel tablet into a detachable Nest Hub. Once docked, the tablet can display photos or control your smart home using widgets or the Google Assistant.

While it has teased some extra features, Google hasn’t revealed pricing or a release date. However, the company did reiterate that the tablet will go on sale next year.

Is it more of a smart display than a laptop?

Google’s preview makes the tablet look more like a photo frame, smart home hub and video calling device than some sort of laptop replacement. The keyboard accessory isn’t shown: instead, the magnetic charging dock appears to be a key way to keep the tablet at home. (The Pixel tablet won’t arrive until 2023, so there may be more to come.)

Performance: As good as the Pixel 7, what else?

Google’s proposed tablet use sounds powerful (it has the new Tensor G2 chip) and sounds similar to its Pixel phones. But Google’s emphasis on app compatibility with split-screen mode and stylus support may be part of the reason the tablet took longer to roll out. The wallpapers and design themes look consistent with the Pixel, suggesting that Android on its tablet will feel very similar this time around.

How much will it cost?

The price is unknown, which is a big deal. If Google tried to make it a casual home tablet, would it price it accordingly? (The Nest Hub Max, for example, sells for $229.) Or, if its goal is to be a more versatile device, are other accessories worth putting it in the premium zone? It’s hard to say, and we probably won’t know more about this until next year. But if you’ve been dying for a new Android tablet, you might want to wait for it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Tablet battery

Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel Watch: All the new features announced by Google

 We finally got our hands on Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Watch. The products were first announced at Google I/O, the search giant’s annual developer conference in May. Google revealed more information at an event in Brooklyn on Thursday. You can pre-order the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and Pixel Watch right now, and they’ll start shipping next week.

The new phones focus primarily on camera updates and features added by the revamped Tensor G2 processor. The processor handles advanced image processing, extended security (used with the Titan M2) and machine learning, and system caching. Google goes through all the ways the G2 can speed up and improve most of the phone’s features.

As usual, the new device runs an upgraded version of its mobile operating system, Android 13. Android 13 rolled out to the previous generation of phones, the Pixel 6 series, in August. Google is promising five years of security updates for the phone. Let’s take a look below!

Pixel 7

Notably, Google added 2x crop mode zoom to its 50-megapixel main sensor, which produces a 12.5-megapixel image from the center of the sensor. The company says other general improvements you’ll see include faster Night Sight low-light shots, better skin tones, and a audible selfie-assist mode for the visually impaired called Guided Frame. Still, it’s a dual camera.

The Still Photo Unblur algorithm extends from just faces to sharpen old photos and get a cinematic blur for video, Apple’s Cinematic Mode. Google hinted that the newer Unblur feature will only be available on new phones thanks to the G2. The phone gets 4K recording at 60 frames per second and better video autofocus and voice enhancements.

There’s no dramatic redesign for 2022: mostly just the aluminum bezel that extends to the camera bump, all the way to the edges, and replaces last year’s “kinda, kinda” color with a buff option. It’s smaller than the Pixel 6. It uses new zirconia sandblasted aluminum.

The Pixel 7 starts at the same price as the Pixel 6 at $599 (£599, AU$999).

Google Pixel 7: New tensor chip, better camera for the same price

Pixel 7 phone with VPN

Pixel 7 Pro

In addition to all the features available in the Pixel 7, the Pro’s camera gets a 12-megapixel, 10x crop-mode zoom from its 48-megapixel telephoto camera. The camera uses the main and telephoto cameras for computational zoom in the range between 2.5x and 5x. The Pro also added a macro mode with its third camera. Google promises crisp, stable 30x zoom photos.

The Pro will be available in light, muted greens instead of yellows. It starts at $899 (£849, AU$1,299).

The 7 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM (compared to the 7’s 8GB) and comes with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage. Like the 7, it supports millimeter-wave 5G on AT&T and Verizon, but only the Pro will support T-Mobile for the fastest 5G.

How Google’s Pixel 7 Pro challenges the iPhone with new camera tech

Google Pixel 7 Pro brings better camera zoom and macro photography

Pixel watch

Borrowing from the company’s acquisition of Fitbit, Google‘s first homegrown smartwatch features many of the same fitness-tracking features with similar accuracy, in a sleek, premium design – rounded convex Gorilla Glass 5 and a stainless steel case. The watch highlights Google’s more focused attention to design. It starts at $350 (£339, AU$549).

The watch is water resistant up to 5 ATM, which means it should be able to withstand pressure equal to a depth of 50 meters. It also has an always-on display. Designs include matte black with obsidian active band, polished silver with charcoal active band, polished silver with chalk active band or champagne gold with hazelnut active band; there will be a variety of band styles.

Google’s Wear OS 3.5 also brings a wider range of features such as smart home controls, wrist access to the Google Play Store and optional LTE, emergency SOS, international emergency calling and mobile payments via Google Wallet. After launch, it will be able to measure blood oxygen saturation and capture an electrocardiogram from the wrist and support fall detection. The company promises a full day of use on a single charge.

Pixel Tablet

Google uses the tablet as a complement to the rest of the Google ecosystem. The company emphasizes split-screen and stylus support, as well as the integration of the Tensor G2 — a tablet designed to be an extension of your phone, handling photos and more in the same way.

There’s a new charging speaker dock that goes with it, basically turning it into a smart display.

It matches the rest of the range with a Nano Ceramic Matte finish.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery