Type in 5 different languages at once with latest SwiftKey Beta

SwiftKey has been on the news a lot as of late: it got itself in a bit of an awkward situation a few months ago and had to suspend its cloud syncing, and just a few weeks ago, it announced that the keyboard will now be powered by a neural network to improve suggestions. With the latest beta, SwiftKey takes that even further by adding more languages, and now you can even type in five different languages at once!Among the new additions that are coming with the latest beta, the biggest one might be its support for five simultaneous languages. Yes, five. If you are multilingual – and especially if you speak more than two languages – switching back and forth between languages can be very annoying. SwiftKey already supported two languages to be typed at once, but now the company has increased that number to five. No more tediously searching for the right language!Another is the expansion of its neural network support. Earlier in September, SwiftKey introduced us to its new word prediction system: a neural network. It essentially looks at the whole sentence rather than a few preceding words to offer better suggestions. Unfortunately, the neural network was only available for English, but now French, German, and Spanish will also be powered by the company’s neural network.With the latest beta version, you also get more language support and some UI changes. You can check out the full changelog below:You can now type in 5 languages at once!We’ve added 4 new languages: Sindhi Pakistan, Pashto, Scottish Gaelic, UyghurNew Neural Net languages: French, German & SpanishYou can now turn on/off key press popupsNew setting in a tablet layout to turn on/off dedicated emoji key that appears to the left of the space barNo more red underlines when typing in multiple languagesBottom row now visible on stroke + emoji + arrow + landscape layout See also: 10 best Android keyboards185 If you already have the SwiftKey Beta app, you should be able to see the update; if you don’t, click the button below to download it and give it a go!Download from Play StoreHave you noticed improvements in word prediction with SwiftKey’s new neural network? Will you be taking advantage of being able to type in five languages at once? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Type in 5 different languages at once with latest SwiftKey Beta

iPhone 7 Plus vs Galaxy Note 7 Camera Shootout

This post originally appeared on our sister site TabTimes.comIt’s the battle of the beasts, with the iPhone 7 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fighting over the title for the best over-sized smartphone in the market. But let’s put all other features and capabilities aside to focus on the camera, easily one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a good smartphone.Samsung Galaxy Note 7 reviewApple iPhone 7 Plus ReviewApple iPhone 7 reviewSamsung Galaxy Note 7 vs iPhone 7 / 7 Plus Drop TestWe have been playing around with both devices for some time and decided to put their shooters against each other in a feisty encounter in Sydney. Which will come out victorious? Let’s compare some images to find out.In the galleries below, images captured by the Apple iPhone 7 Plus are on the left, while images from the Galaxy Note 7 are on the right. All images have been compressed to 1440 pixels wide and you can see the full, unedited images in our Flickr gallery.Gallery 1 The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is outputting warmer tones and more saturated colors, which some may argue gives this specific image a bit of a more dramatic look. It’s certainly a nice photo, but once we look closer we can see the iPhone 7 Plus image on the left does display crisper details on the rocks. The iPhone also seems to capture a much more realistic photo.Gallery 2The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is definitely winning this round. Samsung’s photo shows improved exposure on the front, all while showing superior shadow handling in the background. The iPhone’s picture also seems to have duller colors, in general. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 appears to handle dynamic range much better.Gallery 3Once again, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is displaying better handling of shadows and highlights. Furthermore, the image on the right shows more detail. The iPhone 7 Plus does capture a great image too, but the tint seems to be a bit too green.Gallery 4The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 continues proving its camera performance with better shadows and highlights. Just take a look at the darker areas in the park and you will see how much more detail the Samsung phablet captures. Some prefer the way Samsung works with temperature, but those who prefer warmer images might like the iPhone 7 Plus image better.Gallery 5The iPhone’s odd green tint is back, but that is not the only thing making its photo a bit inferior. We manage to see more details in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 photo’s image. It is crisper, there’s more visibility in the shade and even the buildings in the background look clearer.Gallery 6The iPhone 7 Plus image does show more detail in the background, but its colors seem a little duller. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is producing a striking image with great shadow handling, but its colors seem to be over-saturated. Neither is perfect, but the Galaxy Note 7’s photo does look prettier.Gallery 7What’s going on with the iPhone 7 Plus? It must not be great for shooting cities. The green hue is back and shadows seem much less visible. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 may provide an image that seems a bit overly processed and almost looks like a filter was added, but at least it’s a good picture.Gallery 8The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is on fire! OK… excuse the joke. But really, it just keeps producing better images than the iPhone 7 Plus. Just take a look at the crisp details in buildings and the shadowed areas. You can see much more of what’s going on. It does still show signs of over-processing, though.Gallery 9I am a bit broken with this one. I happen to like the color reproduction and contrast in the iPhone’s photo, but the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 image does still handle shadows much better. Just take a look at the streets down below and see the difference in detail.Gallery 10This is a very similar image to some of the ones we have seen above, so don’t be surprised to see similar results. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 handles shadows and details better. And yes, both the green tint (iPhone) and the colder temperature (Samsung) are back.Gallery 11The iPhone 7 Plus definitely wins this round, and I believe it is mostly because it knew how to work the exposure and processing better. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is lighting up the building too much, as well as making it warmer (too warm for our liking). Therefore, the iPhone image shows less distractions and better details.Gallery 12Great photograph, right? What a stunning city, and both did a great job capturing, but I feel like Samsung’s camera makes the city look more… alive. The way the lights and colors pop out really makes the image more enticing.Gallery 13Except for their odd coloring tendencies, both images seem to be equally as good. The only main difference is that I feel the iPhone 7 Plus managed to capture a bit more details of the city in the background. But they both need to be able to handle the contrast and dynamic range a bit better. The bridge itself is too under-exposed in both instances.Gallery 14Things start changing once we get a little closer to our subject. In these images there’s an interesting shift, as the iPhone 7 Plus now seems to show much better exposure and color reproduction. The sculpture is shown in more detail, the building in the back looks clearer and the trees display a lot more detail.We do notice there is more detail in the sky with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, though. The iPhone 7 Plus image displays no sky at all! It’s just white.Gallery 15Exposure and details show better in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7-taken image this time around. We get a better view of the shadows in the sculpture, as well as under the fountain.Gallery 16Both images here look great, but we can see a clear difference in processing. Samsung makes all the colors saturated and images crisper. We do notice its easier to see details in the iPhone image, though. Especially when looking at the people and the building’s outer side.Wrap upYou can’t go wrong with either camera, but it is true that they are very different. In terms of quality and detail, both devices have their specific strengths and weaknesses.Mainly, I notice that the iPhone 7 Plus may be for those who want a more realistic photo experience. The colors can be dull and the shadows too harsh, but they do produce what seems like a more accurate representation of the scene. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 may be for those who want images that really pop. They are good at dramatizing images in processing, but a few elements may make photos look a bit too artificial at times.Samsung Galaxy Note 7 reviewApple iPhone 7 Plus ReviewApple iPhone 7 reviewSamsung Galaxy Note 7 vs iPhone 7 / 7 Plus Drop TestAt the same time, each phone has a tendency to alter color, depending on the subject being photographed. We noticed warmer colors and a greenish tint in a few of the iPhone 7 Plus photographs, while shots coming from the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 looks colder and more saturated.What do you make of these image comparisons though? Which photos do you think suit your preferences better? Vote in the poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!This post originally appeared on our sister site TabTimes.com

iPhone 7 Plus vs Galaxy Note 7 Camera Shootout

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: September 30, 2016

Next week is the week of weeks around these parts, so that meant this week was full of lead-up stuff. For example, we started to see more official renders of devices like the Pixel, Pixel XL, and Chromecast Ultra. We also heard new rumors about “Andromeda,” the supposed Android and Chrome OS merge, and asked you what you were most excited for.

Outside of October 4 event stuff, we also watched Motorola lose over half of its staff, dealt with Android Wear 2.0 seeing a massive delay, gave a thumbs up to Google launching a new blog, and took you back to the days of the DROID Bionic.

Be sure to catch up! Next week is going to be nuts. 
WATCH: Droid Life Show episode 122 – Google event expectations! | Subscribe

Pixel and Pixel XL get the 3D render treatment

Pixel render | Pixel XL render | Chromecast Ultra render
Poll: What are you most excited for at Google’s big event?

“Andromeda” may be the big Chrome OS and Android merger

Android Wear 2.0 has been delayed to 2017

What if Huawei ditches Android Wear for Tizen?

Moto Z and Moto G4 family to get Nougat starting in Q4

Motorola\Lenovo also laid off a whole bunch of people this week
DEAL: Chromecast Audio is just $25 right now

Google’s new blog is called The Keyword and you should probably follow it

Google is compiling a list of your most requested Allo features
Allo: Still using it?
#TBT: We did a special DROID Bionic look back
Question: What’s your most underrated app?

Google Maps has a bunch of sweet new voice commands worth learning

Roku has a big lineup of new streaming media players, starting at $30

Blackberry gives up on making their own phones

Xiaomi Mi5s has a sweet under-glass fingerprint reader
This icon pack is hot: Simpax

Stay of Twitter at 3AM.

Related StoriesDon’t Miss These Android Stories: March 13, 2015Don’t Miss These Android Stories: February 26, 2016Don’t Miss These Android Stories: January 15, 2016Don’t Miss These Android Stories: 7/31/15
Don’t Miss These Android Stories: September 30, 2016 is a post from: Droid Life

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: September 30, 2016

A beginner’s guide to video chat

It finally happened: With a few quick swipes and taps, our mobile devices become conduits of live two-way video through which we can speak face-to-face with family members, significant others, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Video chat is no longer science fiction and can be part of our daily communications. However, it seems that only a relative few are actually using this game-changing technology,According to a study from last fall, about 68 percent of all American adults own a smartphone, which is roughly two in three American adults. Of those people, less than half (47 percent) have ever used video chat platforms on their smartphones, and this represents a sharp increase from 33 percent in 2013 and 19 percent in 2011. Obviously, there are more and more people using video chat on their smartphones. On the other hand, with several capable video chat platforms from which to choose, why are only a minority of smartphone users using them?One reason could be that it can sometimes be difficult to have off-the-cuff video chats in the same way we make phone calls. It’s one thing to jump out of the shower to take an important phone call and another matter to video chat with someone while wearing only a towel. Video chat requires more foresight and preparation than is necessary for phone calls. Or perhaps you’re of the opinion that video chat seems more complicated than it’s worth. If that’s the case, fear not. We have you covered.If the release of Google Duo tells us anything, it’s that video chat is as relevant as ever and will likely hold a prominent place in mobile communication as we move forward. Whether you’re simply a late adopter or haven’t gotten around to learning how the whole “video chat thing” works, the following is a concise guide to the art of the video chat using four of the most popular and easy-to-use platforms: Google Duo, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Facebook Messenger.Google DuoIt’s no surprise that some of the best video chat platforms for Android users are the ones that were actually made by Google, with the first in our guide being Duo. Google Duo is the latest video chat platform for Android and Google seems to be banking on it becoming the Android equivalent of Apple’s FaceTime for iOS. However, the key difference (and what should be a major advantage, but that’s another story) between Duo and FaceTime is that the former supports both Android and iOS. This means if your friends download Duo, you’ll be able to video chat with all of them no matter who carries an iPhone and who carries an Android. (Apologies to the dozen or so Windows Phone users out there who are feeling left out.)How to start using Google Duo for video chatSetup your Google Duo account: First, download the Google Dup app from the Play Store and complete the painless setup process. It will ask for your cell number so it can send a verification code via text, which allows Duo to link your cell number to your Google Duo account. The app recognizes anyone who’s signed up for Duo using phone numbers stored in a device’s contacts list. By verifying and linking your cell number to your account, your friends will be able to see that you’re available for Duo video chats.Open Duo and begin initiating a video chat: When you open Duo, you’ll notice the app immediately activates your front-facing camera, showing you a live image of yourself with a “Video call” button underneath. Click that button. Choose someone for a video chat: At this point, you will see an in-app list of your contacts. Any contacts who are already using Duo will appear at the very top of the list, followed by the remainder of your contacts, each with their own “invite” button so you can invite them to use Duo. Begin your video chat by clicking on the name of the Duo user of your choice. Duo will begin to call that person in much the same way as a regular phone call. As long as your recipient has a WiFi or LTE connection, he or she will be prompted to answer or decline your “video call”.Something else that should be mentioned here is a feature called “Knock Knock”. Instead of seeing the photo that’s associated with your contact information, Knock Knock lets the person whom you are calling actually see you via your front-facing camera before he or she answers the call. It’s a bit of an odd feature that has brought up issues concerning privacy, but you have the option to turn off Knock Knock in the settings. If you have Knock Knock turned on, make sure you’re actually ready for your video chat before you begin initiating the connection.Get it on Google Play!Google HangoutsFor those of us who prefer the simple, unadulterated predictability of Google services, Hangouts is typically the preferred means of conducting video chats. Granted, many of us will go off and explore new services and platforms on occasion, but we routinely return to Hangouts because it’s simple and reliable. If Duo is the new kid on the block who’s trying to make friends, Hangouts is that dude who comes home from college to throw great parties throughout the summers and during the holidays.Unlike Duo, Hangouts isn’t just for video chat. When it was unveiled in mid-2013, Google Hangouts — which took its name from the popular Hangouts video chat feature of Google+ — was multifunctional, proprietary communications platform for instant messaging, voice calls, and video chat. In short order, SMS integration was added to Hangouts, but more recently was ported off Hangouts and into its own separate application called Messages. Today, there seems to be a dichotomy among Hangouts users: people who use Hangouts for instant messaging (typically a business scenario) and people who use Hangouts for video chat.Getting started with video chat on Google HangoutsSign up for Hangouts: Chances are you’ve already signed up for Hangouts and used it for one reason or another. It doesn’t require a cell phone number and comes pre-installed on virtually all Android phones, so all it takes to start using it is to be signed into your Google account.Begin initiating a video chat: Open Hangouts and click the “+” button in the bottom-right corner. This will give you three different options: start an instant messaging session with one person, with a group of people, or to start a video chat. Choose the video chat option.Find someone for a video chat: At this point, you’ll see a list of your contacts. The people currently using Hangouts and, therefore, are ready to video chat will have quotation marks stamped on the edge of their profile pictures. As well, the words “On Hangouts” will appear next to their names. Click on the person with whom you want to video chat and Hangouts will start to call that person in much the same way as a normal phone call.Get it on Google Play!SkypeAlthough most Android users are intimately acquainted with Hangouts, Skype tends to be the most widely-recognized option and there’s surely no platform that’s as strongly associated with video chat as Skype. Part of this is due to Skype being available on basically every mobile and desktop operating system that exists. But it has been around for the longest, too, with Skype having made its debut in 2003. Other services come and go, but Skype remains a favorite among video chat users, especially those who chat regularly with people in other countries.Start Skyping in three easy stepsDownload Skype app and create an account: First, you’ll need to download the Skype app from the Play Store on your Android smartphone. Upon opening Skype for the first time, you’ll be prompted to log in or create an account; choose the latter option. You’ll be required to provide either your phone number or your email address so that other Skype users can find you and engage in video chats, voice calls, and instant messaging.Find someone for a Skype video chat: Once you’ve signed up and successfully logged into the Skype app, you’ll be greeted by the main screen with three separate tabs at the top; choose the center tab, which is for your contacts. Here you’ll see all the contacts you have stored on your phone. Those who aren’t using Skype will have “Invite” buttons located beside their names while those that are using Skype will have a blank space there instead. Click on the user with whom you want to Skype, which will bring up a thread where you and that person can exchange instant messages.Initiate a Skype video chat: Near the top of the screen by the recipient’s name, you’ll see a video camera icon. Simply click that video camera icon to begin “calling” that person for a video chat. If that person is using a device on which Skype is installed and has some type of internet connection, he or she will be able to accept.Get it on Google Play!Facebook MessengerIf there’s any company that could be said to rival Google in terms of its prominence in our daily lives, it’s definitely Facebook. It may no longer be at the forefront of the social media hype train like it was just a couple years ago, but it’s still the biggest social network there is. If you’re skeptical, consider these figures: Earlier this year, it was found that Facebook has 1.59 billion users who are active at least throughout the month. Let that sink in for a moment. In 2013, the whole world’s population was 7.125 billion people; if that figure is similar today, over 22 percent of the global population uses Facebook regularly; keep in mind this number includes only active users, which, looking just at the U.S., is nearly 75 percent of all American adults who are online. By comparison, Facebook-owned Instagram has 400 million active users while Twitter has 320 million active users.In providing these statistics, I hope your takeaway from this is that there’s a pretty significant chunk of the population using Facebook, which has been steadily expanding its wheelhouse, building out its social network into something more. Case in point: Facebook Messenger. It used to be that you could exchange Facebook messages within the actual Facebook app; however, following the launch of the separate messaging app in 2011, Facebook Messenger soon became the only way to exchange Facebook messages between mobile devices. More recently, SMS integration, voice calls, and video chat has been incorporated into Facebook Messenger. Since most of your family members and friends are probably using Facebook, this may be the most convenient option when it comes to using video chat since it won’t require anyone to sign up for new and unfamiliar services.Using Facebook Messenger for video chatDownload and sign into Facebook Messenger: You probably already have Facebook Messenger set up; however, if you’ve not yet used it, download Facebook Messenger from the Play Store. Open the app and either sign into your Facebook account or follow the prompts to create a new one. It will ask for your cell number, which is optional; providing your cell number will allow people with whom you’re not Facebook friends but who have your cell number saved in their phones to contact you via Facebook Messenger.Find someone for a video chat: After logging into Facebook Messenger, you’ll be taken to the main screen where you’ll see any messages you’ve exchanged with Facebook friends in the past. If you have “favorited” any of your friends, you’ll likely see a special section for your favorite contacts here, too. If you don’t see anyone with whom you want to video chat, look to the tabs running along the top of the screen and choose the icon that looks like a telephone. This will take you to a list of your contacts who are ready and able to receive voice calls and video chats.Initiate the video chat: Once you’ve found the person with whom you want to video chat, it’s as simple as pressing the corresponding button. Beside each person on the list, you’ll see two icons, a telephone and a video camera. Press the video camera and Facebook Messenger will begin to “call” the recipient much like a regular phone call. Be aware that while you wait for an answer, the call will be minimized to a small window at the top-right corner of the screen, allowing you to continue using your device while you wait for your recipient to answer.Get it on Google Play!This concludes our lesson for today, and I want to hear from you. Now that you’re a bonafide video chat expert, does it seem like something you will or would like to use? Were you already using video chat? Sound off in the comment section below and make sure to share this video chat guide with anyone who might be having trouble adopting this relatively newfangled, easier-than-it-looks technology. And as always, keep it tuned to Android Authority as we continue to be your go-to source for all things Android.

A beginner’s guide to video chat

The Droid Life Show: Episode 122 – Google Event Expectations

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we’re straight prepping for next Tuesday. What’s happening next Tuesday, you ask? Oh, just Google unveiling the Pixel and Pixel XL, Google Home, Google WiFi, Chromecast Ultra, and Daydream. Yep.

If that’s not enough for a full show, we’ll be sure to talk rumors of “Andromeda,” Android Wear 2.0 delays, Motorola’s latest layoff, and more.

Join us at 1:30PM Pacific (4:30PM Eastern) for the fun.

If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.  

Subscribe | Google Play | iTunes | Stitcher | Show Page

Related StoriesThe Droid Life Show: Episode 103 – Let’s Talk S7 and G5The Droid Life Show: Episode 83The Droid Life Show: Episode 110 – Damn, Google I/OThe Droid Life Show: Episode 113 – Nougat!
The Droid Life Show: Episode 122 – Google Event Expectations is a post from: Droid Life

The Droid Life Show: Episode 122 – Google Event Expectations

DEAL: Unlocked LG G5 for $479 ($150 Off), Includes Another $170 in Freebies

The LG G5 may not be the best phone of 2016, yet I would argue that it’s still a good enough phone to own at the right price. Is $479 the right price? Perhaps. B&H Photo is currently selling the flagship from LG at that price, which is a cool $150 discount. Not only that, but they are tossing in $170 or so worth of freebies.

Should you buy the US unlocked LG G5 (which B&H says works on both CDMA and GSM carriers), you’ll not only get the phone at $150 off, you will also get a second battery, battery charging cradle, and your choice of a Gamin vivofit 3 activity tracker ($100 value) in either black or white.

To recap the LG G5, you may want to run through our review.

B&H Photo Link

Related StoriesThis Video Will Help You Take Better Photos on the LG G4LG G5 Unboxing!Deal: Pick Up a Pebble Smartwatch for $89, Pebble Steel for $149YouTube Red Subscribers Get a Free Chromecast From Google
DEAL: Unlocked LG G5 for $479 ($150 Off), Includes Another $170 in Freebies is a post from: Droid Life

DEAL: Unlocked LG G5 for $479 ($150 Off), Includes Another $170 in Freebies

Today in Hip Hop History:Marley Marl was born September 30, 1962

Today in Hip Hop History:Marley Marl was born September 30, 1962

Today in Hip Hop History:Marley Marl was born September 30, 1962

Chinese state TV slams Samsung over Note 7 recall ‘discrimination’

Just as we were beginning to think that the worst was behind Samsung regarding the Galaxy Note 7 battery fiasco, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has lambasted Samsung for discriminating against Chinese consumers when it comes to the terms of the recall.A commentary posted to the broadcaster’s website on Thursday calls out Samsung’s handling of the recall as “full of arrogance” and suggests that Samsung has discriminated against Chinese consumers by insisting that phones in the country do not need replacing. China has not been included in the global Note 7 recall, so customers are not entitled to replacements or refunds in the country under the same terms as the rest of the world.Samsung is already struggling to maintain its market position in the country, having recently fallen out of the top five smartphone manufacturers, and this very public blast is certainly not going to help the company’s reputation in the country.“Samsung’s discriminatory policy has caused discontent from Chinese consumers,” – CCTVCCTV appears to have missed Samsung’s clear memo that handsets in China are unaffected by the problem because they contain batteries produced by a different manufacturer to the global models. Galaxy Note 7 handsets in China, and safe units now shipping globally, contain a battery developed and manufactured by the country’s own Amperex Technology Limited (ATL). The potentially dangerous batteries were designed by Samsung’s own SDI division and were manufactured at factories in Vietnam and South Korea.However, very limited reports of exploding handsets in China have caused some to wonder if Samsung is just ignoring the problem in the country. After two Galaxy Note 7s from Jingdong Mall caught fire, Samsung and ATL investigated the case and found that the battery was not the cause of the fire. As we’ve discussed previously, rare faults can occur in all lithium-ion batteries that can cause fires, but these aren’t necessarily a result of a major manufacturing defect worthy of a recall. See also: Batteries not to blame for Galaxy Note 7 fires in China149 The situation in China has not been helped by the revelation that 1,858 Galaxy Note 7 test devices with potentially dangerous batteries have been recalled in the country. However, all of these phones have been returned without incident. Just yesterday, Samsung also issued another statement to its Chinese website clarifying that the phones on sale in China are safe. However, the company has not responded to the recent claims by CCTV.Samsung is not the first foreign manufacturer to fall foul of the state broadcaster’s perhaps unfair criticisms over the past few years, which has prompted German automaker Volkswagen and rival phone manufacturer Apple to spend significant resources improving their image in the country.  With Xiaomi, OPPO, and Huawei already piling on the pressure for smartphone market share, this Galaxy Note 7 battery issue is likely to hit Samsung hard in China even though the phones are safe to use over there.

Chinese state TV slams Samsung over Note 7 recall ‘discrimination’

Google Pixel XL dimensions and 360-degree renders leaked ahead of October 4 event

A salvo of leaks and rumors surrounding the upcoming Google Pixel smartphones keeps cropping up as October 4 draws near. The latest shot has been fired by the usual suspect @OnLeaks, who revealed Google Pixel XL’s dimensions and 3D images in a 360-degree rendering.Google Pixel phones will be unveiled October 4Leaked: New image of the Google Pixel (Update: Pixel XL, too)The 3D renders show what seems to be a factory CAD result for the Pixel XL, meaning the measurements on all sides and corners are accurate. That is not to say the leak isn’t to be taken with a grain of salt. The leakster shared on Twitter that Google Pixel XL (codenamed Marlin) is said to measure 154.72 x 75.74 x 7.3 mm (on the bottom), though the handset appears thicker at the top at 8.5 mm.#Google #PixelXL aka #Nexus #Marlin dimensions = 154.72mm x 75.74mm x 7.3mm (top) / 8.5mm (bottom) pic.twitter.com/GNVHNnwFMX— OnLeaks (@OnLeaks) September 29, 2016Google Pixel XL appears larger than the Pixel thanks to the former’s 5.5-inch display against the latter’s 5-inch screen. Further examination of the renders will reveal a glass plate that seems to cover the rear camera and fingerprint scanner on the device’s back panel.There’s also a metal frame with sloping edges, a stereo speaker at the bottom, and a USB Type-C port in addition to the power button and volume keys. That’s on the hardware side. Other than the details of the key specs of Pixel XL and Pixel that we previously learned, there’s word that the Pixel XL could set you back around $650.We’ll know more about the two Google Pixel smartphones once the Mountain View giant takes the veil off it on Tuesday next week. So stay tuned for more updates!

Google Pixel XL dimensions and 360-degree renders leaked ahead of October 4 event

Panasonic unveils bendable, twistable battery for smart products

Panasonic has announced its latest flexible battery innovation, which it will be showing off at CEATEC in Japan next week. When combined with flexible displays, printed electronics, and increasingly small processing packages, this could be the technological breakthrough that bendable smartphone enthusiasts have been waiting for.According to Panasonic, the battery can be bent and twisted up to a radius of 25mm, with a maximum angle of 25 degrees,  over 1000 times, while still retaining 99 percent of its charge. Importantly given recent other battery related problems in the news, twisting the cell is completely safe as well. To obtain these properties, Panasonic has custom designed a laminated outer layer to prevent leakage and over-heating, and newly developed internal structure, but the real secrets are hidden away in the company’s patents.Unfortunately, as always seems to be the case with these flexible technologies, there’s still more work to be done before this is ready for powerful pieces of technology, such as smartphones. Currently, the batteries are only designed to hold charges between 17.5 mAh and 60 mAh each. That’s a long way behind the 3,000 mAh cells that we’re used to in top of the line Android phones. However, tens of milliamp hours is enough to power some low power wearables, and these cells might be able to be chained together, say in a smartwatch strap, for some extra battery life.Panasonic is targeting its batteries to power pieces of smart clothing, smart cards, and key cards. For starters, Panasonic’s flexible lithium-ion battery will most likely make its way into small form factory IoT devices and cards, but there’s the possibility that this technology could be scaled up for larger flexible electronics in the future.After showing off its batteries at CEATEC JAPAN 2016 from October 4 to 7, Panasonic plans to begin shipping out samples by the end of October.

Panasonic unveils bendable, twistable battery for smart products

Gionee launches its first VR-ready smartphone, the S6 Pro, in India

Looking to strengthen its S Series portfolio, Gionee has announced the launch of the Gionee S6 Pro in India, entering the Virtual Reality space with its first ever phone for VR enthusiasts. The S6 Pro was first unveiled in China in June this year.The S6 Pro boasts of a metallic unibody design with a 3D camber line back and sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display. It comes pre-loaded with Gionee’s VR app for an immersive VR viewing experience and sports a Split Screen feature allowing users to continue watching a video while they receive notifications from messaging apps. Gionee also offers several games in the G-Store for virtual reality experience and entertainment. There’s also inbuilt apps like Video Editor with themed and professional edits, Desktop Editor, Image+ to record your life, Video beautification, Time lapse, Text Recognition, et al.The S6 family has focussed on selfies with its ‘selfie flash’ for the front camera, and the S6 Pro too packs in an 8MP, f2.2 front camera with screen flash.Gionee S6 Pro SpecificationsOperating System: Android Marshmallow 6.0 with Amigo 3.2Display: 13.97cm (5.5) Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS | 2.5D curved edge display | Gorilla Glass protectionProcessor: Octa Core 1.8GHz MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10RAM: 4GBInternal Storage: 32GB; expandable up to 128GB with microSD cardRear Camera: 13MP with LED flashFront Camera: 8MP with Screen flashBattery: 3130mAhDimensions: 153 x 75.3 x 7.6 mmWeight: 170 gThe Gionee S6 Pro goes on sale across stores in India tomorrow at a price of ₹23,999 ($360) in two color variants – Gold and Rose Gold. The VR set will be separately available for ₹2,499 ($38). As an introductory offer, Saavn will provide a free three months’ subscription of ‘Saavn Pro’ to S6 Pro users.

Gionee launches its first VR-ready smartphone, the S6 Pro, in India