Google Posts Google Assistant SDK Developer Preview

This week, Google has published the first developer preview for the Google Assistant SDK. What does that mean for average consumers like you and I? Not much at this time, but it most definitely will a little later down the road.
With the release of this SDK preview, developers can begin to build integration between their hardware and Google’s digital assistant. Google highlights someone could create a robot with Assistant built in or even a voice-enabled smart mirror. The possibilities go on and on.
Here’s a bit more technical of a description for what this SDK includes, courtesy of Google.
The Google Assistant SDK includes a gRPC API, a Python open source client that handles authentication and access to the API, samples and documentation. The SDK allows you to capture a spoken query, for example “what’s on my calendar”, pass that up to the Google Assistant service and receive an audio response. And while it’s ideal for prototyping on Raspberry Pi devices, it also adds support for many other platforms.
If you’re a developer, go get started.











Via: Google



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Google Posts Google Assistant SDK Developer Preview is a post from: Droid Life

Google Posts Google Assistant SDK Developer Preview

Ludo [Android Game]

App Name: Ludo [Android Game] Cost: Free Developer: Playzio App Market: Download Page Description: RRelive your childhood by playing this awesome Ludo board Game with your family, kids, friends or anyone in the world with an online multiplayer feature. The objective of the game is pretty straightforward Two, three, or four may play, each player gets 4 tokens. These tokens must make a full turn of the board and then make it to the finish line. The player who gets all four tokens to the finish line first is the winner. However, each move can only be made based on the number decided by casting a six-sided dice, and each token can only move out of their home by casting a number six on the dice. Additionally, the competition factor of the games is upped by the fact that while moving if another player’s token lands on the same square as your token, then your token will automatically be sent back home and you’ll need to roll a six again....
This is an original post from Ludo [Android Game] at App Review Central by Larry Sullivan

Ludo [Android Game]

HTC Wants You to Squeeze All the Things in Preparation for New U Phone

Take a moment to reflect on all the great things in life that you can squeeze. Good, very nice. HTC has uploaded a new teaser video for its event on May 16, the same one that we expect the company to unveil the HTC U aka U 11. 
In this video, HTC shows us all sorts of things you can squeeze. There are lemons, sponges, ketchup bottles, kiwis, and plenty of other fun items. Of course, the belief is that the HTC U has pressure sensitive sides, so the idea of squeezing your phone may soon be reality.
There’s also a quick glimpse of the device at the 0:03 mark. It does look rather slim, at least from that angle.
We’re bound to find out a whole lot more on May 16, the same week as Google I/O, so hang in there.














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HTC Wants You to Squeeze All the Things in Preparation for New U Phone is a post from: Droid Life

HTC Wants You to Squeeze All the Things in Preparation for New U Phone

David Foster, VP of Hardware Product Development, Exits Google

David Foster, a VP of Hardware Product Development at Google, who worked as an overseer on the Pixel and Google Home projects, has departed Google. 
Reporting directly to Rick Osterloh, who came to Google after departing Motorola last year, Foster played a big role at Google after being recruited from Amazon. At his old gig, Foster led development on the Kindle tablet lineup, as well as the Amazon Echo.
While a company losing an executive suddenly may seem odd, especially with a potential Pixel 2 coming up and Google I/O right around the corner, Bloomberg reports that Google is not planning to replace Foster. I suppose if the role of VP of Hardware Product Development was essential, Google could insert someone rather quickly, but they aren’t. It’s possible Osterloh will oversee it all moving forward, but details are limited on the inner workings of Google’s hardware division.
Best of luck to Mr. Foster.
Via: Bloomberg



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David Foster, VP of Hardware Product Development, Exits Google is a post from: Droid Life

David Foster, VP of Hardware Product Development, Exits Google

Report: T-Mobile to Offer Its Own Commitment Free Smartphone

According to a new report, T-Mobile may soon enter the smartphone game, with the effort suggested to kick off in Q3 of 2017. 
Few details were provided in the report, which is based on supposed marketing materials, but the gist is that T-Mobile will offer an affordable phone that could have a few high-end features, then couple that device with zero commitment on the buyer’s part.
Reportedly paired with an unannounced plan, buyers will be covered by a lifetime warranty on the device, meaning if you drop and break the phone, it’s covered. The no commitment aspect would mean if you get tired of the phone, you simply return it with no repercussions (fees, etc.). Essentially, it comes off as a rental program, where you pay for usage of the device each month, but can then return it whenever you’re ready to.
From the outside, this does seem like a very Uncarrier thing for T-Mobile do to. However, you’d hope the phone is actually pretty decent, unless you don’t mind spending money on some type of Android burner. We got a ways to go before Q3 comes around, and still, none of this information has been confirmed.
If T-Mobile offered you a phone with a lifetime warranty and no commitment, would you consider it?
Via: Android Authority



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Report: T-Mobile to Offer Its Own Commitment Free Smartphone is a post from: Droid Life

Report: T-Mobile to Offer Its Own Commitment Free Smartphone

Deal: Save $65 on Samsung Level U Pro Bluetooth headphones, now just $35

With more and more smartphone companies doing away with the faithful 3.5mm headphone jack, now is probably the time to start keeping an eye out for some decent Bluetooth headphones. The Samsung Level U Pro wireless headphones are currently on sale at Amazon for an impressive 65 percent off the normal purchase price of $99. That makes these a steal at just $34.99.
See also: Best bluetooth headphones of 2017
To get them at this price you’ll be stuck with the black color option, but if you want to spend a little more to add some additional flair to your ‘phones, you can get the purple version for $54.72 and the bronze version for $58.99. The snazzy blue pair are the most expensive at $70.99 but fashion never comes cheap now does it?
Ultra High-Quality (UHQ) Audio means the Samsung Level U Pro headphones deliver 24-bit digital audio, with double the frequency range of standard CD-quality wireless audio (when paired with supported Galaxy phones). The neckband-style in-ear buds have 13mm drivers and dual microphones, with small magnets to stop the buds from flapping around when they’re not in your ears. They sport a nine hour battery life and are comfortable enough to wear all day.
BUY ON AMAZON

Deal: Save $65 on Samsung Level U Pro Bluetooth headphones, now just $35

You can give the LG G6 a see-through back too

JerryRigEverything
Zack Nelson from YouTube durability testing channel JerryRigEverything has responded to requests on social media to see if the same approach to creating a Galaxy S8 with a see-through back panel would also work on the LG G6. Turns out it does. Zack now has the world’s first clear LG G6 to go with his see-through Galaxy S8.
The process starts out much the same as with the Galaxy S8, just apply a heat gun to the back to soften the glue and carefully pop the Gorilla Glass 5 panel off. But where the Galaxy S8 required a solvent bath to remove the paint layer from the inside, the LG G6 simply has a plastic-like layer that can be peeled off by hand.





A few minor nips and tucks follow to fully show off the internals and the naked LG G6 is born. If you’re at all interested in trying this on your G6, just be aware that besides voiding your warranty you’ll also lose your water-resistant rating and wireless charging if you choose to remove the coils, but it’s still an easier-looking project than the clear S8. Zack’s taking requests for the next phone to receive the naked treatment, so hit the comments on the video to make your suggestions.

You can give the LG G6 a see-through back too