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Mobile Syrup

Reddit user posts live images of Google’s alleged Pixel Watch with silicone band

While Google has yet to officially reveal its long-rumoured Pixel Watch, yet another glimpse of the smartwatch in the real world has appeared, this time courtesy of Reddit user Tagtech.’

Tagtech’s post shows off the rumoured Pixel Watch and its 20mm black soft silicone watch band that reportedly doesn’t show fingerprints that badly. Additionally, the Reddit user says that it feels thinner than its measurements indicate and that it’s the “most comfortable” watch they’ve ever worn. Additionally, they describe the wearable as feeling secure on their wrist, but difficult to put on the first time. This is the same Pixel Watch that leaked in several images earlier this week.

You can check out all of the images of the Pixel Watch on Tagtech’s Imgur account.

Earlier this week, Google filed the trademark for “Pixel Watch” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). We’ve checked Canada’s Radio Equipment listing and the Pixel Watch has yet to appear, though it likely will at some point in the near future. Still, this could be an indication that the wearable won’t launch in Canada at the same time as the United States.

At Alphabet’s earnings call on April 26th, the company’s CEO, Sundar Pichai stated that new hardware will be revealed at Google I/O on May 11th. It’s possible this is when the tech giant will finally show off the long-awaited Pixel Watch and Pixel 6a.

Image Credit: Tagtech

Source: Reddit (Tagtech) Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Google CEO teases new hardware at I/O 2022

During Alphabet’s earnings calls, Sundar Pichai, the company’s CEO, said that the Pixel 6 is the ‘fastest-selling Pixel ever’ and that there will be hardware and Android announcements I/O 2022.

Pixel 6 is a huge step forward for the Pixel portfolio. And it’s been great to see the response from Pixel users. It’s the fastest selling Pixel ever. And we are building broad consumer awareness of the brand and making good progress. I’m excited about the products we have coming and look forward to sharing more at Google I/O.

Further, the company plans to show off new Android features and services at I/O. Considering Google released Android 13 Beta 1 today without very many exciting features for users, it makes sense that the company plans to show off more at its I/O event on Ma

We’re expecting to see the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Watch at the May 11th Google I/O event.

Later this year, the YouTube app for television will improve smartphone control navigation and interactive features that will let people comment and share the videos they are watching on the TV screen.

Earnings-wise, Alphabet’s Q1 revenue is up 23 percent from 55.3 billion in Q1 2021, with an operating income of 20.09 billion and a net income of 16.44 billion for this quarter, down from 17.93 year-over-year (yoy). Further, in Q1 2022, YouTube ad revenue was 6.87 billion vs $6 billion yoy. Google’s other revenues, including its devices, Play Store and YouTube non-advertising revenue, reported $6.82 billion compared to $6.49 billion yoy.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Leaked Pixel Watch photos offer the best look at the smartwatch yet

Leaks surrounding Google’s often-rumoured Pixel Watch have been appearing at a rapid rate over the last few weeks, but this latest image offers what seems to be the best look yet at the upcoming smartwatch.

According to a new report from Android Central, the publication was tipped off by someone who found an engineering sample of Google’s rumoured smartwatch in a restaurant in the United States. The source of the information asked the publication not to mention “their name or the restaurant name, including location, in order to protect their job.”

The leaked images back up what we’ve seen in several leaked renders, showing off the Pixel Watch’s circular design and Apple Watch-like Digital Crown on the right side.

Pixel Watch back

Android Central also mentions that the images show off a possible hidden button and that the wearable will use a propriety watch band. A recent leak indicated that the Pixel Watch’s current internal codename at Google is ‘Rohan.’ Google also filed for the ‘Pixel Watch’ trademark name in the United States.

It’s worth noting that this leak is strikingly similar to when Gizmodo reported on an iPhone 4 prototype that was misplaced at a restaurant. Though it’s still unclear, it appears that this leak surrounding the Pixel Watch could feature similar circumstances.

It’s likely that Google plans to officially revealed the Pixel Watch during I/O 2022 on May 11th and 12th next month.

Check out all of the leaked images of the Pixel Watch on Android Central.

Image credit: Android Central 

Source: Android Central 

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Mobile Syrup

Google files trademark for ‘Pixel Watch,’ seemingly confirming the device’s name ahead of launch

Google has filed a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for ‘Pixel Watch.’ This trademark seemingly confirms Google’s long-awaited smartwatch ahead of its expected reveal.

Google remains quiet on any prospects of its Pixel-branded smartwatch. However, reports indicate the company is leading up to an official reveal. Many references to a first-party Wear OS smartwatch are currently available. Though, any confirmation from Google is still in the air. Until now it appears.

The Google trademark of the Pixel Watch covers smartwatches, straps, and accessories.

“PIXEL WATCH™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of smartwatches; cases adapted for holding smartwatches; wearable computers in the nature of smartwatches; smartwatch straps; smartwatch bands.”

Outside of the trademark name, the filing doesn’t cover any new information. The most we can glean from this aside from the name is that Google is readying itself for an official announcement of the device.

Additionally, references to the Google Pixel Watch’s codename appeared. The device appears as “Pixel Rohan,” according to leaker Evan Blass. There is even a reference to the device running Wear OS 3.1 within the leak. “Won’t be long now,” Blass wrote in a tweet.

Finally, many speculate that the Pixel Watch is going to be revealed during the company’s I/O conference. Google is hosting its annual I/O developer conference from May 11th to May 12th. Prior reports indicate that Google may reveal the Pixel Watch at the event alongside the Pixel 6a.

The Google Pixel Watch name seems all but inevitable. From a marketing perspective, Google is wise to keep its branding to the Pixel name as it’ll likely function as a core pillar in the Pixel ecosystem. It is only a matter of time before the I/O conference is held and we know for certain if a release is imminent.

Image credit: @jon_prosser

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google introduces new Play Store policy, banning third-party call recording apps

Google is seemingly banning all third-party call recording apps from the Play Store in the imminent future. As a part of an upcoming Google Play Store policy change, apps can no longer use the ‘Accessibility’ API for call recording on Google Play Store.

While intentionally designed for people with disabilities, some apps utilize Accessibility API to gain audio functions of an Android device. In Google’s pursuit of stopping call recordings on Android, the company is banning the use of Accessibility Service for call recordings, according to a Reddit user.

As per the updated Play Store policy guidelines, Google states, “Apps with a core functionality intended to directly support people with disabilities are eligible to use the IsAccessibilityTool.” However, “Apps not eligible for IsAccessibilityTool may not use the flag and must meet prominent disclosure and consent requirements. The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording.”

Since the heyday of Android 6, Google has been incrementally working on eliminating call recording from third-party apps. This was largely a success during that era. Upon the advent of Android 10, Google banned the microphone for call recording. Now, Accessibility API use is the last peg on the ladder.

During a webinar video, Google discussed the topic at hand. “Remote in this context refers to call audio recording where the person on the other end is unaware of the recording is taking place.”

Google is removing third-party apps from the Play Store. However, apps such as Google Phone and Mi Dialer will not experience any changes. Both apps feature native call recording features.

Privacy and maintaining user security are undoubtedly important. Though, call recording functionality can often be a legitimate practice for many of Google’s users and businesses. Striking a balance between offering solutions from trusted sources will go a long way for users.

Source: Reddit, Via: Engadget

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Mobile Syrup

Google’s Switch to Android app is now rolling out on iOS

Google’s ‘Switch to Android’ app has started rolling out to the public, according to TechCrunch.

The app reportedly is expected to reach 10 percent of users by end of day on April 19th, and 100 percent over the next couple weeks.

Previously, the best way to switch to iOS was to back up contacts, calendars, photos and videos to the iPhone Google Drive app. Now, the Switch to Android app offers a more streamlined experience, but on the developer side, it uses the same data types as Google Drive.

The Switch to Android app also offers instructions about the transfer process, such as how to disconnect from iMessage so that you’re able to get texts on your Android device.

Currently, the app only works with Google Pixel handsets on the receiving end, but Google will add more devices later.

TechCrunch spotted the Switch to Android app on the App Store before Google’s official announcement. Following that, The Verge noted that the app was removed from the App Store. And now the app is back.

Via: TechCrunch

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 6a to lack Motion Mode camera feature

Google’s upcoming Pixel 6a will not support “Motion Mode” photography, according to a developer.

Android developer Kuba Wojciechowski discovered that the Pixel Tips app suggests Google’s phone won’t have Motion Mode.

The Pixel Tips app code reportedly excludes the “bluejay” Pixel 6a codename for the Motion Mode functionality.

Motion Mode in the Google Camera app can create effects to highlight the movement in a picture. Motion Mode isn’t the best feature, but it’s pretty cool. However, it’s probably not a feature I’ll miss on the Pixel 6a.

You can check out Motion Mode at work on my Pixel 6 Pro review, showcasing ‘Action Pan’ and ‘Long Exposure’ features.

Source: XDA Developers

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Mobile Syrup

New evidence supporting the existence of the Google Pixel Watch emerges

Evan Blass, infamously known for his accurate leaks and insider information, has shown new evidence regarding the Google Pixel Watch. The unannounced device has long been rumoured about. Blass shares a screenshot with a direct reference to its “Rohan” codename.

On Twitter, Blass shared an image with a broken JPG. The name referred to in the screenshot is “Google Pixel Rohan.” For quite some time now, rumours and previous reports pegged “Rohan” as the internal codename for Google’s Pixel smartwatch. Next to the Google Pixel Watch codename is another reference to the name along with the drop-down referring to Wear OS 3.1. “Won’t be long now,” Blass wrote in the tweet.

Blass has a great reputation for obtaining insider knowledge in tech. Given how reliable he has been in the past, this piece of evidence does join a growing pile pointing to the watch’s existence.

Google has been rumoured to have been working on the Pixel Watch for many years. However, over the more recent months, it’s become more clear that Google may be getting ready for an imminent reveal. In January, Jon Prosser claimed that a May 26th event will be held by Google. Here, the company may reveal the smartwatch.

According to reports, the Google Pixel Watch will run on a version of Google’s Wear OS 3. It’s interesting that the screenshot mentions Google Wear OS 3.1, even though OS 3.2 is available on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series

Renders also indicate that it will feature a minimalist design with a slim, circular watch face. It’s likely to feature a crown on the side. Much like the Apple Watch, Google may look into an assortment of proprietary watch bands as well.

There have also been talks that the Pixel Watch features a next-gen iteration of Google Assistant. Mentions of “PIXEL_EXPERIENCE_WATCH” have been found, leading to assumptions it supports proprietary Android features.

There’s still no firm confirmation that Google will unveil the Google Pixel Watch in May. However, as the evidence continues to flow in, there is more of a reason to be excited about the possibilities.

Image credit: @jon_prosser

Source: AndroidAuthority

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 7 to reportedly feature same camera sensors as predecessor

New rumours hint that Google’s upcoming Pixel 7 series could be pretty dull as far as its camera is concerned.

Information from the tipster Yogesh Brar indicates that the Pixel  7 series will sport a 50-megapixel sensor that’s the same as the Pixel 6 series’ shooter.

In the past, Google has used the same camera module in multiple versions of its smartphones, and it seems like its 50-megapixel sensor in the Pixel 6 is no exception. Google will likely opt to improve the Pixel 7 series’ camera through new software features.

While the handset will reportedly feature the same camera sensor, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are expected to feature a more powerful second-gen Google Tensor chipset that should improve the shooter and the smartphones’ overall performance.

Google’s Pixel 7 series is expected to launch sometime in September or October. In other Pixel-related news, there’s a strong possibility that the rumoured Pixel 6a could launch in Canada soon.

Source: @heyitsyogesh 

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Mobile Syrup

Google’s ‘Look and Talk’ makes it easier to launch Assistant on the Nest Hub Max

Though Google hasn’t officially confirmed the feature yet, it looks like ‘Look and Talk’ could help users more easily launch Google Assistant on the Nest Hub Max.

As first uncovered by 9to5Mac, code spotted in the Google app beta (13.14) outlines a new Look and Talk feature that would allow users to “look at the display from up to 5ft away to talk to Google.” This means you don’t need to say the usual “Hey Google” or “Ok Google” wake words to activate Google Assistant.

The feature will also work with the Nest Hub Max’s ‘Face Match’ and ‘Voice Match’ features, ensuring that Assistant matches the appropriate user.

According to 9to5Google, the code specifically says:

“Your device relies on camera sensing and analyzes your video to determine if you want to activate your Assistant. Assistant may activate when you didn’t intend it to, if it incorrectly detects you want its help. Your video is processed on-device and isn’t sent to Google servers.”

Given the Nest Hub Max is the only Nest Hub to feature a built-in camera, it doesn’t look like ‘Look and Talk’ will make its way to the 1st-gen or 2nd-gen Nest Hub. A

s someone who hates saying “Hey, Google,” the prospect of this feature making its way to the Hub Max is exciting. That said, I still just have a 2nd-gen Nest Hub and didn’t bother upgrading to the Nest Hub Max when it launched back in 2019.

Since this is still an in-development feature uncovered in a beta, it’s also important to point out that it may never get a public release. Google has yet to officially announce Look and Talk.

Source: 9to5Google