Tag: Google

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Google tucks pinball mini-game into Google app

Though we may have missed it when it launched back in June, Google has added a fun pinball mini-game to the Google app on iOS.

As far as Google’s Easter Egg games go, this pinball one has a surprising amount of depth to it. As you play, the levels change and more power-ups/items start to appear on the screen. It’s a straightforward concept but addicting in a “I need a high score” type of way. It might even be better than the dino jumping mini-game featured in Chrome.

On my first attempt, I was able to score 2,430.

On iOS, you can access this game by downloading the Google app, opening up a few tabs, then navigating over to the ‘Tabs’ page and scrolling up. Do this until all the tabs are no longer visible and then the mini-game will begin. Since there is no Tabs section on Android, it appears Google has only added this game to iOS.

I’ll also mention that I didn’t pull up far enough the first time I attempted to access the game. With this in mind, it’s easier to know how far to pull if you have at least six tabs open.

Source: Reddit (Friendly_Cajun)

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Mobile Syrup

Some users claim most third-party chargers won’t work with Pixel 6

Some users have noted that their Pixel 6 smartphones can’t be charged with third-party chargers.

According to several users on Reddit, the Pixel 6 Pro won’t recharge with older Pixel smartphone chargers or third-party chargers. Additionally, others have claim that their Pixel 6 won’t charge with any car chargers, including the original Pixel Stand or the newer 2nd-gen version.

One Pixel Community forum user said that they tried to use roughly 20 different charging combinations and none worked. However, they said that a ‘power delivery charger’ — a charging brick capable of higher speeds — was able to charge the smartphone.

It’s unclear what the source of this issue is and why only some Pixel 6 devices are affected. The charging problem seems to be tied to the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro.

I often charge my Pixel 6 Pro with a Nintendo Switch charger, Google’s proprietary charger or plug it into my wall outlet adapter, and I’ve experienced no issues with charging the smartphone.

For more on the Pixel 6 series, check out our review of the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro.

Source: Reddit, Pixel Community Forum Via: Android Headlines

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Mobile Syrup

Some users claim most third-party chargers won’t work with Pixel 6

Some users have noted that their Pixel 6 smartphones can’t be charged with third-party chargers.

According to several users on Reddit, the Pixel 6 Pro won’t recharge with older Pixel smartphone chargers or third-party chargers. Additionally, others have claim that their Pixel 6 won’t charge with any car chargers, including the original Pixel Stand or the newer 2nd-gen version.

One Pixel Community forum user said that they tried to use roughly 20 different charging combinations and none worked. However, they said that a ‘power delivery charger’ — a charging brick capable of higher speeds — was able to charge the smartphone.

It’s unclear what the source of this issue is and why only some Pixel 6 devices are affected. The charging problem seems to be tied to the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro.

I often charge my Pixel 6 Pro with a Nintendo Switch charger, Google’s proprietary charger or plug it into my wall outlet adapter, and I’ve experienced no issues with charging the smartphone.

For more on the Pixel 6 series, check out our review of the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro.

Source: Reddit, Pixel Community Forum Via: Android Headlines

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Mobile Syrup

Sign up for YouTube Premium and get three months free

‘Black Friday’ is almost here, and YouTube wants to make it special with this Cyber Week offer.

Between now and December 6th, you can get three months of YouTube Premium for absolutely nothing. YouTube Premium includes ad-free YouTube and YouTube Music and gives you access to play media in the background and offline downloads.

It’s worth noting that the promotion is available to new users only, and if you’ve claimed a free trial in the past, your mileage for the current promotion may vary. Head to Youtube.com/Premium to claim your first three months off, post which, you’ll be charged $11.99 per month.

Image credit: YouTube

Source: Youtube 

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Mobile Syrup

The pandemic reportedly disrupted Google’s plan to launch Pixel 5 with Tensor

There have been rumours for a while now that Google’s Pixel 5 ‘flagship’ wasn’t supposed to launch with the mid-range Snapdragon 765G like it did. However, according to a new video from Marques Brownlee (MKBHD on YouTube), the Pixel 5 was actually supposed to ship with Google’s Tensor processor.

Brownlee dropped a massive 30+ minute video going back over every Nexus and Pixel phone. Towards the end of that video (at 29:41, to be precise), Brownlee says he’s heard from “people at Google” that Tensor was supposed to launch in the Pixel 5. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing supply chain disruptions upended that plan. Google switched to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G at the last moment.

Android Authority, which first covered Brownlee’s comments, noted that it’s unclear whether the Pixel 5 Tensor chip was the same as what’s now in the Pixel 6. Android Police, however, reports that leaks indicate the Pixel 5 Tensor was slightly different than what launched in the Pixel 6.

Regardless, it’s interesting to think about how a Tensor-equipped Pixel 5 may have shaken things up for Google. Although the Pixel 5 was generally considered a good phone, its Snapdragon 765G made it difficult to call a flagship. In some ways, the Pixel 6 line appears to be completely opposite to the Pixel 5, forgoing things like a small size option, a unique, textured backplate and other little features in favour of a more generic “premium flagship” glass sandwich.

If you’re interested, you can check out Brownlee’s full Nexus/Pixel video here.

Source: MKBHD (YouTube), Via: Android Authority, Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 6a cameras rumoured to be downgrade over Pixel 6

Google only released the Pixel 6 last month, but we’re already talking about the company’s upcoming Pixel 6a.

While the upcoming smartphone will reportedly sport the company’s proprietary Tensor chip, this latest rumour, unfortunately, points to the device lacking the Pixel 6’s top-of-the-line cameras.

Google’s mid-range handset will sport a rear visor like the Pixel 6 series, but according to 9to5Google, the phone will offer the 12.2-megapixel Sony IMX363 primary sensor that’s been featured in Pixel 3 through 5a devices.

However, the Pixel 6a is rumoured to sport the Pixel 6’s ultra-wide-angle 12-megapixel shooter and the 8-megapixel selfie camera on the from the smaller Pixel 6.

While the upcoming Pixel 6a featuring worse cameras when compared to the Pixel 6 series isn’t a shock, previous A-series Pixel smartphones have offered the same cameras as their flagship counterparts. A-series enthusiasts are likely expecting more affordable devices, but with great camera specs. While the Pixel 6a might still snap excellent photos, the images likely won’t be up to par with the Pixel 6 series.

It’s exciting that the Pixel 6a will offer Google’s Tensor as it should bring the Pixel 6 serires’ machine learning, camera features and Google Assistant functionality to the cheaper version of the smartphone.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the best Black Friday deals in Canada so far

Several retailers in Canada have already launched their (early) Black Friday deals.

Below is a round-up of some of the most notable offers and promotions, with more on the way as we approach Black Friday:

Best Buy

Best Buy’s Black Friday deals discount everything from TVs, laptops and headphones to wearables, video games and smart home tech. Check out some of its most notable deals below:

Find all Best Buy Black Friday deals here.

Amazon

Although Amazon Canada states in a press release that its deals will be offered in a two-day bonanza, likely on the 25th and 26th, there are plenty of notable deals to consider scoring now, especially if you’re concerned about shipping delays this holiday season. Check them out below:

Find all Amazon Black Friday deals here.

Apple

Instead of discounting its products, Apple includes free gift cards with specific device purchases. Check out the deals below:

Find all Apple Black Friday deals here.

Samsung

Google and Samsung have teamed up for a new holiday deal.

When you purchase a Galaxy smartwatch, phone or tablet you also get free Google Play Credit, as outlined below:

To get the promotion you have to purchase one of those above devices between November 19th and December 9th. You then have to register your new device to your Samsung Account and opt-in for the offer by December 20th.

You will receive a code by email once these steps are complete and verified. Once all of that is complete, you have until August 31st, 2022, to add it to your Google account in the Google Play store.

Google

Google’s online store ‘Black Friday’ deals and promotions are live now, with great discounts on several of the company’s smart home gadgets and Pixelbooks.

Find all Black Friday deals from Google below:

Find all Google Black Friday deals here.

Walmart

Walmart’s Black Friday deals dropped on November 17th and are expected to run till November 24th, after which, the retailer will launch a new batch of promotions. Check out currently-active deals at Walmart below:

Find all active Walmart Black Friday deals here.

PlayStation

Sony went live with its ‘Black Friday’ PlayStation sale on November 19th, with several deals on titles, bundles and add-ons.

Check out some of the most notable deals below:

Find all PlayStation Black Friday deals here.

The Source

The Source’s Black Friday deals dropped on November 18th and are expected to run till November 24th, after which a new batch of Black Friday deals will roll out. Check the current deals below:

Find all Source Black Friday deals here.

Dyson

Dyson Canada released an early sneak peek of its Black Friday sale on November 18th. It’s worth noting that the sale pricing isn’t live yet. You can find the discounted deals online and in Dyson Demo stores starting November 25th.

Newegg

Newegg has PC components, pre-built PCs, laptops, peripherals and a lot more on sale, with more items to be discounted later this week. Check out some active notable deals below:

Find Newegg’s Black Friday deals here.

Ubisoft

Ubisoft launched its Black Friday sales on the Ubisoft Store, discounting games by up to 80 percent. Plus, the company’s offering an additional 20 percent off your cart with the BF20 promo code. Check out some of its current deals below:

Find all Ubisoft Black Friday deals here.

Image credit: Shutterstock

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Google Pixel 6a renders show smaller design, no headphone jack

Renders of a potential Pixel 6a design have arrived, showing off a new design direction for Google’s lower-cost ‘a’ Pixel line.

The renders come from Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks, via 91Mobiles) and show a Pixel 6a sporting a very similar design to Google’s recently launched Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. That means the camera bump bar is back, likely with a two-tone back panel like with the flagship Pixel phones.

Additionally, the renders show a centre hole-punch selfie camera cutout like on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It’s not clear if Google will actually do that with the 6a, but since the a-series typically sport a similar design to the current Pixel flagships, I’d say there’s a good chance the 6a will sport the centre selfie cam.

Interestingly, the renders don’t show a physical fingerprint sensor on the back of the Pixel 6a. If accurate, it could mean the 6a will use an in-display scanner like the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6a renders also don’t show a headphone jack, which could be a significant shift for Google’s budget Pixel line. So far, every a-series Pixel has had a headphone jack — something Google has gone out of its way to highlight before.

Finally, the Pixel 6a reportedly measures in at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7mm, suggesting it will sport a display around the 6.2-inch mark. That makes it a little smaller than the Pixel 6 at 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm with a 6.4-inch screen. That could make the Pixel 6a an option for those out there who like the Pixel 6 but want it in a smaller form factor (like me).

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that these are just renders, and we’re still likely months away from an actual Pixel 6a launch, assuming Google releases a Pixel 6a at all. In other words, a lot of these details could change.

Source: OnLeaks, 91Mobiles Via: 9to5Google

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Get up to $200 in Google credits with purchase of Samsung devices

Google and Samsung have teamed up for a new holiday deal.

When you purchase a Galaxy smartwatch, phone or tablet you might also be able to grab a Google Play Credit.

To get the promotion you have to purchase one of those above devices between November 19th and December 9th. You then have to register your new device to your Samsung Account and opt-in for the offer by December 20th.

You will receive a code by email once these steps are complete and verified. Once all of that is complete, you have until Aug. 31, 2022, to add it to your Google account in the Google Play store.

These deals are available until December 9th.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

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You can now pre-order the Pixel Stand 2nd-gen in Canada

Google unveiled the Pixel Stand 2nd-generation on October 19th, but it hasn’t been available to order in Canada until now.

The 2nd-gen Pixel Stand can now be pre-ordered with shipping listed as December 14th. It’s unclear if this is the Pixel Stand’s official release date.

This Pixel Stand costs $109 and offers 30W of charging if your smartphone is capable of that charging speed. It’s worth noting that the Pixel 6 only features 21W charging and that the Pixel 6 Pro offers 23W charging, so you won’t be able to get the full 30W charging speeds if you own one of Google’s new flagship smartphones.

Google says the stand (2nd-gen) is made of approximately 39 percent recycled materials. Similar to the previous Pixel Stand, when you place your Pixel 6 device on the charger, it turns the smartphone into a Google Home-like device, allowing you to say ‘Hey Google’ to activate Nest Cams, adjust the temperature and more.

You can pre-order the Pixel Stand 2nd-gen, here.