Tag: Google

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Mobile Syrup

How do you like your new Pixel 6 or 6 Pro?

Last week, I asked if you pre-ordered the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and based on the response, it seems like a lot of people are interested in buying Google’s latest flagships.

However, now we’re interested in knowing your thoughts on the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro. If you are one of the people that were able to get your hands on a Pixel 6 series device, how do you feel about it after using the smartphone for a few days?

After about two weeks with the phone, I’m still really enjoying it, especially its fantastic camera, display, speed and overall user experience. For more on the Pixel 6 Pro, check out my review. MobileSyrup’s Jon Lamont also reviewed the Pixel 6.

Let us know in the comments below how you feel about the Pixel 6 series so far if you purchased the smartphone.

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Mobile Syrup

Here’s a sneaky way to set up Pixel 6’s Magic Eraser on your last-gen Pixel

Those holding onto their older Pixels this year instead of upgrading to the fancy new Pixel 6 and 6 Pro might be feeling some FOMO over new camera features. But, it seems like there might be a way to get at least one new feature — Magic Eraser — on previous Pixel phones.

As usual, Google’s newest Pixel phone arrived with several fancy camera tricks, but many of them appear to be software-based. However, Google has indicated some of the new software features rely on capabilities built into the new Tensor chip, which suggests the company won’t port the features back to older models.

Despite that limitation, Android Police has found a way to get the new Magic Eraser feature onto other Pixel phones. In short, it involves installing a Google Photos APK file from a Pixel 6 device — APK files, for those not familiar with them, are the application files for Android apps.

How to get Magic Eraser on an older Pixel

We’ve included the instructions below on how to install the APK file and gain access to Magic Eraser, but before you rush into it, I’d advise that anyone not comfortable with installing APK files from third-party sources (or anyone not comfortable troubleshooting problems if something goes wrong) should not do this. Also, you’ll need to be running Android 12 for this to work.

With that said, let’s get into it:

  1. First, you’ll need the ‘Split APKs Installer’ (SAI) app from the Play Store — this app helps install multiple pieces of an APK file, which will be necessary for getting Magic Eraser working on an older Pixel. You’ll also need to download a zipped file with the necessary files from the Android Police website to your smartphone (other Google Photos APK files might not work).
  2. With everything downloaded, open SAI and tap ‘Install APKs.’
  3. Select ‘System file picker’ and grant permission for SAI to access files on your device.
  4. Select the ‘.zip’ file you downloaded from Android Police.
  5. You should see a list of APK pieces, including the base APK and configuration resources — tap ‘Install’ at the bottom.
  6. Next, you’ll see a pop-up asking you to grant SAI permission to install unknown apps. Tap ‘Settings’ and enable permission.
  7. Finally, you’ll see a pop-up asking if you want to update Photos. Tap ‘Update.’

Magic Eraser should work fine on most Pixel phones

Once that’s done, you can open Google Photos and start messing around with Magic Eraser. You’ll be able to find it by selecting an image > Edt > Tools > Magic Eraser. Android Police reported it works fine on the Pixel 5, 5a, 4 XL and 4a. I gave it a try on my Pixel 3 and it also worked fine, although the app crashed the first time I tried to use it (after that, I had no issues).

One final caveat worth considering is that while Magic Eraser is fairly easy to get now, that could change in the future. Android Police warns that a future Photos update could break or remove the functionality. But for now, if you want you can download it and try it out.

Source: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye still using the Google Pixel 3 in new Disney+ series

Superman isn’t the only superhero who loves the Google Pixel.

At the 30-second mark in the latest ‘Event’ trailer for Marvel’s upcoming Hawkeye Disney+ series, there’s a moment when Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton takes a phone call outside of a store. The purpose of this scene is for a fun “I’ll be home for Christmas” line from Clin, but Eagle-eyed viewers may also notice that he’s actually using the Google Pixel 3.

It’s a particularly notable phone for him to have since it’s the same model he used in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. The phone can be seen in the pivotal scene where Hulk uses Tony Stark’s makeshift Infinity Gauntlet to bring back half of all life in the universe. Clint receives a call on his Pixel 3 from his previously deceased wife, thus showing that Hulk’s efforts worked.

But what’s especially interesting is that Clint’s phone would undoubtedly have been destroyed immediately after this call, given Thanos’ airstrike on the Avengers compound. Therefore, Clint was clearly enough of a fan of the Pixel 3 to not only get a new one, but still be using it by the time of the Hawkeye series.

It’s unclear exactly how long Hawkeye takes place after Endgame, but presumably, there are at least a few months between both MCU titles, suggesting he’s been using the Pixel 3 for a little while. (I like to imagine that Clint went to replace it immediately after Tony Stark’s funeral in Endgame).

Interestingly, fellow Avenger Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) was seen using a Windows Phone in her eponymous solo film earlier this year. However, that film took place in 2016, which made it more understandable that she might be using one of the now-discontinued devices.

Hawkeye is Marvel’s fourth live-action series for Disney+, following WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki. Set to premiere with two episodes on November 24th, Hawkeye follows Clint Barton as he teams up with the young archer Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) to fight enemies from his past and get back to his family in time for Christmas.

It’s also worth noting that ahead of the Hawkeye premiere, Disney will hold its inaugural ‘Disney+ Day’ event on November 12th. This presentation will stream on Disney+ and offer news on future streaming titles from a variety of brands, including Marvel.

Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye still using the Google Pixel 3 in new Disney+ series

Superman isn’t the only superhero who loves the Google Pixel.

At the 30-second mark in the latest ‘Event’ trailer for Marvel’s upcoming Hawkeye Disney+ series, there’s a moment when Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton takes a phone call outside of a store. The purpose of this scene is for a fun “I’ll be home for Christmas” line from Clin, but Eagle-eyed viewers may also notice that he’s actually using the Google Pixel 3.

It’s a particularly notable phone for him to have since it’s the same model he used in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. The phone can be seen in the pivotal scene where Hulk uses Tony Stark’s makeshift Infinity Gauntlet to bring back half of all life in the universe. Clint receives a call on his Pixel 3 from his previously deceased wife, thus showing that Hulk’s efforts worked.

But what’s especially interesting is that Clint’s phone would undoubtedly have been destroyed immediately after this call, given Thanos’ airstrike on the Avengers compound. Therefore, Clint was clearly enough of a fan of the Pixel 3 to not only get a new one, but still be using it by the time of the Hawkeye series.

It’s unclear exactly how long Hawkeye takes place after Endgame, but presumably, there are at least a few months between both MCU titles, suggesting he’s been using the Pixel 3 for a little while. (I like to imagine that Clint went to replace it immediately after Tony Stark’s funeral in Endgame).

Interestingly, fellow Avenger Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) was seen using a Windows Phone in her eponymous solo film earlier this year. However, that film took place in 2016, which made it more understandable that she might be using one of the now-discontinued devices.

Hawkeye is Marvel’s fourth live-action series for Disney+, following WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki. Set to premiere with two episodes on November 24th, Hawkeye follows Clint Barton as he teams up with the young archer Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) to fight enemies from his past and get back to his family in time for Christmas.

It’s also worth noting that ahead of the Hawkeye premiere, Disney will hold its inaugural ‘Disney+ Day’ event on November 12th. This presentation will stream on Disney+ and offer news on future streaming titles from a variety of brands, including Marvel.

Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Looks like Google will partner with uBreakiFix for Pixel 6/6 Pro repair

Now that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are officially available and pre-orders are starting to arrive, people have the phones. And that means there’s a risk someone will drop their new phone and break it (especially since the phones have glass on the front and back this time around).

If you are unlucky enough to break your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, it looks like Google is once again partnering with uBreakiFix (which is in the process of rebranding to Asurion Tech Repair and Solutions) for same-day repairs. Google did this before with Pixel phones in Canada. 9to5Google reports uBreakiFix will handle same-day repairs for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro in the U.S.

MobileSyrup has reached out to Google to confirm the same for Canada and will update this post with any additional information.

One of the benefits of going to a Google repair partner like uBreakiFix is that you know the company will use OEM parts, tools and training for the repair. That should bring a little peace of mind to the repair process.

Even if you don’t have the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, uBreakiFix’s website says it’s “Google authorized” and lists repair capabilities for Google phones including the entire Pixel lineup along with several Nexus phones (even the Nexus S, interestingly). The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro aren’t currently listed on the website, but that might change given how new the phones are. Also, the site humorously lists the Pixel 5a even though it’s not officially available in Canada.

Source: 9to5Google, uBreakiFix

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Mobile Syrup

Several Pixel 6/6 Pro owners reporting display flickers, green tints and more

Another Pixel, another problem.

It, unfortunately, seems that Google’s Pixel line has a knack for issues at launch and this year’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are, unfortunately no different. Several reports are cropping up from sources like Reddit of people with display issues on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

GSMArena detailed a few different cases, including a screen flicker issue when the phone is turned off, a green display tint and, in one case a Pixel 6 Pro display adding another hole-punch cut-out. Android Police also reported on the screen flickering issue.

Let’s start with the screen flickering issue. This one primarily appears to affect the Pixel 6 Pro, judging by the reports from users on Reddit. Android Police does note that the people occupying smartphone subreddits might be enthusiasts who are more likely to buy a Pixel 6 Pro, which could be why the issue is skewed in that direction. I can confirm my Pixel 6 doesn’t have this issue (and neither does Dean Daley’s Pixel 6 Pro for that matter).

For most impacted users, pressing the power button on the Pixel 6 Pro causes the screen to flicker — one video shows green lines briefly appearing on the screen. So far, it seems specific to the power button, although one user did report the issue happening while the phone was on, which is more concerning. Redditors also suggested the problem could be caused by static discharge, but it’s still not entirely clear what’s causing the problem.

Green display tints and other issues

Source: GSMArena

Although my Pixel 6 didn’t exhibit the screen flickering issue as described above, it did have some other display problems. First, as I noted in the review, I saw a flicker issue on the display when in use under direct sunlight. Since posting the review, I’ve also noticed a very slight flicker when using dark mode in apps with a grey background, although this appears to be related to the phone shifting between 60Hz and 90Hz refresh rates (locking the Pixel 6 to one refresh rate stops that from happening).

My Pixel 6 also has a green tint at low brightness on dark grey screens, although not as severe as what was reported by GSM. Green tints aren’t uncommon on OLED panels and I’ve seen this issue before (including on previous Google phones like the Pixel 4). Still, it’s a frustrating issue, especially if you encounter it on your new, expensive smartphone.

Finally, the display cut-out issue seems like more of a one-off, but it’s still strange to see. I haven’t encountered anything like that, even when I was messing around with Android’s built-in display cut-out simulator in the developer options screen.

Source: Reddit, (2), (3), Mark Schramm (Twitter), Via: GSMArena, Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Google announces Android 12L Developer Preview with release timeline

Google has officially announced the AndroidL Developer Preview alongside a release timeline.

First off, Android 12L features a new user interface designed for larger screens including tablets, foldables and devices that use Chrome OS.

For example, one way the operating system is optimized for larger screens is through the notification shade. The notification shade features a two-column layout with notifications, quick settings and system apps evenly spread out.

Additionally, Android 12L offers a new taskbar that lets users drag and drop an app into split-screen mode and switches apps easily when needed. With Android 12L, all apps will be able to enter multi-window mode, regardless of if they’re resizeable. Samsung’s One UI 3.1.1 also offers a similar feature that can force apps to enter multi-window mode.

Further, 12L features improved compatibility for apps that aren’t optimized yet, and Google Play will also indicate what apps are optimized or larger screens.

As for the timeline, the Developer Preview is launching now, and there will be three different betas, including one in December, another in January and the last one in February, with what looks like a stable release in March (but Google only says Q1 2022)

Google’s Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 4 and even the Pixel 5a 5G, will all be compatible with the Android 12L beta.

It’s possible that alongside the stable release of the AndroidL, Google will unveil its often rumoured foldable Pixel device. While Google will launch Android 12L officially in Q1 of next year, Samsung already has its own user interface for foldable devices.

Samsung’s One UI 3.1.1 offers an intuitive user interface for its foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Fold 3, Z Fold 2, Z Flip 5G and the original Z Flip. When I reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 3, I Found One UI 3.1.1 on top of Android 11 offered a smooth experience, and if Android 12L is as good or better, it’s set to be a great update.

Source: Android Developer Blog, (2)

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Mobile Syrup

Google announces Android 12L Developer Preview with release timeline

Google has officially announced the AndroidL Developer Preview alongside a release timeline.

First off, Android 12L features a new user interface designed for larger screens including tablets, foldables and devices that use Chrome OS.

For example, one way the operating system is optimized for larger screens is through the notification shade. The notification shade features a two-column layout with notifications, quick settings and system apps evenly spread out.

Additionally, Android 12L offers a new taskbar that lets users drag and drop an app into split-screen mode and switches apps easily when needed. With Android 12L, all apps will be able to enter multi-window mode, regardless of if they’re resizeable. Samsung’s One UI 3.1.1 also offers a similar feature that can force apps to enter multi-window mode.

Further, 12L features improved compatibility for apps that aren’t optimized yet, and Google Play will also indicate what apps are optimized or larger screens.

As for the timeline, the Developer Preview is launching now, and there will be three different betas, including one in December, another in January and the last one in February, with what looks like a stable release in March (but Google only says Q1 2022)

Google’s Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 4 and even the Pixel 5a 5G, will all be compatible with the Android 12L beta.

It’s possible that alongside the stable release of the AndroidL, Google will unveil its often rumoured foldable Pixel device. While Google will launch Android 12L officially in Q1 of next year, Samsung already has its own user interface for foldable devices.

Samsung’s One UI 3.1.1 offers an intuitive user interface for its foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Fold 3, Z Fold 2, Z Flip 5G and the original Z Flip. When I reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 3, I Found One UI 3.1.1 on top of Android 11 offered a smooth experience, and if Android 12L is as good or better, it’s set to be a great update.

Source: Android Developer Blog, (2)

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Mobile Syrup

Google Stadia adds option to try games for free before purchase

Google’s been quiet about Stadia for a bit — several people were surprised the company didn’t mention its game streaming service once during the Pixel event. While that seems about right for a product destined for the Google graveyard, Stadia did just get a surprisingly useful feature.

As spotted by YouTuber Gem (via 9to5Google), Stadia now supports 30-minute free game trials. At least, it does on the new Stadia-exclusive title Hello Engineer. Gem shared a Stadia Store list of games with trials, which only features Hello Engineer. Still, it’s great to see this functionality come to Stadia, and I hope it rolls out to more games in the future.

Game streaming is still a fairly new tech and despite several massive tech companies working on it (Microsoft, Nvidia and of course Google to name some), it remains unclear how viable game streaming will be.

Microsoft definitely seems to have put a focus on xCloud as a way to test and demo games without fully downloading them, which seems like a more viable use case for streaming at the moment since streaming a game doesn’t require users to download anything.

With Stadia, the free trial option shows up on the game page beneath the banner urging Pro subscribers to claim the game for free. Anyone can use the free trial, which lasts for 30 minutes. At the end of the trial, players get an option to buy the game and Stadia will carry their progress over if they do.

Overall, it seems like a good system and could be a major feature for Stadia. As more games gain the ability to do free trials, it could give players the ability to test Stadia and see how well it works before committing to a subscription or to buying a game.

Source: Gem (YouTube) Via: 9to5Google

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Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners will need to install day-one update

If you’re among the lucky few who managed to pre-order the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro (or who will get one when they become available tomorrow), get ready to download a day-one update.

According to a post on Google’s ‘Pixel Phone Help’ site, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners will need to update their phones “to get all the features.” The post explains that once users complete the phone setup, the update “automatically downloads silently in the background” and will prompt users to reboot the phone once it’s ready.

The post also recommends updating apps to the latest versions as well to ensure access to all features.

The Verge further elaborates, noting that users should look for build number ‘SD1A.210817.036’ (or ‘SD1A.210817.036.A8’ for Verizon customers). You can find that number either by opening the notification shade and swiping down again to reveal the quick settings widgets (the build number will be visible below the widgets but above the edit, power and settings buttons). Alternatively, you can head to Settings > About Phone and scroll to the bottom to see the build number.

Day-one software updates seem to be the norm these days, whether you’re picking up a new phone, laptop, game or other tech. As a reviewer, I’ve started making it common practice to set new devices aside to update after I first set them (I’ve had more than a few scenarios where a laptop performed really poorly because I hadn’t installed some critical software update yet).

As for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, the day-one update is likely the cause behind some of my woes during testing. I noted in my Pixel 6 review that several features weren’t available or didn’t work (I even made sure all my apps were up to date and, as far as the Pixel 6 was concerned, Android was fully updated too). Naturally, after publishing the review, the day-one software update arrived and fixed several problems, although some features still aren’t available because I’m in Canada.

All this is to say, update your phones (and other tech)!

Source: Google Via: The Verge