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vendredi 30 décembre 2016

Problems with the LG V20 and how to fix them

While there have been a few contenders that have emerged, LG, with the V20, is the one that has taken the most advantage of the Galaxy Note 7-shaped hole that has been left in the market. LG's second addition to their premium V series features a new metal design that is not only great to look at, but retains the durability of its predecessor, a big beautiful display and improved second screen experience, a feature rich camera, and fantastic audio, while still retaining staples like expandable storage and a removable battery as well.

However, as in the case with any current smartphone or tablet, the latest LG flagship is not without its issues. Which is why, we've rounded up some of the common problems that have plagued LG V20 owners, and offer potential solutions on how to fix them!

Disclaimer: Not every LG V20 will face these problems, and in fact, it is more than likely that you won't come across any of these issues at all. 


Problem #1 – Battery not charging to 100%

A lot of users have found that their LG V20 tends to not charge up to 100%, and instead, stops at somewhere around the 90-94% mark.

Potential solutions:

  • This may be an issue with the battery calibration. For some users, a simple re-calibration trick seems to have worked. First, discharge your phone until it turns off. Then with the device off, charge it until the LED indicator shows that is charged fully. Unplug the charger and restart the device. The battery indicator may still not say 100%, so plug it in until it goes to 100%, or as close as possible. Repeat this process until it says 100% when you restart the device for the first time after discharging. Keep in mind however that this is process that shouldn't be repeated often, so if the battery issue returns after the first calibration is done, waiting for another fix may be the best option.
  • There are a few apps that you can try as well to help calibrate the battery. Advanced Battery Calibrator is available on the Google Play Store, but keep in mind that the app has a better chance of success if you have root access on the device.

Problem #2 – Performance issues

Some users have reported that the V20 tends to randomly freeze or reboot, and they have also come across quite a few instances of lag.

Potential solutions:

  • Download the Greenify app from the Google Play Store. Here, you can see a list of applications that are active on waking the phone, and you can then change the settings for these apps, which should help with reduce any slowdowns.
  • A rogue app could be the cause for any stutter or lag. Boot the device into Safe Mode (you can find the instructions on how to do so below) and see if the problem persists. If not, an application is the issue. You can then either delete the last few apps you have may have installed before the problem started, or perform a factory reset and start over, even though that is recommended only as a worst-case scenario, since you will lose all your data.
  • LG packs a lot of features into the software experience. Disabling these, only if you don't use them often of course, could provide a boost in performance.
  • If you have bought the LG V20 from a US network carrier, your device may also come with a lot of pre-installed bloatware. While you won't be able to delete these apps, you can disable them. Go to the Apps section in the Settings menu, find the relevant application, and disable it there.

Problem #3 – Problems where picking up a replacement is the only option

There are some problems with the LG V20, particularly related to hardware, that can't be fixed easily. The only option here is to get the device repaired, or pick up a replacement. Below is a list of such problems –

  • "Shattergate" – Quite a few users have noticed that the protective camera glass on the LG V20 tends to scratch easily, and sometimes completely cracks or shatters, even after just a minor bump or drop, and is something that is definitely not expected from a device that boasts a MIL STD-810G rating for shock and impact protection. Until then, a protective case might be a good option. Here is a list of some of our top picks for the LG V20.
  • Speaker issues – A few users have reported hearing crackling or hissing sounds from the speaker, especially when at the highest volumes. If the problem persists, the best option would be to get the device replaced.
  • Headphone jack issues – Some users have found the headphone jack of the V20 to be somewhat lose, with the cable tending to move around a bit after the headphones are plugged in.
  • Charging issues – This generally has to do with a faulty charger. Make sure that the wall plug is working as expected, and you can use an alternate charger to charge the V20 to make sure that the device isn't faulty.

Problems #4 – Connectivity issues

As is the case with any new device, you may find yourself facing some connectivity issues with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi issues have been found with the LG V20.

Potential solutions:

Wi-Fi issues

  • Turn the device and the router off for at least ten seconds, then turn them back and retry the connection.
  • Go to Settings – Power saving and ensure that this option is turned off.
  • Use the Wi-Fi Analyzer to check how crowded your channel is, and switch to a better option.
  • Forget the Wi-Fi connection by going to Settings – Wi-Fi and long tapping the connection you want, then selecting "Forget". Re-enter the details and try again.
  • Make sure the router firmware is up to date.
  • Make sure the applications and software on the device are up to date.
  • Go into Wi-Fi – Settings – Advanced and make a note of your device MAC address, then make sure that it is allowed access in the router's MAC filter.

Bluetooth issues

  • With issues when connecting to the car, check the manufacturer's manual for the device and the car and reset your connections.
  • Ensure that you are not missing a vital part of the connection process.
  • Go to Settings – Bluetooth and ensure nothing needs changing
  • Go into Settings – Bluetooth delete all prior pairings and try setting them up again from scratch.
  • When it comes to issues with multiple device connection, only a future update will be able to address this problem.

Guides – Soft reset, hard reset, wipe cache partition, hardware control mode

Soft reset

  • When the screen is not responsive, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, until the device restarts.
  • Alternately, you can also pull the battery to shut down the phone.

Hard reset

  • Turn the device off.
  • Press and hold the power button and the volume down key simultaneously, and when the LG logo is displayed, release only the power button, and then immediately press the power button again, and wait till the factory reset menu comes up.
  • Press the power button to continue, or the volume keys to cancel.

Booting into Safe Mode

  • Turn off the phone and restart it. When the LG logo appears, press and hold the volume down key until you see the home screen, which should take it into Safe Mode.
  • When the phone is on, press and hold the power button till the shutdown options appear. Press and hold the "Power off" option till a confirmation pops up and tap OK. This will boot the device into Safe Mode.

Hardware control mode

If the display of the phone is broken or damaged, you can still perform some basic functions using the hardware buttons.

  • Turn off the phone.
  • Press and hold the power button and both volume keys together for more than 10 seconds to enable the hardware key control mode.
  • Press the volume keys to scroll to the option you want, and press the power button to confirm.
  • To answer a call, you can now press both volume keys at the same time to do so.
  • to end a call, press the power button during the call.
  • To stop the alarm, press and hold the volume keys together when the alarm rings.

So, there you have it for this small list of problems faced by LG V20 owners, and potential solutions on how to fix them! If you have come across any other issues, do let us know in the comments section below, and we will try our best to find a fix for you. You can also talk about the device more in our official LG V20 forums.

Until then, don't let these problems deter you from picking up what is still one of the best smartphones of 2016! Particularly if features like fantastic audio, solid camera, expandable storage, and removable battery are important to you, the LG V20 is pretty much the only option that is available in the premium segment.



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Amazon Echo can now answer follow-up questions similar to Google Home

While the Amazon Echo speaker, and its Alexa digital assistant, have been available for over two years now, it seems that it is just now adding a feature that's been available for owners of the more recent Google Home speaker since it launched in early November. Specifically, Amazon Echo can now respond, at least in limited form, to follow-up questions that are given after the first inquiry on the same subject.

See also:

Amazon Echo commands – our guide to everything Alexa can do

1 week ago

What does this mean? Basically, if you have the Echo, you can say, "Alexa, who is the governor of Texas?" and it will say, "Greg Abbott." Then if you follow up by saying, "How old is he?", the Echo and Alexa should respond with "59". This feature was first noted by Reddit users earlier this week, but it apparently only works with some inquires, so it's doesn't quite work as well as Google Home.

Indeed, one of the biggest selling points of the Google Home is that you can start a normal conversation with it and it will, hopefully, respond in kind through multiple exchanges. This kind of feature is only just now rolling out to the Amazon Echo devices, via Alexa, but so far it would appear that Google Home has the edge on this particular feature.

What do you think of the Echo adding this feature that's already available out of the box for Google Home? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!



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Check out Amazon’s sweet deals on apps, video games, movies and more

If you got an electronic device – any electronic device – under the Christmas tree this year, you may want to check out Amazon's Digital Day deals event.

The retail giant has nice discounts on all forms of digital content, including video games, Android apps, in-app purchases, music, movies, books, and PC software. There's literally a little something for everybody on the list, so make sure to check out the full catalog. If you can't be bothered with clicking and tapping, here's a selection of what we consider some of the best deals on Digital Day.

There are many other digital content deals available right now on Amazon, so make sure to check out the promotional page. Amazon Digital Day discounts will be available until the end of the day (Pacific) only.

Happy downloading!



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Exclusive: Moto X (2017) leaked renders and video

The Moto X (2017) has been revealed in a number of new renders and a 360-degree video based on factory CADs. Our man @OnLeaks has uncovered the details, which have historically proven very accurate and the renders based on the CAD information match up very nicely with the in-the-wild shots we saw earlier this month.

See also:

What will 2017 flagship smartphones look like?

1 week ago

While we can't confirm the Moto X (2017) name just yet, the first thing you'll notice is just how much the renders look like the current Moto Z. Whether this means the Moto Z represents the new design language for all of Motorola's Lenovo-branded devices going forward or is just a trickling down of flagship design to other device ranges we can't say.

The next thing you'll notice is the absence of pogo pins and the slight curvature to the back panel, indicating Moto Mods will not be compatible with the Moto X (2017). Oddly, the information obtained by @OnLeaks indicates the Moto X (2017) opts for two "dated" features the Moto Z discarded: microUSB and a headphone port. Keeping the headphone jack makes sense but no USB Type-C, really?

The weird square fingerprint scanner has morphed into a more familiar pill shape and the microSD card slot has migrated to the other side of the top edge. There's a slight chamfer to the edges of the device but there's no 2.5D glass to be found, showing Lenovo isn't afraid to buck more than just one trend. Side bezels are unfortunately on the spacious side, with all these details combined indicating the Moto X (2107) will be a mid-ranger with the Moto Z remaining the flagship.

The large camera bump on the back remains in place, but the Moto X (2017) specs show the device is much thicker than both the Moto Z and Moto Z Force. With dimensions measuring roughly 150 x 73.8 x 8.4 mm (9.5 mm with camera bump), the Moto X (2017) looks like it will have plenty of space inside for a large battery. The Moto Z is just 5.2 mm thick and the Moto Z Force is still only 7 mm.

The Moto X (2017) will also have a slightly smaller footprint than either Moto Z variant, but will shrink the display diagonal to 5.2 inches rather than the 5.5 inches shared by both Moto Z models. Fans of fancy dual camera setups or stereo front-facing speakers won't get any love from the Moto X (2017), but with any luck Lenovo will have beefed up the sound a little. If we're lucky we'll see the Moto X (2017) at CES 2017 next week, but a MWC 2017 reveal feels more likely.

Are you happy to see the return of the Moto X? Even if it looks like a mid-range Moto Z?



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Android 7.1.1 update for Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge officially coming in January

Samsung has confirmed the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge is due in January. The confirmation comes via the Beta notices in the Galaxy Beta Program, although there's still an element of doubt to the deadline: "We will do our best to distribute the official version in January as soon as possible".

See also:

Android Nougat review: an Android version for Android fans

October 21, 2016

While this is clearly just Samsung hedging its bets in case something unforeseen comes up, "doing their best" and "as soon as possible" are not the kinds of phrasing you want to hear from your OEM when you're waiting on a major new Android release. But as we can probably all agree, it's much better to get a stable update than a patchy buggy one.

That said, the Galaxy Beta Program has been very popular and that level of popularity means a lot of pre-release bugs will have already been identified long before the official rollout. The Galaxy Beta Program will be officially wrapped up at midnight tonight and while Samsung will stop monitoring the "error report" and "suggestion" channels of the beta program, it will still pay attention to the "community" feed.

Did you participate in the Galaxy Beta Program? Are you happy to wait a little longer to get a stable update?



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LeEco reportedly in talks for new $1.4 billion investment boost

China-based smartphone company LeEco is reportedly trying to keep itself afloat by getting a big money boost. A report claims the company is in talks with an unnamed investor that could give LeEco as much as $1.4 billion in new funding.

See also:

LeEco Le Pro3 review

November 24, 2016

Reuters reports that one of LeEco's business units, Leshi Internet Information and Technology, made a regulatory filing about the possible deal. It said that some of its details were still being finalized. One other media source, China Business News, claims the mysterious investor is some kind of insurance company. So far, LeEco itself has yet to comment about these new reports.

LeEco held a flashy press conference in San Francisco in mid-October to announce its U.S. market launch, which included its Le Pro3 and Le S3 Android smartphones. Since then, rumors about the company's financial issues have grown. In November, LeEco revealed it had secured $600 million in new financing. However, a few weeks ago it halted trading of its stock after a huge price drop, and said it was "planning major matters", which usually means big layoffs are in the works.

The company is also a major investor in the electric car company Faraday Future, which has run into its own problems lately. In just the past few days, unconfirmed reports claim that the company has lost some of its major executives, including its unofficial CEO. This comes less than a week before the company plans to introduce its first production car at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.



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jeudi 29 décembre 2016

Pre-register to be notified about the upcoming Mega Man mobile games

Earlier this month, Capcom announced it would release the first six games in its popular Mega Man 2D side-scroller series to Android and iOS devices. The Mega Man mobile games will be launched in early January, but you can get notified when they are available to download via a pre-registration site.

See also:

Best Android games released in 2016

2 days ago

Capcom said that signing up at the site will give gamers some "special offers" although there's no word on what kinds of offers it plans to give out. The company also released some quick summaries of each of the Mega Man mobile games.

  • Mega Man Mobile – The evil Dr. Wily must be stopped in this classic action platformer, the original Mega Man!
  • Mega Man 2 Mobile– Dr. Wily resurfaces to threaten the world again! Only Mega Man can stand in his way.
  • Mega Man 3 Mobile – Fight berserk robots on uncharted planets. Mega Man must set a course for space to resolve this mysterious crisis.
  • Mega Man 4 Mobile – A year has passed since Mega Man's battle in space. A new enemy appears – Dr. Cossack.
  • Mega Man 5 Mobile – Manic robots cause chaos in the city. How is Proto Man involved? Only Mega Man can find out!
  • Mega Man 6 Mobile – The Global Robot Alliance is formed, but this newfound peace is threatened by a new foe – the enigmatic Mr. X!

So far, Capcom has not announced any prices for the Mega Man mobile games. It also hasn't revealed if the games will be getting any extra features, such as leaderboards or other new content.

Pre-register for Mega Man mobile games


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