POCO M2 Pro with quad cameras launches in India on July 7

Xiaomi’s spin-off brand POCO that rose to stardom with the success of barebones flagship killer POCO F1 (review). The brand reemerged after an 18-month limbo with the POCO X2, which was exclusive to India. In our review, we it found to be “every bit better than the POCO F1“. Although Fans in India have been anticipating the true successor to the F1 – i.e. the POCO F2 or F2 Pro (as it is called internationally), the brand has been working on launching another mid-range device recognizing the needs of the market. After nearly two months of speculation at our end, POCO India has confirmed that the POCO M2 Pro will be launched in India on July 7th.

Last month during an interview, POCO India’s GM, Mr. C. Manmohan, spoke about launching a mid-range device exclusively for India. Notably, a mid-range smartphone from POCO has been on the horizon more than a month before that. In the first week of May 2020, a device by the name POCO M2 Pro was spotted briefly under the SAR ratings section of Xiaomi India’s website. A week later, the POCO M2 Pro was spotted on Bluetooth and WiFi certification platforms.

Now, POCO India has officially confirmed the “M2 Pro” moniker while also giving us some hints about the design of the smartphone, basically confirming the quad-camera setup similar to the Redmi Note 9 Pro (review of the Indian variant). The launch date for the smartphone is barely a week away.

For all those who were on the edge of their seat. It’s time to #FeelTheSurge with the #POCOM2Pro.

Arriving on July 7th @ 12 PM. RT if you want to know more: https://t.co/9qDfHgozXT pic.twitter.com/8omQqEHS0r

— #POCOForIndia (@IndiaPOCO) July 1, 2020

XDA Member kacskrz and Recognized Developer akhilnarang had recently spotted references in the MIUI source code about a device with the same model number as the certified POCO M2 Pro. These references indicate that POCO M2 Pro could be a rebranded version of the global Redmi Note 9 Pro (which is sold as Redmi Note 9 Pro Max in India).

It is worth noting that since its reemergence, POCO has been rebranding Redmi phones while claiming they have a part in co-designing these SKUs. The Redmi K30 4G was rebranded as POCO X2, the Redmi K30 Pro as the F2 Pro. If the same is true for the upcoming POCO M2 Pro, it will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G mobile platform and feature other specs resembling the Redmi Note 9 Pro.

Share your thoughts about the upcoming in the POCO M2 Pro in the comments below. 

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Google is rolling out smart compose in Gboard for Messages, Telegram, and WhatsApp

At Google I/O 2018, the company demonstrated the Smart Compose feature that uses machine learning to autocomplete sentences. Smart Compose was launched as an exclusive feature for Gmail and only available via G Suite accounts and limited to Pixel 3 devices. In early 2019, Google expanded the feature to all Gmail users and later on in the year to Google Docs for G Suite accounts. Now, Smart Compose is rolling out on Gboard for messaging services, starting with Google Messages, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

Since at least 2017, Android app including Gmail and Messages (as well as the now-defunct Inbox and Allo) have had the Smart Reply feature that offers instant responses generated machine learning. The feature was also released for third-party messaging apps with the help of an API prior to the launch of Android 10. But, Smart Compose is a step ahead of Smart Reply as it suggests words that might follow as you’re typing and these suggestions also change dynamically with each added word. Not just that, Smart Compose also allows you to tweak the message instead of sending it directly.

9to5Google notes Smart Compose is available with the latest beta of Google’s keyboard app Gboard, presently v9.5.12.317844448 that was updated last week. Similar to Gmail and Google Docs, you can swipe right across the suggested sentence to autocomplete it.

Image courtesy of 9to5Google

The feature is also supported in popular third-party messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram other than Android Messages. But since it has been enabled by Gboard and not the apps themselves, we may see it on other messengers. Although I’m running the same version of Gbaord in India, the feature is not available for me, which means it might either be available only for an A/B test group or restricted geographically.

Add a comment below to let us know if you are able to use Smart Compose via Gboard in any other messaging app. 

Gboard - the Google Keyboard (Free, Google Play) →

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Qualcomm essentially confirms the OnePlus Nord has a 5G Snapdragon chipset

OnePlus recently confirmed that its upcoming affordable smartphone series, which was previously referred to as the OnePlus 8 Lite and later rumored to be the OnePlus Z, will be called OnePlus Nord. However, the company has still not released any official information about its specifications. While previous leaks about the device have given us a good look at its design and camera hardware, rumors about its internal specifications have been contradictory so far. At first, rumors suggested that the OnePlus Nord would be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1000 chipset. However, we later learned that it might feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765 SoC. But now we can finally confirm that the OnePlus Nord will be powered by a 5G-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC.

Excited to be working with @OnePlus_UK as they embark on #NewBeginnings powered by a #Snapdragon 5G chipset! #OnePlusNord https://t.co/1Eitm4GJSI

— Qualcomm EU (@Qualcomm_EU) June 30, 2020

According to a recent tweet from Qualcomm EU’s official Twitter handle, the upcoming OnePlus Nord will be powered by a “Snapdragon 5G chipset”. While the company hasn’t confirmed exactly which chipset will make an appearance on the OnePlus Nord it could be the Snapdragon 765G, if previous rumors are to be believed. We have already seen mention of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G in a survey from OnePlus which asked users whether they would be willing to purchase a smartphone from OnePlus with the processor, a 64MP triple camera setup, a 4,300mAh battery with 30W fast charging, and a 90Hz refresh rate display at ₹24,990. But we currently don’t have any confirmation if the upcoming device will offer these specifications. The OnePlus Nord is expected to launch in India and Europe on July 10th. OnePlus has confirmed that the device will be priced under $500.

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Google rolls out wireless gameplay using the Stadia Controller on your Android phone

Google Stadia launched over 6 months ago and a big selling point of the cloud gaming service is not needing a bunch of expensive gaming equipment. The only real hardware you need is a computer with access to a web browser like Google Chrome, a Chromecast Ultra, or an Android smartphone. However, if you wanted to play games with your phone using the Stadia Controller, you needed to awkwardly plug in the controller with a USB cable since the controller could not wirelessly connect. That restriction is finally being lifted today.

In the latest This Week on Stadia update, Google announced several new games coming to the platform in July. The newest free games for Stadia Pro subscribers include Crayta, Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, SteamWorld Dig, and West of Loathing. The Elder Scrolls Online is coming later in July. Today is also the last day to claim Serious Sam Collection, Spitlings, and Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks) for free.

The biggest announcement, however, is a much-requested feature for mobile gameplay. The Stadia Controller can now wirelessly connect to your Stadia-capable Android smartphone. This change is coming through an update to the Stadia mobile app and it’s rolling out starting today. The controller and your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network to connect.

Google also posted a recap of all the Stadia-related announcements made during the month of June. A few of the noteworthy additions include touch controls on mobile, expanded compatibility with OnePlus phones, per-device resolution settings, an experiment tab for playing on unsupported Android devices, and plenty of new game launches. While Stadia may have seemed like a lackluster cloud gaming service at launch, it has slowly gained a lot of great features and titles. The service still has a need for improvement, especially when it comes to its catalog of games, but it’s becoming a viable contender in the game streaming space.

Stadia (Free, Google Play) →

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Source: Google

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Google officially acquires North, makers of the Focals augmented reality glasses

Most of us remember Google’s brief stint with consumer augmented reality smart glasses several years ago. That product, called the Google Glass, included an optical head-mounted display that was mounted to a glass frame. While it was definitely futuristic, it was never a product that saw mass consumer acceptance. An enterprise version is still around to this day, with the latest version being released in 2019. While Google doesn’t have more Glass-specific news to share today, they did make an announcement that will surely affect the company’s future in AR smart glasses. Google has announced today that they’ve acquired North, a Canadian tech company that made the “Focals” augmented reality smart glasses, for an undisclosed sum.

North will be contributing to Google’s tech in the AR space by joining the latter’s team in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. In the press release, Google says that the North team will continue to work on “ambient computing” technologies under Google. Following the acquisition, we could see Google use North’s tech for either improving the current Google Glass design or for making similar products.  North’s Focals product provided a friendly take on smart glasses, more closely resembling regular glasses (in contrast to Google Glass) with a transparent display mounted on one of the frames to show things like messages and navigation directions. However, its $600 starting price was quite expensive, putting the smart glasses out of reach for the average consumer.

The company was preparing a successor to the first-generation Focals smart glasses, dubbed Focals 2.0, which has now been shelved as part of Google’s acquisition. The Focals app and account backend will cease functioning after July 31st, 2020, though customer support for the product will continue through to the end of 2020.

Google has said that buyers of the Focals will be fully refunded, which is a move that is sure to satisfy some consumers unhappy with this news. After all, the Focals are actual glasses, so it’s not like they can just be thrown away. Current owners of Focals may feel disappointed that the second-generation product won’t be shipping, but we’re excited to see the results of the company’s acquisition by Google.

Source 1: Google / Source 2: North

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Featured image credits: North

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YouTube TV is raising the monthly subscription to $65

Google launched YouTube TV in a select few U.S. cities for $35 per month back in 2017. Every year since then, the company has added more channels while also increasing the monthly subscription price. The first price increase bumped the cost to $40 per month, and the second price increase raised prices to $50 per month last year. Now, the service is seeing its biggest price hike yet: Up $15/month to now $65 per month.

As with every other price bump, Google is adding a bunch of new channels to YouTube TV. Whether you like these channels or not, you will now be paying for them. The channels include Viacom channels such as BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land, and VH1. BET Her, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Jr., NickToons, and TeenNick will be added later as well.

YouTube TV launched with around 50 channels and the list has grown to over 85. It’s not unreasonable to raise the prices for more content, but the price hikes only feel acceptable when the channels that have been added are ones that people have been asking for, are part of an optional package, or undercut competition live TV packages. With this price change, YouTube TV is starting to feel like just another cable TV package. People don’t like to pay for channels they won’t watch, and the more channels that are added the more people feel they’re paying too much. $65 per month is tough to swallow if you only care about a handful of channels.

The new price goes into effect today for new YouTube TV subscribers and existing customers will see the new price on bills after July 30th. Google did acknowledge that this is a considerable price jump and it’s “working to build new flexible models for YouTube TV users, so we can continue to provide a robust and innovative experience for everyone in your household without the commitments of traditional TV.” No further details were given, though.

Hulu with Live TV costs $55/month, AT&T TV Now starts at $55/month, Sling TV costs $45/month, and FuboTV costs $55/month, so there are definitely other options out there. Will you be paying $65 per month for YouTube TV?

YouTube TV - Watch & Record Live TV (Free, Google Play) →

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Source: Google | Via: 9to5Google

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Google is hosting a “Hey Google” Smart Home Summit to unveil new Google Assistant developer tools

Google I/O 2020, which was scheduled for May, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other tech companies, Google has been trying to make up for it with virtual events. The latest virtual event from the Mountain View company is the “Works with ‘Hey Google’ Smart Home Summit” on July 8th.

The “Hey Google” Smart Home Summit is an event focused on the new tools and features for the smart home developer community. Of course, a big part of the company’s smart home strategy revolves around Google Assistant, which will be a big focus of the event as well.

Google has shared the agenda for the 2-day event with the topics and speakers that will be featured. Things get started on July 8th at 1:45 PM ET with the opening keynote by Michele Turner, the Product Management director of the Smart Home Ecosystem. Some of the other speakers include executives from LG, Vizio, IKEA, and, of course, other departments within Google.

Registration for the Hey Google Smart Home Summit is free and the times of the panels have been scheduled to align with multiple time zones. Many of the panels will be viewable on-demand as well. If you’re a developer working on Google Assistant and smart home tools, this is an event you’ll want to “attend.”

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Source: Google Developers Blog

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