News

The Pixel Slate is Google’s first tablet to run Chrome OS

Android is not for tablets anymore

Published

October 10, 2018

Daniel Morial

Google didn’t just announce the Pixel 3 phones today, they also welcomed a new member to the Pixel family: the Pixel Slate. The Slate is a practically a 2-in-1 tablet that runs Chrome OS — not Android.

Right off the bat, the Pixel Slate is a full-sized 12.3-inch tablet with an LCD using Low Temperature PolySilicon (LTPS) technology. Google is proud of its 293ppi resolution and color accuracy which will be pleasing to mainstream consumers, and even professionals. Complementing it are two front-facing speakers that are said to be loud and crisp.

What’s perhaps the best feature of the Pixel Slate is its operating system. This version of Chrome OS is redesigned to be touch-optimized. Of course, it can also do a regular desktop interface.

Inside the tablet are powerful specifications. It’ll come with either Intel Celeron or Core m3, i5, or i7 processors and memory options from 4GB to 16GB. You won’t run out of space with the Pixel Slate and its top 256GB SSD configuration, but you could also just settle for 32GB.

The rest of the specs include 8-megapixel cameras on both sides, which use machine learning to do portrait mode. It also has an embedded fingerprint reader on the power button and two USB-C ports. As for the battery, it’s rated to last up to 12 hours on a single charge.

To fully enjoy the Pixel Slate for productivity, it has a specially designed keyboard folio with circular keys, trackpad, and a dedicated Assistant button.

The Google Pixel Slate will go on sale later this year starting at US$ 599. The keyboard folio will be sold separately for US$ 199, while the PixelBook Pen remains at US$ 99.

Related Topics:Chrome OS Google Pixel Pixel Slate

Apps

Google discontinues Datally, its mobile data saving app

It’s gone from the Play store

Published

October 18, 2019

Kenrick Buduan

Using the Datally app from Google? It’s time to move one and find another as Google officially discontinues its mobile data saving app.

In the official support page of Datally, Google notes that the app is not available on the Play store. True enough, visiting the link to Datally throws the app not found error.

Users of the mobile data saving app can continue using it, but the app will not receive future updates. To speed up its discontinuation, the app is giving a warning that it is incompatible with Android 10. So, users who upgraded to the latest OS can’t use the app anymore.

Datally launched last 2017 to help users control their mobile data usage. The app shows the data usage of every app as well as overall data usage metrics. It also let users block background data.

Apps

Google Maps will now show you speed traps

You can also report road closures and accidents

Published

October 18, 2019

Shivam Vahia

Google Maps is borrowing several features from the company’s other popular navigation app, Waze. Google today announced a series of new features that will allow drivers using the Maps app on iOS to report accidents, speed traps and traffic jams.

Hazard reporting was introduced on Android earlier this year, but this is the first time that iPhone users can also help crowdsource traffic snarls. Google has also expanded the types of road hazards that can be reported through its incident feature to encompass ‘construction, lane closures, disabled vehicles, and objects on the road.

These features have been unique to Waze and many users preferred to use it over Google Maps. It was long-speculated that when Google purchased Waze for US$ 1.1 billion five years ago that the features would be swiftly migrated to Google Maps. The transition has been extremely slow, but it’s finally happening.

To report an incident, open Maps and start navigating to your destination. You’ll see a small location pin with a + sign button on the left side, tap it. Now, you’ll have multiple options that include speed traps, construction, lane closure, and more. Simply select one and you’re done.

Google’s algorithm constantly looks out for these reports and helps in rerouting other riders. These crowdsourced features made Waze a perfect alternative to Google Maps and many users claim they’ve reached faster.

A few months back, Google also added augmented reality support for pedestrian navigation. The feature has been highly appreciated since GPS accuracy may not always be very on-point.

News

OPPO Reno2, Reno2 Z launch in Singapore

Challenges people to #CreateYourWorld

Published

October 18, 2019

Rodneil Quiteles

The OPPO Reno2 series launches in Singapore featuring the OPPO Reno2 and OPPO Reno2 Z. The series has a focus on content creation, specifically video.

The series builds on the foundation of the OPPO Reno with fantastic cameras and a premium design.

The Reno2 features a quad-camera setup that applies the same 5x Hybrid Zoom from the OPPO Reno Series’ photography features to video shooting, enabling users to not only get closer to their video subjects, but to also uncover different perspectives that may otherwise seem ordinary from further away.

Meanwhile, the OPPO Reno2’s Ultra Steady Video brings users closer to an exceptionally clear and smooth video shooting experience and reduces the need for additional stabilisation equipment.

#CreateYourWorld and be a #BeAStorygrapher

The content creation is even more evident with the #BeAStorygrapher short film competition.

The challenge is for aspiring filmmakers to use the new OPPO Reno2 to create a short film that represents their own perspective of Singapore. Up for grabs are cash prizes totaling SG$ 6,000, OPPO Reno2 smartphones and an all-expenses paid trip to Dubai.

Call for competition entries will be open through December 2019. For more information, visit OPPO Singapore’s official Instagram and Facebook pages.

Price and availability

The OPPO Reno2 comes in Luminous Black and Sunset Pink with 8GB RAM and 256GB ROM starting at SG$ 899. And the OPPO Reno2 Z in Luminous Black and Sky White with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM, starting at SG$ 599. Both will be available island wide from October 26, 2019.

Customers who pre-order the phone will receive a free pair of OPPO Enco Q1 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones worth SG$ 179 at the NEX OPPO Roadshow from October 21 to 25 2019.

Collection of pre-ordered phones will take place at the NEX OPPO roadshow from October 26 to 27 and the first 100 customers to collect their phones will walk away with an OPPO 10,000mAh Power Bank worth SG$ 69.

The OPPO Enco Q1 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones in Midnight Black and Sunny Orange will be available from October 26 2019 at OPPO concept store and OPPO official online store on Lazada, Qoo10 and Shopee, starting at SG$ 179.