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Not OK, Google: Assistant will be exclusive to Pixel

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Google came out with the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones this week, with one of their main attractions being Android 7.1 Nougat, which no other phone has for now.

And while we expect the software update to roll out later this year (presumably to Nexus and Android One devices first; the beta version will launch later this month), it’s imperative to talk about Nougat on Pixel because both handsets will reportedly have some software features that may not be found anywhere else. Features you’ll want to use with regularity, or at least try out.

Android Police has put together a list of “Pixel-exclusive and non-exclusive changes” that are baked into Android 7.1 Nougat. The list is surprisingly long — well, for a small tick up on the upgrade ladder — so take a deep breath before reading through the entire change log. Oh, and spoiler alert: You won’t like what you read, for reasons we’ll explore later.

Pixel-specific features:

  • Pixel Launcher—swipe up for all apps, new Search Box, date/weather header on home
  • Google Assistant
  • Unlimited original quality photo/video backup to Google Photos
  • Smart Storage—when storage is full, automatically removes old backed up photos/videos
  • Phone/Chat support (new support tab in settings), screen-share functionality
  • Quick switch adapter for wired setup from Android or iPhone
  • Pixel Camera:
    • Electronic Image Stabilization (“video stabilization”) 2.0
    • Pro Features
      • White Balance Presets
      • Exposure Compensation
      • AE/AF Locking
      • Viewfinder grid modes
    • HW-accelerated (on Qualcomm Hexagon coprocessor) HDR+ image processing
    • Smartburst
  • Sensor Hub processor with tightly integrated sensors (accel, gyro, mag) + connectivity (Wi-Fi, Cell, GPS)
  • Cosmetic
    • Solid navbar icons with home affordance for Assistant
    • SysUI accent color theming
    • Wallpaper picker with new wallpapers and sounds
    • New setup look and feel
    • Dynamic calendar date icon

Android 7.1 features (not Pixel-specific):

  • Night Light (this shifts the color temperature of your screen a la iOS’ Night Shift mode or f.lux)
  • Touch/display performance improvements
  • Moves (Fingerprint swipe-down gesture—opt-in)
  • Seamless A/B system updates
  • Daydream VR mode
  • Developer features:
    • App shortcuts/shortcut manager APIs
    • Circular app icons support
    • Keyboard image insertion
    • Fingerprint sensor gesture to open/close notification shade
    • Manual storage manager Intent for apps
    • Improved VR thread scheduling
    • Enhanced wallpaper metadata
    • Multi-endpoint call support
    • Support for various MNO requirements
      • PCDMA voice privacy property
      • Source type support for Visual Voicemail
      • Carrier config options for managing video telephony
  • Manual storage manager – identifies apps and files and apps using storage

So yeah, in case it wasn’t already clear, Google Assistant — the voice-activated digital assistant honed and refined by years of us using Google services, the single product Tuesday’s keynote address hinged on — won’t be coming to non-Pixel handsets and tablets.

Which is a head-scratcher, to say the least, because Google executives devoted much of their speech to outlining a future powered by voice. They conveniently left out the part about that future depending upon the general population choosing the Pixel over the similarly priced Samsung Galaxy S7 or Apple iPhone 7, or even the OnePlus 3.

It should’ve been the other way around — the benefits of Google’s artificial intelligence needs to reach all Android devices going forward, not just two. Regardless of whether or not people are ready and willing to have conversations with their phone.

However, Google isn’t closing down possibilities with Pixel’s best features, including Assistant. Some features could trickle down to other devices running Android Nougat; Google could release a diluted app version of Assistant that could be installed onto Androids and iPhones. That might happen in 2017. Speaking to TechCrunch, a Google spokesperson said: “Our goal is to make the Google Assistant widely available to users, and we’ll continue to launch new surfaces over the course of the next year.”

[irp posts=”8575″ name=”Android made downloading from Google Play much easier”]

Source: Android Police

Image credit: NPR

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Samsung fully reveals the Galaxy Z TriFold

It’s already coming out in Korea next week.

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Samsung can’t let the year end without getting one last hurrah. After teasing the smartphone for months, the South Korean brand has finally unveiled the much-awaited Galaxy Z TriFold in all its glory.

This year started with a similar bang. Earlier, Huawei launched the Huawei Mate XT, the market’s first tri-fold smartphone. Since then, other brands have teased similar entries to compete against Huawei. Now, Samsung is ready with its own.

One gigantic screen

As with Huawei, the Galaxy Z TriFold will feature two hinges to complete the tri-fold format. Unfolded, the main screen is a humungous 10.0-inch screen. It will allow a lot of different uses; users can utilize the entire screen as one giant panel or split it into three windows for multi-tasking.

Then, users can fold the main screen inward, much like a brochure. When bent, the screen can turn into an immersive way to watch movies. Otherwise, the screen can fully fold into itself, which allows users to utilize the smaller 6.5-inch cover screen on the other side.

Both screens have a Dynamic 2X AMOLED display, featuring a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is also capable of up to 2,600 nits of brightness. Meanwhile, the main screen features 1,600 nits of brightness.

Both a looker and a fighter

If you’re worried that this just looks like a fad, the Galaxy Z TriFold has a wealth of hardware to convince you of what it can do.

Inside, the foldable sports a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, tailored specifically for Galaxy. It features 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

The main screen has three-camera setup. Heading the pack is a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera. It’s paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera. Both the main and the cover screen will each come with their own 10-megapixel selfie camera.

Finally, the Galaxy Z TriFold will have a 5600mAh battery. It’s compatible with up to 45W Super-Fast Charging 2.0 (wired) and up to 15W Fast Wireless Charging 2.0. It also has Wireless PowerShare for other Samsung phones and those with WPC Qi wireless charging.

Built for durability

Durability is often a concern for those who want to buy a foldable. Have smartphone makers finally perfected a foldable screen?

While we can’t confirm this phone’s durability just yet, Samsung claims that the Galaxy Z TriFold focuses on keeping the screen safe for use for years to come.

Firstly, when folded, the screens will not touch each other. There’s a minimal gap, but there will be no contact between the folded screens. Regardless, Samsung still installed a new reinforced overcoat for increased resistance against dings and scratches.

Additionally, the chassis has been reinforced with an Advanced Armor Aluminum Frame. The hinges have also been strengthened with titanium for added durability.

Finally, the Galaxy Z TriFold is IP48 rated.

These added measures are nothing to sneeze at. When unfolded, the body is only around 4.2mm thin and weighs only 309 grams.

Price, availability

As bombastic as this reveal is, the Galaxy Z TriFold is not available everywhere just yet. Starting December 12, the foldable will launch exclusively in South Korea. China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates will follow shortly after.

Meanwhile, the United States will get the foldable in the first quarter of 2026. Presumably, the American launch will coincide with the wider global one, but Samsung has not confirmed this yet.

There’s also no word on price yet. However, if the Mate XT is anything to go buy, expect an eye-watering price for this one. For reference, the latest Galaxy Z Fold7 costs US$ 1,999.

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HUAWEI nova 14 Series, MatePad 12 X (2026) now in PH

Price, availability, preorder details

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The HUAWEI nova 14 Series, and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) have been officially unveiled in the Philippines.

Dubbed as the “King of AI Selfies”, the HUAWEI nova 14 Series ushers a bolder, new age self-expression for the younger market powered by smarter and faster photography.

Meanwhile, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) delivers a 4-in-1 all-round productivity and PC-level features.

It is ideal for both students and professionals and delivers a premium performance in a sleek and lightweight body.

The HUAWEI nova 14 Series is now available for preorder for the following prices:

  • HUAWEI nova 14: Starts at PhP 22,999 (free HUAWEI WATCH FIT for early buyers)
  • HUAWEI nova 14 Pro: Starts at PhP 32,999 (free HUAWEI WATCH FIT SE for early buyers)
  • HUAWEI nova 14i: Starts at PhP 12,999 (exclusive vouchers and partner offers available)

To celebrate the launch, HUAWEI also partnered with local streetwear brand Don’t Blame The Kids (DBTK).

Customers who pay in full for either the nova 14 or nova 14 Pro at select HUAWEI Experience Stores and online channels will receive a limited-edition DBTK Supernova T-shirt starting December 5, while supplies last.

On the other hand, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) is priced at PhP 37,999, inclusive of a freebie bundle worth PhP 21,896.

This package includes an M-Pencil Pro, Smart Magnetic Keyboard, Bluetooth Mouse, and WPS Office out of the box.

HUAWEI nova 14 Series

With the new series, HUAWEI makes their strongest leap yet for self-capture imaging performance.

The nova 14 Pro, in particular, has a 50MP Front AI Portrait Dual Camera. It can capture images with a 0.8x to 5x zoom range, letting users shift from close-ups to wide group shots.

This is also reinforced by AI features, including AI Best Expression and AI Beauty Effect.

 

On the rear side, the nova 14 Pro sports a new Ultra Chroma Camera which captures richly-detailed multispectral light far beyond traditional RGB cameras.

The shooter also has an adjustable F1.4 to F4.0 aperture and RYYB sensor. Moreover, Adaptive Multi-Focal Dual Flash adjusts flash dynamically to ensure photos remain perfectly lit.

HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)

Those needing a premium productivity tool, meanwhile, can consider the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026).

It is built to deliver a PC-level experience together with its accessories (M-Pencil Pro, keyboard, mouse). Be it signing documents, reviewing or editing coursework, getting creative, playing games, and binge-watching, the latest tablet can keep up with several tasks.

The slate features a 12-inch 3rd Gen ultra-clear PaperMatte Display with anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-fingerprint technology. This panel has a 2800 x 1840 resolution and up to 1000 nits of peak brightness.

Powered by NearLink technology, the MatePad 12 X (2026) is compatible with the new M-Pencil Pro. This stylus has new intelligent features, including pinch and rotate, along with a new Star Ring quick button.

Inside the tablet is a 10100mAh battery for up to 14 hours of video playback. This battery supports 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge for quick refueling.

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Google Maps is finally getting a power saving mode

Waze needs this update, pronto.

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In a congested country like the Philippines, using navigation for shortcuts is a requirement. However, these apps can hog a lot of battery. If you forgot your car charger, it’s practically game over for your phone. Today, Google is shipping out a Maps update which can save your phone’s battery for those long drives.

Announced earlier this month, the update will include a Power Saving mode for Google Maps. The new mode will turn the normally colorful interface into monochrome with particular emphasis on black. The interface will reduce all interactable elements, so you can just focus on the display.

Presumably, it also reduces the power required by the app, while still prioritizing navigation. According to Google, smartphones will get up to four hours more juice when the mode is enabled.

Unfortunately, it’s not a widely released update yet. Google is limiting the update’s rollout to the Pixel 10 series for now. It’s also limited to driving mode; it won’t work if you’re just walking or cycling. The option is accessible through Driving options under Navigation in the settings.

In countries where Android Auto isn’t the norm just yet, a power saving mode for navigation is a godsend. Besides hoping that the update arrives on more devices, one can also hope that Google, who also owns the app, will introduce a similar mode to Waze. (To be fair, Waze did have a battery saver option, but it just dimmed the display for long straights.

SEE ALSO: Android now supports AirDrop!

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