Android Messages gets Smart Reply feature but only if you’re on Project Fi

Android Messages is receiving a handy new feature you've probably seen in a few other Google services. It's called Smart Reply you're probably familiar with it because of apps like Gmail, Inbox or even Allo. Smart Reply gives users the ability to choose contextually aware responses with a single tap. No more drafting up your own canned responses in anticipation of messages you may receive — Google does it for you and they do it better.

For instance, if you receive a message like "Is that okay?" Google will provide you with a few responses like "Sounds good" or "That's fine." Because there are usually a few different options, you don't have to worry about sounding like a robot (even if one is actually the one coming up with the responses).

Smart Reply is now making its way to Android Messages — Google's stock SMS app for Android devices — but there's a catch. It's not exclusive to a specific device, Android version, or app version — it's only available for Project Fi customers. Why? Well, your guess is as good as ours. Google did say "starting today on Project Fir, so it's possible they're just testing it out before a wider rollout. Sit tight.

via Twitter

 

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Fitbit extends support for Pebble smartwatches until June 30th

Fitbit acquired Pebble way back in December of 2016. They immediately canceled the Pebble Time 2, but they promised to keep Pebble services running through 2017. These services are responsible for things like the app store, voice recongnition, timeline pins, and more. 2017 has come and gone, so what does that mean for Pebble services?

Pebble owners (myself included) were hoping Fitbit had forgotten about this, but that's not happening. They have extended the 2017 deadline to June 30th, 2018. That gives everyone 6 months to make arrangements. After that date, these features will disappear:

• Pebble app store
• Pebble forums
• Voice recognition features
• SMS and email replies (iPhone)
• Timeline pins from third-party apps (except Calendar pins)
• CloudPebble development tool

Notifications will continue to work. If all you need is some basic notifications and the time, your Pebble will still work fine. Fitbit is offering a $50 discount on the Ionic to persuade Pebble owners to jump ship. If you bought a Pebble before December 7th, 2016, you will get the offer in an email. Raise your glass to Pebble!

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Android Oreo comes to the unlocked Moto X4

If you remember, Google began rolling out the Android Oreo update to owners of the Android One Moto X4, however, those with unlocked variants have been left in the dark. According to a posting on the Motorola support forums, the company is now beginning to roll out Oreo to those unlocked versions.

Hi everyone, 

Deployment for Oreo update has started but not everyone would have it, all at the same time. Please be advised that OTA updates not just depend on the Model and the Country but with the Carrier as well. We recommend waiting for the official release of OTA update, as you will receive notification about the update once available.

Regards,
Ella
Motorola Support

As expected, this software rollout isn't something that everyone owning a Moto X4 can just go ahead and download right away. Instead, the company is rolling out the Oreo update in stages, and states that you should wait "for the official release of OTA update".

Now that the Android One and unlocked versions of the Moto X4 are being updated to Oreo, the last version left on the list is the Prime-exclusive version. There was no mention as to when the Amazon-only version will be updated, but we are expecting it to be a few more weeks before any official statement is made.

Let us know if you've received the Android Oreo update on your Moto X4 and if you have run into any problems so far.

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The Vivo X20 Plus UD launches in China next month with its embedded fingerprint scanner

After making an appearance at CES 2018 then passing through TENAA certifications in China, the Vivo X20 Plus UD has been made official. The company has quietly launched the device, simply announcing it online versus holding any type of press conference for the device.

Before getting to the fun stuff, the X20 Plus UD features a 6.43-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 and an 18:9 aspect ratio. Powering the device is the Snapdragon 660 chipset, which has been coupled with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage.

The front of the X20 Plus UD features a single 12MP sensor with an LED flash, while the rear of the device sports a dual-camera setup. The primary sensor comes in at 12MP and features an aperture of f/1.8, while the secondary camera comes in at just 5MP.

If there were concerns about this device not being able to last throughout the day, those worries should be to put to bed thanks to the included 3,905mAh battery. This can be recharged via the USB Type-C charging port, although there's no mention as to whether there are quick-charging capabilities on board.

The biggest selling point of the Vivo X20 UD Plus is the fact that this is the first device in the world to be released with an embedded fingerprint scanner. The device was making its rounds at CES, although it was not given an actual name at the time.

The sensor itself has been developed in collaboration between Vivo and Synaptics, and will hopefully open the door for more and more OEM's to jump on this train. Although, the problem here is that the technology is so new that we may not see this come to devices from the likes of Samsung, LG, or Apple until next year.

Pricing for the Vivo X20 UD Plus starts at $565, but there is no mention as to whether this device will be available in any other regions on than China. Until then, we'll have to keep salivating and hoping for an OEM in the US to do something similar.

Let us know what you think about this device and if you would like to see more devices released with embedded fingerprint scanners.

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Galaxy S9 allegedly leaks again in a new video testing touch screen sensitivity

Another day, another alleged Samsung Galaxy S9 leak. It makes sense, we're only a few short weeks away from MWC 2018 where Samsung will unveil the device unto the world at their Unpacked event. In the process of shipping hundreds upon hundreds of these devices for the show, leaks are sure to trickle out. That doesn't mean they're all legit, especially when they come out China who's known for building cheap knock-offs as soon as device schematics are leaked.

Today a new video was posted onto Chinese social network Weibo. The video shows someone testing the "touch screen sensitivity" of a device they claim is the Galaxy S9. Unlike previous videos, this one looks more legit in that Samsung's Infinity Display (the branding they've given their new displays with smaller bezels) is in full view. Unfortunately, the rest of the phone wasn't shown off, just this brief glimpse so it could just as easily be the Galaxy S8 we're looking at here.

It's worth noting that based on CAD file leaks, the Galaxy S9 wont really change much when it comes to the front of the device, looking nearly identical to last year's Galaxy S8. It's the back where things get a little more interesting. The Galaxy S9 will likely move that ill-placed fingerprint sensor beneath the camera (hopefully the speed and accuracy has also been improved), and there's rumors that the larger Galaxy S9+ could feature a dual-camera setup.

Yesterday we were given some details on the camera Samsung will likely employ on the Galaxy S9, so there's still some upgrades to get excited about. Stay tuned for more.

via SamMobile

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Let the games begin: Google I/O 2018 will take place on May 8th

As has been the tradition over the last couple of years, the Google Developers Twitter account began teasing information surrounding when and where Google I/O 2018 will be taking place. The account tweeted an image of 1's and 0's which translated to google.com/io.

Plans are coming along for #io18… pic.twitter.com/48VpqvVqWU

— Google Developers (@googledevs) January 24, 2018

Once you accessed the landing page, you were greeted with a new game, which allows you to "go behind the scenes with the I/O 2018 team". This little game takes you on a quest to figure out the date and location for Google I/O 2018, which after completed, shows you that the big G will be making a return to the Shoreline Amphitheater for the third straight year.

Along the way, there are a few subtle cues along the way that begin teasing the name for the next version of Android, including a subtly placed Pineapple cake that rests on a desk in the first room. It's no surprise that although we won't likely learn the name of Android 9.0 until after I/O 2018, Google loves to tease the name of Android ahead of time.

If you want a little bit of a cheat sheet for the quest, here are the answers to each question, unlocking the "final screen":

1. Iwata
2. 01, 60, 80
3. Tam
4. Aeschylus
5. [turn off lights]
6. [sisters, refresh, mirror, theatre]

Once completed, you will be greeted with the following image:

This is obviously center stage for the Amphitheater, with the dates and specific location listed in the top left-hand corner. Unfortunately, Google has yet to open registrations for the event, nor have they shared ticket pricing, but we should be learning more about the event in the coming weeks.

Let us know if you completed the task ahead of time and if you're excited to see what Google has in store for Google I/O 2018, where we are expecting Google Assistant to be at the forefront.

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The OnePlus 5T in Lava Red is now available, but only in India

Back in the beginning of the month, OnePlus began teasing another new color variant that would be temporarily made available. The company announced the new OnePlus 5T in Lava Red but stated that the device would exclusively be coming to India, leaving the rest of us lusting over the device.

Starting today, those in India can now purchase the Lava Red OnePlus 5T, as it is available from Amazon India, as well as OnePlus' own online storefront. Under the hood, there is nothing super special about this version of the 5T, as it keeps the same specs as the standard Black version.

However, instead of being able to purchase the base model 6GB/64GB model, you are "stuck" with only being able to purchase the 8GB/128GB model. Pricing for this device starts at INR 37,999 ($595), which matches up with the price for the standard version.

There is no telling how long this Lava Red edition of the OnePlus 5T will be available, so if you're in India and you want a new device in a sexy color, be sure to pick this up now. Let us know if you happen to do so, or if you don't really care for the Lava Red version of the OnePlus 5T.

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