Android Wear 2.8 is arriving on some devices with a new black theme
Jan 18th - A few users over in the Android Wear subreddit have received an update to version 2.8. The most noticeable addition is a brand new black theme for the UI.
Joe Fedewa
Features Editor
Google shares photos from the design process of the Pixel 2, Google Home Mini, and more
Jan 18th - Designing a major product for a company like Google doesn’t happen overnight. The design process is meticulous and many prototypes are created along the way. Eventually, a winner separates itself from the crowd.
What are your favorite Google Home commands?
Jan 17th - So now that you’ve had time to get used to living with an always-listening AI assistant, what do you find yourself using it for the most? Everyone has different needs when it comes to these devices.
YouTube is making it harder for partners to earn money
Jan 17th - Starting right now, a channel must have 4,000 hours of watch time within the past 12 months and at least 1,000 subscribers.
Facebook says they will clean up the Messenger app in 2018
Jan 16th - Messenger is now just as bloated as the Facebook app. It has everything from games to mobile payments and the annoying Snapchat Stories rip-off.
Some Pixel 2 XL displays don’t have color issues, but it’s hard to get one
Jan 16th - It turns out some Pixel 2 XLs aren’t nearly as bad, but finding one is basically a crapshoot. The video above shows how a newer Pixel 2 XL has almost no color shifting and the display is warmer.
The unlocked HTC 10’s Android Oreo update has been pulled
Jan 15th - The update came with very little fanfare and was a nice surprise for HTC 10 owners. However, it seems there were some issues with the update.
TAG Heuer made a smaller version of the Connected Modular watch
Jan 15th - For a lot of people, most smartwatches are simply too big and bulky. That was certainly the case for the Tag Huer Connected Modular 45. The good news is Tag Huer just announced a smaller version.
LG has scrapped development of the LG G7
Jan 15th - According to a new report, LG’s vice chairman has told the mobile division to scrap all development of the G7 and start over. Somehow, the rumored launch window of April seems to be intact.
Pokémon GO Community Days bring exclusive captures every month
Jan 15th - Niantic is kicking off a new event in Pokemon GO aimed at growing the community and helping players make new friends. The event is called “Community Day,” and it will happen once a month from here on out.
5 Best Android Apps of the Week (January 2018 #2)
Jan 13th - Every week, hundreds of new Android apps and games are submitted to the Play Store. If you’re not paying attention 24/7, it’s easy to miss some of the best stuff.
Popular app CCleaner could be turning into crapware
Jan 12th - The company behind CCleaner, Piriform, was acquired by Avast last summer. Are sketchy changes on the horizon? It looks like Avast could be making some big changes that Android users won’t be happy about.
OnePlus 3T Oreo beta sent clipboard data to Chinese servers
Jan 11th - OnePlus 3T and clipboard data accessing the network in the December beta release of Oreo. The IP addresses that were trying to be accessed are owned by Alibaba.
Google bought a UK startup that can turn displays into speakers
Jan 11th - The startup is named Redux. They developed technology that eliminates the need for a mobile device to have small speakers.
Android Oreo kernel source code released for the Moto Z2 Force
Jan 11th - Oreo started rolling out to some models in late December. Motorola is following that up by releasing the kernel source code.