Google Search recorded its highest-ever traffic during the 2022 World Cup Final between France and Argentina

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has revealed that Google Search recently recorded its highest-ever traffic during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final between France and Argentina. The final, held on Sunday (18 December 2022), was one of the most entertaining finals in World Cup history and Google was effectively the information hub for many people around the world for the match and the World Cup finals as a whole.

Taking to Twitter, Pichai said that Google Search saw its highest-ever traffic throughout its 25-year history during the match, as if “the entire world was searching about one thing”. Google Search became one of the most convenient and comprehensive ways to get information for the 2022 World Cup thanks to updated features released prior to the event starting.

By searching “World Cup” on Google Search, you can see a dedicated section at the top with a list of upcoming matches, along with their dates and local times for the users. Furthermore, users can also set up notifications on mobile for specific teams with a new bell icon and choose the squad that they wish to follow.

The nail-biting final went all the way to a penalty shootout after both teams were tied 3-3 after extra time. Argentina went on to win the shootout and claimed their 3rd World Cup and cementing the team captain Lionel Messi as arguably the greatest football player of all time.

So, what do you guys think of the record traffic Google saw during the 2022 World Cup Final? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.


Google Services ending Android Gingerbread support by early 2017

If your phone is running Android 2.3 Gingerbread – you may want to either find a way to update it or replace it pretty soon as Google has announced that their support for smartphones running Gingerbread would end by early 2017.  As at press time, the percentage of devices running Android 2.3 stands at 1.3% our of the total user base globally. While this may be small, the total userbase of Android is estimated around 1.4 billion devices around the world, so even at 1.3 %, it is about 1.8 million devices in the wild are still running one of the earliest versions of Android.

Google notes that many major Android apps already don’t support Gingerbread and added that ditching support for this version of the OS in a few months will allow it to “provide a more robust collection of tools for Android developers with greater speed.”

We may see older versions of Android not supported soon – will this effect the userbase as a whole? Stay tuned to TechNave for more Android news.


Google Stadia, Dynamic Wallpapers, Dark Theme and more coming soon to OnePlus OxygenOS

So the OnePlus 8 series is finally revealed last night and there were a couple of things OnePlus showcased. One of them was announcing new features coming up on their upcoming OxygenOS patch, which includes a dark-themed user interface, some dynamic wallpapers, Smooth Battle 2.0, and many more. Without further ado, let's check it out.

First, the dark-themed user interface is nothing really new as it has been introduced on many smartphones already since last year. We already know that it eases your eyes and consumes lesser battery power, but OnePlus said that their version is more "refreshed" particularly for the OnePlus 8 series but quickly skipped it. Then for the dynamic wallpapers, the company said they would change accordingly to the weather so that's pretty cool.

For those who don't know, Smooth Battle 2.0 is not some feature used for gaming even though you can, indirectly. As OnePlus fans know, Smooth Battle helps to optimize the user interface and this new version will be improved. For example, scrolling and navigating will be smoother than before compared with the predecessors. Also, the OnePlus 8 series 120Hz Fluid Display will definitely shake things up for the best seamless user interface experience they can give.

The new OxygenOS features several optimizations to make scrolling smoother and hassle-free. The operating system is lightweight and provides a seamless software experience which makes it a fan favourite. As stated earlier, there are 280 optimizations to make scrolling and navigation smoother and more fluid than on previous models.

Besides that, there will be a Live Caption feature on the OnePlus 8 series too. This feature was first introduced by Google last year and for those who don't know, Live Caption displays audio and video captions in real-time which is cool. On top of that, there will be a OnePlus launcher, quick gestures, and optimized charging.

Last but not least, Google One is also featured and it's said that 100GB of cloud storage which comes with a 3-month free trial. Even Google's Stadia cloud gaming service and Amazon Alexa app will be on board. OnePlus mentioned that these features won't be exclusively for the OnePlus 8 series, as they will select other OnePlus phone models to have them as well.

So what do you think of the upcoming OxygenOS update? And what do you think of the new phone models? You can check out the tech specs and features on our official news coverage here, and stay tuned for more OnePlus news at TechNave.com.


Google Stadia Pro goes officially on preorder for ~RM41 per month… just not in Malaysia

In an official Google Stadia Connect stream today, Google revealed that their Google Stadia Founder's Edition is coming later this year for $129 (~RM531) on preorder. The base monthly Google Stadia Pro subscription is expected to be $9.99 (~RM41) per month with up to 4K or 60 frames per second using 35mbps connections.

The preorder will come with a Google Stadia controller, a Google Chromecast Ultra and a copy of Destiny 2 + the new Shadowkeep expansion for a 3 month subscription and 3 month buddy pass. So far, Malaysia is not included but Google Stadia will be rolling out to Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a devices in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States (except Hawaii).

It will be tied to your Google ID (with plans for family sharing) but you'll be able to create an account and subscription from any Android M+ or iOS 11+ device with access to the Stadia app. Other games announced for Stadia include Gylt, Baldur's Gate 3 and more.

While it seems to be exclusively for the aforementioned Google Pixel devices, we expect the general Google Stadia Pro version to eventually be available to most devices (after all, it can still run on the midrange Pixel 3a) so don't give up hope just yet. What do you think? Would you be interested in playing AAA PC games on your smartphone, TV or laptop for $10 (~RM41) per month? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com


Google Stadia could consume up to 1TB of data in about 65 Hours

Google has given us a little more information regarding Google Stadia, and how much bandwidth is required in order to stream content of various resolutions and frame rates. Based on the infographic provided, Stadia requires a minimum of 10Mbps connection in order to sustain a constant 720p 60FPS game stream while the Stadia Pro requires the highest recommended speed for 4k 60FPS HDR with 5.1 surround sound content is 35Mbps and above.

That being said, Google Stadia might not be suitable for households with capped internet quota as the highest recommended speed can easily use up to 1TB of quota in just 65 hours or even less. As far as we know, Stadia is expected to launch probably around the fourth quarter of 2019, along with 25 Stadia compatible games. Currently, there will be 2 different subscription tiers starting from Stadia Base, which is free and it comes with game streaming resolution of up to 1080p 60FPS, while the Stadia Pro will be priced at 9.99USD a month will be able to stream at the maximum 4k 60FPS as mentioned above.

There is no news on whether Malaysia will be one of the pilot countries and whether there will be a local price for the subscription plan. Stay tuned to TechNave.com, as we provide more updates on the matter.


Google Stadia games studio shuts down, which could affect longevity of the platform

It's not unusual for companies to come to sudden decisions. But the employees at the games development studio for Google Stadia were caught off guard a major one. Just a week after being praised for making great progress, the division was shut down.

According to The Verge, Stadia Games and Entertainment was created to develop a lineup of games that would be exclusive to Google Stadia. The development team there were standing by for more updates from the company, only to be told that the division would be shut down completely.

Does Google think that the business and platform would be so unsustainable, so much that it's worth investing in? A reason Google cited is that the cost of creating top-tier games is expensive. Considering how much money Google has in the bank, you'd figure money wouldn't be the problem. But it seems like the company isn't confident in this area.

Honestly, this is more of an opinion of the public, so who knows what Google was thinking. However, it looks bad when so many cloud gaming platforms are failing. What do you think, will cloud gaming take off in the next few years? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


A woman who spent over ~RM13,769 in game is suing Apple for promoting gambling

Although some games are labelled free-to-play in the app stores, they will still be offering in-app purchases for users to enjoy extra benefits. Earlier this week, Apple had faced a lawsuit filed by a woman who overspent in a gambling game called "Jackpot Mania". The lawsuit claims that Apple “promotes, enables, and profits” from gambling games on the App Store.

According to the source, a woman named Karen Workman had spent over 3,312 USD (~RM13,769) to purchase the currency from the mentioned gambling game which she downloaded back in 2017. Now, she is filing a lawsuit against Apple stating that the tech giant shouldn't allow games that contain gambling elements to appear on the App Store.

Other than that, the lawsuit also alleged Apple of being the principal promoter and facilitator of the illegal activity by allowing the app to be on the App Store. It further argues that game credits that are "recorded and allow one to extend play" are a thing of value as well. The lawsuit is currently seeking class status and asking for the whole refund of “all money paid through the illegal gambling games described herein.” This payout would also include the attorney’s fees and an award for the plaintiff for “his/her services in this case on behalf of the class.”

Let us know what you think about this ridiculous lawsuit on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more interesting news like this.


Google Stadia isn't allowed on iOS, Apple said

By now, you probably have heard of Google Stadia but if you haven't, it's a new way for gamers to play video games via streaming from the cloud. At the moment, Google Stadia is working on most Android devices particularly the OnePlus 8 series but if you're thinking of waiting for it on your iPhone or iPad, that's not going to happen ever.

By the way, this statement came from Apple themselves and the company confirmed that services such as Google Stadia would probably never happen on iOS. During the interview with Business Insider, the reason given by Apple is that it simply violates their App Store policy, as Stadia, alongside with xCloud and GeForce Now are working in a group but not individually. Below is the full statement that was given by Apple:

"The App Store was created to be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers. Before they go on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that are intended to protect customers and provide a fair and level playing field to developers.

Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search. In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers on the App Store."

Apart from that, section 4.2.7 from the App Store policy also mentioned that “host device and client must be connected on a local and LAN-based network". So for Google Stadia which is a cloud-streaming service, this is why Apple doesn't allow it and to further back that up, the App Store policy also mentioned that the developer's app must not be a "thin client for cloud-based app".

With that App Store policy in place, Google Stadia would never be welcomed to the iOS ecosystem. But then again, it doesn't really matter much if Google Stadia is not available yet in the Malaysian market and we also have to take into account of our rather average internet speed to support cloud-streaming gaming. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Google Stadia now available on Android devices from Samsung, ASUS, and Razer smartphones

Interested in Google Stadia but don't have a Pixel smartphone? That's no longer an issue as Google has begun to roll out the service to other third-party Android devices. Starting 20 February 2020, Stadia will work on selected Samsung, ASUS, and Razer smartphones.

As a reminder, Google Stadia is a game streaming service that first launched in November last year. Through this service, you can essentially stream games in its games library to TVs, laptops or desktop computers. All you need is a WiFi connection and a compatible controller, but you will need the Stadia Controller and a Google Chromecast Ultra if you want to stream it to a TV.

It's also possible to stream to a smartphone, except it was previously limited to Google Pixel devices only. But Google is now making Stadia playable on 19 other Android smartphones, greatly increasing the device coverage for the service. This move suggests that Google will continue to make Stadia playable on more devices in the future. For now, here's a list of newly Stadia supported phones:

Google isn't seeing too much success with Stadia so far because of lag and pricing. Those who've managed to test the service have reported frustrating levels of lag and aren't too hot on the pricing model. This is because you also have to purchase games before being able to play them via Stadia, on top of the monthly subscription of USD 9.99 (~RM42).

Google Stadia has a long way to go before it's commercially viable. Most importantly, the issue with lag needs to be addressed first. With that said, would you buy into Stadia if lag is no longer an issue or would you prefer to stick to a PC or console? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Google Stadia now available on iOS devices through the web

The policy changes to the Apple App Store has been an inconvenience for a few companies. Back in August, Apple announced that Google Stadia wasn't allowed on the App Store due to a certain policy. But it looks like Google has finally got a workaround that will bring the platform to iOS.

According to XDA Developers, you'll now be able to get access to Google Stadia on your iPhone or iPad. However, there's no official app to go with it yet due to the App Store restriction. Instead, you have to connect to the service via the Safari web browser. You will be able to add a shortcut to your home screen, which functions as a web app.

Of course, a dedicated app is not completely out of the picture. Google has confirmed that the iOS version of the app is still in the works, but iOS users will have to use the web app method for now. It does have some drawbacks too, as some Stadia features may not be available or work properly.

Google Stadia is currently not available in Malaysia, though you could probably access it if you use a VPN service. Regardless, our Internet services here probably aren't good enough for cloud gaming yet. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more news.


Google Stadia should now work on most Android devices

Despite the many limitations, many companies continue to work on game streaming as a service. In particular, the Stadia platform is something that Google is working hard to bring to more people. Recently, the company has announced that more devices will now support Stadia.

In an official blog post, Google said that even devices not on the list of supported devices will now support the cloud gaming service. While Google did mention that not every device will be able to use Stadia, the feature is in development and we can probably expect compatibility with more devices in the future.

Officially, Stadia is now supported in a bunch of OnePlus devices, including the flagship OnePlus 8 series. Google also announced five new games for Stadia Pro subscribers, the release of mobile touch controls, and the ability to change the resolution for Stadia. The last feature would be useful in optimising latency and performance, especially if your phone isn't that high-end.

Of course, the problem with Stadia has always been availability. Currently, Stadia is available in 14 countries in North America and Europe only, though if you're interested you might be able to use a VPN to get access. With that said, would you be interested in trying Stadia if it ever rolls out in Malaysia? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for updates on this.


Google Tasks now integrated into Google Calendar for Android and iOS

When you're out and about, it's always great to have your list of tasks on hand for quick reference. Some people don't bother with it, but it's nice to have an app to track your todo list with a calendar. For Android and iOS users, you can now do that from within Google Calendar.

If you're familiar with Google Calendar, the web version has had Google Tasks integrated into it for a few years. Now, Google is finally adding it to the Android and iOS versions of Google Calendar. With it, you'll now be able to create and view tasks directly. Obviously, this also means you can place them on your calendar so you can better keep track of them.

It's not anything new, but it's great that you no longer need to download a separate app to do this. With that said, what app do you use to track your calendar and tasks? Let us know in the comments and do stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Google Tensor G2 uses Samsung's 5nm process instead of 4nm

The Google Pixel 7 series finally arrived last week after so many rumours. However, the company might have covered up something that you might want to know, and it's the size of the process that the Tensor G2 uses.

Many thought the Tensor G2 would manufacture based on the most advanced 4nm process. Unfortunately, the chip gets found to be based on Samsung's 5nm manufacturing process instead. It explains why it only brings a 10% improvement over its predecessor. The Tensor G2 didn't have its clock speed increase significantly. Its Arm Cortex-X1 core runs at 2.85GHz, which is only 50MHz higher than the original previous Tensor's 2.80GHz.

It's worth mentioning that Google did not officially disclose Samsung being the foundry. However, there are still pieces of evidence enough to prove so. The two have collaborated for many years, and the Tensor chips also use Samsung's achievements in the field. However, it's unclear which process the Tensor G2 uses as Samsung has two 5nm nodes: the 5LPE process used by the original Tensor chips and a newer 5LPP.

What do you think about the news? Drop a comment to let us know your opinion about it, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more smartphone reports.


Google Tensor might not be as powerful as we thought?

Google has teased how powerful the upcoming in-house processor, Tensor, will be in AI performance but never revealed anything about the CPU and GPU tech specs. However, thanks to the rumours, we already know that the chip is likely to use Arm Mali-A78 GPU that Samsung uses on its Exynos 2100. Now, the CPU specs have also arrived on the Internet, but it's weird.

XDA Developers has published a report based on both a Geekbench score and a source who claims to have an actual Pixel 6 Pro. According to the report, Tensor would be using two Cortex-X1 performance cores, two Cortex-A76 performance cores, and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. Judging at the first part, Google is going all out by using two powerful new Cortex-X1 cores, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon utilizes only one. Going next to the two Cortex-A76 cores, there's where the question comes in.

The Cortex-A76 is said to be full two generations behind the new Cortex-A78 design currently used in 2021 flagship chips. It's unknown why would Google go all out by using two Cortex-A1 cores but also taking some steps back by using the considerably old Cortex-A76. The source mentions that Google might have purposely obfuscated its CPU design in the Geekbench score.

The wait might soon be over with Google launching the highly-anticipated Pixel 6 series. By that time, everything will get revealed, and we'll also find out if this report is accurate. Drop a comment to let us know your thoughts on this one and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech reports.


Google Translate can now do live transcription for 8 languages

We've all heard of the term 'lost in translation', but sometimes you may not even have someone around to translate for you. But with Google Translate, no problem! Google has been working on real-time transcription and now the feature is a reality. This new feature for Google Translate has begun to roll out for Android users on the Google Play Store.

The update may take some time to reach you as it seems to be rolled out to different users in batches. Once you have it, you'll be able to live transcribe eight different languages. They are English, French, German, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai. To activate it, just tap on the 'Transcribe' button and the app will start listening to the targeted language and translate it.

For example, you can make it listen to someone talking to you in French or Spanish. The app can then automatically transcribe the conversation to the language of your choice, like English. Aside from that, you'll be able to adjust the text size of the resulting transcription or switch to a dark theme in the menu.

This new feature can be useful in a variety of scenarios. For instance, you can use it when you go travelling. Its use is still quite limited for now, but we expect to see more languages supported in the future. With that said, would you find this feature useful? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Google Translate now has Tap to Translate for any app

Google recently came out with a new update to their Google Translate app which they call Tap to Translate. While the Google Translate app is certainly useful, copy pasting from another app to Google Translate and back again can get irritating, so now with Tap to Translate, you can do so from the app direct from any Android phone running Jellybean 4.2 and above.

Other extra features include smaller offline packages of about 25MB or so each. Using them with Offline Mode means you don't have to be online to translate and now with the new update, it won't take up much space either. Word Lens also has Chinese now so if you need an instant translation of Simplified or Traditional Chinese, just point the Word Lens camera in that direction.

The updated Google Translate should be available over the next few days but our testing with the app reveals that we don't have that option in Malaysia just yet, so wait a few more days before going out to prove you're not a "banana".


Google Voice will now warn users of suspected spam calls

Google has announced a new feature on Google Voice which adds a red “suspected spam caller” warning for calls that are believed to be spam. This was made so as to protect users from unwanted calls and potentially harmful scams.

In a blog post yesterday (29 December 2022), the tech giant elaborated that it makes this determination by using the same advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that identifies billions of spam calls each month across Google’s calling ecosystem. The new labels appear on the Google Voice incoming call screen and in the user’s call history.

If users received the labels, they can either confirm a suspected spam call or mark a labelled call as not spam. For the former, it will cause future calls from that number to go directly to voicemail and call history entries to be put in the spam folder. If you choose the latter, the suspected spam label is never displayed for that number again.

So, what do you guys think of this new security feature on Google Voice? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news.


ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank hands-on video

Going on with the ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank, we've taken it out of the box for a hands-on video of the power bank. As mentioned earlier, the power bank comes with dual USB ports, making it perfect for charging two mobile devices at one time (yes, we like to carry around a tablet and a smartphone too). Check out the tech specs and hands-on video below for more details:


Google Wallet launches in Malaysia, supports CIMB, Hong Leong Bank, Public Bank & HSBC cards

Today, Google Malaysia is excited to announce Google Wallet is now available in Malaysia. Like other eWallets, Google Wallet provides a simpler and other helpful payment experience to people, as well as supporting digital items such as boarding passes and credit cards.

With Google Wallet, Malaysians can now download at the Google Play Store and use the platform to tap and pay in stores or checkout online. On top of that, cardholders of CIMB Bank (Mastercard credit cards), Hong Leong Bank (all credit and debit cards), Hong Leong Islamic Bank (debit cards) and Public Bank (Visa credit and debit be able to add their payment cards to Google Wallet.

Cardholders of HSBC (Visa and Mastercard credit card) and HSBC Amanah (Visa and Mastercard credit card) will also be able to add their cards to Google Wallet in the coming months. Since it's Google Wallet, that would mean that you need an Android phone or a Wear OS device where contactless payments are accepted, including overseas if your card is permitted already.

Payment cards from Google Wallet can be used to pay online or in-app at brands such as Airbnb, Al-Ikhsan Sports, Applecrumby, Eat Cake Today, Shopee, or wherever you see the Google Pay button. Plus, boarding passes from AirAsia are doable, while Malaysia Airlines would be added in the coming months.

To learn more about Google Wallet, you may visit the official web portal right over here to check it out. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Google Wear OS will soon allow users to flip the display according to the orientation

Google Wear OS is bringing this not-so-significant but much-appreciated feature to the wearables soon. It's reported that the upcoming update will finally allow users to flip the display according to the orientation of the smartwatch.

Although it might sound small, the feature has been absent on the OS. It's said that some people would be more comfortable wearing the smartwatch upside down, especially with lefties. The reason for it is when wearing the watch on the left hand, it would be hard to reach the crown or buttons that are usually located on the right side. Therefore, the best way to avoid the problem would be to wear it upside down.

The issue was raised with a 2018 Google issue tracker to request a small change that allows the display to flip upside down. Surprisingly, this issue is currently marked as "Fixed" alongside a quick note that reveals its availability. The note stated that "Our development team has implemented the feature you have requested and will be available on future new devices", which means the feature might not appear on current Wear OS devices.

Are you one of the people who would wear your smartwatch upside down? Leave a comment to let us know, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech gadget news.


Google, Xiaomi, OPPO and vivo expected to launch foldable devices in 2021

As we're entering 2021, many analysts and tipsters have started to reveal what we can expect from the smartphone market next year. According to a source, Google, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo are going to announce their own foldable smartphones in the second half of the year. This comes as a surprise knowing that we'll get a Pixel foldable from Google soon! Well, maybe not Malaysia.

Brands like Xiaomi have been showcasing their ideas for foldable smartphones so it's no doubt they'll releasing one soon. According to tipster Ross Young, OPPO will also be announced as many as four foldable devices and that's something we really look forward to. Other than those mentioned brands, Samsung is expected to launch three foldable devices for 2021 as well, and the number could even go up with the possibility of affordable foldables appearing in the market.

It is claimed that all the devices will only be announced in the second half of 2021. However, there is still a chance for launches happening in the first half. Out of all the brands that are going to launch foldable devices, which one you're most excited about? Let us know the answer on our Facebook page!

For more latest smartphone news, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Google accidentally transferred ~RM1.13 million to a blogger and only realised the error after nearly one month

Blogger and security engineer Sam Curry got the shock of a lifetime recently after he found out Google had transferred USD249,999.99 or ~RM1,136,374.95 into his account for no reason. Perplexed by the transfer, he contacted Google and eventually was told by the tech giant that a “human error” caused the accidental large sum transfer.

Taking to his Twitter account on Wednesday (14 September 2022), Curry shared a screenshot of the transfer from Google, revealing that it has been a little over 3 weeks since the tech giant made the transfer without giving any notice. Moreover, despite almost one month having passed by, Google has yet to respond to Curry’s enquiry on the matter. Curry even jokingly said that he is okay if Google doesn’t want the money back.

Curry, who is also a staff engineer at Yuga Labs recently told NPR that he sometimes does bug bounty hunting for tech companies and had received payments from Google for such services before. However, Curry believes that the quarter of a million dollar transfer has got nothing to do with bug bounty hunting and may just be a mistake on Google’s part.

Well, that guess turns out to be true as Google had since released a statement to NPR saying that the transfer was made in error. A Google spokesperson said that its team had made a payment to the wrong party as the result of human error.

Furthermore, Google said that it is really appreciative of Curry for quickly communicating the matter. The tech giant further elaborated that it is currently working to correct the error by getting the money back from the blogger.

So, what do you guys think of the whole incident? What would you do if you were in Curry’s situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news such as this!


Google adding curated teasers of your favourite TV apps for Android TV

If you've been thinking about the next show you can binge on your Android TV, you will probably appreciate Google making things easier for you. The company has added a new feature that will help you find something new to watch. There will now be a rotating carousel of "Google Play Staff Pick" above the apps to show the highlights of some popular shows.

According to Google, the highlights are short teasers of selected shows. These are chosen by Google Play's entertainment experts or Google's US media partners. You can also add suggestions from streaming services that you subscribe to. However, this update is only available for Android TV apps like Starz, DC Universe, and EPIX NOW. Google did not mention if Android TV users outside of the US will get to experience this feature.

These highlights are chosen by Google's staff and media partners

Just choose the app you want and click on the button, no sign-up forms involved!

Another feature that was added to Android TV is a quick-subscribe feature. Rather than having to sign up to like Netflix individually by filling up forms, you just need to click on a "Subscribe and install" button and Google will set up an account with the service for you. Again, this service is only available in the US for now.

We think that these two new features will be useful for most people and we hope it will be available in Malaysia soon. But what do you think, will the highlights make it easier for you to find new shows? Let us know in the comments on our Facebook page and don't forget to stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news.


Google adding heart-rate reading to its Pixel cameras

It's always interesting to see phones do things you don't expect them to. For example, smartphones can gain new features via software updates. The unexpected update this time is Google and its Pixel smartphones, which can now sense a user's heart rate.

Google has announced that it will be updating the camera for Pixel smartphones to measure a user's heart rate and respiratory rate. This feature will be available through the Google Fit starting next month. Furthermore, the feature will be expanded to other Android devices in the future.

To elaborate, the feature works by using the Pixel's front camera. The user must first position their head and upper torso in front of the camera, then place their finger on the rear camera and breathe regularly. You can then save the measurements to Google Fit and use the app to track your health info.

This kind of measuring probably won't be as accurate as of the biometric sensors on a fitness band, but Google claims that it should be enough for basic readings. What do you think, would you just use this instead of buying a fitness wearable? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Google adds new video editing and productivity features to Chromebook, including support for LumaFusion

Google has announced a slew of new features and apps for Chromebook which the tech giant claims can take creativity and productivity to the next level. These include video editing tools in Google Photos, enhanced app capabilities and more.

Shared by Google’s Director of ChromeOS Software, Alexander Kuscher via a blogpost yesterday, the aforementioned Google Photos features will be available first on Chromebook this September. Essentially, it will bring video editing features to the app, whether from scratch or automatically through suggested themes.

If you need a more powerful and professional-grade video editor, Google has also announced that Chromebook will be supporting LumaFusion. With the popular app, you can edit with multitrack videos, add graphics, visual effects, transitions, audio tracks, sound effects, narration, colour grading and more.

Besides that, Chromebook will also be adding a flurry of new productivity features with its preinstalled apps. These include a new PDF editing features on the Gallery app, using the Screencast app to record, view and share transcribed videos and presentations as well as using the Cursive app to capture, edit and organise handwritten notes on stylus-enabled Chromebooks.

In the same blogpost, Google also announced the newly redesigned Launcher on Chromebook which lets users find what they need with just the press of a button. There’s also new additions to cross-device features such as Phone Hub and Nearby Share to make users’ lives easier.

The company also confirmed that a new organisation and productivity features will be rolling out to users in the next few months. These features will help users manage schedules and stay focused, with some new ways to personalise their Chromebook.

So, what do you guys think of these new Chromebook features? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news!


Google also announces their first Android tablet with the Pixel C

Google have long had a hand in smartphones with their Nexus smartphones but are now venturing into the hybrid tablet space with the Pixel C which they say is the first Android tablet built end-to-end by Google. Featuring an aluminum body with a 10.2-inch display that packs in a 2560 x 1800 pixel resolution, the tablet comes with an optional and detachable Bluetooth keyboard that latches on with magnets. The keyboard can be latched on to the front and back and is also charged inductively via the tablet when not in use. Tech specs for the Pixel C tablet include an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB/64GB storage, a USB Type-C port and Android 6.0 Marshmallow. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details but it is expected to start from $499 (RM2219) for the 32GB storage version and $599 (RM2664) for the 64GB storage version. The keyboard will go for $149 (RM662).


Google and Samsung collaborates to create Health Connect, makes it easier to sync health data

Google has teamed up with Samsung to create a new platform and application programming interface (API) which syncs health-related data between Android apps and devices. Called Health Connect, it supports over 50 data types, including vitals, sleep, nutrition, activity, body measurement, cycle tracking and more.

Announced by Google in a recent Android Developers Blog post, the API simplifies connectivity between apps. With users' permission, developers can securely read from and write data to Health Connect using standardised schema and API behaviour.

Furthermore, Google also assured that users will have full control over privacy with the new API. These include granular control to see which apps are requesting access to data at any given time.

All the data will also be encrypted and stored only on-device. Besides that, users are also given the ability to shut off access or delete data they don’t want on their device, and the option to prioritise one data source over another when using multiple apps.

Speaking of the collaboration, Samsung in a press statement dubbed it a breakthrough innovation for health and wellness enthusiasts. The South Korean tech giant’s executive vice president TaeJong Jay Yang said that Samsung Health will adopt Health Connect later this year.

He further lauded the new API, saying that it will benefit app developers to take advantage of accurate and optimised data from Samsung devices and apps.  These include those measured on Galaxy Watch for Samsung Health to be used in other fitness apps made by Android developers.

Health Connect is currently on open beta with developers such as MyFitnessPal, Leap Fitness and Withings in its early access programme. More fitness-related app developers as well as device manufacturers will follow suit in the near future.

What do you guys think of Health Connect? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest tech news such as this.


Google announce New Nexus 7 2 tablet with Android 4.3

While it came as no surprise due to all the leaks, Google has finally and officially announced the new Nexus 7 2 tablet and it also comes with Android 4.3. Built by Asus, tech specs for the new Nexus 7 2 tablet include:

The price has been confirmed at $229 (RM732) for the 16GB WiFi version, $269 (RM860) for the 32GB WiFi version and $349 (RM1116) for the 32GB Wifi + 4G LTE version. This brings it into direct contention with Asus's own recently released MemoPad HD7 which could mean a slightly higher price tag than just the normal US to Malaysia currency conversion. Note that for now the 4G LTE version seems to be headed for the US market only. According to the Google site it will be available at the end of the month on 30 July 2013 but no exact news just yet when the new Nexus 7 2 tablets will be available in Malaysia.

If you need more information or would like to register your interest check out the Google Nexus 7 site.


ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank review - Striking 10400 mAh power bank for dual device charging

As people bring more and more mobile devices around, like a tablet and smartphone, the need for a capable Power Bank is quickly becoming necessary. The ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank looks to solve this by offering a good amount of power and dual USB ports so you can charge both your tablet and smartphone at the same time. Check out our review of the ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank below to see if it is right for you.

The ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank goes for a rounded metallic look with a brushed metal exterior which looks rather striking. Available in several colours including titanium, golden, pink and blue the overall shape is relatively easy to hold and grip with a solid and premium feel to it. At 260g it is a bit heavy to bring about in your pocket, however, it should fit well in most bags or pouches. It also looks good enough to be a nice paperweight for your desktop and is certainly as fingerprint resistant as mentioned in the introduction video.

The ADATA PV110 offers a striking brushed metal design

The ADATA PV110 power bank has two USB ports for dual device charging

Check out what else comes in the box for the ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank

The ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank packs in a 10400 mAh Li-ion battery pack with 2 USB output ports and 1 microUSB charging port. A row of 4 blue LED lights above the microUSB port indicate how much charge is left while a power button is located next to these. To use it, all you have to do is plug in the charging cable, connect it to your device and turn on the power (long press). The PV110 will then proceed to charge your device. One of the USB ports is a 2.1A making it suitable for tablets while the other 1.0A USB port means that the PV110 has a total output of 3.1A. Thankfully, the PV110 comes with a handy power-saving feature in that if the power bank is idle for 10 seconds or more or has charged all of the connected devices, it will automatically turn off, so you don't have to worry about leaving on the power button. The power bank comes with a single USB to microUSB cable. Check out the full tech specs below:

The ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank is available in black, gold, pink and blue

According to ADATA, the PV110 also offers Six-fold protection from over charging and discharging with voltage/current and short circuit protection. This means that it probably won't overheat when being charged nor will it damage devices that it is charging. Another safety feature is PTC or Positive Temperature Coefficient protection which monitors the battery and power bank temperature to avoid overheating.

Considering that most smartphones have a battery from 2000 mAh to 3000 mAh and most tablets have a battery sized around 3000 mAh to 5000 mAh, the PV110 should be good enough to charge both devices at the same time. However, since it only comes with one cable, you will have to get another USB to microUSB cable as well. If it is just the smartphone you can charge about 5 times while a tablet can get about 2 charges or so from this power bank. From our testing, the power bank requires about 4 hours and 30 minutes to get a full charge back from completely empty and charges devices pretty much the same speed as a normal power socket connected USB charger. Thanks to the various charging protection features, the power bank doesn't even become warm while being charged or charging other devices.

Check out our hands-on video of the ADATA PV110 10400 mAh power bank

Retailing anywhere from RM89 to RM99, the ADATA PV110 10400 mAh power bank offers a fairly good deal compared to other power banks in the same battery range. That being said, there are some power banks offering more features and more battery life for the same price or less, but the PV110 should offer a more striking look and feel to it compared to these other devices. Those interested in it can get it the usual online sellers along with Digital Wise and SRI Computer.

Overall, the ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank is a capable power bank for those of you who carry about multiple mobile devices at the same time as it lets you charge both devices with a little bit more on a single charge. Granted, it does take some time to charge back up to 100% but it does offer a very handy automatic power-off function that lets you take your mind off the whole charging business completely. Personally, we'd prefer a more classic look to it, but those who like striking looking acessories will also like the PV110's colourful and striking brushed metal exterior.


Google announced its first-ever Google Wallet and it sounds more impressive than Apple's

Aside from the many announcements of upcoming Google devices such as the Google Pixel 6A, Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Tablet, Google is also introducing its first-ever Google Wallet for Android 13. So how does it work?

The Google Wallet can keep all your payment cards but will only work if the outlet accepts. Google also wants the platform to be more than just an ewallet, it can be used for keeping boarding passes, vouchers, loyalty cards, event tickets, reservations, health insurance, vaccine records and many more!

This offers even more than Apple Wallet because they even plan to integrate a digital driver's license into Google Wallet. Last but not least, it supports scanning QR codes and NFC connection. Google was quite excited to announce that Google Wallet will be rolling out soon in the coming week with no exact date yet.

Will Google Wallet be available on other Android devices aside from the Pixel series? It's hard to tell but even more so for the Malaysian market. At least it will be usable on both Android and iOS together. So what do you think of this feature? Do you want it? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Google announces Android 5.0 Lollipop

After months of wondering what L starting dessert would be used for the next Android L, Google have finally and officially announced Android 5.0 Lollipop. Unlike previous updates, there are a number of huge upgrades to the mobile operating system and this includes a flatter Material Design look and feel and a new 64-bit compiler. Notifications are now floating in a Google Now-like card based system and they are both actionable as well as drop down. The 64-bit compiler will move from the previous Dalvik compiler to a more efficient ART compiler, which promises equal performance across all types of processors. The new ART compiler also promises nearly double the performance for some systems resulting in faster load times and performance along with support for larger than 3GB of RAM.

New floating Google Now-like card notifications

It will be cross platform, letting you pick up from a smartwatch to a tablet to a phone and vice versa

Android 5.0 Lollipop will also incorporate Project Volta battery life improvements with a Battery Saver mode, much like the various Ultra Power Saving modes seen in various smartphones. The recent apps menu also gets an overhaul along with the unlock screen which is now context-aware. Samsung's Knox security software will also be integrated in Android Lollipop, sort of how McAfee is being used with Microsoft's Windows 8.1. This new Android 5.0 Lollipop is set for release in the next few months but Google Play Edition or stock Google using devices like the Nexus 4, 5, 7 and 10 or Moto X, G and E will be getting it first. The newly revealed Nexus 6 and 9 will get it right out of the box.

The new Material Design for Android 5.0 Lollipop is very flat and full of pastel colours

Google's envisioned future Internet of Things in motion?


Google announces Chrome OS Flex that turns old PCs or Macs into Chromebook-like devices

Google has announced the Chrome OS Flex that aims to breathe new life into your old PCs or Macs today. The free software tool allows users to turn their old PCs that no longer receive official updates to Chromebook-like devices.

The Chrome OS Flex can be simply installed via a USB drive. After installing it, the old PC will get things like the same user interface, Chrome browser, cross-device features/integrations with Android, cloud sync, and Google Assistant found on Chromebooks today. Other features include Family Link, Smart Lock, Instant Tethering, and Nearby Sharing. However, the OS is not bringing Play Store or support for Android apps, but the source says newer hardware might allow for Linux.

You might check out this list that shows the compatible devices if you're interested in installing the Chrome OS Flex on your old PC. After that, just follow these steps, and you're good to go. It's worth mentioning that the current version is only early access and might contain bugs. The stable version is said to launch in the coming months.

What do you think about the news? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech report.


Google announces Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X

As expected, Google have announced their latest additions to the Nexus series of smartphones with the Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X. Both smartphones come with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box, a fingerprint sensor, dual front speakers, USB Type-C ports and a 12.3MP rear camera with super large 1.55-micron pixel Sony sensor that can record 4K video at 30fps. Quite obviously the Huawei Nexus 6P is the more premium of the two with an all metal body and 5.7-inch 2K or quad HD display. Measuring in at 159.3 x 77.8 x 7.3mm thin, the Nexus 6P features tech specs that include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 32GB/64GB/128GB storage, 8MP front camera and 3450 mAh battery with quick charging.

The LG Nexus 5X is no slouch either but tech specs are a bit more midrange with a Snapdragon 808 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, 5.2-inch FHD display, 5MP front camera and 2700 mAh battery. Both of the new Nexus smartphones do not have expandable memory or microSD slots, don't support wireless charging and don't have Optical Image Stabilization. In any case, there are still no Malaysia release dates or pricing details just yet but the Nexus 6P is priced from $499 (RM2219) for the 32GB storage version while the Nexus 5X starts at $379 (RM1686) for the 16GB storage version. Both will be available on the Google Play store in the US but we expect it to start shipping out elsewhere starting from 19 October for the Nexus 5X.


Google announces Nexus 6 with 5.9-inch 2K display

Google has officially continued their Nexus smartphone lineup with the Google Nexus 6. Following the same design as the Motorola Moto X, but with a larger 5.9-inch display, the Nexus 6 is the first phablet in the Google Nexus range of smartphones. The most notable features include a 2K display or a quad HD display with 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution along with dual front speakers, water resistant certification and the new Android 5.0 Lollipop right out of the box. Other tech specs include a 2.65GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor with Adreno 420 graphics, 3GB of RAM, 32GB storage, 13MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 2.1MP front camera, 3220 mAh battery with turbo charger. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details were available, but the Nexus 6 is expected to go on pre-order starting from 29 October 2014 at $649 (RM2127).


Google announces Nexus 9 with 8.9-inch display at 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution and K1 processor

Google has also officially announced the Nexus 9 tablet. Developed in tandem with HTC, the Nexus 9 certainly follows the same general HTC design of dual front speakers with slightly rounded corners. The Nexus 9 will be using a brushed metal aluminum frame though and be quite thin at just 7.9mm. It will weigh in heavier because of this at 425g and come with both WiFi and 4G LTE versions. Again, the most notable feature is it's 8.9-inch display, this time with a 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution. Powered by a 64-bit 2.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, the tablet looks to be the showcase for Android 5.0 Lollipop's 64-bit power but other tech specs are quite high-end for a tablet. These tech specs include 2GB of RAM, 16GB / 32GB of storage, an 8MP rear camera, 1.6MP front camera and 6700 mAh battery. Still no news on Malaysia release dates or pricing but it will be priced at $339 (RM1111) for the 16GB WiFi version, $479 (RM1569) for the 32GB WiFi version and $599 (RM1963) for the 32GB 4G LTE version.


Google announces Nexus Player for HDTVs and gaming

Google also announced their Nexus Player Android 5.0 Lollipop powered TV Box. Made with ASUS, the Nexus Player is the first official Android TV Box to date, despite there already being quite a lot of Android powered TV boxes already. Made to hook up to your HDTV, run Android apps, games and play movies it can also run Android TV, YouTube, Play Music, Play Movies, Hulu Netflix, Pandora and so forth. Tech specs and features for the Nexus Player include a 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB storage and WiFi support. As usual with such devices, you'll be able to control the Nexus Player via a bluetooth remote whch has a built-in microphone for voice commands. A wireless gamepad will be offered as an optional accessory. No details on Malaysia release dates or pricing but the Nexus Player will be going on pre-order from 17 October 2014 with general availability on 3 November 2014.


Google announces Nexus support-by dates

If you are using a Google Nexus device now – take note of this news. Google just listed the end-of-support dates for their current Google Nexus devices, i.e. end dates when they will roll out updates, security updates and releases of new OS versions.

What does this mean? We will definitely be seeing more Nexus devices come from Google pretty soon, and after the dates above, the owners of the devices have to resort to either third-party ROM or a new device for their Android experience.


Google announces Project Ara MDK for developers

Barely a week after Google's Project Ara progress report video and they have already announced the first Project Ara Module Developers Kit or MDK for developers of the Project Ara modules. As it is, the MDK outline three sizes, with Google currently being the only producer of the endoskeletons. The MDK doesn't reveal everything though, perhaps because Google are still working on it, as there is mention of an online marketplace for Project Ara phone modules but no details on where just yet. Check out the full document at the Project Ara site with more MDKs and Project Ara developer conferences expected soon. Still no definite news on pricing or Malaysia release dates but we hope that it comes within 2014.


Google announces Project Tango tablet

While this may not be news for everyone, Google wants to map the entire world. Project Tango was developed to do that without having to rely on just satellite information and Google's now infamous street view cars, rather devices around you would be able to 3D map your environments and therefore create a reference point for apps to better understand you and your needs. In layman's terms, it would be like the 3D mapping that Batman used in The Dark Knight Rises. Google's Advanced Technologies and Projects (ATAP) team have come out with said tablet that can do that kind of 3D mapping recently. They are now offering it to developers as part of kit that will cost $1024 (RM3292) to get. The Project Tango SDK is already available for download while the tablet may go on pre-order soon.

Tech specs for the tablet are very high with an NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB storage, a 7-inch full HD 1080p screen and support for USB 3.0, micro-HDMI, Bluetooth LE and 4G LTE. Helping it map everything is a 4MP camera with very high light sensitivity (think UltraPixel) that comes with a 170-degree wide-angle fisheye lens. A depth sensor and another motion camera backs it up to help create a fairly accurate real-time 3D map of your surroundings. No news on Malaysia release dates so stay tuned and we'll keep you posted. Check out the video for yourself below:


ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank unboxing video

We just got the ADATA PV110 10400 mAh Power Bank for a brief unboxing video below. Asides from the obvious, this 10400 mAh power bank features dual USB ports, an LED power indicator and automatic power-off function. We'll be doing a hands-on video and review for this brushed metal power bank as well so stay tuned. In the meantime, do check out the unboxing video and tech specs below:


Google announces a series of lock screen widgets for iOS 16

The iOS 16 lock screen has created a buzz after launching. Many took the chance to customize it with their styles, not to mention the lock screen widgets that help get you to be more productive in some ways. With that said, Google has also announced a series of lock screen widgets for iPhone users.

The widgets will be available for Google Search, Chrome, Drive, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google News. Furthermore, since iOS 16 only allows the widgets to get placed at certain spots under the clock and have to be all white, Google has to play along. Therefore, the widgets announced by Google are uniformly small and, of course, white in colour.

As you can see from the images above, the Google Search widget allows you to search directly on the lock screen, and you may use image or voice search. For the Google Chrome widget, you can quickly launch Chrome, do a voice search, open an incognito search, or launch Google's classic dino game directly. Meanwhile, the Google Drive widget allows you to open a suggested Drive file or your starred files and folders from the lock screen, with Google Maps widget providing real-time traffic updates and estimated travel times to places you frequently visit. Finally, the Gmail and Google News widgets show you the number of new messages in your inbox and real-time headlines respectively.

What do you think about these Google widgets on iOS 16? Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news.


Google bought WIMM smartwatch maker last year in secret

Talking more on smartwatches, Google has reportedly been working on it's own smartwatch, but it seems that it hasn't been doing this on it's own as last year in 2012, they quietly bought out smartwatch maker WIMM Labs. The WIMM One smartwatch offered a reasonable amount of potential, doing everything most bluetooth smartwatches can do today, including syncing with smartphones and showing notifications. While reception for it's first smartwatch was good, WIMM Labs suddenly went quiet and stopped producing more smartwatches. Apparently, they did so because Google bought them out, which Google has confirmed recently. What sets the WIMM smartwatch apart from the others is that they also made an Android based micro app platform that offers a widget like based development system. Google and WIMM have both been quiet about what came from this relationship, but we're betting on a smartwatch that could be used in tandem with Google's own Glass wearable computer.


Google bringing Tab Groups to the desktop Chrome browser with version 83

For those of you who like opening tonnes of tabs and never close them, you'll soon have a default way to manage them. Google has announced that the Tab Groups feature will be coming in the next major Chrome browser update, which is the version 83 update scheduled for next week.

Tab Groups is a feature that is meant for you to better organise your tabs. With the upcoming update, you'll be able to create these groups by right-clicking on a tab and select either "Add to new group" or "Add to existing group". Once you do, the tab goes to the selected group and you'll have a better idea of where your tabs are. We've linked the GIFs below so you can see how they work.

Of course, that's not all it does. You can also enter a custom name and 1 out of 8 colours for the tabs for the groups and even use emojis to name the groups, which can be a good way of identifying the groups. Also, you can remove tabs from groups, close all tabs inside, or move the tabs inside around.

The Tab Groups feature is already available on Chrome Beta, so you can preview it now if you'd like to get a feel for how it works. If not, just wait for the update next week that's expected to gradually roll-out. With that said, would this feature be useful for you? What else would you want it to do? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


Google claims that Pixel 5 display gap is a normal part of its design

The Google Pixel 5 was released not long ago but there's already a problem. A few days ago, some Pixel 5 owners have reported seeing a small gap between the display and body of the phone. Of course, this problem was quickly reported to Google.

According to BGR, Google has looked into the problem but did not consider it a problem. A spokesperson has claimed that this "variation in the clearance between the body and the display is a normal part of the design of your Pixel 5", and that it will not impact the water and dust resistance for the phone. First time I've heard of something like this, to be honest.

The most troubling thing here is how Google dismissed users' concerns. In a separate video by PBKreviews, it was revealed that the adhesive isn't the only thing holding the screen to the frame. Some clips keep it in place, so it's not going to randomly pop off unless you pry it open. Regardless, having that gap there is still an eyesore.

With this being a problem, most people would just opt for the cheaper Pixel 4a 5G, which is an identical phone in many aspects. Having said that, would you get one of the newer Google Pixel devices if it's ever made available here? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


Google confirm release of Android 11 on 8 September 2020

Now and then, you get companies that do an oopsie and leak info they shouldn't. Whether it's deliberate or not, these leaks are reliable since they're official. Google has already done this with Android 11 earlier this year when it revealed the Android 11 Developer Preview. Now, the company may have accidentally leaked Android 11's official launch date.

According to BGR, a slide that's supposed to be accessible only by Google Developers has revealed the launch date for Android 11 to be 8 September 2020. In the slide, Google announced that it was going to launch everywhere, which probably means that it's going to be available globally. Of course, we expect only certain devices to get access to it so soon. The Xiaomi Mi 10 series and OnePlus 8 series also have access to Android 11 Beta, so those may get the official release early as well.

In case you were unaware, Android 11 is set to come with several interesting features. For example, there's the Bubbles feature that functions like Facebook's floating chat head. The recycle bin folder and Nearby Sharing are two more features we feel would be very useful. There will also be new Emojis, so you can better express yourself in chat.

With the release date for Android 11 confirmed, we expect non-Pixel Android smartphones to start getting the latest OS as early as September. But with that said, which Android 11 feature do you like best? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Google confirms Android 14 will offer satellite connectivity support

Satellite connectivity has emerged to become the latest trend in the smartphone industry. If you still have no idea what it is, it's basically a feature that allows you to call or text when you're somewhere that prevents connection to the network. The good news is that Google has confirmed it's introducing it with the next iteration of Android, so it should be a common feature by next year, as HUAWEI has introduced its own version with Apple rumoured to bring it to the iPhones.

Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google's Senior Vice President of Platforms & Ecosystems, is the one confirms the news. Lockheimer claims that the Android team is "designing for satellites", and it will get added to the "next version of Android". Of course, there's still some time for the release since we would need to wait until Q3 2023.

According to Elon Musk, satellite connectivity can support "one to two thousand simultaneous voice calls or hundreds of thousands of text messages that could be sent depending on the length of the text message." The feature should be very useful for emergencies, and we can't wait for all the smartphones to support it in the near future.

What do you think about the news? Drop a comment to let us know your opinion, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech reports.


Google confirms Pixel 7 series' colour options by pairing them with different chip flavours

The Google Pixel 7 series sets to debut on 6 October. Before that happens, Google has officially revealed the colourways of the upcoming devices in a creative way by pairing the colours with different kinds of potato chip flavours.

The Japanese Google Twitter account shares an image of the Pixel 7 devices in four colours. There is a Hazel Onion colour for the off-green option, Salty Lemon for the lime green option, Obsidian Pepper for the black variant, and Snow Cheese for the white version. It's unknown if the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will be available in all the colours or just two, as the image shows.

#GooglePixel7 & 7 Pro で、あなたも #TeamPixel に。家族や友人と楽しめる 4 つの味の #Googleチップス を、抽選で 2,000 名様にお届け！応募期間は 9/23 (金) 18 時まで♪応募はこちら ⇒ https://t.co/bmpLwUE8TM

The Pixel 7 series is expected to feature the in-house Tensor G2 chip. Of course, the devices will also come with the latest Android 13 out of the box. The Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro might use the same 50MP ISOCELL GN1 primary camera sensor, backed by a 12MP Sony IMX381 ultrawide sensor. Meanwhile, the additional sensor on the Pixel 7 Pro could be the 48MP Samsung GM1 telephoto sensor.

Are you excited about the upcoming Pixel 7 series? Drop a comment to let us know how you feel, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more smartphone news.


Google confirms that Wear OS will get an upgrade to Android 11

With how widely used smartphones are these days, it makes sense for the OS to be updated fastest. On the other hand, Wear OS seems to have gotten the short end of the stick in recent years, as it is still stuck on Android 9. But now Google seems to be ready for a major upgrade to Wear OS.

According to 9to5Google, Google confirmed that they are working on upgrading Wear OS to Android 11. In an Android 11 AMA, the company mentioned that it's still "very excited about wearable tech", particularly smartwatches and fitness trackers. When asked about Wear OS, Google hinted that they're working on getting it to work with Android 11 APIs.

Besides that, Google also seems to be hinting that they're interested in the "intersection of wearables and home automation". If Google were to develop in this direction, we could see more Wear OS devices being given direct control over smart home devices. The OS for non-smartphone Android devices may not be all that simple to integrate, however, as Google has said that these devices are not tied to the Android OS framework.

What this means for wearables and smart home devices remain to be seen, but we'd like to see more of the Android ecosystem becoming unified. But what do you think, what kind of integration would you like to see with such devices? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Google confirms the Pixel 4 will have a square-shaped rear camera setup

Ever since the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL was introduced, there isn't a lot of rumours about the Google Pixel 4 and we don't really expect to see it in the news. But just a few hours ago, Google has made an official announcement on its Twitter page that the Pixel 4 series is under development and the square-shaped rear camera setup is real.

Although the rear camera setup is placed in a square-shaped box, it doesn't mean that there will be four camera sensors. Instead, the image renders clearly shows two camera sensors which are definitely the main one and the other as a telephoto or super wide-angle lens. On the other hand, the third sensor is dubbed as the new "spectral sensor" and it will be the first of its kind.

Well, since there seems to be some interest, here you go! Wait 'til you see what it can do. #Pixel4 pic.twitter.com/RnpTNZXEI1

We have no idea what this new sensor does, but it's probably similar to the Time of Flight sensor that improves portrait shots by measuring the distance of the subject and background for a better bokeh effect. It's interesting to note that spectral sensors can also capture ultraviolet information so the night shots would potentially be improved.

We don't see any rear fingerprint sensor so it's most likely relocated to the front display as an in-display fingerprint sensor. Besides that, that's all we know about the mysterious Pixel 4 and don't bet your heart on having it in Malaysia officially, as Google has never bothered to export this bad boy into the Malaysia market. Stay tuned for more gadget news at TechNave.com.


Google considering Motorola for future Google Glass models

After making the Google Glass wearable computer a reality, Google are currently considering giving Motorola the responsibility of developing the next generation of Google Glass models. This comes after a comment by Dennis Woodside, Motorola CEO who said that it could become "an opportunity" for the company. Using their experience in the smartphone industry, Motorola would provide better features and design for the future Google Glass devices, resulting in a more affordable consumer device later in 2013. Granted, Motorola certainly have an impressive track record behind them which not only includes the invention of the Walkie-Talkie and first mobile phone but they also hold many patents which are used by almost all smartphones and mobile phones today. Google Glass on the other hand already has 8000 users acting as beta testers along with another 1500 developers making third-party apps for the device.[Source]


ADATA PV120 powerbank announced with leather-like exterior

ADATA Technology recently announced a new powerbank with the ADATA PV120 featuring 5100 mAh capacity and a multi-coloured leather-like exterior. Coming in black, blue and white the PV120 offers a 2A microSD port for faster charging and a 1A USB port and 2.1A USB port for simultaneous dual device charging. As usual of ADATA products, the PV120 comes packed with six safety features including Over-Temperature Protection, Over-Charge Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Over-Voltage Protection, Over-Discharge Protection and Over-Current Protection. Its flame-resistant shielding offers greater safety as well. No Malaysia pricing details were available yet but the ADATA PV120 should be available at most major retailers and IT accessory shops.


Google continues to let Samsung make the 2nd-gen Tensor chip

Just yesterday, we saw the news regarding the Pixel 7 series bringing a new variant besides the standard Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Although we're still unsure about it as Google hasn't mentioned anything, there's one thing we can assure you about the upcoming series, which is it's packing the second-gen Tensor chip. Now, it's claimed that the next-gen Tensor will get manufactured by Samsung again.

It's no doubt that the chip will be based on a 4nm process. DDaily.co.kr adds that Samsung will also use panel level package (PLP) technology to manufacture the chip. It's a "packaging technique in which chips cut from a wafer are placed on a rectangular panel to possibly minimize the discarded edge, thereby reducing cost and improving productivity." Google has confirmed that the chip will "bring even more helpful, personalized features to photos, videos, security, and speech recognition" as well.

If nothing went wrong, the mass production for the 2nd-gen Google Tensor chip would kickstart in June, with the Pixel 7 series to become official in October. It's worth mentioning that Google does maintain a good relationship with Samsung. The company could even let the Korean tech giant produce Google server chips moving forward.

Are you excited about seeing what the next-gen Tensor can do? Leave a comment to let us know how you feel, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech reports.


Google could be preparing to launch the Pixel Buds Pro

Google could be aiming at the flagship-level audio gadget segment by launching a new product that fits in. A new report has appeared claiming that the company is currently working on the Pixel Buds Pro and would bring top-of-the-line tech specs, including active noise cancellation (ANC).

Tipster Jon Prosser said the new earbuds would also be available in Real Red, Carbon, Limoncello, and Fog colours. However, there's not much information regarding the tech specs. Since this is one of the first rumours about the earbuds, we shall hear more about it soon, not to mention that the I/O 2022 is happening next week.

Besides ANC, industry expert Mishaal Rahman states that the Google Buds Pro could have some features aligned with Android 13. The upcoming software update could include Bluetooth LE (low-energy) Audio support. Previously, we also saw the news that Google is working on features like head-tracking and spatial audio within the operating system.

What are the features you would like to see on the Google Pixel Buds Pro? Leave a comment to let us know, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech news.


Google could be testing its Bard AI chatbot on Pixel devices

Not a big fan of voice assistants? Maybe AI chatbots would work better for you. Google unveiled the Bard chatbot back in March, but it hasn't quite seen the success that ChatGPT has so far. Well, maybe putting it in Android devices could change that.

According to 9to5Google, Google plans to add the Bard AI to Android devices in the future, complete with home widgets. Moreover, the company could make it exclusive for Pixel phones and tablets, giving the Google devices additional value. Of course, Google might allow other brands to make use of the platform once it's worked out the kinks.

So, how does Google plan to implement Bard AI to Android devices? Since there's a home widget, we can assume that it will provide a text area to send prompts to the AI. It's also speculated that Google could provide prompt suggestions through the system, likely based on your search preference or device usage behaviour.

Mind you, nothing has been confirmed so far. But widespread integration of Google Bard could help the company improve the AI, so we might hear some news about this during the upcoming Google I/O event this week. Make sure to stay tuned to TechNave for more updates about the event, and do drop your comments on our Facebook page!


Google could be working on a new Game Mode for ChromeOS

When it comes to Chromebooks, it's usually never viewed as a notebook for gaming because of its association with education. Well, that could be changed in the future as there is evidence that Google is working on a Game Mode for ChromeOS.

As you can see from the screenshot below, Google seems to be testing a game called Borealis. It's a Steam gaming container and seems to trigger Game Mode to turn on whenever a full-screen window mode is detected. An error message can also be seen because the game mode hasn't been implemented yet.

For your information, Chromebook users can already use Stadia and GeForce. More powerful Chromebooks are expected to be released this year so if it arrives with Steam client access, that could be great for users to have some fun with Game Mode. Google has also been collaborating with Valve to import Steam in ChromeOS for over a year.

But what do you think? Should Chromebooks just focus on productivity and education? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Google could be working on a new chip for Chromebooks and Pixel devices

When it comes to mobile devices, most brands source from either Qualcomm, MediaTek, or Samsung. But Apple makes its own chips and has benefitted from having that control. Now, Google is following suit as rumours claim that the company is developing an in-house chipset for future Pixel smartphones and Chromebook devices.

According to Axios, Google will be partnering up with Samsung to design this new chipset. Sources claim that it will be made using the latest cutting-edge 5nm node, which promises better performance at greater energy efficiency. This chip has been given the code name 'Whitechapel' and could be ready by next year, in time for what could be the Google Pixel 6 and newer Chromebooks.

Unfortunately, Pixel devices aren't officially available in Malaysia

If this news is true, Qualcomm is going to lose a customer next year. A majority of Chromebooks use Intel's CPUs these days, so this area won't be affected as much. But Google Pixel smartphones have always used Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets. Of course, this may not hurt Qualcomm as much as some may believe, considering that the company has so many other brands relying on its chipsets.

Mind you, we haven't seen any official source or announcements o this, so do take it with a pinch of salt. With that said, we do look forward to Pixel phones using an in-house chipset as it could make the devices cheaper. Now if only Google would release Pixel devices in Malaysia...

Still, what do you think about this news? Would this chipset make Google's devices better? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


Google could help content creators advertise their products on YouTube

Based on a statement by bloomberg, it seems that Google could be working with some sort of video integration which could allow content creators to advertise their products on their Youtube videos. But that’s not all, it seems that YouTube could be working closely with Shopify in order to facilitate the selling of products via Youtube.

While there is no exact date on when such a feature will be available to the public, there were mentions that the feature is currently being tested on selected videos on YouTube as of now. With that said, our source mentioned that this could lead to YouTube becoming one of the major contenders in the e-commerce space.

With all that said, what are your thoughts on YouTube potentially becoming an e-commerce market? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Google could launch Pixel Fold by the end of 2021, rolling device to come after

According to rumours, we could see more foldable smartphones from several brands being launched in the second half of 2021. Other than Samsung's Galaxy Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, Google is also reported to launch its first folding smartphone by the end of 2021.

The information is given by a well-respected analyst who goes by the name Ross Young on Twitter, and he has been mostly accurate when it comes to this kind of news. Other than the Google Pixel Fold, he also mentioned that the tech giant has planned for its rolling smartphone which the analyst calls it Pixel Roll for now.

If that's happening, we can expect three flagship smartphones to be launched by Google this year. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are rumoured to be presented on 30 September. At the event, Google might also surprise us with its first smartwatch, the Pixel Watch.

Let us know what you think about the news on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more smartphone rumours.


Google could launch a Nest Hub with detachable tablet in 2022

Google might be planning to make a detachable version of the Nest Hub. According to 9to5Google, a new Nest Hub that features a dockable tablet form factor where the screen separates from a base/speaker is currently in the works and could launch in 2022.

The tech giant has brought quite a few tablet features to the existing smart displays. In the last few months, both the 2nd-gen Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max received more tablet-like interface elements, such as swiping up from the bottom of the screen to reveal a row of "apps" above the settings bar and opening a fullscreen grid of icons from there. Besides that, Google also added a richer browser to the products that made them look more like a tablet. Therefore, it might have already started to hint that the Nest Hub will move into the tablet segment.

However, it's unclear which operating system the company will use on the upcoming product. The source mentions that Chrome OS is likely too power-hungry (and costly) and would cause conflicts to the affordability of Nest devices, while Android would open the door to existing apps and the Play Store.

What do you think about the news? Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts about Nest Hub turning into a tablet, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech report.


Google could release a premium Pixel smartphone with SD875 early next year

After Google had a comeback with Pixel 5, the flagship device without a flagship chip has sparked some discussions. It also raised doubts like would the company continue with this strategy or will eventually go back to using flagship chipsets. Now, rumour has come saying that the tech giant might have a surprise coming soon and it'll be a premium smartphone with a flagship chipset.

According to a well-known tipster Max Weinbach, Google will be launching a premium Pixel smartphone in March 2021. This upcoming premium Pixel device could be featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 875, and that makes it a true flagship smartphone.

This is the biggest rumor I've heard in ages, and I mean this is an unsubstantiated rumor I've heard from like 2 people so absolutely don't believe it, but apparently there's a true flagship Pixel coming out in like March 2021. Again, unsubstantiated rumor.

However, the tipster has added the term “unsubstantiated rumor” to remind his followers not to take it too seriously. Google is not a brand that will release phones in the first quarter of a year, not to say a flagship-level smartphone. An Android document that was leaked back in August has also stated that Google don't have plans to launch the Pixel 6 until Q4 2021.

Let us know what you think of a premium Google Pixel smartphone on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more exciting smartphone updates.


Google cuts off Pixelbook by dissolving the team working on the product

According to the latest information, Google has cut its Pixelbook lineup entirely. Media outlet The Verge claims that the tech giant has dissolved the team working on the product. Therefore, for those looking forward to the sequel of the Pixelbook and the Pixelbook Go launched in 2019, you might want to shift your focus.

It's said that Google has discontinued the Pixelbook project as part of its recent cost-cutting measures. However, the employees that worked on the Pixelbook devices are still in the company but under different departments now. Currently, the Pixel Go is still available for purchase. It's unsure when Google will cut it from the market.

On 7 October, Google sets to unveil its latest flagship series Google Pixel 7, bringing two devices powered by the company's new in-house chip, the Tensor G2. Furthermore, Google's first Pixel smartwatch will also make an appearance. Next year, the company is expected to debut a Pixel-branded tablet and a foldable phone.

Do you feel sad about the Pixelbook lineup getting cut, or more excited about the upcoming products? Leave a comment to let us know how you feel, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech reports.


14-year-old girl figured out how to eliminate blind spots for drivers

At this year’s Broadcom MASTERS competition, one of the winners is just a 14 years old girl who invented a prototype to eliminate blind spots in the car. The particpants of the competion were selected from the Society affiliated science & engineering fairs that happened in the states as some of the 6th, 7th and 8th graders were provided an opportunity to show off their creativity at a larger scale event.

Alaina Glasser, who has won USD25000 (RM103,492.50) along with the other 29 contestants, started a project named “Improving Automobile Safety by Removing Blind Spots”. The initiative of the project is to help drivers to eliminate blind spots while driving.

The inspiration for the idea actually came from Alaina’s mother as she found her mother constantly struggling with blind spots while driving. Alaina does not have a driving license as she is too young. However, she is still able to pull off an invention like this that would benefit a lot of the drivers.

The system she invented uses a web camera that is mounted outside of the car to record the surrounding blocked by the car’s windshield pillars. A live feed of the surrounding will then be projected inside of the car’s pillars to make them look like they’re invisible like what is shown in the video below.

We have seen cars like the Lexus ES with the concept of projecting images instead of using the side mirrors. Therefore, it is exciting to see more of these ideas that can help to improve the driving experience among the drivers.

For more cool tech news, stay tuned on TechNave.com.


ADATA PV150 10000 mAh Power Bank review - Leather-like 10000 mAh powerbank

Let's face it, these days many smartphones, tablets and mobile devices won't last a day unless you use them minimally. Therefore, it becomes important to carry around a powerbank that can offer you a bit more than a single charge, especially if you're carrying more than one device. ADATA have come up with the ADATA PV150 10000 mAh powerbank for these users and have even added on a bit of style with a plastic yet leather-like appearance along with multiple circuit protection features. Check out our review of the ADATA PV150 10000 mAh Power Bank below to see if it suits your needs.

Following in the footsteps of the ADATA PV120, the ADATA PV150 10000 mAh powerbank features a leather-like exterior. The powerbank case itself is actually plastic but there are leather patterns and even stitching to make it seem as if it is a more premium leather clad device. Fitting into the palm of your hand, the ADATA PV150 is compact and measures in at 99 x 84 x 24mm but is rather heavy at 235g. Despite the larger size and capacity, the rounded ADATA PV150 only has a single 2.1A USB port along with a 2A microUSB port for charging. A row of 5 blue LEDS indicate how much power is left and features multiple curcuit protection including Over-Temperature Protection, Over-Charge Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Over-Voltage Protection, Over-Discharge Protection and Over-Current Protection.

The ADATA PV150 offers a leather-like exterior despite being made from plastic

In terms of performance, it charges well at a standard rate but because it only has one USB port, it can only charge a single device at a time. The 10000 mAh battery is good for 3-4 times charging for a smartphone, depending on how big your smartphone battery is while the powerbank itself is compact enough to fit into most bags, pouches or purses. Thanks to the leather-like pattern, the powerbank has good grip and is not all that slippery despite the plastic exterior. The LED lights are also quite bright and you won't miss them when they turn on.

You won't miss the bright blue LED lights on the ADATA PV150

Overall, the ADATA PV150 10000 mAh powerbank is a compact 10000 mAh power bank with a full range of circuit protection features to protect the charging of your mobile devices. We would have liked it more if it had another USB port like the ADATA PV120 but the 10000 mAh capacity should be enough for most users. At around RM90 it is a bit on the pricey side, especially with the more compact and affordable ASUS ZenPower 9600 mAh powerbank recently released but it should be a better fit for those of you who are rocking a leather or leather-like look.


Google decided to shut down Stadia in early 2023 only after 3 years

While Google Stadia has never stepped foot in Malaysia, it's still quite shocking to hear the news from Google that the streaming gaming platform will be shutting down. Only after going live in 2019, the company decided to axe the project due to the lack of traction with users.

With this decision, Google will refund all the Stadia hardware purchases that were made through the Google Store. This also includes all game and add-on content purchases from the Stadia Store. Every refund is likely to complete by mid-January of 2023, and the Stadia servers will cease by 18 January 2023.

For those who don't know, Google Stadia's concept allows gamers to play video games through the online cloud. This means that even without a particular gaming console at hand, you would still be able to play a video game on your phone, PC, laptop or TV via Stadia servers. On paper, it is a wonderful idea but this also means a high amount of internet speed is required. Stadia is also not available in many countries such as Malaysia.

Google said that Stadia could be applied on other platforms such as YouTube, Google Play, and Augmented Reality (AR), as well as to industry partners for the future of gaming. I guess Google Stadia was just ahead of its time due to the limitations on high bandwidth in several countries. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Google experimenting emoticon mashup combo and 117 new emojis coming soon this year

In the world of emojis and stickers, it seems that Google will be releasing a new batch and it's an interesting one. According to sources, the company is experimenting mashing up two emojis together by using emotions on another emoji's shape. Besides that, it was also revealed that 117 new emojis will be ready this year including boba tea (yes, really).

For the emoji mashup, it seems that the button will work regularly on the GBoard panel from the emoji icon there. After tapping it, there will be a blank space above the GBoard search bar with "Tap an emoji to get suggestions". In other words, all you have to do is choose an emotion then the GBoard will come up with various other emoji shapes that fit that, but not all of them will work. It's currently on beta testing and if you like to test it out, you can find "Emoji browsing suggestions" in "Preference" from the GBoard app (if it appears).

As for the rest of the upcoming emojis, some folks managed to dig up all the new ones in one big picture from Emojipedia. There's a ninja, the signature Italian "wtf" hand gesture, new animals (seal, polar bear, mammoth, etc), boba tea, tombstone, a parent feeding a baby, gender-swap marriage wear, and many many new items.

What do you think of these new emojis? I'm quite looking forward to the mashup one and teens will probably spam the boba tea emoji. Anyway, stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.


Google extends Android out to wearables with Android Wear

Word that Google was working on an extension of Android designed for wearables has been around for quite some time. In a surprise move, Google have announced Android Wear, a mobile operating system for wearables. The main focus of Android Wear looks to provide location and context related information when and where you need it while offering voice commands, much like the current Google Now. Rather than use buttons, most of the interface that we could see relies on gestures like swipes. Both LG and Motorola have already announced their Android Wear driven smartwatches and we're thinking other smartwatch devs like ASUS, Samsung, HTC and Huawei could be developing Android Wear wearables as well. So far, most Android Wear devices seem to be smartwatches, and there is no information yet on how it might run smartglasses or a different kind of wearable, but these are still early days. For now, check out the videos below:


Google extends trial period for Play Pass to 30 days for a limited time

If you have a lot of apps that come with ads, you'll either find them annoying or get used to them. But Google launched a service last year that will allow you to use most of these apps without having to see all those ads in them! Google has extended the trial period of its Google Play Pass service now, so you can use it more before deciding whether to subscribe.

According to the official Twitter post, Google is extending the Google Play Pass free trial period from two weeks to 30 days. However, the extension will only be valid for those who sign up before 14 May 2020. Signing up will let you access a variety of apps or play many of the games on Google Play Store, without the bothersome ads or having to pay for in-app purchases.

Take time for Play. Enjoy Google Play Pass, your to hundreds of games and apps without ads or in-app purchases, for an extended 30-day free trial. Offer ends May 14, 2020. Terms apply. https://t.co/XV2ft1tufZ #PlayPass pic.twitter.com/SkgYHJyqT9

Outside of the free trial, the Play Pass will command a monthly subscription fee of USD 4.99 (~RM22). However, the pass doesn't apply to certain apps that rely on multiple in-app purchases to make money. For example, games like the recently launched ROCKMAN X DiVE. More importantly, the Play Pass is currently available only in the USA, with availability in Malaysia yet to be announced.

Since the Play Pass can be shared with 6 other family members, we do think that some Malaysians would be interested in subscribing to it. But for now, the only way to get it is to have a US Google Play account. Having said that, would you sign up for this kind of service? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates on this.


Google facing $5 billion lawsuit for allegedly tracking users in incognito mode

Yup, you read that right. Google may have to pay up to $5 billion over a lawsuit for alleging collecting data on users when they surf on incognito mode. The lawsuit was filed back in June for violating the privacy laws and a federal judge just recently denied Google's request for dismissal of the lawsuit.

According to US District Judge Lucy Koh, she wrote that the court has concluded that Google failed to notify their users that the company engaged in collecting alleged data from Chrome's incognito mode. Not only does the lawsuit seeks $5 billion from Google, but as well its parent company, Alphabet for secretly collecting data via Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager, website plug-ins and even mobile apps.

However, Google wanted to defend that the company clearly stated that whenever a user opens a new incognito tab, websites may still be able to collect information on the user's browsing activity. If you open your incognito page, it states that only your browsing history, cookies and site data, and information in forms won't be recorded.

Google just recently announced that they are going to move away from tracking users with ads by replacing the cookies with another new function that doesn't track them. Well, whatever the case is - we will just have to wait and see what happens next. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Google finally fixing the Chrome app's dark mode on its Google Search results page

Dark mode theme is pretty much on most popular apps nowadays, as well as on iOS and coming soon on some Android user interface platforms. If you're a Google Chrome mobile user, you'd be glad to know that Google is actually working on this for the mobile app version, especially for the Google Search results page.

While it's true that you can turn on dark mode on the Google Chrome app, the problem is that the Google Search results page itself will turn back to white after hitting the search button which defeats the purpose. Moreover, the company plans to integrate a much darker tone on its Google search page, as well as other websites that are under Google will also have their own dark mode theme sometime in the future. To further back up the claim, sources found a new code inside the Chromium source code which reads:

If enabled, users will see a darkened search results page if Chrome is in night mode as well.

Google's dark mode theme for Chrome has been around for about a year or so, so it was finally time they address this issue and fix it. Do you like dark mode on Chrome? Stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.


Google finally unveiled the Pixel 6 series with a brand new Tensor SoC

After several months, Google has finally unveiled the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro with a twist. Instead of using the traditional Qualcomm Snapdragon flagship chipset, this smartphone comes with a new Tensor SoC. Here's everything you need to know.

To start, the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro aren't officially launching but rather a preview of what's to come. The Tensor SoC was designed and manufactured by Google alone and it's not a processor, but a System on a Chip (SoC). While they didn't reveal much on where did they get the supply from, you can be sure that it was made to compete with the big boys in the premium price range.

At first glance, the Pixel 6 series camera bump is the most obvious design since it stands out (literally). However, Google didn't really share much about the tech specs except for the aforementioned Tensor and the displays. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro features a 6.4-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 6.7-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate respectively.

While there's no figure for the camera module, we know that it has a triple rear camera setup that consists of a wide main sensor, an ultrawide lens and a 4X optical zoom telephoto lens. The standard Pixel loses the telephoto lens and that's about it. Oh, you can also find a single punch-hole front camera and an in-display fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6 series.

From the words of Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President, Devices & Services of Google, the Tensor SoC on the Pixel 6 series has the potential to be competitive and would change how consumers look at "AI stuff" functions. How much would it change, we wonder. But this is quite an exciting step for Google to go and we shall see how it performs when it releases during Fall. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.