Pixel 8 series: No Physical SIM Card Removal, Exciting Camera Upgrades
Google Pixel 8 series won’t be ditching the physical SIM card tray, contrary to some rumors. The Pro version will introduce Night Sight video for better low-light recording, which is a promising camera feature.
Night Sight photos on the Pixel 6 improved with a larger sensor, laser autofocus, and motion detection algorithms powered by the Tensor ISP. The Pixel 7 reduced motion blur in Night Sight with faster exposure times, thanks to HDR+ and ML advancements.
The Pixel 8 Pro continues Google’s trend of enhancing video capabilities with photo-first features. The Tensor processor has run up Live HDR+ and brought Cinematic Blur to Portrait Mode video. This focus on video improvements makes the larger phone more appealing.
Although eSIM usage has been on the rise, there were speculations that the Pixel 8 series might follow the iPhone 14’s path and go all-in on eSIM. However, it’s now confirmed that the physical SIM card tray will stay, ensuring compatibility in areas without robust eSIM support.
Google Pixel 8 to offer more Android and security updates than Samsung Galaxy flagships
Samsung devices include several important features powered by Google Play services. A recent update of the Google Play services lets you check how much data these services are using, which helps to manage your data more effectively.
Google Play services support various features on your Samsung device, such as connecting to other devices, ensuring security, and managing your Google account. They help to keep your apps and system running smoothly. Now, you can easily track their data usage.
You just need to follow a few simple steps to check out how much data Google Play services are using.
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
- Search for “Google Play services” in the App section.
- Tap on Mobile data usage.
- Select the View App settings option
Here, you’ll see a detailed breakdown of data usage, split between Mobile and Wi-Fi. This can help you understand where your data is going.
The update shows data usage for different functions within Google Play services. These fucntions are Device Connections, System Management, System diagnostics, Security, Wallet, Developer features, Contacts, Ads Safety, Fitness, General, Account management, Support, Autofill with Google, and Location sharing.
Tracking Google Play services data on your Samsung device is easy and can help you manage your mobile experience better. This feature is available on All Android phones.
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Google has rolled out a hazard reporting feature for Android Auto in the US, which was previously available for Google Maps on Apple CarPlay. The new update brings the ability to report road incidents directly from their car screens for Android Auto users.
This long-awaited update allows drivers to quickly share important information without having to use their phones. It notifies others about accidents, traffic jams, and even speed traps in real time.
Before this update, drivers could only report issues using the Google Maps app on their phones. While the Waze app along with Google Maps on Apple CarPlay already had this feature, Android Auto users felt left out.
Now, with the new Android Auto update, drivers will see a triangle-shaped hazard button below the compass on the Google Maps display in their cars. By tapping this button, they can report things like traffic jams, lane closures, and crashes.
Moreover, the app provides prompts during navigation to confirm the status of reported incidents. Notably, the hazard button might not show up if the Android Auto layout doesn’t have enough screen space for Google Maps. Some users have reported about the visibility of it.
Despite this limitation, the hazard reporting feature of Android Auto users helps drivers communicate important information about road conditions to make journeys safer. As more Android Auto users get this feature, the company is expected to enhance it in the coming days.
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Google has recently enhanced the Pixel Buds Pro 2 experience with a new feature called Noise Control. Now, the search giant has added a Noise Control option in the Android 15 Volume Menu, which allows users to manage their sound settings more conveniently.
The new Noise Control feature of Android 15 makes it easier to customize your listening experience without needing to open the Pixel Buds app. This feature is compatible with both the Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 2 models (via 9to5Google).
To use Noise Control, you need to simply adjust the volume with the physical buttons on your device, tap the three dots at the bottom of the slider, and click on Noise Control. This will open the feature with three options – Noise Cancellation, Off, and Transparency. From here, you can adjust it as you want.
Android 15 features a redesigned Volume menu that appears at the bottom of the screen. Initially, this major update did not support the Pixel Buds Pro, but a recent update has added this function.
In addition to the Noise Control option, the Android 15 Volume menu includes options for Spatial Audio and Live Caption. The Spatial Audio lets you choose between Fixed and Head Tracking modes while Live Caption is for captioning turned on or off.
Aside from this, Google has recently made it easier for users to manage their Pixel Buds and enjoy a better audio experience. They can add the Pixel Buds app to their home screens for easier access.
Google’s Pixel Buds app now easily accessible on Pixel phones