Google wants to put your device to work even when it’s charging or resting on a living room table or kitchen counter. Today at IFA, the company announced Ambient Mode for Google Assistant. The new feature will turn the latest Android devices into smart displays.
Ambient Mode will make it easier to see notifications, start a playlist and control smart home devices from the lock screen. And…
The Moto One Zoom continues Motorola's ambitious phone streak
September 5, 2019
Rather than stick to its usual slew of solid mid-range devices, Motorola has been branching out. Under its One-series banner the Lenovo-owned brand released a phone with an uncommon 21:9 display, and another with a sideways-mounted camera meant to act as a sort of action…
Lenovo made an Avengers game for its Mirage AR headset
September 5, 2019
Lenovo’s first AR headset had a strange limitation. It would only play games, and at launch there was just one of them: Star Wars: Jedi Challenges. Sure, that’s a massive franchise, but it was hard to believe the company expected people to spend $200 on an AR kit…
Google unveils Assistant Ambient Mode for Android phones and tablets
September 5, 2019
For the past several weeks, we’ve been tracking an “Ambient Mode” in the Google app. At IFA 2019, Google officially introduced the new Assistant Ambient Mode for Android phones and tablets.
Similar to how Assistant’s Updates tab is a “visual snapshot” of your day, Ambient Mode is a “visual overview.” It appears on and replaces the lockscreen of your charging Android device.
That…
Lenovo's take on Google's Nest Hub has a built-in camera
September 5, 2019
Lenovo is fully embracing its recently found identity as a part-time smart home device maker by announcing three new smart displays here at IFA 2019. First is the Smart Display 7, which expands the company’s existing lineup of Google-based connected displays by adding…
Earlier this year, Lenovo debuted an Android tablet that doubled as an Alexa smart display. Now Lenovo is giving a pair of its Android tablets the same treatment, this time with Google Assistant Ambient Mode and prices starting at $119.
If you don’t recall the Lenovo Smart…
Lenovo's Yoga laptops get the 10th-gen Intel treatment and AI smarts
September 5, 2019
Lenovo is joining the likes of Dell and Acer in upgrading its products to feature Intel’s 10th-generation laptop CPUs. The new systems include the 14-inch and 15-inch Yoga C940 2-in-1, the Yoga C740 in the same two sizes and the 13-inch Yoga C640. Of the lot, the new 14-inch Yoga C940 is the most interesting, since it’s also certified under Intel’s Project Athena standard for…
Android Auto is just for infotainment systems, while Android Automotive is a full operating system for cars. Following Volvo earlier this year with the Polestar 2, General Motors announced today that it plans to adopt the native Google experience for its vehicles starting in…
Apple Events app for tvOS updated ahead of iPhone 11 unveil stream
September 5, 2019
Apple has updated its Apple Events app for Apple TV ahead of next week’s “By innovation only” iPhone 11 event. The event will be live streamed as usual, and the Apple Events app for tvOS will allow users to tune in directly on their Apple TV.
With today’s update, the…
Samsung cancels Galaxy Fold pre-orders to 'rethink' the experience
September 5, 2019
Samsung may be on the cusp of launching the updated Galaxy Fold, but that isn’t stopping the company from making last-minute changes to its launch plans. As YouTubers, writers and others have discovered first-hand, Samsung is cancelling all Galaxy Fold pre-orders from its online store in order to “rethink the entire customer experience,” ranging from the actual purchase through…
