Samsung takes pity on us, makes it harder to activate Bixby on Note 9

  • The latest Bixby update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 adds a new option to Bixby’s settings.
  • You can now set the Bixby button to only activate Bixby after a double-tap, rather than a single tap.
  • This isn’t as good as being able to disable the Bixby button entirely, but at least it’s something.

While Samsung is continuously pushing its Bixby virtual assistant as one of its flagship products, it’s hard to deny that the overwhelming majority of people think that Bixby needs a lot of work if it’s ever going to take hold. But to give credit where credit is due: Bixby has come a long way.

Even if you find yourself in the pro-Bixby camp, it’s pretty universal that the dedicated Bixby button on Samsung devices is a huge pain. Not only is it annoying that you can’t change the Bixby button’s function to open your preferred virtual assistant (*cough* Google Assistant *cough*), it’s physical placement underneath the volume rocker causes accidental launching of Bixby more often than anyone would like.

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In the past, Samsung gave us the option to completely disable the Bixby button, which was a nice compromise. But on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, this option doesn’t exist. But in the latest update to Bixby, Samsung is at least giving users the ability to make it harder to accidentally launch Bixby via the Bixby button.

Once you’ve updated to the latest update of Bixby (rolling out today), in Bixby’s settings you’ll be able to choose how the Bixby button works. You can pick to launch Bixby by a single press of the Bixby button or with a double tap, which is the new option. Obviously, the double tap option will cut down on accidental launches of Bixby because you’ll have to hit it twice in rapid succession, which is something you probably don’t do too often on the other buttons.

Is this as good as being able to disable the button? No. No, it definitely is not. But hey, at least it will cut down on Bixby popping up out of nowhere in an infuriating fashion.

To update to the latest version of Bixby on your Samsung Galaxy Note 9, launch Bixby and touch the three-dot menu button in the upper right corner. Then go to Settings > About Bixby and touch the “Update” button.

NEXT: Here’s our first look at Android Pie on the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus

Source: Android Zone

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Updated OnePlus Bullets Wireless on the way

An image of a man wearing OnePlus Bullets Wireless earbuds. OnePlus

  • A new version of OnePlus’ wireless headphones – perhaps called the OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 – were just spotted at the FCC.
  • The new OnePlus Bullets Wireless have the model number BT32B. The original set were model number BT31B.
  • It is not clear what these headphones will have over their predecessors, but it’s likely they will launch with the OnePlus 6T.

OnePlus launched the OnePlus Bullets Wireless back in May alongside the OnePlus 6. Now, according to the FCC, we know that a sequel pair — perhaps called the OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 — are on the way.

While we can’t say for certain, it’s a good bet we’ll see the OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 at the launch event for the upcoming OnePlus 6T, which for right now looks to be in October.

The original Bullets Wireless had the model number BT31B, and the new filing with the FCC labels the new pair as BT32B. The filing also very clearly calls the headphone OnePlus Bullets Wireless and even includes a picture:

An image of the band of OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 as filed by the FCC. FCC

Obviously, we can’t see the earbuds themselves in the photo, but at least we know that the new Bullets Wireless will feature the same “collar” design as the original Bullets Wireless did.

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If the design is similar and the name is pretty much the same, what could OnePlus bring to the table with these new headphones? That’s anyone’s guess at this point, but hopefully, the price point won’t go up significantly and OnePlus will actually keep the new Bullets Wireless in stock at OnePlus.com, as the original Bullets Wireless are frequently unavailable.

We learned today that the OnePlus 6T will absolutely feature an in-display fingerprint sensor and might launch on October 17. It’s a good bet we’ll find out all there is to know about the OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 — if they are indeed called that — on the same date.

NEXT: OnePlus 6T in-display fingerprint sensor confirmed, October launch date teased?

Source: Android Zone

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Vivo X23 is official and slims down the notch and chin of the Vivo X21

An image of the front and back of a Vivo X23 smartphone. Vivo

  • The Vivo X23 is official with a listing on Vivo.com
  • The notch and chin are much smaller on the X23 than on the previously-released X21.
  • Specs, pricing, and a release date are still unknown but should be revealed in a few weeks, tops.

Back in May, we posted our review of the Vivo X21 – one of the first smartphones to market with an in-display fingerprint sensor. While the X21 is a neat device that we enjoyed our time with, there were certainly a lot of issues present that made it hard to recommend a purchase.

Editor’s Pick

Now, only five months after the announcement of the Vivo X21, Vivo is launching a new device called the Vivo X23. You can see it right now at the Vivo website with a button that says “Make A Reservation” in Chinese.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Vivo X23 as compared to the X21 is that the notch is way smaller on the newer device. The notch on the X21 looked much more like the iPhone X notch (or the notch on the OnePlus 6) while the notch on the X23 is more akin to the recently-revealed images of the Oppo R17 and Oppo F9.

A closeup of the notch on the Vivo X23. Vivo

While there are still those out there who will likely balk at any notch no matter what its design, it certainly is better to have these so-called waterdrop notches than the iPhone X-style notch that takes up a bulk of the top of the display.

Editor’s Pick

The chin is also a bit smaller on the Vivo X23, although without specific sizing specs we can’t tell by how much. But just looking at the two devices is enough to conclude that the X23’s chin is smaller.

The X23 also features a dual camera setup on the back, just like with the X21.

Unfortunately, the listing at Vivo.com doesn’t give us any specs for the Vivo X23. Rumor has it that the in-display fingerprint sensor is getting an upgrade over the X21 (which was a pain point in our review). Rumors also suggest the device will come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 or 710, 8GB of RAM, a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, and USB Type-C connectivity.

It’s likely that the Vivo X23 will get a full launch sometime in the next two weeks, so we should know specs, pricing, and a release date soon.

NEXT: Vivo confirms Android 9.0 Pie for Q4 2018, may land on Vivo X21 first

Source: Android Zone

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Google bans ‘repetitive content’ from Play Store, Gmail and Inbox somehow unaffected

  • A new set of Google Play Store policy updates brings some sweeping changes to the platform.
  • Among the apps that are now banned are crypto miners and apps geared towards children but containing adult themes.
  • “Repetitive content” is also now banned, which is delightfully ironic because Google.

The Chrome Web Store’s content policies got a big overhaul recently, so it was only a matter of time before the Google Play Store followed suit. That day has come, as we recently learned that a huge sweep of Google Play Store policy updates just landed.

Almost all the updates have to do with banning or limiting content that the Play Store will host.

The broadest (and in some ways most comical) update is that Google will now ban “multiple apps with highly similar content and user experience,” or “apps that are created by an automated tool, wizard service, or based on templates and submitted to Google Play by the operator of that service on behalf of other persons.” The second half makes perfect sense, but the first half? Ummm…Google, have you looked in the mirror lately? Gmail and Inbox are growing ever closer to being pretty much the same, and that’s not the only example of the company’s endless app overlap.

Editor’s Pick

Continuing on, Google will also ban crypto mining applications. This isn’t too surprising, as crypto miners were also banned from the Chrome Web Store due to rogue apps mining crypto without users knowing that’s what they do.

Applications which “facilitate the sale of explosives, firearms, ammunition, or certain firearms accessories” are also now banned. This one will likely ruffle the feathers of some Americans, but there are apps out there that train you on how to make your own guns and explosives. I think the Play Store can live without apps like that.

The final three types of apps that are now banned get filed in the “This makes perfect sense, why hasn’t this always been the case?” category. Those apps include:

  • Applications clearly geared towards children which actually include adult themes
  • Apps that serve no purpose other than pushing advertisements to users
  • Apps that purposefully mislead users in some fashion

If you have a few hours to spare, you can read the entire Google Developer Policy here.

NEXT: How to find purchased apps on the Google Play Store

Source: Android Zone

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Keep the World Cup party going with New Star Soccer Manager this summer

The team behind the award-winning and ridiculously addictive New Star Soccer has announced a new game in the popular soccer (European football) series called New Star Soccer Manager.

The management sim, revealed in the first-look gameplay trailer above, is set to launch on Android (and iOS) devices later this summer.

Editor’s Pick

Unlike many of the soccer management sims on mobile, New Star Soccer Manager is being pitched as a cross between a simulation and an arcade title, with gameplay features both on and off the field.

As well as devising tactics, buying and selling players, holding team talks, meeting with the board, and even dealing with social media and overall squad chemistry, you’ll also be shooting, passing, and making runs during matches with familiar New Star Soccer arcade controls.

With modern soccer management games so often devolving into a menu-fest with endless amounts of micromanagement, here’s hoping that New Star Soccer Manager’s mix of gameplay styles has enough variety and flair to satisfy footie fans once the current 2018 World Cup fever dies down.

There’s no word on pricing just yet, but there’s a good chance it’ll follow New Star Soccer’s free-to-play model with in-app purchases. The folks over at Pocket Gamer previewed the game earlier this year and seem to think the final release will include collectible card elements, so we could be seeing a FIFA Ultimate Team-like system to support the game long term.

What do you make of the trailer? Will you be losing more of your life to New Star Soccer Manager when it launches later this summer? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Android Zone

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Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will launch on August 9

Invitation image for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch.

  • Samsung sent out the invitation for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch, which will happen on August 9.
  • The invitation image shows a closeup of an S Pen with a gold and blue color scheme.

Samsung today sent out the invite above for its upcoming Samsung Unpacked event, which will be the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch. As you can see, the Note 9 launch will happen on August 9, 2018, as we previously heard.

The invite image shows a closeup of an S Pen. It might be hard to tell from the image alone, but the company’s announcement tweet gives us a closer look:

Editor’s Pick

The color of the S Pen in the teaser video is quite unique, showing off a yellow-gold tone with a blue button on the bottom. If Samsung launches a Note 9 in a gold/blue colorway, that will be an insta-buy for a lot of people.

For all the rumors on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, visit our rumor hub here.

NEXT: It looks like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 just stopped by the FCC

Source: Android Zone

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Android P won’t bug you about apps using battery power

One of the features that Android 8.0 Oreo introduced is a notification that alerts you if apps are draining your battery. It was a good idea, in theory, but became more of an annoyance than anything else.

Yes, I know my music app is draining my battery, Google. That’s because I’m listening to music.

Editor’s Pick

Thankfully, Google is removing the annoying “battery drain” notification from Android P. The feature is still present in the two developer previews Google has posted so far, but it will be gone when the stable version rolls out.

The confirmation of the removal of this feature came during a Google I/O 2018 presentation. Comically, the presenters simply put the following slide on the screen and didn’t say anything:

android p notifications

The crowd erupted into cheers and claps.

The slide appears in the following YouTube recording of the presentation. Fast-forward to 2:35:00 to see the slide and hear the cheers:

The release date of a stable version of Android P still has yet to be announced, and the sweet treat name of the operating system also hasn’t been disclosed. However, we polled our readers to see what we all think the name will be, and you can see those results here.

NEXT: David Burke shows new Android P gesture controls at Google I/O 2018

Source: Android Zone

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Surprise Giveaway: Win a FREE ExpressVPN Wireless Router ($250 value)

  • We’re giving away a $250 wireless router to one lucky winner
  • The router is equipped with ExpressVPN services
  • First entry is free!

Surprise! Normally we reserve our Givewaways for Sundays, but every once in a while we like to keep you on your toes with a no-warning, mid-week Giveaway!

Variety is the spice of life, no?

This week we’ve got a top of the line VPN router raring to get a new owner, and that lucky someone could be you! The official ExpressVPN router is a Linksys WRT AC3200 natively equipped with one of the most robust virtual private networks on the market.

It’s 2018: if you’re not protecting your privacy online, nobody is going to do it for you anymore. ExpressVPN is our staff’s preferred VPN, and this router gives your entire household protection from prying eyes, freedom from regional restrictions, and full anonymity online.

Stream media from anywhere in the world, browse without having your traffic monitored, and torrent without getting throttled by your ISP… from any computer on your network! Check out the ways you can enter below. You might as well make at least one entry because the first one is on the house:

ExpressVPN Wireless Router Giveaway!

Read also:

Source: Android Zone

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