Google reveals timeline for retirement of ‘classic’ Hangouts (Update: Google clarifies)

Update, January 22, 2019 (06:42 PM ET): We received word from Google after publishing this article with some clarifying remarks on the status of Google Hangouts. In the article below, we suggest that Google will be splitting off paid and free versions of Google Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat. However, Google sent over a statement saying that “there is no difference between the consumer-facing version and the G Suite version” of Meet/Chat — much like there is no difference between the Gmail app for consumers and G Suite customers today.

So, it seems that Google Hangouts Chat will eventually be a full, free replacement to the current classic Hangouts. It will just take some time to get there.


Original Article, January 22, 2019 (01:25 PM ET): Towards the end of 2018, word leaked that Google intends to dismantle the “classic” version of Google Hangouts, one of its many messaging apps. Google eventually released a statement on the matter, confirming that current Hangouts users will be migrated to Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat.

Today, Google revealed a rough timeline for that transition, via 9to5Google.

The somewhat-vague schedule is detailed below. However, the most important thing to note for you folks who are currently using classic Hangouts is that you have plenty of time: we don’t expect Google to fully retire the service until 2020, at the earliest.

Even then, when classic Hangouts goes the way of the many Google messaging apps before it, most (if not all) the features in classic Hangouts will be available in Hangouts Chat. In other words, the Hangouts app will eventually be gone, but Hangouts Chat will likely do everything you need by then.

Here’s the schedule:

  • April 16, 2019 — G Suite admins will be able to transition current classic Hangouts users to Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat.
  • October 2019 — Google will begin to wind down Hangouts in G Suite, forcing all G Suite users to move to Meet/Chat.

It’s very likely that after October 2019 Google will start migrating the public from classic Hangouts to the “new” Hangouts Meet/Chat, as usually G Suite changes preclude consumer-facing changes. With that in mind, we estimate that Google will likely start to dismantle classic Hangouts sometime in 2020.

The timeline isn’t super specific, but Google promised that a more detailed schedule will be revealed “at a later date.”

Editor’s Pick

One of the curious bits of information in the reveal of this timeline is how Google refers to Meet/Chat. The company says that it expects to “transition consumers to free Chat and Meet following the transition of G Suite customers.” The use of the word “free” there leads us to believe that there will be two versions of Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat: one that’s free and one that’s not (see above update).

However, Google encourages the use of Messages (formerly Android Messages) and Google Duo for most consumer needs.

What do you think? Is Google moving in the right direction here, or is this even more confusing than things are already? Let us know in the comments.

NEXT: Video messaging is now here for Google Duo

Source: Android Zone

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The US government looks to extradite Huawei CFO arrested in Canada

In a statement released earlier today and reported by Reuters, the U.S. Justice Department said it will pursue the extradition of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou.

The U.S. must submit an extradition request to Canada for the Huawei executive by January 30. A Canadian court then decides whether there’s enough evidence to warrant an extradition. If there’s enough evidence, the Canadian minister of justice issues a formal order of extradition.

Huawei chairman Liang Hua said the company is closely following the situation and wants a quick resolution. The executive also said Huawei has not had direct contact with authorities on the matter.

Editor’s Pick

Canadian authorities arrested Meng in Vancouver, British Columbia in December 2018. The arrest was reportedly made at the request of the U.S. government, which alleged that Meng was trying to circumvent the current U.S. trade embargo with Iran.

Less than a week after her arrest, Meng paid the 10 million Canadian dollars ($7.5 million) for her bail. Meng has since worn an electronic bracelet that lets the Canadian authorities keep tabs on her whereabouts.

The situation with Meng is a microcosm of the soured relations between Huawei and the U.S. government. Federal lawmakers and departments have been critical of Huawei, claiming that the company’s phones and telecommunications products could be used by the Chinese government to spy on U.S. citizens. Huawei has continually denied these claims.

Most recently, the U.S. Justice Department might pursue a criminal case against Huawei for alleged theft of trade secrets. Compounding matters, a Huawei employee was arrested in Poland for allegedly spying on the Chinese government’s behalf. Huawei fired the employee a few days after the arrest.

Source: Android Zone

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Twitter CEO promises true black dark mode is coming (Take note, Google)

This week on Twitter, Wall Street Journal columnist Christopher Mims tweeted out an article exclaiming that every app should have a dark mode. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey responded to the tweet, ruminating that it would be nice if there was an OS-wide switch app developers could use for that purpose.

In the middle of that thread, a Twitter user chimed in to point out that the official Twitter app’s dark mode uses a dark blue background instead of a true black. Dorsey responded to that tweet by saying, “Will fix,” which suggests there could be a true black Twitter dark mode on the way.

Here’s the thread to see for yourself:

It’s been proven with science that true black backgrounds on OLED display panels can save on battery life. Additionally, many people prefer black backgrounds as they claim it cuts down on eye-strain while reading. With that in mind, a true black Twitter dark mode would be a very welcome update indeed.

Editor’s Pick

Interestingly, Google fought dark modes for a long time, not only in Android itself but also in the myriad Google-owned apps. In 2018, though, Google reversed course and started adding dark modes into its apps and even introduced a sort-of dark mode to its Pixel phones.

However, Google’s dark modes are almost always dark gray backgrounds instead of true black, which is only going halfway. For dark modes to be truly useful, the backgrounds need to be pure black.

If Twitter rolls out a true black dark mode — and Google finally gets on the pure black train, which leaked info from Android Q suggests might be happening — it could usher in a new trend of offering true black dark modes in many more apps and services.

What do you think? Do you hope for a true black Twitter dark mode? Let us know in the comments!

NEXT: Twitter brings back the chronological timeline for Android

Source: Android Zone

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Target will accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay soon

Enormous United States retailer Target announced today that it is rolling out support for contactless payments to all of its 1,800+ stores across the nation. That means you’ll soon be able to use payment apps like Google Pay and Samsung Pay at checkout. You’ll also be able to use Apple Pay and contactless chips embedded into various credit cards.

Target announced the news on its corporate blog. However, it did not give a specific timeline for the rollout.

In order for contactless payments to work, credit card terminals need to support the technology. It’s not clear from Target’s blog post if the current terminals throughout Target stores already support contactless payments — and Target simply didn’t “turn on” the feature — or if Target will need to upgrade its existing terminals before the feature is supported. The former situation will result in a much faster rollout than the latter, obviously.

Editor’s Pick

Target’s acceptance of contactless payments will be a huge boon to Google Pay, being as Target is the eighth-largest retailer in the country. Target’s acceptance will dramatically increase the number of physical shops at which Google Pay is accepted, which will help broaden user adoption of the app.

Target didn’t jump on the contactless payment trend when it began with the success of Apple Pay several years ago. Instead, the company pushed the use of its Target app which earns Target shoppers discounts and cash back. However, the app uses a scannable barcode for its payment system, not NFC. The company emphasizes in its blog post that the Target app will continue to be supported.

NEXT: How to use Google Pay — A step-by-step guide

Source: Android Zone

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Deal: Optimize your resume and LinkedIn for just $10

Resume Writing and LinkedIn Profile Optimization

Recruiters are busy people. In the first instance, they may only glance at your resume for a matter of seconds, or even filter the list with automated bots. So how do you get your foot in the door?

The solution is to optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile. You might think that it’s all about qualifications, but making your resume stand out with a pleasing appearance and eye-catching format can be equally important.

Stand out to recruiters and score you your dream job.

Getting your online presence on point is increasingly crucial too. Some industries will rely on your LinkedIn profile, and may even seek out the best candidates on this basis. In such circumstances, you need to make sure you’re ahead of the competition. This means digital marketing and SEO principles that put you top of search lists.

All these factors and more can be learned on the Resume Writing and LinkedIn Profile Optimization course. This online learning kit could help you land your dream job, and it’s on offer right now.

The Resume Writing and LinkedIn Optimization course:

  • Learn digital marketing and SEO principles that LinkedIn and Google use to rank search results.
  • Research the highest value keywords that recruiters use to search for you and learn how to place them.
  • Discover the three unforgettable elements to use in your LinkedIn tagline.
  • Discover KPIs you need to be monitoring to track and improve your job search performance.
  • Turn your work history into a compelling career arc story.
  • Avoid your resume getting caught in the bots that filter out up to 70 percent of online applications.
  • Explore the perfect resume format and length that suits your experience, skills, and target industry.

This is a $200 course, but for the next few days, it’s being promoted for just $9.99. That’s quite a saving, and it’s a very small investment in your future.

The deal page shows that the offer expires on Saturday, so don’t miss your chance. Hit the button below to find it.

The AAPicks team writes about things we think you’ll like, and we may see a share of revenue from any purchases made through affiliate links. To see all our hottest deals, head over to the AAPICKS HUB.

Source: Android Zone

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Acer announces its first two 12-inch Chromebooks

Acer has just announced its first two 12-inch Chromebooks: the Chromebook 512 and Chromebook Spin 512.

Starting with the Chromebook 512, the device features a 12-inch IPS display with 1,366 x 912 resolution. The 180-degree hinge lets you lay the Chromebook 512 flat on a surface, while the display can either be touch or non-touch.

On the sides are two USB-C ports, two full-size USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.

Editor’s Pick

The Chromebook 512 is also compliant with the MIL-STD-810G standard, so it should stand up to a fair amount of abuse. In particular, the device can handle drops from heights of up to 48 inches and handle up to 132 pounds of pressure on the chassis.

Elsewhere, the Chromebook 512 features three processor options: the dual-core Intel Celeron N4000, quad-core Celeron N4100, and quad-core Pentium Silver N5000 processors. The device also comes with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM, either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and a battery that promises up to 12 hours of use.

Acer Chromebook Spin 512

The Chromebook Spin 512 mostly features the same specs, though you’re limited to the Celeron N4100 and Pentium Silver N5000. Even the port selection, spill-resistant keyboard, and MIL-STD-810G compliance remain the same across devices.

The main differences are with the included Wacom EMR stylus and the 360-degree hinge. With the two features, students can turn the Chromebook Spin 512 into a 3.31-pound tablet and jot down notes during class.

The Chromebook 512 will sell for $329.99, while the Chromebook Spin 512 will sell for $449.99. The two Chromebooks will be available in April.

Source: Android Zone

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Think you can spot a phish? Take Google’s fun new quiz to find out

Phishing scams are a real problem, and the number of phishing emails sent each year has been on the rise recently. To help prevent the success of phishing scammers, Google now has a quick, fun quiz anyone can take to test their skills at detecting when an email is…well…fishy.

If you want to jump right to the quiz, click the blue button below. If you want to learn more (and get some tips on how to pass with flying colors), read on before clicking over!

Phishing scams are when a scammer sends you a message — usually an email — that looks legitimate. However, links within the email take you to a false destination, usually a page that requests you to enter sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, etc. The scammers use this page to harvest your inputted data and then use that data to fraudulently pretend to be you.

With that in mind, this Google phishing quiz is very simple: Google presents you with email messages which are either legitimate or a phishing scam. Using the information in the example emails, you choose whether it’s real or fake. After you choose, the quiz will inform you of the correct answer and then tell you why the message is a phishing scam or not.

Editor’s Pick

As you can see from the header image of this article, I got seven of the questions right, failing on just one. I consider myself to be pretty good at phishing detection, and I must admit that this Google quiz was pretty tough.

The most efficient way to pass the quiz is to use your mouse to hover over any links in the message (long-press with your finger if you’re on mobile). Look to see if the link is secure (if it features “https” it’s secure) and also check to see if the link goes where you think it’s going to go. Pay close attention to URLs that look legit at first but are easy to spot as a fake if you read the whole thing.

Above all, don’t be discouraged if you get a low score: in fact, that’s what Google wants. The whole point of the quiz is to show people how incredibly good scammers are at creating legitimate-looking emails and present you with tools on how to spot them.

Feeling ready to try your luck? Click the button below to start your quiz! Let us know in the comments how you fare:

Source: Android Zone

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How to use Google Pay — a step by step guide

google play app logo on screen

Previously known as Android Pay, Google Pay lets you make purchases at physical stores using nothing but your smartphone. It’s free and works on devices that have an NFC chip running Android 4.4 KitKat or higher.

The payment method is supported by loads of merchants in the U.S., including CVS, Best Buy, Subway, and many more. You can use it in just about any store with a contactless payment terminal. Google Pay also works with a number of online businesses like Airbnb, HotelTonight, and Wish.

Here’s everything you need to know about the mobile payment service, including how to use Google Pay, which banks support it, how it compares with the competition, and more.

How to use Google Pay

google play real life usage

Using Google Pay is a breeze. The first thing you need to do is set up the payment system on your phone, which only takes a few minutes. Download the free Google Pay app from the Google Play Store, launch it, and add in your credit or debit card info.

Once that’s done, you can start using Google Pay for payments in stores. Just make sure you turn on your phone’s NFC service first — do a Google search for this information if you are confused. Most devices nowadays have NFC turned on by default.

When you are at a store and want to make a purchase, unlock your phone and hold the back of your device close to the credit card terminal for a few seconds. The spot where you place your phone is different for every terminal — ask the cashier for assistance if you have any trouble finding it.

While your phone is against the credit card terminal, your device will wirelessly communicate with the machine and securely pay for your purchase. You’ll see a series of animations on your phone, after which a blue check mark will appear on the screen. Once you see that, you’re all set! Your purchase is paid for.

Keep in mind that you may have to enter your PIN at the end depending on the amount of purchase, or sign the receipt.

How to use Google Pay — Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Unlock your phone and make sure NFC is turned on.
  2. Hold the back of your device close to the payment terminal for a few seconds.
  3. Wait until the payment is completed — a blue check mark will appear on your screen when it is.
  4. If required, enter your PIN code or sign the receipt.

Read next: Best portable solar battery chargers

You can also use Google Pay in apps like Uber and Airbnb or when you shop online. If the merchant accepts this payments method, tap the Google Pay purchase button at checkout to use it.

What banks (and countries) support Google Pay

fancy google pay

Google Pay supports more than 1,000 banks in the U.S. including the big players like Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank, as well as tons of smaller ones. We won’t mention them all in this post, but you can head over to Google’s support page to see the entire list.

In addition to the U.S., you can use Google Pay in the 27 countries listed below. New territories are added all the time, so check the most-recent list of supported banks for each region here.

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Taiwan
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom

Notably, Google Pay is available in India as well — however, it works differently there than it does elsewhere in the world. For more information on Google Pay in India, click here.

In addition to making payments in stores and online, Google Pay also lets you send money to friends and family just by using their email address or phone number, similar to PayPal and Venmo. However, this feature is only available on devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher.

 Google Pay vs the competition

google pay credit card on screen

Editor’s Pick

Samsung Pay and Apple Pay are Google Pay’s biggest rivals. Samsung Pay is available in 24 countries, putting it slightly behind Google. In addition to NFC, it also uses magnetic secure transmission (MST) — a technology that emits a magnetic signal mimicking the magnetic strip on a traditional payment card. This means Samsung Pay works with more or less every payment terminal out there, unlike Google Pay. The service only works with a limited number of Samsung devices, however, including the Galaxy S9, S8, Note 9, and Note 8, among others.

Apple Pay is currently available in 33 countries, ahead of both Google Pay and Samsung Pay. However, it’s availability on only certain Apple devices limits its reach. Like Google Pay, it transmits data via NFC, but doesn’t support MST technology.

gpay logo


Google Pay will make its way to a lot more countries in the near future. It’s as fast and easy as a credit card, though you can’t use it if your battery dies while you’re out and about.

Do you see yourself using Google Pay on a regular basis? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Android Zone

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OnePlus 6T update tracker: December security patch rolls out to T-Mobile variant

Welcome to the OnePlus 6T Android update tracker page. This page covers all major software news for the OnePlus 6T and will be updated regularly with new information.

Editor’s Pick

Since the OnePlus 6T is the first device from OnePlus to launch in both an unlocked and a carrier variant, this is the first time OnePlus fans have had to deal with certain models getting updates much faster than others. This OnePlus 6T updates hub will hopefully help you understand when you’re getting an update and what it will contain.

We recommend you bookmark this page so you can stay up to date with the very latest OnePlus 6T updates.

SEE ALSO: Android 9 Pie update tracker

OnePlus 6T vs T-Mobile OnePlus 6T

There are two versions of the OnePlus 6T: the global, unlocked model you buy directly from OnePlus and the T-Mobile exclusive variant. Both devices look the same and feature the same hardware specs, but there are some notable differences.

You can read the full description of the differences in our summary article here, but the basic differences are listed below:

  T-Mobile Unlocked
Dual SIM Card No Yes
Carrier Locked Yes No
Bootloader Unlock Yes (per T-Mobile guidelines) Yes
Software Updates Source T-Mobile OnePlus
Pre-Installed Apps T-Mobile + OnePlus apps OnePlus apps

OnePlus 6T Latest Updates

The T-Mobile variant of the OnePlus 6T was updated to version A6013_34_190116 on January 19, 2019.

The update includes the December security patch and an unspecified “dialer improvement.” The update weighs 103.6MB, so make sure you’re on a stable Wi-Fi connection before you download it.

Consult the table below to see the latest available OxygenOS versions for the unlocked and T-Mobile variants:

  T-Mobile Unlocked
Latest Update Date January 22, 2019 December 28, 2018
Latest Update Version OxygenOS v9.0.2 OxygenOS v9.0.11
Android Base Android 9 Pie Android 9 Pie

Previous Unlocked OnePlus 6T updates:

  • December 20, 2018: Update to OxygenOS 9.0.10
    • Updated Android security patch to 2018.12
    • Improved Wi-Fi stability for better connectivity
    • Face Unlock improvements
    • Improved Nightscape performance
  • December 3, 2018: Update to OxygenOS 9.0.7
    • Addition of a special audio tuner for Bluetooth earphones
    • Improved Bluetooth stability for better connectivity
    • Optimized stability for Wi-Fi connection
    • Optimized standby power consumption
    • Fixed display issues for lock screen wallpaper
    • General bug fixes and improvements
    • Improved performance for slow-motion videos
  • November 21, 2018: Update to OxygenOS 9.0.6
    • Improved unlocking experience
    • Optimized standby power consumption
    • Fixed issues with adding APN on Verizon network
    • Fixed issues with no notifications from Play Store
    • Optimized image processing
    • General bug fixes and improvements
  • November 6, 2018: Update to OxygenOS 9.0.5
    • Improvements for Screen Unlock
    • General bug fixes and improvements

Previous T-Mobile OnePlus 6T updates:

  • January 3, 2019: Update to OxygenOS 9.0.2
    • Enables support for additional domestic roaming partners
  • December 11, 2018: Update to OxygenOS 9.0.1
    • Updated camera app
    • Updated in-display fingerprint sensor algorithm
    • Fixed Google Play Store download notification issues
    • Optimized face unlock
    • Optimized hidden Wi-Fi AP login UI
    • Optimized unlock speed with live wallpapers
    • Improved audio quality
  • November 20, 2018: Update to OxygenOS 9.0.0
    • Google monthly security updates
    • Various bug fixes and system improvements

If you’ve received an update we’ve missed, hit the comments below or Tip us!

Source: Android Zone

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Form Pages by WPForms – Google Forms Alternative for WordPress

Have you ever tried creating a distraction-free form landing page in WordPress? If so, then you likely realized that it is not easy.

The biggest challenge with WordPress forms until now has been that all form layouts are controlled by WordPress themes, and sadly most WordPress themes do not prioritize form layouts.

This forced a lot of WordPress users to use Google Forms to create standalone forms which isn’t an ideal workflow. Since there wasn’t a perfect Google Forms alternative in WordPress, we created one.

Today, I’m excited to announce the launch of Form Pages by WPForms, a “distraction-free” form landing page builder for WordPress to help you improve your form conversions.

Form Pages by WPForms Preview

Form Pages addon for WPForms allows you to quickly create dedicated form landing pages without hiring a developer or writing any code in less than 5 minutes.

Like everything else in WPForms, we made the process “stupid simple”.

You can create a custom landing page for any of your WordPress forms by simply enabling the “Form Page Mode” from the Form Settings.

Form Pages by WPForms

On the settings page, you can add your logo, custom page title, description, and define the landing page URL.

It comes with two different form styles Modern and Classic. The Classic style will give you the exact same look-and-feel of Google Forms whereas the Modern Design will allow you to bring your form into 2019.

You can combine the form styles with six pre-made color schemes. You can also build a custom color scheme by selecting the main color. WPForms will then generate other colors and gradients to automatically build your color scheme.

Once done simply save your settings, and that’s it.

Your custom form landing page is ready to be shared.

Form Pages by WPForms is the perfect Google Forms alternative for WordPress because it lets you build custom form landing pages and combine it with other powerful WPForms features such as smart surveys, conditional logic, payment integrations, marketing integrations, user registration, form abandonment technology, and so much more.

Form Pages addon is available as part of the WPForms Pro plan.

If you’re serious about improving your form conversions, then you need get started with WPForms Pro today.

Bonus: You can get 50% off WPForms when using the coupon code: SAVE50

Thank you as always for your continued support of WPBeginner and our products. We look forward to bringing you even more powerful solutions in 2019.

Syed and the WPBeginner Team

The post Form Pages by WPForms – Google Forms Alternative for WordPress appeared first on WPBeginner.

Source: Wordpres

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The Google Project Stream test is over…now what?

One of the more exciting bits of news from 2018 was the reveal of Google’s Project Stream: a game streaming platform allowing gamers to play AAA titles at 1080p/60fps using nothing but a browser and a fast internet connection. The first game to be playable in Project Stream as part of the platform’s test run was Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

The Project Stream beta test period ended last week on January 15.

Now that the initial public run of Project Stream is done, we’re left wondering: now what? Google has been pretty upfront about the possibilities of Project Stream and the early-access beta period seemed — from the outside looking in, anyway — to be a real success. However, we have no idea what Google has planned next.

Will there be another game?

AMD

The lucky gamers whom Google selected to take part in the Project Stream beta test got to play one of the hottest AAA titles of the year for free. In fact, any beta tester who played Assassin’s Creed Odyssey for more than one hour is eligible to receive a free copy of the game via Ubisoft’s Uplay platform.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear those free copies have been distributed yet. However, we’d give it a few more weeks before becoming concerned that Google/Ubisoft aren’t going to follow through on that promise.

Editor’s Pick

This all begets the question: is there another game lined up for a future second iteration of the Project Stream beta test? While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a title that would seriously tax a modest gaming rig if played at 1080p/60fps, Google surely could push things even further. Perhaps an even more graphics-intensive game slated to release early this year, such as the new Doom title or Metro Exodus, could push the limits of what Project Stream can support.

Or, Google could go the opposite direction and announce a new beta test of Project Stream with multiple 2018 titles on offer. Instead of trying to push one graphics-intense game, Google could try to support a handful of titles all at once.

Unfortunately, we don’t know the answers to these questions. For now, all Google is saying to us is “Thanks for playing.”

Is this it?

A Google logo.

Since Google is mum on what the next steps are for Project Stream, we also have to accept the possibility that this first test was it. It’s totally possible that now that Google has proven Project Stream as a concept works, it’s going to privately develop the actual product that Project Stream will inevitably become.

This could mean that we won’t hear any more about Project Stream until it makes its real debut at some point in the future, complete with (we expect, anyway) a different name and some sort of pricing plan.

Editor’s Pick

Another possibility — though less likely — is that Google has no intentions of making a Project Stream product. Instead, the company could simply license the streaming tech behind Project Stream out to other platforms such as Steam, Origin, or the brand new Epic Games Store. This would make Google plenty of cash, but Google’s current absence from the very lucrative gaming industry leads us to think that Project Stream is going to be the company’s entry into the market, not a product it licenses out. However, we could be in for a surprise.

What do you think? We know we haven’t heard the last of Project Stream, but what will the next step be? Will we see more beta tests with different games, or will we see the final product next instead? Let us know your theories in the comments.

Also, if you were lucky enough to take part in the beta program, let us know about your experience.

NEXT: Microsoft’s Project xCloud: Console gaming experience streamed to your phone

Source: Android Zone

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Deal: Get the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL for $150 off

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL deal

If you missed out on all of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL deals from a few months back, today’s your lucky day. For a limited time, the Google Store has slashed the prices of both smartphones by $150.

That brings the base models of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL down to $649 and $749, respectively. If you want 128GB of storage, the two phones now go for $749 and $849, respectively.

To recap, the Pixel 3 features a 5.5-inch display with Full HD+ (2,160 x 1,080) resolution, dual 8-megapixel front cameras, one rear 12.2MP camera, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB of RAM, either 64GB or 128GB of storage, and a 2,915mAh battery. The Pixel 3 XL mostly features the same specs, save for the larger 6.3-inch display with Quad HD+ (2,960 x 1,440) resolution and a larger 3,430mAh battery.

Editor’s Pick

It’s no secret that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL had their fair share of issues when they first launched. These issues included poor RAM management, the camera not saving pictures, buzzing speakers, and several notches appearing on the display.

Most of these issues either were resolved or will be resolved with software updates. Regardless, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are two of the best Android smartphones you can buy and will get updates through October 2021.

You can get the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL at the link below.

Source: Android Zone

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Honor View 20 with Kirin 980 and 48MP camera launches in Europe starting at 569 euros

The Honor View 20 has already launched in China, but the Huawei sub-brand has finally brought the device to the global stage with a launch event in Paris.

In case you forgot, the Honor View 20 will come equipped with the flagship-level Kirin 980 chipset, 6GB to 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of expandable storage. In other words, it should be able to go toe-to-toe with the best handsets on the market when it comes to power.

Honor View20 back reflection

The company has however made a few compromises compared to traditional flagship phones. So that means no wireless charging, no significant IP rating, and no Cat 21 LTE. Still, at least you’re getting a headphone jack.

The device is also packing a 4,000mAh battery, capable of being charged to 55 percent capacity in 30 minutes. It’s not quite on the level of the Mate 20 Pro’s 70 percent capacity in 30 minutes, but it’s still a brisk charger anyway.

Read: Full Honor View 20 specs

There’s more to the Honor View 20 than a big battery and plenty of horsepower, as it’s an early adopter of punch-hole displays too. It offers a 6.4-inch full LCD screen (2,310 x 1,080) and a 25MP camera (IMX 576) in the 4.5mm peephole.

Are we looking at a camera powerhouse?

Honor View20 back

Speaking of the camera, the rear setup consists of a 48MP f/1.8 main camera (Sony IMX586, 0.8 microns) and a 3D camera for AR effects. That 48MP sensor promises some super high resolution shots during the day, and 12MP pixel-binned shots when the sun goes down. In fact, the brand claims that these pixel-binned shots are equivalent to a 12MP 1.6 micron shooter.

Editor’s Pick

In a rather interesting move, Honor is touting an AI Ultra Clarity mode which takes multiple 48MP shots and stacks them to make one “Super 48MP Photo” with better quality than a standard shot. More specifically, the sub-brand says detail in dark areas is tweaked and colors are adjusted to be more vivid. Otherwise, you can also expect the popular night mode, and 960fps slow-motion video here as well.

Meanwhile, the 3D camera is used for “3D motion-controlled gaming”, body beautification in photos and videos, body tracking (only in China for now), and calorie counting (using depth data to more accurately estimate food portions). But data from this camera can also be used to enable your expected bokeh effects.

Available in Europe from 569 euros

As for pricing and availability, the Honor View 20 will be available starting from January 23, starting at 569 euros for the 6GB/128GB model. The phone can be had in either sapphire blue, midnight black, phantom red, and phantom blue. In the UK, the Honor View 20 will go on sale for 499 pounds.

The Honor View 20 will be available in the following countries:

  • France
  • UK
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • Czech Republic
  • Finland
  • Egypt
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
  • Portugal
  • UAE
  • India
  • Belgium
  • Malaysia
  • Netherlands

Check out our full Honor View 20 review to get a better idea of what to expect and let us know what you think of the price!

Source: Android Zone

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Deal: Grab Mobvoi’s TicPods Free true wireless earbuds for just $90

TicPods Free Amazon Sale Screenshot

If you’re looking for a good pair of true wireless headphones that work with Android, your options are almost limitless. One of the best options out there, the Mobvoi TicPods Free, is currently $40 off. At this price, they are well worth the purchase.

Regularly priced at $130, the TicPods Free is designed semi-similarly to Apple’s AirPods. While both feature a stem that sticks down and away from your ears, the TicPods Free include silicone tips that should provide a more secure feel in your ears.

When the folks over at SoundGuys reviewed the TicPods Free, they stated that the wireless earbuds offer good sound quality, better-than-average battery life, and come with a convenient carrying case. The biggest downside to the earbuds were the included silicone sleeves as they tended to be insecure, but that could be remedied with different tips. 

Editor’s Pick

The earbuds are rated for four hours of playback time with the included charging case including enough juice for an addition 18 hours. Additionally, the earbuds have touch controls that can be used for audio playback as well as triggering your phone’s voice assistant. 

You can buy the Mobvoi TicPods Free from Amazon using the button below. Before you add the headphones to your cart, make sure to check the coupon box to immediately take $40 off of the item’s retail price.

Source: Android Zone

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Exclusive: Nokia 3.1 Plus and Nokia 5 to get Pie update this week, more to follow

Android 9.0 Pie update screen Nokia 7.1

HMD Global has already rolled out Android 9.0 Pie to a growing selection of its Nokia handsets and another batch is inbound. In fact, the company has been one of the fastest to update its range of smartphones to the latest version of Android, in part due to its participation in Google’s Android One program.

Editor’s Pick

According to word straight from HMD Global, the Nokia 5 and Nokia 3.1 Plus will begin receiving Android 9.0 Pie “in the next few days”. Hopefully, that means by the end of the week. As is usually the case, it may take a little bit longer for updates to roll out to all regions, but a big chunk of consumers should see a notification appear really soon. We’re definitely talking days and not weeks.

The original 2017 Nokia 6 is scheduled for its Pie release a week or two later. HMD Global’s Juho Sarvikas informs Android Authority that the company is putting the finishing touches on the phone’s Dolby Atmos audio features for Pie before the update heads out to consumers. Following that, the Nokia 1 and Nokia 3 will be the last of the handsets to see an update. These are scheduled for sometime in the front part of Q2 2019. Any remaining Nokia smartphones not mentioned or updated so far should see an update at some point in-between.

If HMD Global sticks to this roadmap, the company will have updated virtually its entire portfolio of smartphones to Android 9.0 Pie by Q2 2019 – a pretty remarkable feat. The company remains committed to two years of Android updates and three years of security updates through the Android One program, and, at this speed, that’s a pretty great value proposition for mid-range consumers.

Read: Our Android Pie update tracker – Has your phone got Android 9 yet?

Source: Android Zone

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Report: All iPhones will ditch LCDs for OLEDs by 2020

The Apple iPhone XR as depicted on stage during the Apple Event 2018.

  • A new report suggests Apple will completely ditch LCD panels for its iPhones in 2020.
  • The 2019 version of the iPhone XR will likely be the last iPhone with an LCD.
  • If iPhone OLEDs become the new normal, this could mean more Android phones with OLEDs as well.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to completely eliminate LCD displays from its entire iPhone lineup by 2020. Reportedly, the 2019 successor to the iPhone XR will be the last LCD iPhone, with the future being all about iPhone OLEDs.

While this is good news for Apple fans as OLED displays are superior to LCD displays in multiple ways, this is also good news for Android fans. OLED panels usually only make their way to more expensive Android devices because OLEDs simply cost more than LCDs. If Apple is going all-in on OLEDs, though, that could change for the better.

Since Apple is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of smartphones, it is also one of the biggest smartphone display panel purchasers. Because of its size, Apple usually can negotiate better deals on hardware than smaller players. Those price cuts inevitably drive cost down across the market as other manufacturers step in to vie for business.

Editor’s Pick

In other words, if Apple really is going to ditch LCD panels entirely, that means there will very likely be more Android phones with OLEDs — at lower prices.

Obviously, the downside to this is that current LCD manufacturers are going to face some major difficulties in moving their products if Apple completely steps out of the game. Luckily, the entry-level smartphone market is on the uptick with developing nations buying phones for the first time. This likely means LCD panels will do fine for the time being. However, LCD manufacturers are going to need to figure out new revenue streams fast.

At the end of 2018, it was revealed that iPhone sales — including the aforementioned iPhone XR — are much lower than expected. If Apple only plans to do away with LCDs in 2020, that means the iPhone XR successor will likely be an iterative upgrade over the 2018 model, i.e. it will likely look pretty much the same. We’ll have to see how that pans out for Apple.

NEXT: Yes, Apple, the slowing smartphone market affects you, too

Source: Android Zone

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Why is WordPress Free? What are the Costs? What is the Catch?

One of the most often asked question by our users is “Do I have to pay to use WordPress?”. We tell them that WordPress is a free and open source software, which is usually followed by, “Why is WordPress Free?”.

In this article, we will discuss why is WordPress free, what’s the cost of running a WordPress site, and what’s the catch?

WordPress is free

WordPress is an open source software. It is free in the sense of freedom not in the sense of free beer. You may ask what is the difference between these two?

Open source software comes with the freedom for you to use, modify, build upon, and redistribute the software in any way you like without paying any fees.

However, there might be costs involved in other areas. We will discuss the cost of using the open source WordPress software later in this article.

Why Don’t They Sell WordPress as a Software?

We often get asked, why don’t people and companies behind WordPress sell it? If WordPress is as good as everyone says, then they would obviously make a lot more money by selling it.

This statement would make sense, if a single company or an individual owned WordPress.

WordPress is an open source community project where tens of thousands of talented people have made contributions to make it into a great software that it is today.

There is a core team of developers that lead the project development, but anyone can contribute patches, fix bugs, make features, suggest features, etc.

Furthermore, project leaders change from one version to another. If you get deeply involved in the community, then you can become a core contributor to WordPress as well.

The Philosophy behind Open Source Software

The philosophy behind Open Source software movement is that software are not like other tangible products. Once a software is created, it can be copied many times with little cost.

Let’s take the example of a toy factory. Each toy manufactured has different parts and each part has a cost. The manufacturing cost of these parts can be calculated by the factory to decide a reasonable profit margin for the product.

On the other hand, the cost of creating software and making copies of it is not the same. Some groups believe that with each copy sold, the profit margin of the software becomes more unfair.

To understand more about open source software ideals, check out GNU’s Philosophy.

How Do People Make Money with WordPress?

The two main profitable parts of any open source software are products and services based on the same open source software.

People often confuse WordPress with WordPress.com, but they’re actually two different things. WordPress (often referred to self-hosted WordPress or WordPress.org) is a free blogging platform and website builder.

Matt Mullenweg, co-founding developer of WordPress, launched a company called Automattic which provides “restricted” free blog hosting service at WordPress.com, and you can pay / upgrade to unlock features and remove ads.

However, to get the full power of WordPress on WordPress.com platform, you’ll need to sign up with their WordPress VIP service. This costs over $5000 per month for hosting + $5000 set up fee.

Automattic has raised a total of $317.3M in funding over 7 rounds. Their latest funding was raised on Jan 1, 2015 from a Venture round. (Source)

Other developers have also gone ahead to build successful multi-million dollar businesses around WordPress by creating commercial plugins, commercial themes, and even offering WordPress hosting.

Some examples of successful multi-million dollar WordPress companies are:

Related: See our list of 20 top WordPress companies.

Good WordPress developers and consultants also make a comfortable full-time income by building custom websites, applications, and plugins around WordPress for their clients. A lot of them are making over six-figures in annual earnings by themselves.

Is WordPress Copyright Free?

No, WordPress is not copyright free. It is licensed in a way that allows everyone to use it, but each contribution made to the software is copyrighted.

It is released under GPL, so you are free to use, modify, and redistribute the code. You will have the copyright to modifications you make to the software, not the entire code.

GPL requires that any derivative work you release or distribute should be licensed under GPL as well. You may have the copyright to do anything you like, your derivative work automatically inherits the GPL license, so others are free to use, modify, and redistribute your code in any way they choose.

Does this mean that all premium WordPress Themes and Plugins are Licensed GPL?

According to an official blog post on WordPress.org, themes are GPL too. Images, CSS and Javascript used inside themes and plugins can be excluded, but all PHP and HTML parts of themes and plugins extensively use WordPress functionality thus they are a derivative work therefore are licensed under GPL.

While some folks do not agree with that, most trusted WordPress businesses follow and abide by the community guidelines.

The Content Published with WordPress also inherits GPL?

No, you are entitled to license your content any way you like. Unless the content you are publishing is actually a derivative work of WordPress or any other GPL licensed work.

For example, if you are sharing your articles, photos, or any other artwork on your blog, then you own full copyrights of it.

However, if you are writing a blog post showing people how to use a WordPress function with examples, then that particular blog post could be licensed differently. The code used in examples is actually derivative work and automatically inherits the GPL license.

The WordPress Trademark

The code of WordPress as a software is released under GPL but the words WordPress, WordCamp, and the WordPress logo are registered trademarks owned by the WordPress Foundation.

To distinguish between a site or resource that is official or community run, the foundation asks folks to not use “WordPress” in their domain name.

This is the reason why our site is called WPBeginner instead of WordPressBeginner. Any website, training course, or resource that you see has WordPress in their domain name is probably being run by someone who doesn’t know enough about WordPress. This means you probably shouldn’t pay them any of your money :)

Most legit businesses built around WordPress are aware of the trademark policies, and they respect the rules.

Cost of using WordPress

WordPress as a software is free for you to download and use. However, to use WordPress on the web, you will need WordPress Hosting.

You can use WordPress.com to create a free blog, but be aware that there are some differences. See our comparison of WordPress.com vs WordPress.org for more details.

The cost of using WordPress is relatively minimal and hold true for running any other type of website as well. The only real cost is web hosting ($7.99 per month) and domain name ($14 / year).

However WPBeginner users can get a free domain name and 60% off web hosting from Bluehost which means you can start a website for as low as $2.75 per month. Bluehost is an officially recommended WordPress hosting provider.

Related: How to Start a WordPress Blog (Ultimate Guide)

Additional costs could be commercial WordPress themes also known as premium WordPress themes. However, you are not required to use those because there are over 6000+ free WordPress themes that you can use.

People often use commercial plugins, but you are not required to use those as well because there are over 54,000+ free WordPress plugins available.

We have created a detailed guide on how much does it really cost to build a WordPress website with instructions on how to start a website on a budget and save money.

We hope that this article answered your questions about WordPress licensing, the costs of running a WordPress site, and the business around WordPress. You may also want to see our list of easy to start online business ideas that actually make money.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

The post Why is WordPress Free? What are the Costs? What is the Catch? appeared first on WPBeginner.

Source: Wordpres

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Retro-style adventure Beat Cop, from This War of Mine studio, out now on Android

Update, Jan. 22, 2019 (9:38AM ET): Beat Cop is now available to download on the Google Play Store. 11 bit studios’ latest is free to download but to play the full game you’ll need to pay up $5.50 as an in-app purchase.

Early user reviews (if you discount the usual ‘this game isn’t free brigade’) are fairly strong. You should, however, be aware that this is definitely an adult game with adult themes, hence the “Mature 17+” rating.

Hit the button below to give it a try!

Google Play Store: Beat Cop

Original article, Nov. 1, 2019 (1:26PM ET): Put on your aviator sunglasses and start growing a mustache, because retro-style adventure game Beat Cop is headed to Android. First released for PC back in March of 2017, it comes from the same studio (11 bit studios) as the smash hit This War of Mine, which was ported to Android back in 2015.

In Beat Cop, you play the role of disgraced New York City police detective Jack Kelly, who has been demoted to beat cop after he was framed for murder. Developer Pixel Crow’s signature pixel-art style is more than just a gimmick for Beat Cop, since the story takes place in the 1980s.

Beat Cop is non-linear, with multiple endings and countless side stories

You’ll have to carefully balance your reputation between the street gangs, the mafia, and the police as you attempt to fulfill your duties as a lowly street cop. This is the 1980s though, so drugs, bribes, and good old-fashioned beat-downs are definitely on the table.

Beat Cop Featured 11 bit studios

Throughout all of this, you can slowly uncover the secrets behind who framed you for murder. Or you can just check parking meters and give out tickets. Like This War of Mine, Beat Cop is non-linear, with enough content to keep you coming back again and again.

The soundtrack is also excellent, with retrowave jams that will take you back to a time when colorful headbands and aerobics were all the rage. Just check out this goofy gameplay trailer released for the PC version last year.

The game is gritty and violent but doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s filled with sarcasm and witty comebacks, but one thing is for certain: it’s not for kids. There are lots of expletives, pornography, and drug use. In the words of the developers, it’s “humor your mother wouldn’t approve of.”

Source: Android Zone

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Smash hit gacha RPG Final Blade going global, pre-register for bonuses!

One of the biggest gacha RPG games of the last few years is finally making its way West. Final Blade — an oriental-styled fantasy developed by South Korean studio SkyPeople — has been confirmed for a global launch on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

Final Blade: Guan Sword The Shivering Dawn, to give it its full, rather cumbersome title, is a gacha RPG with a massive following and player base in South Korea and Taiwan, according to the folks over at DroidGamers.

Editor’s Pick

As with other gacha-style games, Final Blade sees you gathering an army of characters through random loot drops, all with different skills and rarities.

Heroes can then be levelled up and evolved and taken into battle in real-time encounters.

In addition to a main story campaign where you can explore each hero’s back story, Final Blade also features online battles against other players and a clan system which lets you take on massive bosses and topple rival clans.

If that wasn’t enough, the Endless Tower and Black Money modes offer endless challenges with rewards of gold and gear.Final Blade artwork

You can see six of the character profiles on the Final Blade homepage, but SkyPeople promises over 300 characters in total. The site, trailer and promotional art also show off the game’s gorgeous 2D art design.

You can pre-register to play Final Blade on the same page. Those who do pre-register are guaranteed a 5 star hero ticket when the game finally launches. There are also additional reward stretch goals based on the total number of pre-registrations.

Hit the button below and enter your email to pre-register for your next mobile RPG addiction.

Source: Android Zone

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Vivo Apex 2019 concept phone may have no ports, notches, bezels, or buttons

Vivo Apex 2019 concept render @VenyaGeskin1

In just a couple of days the next generation Vivo Apex concept phone is set to be unveiled at an event in China. We’ve already seen a teaser suggesting the phone will have a notch-less and bezel-less display, but a new leak and render is now hinting the Vivo Apex 2019 will also do away with all ports and buttons too.

The leaked Tik Tok video, which surfaced on Weibo, shows off the phone’s shiny curved edges before transitioning to a shot of the phone against a large waterdrop. In all honesty, there’s not much to see, but that might well be the point.

Editor’s Pick

A day before the video leaked, Vivo shared an advert showing a promo stall in China where passersby could handle the latest Vivo Apex device.

The catch was they weren’t actually able to see it. Those who got their hands on the phone noted their surprise that it felt completely smooth on every surface and corner.

The responses indicate that Vivo has ditched all ports, buttons, notches, and anything else that could interrupt the next Apex concept’s design. This has inevitably led to speculation that the phone will feature wireless charging, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and pressure sensitive buttons like the HTC U12 Plus.

Vivo is apparently leaning its ambitious concept on the idea of water droplets — a somewhat confusing decision when waterdrop notches are still a thing.

Prior to the video leak, concept designer Ben Geskin shared a render of what is purportedly the Vivo Apex 2019 in all its glory. It’s not clear if this is an official render or one of Geskin’s ‘leak visualizations’ (read: concept render), but it does tally up with what we know of the phone so far.

The big question is where is the front-facing camera? Vivo’s first Apex concept had a pop-up selfie camera which eventually made its way to the consumer-ready version of the Apex, the Vivo Nex.

The Vivo Apex 2019 will debut in China on Jan. 24. For the rest of the world, there’s every chance Vivo will bring its latest concept phone to Mobile World Congress the following month.

Would you buy a phone with no ports or buttons? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Android Zone

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