Google is fixing Cast-enabled device Wi-Fi issues with Play Services update, rolling out now

Update (02/01/18): After successfully testing Play Services 11.9.74 beta, Google is rolling out this bug-fixing update to the stable channel. This update should fix network-crashing issues with Google Cast-supported devices, and may also contain a fix for Nexus Player remote sleeping issues. You should be able to download Google Play Services 11.9.75 from the Play Store starting today. 

Update Google Play Services in the Play Store

---

Update (1/19/17): Google is rolling out a fix for the Wi-Fi issues caused by devices with Chromecast built in. The fix is included in a Google Play Services beta update which should hit devices soon if they're enrolled in the early-access program. If you don't feel like waiting for the fix to come to the stable channel, you can download the file by hitting the button below and install it yourself. 

get it from apk mirror

---

Update (01/17/17): Google has identified the problem and will release an update to Google Play Services on Thursday, January 18 (tomorrow). In the meantime, Google suggests trying to reboot your Android phone and check that your Wi-Fi router is running the latest firmware version.

So, what was the issue? Google says a bug in the Cast software on Android phones was incorrectly sending a large amount of network traffic, which caused the decreased Wi-Fi network speeds. 

If you're experiencing this issue, hang in there— you don't have much longer to wait!

---

Original article (01/15/17): Last week we told you about the Google Home Max killing some Wi-Fi networks. The problem seemed isolated to the Home Max and the TP-Link Archer C7 router. After we published our article, more users posted on the company's Product Forums indicating that the problem is actually more widespread.

Editor's Pick

Google in 2018: Trying to do everything

It's been a rocky 2017 for the tech sector. Business boomed across the board, making tech giants richer and more powerful than ever, as their products became even more indispensable to our daily lives. Like …

It now appears that users with other TP-Link routers are experiencing the issue as well. Additionally, users with Linksys, Synology, and other types of routers are feeling the pain too. If that wasn't bad enough, the problem doesn't appear exclusively with just the Google Home Max. Users with other Home units and Chromecasts are reporting that their networks are being knocked offline too.

TP-Link released a beta software update for the Archer C7 that should solve the issue, but it hasn't worked for everyone. With multiple affected routers and various Chromecast-enabled devices involved, we're left to wonder exactly what the problem might be at this point. We haven't seen an official response on the issue yet, but a Product Forum Manager stated that Google is working on the issue. If you're having a similar problem, hit the button below to head over to the forums and let Google know.

visit the google product forums

from Android Authority http://ift.tt/2mFZ8CW
via IFTTT

Mario Kart is officially coming to smartphones

The game will be released anywhere between April 2018 and March 2019.

Although a lot of Nintendo's 2017 was focused on the Switch, the company also kicked out some rock-solid Android mobile games throughout the year – including Fire Emblem Heroes, Super Mario Run, and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. Following the success of these titles, Nintendo's confirmed that it's now working on Mario Kart Tour.

This marks the first time an official Mario Kart game will be available for smartphones, and as exciting as that is, there's a lot we still don't know.

The game will be released "in the fiscal year ending in March 2019", but that means we could see it drop as soon as this April or as late as 13 months from now. Gameplay will likely center around the same Mario Kart we know and love, but seeing as how it is a mobile game, don't be surprised if Nintendo adopts the free-to-play system with paid unlocks.

Furthermore, it'll be interesting to see what Mario Kart Tour does differently than Mario Kart 8 on the Switch. I get that a phone is more portable than Nintendo's latest console, but we're still talking about two (likely) similar games on handheld machines.

Since I know most of you are already excited about Mario Kart Tour, would you rather Nintendo stick to the traditional Mario Kart formula or try something new with the title?

Here's the first teaser trailer for 'Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery'

from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers http://ift.tt/2E72ZCY
via IFTTT

Huawei P Smart with 18:9 screen and Oreo goes up for sale on Vodafone UK

Huawei's latest budget phone is exclusive to Vodafone in the UK until the end of February.

Huawei has launched its latest budget phone in the UK. The P Smart is exclusive to Vodafone UK until the end of the month, and comes with an attractive spec sheet that includes a FullView display, dual cameras at the back, and Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box.

The Huawei P Smart features a 5.65-inch 18:9 LCD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 (FHD+), and the device is powered by an octa-core Kirin 659 chipset with eight Cortex A53 cores (four cores clocked at 2.36GHz, and four at 1.7GHz). There's 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, a microSD slot that can accommodate SD cards up to 256GB, dual 13MP + 2MP cameras at the back, 8MP front shooter, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and a 3000mAh battery.

Things are just as interesting on the software front, with the P Smart running the latest iteration of EMUI 8.0 based on Oreo out of the box. Not bad for a device that you'll be able to pick up for as low as £17 per month. That's for 250MB of 4G data, 250 minutes of calls, and unlimited texts, and includes a £9 upfront fee. You can get a plan with 1GB of 4G data and unlimited calls and texts for £23 a month.

If you're interested, hit up Vodafone UK from the link below to get your hands on the P Smart.

See at Vodafone UK

from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers http://ift.tt/2FzySkA
via IFTTT

Xiaomi Redmi 5A Rose Gold launched in India for Rs. 4,999

'Tis the season for faintly pink smartphones and Xiaomi is the latest manufacturer to serve up a rosy handset. Earlier today, the Chinese OEM released a Rose Gold variant of the Xiaomi Redmi 5A in India (via Gadgets360).

The color was announced at 5A's initial launch last November but only the Gold and Dark Grey models had so far been made available in India. The Rose Gold version now joins its siblings and comes with the same Rs. 4,999 price tag.

As we approach Valentine's day on February 14, we've already seen several manufacturers produce pink variants of their smartphones; LG has introduced the Raspberry Rose LG V30 and LG G6, while Samsung decided to launch the Rose Pink Galaxy S8 in the UK.

The Rose Gold Redmi 5A is on sale at Mi.com now and is coming "soon" to Flipkart and other retailers. Check it out at the button below, and read our full Xiaomi Redmi 5A review at the link. 

Buy Now: Redmi 5A Rose Gold

from Android Authority http://ift.tt/2nuc91Y
via IFTTT

Peak Design Everyday Backpack review: I've finally stopped shopping for new bags

My search for the perfect bag might finally be over.

I have a problem — I'm obsessed with backpacks. I've gone through three in the past year alone, each with its own set of pros and cons that always left me wanting more. A simple bag with a laptop sleeve is great for quick trips to the coffee shop, but in a busier setting, it's frustrating to have to dig around for one particular item. I love the flexibility of camera bags, but the custom-fit sections aren't always ideal when carrying multiple lenses isn't a priority. I wanted something in between that would allow for quick access and tight organization. Enter Peak Design.

See at Amazon

A quick look through Peak Design's products reveals that the company is primarily focused on photographers, and I had already been using one of its other camera-related products for a while: the Slide Pro strap, with its easy adjusters and Anchor Link quick-release system, has been a huge convenience for me. Naturally, I was curious when I stumbled upon the company's various bags.

The Everyday Backpack is available in two sizes — 20L or 30L — though both are identical in terms of design. The bag is made of a weather-resistant canvas material, with a large flap up top held in place by a magnetic latch. There are four "steps" for the latch, allowing you to expand or contract the bag to fit your carry load. It's easy to grab and carry in any orientation thanks to the handles on the top and sides, and the zippers along the sides allow for fast access.

It's hard to overstate the convenience of this bag.

The inside is almost entirely empty, save for three included dividers that attach to the inner lining with velcro and create shelves to section off the bag. Each divider has two collapsible flaps that can be folded up or down to create sub-dividers, allowing you to keep smaller items like lenses in place.

Combine all of these features together, and you have an incredibly convenient backpack. Being able to access the contents of the bag from the sides means you can instantly reach even items stored at the bottom — especially since it's all neatly separated by the dividers.

You can also swing the Everyday Backpack off of one shoulder to your chest and access the sides without taking it off, which has been one of my favorite features; at the airport this week, I was able to grab my headphones from the bag while walking to my terminal.

On the sides of the backpack, there are additional compartments with stretchable fabric to hold everything from external hard drives to items as large as water bottles. There are small pockets that are just big enough to fit most camera batteries — though only one of the pockets can fit the battery for my Panasonic GH5. The others are big enough to hold Canon LP-E6 batteries.

Straps on straps on straps.

There are also a ton of straps included with the bag. Like, a crazy amount of straps. Straps for shortening or lengthening the shoulder straps. Torso straps to attach to the shoulder straps to relieve tension. Straps to attach anything with an Anchor Link — I put one on my keyring when I'm traveling so I don't lose my keys.

At the top of the Everyday Backpack, there's a section for up to a 15" laptop and/or tablet (it can hold both), as well as a pocket for small items like cables. Around the back, the Everyday Backpack is nicely padded for comfort and protection, and breathes well to keep your back from sweating.

The Everyday Backpack isn't cheap, but it's one of my favorite purchases in recent memory.

Starting at $260 for the 20L variant, the Everyday Backpack is one of the more expensive bags on the market, and a lot of people will understandably be skeptical. But from the outstanding craftsmanship to the incredibly intuitive design and thoughtful engineering, I've never been more pleased with a bag. It's traveled with me through Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, and has yet to show any signs of wear.

The Everyday Backpack is simply too expensive for me to be able to universally recommend — there are so many great bags for a fraction of the price, like the OnePlus Travel Backpack or any number of bags from brands like Timbuk2. Still, if you, like me, are in constant search of a specialized bag that checks almost every box, this one's worth the money.

See at Amazon

from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers http://ift.tt/2nsfdMU
via IFTTT

LG offers $425 cash or $700 rebate to those affected by bootloop lawsuit

Affected customers can receive either $425 in cash or $700 towards a future LG phone.

Last March, LG was hit with a class-action lawsuit as a result of its phones being stuck in bootloops and essentially turning into fancy paperweights. This originally started out as a suit from owners of the LG G4 and V10, but it was soon expanded to those that had purchased a V20, G5, or Nexus 5X. This past summer saw the suit go to arbitration, but now LG has officially settled.

With the settlement, LG is offering owners of the above phones two options – a $425 cash payment or a $700 rebate that can be used towards the purchase of a future LG phone. I don't image too many of the people affected by this suit are going to dance with the devil for a second time, but $700 off the V30 or the upcoming G7 is a darn good offer.

Members of the lawsuit are being contacted now, and if you haven't received an update yet, you should within the coming days. All claims need to be filed prior to Monday, February 12, and if you aren't already part of the lawsuit, it sounds like it's too late to join.

The whole bootloop incident isn't a good one for LG and shouldn't have ever happened in the first place, but at least in my opinion, the settlement terms are more than reasonable.

If you were a member of this suit, will you be doing business with LG in the future?

LG might announce an upgraded V30 at MWC instead of the G7

from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers http://ift.tt/2EuqpzT
via IFTTT

Google releases Assistant Go app on the Play Store

Back at I/O in May last year, Google announced the Android Go initiative; a less intensive version of the OS optimized for cheap phones with little RAM. This was launched in December and to go with it we've seen a number of Google apps get the Go treatment to make them smaller and less memory-hungry.

Apps like Google Maps Go, YouTube Go, Google Go, and Gboard Go are all designed to get the best performance out of the low-cost devices that a typically popular in emerging markets.

Read More

Google releases Assistant Go app on the Play Store was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

from Android Police – Android news, reviews, apps, games, phones, tablets http://ift.tt/2EwmJOe
via IFTTT