Tech Talk

The new Personal Safety update isn't widely available just yet. What you need to know Google is adding the ability to automatically record an emergency video to the Personal Safety app on Pixel phones. Once enabled, your Pixel phone will automatically start recording a video when Emergency SOS is triggered. The latest version of the app also lets users disable the "Call emergency services" option. Google's Personal Safety app, which is exclusive to the company's best Android phones , makes it possible for users to stay connected to first responders in case of an emergency. In addition to features like the ability to share location and nearby crisis alerts, the app also offers car crash detection. As reported by XDA Developers , Google has now started rolling out a new version of the Personal Safety app with an "emergency SOS" feature. Once you update the Personal Safety app on your Pixel phone to version 2021.08.27 from the Google Play Sto

The standard X70 isn't coming to India. What you need to know Vivo's flagship X70 Pro and X70 Pro+ phones are now official in India. The X70 Pro+ features a 120Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888+ chipset, and 55W fast charging. The X70 Pro and Pro+ are now available to pre-order in the country. Vivo's X70 series phones, which made their global debut earlier this month, have now been launched in India to take the fight to the best Android phones from Xiaomi, Samsung, and OnePlus. The Vivo X70 Pro+ has a large 6.78-inch Samsung E5 AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 888+ SoC, coupled with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. In the camera department, the X70 Pro+ comes equipped with an impressive quad-lens system that has been "co-engineered" with ZEISS. The system includes a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide gimbal camera, an 8MP per

It's now easier for local governments and NGOs to assign functional addresses to remote communities. What you need to know Google has announced new updates to Maps during its Search On event. The search giant introduced the Address Maker app that allows governments and NGOs to easily assign addresses to rural communities. Google Maps is also getting a new feature that lets you see wildfires and tree canopy on your mobile device. Google's Search On event on Wednesday has seen a few updates that should make it easier to discover "under-addressed communities" and locate previously missing roads on Google Maps . The navigation service is trying to address one of the biggest problems in remote communities: nameless streets. To that end, Google has announced the Address Maker app, which relies on its open-source system called Plus Codes to assign functional addresses to those areas. Google noted how difficult it can be for many people around the world who do

Google throws shade at Bing. What you need to know Google reportedly told the court that "Google" is Bing's most popular search term. The company argues that consumers have chosen Google as the de-facto search platform. Google is currently defending itself against a $5 billion EU fine. Google continues to make a case for itself against a $5 billion fine that was issued by the European Commission in 2018 . Its latest defense is that consumers only use Microsoft's competing search engine, Bing, in order to get to Google. According to Bloomberg , Google lawyer Alfonso Lamadrid argued against the Commission's assessment that the company used unfair tactics to maintain its search dominance. The Commission claims that Google unfairly required its apps to be pre-installed and promoted on the best Android phones , further bolstering its position. The Commission alleges that this has led to fewer choices for consumers. However, Lamadrid argues that consumers c

Filling the functionality void little by little. What you need to know Nest Doorbell (wired) will be launching in 2022 with 24/7 continuous recording. This product will likely look similar to the existing Nest Doorbell (battery). The Google Home app will be getting an update in 2022 to bring all your older Nest cameras and any third-party cameras to a single app. Google's latest Nest Cams came with a fancy redesign and the ability to run on battery power, but they left a bit to be desired when compared to previous Nest products. Nest Doorbell (battery), in particular, was missing the continuous recording feature that made the original Nest Hello one of the best video doorbells . While 2021's Nest Doorbell (battery) doesn't appear to be getting new functionality, a new Nest Doorbell (wired) will have what the people wanted. Debuting sometime in 2022, Nest Doorbell (wired) will, presumably, share looks with Nest Doorbell (battery). Google was light on details in

Samsung's flagship phones can now unlock cars from BMW, Audi, Genesis, and Ford, at least in South Korea. What you need to know Samsung has started rolling out the Digital Key feature to the Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra in South Korea. The new capability allows users to unlock and start their vehicles using the flagship devices. Samsung is expected to release the feature in the United States and European markets soon. Samsung's Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra have now picked up a digital key control feature in South Korea as part of the latest October security patch for the flagship phones. According to TizenHelp , the update allows users to add a support key to Samsung Pass so that they can unlock and start their car using those devices. You won't have to take your phone out of your pocket to unlock your vehicle: the feature detects when you're close to it and unlocks it. By placing your phone on a wireless charging pad, you can also start the engine. In January,

The honor goes to the Quest 2. What you need to know Medal of Honor: Above & Beyond was previously a PC-exclusive VR shooter and is now coming to the Quest 2. The full single-player campaign has been reworked for the Quest 2, and all multiplayer modes and maps will also be available at launch. The award-winning documentary The Gallery is also included, telling the story behind the game from the eyes of real WW2 veterans. There is currently no announced release date or price. Facebook is on a roll with Oculus Quest 2 announcements lately, and its latest Quest 2-exclusive game is a hugely welcome surprise. The VR-only shooter Medal of Honor: Above & Beyond is coming to the Oculus Quest 2 in the near future with "carefully reworked" content that runs natively on the standalone VR headset. The game is still available on Oculus Rift and SteamVR platforms, but this new version will run on a Quest 2 without any need for tethering. That marks the third announce