Camera NX brings Pixel 2’s portrait mode to older Pixel and Nexus devices

You might not have the budget to get the Pixel 2 but if you own the first-gen Pixel, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 5X, you can still get access to the new Google devices’ portrait mode. Developer Charles Chow updated his Camera NX app to include the feature. Version 7.3 of the app will let you achieve what the new Pixel devices can do. All you need to do is open the hamburger menu and choose portrait mode and you’re good to go. If you want to read the technical bits of how he pulled this off, you can through this link.

New handy Instant Tethering feature for Android comes to Pixel and Nexus devices

One of the things we expect from our gadgets is that they just work. No need to toggle anything, they just have to work. Google is turning that into a reality with its own devices. Called Instant Tethering, the feature will let a select number of devices instantly use the same cellular data connection of a smartphone when it sees that there is a connection and sufficient battery life. At the moment the feature is available to any Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6P running Android 7.1.1. All the aforementioned smartphones can serve as the host for another support device as long as it’s signed into the same Google account. You don’t even need to turn on the hotspot anymore or input any passwords, it’ll just work.

And you don’t even have to shut it off, too. When 10 minutes have passed when you last used a device that tethered to your smartphone, it’ll cut off the connection itself. Saving battery is something Google is paying attention, too. While this isn’t the first time tech manufacturers have done this. It’s good we have one more option. And hopefully more tech companies follow suit.

Source: The Verge

Google Assistant might be making its way to Nexus devices

One of the things that set new Pixel devices apart from its Nexus predecessors was Google’s Assistant feature. But that might not be the case in the near future. 9to5Google’s Stephen Hall tweeted that Google informed him that Assistant is coming to future updates of the Nexus 5X and 6P. If this happens, the feature will follow in the footsteps of the fingerprint gesture, which arrived first on the Pixel and has made its way to the Nexus 5X because of popular demand. If true, this move might also be good for Google to help develop the machine learning capabilities as well as expand the user base of Google Assistant.

Source: Mashable

Google collaborates with Jeremy Scott for new Live Case designs

Hoping to add a bit more color and flair to Pixel and Nexus phones, Google partnered with Jeremy Scott to create new, funky Live Case designs. Channeling the same playful vibe the designer goes for in fashion, the cases are colorful and cartoonish. The cases are plastered with emojis and cartoon characters we’re sure would attract the younger crowd. There are also companion live wallpapers that will rotate through each emoji every day. These can even be animated with a shake of the phone. Aside from that, Google is offering a sticker pack from Jeremy Scott on its Allo app.

The cases are made for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P with prices starting at US$40 (about CA$55). These can be designed through Google’s case maker, too. There are nine color and emoji case choices you can mix and match. You can even control the zoom level and rotation.

Source: Droid Life