Google purchases HTC's Pixel team for US $1.1 billion

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

After weeks of speculation that Google would purchase HTC's smartphone business, we finally learn that the search giant has bought the Pixel team from HTC for $1.1 billion, while HTC will continue its own smartphone business. 

The team in question was the R&D team behind last year's Pixel and Pixel XL. This means around 2,000 people will move to Google. According to the agreement this grants Google a non-exclusive license for HTC's intellectual property. The deal is expected to be approved and closed by early 2018.

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Pixel 2 expected to get 'Active Edge' and improved Google Assistant

Fast becoming one of the more anticipated smartphone releases this year, the successor to last year's Google Pixel tandem are still shrouded in mystery even as some marquee features are anticipated come October 4 as per FCC documents. The new Pixel, which we're calling Pixel 2, will be made by HTC and will feature an 'Active Edge' which makes it possible to squeeze the sides of the device to invoke an app or feature (i.e. bring up the camera or, more likely, conjuer up Google Assistant.

Google Assistant, which was one of the key features of last year's Pixel line is also expected to be able to handle more trigger words and, if reports are correct, should have a range of voices to choose from. The Pixel and larger Pixel XL (made by HTC and LG, respectively) are going to ship with Android 8 'Oreo' and should also bring water resistance while omitting the headphone jack. Stay tuned for our coverage of the launch and hands on of the products come October 4.

Source:BGR

Google Trends reveals most searched jokes on International Tell A Joke Day

"Amaze-ing Laughter" sculptures in Vancouver by artist Yue Min Jun. Photo credit: Sonya Davidson

We've learned that August 16th is International Tell A Joke Day and while we're trying to remember a few good punch lines, we've taking to Google Trends to find out what's funny for Canadians. Are Canadians funny? You bet! We love a good laugh and we don't need Google data to know that Canadians have a good sense of humour! Is it because of the unpredictable weather and the change of seasons? Who knows!

Apparently "Tell a Joke Day" has been celebrated worlwide since jokes began. According to daysoftheyear.com that goes wayyyy back to 1900 BC and apparently it was a fart joke.

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Google introduces Personal tab in Search

 

Sometimes when you use Google Search, you’d want to look up items from your own files. Google Search is making it easier for users of its Search app. The tech company introduces a Personal tab on Search on the web or your mobile gadget (but according to Android Authority it isn’t showing up on the Google app for Android yet). It’s accessible through the More dropdown menu. From there, you’ll be shown all relevant emails, videos, photos, and the like related to the topic you’ve searched for. And don’t worry, no one else will be able to search for your files. There’s even a message on the search results saying “Only you can see these results.” At the moment though, there doesn’t seem to be support for Google Drive and Keep yet but it’s assumed it’ll be coming soon