Essential outs beta build of Android Oreo for the Essential Phone

It seems we might be well on our way to getting Android Oreo on the Essential Phone. The startup did promise to release update for the latest Android operating system soon and it looks like we’re well on the way to that. Essential just made a beta version of the update available through its developer portal. You don’t have to be a developer to access it. It’s available to anyone who’s interested to try out the pre-release software. To get it, you’ll need to sign up for beta builds and grab the update as a download and sideload it to your device. You would also need the latest ADB tool and a bit of technical know-how to get this going though. So it’s not exactly for newbies. Plus, pre-release builds are not stable so if this is your main phone, you will need to proceed with caution.

Source: TechCrunch

Volvo’s parent company acquires flying car startup

Are flying cars going to finally make a leap from sci-fi fantasy to our reality? Volvo’s parent company Geely just completed its acquisition of Terrafugia, making the US-based company a fully-owned subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant. Terrafugia under Geely will continue to work on flying cars in the US but will bring in both the deep pockets of Geely and their automotive experience. The company will take on a new board of directors that will have a mix of veteran Terrafugia backers, Geely execs, and Bell Helicopter’s managing director for China.

When it comes to concerns of the acquisition hurting the US economy, Terrafugia says it has received green light from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the country and it has supposedly “tripled” its engineer count to almost 100 in anticipation of the acquisition. So while the company isn’t US-owned anymore, it’ll contribute to the country’s workforce. It aims to release its first flying car in 2019 and the electric TF-X car you see above by 2023. The company seems to have been stuck in limbo when it comes to the development of these cars but perhaps the extra boost of cash and experience will help propel them forward. Of course, what we don’t know is whether the development of flying cars would see a need for them.

Source: Engadget

iOS 11.2 to introduce faster wireless charging capabilities

Review: Apple iPhone X

The upcoming iOS update will be bringing good news to wireless charging fans. It’ll add support for faster wireless charging for Qi-compatible smartphones. It’ll support Qi wireless charging at a rate of 7.5 watts, which at the moment is limited to 5 watts. Of course this feature won’t work if you don’t pair it with a proper wireless charger. As Lifehacker points out, Apple is currently selling two third-party wireless charging pads that support 7.5-watt charging rate: Samsung’s 9-watt charging pad and RavPower’s 10-watt charging pad. Both are compatible with iPhone 8 and iPhone 10 because of Qi wireless charging standard. Apple is supposedly also working on its own wireless charging pad that can charge up to three devices at a time.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 now available with large roster of characters

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, The LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment today announced the launch of LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2, an original, humour-filled sequel to the critically acclaimed blockbuster game, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. This time around, there are various new heroes as well as locations that are inspired by the latest Thor: Ragnarok movie as well as hints of Avengers: Infinity War.

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