Google starts to integrate video calling to its built-in Phone, Contacts, and Android Messages apps

Here’s something Android users might be feeling envious over iOS users: the ability to start video calls right from Phone and Messages app. Google users, specifically those who have Pixel, Nexus, and Android One users, will soon be able to video call right from Phone, Contacts, and Android Messages apps.

To make this possible, Google is using its Duo video calling service and the ViLTE standard. The latter is an extension of the current VoLTE standard, which focuses on better video call quality over an LTE network. By default, video calls will be routed through ViLTE. That is if your carrier supports that standard. If they don’t, Google will route it through Duo. This means, you’ll need to have Duo installed and activated on your device. You also need to have the latest versions of the aforementioned apps. Later this year, Google also plans to give you the option to upgrade a voice call to a video call.

Source: Android Authority

Razer might be launching a smartphone on November 1st

When we say Razer, we think high-end gaming machines and peripherals. But that just might change pretty soon. The company teased an upcoming event happening on November 1^st. The tweet talking about the announcement says “WATCH for our biggest unveiling…” and the image attached to the tweet also has the words “WATCH – coming soon, Nov 1” with a guy holding on to a mystery handheld device.

As you may or may not know, Razer bought smartphone startup Nextbit back in January. It isn’t unreasonable for us to expect this to be Razer’s attempt at entering the smartphone market. Back in June, Razer CEO Tan Min-liang has been quoted talking about how there are no mobile devices or mobile platforms catering to actual gamers. Whether that means, they’re entering the mobile smartphone market, we can’t say yet. But the event is happening sooner than later so we’re keeping our eyes peeled.

WATCH for our biggest unveiling...
👁️https://t.co/gwrwrxbhf9 pic.twitter.com/OyBFVocHOF

— RΛZΞR (@Razer) October 11, 2017

Source: GSMArena

Pure White version of Essential Phone now available on Essential.com

While TELUS is exclusively distributing the Essential Phone here, if you have a way to buy it through Essential’s site the Pure White version of the phone is finally available. Nothing is different with the internals of the device (you can check out our first impressions here) but if you’ve been charmed by this “panda” look of having a black front and white back design, you might want to check this out. The rear is still made with ceramic and its frame is titanium. On top of Pure White and Moon Black, there are two other color options Essential hasn’t launched yet: Stellar Gray and Ocean Depths. In the US, this model is expected to be available on Amazon, Best Buy, and Sprint.

Source: Android Police

Snapchat takes on Google with Context Cards

Ever watched Snaps on Snapchat and wonder how to get to that awesome restaurant your friend is at? You don’t have to wonder anymore with the latest feature Snapchat is introducing into its app. Called Context Cards, this lets you swipe up on some of your friends’s photos and videos to pull up details about the businesses they are at. The cards will show you things like reviews, contact information, reservations, maps, and even the option to call an Uber or Lyft to the store or restaurant. Snapchat has partnered with the likes of Foursquare, Opentable, Michelin, and the aforementioned two ride-sharing services. Context Cards will also allow you to pull up more public snaps from the area.

Context Cards remind us of the cards Google uses for its Search feature but instead of relying on your written text, Snapchat makes use of the photo or video you are viewing to answer questions like “Where is this person at? What else is there? How can I get there?” They work under the assumption that when someone is enjoying being someplace you might want to learn more about this area. 

Source: Fast Co Design