Android OS 8.1 update slows down the Pixel 2 XL's fingerprint reader

The Pixel 2 XL is a divisive piece of tech. Many feel it is the best Android device out there and argue that it has the best camera on any smartphone, but there's also been apprehension because of the POLED display, burn in issues. Software has been another point of concern as it seems the Android 8.1 update, which unlocks all those cool AR Stickers, has been responsible for slowing down the fingerprint sensor.

Enthusiasts on Google’s support forums as well as Reddit are chiming in and saying that since the update, the fingerprint sensor has been slowing down or is less responsive. The issue is widespread enought that Google is acknowledging the bug and promises to look into it.

Source: 9to5Google

Why Affiliate Marketing Isn’t Fizzling Out

 

In 2016,17% of mobile users in Canada made online purchases through their mobile devices at least once a week. This is an important measuring tool, as it explains why a large portion of online businesses might be missing out on affiliate sales. They simply need to ensure that their visitors are able to access them through any platform, and mobile seems to be the key. But going mobile isn’t the only thing that is causing a challenge to online marketers. Discover ways to promote affiliate marketing to the right market.

Click to read more ...

‘Hey Google’ hotword is rolling out to more smartphones

You’ve probably gotten used to saying “Ok Google” to wake Google Assistant on your device but that doesn’t mean it gets any less awkward to say. Google has been testing out the hotword “Hey Google” on phones since October on a handful of devices. Now, Google seems to be bringing this to more devices. A notification has been showing up for more people prompting them to re-setup the voice part of Google Assistant so your phone can recognize your voice when you say “Hey Google.” Once you do this, your device will respond to either Ok Google or Hey Google when you want to launch Google Assistant or Google Search. You can also head to Settings > Phone > Voice model within the Google app to check if you have access to the feature already.

Source: Android Police

Google Chrome in beta can now mute videos that autoplay

The upcoming Google Chrome 64 promises to address a number of user issues, one of these is content that autoplays when you launch a site. Google plans to automatically mute videos that autoplay. You can start testing out this feature if you’re using Chrome 64 beta. Its full version will be available when the consumer version of the browser launches next month. You can access this feature in the permissions bar of the browser. But you’ll need to do this on a site-per-site basis. It is unfortunately not a one-time thing. It’ll work though for any content that is navigated under the parent domain.

One of the other new features coming to Chrome 64 include a better pop-up blocker. It’ll feature more security measures that’ll prevent any malicious auto-redirects from happening. The browser will also get HDR video playback when Windows 10 is in HDR mode. Meanwhile, on Chrome OS, there is a new “split view” feature for easier multitasking with multiple windows.

Source: The Verge