Chromebooks might integrate fingerprint scanning

Google might be looking for a way to improve security of its laptops. Mention of a fingerprint sensor for Chrome OS was spotted in the company’s Chromium code repository. But it isn’t clear yet how the feature might work with the operating system. It could make it faster to log into the device itself, access certain Google apps, or even to pay for items in the Google Play Store or third-party vendors. Google won’t be the first one to try this out. A lot of the flagship smartphones have built-in fingerprint sensors and for the desktop/PC side you have Microsoft’s Windows Hello feature that uses biometric authentication as well. For now, Chrome Unboxed suggests Google might just be working on getting basic fingerprint scanning and then we can see from there.

Source: PCWorld

LG unveils V20, company’s first Android Nougat-powered smartphone

Don’t have a Nexus and want to get your hands on an Android 7.0 Nougat device already? LG just unveiled the V20, the V10’s successor. It’s the first device outside of Google’s Nexus devices to get the latest Android operating system.

Instead of maintaining its distinct look with a rugged, grippy back and stainless steel sides, the V20 looks rather similar to the G5 with its smooth aluminum surface. But this phone doesn’t carry LG’s interpretation of modular smartphones. The good thing though is you can still swap out the 3,200mAh battery and the phone is supposedly sturdy having been rated MIL-STD 810G for drop and shock resistance. Don’t take it swimming with you, though, as the phone isn’t water resistant.

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Monster unveils latest activity-focused iSport headphones

Monster the leading manufacturer in personal audio, unveiledan expanded lineup of its award-winning Monster iSport Headphone line, The Athlete’s Headphone at IFA 2016 in Berlin.

Designed to provide fitness enthusiasts with a jolt of “Pure Audio Adrenaline” and help them reach their workout goals, the new iSport line features more innovation and a complete range of models including 4 new wireless and 3 new wired options to suit all preferences, style choices and budget requirements. The new iSport wireless models include the In-Ear Achieve BT (SRP: US $59.95), Intensity BT (SRP: $79.95) and Victory BT (SRP: US $99.99), along with a new On-Ear Freedom v2 ($ US 199.99).  The new wired models include Achieve (SRP: US $29.95), Strive v3 (SRP: $39.95) and Compete (SRP:  US$49.95) models.

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Pebble's latest software update focuses on health tracking

Smartwatch pioneer Pebble's been plugging away, not just in creating the latest version of the Pebble 2 and Pebble Time 2, but also refining their software. I recently updated my Pebble Time to version 4.0 and now get more granular and better presented fitness and sleep tracking information as well as some useful and encouraging notifications during the day. 

Pressing up the Pebble’s watch face surfaces a daily summary of the number of steps you’ve taken and the quality of your most recent sleep session. It allows you to view trends over the course of weeks. The companion app for Android is also much improved. In terms of apps. a new Optimised for 4.0 category in Pebble's App Store will curate what's been updated for the new OS. 

Source: Pebble