Essential Phone fixes issues with its camera app

The newest update coming to the Essential Phone puts the focus on new camera features in hopes of appeasing those who are criticizing the phone for its pitfalls in this area. It isn’t a major update but it does improve the experience of using the camera app. The stability of the app itself has been improved to prevent it from freezing up occasionally. On top of this, Essential adds app shortcuts to the camera app. You just need to long-press the camera icon and you can get access to features like mono, selfie, and portrait modes. Essential also optimized the Camera Roll, which has also been prone to crashes.

Source: 9to5Google

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup 1/21-1/27

Samsung Canada brings Seoul to Toronto at the new Samsung Experience Store

Apple might launch HomePod soon following FCC approval

Duncan Jones’ to debut new sci-fi film ‘Mute’ on Netflix on February 23

Apple iPhone X ad focuses on selfies

Apple's Tim Cook makes first visit to Canada, surprises students in Apple Store

Thompson Reuters to host Girls make Games development program

Android Oreo will now show you Wi-Fi speeds before you connect to the network

Apple partners with the Malala Fund to support girls’ education

Apple's HomePod speaker comes to US, UK, and Australia on Feb 9

Audiobooks now available in the Google Play Store

DJI outs new 4K folding drone

Microsoft to double size of Montreal research lab to bolster machine learning and deep learning tech

Drake's "God's Plan" breaks Apple Music streaming records with 14 million streams on day one

Upcoming iOS update will let you turn off apps that slow down your iPhone

Instagram will now let you add GIF stickers to your Stories

YouTube pours in US$5 million into its ‘Creators for Change’

Apple's Logic Pro X update brings tempo detection and new effect plug-ins

Google to roll out the ability to permanently mute websites soon

Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman to adapt and direct ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ for Netflix

Leaked image of the Galaxy S9 show up online

Google launches new crowdsourced community news app called Bulletin

Google launches new crowdsourced community news app called Bulletin

A new app that Google is testing out in the US (specifically in greater Oakland and Nashville) hopes to attract local communities to share important updates about their area as they happen. Bulletin, as the app is called, could work for sending out local updates about emergency situations or share inspiring local stories to other members of the community. Setup seems simple enough and would just need users to use a Google account to get your story out there to a built-in audience. Since the app is currently being pilot tested, we’d have to wait if it’s successful enough to be brought to other areas. If you live in those areas, you can request to join the pilot by submitting this form.

Source: Android Police

Epic Games to shut down ‘Paragon’ in April, offers players refunds

If you’ve spent anything on Epic Games’ Paragon, you’ll be able to get back your money. The game developer just announced it’s shutting down the game on April 26. All development for the game will stop and the servers are going to be shut down. Paragon is available for free on PC and Sony PlayStation 4 but its popularity apparently wasn’t enough to ensure its future. According to the company, they’re closing the game because of a lack of a “clear path” that will turn the game into a sustainable MOBA. Epic Games apologizes saying, “We have failed you—despite the team’s incredibly hard work—and we’re sorry.” If you plan to get a refund, PS4 users need to link their Epic account to the game, while PC players can request through this link.

Source: SlashGear