Some Google Store-bought Pixel 2 devices seem to have locked-down bootloaders

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Aside from getting stock Android, one of the major considerations people buy Pixel devices is the ability to unlock bootloaders. This is important for those who like to tinker with their devices and install different ROMs, kernels, and the like. For Google devices you can usually unlock bootloaders through the “OEM unlocking” toggle in developer options. The Verizon models sold in the US has this option blanked out. And now it seems some of the Pixel 2 units (not the Pixel 2 XL) sold through Google’s own Store don’t have the option either. Android Authority theorizes that Google might have accidentally sold Verizon models instead of unlocked ones.

If this has affected you and you want it remedied, there is already a Google Issue Tracker page for it. And apparently Google’s engineering teams are “investigating the issue.” To help bring more attention to it and to your specific case, you can report the problem and contact customer support.

OnePlus 5 and 5T to get beta builds of Oreo before the end of 2017

With the OnePlus 5T just launched, it comes with Android 7.1.1 out of the box. But Oreo isn’t too far behind. Or at least the beta version is coming. OnePlus plans to include the 5T and its predecessor the OnePlus 5 in its open beta program, where they are already testing out both the OnePlus 3 and 3T. The OnePlus 5 will be the first to be included in the program by “late November,” while the 5T will be added “late December.” According to OnePlus, the staggered inclusion is because the software in the latter is more complicated. A few weeks after that the 3 and 3T will be getting the final versions of Oreo since they’ve been tested and developed for a while already. Expect to get final Android 8.0 builds for the 5 and 5T by “early 2018.”

Source: Android Central

OnePlus updates current flagship with the launch of 5T

OnePlus isn’t completely scrapping the OnePlus 5 to make room for its new flagship. Instead, OnePlus is updating the device to make it more competitive when facing the flagships of other brands. The three biggest changes they concentrated on are: a new screen, facial unlock technology, and improved camera. The 5T now has a 6-inch 18:9 extra-widescreen display. It now has 15 percent more screen real estate than its predecessor but keeps the same body. OnePlus accomplishes this by putting the fingerprint sensor to the rear of the device.

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TELUS Pitch awards $100,000 to startup that develops wearable mobility tools for the blind

Bin Liu, CEO and co-founder of iMerciv, delivering his final pitch as the grand prize $100,000 winner of the TELUS Pitch small business competition in Toronto. Photo credit: Gray Aletter

The winner of the TELUS Pitch is doing good for both the blind and the partially-sighted. iMerciv Inc. emerged the grand prize winner and was selected from nearly 3,000 entries. The company works to improve the mobility, confidence, and quality of life of individuals who suffer vision loss. The company’s CEO and co-founder Bin Liu has personal experience with the matter as his father lost his vision and was diagnosed with inoperable glaucoma. The company recently introduced its first product called BuzzClip. It’s a wearable mobility tool to help those with vision loss avoid collisions. The device makes use of ultrasound to detect any obstacles that might be in the way. The wearer will feel intuitive vibrations to help them navigate around any object, especially those that are head level.

iMerciv will be using the $100,000 prize to boost its sales and marketing efforts and help expand their presence in the 11 countries where they are present. They hope to generate more revenue and help built new products. Liu and his team will also be injecting the money into research and development of its second product.