Google Pixel 2 renders Assistant useless with Bluetooth headsets

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

While the Google Pixel 2 XL has been taking the spotlight in terms of bad press, it looks like even the Pixel 2 is immune from it. An issue being reported widely on Google support forums talk about how Google Assistant seems to be having issues when used with Bluetooth headphones. It seems to mute the microphone when Assistant is invoked, basically rendering voice useless and defeating the purpose of the feature. There isn’t any fix for it yet but hopefully Google works on this soon.

Source: GSMArena

Google to bring Pixel 2’s Driving Do Not Disturb API to developers next year

The Driving Do Not Disturb feature in the Pixel 2 and 2 XL is one of the more practical features we need in our devices. Thankfully, more Android users might get access to this in the coming year. Google plans to release the API for this feature in early 2018. It gives developers a chance to integrate the Activity Recognition Transition API within their apps. We might see them in navigation and other apps we might often use on the road and we’re all for that. No specific timeline though but we should hopefully some apps introduce the feature in the first quarter of next year.

Source: Android Central

Facebook will now let you donate through its Crisis Response Center

Facebook is expanding the use of its Crisis Response Center beyond giving information to victims and having a way for families and friends to find out if their loved ones are okay. There will now also be a donate button there. Facebook is partnering GlobalGiving, a nonprofit organization that works with other organizations to find the best way to distribute funds. This takes away the trouble of picking which organization to donate to. Facebook has also said they are waiving all fees on donations made through the donate button, which is a welcome gesture.

Source: The Next Web

Android tests out new feature that pinpoints apps that impact your battery life heavily

Having the best battery life is something all smartphone users dream of but no matter how careful we are sometimes, it just seems like a pipe dream. Google seems like they want to help out, though. A new feature spotted in the Android 8.1 Developer Preview pinpoints which apps have been draining your battery life without your knowledge. Seen in the battery section of the settings, it shows the app with a red battery icon and specifies how it’s draining the battery. When you tap on the warning, you will get options on how to fix it—such as killing the app or just turning off location data for it. Unfortunately, we aren’t 100 percent guaranteed that Google will bring this over to the final release of the operating system. But this is definitely one feature we wish they’d keep in.

Source: Android Authority