Pixel 2 expected to get 'Active Edge' and improved Google Assistant

Fast becoming one of the more anticipated smartphone releases this year, the successor to last year's Google Pixel tandem are still shrouded in mystery even as some marquee features are anticipated come October 4 as per FCC documents. The new Pixel, which we're calling Pixel 2, will be made by HTC and will feature an 'Active Edge' which makes it possible to squeeze the sides of the device to invoke an app or feature (i.e. bring up the camera or, more likely, conjuer up Google Assistant.

Google Assistant, which was one of the key features of last year's Pixel line is also expected to be able to handle more trigger words and, if reports are correct, should have a range of voices to choose from. The Pixel and larger Pixel XL (made by HTC and LG, respectively) are going to ship with Android 8 'Oreo' and should also bring water resistance while omitting the headphone jack. Stay tuned for our coverage of the launch and hands on of the products come October 4.

Source:BGR

Netflix issues the nicest cease-and-desist letter for an unauthorized ‘Stranger Things’ pop-up bar

A Chicago-based pop-up bar aptly called The Upside Down has been serving Stranger Things-inspired cocktails. While a great idea, it wasn’t exactly sanctioned by Netflix. That’s why the streaming service has issued a cease-and-desist letter for the bar located at Logan Square. But Netflix were chill about it and asked the owners to close up shop in the nicest way possible. They request the owners just don’t extend beyond the scheduled end date of the pop-up, so if you’re in Chicago, you can still try out drinks like Eleven’s Eggos and Demogorgon until end of the month.

Here are parts of what the unconventional C&D letter reads: “Look, I don’t want you to think I’m a total wastoid, and I love how much you guys love the show. (Just wait until you see Season 2!) But unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up ... You’re obviously creative types, so I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s important to us to have a say in how our fans encounter the worlds we build… We’re not going to go full Dr. Brenner on you, but we ask that you please (1) not extend the pop-up beyond its 6 week run ending in September, and (2) reach out to us for permission if you plan to do something like this again."

Source: Mashable

Sony releases August security patches for Xperia XA1, XA1 Ultra, and L1

In a case of better late than never, Sony just released its August security patch for three of its devices: the Xperia XA1, XA1 Ultra, and L1. There isn’t really anything new besides bumping up its security level to August 5, 2017. To check if you have the latest build this should be: Unfortunately, all phones still use Android 7.0, too. But security patches are important and it looks like you’ll have the latest for now. Let’s hope it doesn’t take too long for the September security patch to show up.

Source: GSMArena

Shopping list app Out of Milk gets Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support

If you use shopping list app Out of Milk, you might like the new features. The app now supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You will need to follow these instructions for Google Assistant on Google Home and this one for Amazon Alexa and you need to have an account created on the Out of Milk app or website to access the Out of Milk Voice assistant. Once you have that up and running though, you can do things like add and remove items from a list, include the quantity, add multiple items to a list, check which list you’re working on, and read off items on a list or off all the lists.

Source: Android Police