There might be Google Assistant-powered headphones in our future

With Apple’s success with the AirPods, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Google might be thinking of offering its own pair. 9to5Google’s teardown of the Google app APK shows the possibility of a pair of “magic pairing” headphones that will be powered by Google Assistant. Codenamed Bisto, Android Authority says it first appeared back in April but it wasn’t clear what kind of device it could be. Strings of code show that it could possibly be a pair of headphones that work with Google Assistant: <string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_text”>”Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”</string>. It might also be able to read incoming notifications to you has these strings suggest: <string name=”expand_bundle4_1″>To hear them, press the Google Assistant button” and “<string name=”expand_bundle_1″>=”expand_bundle4_1″>To hear them, press the Google Assistant button” and “<string name=”expand_bundle_1″>.

These lines of codes show the headphones (or earbuds) could have two physical buttons: one activates Google Assistant, while the “top button” will activate verbal notification alerts. There are other strings in the teardown that say Bisto will get OTA software updates, which could probably be through Android Wear. If this does come to fruition, will you get a pair?

OnePlus now offers 8GB RAM/128GB storage configuration in Slate Gray

Previously an exclusive configuration for the Midnight Black model, the 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage is now available for the Slate Gray version of the OnePlus. It’s available at the same price as the Midnight Black at €559 (around CA$830). But if you’re okay with 6GB of RAM with 64GB storage, you can get that at €499 (around CA$740). OnePlus is also still selling Midnight Black in the same configuration. If you’ve had your eye on the Soft Gold version, unfortunately, you’re going to be stuck with 6GB of RAM with 64GB of storage for now.

Source: GSMArena

Android 8.0 is officially called 'Oreo'

After much speculation, Google is naming Android 8.0 or 'O,' as Oreo. This is the continued tradtions of naming the Android operating systems after tasty treats and the second time Google has appropriated a popular confectioner's brand (the first one was KitKat). Below are more details from Google.

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Canadian iHeart device said to calculate your body's Internal Age

iHeart, the successful device developed by a Canadian doctor that calculates your body's Internal Age, is now Android compatible. VitalSines -- the company behind this device -- announced its new Android app after originally launching on iOS in 2016.  

The iHeart device was created by Dr. Jess Goodman to help people live longer and healthier lives. iHeart tracks a metric offering insight into overall health and objectively tracks improvement from exercise, good diet and lower stress. To calculate Internal Age, the device is simply placed on a user's finger and will generate a result in 30 seconds. The goal is that users will be able to make changes to their health habits that, over time, lower their Internal Age while they pursue a healthier lifestyle. 

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