The father of Android stages a comeback with the Essential Phone

Andy Rubin is considered the father of Android, being the originator what is now the leading mobile platform. Well, after some years in the wilderness, Rubin is back with the Essential Phone. Basically a QHD 5.7-inch edge-to-edge display wrapped around a titanium and ceramic back, powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage plus a 3040 mAh battery.

This device will cost $700, is available in the US for now and is out to challenge the top tier smartphones of 2017. How will the Essential Phone fare against present and upcoming competition? That depends on various things like availability, its ability to differentiate itself in the market and whether or not consumers will find it an attractive option.

Google introduces Personal tab in Search

 

Sometimes when you use Google Search, you’d want to look up items from your own files. Google Search is making it easier for users of its Search app. The tech company introduces a Personal tab on Search on the web or your mobile gadget (but according to Android Authority it isn’t showing up on the Google app for Android yet). It’s accessible through the More dropdown menu. From there, you’ll be shown all relevant emails, videos, photos, and the like related to the topic you’ve searched for. And don’t worry, no one else will be able to search for your files. There’s even a message on the search results saying “Only you can see these results.” At the moment though, there doesn’t seem to be support for Google Drive and Keep yet but it’s assumed it’ll be coming soon

OnePlus introduces a referral program ahead of the OnePlus 5’s release

 

With the release of the OnePlus 5 just weeks away, OnePlus is taking a unique approach to capitalize on the launch of the new device. Instead of trying the catastrophic invite system during the launch of its first two devices, OnePlus opted to introduce a new referral program that is open to anyone who as bought or plans to buy a OnePlus smartphone. To be part of this program, you would need to make the purchase from OnePlus’ site. From there you’ll get a unique referral code that can be given to anyone who has plans on buying one of their devices. Your friend then gets a US$20 discount on accessories for the new device.

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Google offering four free months of Play Music access to new subscribers

Google is giving away one extra month free for new subscribers to its Play Music service. It’s usually a 90-day free trial but they seem to be trying something different for now. There isn’t any indication this would be a permanent thing or it’ll be something temporary but if you’re thinking of using Google’s music subscription service, now might be the best time to try it out.

You can scan up to 50,000 songs from Google’s music library. There is a free tier of the service but it comes with ads. If you pay US$9.99 per month or $14.99 for a family account, you won’t be hearing ads and you get to listen to over 35 million songs, download these music for offline listening, and have access to YouTube Red.

Source: The Verge