Some Google Pixel users reporting microphone issues

Some Google Pixel owners are reporting issues with their smartphone's microphone. Hundreds of users have chimed in saying that their devices are having issues with some of their microphones, rendering audio unusable in some cases even when shooting video.

"The most common problem is a hairline crack in the solder connection on the audio codec," said Google employee Brian Rakowski. "The other related problems are due to a faulty microphone."

This isn't the first issue that's affected the HTC-built Google Pixel, which had early LTE-disconnection issues with certain carriers. In the case of the microphone issues, these are hardware related, possibly because the Pixel had a short time to get to market.

Google is aware of the issue, it is helping customers get replacements for their faulty devices. Is this issue affecting your Pixel phone?

Source: Engadget

Google gets into the original podcast game

Following in the footsteps of Apple and Spotify, Google now has its own audio podcast. Called City Soundtracks, it focuses on conversations between musical acts as they delve into the places, moments, and songs that influence both their work and lives. It’s hosted by West Wing Weekly’s Hrishikesh Hirway. There are currently three episodes of the “pod” with one focusing on Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kehlani, another on “Queen of Bounce” Big Freedia, and the third is a tour of Austin’s music culture with Britt Daniel and Jim Eno. It isn’t known yet what Google plans for this podcast or if we can expect more new original content from them but having exclusive content is one way to differentiate themselves from the competition. City Soundtracks is available on iTunes and Google Play Music.

Source: The Next Web

Facebook now has a dedicated virtual reality app

Facebook is now stepping further into the virtual reality realm and muddying up a bit the separation between Facebook and Oculus. Oculus Video used to be the go-to app for Gear VR users who wanted to engage with Facebook videos. Now, with Facebook 360, that might change. The new app will be Facebook’s hub for 360-degree videos and photos. The social network claims there will be over a million videos and 25 million 360-degree photos to date and that’ll make for a robust start to the app. It currently only works for the Gear VR headset and can be downloaded on the Oculus Store.

Facebook 360 will have four main feeds, including the Explore, Following, Saved, and Timeline tab. Explore gives you a look at the popular content on the platform from different media companies and creators. Following shows you content created by your friends. Saved shows you the 360-degree content you’ve seen online and might have wanted to see while using the headset. And Timeline shows your own 360-degree photos and videos. You’ll be able to react to content, save, and share as well in the app. But Facebook promises there will be more social features coming up in the future.

Source: TechCrunch

Movado plans to launch Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches at Baselworld 2017

Movado, the company behind brands such as Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger, plans to out a new smartwatch collection at the upcoming international watch and jewelry trade show Baselworld 2017 set to start on March 23^rd. There will be five Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches from Movado and these men’s style watches are expected to come to Canada, the US, the UK, and the Caribbean in the fall. Movado hasn’t spoken much about the specs of the Movado Connect line but they will come with Android Pay support and custom watch faces. Pricing for the watches will start at US$495. The company also announced that the two aforementioned brands, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, also have partnerships with Google to release new smartwatches this fall.