Google Hangouts is now an ‘optional’ in the Google Apps package

Google is “demoting” Hangouts from being part of the core Google Mobile Services apps to become a “GMS Optional for telephony products.” This means manufacturers releasing phones by 2017 (the changes will take effect on December 1, 2016) won’t have to include Hangouts in the core apps included in their phones. The app is being replaced by video calling app Duo. This won’t change the availability of the app. You can still download Hangouts from Google Play Store. And of course some manufacturers might opt to keep the app pre-installed.

It’s curious, though, that Google is opting to replace Hangouts with Duo instead of Allo. But it also shows how Google wants to push its video calling platform.

Source: Android Police

‘Justice League’ wraps up filming in the UK, director Zack Snyder gives a behind-the-scenes look

While we still have to wait until next year for the film to come out, Justice League’s director Zack Snyder celebrated the end of the film’s principal production in the UK with a behind-the-scenes look. The 90-second footage shows us some of the action scenes we can expect from the film as well as the cast goofing off and a few bloopers. We get to see the core members of the Justice League with Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Mamoa as Aquaman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, and Ezra Miller as The Flash. There is also a very quick glimpse at Henry Cavill’s Superman in the video. The film is set to hit theaters on November 10, 2017.

Last day filming in the UK. It has been an amazing shoot. Big thanks to everyone involved! #JusticeLeague pic.twitter.com/TEjEdlo81u

— Zack Snyder (@ZackSnyder) October 7, 2016

Source: Digital Trends

TELUS to carry the Alcatel LUME and GO FI

Two new Alcatel products will be carried by TELUS exclusively: the LUME smartphone and GO FI pocket Wi-Fi. According to Alcatel, the LUME is a pocket- and wallet-friendly smartphone with a 4-inch display. It’s powered by a quad-core processor that’ll be able to take you from work to play. If you’re feeling playful, it comes with exclusive Polaroid filters (specifically, 17 different effects and 13 frame styles). The GO FI, on the other hand, helps boost your connectivity while on the move. It promises 4G LTE data with download speeds of up to 150Mbps and the ability to connect up to 15 different Wi-Fi-enabled devices. To manage connected devices, the GO FI works with the Alcatel Onetouch Smart Link, an app that works with both iOS and Android devices, The GO FI promises to work for up to seven hours of continuous use.

As mentioned both products will be available through TELUS, with the GO FI coming on October 7 and the LUME becoming available starting October 12. The LUME will also be available at Koodo Shops.

Meet Sony’s new powerful shooters

Sony has new powerful cameras for both ɑ and RX fans. The new ɑ camera is the ɑ6500, which comes with the same 4D FOCUS system of the ɑ6300. Like the ɑ6300, this new interchangeable lens camera has 425 phase detection AF points and can shoot up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking and up to 8fps in a live-view shooting mode. This model can shoot at high speeds for up to 307 frames. The ɑ6500 also has an in-camera 5-axis optical image stabilization, touchscreen AF, and 4K movie recording capabilities.  The ɑ6500 has an APS-C-sized 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor with a BIONZ X image processor. This camera also comes with Wi-Fi, QR, and NFC compatibility and retails for $1,750.

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