New handy Instant Tethering feature for Android comes to Pixel and Nexus devices

One of the things we expect from our gadgets is that they just work. No need to toggle anything, they just have to work. Google is turning that into a reality with its own devices. Called Instant Tethering, the feature will let a select number of devices instantly use the same cellular data connection of a smartphone when it sees that there is a connection and sufficient battery life. At the moment the feature is available to any Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6P running Android 7.1.1. All the aforementioned smartphones can serve as the host for another support device as long as it’s signed into the same Google account. You don’t even need to turn on the hotspot anymore or input any passwords, it’ll just work.

And you don’t even have to shut it off, too. When 10 minutes have passed when you last used a device that tethered to your smartphone, it’ll cut off the connection itself. Saving battery is something Google is paying attention, too. While this isn’t the first time tech manufacturers have done this. It’s good we have one more option. And hopefully more tech companies follow suit.

Source: The Verge

Pixel file transfer issues with Mac due to old Android File Transfer software

In computer years, 2012 seems so ancient. And that’s partly the reason why Android File Transfer on Mac is causing some problems. The version running there is still from four years back. But aside from the dated software, a big issue with the program is it doesn’t have proper USB Type-C support. Some files it can copy, but not all. It makes sense if you think how a four-year-old program won’t have USB Type-C support as that didn’t exist then. Android Authority also seems to be pointing out the cable itself. Hopefully, Google pays better attention to this software and help make lives easier for Mac users with Pixel phones. An alternative app Android Authority suggests is Handshaker. This will supposedly work with both the Pixel phone and its accompanying cable.

Google collaborates with Jeremy Scott for new Live Case designs

Hoping to add a bit more color and flair to Pixel and Nexus phones, Google partnered with Jeremy Scott to create new, funky Live Case designs. Channeling the same playful vibe the designer goes for in fashion, the cases are colorful and cartoonish. The cases are plastered with emojis and cartoon characters we’re sure would attract the younger crowd. There are also companion live wallpapers that will rotate through each emoji every day. These can even be animated with a shake of the phone. Aside from that, Google is offering a sticker pack from Jeremy Scott on its Allo app.

The cases are made for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P with prices starting at US$40 (about CA$55). These can be designed through Google’s case maker, too. There are nine color and emoji case choices you can mix and match. You can even control the zoom level and rotation.

Source: Droid Life

Google partners with uBreakiFix to offer same day repairs for the Pixel

Google Pixel owners in Canada and the US will have less of a downtime if and when their device’s screen, charging port, or battery breaks/fails. Google has partnered with uBreakiFix to deal with potential damages the Pixel or Pixel XL finds itself having. uBreakiFix specializes in walk-in screen repairs within one business day and has 250 retail locations in Canada and the US. uBreakiFix will charge $129 to repair the Pixel’s screen, $149 to fix the Pixel XL’s display, and $79 to repair either the charging port or the battery. You can opt to mail your devices to the company if there isn’t a retail location near where you are.

Source: 9to5Google