Airbnb moves to attract wealthier travelers with new offerings

Airbnb is both welcoming hotels into its platform at the same time introducing a new service that will provide its customers with hotel-like amenities. The latter is being called Airbnb Plus, which provides higher-end accommodations that have been “verified for quality” by the service. As explained on Airbnb’s site, “Every Airbnb Plus home is one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with a standard set of amenities—whether you’re in a private room or have the entire place to yourself. All Airbnb Plus homes are visited in person to ensure comfort, consistency, and design. They are checked for 100-plus things that guests told us they love, from must-have amenities to the art on the walls.” These hosts will also need to have a 4.8 out of 5-star rating or higher to qualify.

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New Apple AirPods might launch ‘as soon as this year’

Review: Apple AirPods

The next iteration of the Apple AirPods might come sooner than we think. A new report from Bloomberg claims the company might release the next version of these in-ear wireless headphones “as soon as this year.” The next AirPods will reportedly have upgraded wireless chip designed by Apple to keep its Bluetooth connection. This version will also supposedly be able to rouse Siri just by saying the keywords “Hey, Siri.” You no longer need to physically tap on the AirPods to do so.

On top of this, a water-resistant version might come out as early as 2019. But like the new iPhones, these won’t be built for complete submersion. Instead they’ll be able to handle splashes of water and rain. We might also expect a wireless AirPods charging case soon, as Apple has previously said.

Source: CNET

It’s now easier to join Android Oreo beta program for Essential Phone users

Essential is making it easier for its users to try out Android Oreo in beta before it officially rolls out on its platform. Users previously needed to sideload the update to get it to work. While not an entirely difficult process, it still required some extra steps to get the latest Android update into their phones. But now, the company can send out the update over-the-air. All you need to do is sign up on the company’s website. You’ll just need to provide your email and serial number for the update to head your way within 72 hours. If you own an Essential device and want the latest Android has to offer, now is the time to sign up. Word of caution, though, beta builds aren’t the most stable so be sure you have your important files and apps elsewhere.

Source: 9to5Google

Uber launches Express Pool in the US with cheapest fares yet

Uber seems to be addressing three different problems with the latest option it’s offering in a number of major US cities. It’s a slightly different version of Uber Pool, which lets you hop into an Uber ride that might have at least one other passenger (basically their version of carpooling). Called Uber Express Pool, this option still pairs you with other riders but lightens the load on drivers and assigns a designated pickup spot for both of you. So, instead of having to pick you both up individually, you just head to the pickup point and get picked up there.

As mentioned earlier, it addresses three different concerns. One is drivers who complain that Pool is a lot more work for more or less the same pay. Another is the riders who need the cheapest option possible. And last is the shareholders who want to see the company’s profits go up. At the moment, it’s currently available in big cities like New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago, to name a few.

Source: Android Authority