Use ‘Ok Google’ anywhere on your Android smartphone

Google has done what they said they would. You can now trigger voice search anywhere on your Android smartphone with a new Google Search update. This new feature is similar to what you can do with a Moto X but now it is available for all Android phones. Just say “Ok Google” when your screen is on and tell Google Now what to do. You can even activate the feature from the lock screen.

Just head to Google Now and select the menu at the bottom right of the phone and then tap on Settings, then Voice, and then select “Ok Google” Detection. According to Gizmodo, this feature is rolling out phone by phone. We’ve tested it on the Nexus 5 and it seems to be working already. Just be a bit patient if it hasn’t landed on your Android just yet.

Samsung introduces Gear Live smartwatch

LG isn’t the only new player in the Android Wear-powered market. Samsung has launched its own Android Wear device, the Gear Live. It will also be powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and have a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 320x320 pixel resolution. It has 4GB of internal storage, 512MB RAM, and 300mAh battery. The sensors include a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope. Of course, you can connect to it via Bluetooth 4.0. The Gear Live will be available in Wine Red or Black and is IP67 water- and dust-resistant as well. It is also up for pre-order on Google Play for US$199.99.

Source: SlashGear

Use the force to power your smartphones with ‘Star Wars’ mobile power chargers

Mimoco is bringing more Star Wars into your mobile life with new mobile battery packs. The Boston-based company collaborated with Lucasfilm directly to create these officially licensed characters. The 5200mAh battery pack is first available in R2-D2 and Darth Vader forms. The charger works with DC 5V 1A input and DC 5V 2.1A output and has a 500-charge life-cycle. It comes with a USB charging cable and various converter tips, including microUSB, Apple 30-pin, Apple Lightning, and mini USB. It also has a carrying case. Charging time for the battery pack is somewhere between three and four hours. The Star Wars mimo PowerBot series is up for pre-order with a starting price of US$69.99. The initial price is $10 off though so you can get them now for $59.99.

Source: SlashGear

LG debuts Android Wear-powered G Watch

Just in time for Google I/O, LG has introduced its G Watch, an Android Wear-powered smartwatch. This wearable device is much like those out on the market that lets users give a quick peek at the contents of their smartphones. But Android Wear adds more functionality with the card-based UI that shows information it deems important for you. The G Watch also comes with voice recognition so you don’t even need to press any buttons to activate it (not that you have buttons to press on this smartwatch). Just remember the magic words: “Ok Google.”

It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and is built with an Always-On 1.65-inch IPS display. The device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It is dust- and water-resistant for up to 30 minutes to a depth of one metre thanks to its IP67 Ingress Protection rating. It will be available in Black Titan or White Gold and can be customized with any standard 22mm strap. You can now pre-order the smartwatch here in Canada. The price has not yet been revealed but according to Engadget, it is $229 in the US.