Posts

(Update: Fixed) Google Assistant refuses to answer some users on Android Auto, despite understanding requests

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UPDATE: 2019/11/21 1:39AM PST Google Assistant fixed on Android Auto Google Assistant and Android Auto didn't play together nicely a while ago when the Assistant  muted itself over Bluetooth for some . Another unrelated issue has now surfaced where Google simply doesn't answer voice commands on Android Auto, even though it understands and parses speech perfectly fine. A tipster reached out to us and showed us how his Assistant refuses to answer questions in his car whenever he uses Android Auto. Utilizing  myactivity.google.com , he compared how Google processed his commands on his phone and in Auto mode. It turns out that the Assistant understands what he says in the car just fine, but it simply won't answer his queries. Above:  Google Assistant understands and answers outside of Android Auto.  Below:  In Android Auto, it refuses to answer. There is a  support thread  in Google's help forum where many people have shared similar s...

45,000 Android devices infected by new unremovable xHelper malware

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A new kind of  Android malware  capable of reinstalling itself even after being manually removed has reportedly infected more than 45,000 Android devices over the last six months. The latest findings —  disclosed by cybersecurity firm Symantec  — come after a  similar disclosure by MalwareBytes , which first spotted the malware in the wild in May 2019 Called  xHelper , the Trojan — affecting mostly users in India, the US, and Russia — has since shot up to the top 10 list of most detected mobile malware, with Symantec observing what it calls “a surge in detections” of the malicious Android malware that can hide itself from users, download additional malicious apps, and display advertisements. “In the past month alone, there was an average of 131 devices infected each day, and an average of 2,400 devices persistently infected throughout the month,” the company said. It’s worth noting that MalwareBytes had pegged the number of affected phones at ...

Moto razr foldable’s images just leaked, and I’m THIRSTY

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In the past couple of years, phones have been all about the big and bright screen. The size of devices has gradually increased, and while many people, like   my colleague Abhimanyu , are asking companies to make smaller phones, there’s no stopping the phone makers. That’s why, earlier this year, when we heard rumors about Moto’s iconic clamshell Razr  making comeback as a foldable , we were excited. Last month, a report from CNET said the phone is slotted to launch in  November  – this month. But, before that, thanks to  various   leaks  last night, we now have our first proper look at the full device. These images from  Evleaks  and  Mobiekopen  suggest the phone will retain its legendary design. These images also boost  XDA Developer’s  claim published the last month, noting the device will have a 6.2-inch inner-folding OLED display and a 600 x 800 outer display. Earlier leaks  suggest the phone will be powe...

The PS4 just became the second best-selling console of all time

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Sony today revealed the PlayStation 4 has surpassed two other consoles in sales figures — namely, the Wii and the original PlayStation. It’s now the second-best-selling console of all time. Sony released its  quarterly financial report  this week, detailing, among other things, its hardware sales. We know the total number of PS4s sold  as of the last report  was 100 million, and the company sold an additional 2.8 million units this quarter. That brings the total up to 102.8 million PS4s sold over its six-year lifespan. For reference, the Wii  sold 101.6 million units , while  the PS1 sold 102.5 . So the PS4 squeaks into the Top 2 just by the skin of its teeth. Still, Sony can now say it’s sold the three best-selling home consoles of all time. Sales have remained steady across the console’s lifetime, but it is worth pointing out that  the Switch is doing better  than the PS4 was at a comparable point in its lifespan. Still, I think it’s fair...

Review: The Juiced CrossCurrent X is a 28+mph e-bike with fantastic range

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I am convinced personal electric vehicles like e-bikes and e-scooters are the best way to get around a crowded metropolis like New York City. No vehicle has convinced me more than the  Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent X . This  $2,500  e-bike is a standout commuter vehicle, checking off a formidable list of features at a price that won’t break the bank – at least relative to other e-bikes with similar features, which can easily venture past four grand. 28+ mph adjustable top speed? Check. Real-world range of 70 miles for an average rider? Check. Ultra-durable tires? Check. Both smooth pedal assist and throttle operation? Check. A sturdy rear rack, front suspension, hydraulic brakes, a bright integrated headlight? Check. For a well-rounded commuter bike — and short of building your own DIY e-bike — you’d likely have to spend a lot more money to beat what the CCX offers. Juiced Bikes  is a California-based company that’s been making e-bikes since 2011. As an internet...

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III: what we know so far about the flagship sports DSLR

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Back in 2011, with a launch price of $6,799, the original Canon EOS 1D X  was focused directly at the professional sports photographer. This full-frame DSLR housed an 18.1MP sensor, dual Digic 5+ processors, a 61-point autofocus (AF) system and a decent 14fps burst speed.  At that time, it was a pretty impressive snapper, although five years later the  EOS 1D X Mark II  outdid the older camera's performance, thanks to a pair of Digic 6+ engines working alongside a 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor.  Fast forward to 2019 and Canon has officially let the cat out of the bag, letting the world know that its next pro-specced sports DSLR is in the pipeline. What wasn't revealed is when we can expect the new snapper, but the probability is very high that we will see it in the hands of photojournalists at the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The EOS 1D X Mark III will not be the only new pro-level camera for sports photographers next year. From what Canon has alre...