At I/O 2018, Google is announcing a slew of new Assistant features. In addition to custom voices, Continued Conversation, Multiple Actions, and updated family features are rolling out in the coming weeks and months.
Latest
Google’s CES booth had hundreds of Assistant devices, donuts, a swirly slide, and more [Video]
CES usually isn’t the biggest of deals for the Google world, but for 2018, Google had a bigger presence than almost anyone else at the show. Left and right there were Google Assistant representatives, and the highlight of CES was the company’s outdoor booth. Once it was cleaned up from the rain, we got a chance to check it out in person, and it was basically the most Googley thing ever.
Hands on: BlackBerry Motion now available for purchase in the US
If you’re a BlackBerry fan, you probably already know that TCL released the brand’s newest handset — the Motion — overseas back in November. After a long wait, US-based fans will no longer have to be jealous of those who picked up the fully-touchscreen BlackBerry. As announced at CES 2018, the BlackBerry Motion is now available in the US from Amazon and Best Buy.
Hands on: ‘Clear ID’ puts a fingerprint sensor inside of your display, and it’s awesome [Video]
Biometric security has been a core part of our smartphones for the past several years, and fingerprint sensors have only been getting better over the years. Now, though, as a war mounts up against smartphone bezels, fingerprint sensors are losing out. That is, until they end up under the display, as Synaptics is doing with its new Clear ID sensor.
Hands on: Every manufacturer should make crazy colors like the ‘Raspberry Rose’ LG V30
The LG V30 is easily one of the most underrated phones that’s on the market today with excellent specs and a great looking design. Earlier this month, LG announced a new variant of the V30 and at CES, we got to check it out in person, and that’s got me thinking…
Hands on: BlackBerry introduced a bronze Keyone, but don’t expect it in the US
At CES 2018, TCL didn’t unveil a new BlackBerry phone per se, but the company did show off a Bronze Edition Keyone. With this addition, TCL is now going to sell three different variations of the Keyone across the globe…
Hands on: Google Assistant’s new ‘smart displays’ are a must-have [Video]
We’ve seen a lot of Google Assistant powered speakers hit the market in the past few months, and even more made their debut at CES 2018. However, a new Assistant form factor entirely also made its debut this week: smart displays.
Hands on: Google’s Daydream VR has a shining future w/ standalone headsets like the Lenovo Mirage Solo [Video]
Virtual Reality has never really impressed me all that much, but that’s mainly because my experiences have primarily been restricted to smartphone powered headsets. I think Google’s Daydream VR platform is solid, but rarely end up using it because of what’s required. Now, Daydream is finally coming to standalone hardware, and I’m finally excited…
LG breaking from annual smartphone launch cycle, releasing more variants
While we found that LG particularly hit it out of the park with the V30 last year, the Korean company’s smartphone division continues to report financial loses. In a move to halt that downward trend, LG announced at CES 2018 that it’s breaking away from the yearly launch cycle.
Hands on: Sony’s latest Xperias will finally have working fingerprint sensors in the US [Video]
Sony’s Xperia devices are easily forgotten in the US market, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re excellent smartphones. However, in the States, they’ve often had one major flaw, and that’s been the disabled fingerprint sensor.
Report: Fearing Amazon Alexa, Google plans Assistant-focused store revamp, closer integrations in 2018
Google — both figuratively and literally — blanketed CES 2018 with Assistant with a barrage of third-party products that integrate it and a new smart display form factor. A new report today provides a look into the company’s plans for the year, as well as the ongoing Amazon Alexa threat.
At the most Google-y CES in years, what were your favorite announcements? [Poll]
While companies have announced new Google-focused products at past CES events, there has never been a strong Google presence. That changed this year, and not just because the search giant built a giant booth outside the main show floor. On top of several announcements from Google, companies had a lot of Android Wear watches, Android TVs, and mobile accessories to show off.
What was your favorite announcement from CES 2018?
Hands on: Android Auto Wireless and Google Assistant double down on convenience [Video]
A lot of Google’s various products and features in the past year or two have been built for the sake of convenience. Google Assistant and its various access points (smart speakers in particular), is the biggest highlight here, and things like the simplicity of the Pixel and Pixelbook just emphasize that. Now, Google is upgrading Android Auto in two ways, and both double down on making the experience more convenient for the end user.
9to5Google’s Best of CES 2018 Awards
CES 2018 was filled to the brim with Google- and Android-related products, including phones, smart home products, laptops, and more. And this year in particular was a big one for Google — the Mountain View company seemingly bought out all the available ad space on the strip and set up a huge booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Last year, we brought you the inaugural 9to5Google Best of CES Awards to spotlight our favorite products introduced at the show. Once again for 2018, we’ve been pounding the pavement (and hotel carpet) in Las Vegas all week hunting down what’s new. Here are our 2018 picks:
Expand
Expanding
Close
LG’s ThinQ WK9 Google Assistant smart display revealed w/ 8-inch panel
On Monday, Google unveiled the smart displays form factor for Assistant and touted that devices from Lenovo, JBL, Sony, and LG were coming later this year. We’ve seen displays from the first two companies, and LG’s has now been revealed.
Anker’s Zolo unveils gorgeous, radial Model Zero smart speaker with Google Assistant
Lost in the fray to the fancy new Smart Displays are more conventional speakers launching with Google Assistant. At CES 2018, Anker’s Zolo brand might have just unveiled the best looking one yet with the Model Zero.
Huawei Mate 10 Pro arrives in the US for $799, unlocked pre-orders kick off February 4th
Motorola unveils full-sized sliding keyboard Moto Mod w/ backlit keys for $99
At CES 2018, Lenovo-owned Motorola is renewing its commitment to Moto Mods with two new accessories for the Moto Z lineup. The first is made by its parent company and meant for health sensing, while the latter is a full-sized sliding keyboard.
Lenovo ‘Mirage Solo’ is the first standalone Daydream VR headset, arrives Q2 2018 for under $400
Back at I/O last year, Google teased that its Daydream VR platform would eventually be coming to standalone hardware that does not require a connected smartphone. Now, that’s finally happening with the Lenovo Mirage Solo…
Google Assistant is fully coming to Android Auto this week
Along with the unveil of the new Smart Displays form factor last night, Google announced that “Assistant is coming to Android Auto.” This re-announcement seemed a bit odd as Android Auto has long had these capabilities. However, it turns out that those voice commands were not from the Assistant found on other platforms.
Sony adding Assistant to latest wireless earbuds, neckbuds, & older models via update
Continuing the Google Assistant onslaught at CES 2018 is Sony with new Bluetooth headphones, including a truly wireless pair and neckbuds. However, what’s notable is the company retroactively adding Assistant to its older headphones through an upcoming software update.
Hands on: The Skagen Falster brings minimalistic Danish design to Android Wear
At this point, it might seem as though Android Wear has seen every possible design style known to the world. But now a Danish watchmaker, Skagen, has announced a brand new smartwatch featuring a striking minimalistic design that brings a refreshed look to the wearable platform…
Hands on: Kate Spade launches the Scallop, an Android Wear watch designed for women
Over the last several years, Android Wear watches have primarily been big, bulky, and sometimes straight up ugly. With its first attempt at making a touchscreen smartwatch, Kate Spade has put a focus on designing a beautiful wristwatch that women would want to not only want to buy but also wear…
Hands on: Razer’s ‘Project Linda’ is the Samsung DeX laptop we always wanted, and it could be so much more
Razer, just like other smartphone manufacturers, can see how much humanity depends on their smartphones. Now that smartphones are gettings as powerful as some mid-range laptops, Razer thinks it’s time to use these devices to also act as the brains of your next laptop. While Project Linda is initially planning to run off of the Razer Phone, it’s just the first step into a much more significant ecosystem…