CES 2017
The mother of all trade shows, the Consumer Electronics Show takes over Vegas for the first week of January. Some major phones are usually announced, and we'll have hands-on reports for each one. This year, we expect big news from Huawei, LG, ZTE, and T-Mobile. Plus we'll have hands-on details of other interesting apps, services, and accessories in the world of phones.
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Google Assistant Spreading to Android TV
Google today said it is expanding the availability of its Google Assistant to Android TV products. People who own supported TVs and set-top boxes will be able to ask Google Assistant myriad questions about content and other queries. For example, Google Assistant can play movies and TV shows, control smart home products, and help with personal data, such as calendars and events. Google says the Assistant on Android TV will come to the Nvidia Shield, and all Android TVs in the U.S. running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or Android 7.0 Nougat. Some examples include Sharp Aquos, Sony Bravia, and Xiaomi Mi Box. Google expects to see Google Assistant reach Android Wear smartwatches, in-car systems, and other devices over the next few months. Last, Google says Assistant is gaining new skills thanks to Actions On Google. For example, Google Assistant will soon be able to answer select questions about Daimler and Hyundai cars. Google Assistant is built into the Google Home product as well as the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
ZTE Adding Daydream To Axon 7
ZTE's forthcoming Android 7.0 update for its Axon 7 phone will add compatibility with Google's Daydream VR solution. The Axon 7's QHD display is well-suited to VR.
Asus Announces ZenFone 3 Zoom with Dual Cameras, Huge Battery
Asus today announced the ZenFone 3 Zoom, a new "optical zoom" phone that uses two cameras, much like the iPhone 7 Plus. Both the standard and 2.3x zoom cameras are 12-megapixel. It can also do a portrait mode with depth effect, and the main lens has f/1.7 aperture. Other camera features include OIS, laser focusing, RAW support, and a dedicated color sensor for improved white balance. It includes an extra-large 5,000 mAh battery that can be used to charge other devices via the USB-C connector. Specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 5.5-in full-HD display, fingerprint sensor, memory card slot, and 3.5mm audio jack. Its US version will include LTE band 17 to support AT&T's network.
Asus ZenFone AR Combines Tango, Daydream, 8 GB RAM
Asus today announced the ZenFone AR, the first phone to support both Project Tango AR and Daydream VR from Google. This large phone sports a 5.7-inch WQHD AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, an unprecedented 8 GB of RAM, and an advanced vapor cooling system. Triple cameras on the back support Tango applications with a 23-megapixel main camera, depth camera, and motion tracking camera. Other features include NFC, memory card slot, USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack, and Cat 12 LTE. The 3,300 mAh battery supports Quick Charge 3.0. It will also run Android 7.0 Nougat and be available in Q2. The company did not announce which LTE bands the phone will support. The Qualcomm chip is a departure for Asus, which was previously one of the few major manufacturers to use Intel chips.
