Google testing doctor video chats with Search

Need a medical condition explained to you a little bit better? Or do you have a question? Google can help with that by providing professional help. A trial feature being discovered by some users of Google Search shows that Google is offering video chats with doctors. The button to engage in a video chat appears when looking up a medical condition. During the trial period, Google is covering all costs to video chat with a doctor. This is all connected to the Helpouts by Google service that connects curious people with professionals and experts.

Does being directed to a doctor for a video chat appeal to you? Let us know in the comments.

Source: /r/Google

Via: Phandroid

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Google Play Services Updated To 6.1.71 With New Google Settings Icon, UI Tweaks [APK Download]

Just over a week after its last update, it seems Google Play Services is receiving another bump - this time up to 6.1.71.

Of course, Google hasn't posted an official change log for the update quite yet, but we've already got the APK and can point out a few differences. The most obvious one is of course the new launcher icon for Google Settings, which follows Google's yet unspoken launcher icon design guidelines

^materiyolo?

Google Play Services Updated To 6.1.71 With New Google Settings Icon, UI Tweaks [APK Download] was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Google X boss acknowledges that “wearables are tough”

Nothing is easy in the tech business, but apparently wearables are even more difficult. When sitting down with Vanity Fair, Google X’s Astro Teller explained what he and the company has learned. The toughest part is getting people to change their habits in order to put on a wearable. Teller said that wearables will “eventually be a part our lives, but there’s this mantra that there’s no point wearing something on your body—because that’s a big ask.” It is just taking quite some time to get there.

Consumers have been noticeably slow in adopting things like Google Glass and Android Wear products. The price for Glass is certainly out of reach for many. For Android Wear, the hardware is hit-or-miss. The Moto 360 was expected to be the standout, which it arguably is, but the reaction upon release has been underwhelming. For now, Google can just look ahead to develop its existing software and hope hardware manufacturers put in the same effort.

You can watch the full interview at the New Establishment Summit by hitting the source link.

Source: Vanity Fair

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Verizon now rolling out Galaxy S4 stability update

Verizon has started rolling out a relatively minor over-the-air stability update to all its carrier-branded Galaxy S4 handsets currently located in the United States. Unfortunately, this upgrade doesn’t bring much in terms of added functionality, but it does include a plethora of much-needed bug fixes and speed optimizations.

The build VRUFNG6 update bundles support for Samsung’s Knox 2.0 Enterprise software, Kids Mode, Softcard (formerly ISIS wallet), My Verizon Diagnostics (MVD) and Side Sync Call Forwarding Framework. There’s also several improvements included in this upgrade, all of which can be seen in the full changelog below.

The following improvements have been made:

• Connectivity within messaging app


• Accuracy of AOL email count


• Voicemail reliability


• Bluetooth connectivity


• ‘Apply’ and ‘Cancel’ buttons are displayed in Home Screen Mode

The following issue has been resolved:

• Keyboard experiences a smoother transition when removed from desktop dock station

The following Apps/Services are now supported:

• Softcard


• My Verizon Diagnostics (MVD)


• Knox 2.0 for Enterprise support


• Side Sync Call Forwarding Framework


• Kids Mode

If you own a Verizon-branded Galaxy S4 and have not yet received the OTA update, you can head into “Settings,” then “About Device,” and select “Check for Updates” to manually scan for the upgrade. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification on your handset prompting you to download and install the update.

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Sony Xperia Z3 Compact lands on Sony’s official US site with ‘Buy Now’ button

Ever since the Sony Xperia Z3 was announced for T-Mobile (and more recently, the Sony Xperia Z3v for Verizon), we’ve been looking for any kind of information on US availability of the smaller — but still very capable — Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. So far we have hints that T-Mobile could carry it, but just in case, we’re ready to pull the trigger on Sony’s unlocked model for the US with T-Mobile and AT&T compatible bands. This is the route we took with the previous Sony Xperia Z2, and it worked out great.

If you needed any indication we were getting closer to its late October launch, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact has recently popped up on Sony Mobile’s US site, complete with a “Buy Now” button. Unfortunately, hitting the button simply forwards you to a generic landing page on for their eshop and doesn’t actually let you purchase the phone (of course). But a sign up page or pre-order would have been nice.

It seems everyone is making a big hoopla over the larger Sony Xperia Z3 (and for good reason), but we didn’t want it to overshadow its smaller sibling. We’ll keep you posted.

[Sony Mobile | Sony eshop]

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Blackphone makers planning a tablet too

You might remember the Blackphone, built by Geeksphone and Silent Circle. The handset featured pretty mid-to-low-end specs considering its asking price of $629, but of course the selling point wasn’t the hardware — it was the OS. Running a modified version of Android called PrivatOS, the phone was loaded with security-minded features like encrypted text messaging, encrypting voice and video calling, private browsing, anonymous search and the list went on.

It seems that the Blackphone effort was enough of a success to trigger even more security-focused hardware from the companies, as Silent Circle’s co-founder Jon Callas recently revealed in an interview with BBC Newsbeat that they are working on a privacy tablet as a followup to the Blackphone. As Callas put it: “Blackphone as it is, is our first device not our last device”.

For those that feel the need for higher security and privacy, what do you think of Blackphone? Excited about the idea of it being extended into a range of various hardware products? Conversely do you feel such devices are overkill and unnecessary? Let us know in the comments.

Source: BBC;



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Android Forums: Scammy flashlight apps, Emoji on Android, and buying the Note 4

Do you use a flashlight app? Some of them may be doing scammy things in the background. Are all reviewers anti-Android? Should you buy the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4? What’s the best keyboard app with Emoji? All of these discussions, and more, can be found in the top posts from Android Forums this week!

Flashlight app woes

The makers of the flashlight app “Brightest Flashlight Free” recently settled in court after having sold user’s personal information to advertisers. Other flashlight apps have been accused of scammy practices in the past, too. Flashlight apps are extrememly common among Android users, but are they all safe? Discuss this scary topic in this thread.

Are most reviewers anti-Android?

Member “sreum” took to the forums to rant about device comparison reviews. He argues that whenever a comparison is done between an Android flagship and an Apple device the reviewer almost always gives the edge to Apple. Even if the Android device has better specs. Other forum members argue that opinions differ, and sometimes specs don’t matter as much. What do you think?

How to setup a new Android phone

A first time Android user asked for some help in setting up contacts for the first time, and general tips for Android devices. He wonders about creating a Google account to store contacts, and how to back them up. Forum members have also been giving the new users a bunch of great tips for what to do with a new Android device. Hop in and help out the newest member of the Android Army.

Emoji on Android

iPhone users like to brag about emoji, but they aren’t the only ones who can use those cute icons. A forum member asked if it was possible to get emoji on Android, and of course it is! Some users have recommended SwiftKey and the Google Keyboard to get the best emoji experience. If you have other suggestions be sure to chime in in this thread!

Galaxy Note 4 or Xperia Z3v?

Forum member “rushmore” is trying to decide if he should get the Galaxy Note 4. He already pre-ordered it from Best Buy, but is still debating the pros and cons. He’s also interested in the newly announced Sony Xperia Z3v. “rushmore” lays out some very good points for both arguments. If you have an opinion be sure to let him know!

That wraps things up from this week. There are always numerous great discussions happening in the forums. Remember to sign up for an account if you don’t have one already, and check back next week for more of the best from Android Forums!

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