Samsung's Game Launcher updated with new UI, better discovery options

Game Launcher now has a recommendation service.

Samsung's Game Launcher made its debut earlier this year on the Galaxy S7, and the app is now picking up an update that introduces a new user interface and a discovery feature. Game Launcher lives as a separate folder icon, and the app automatically collates all the games installed on your phone. The service provides a set of tools designed to minimize frustrations while you're in a game, and as such you have the ability to disable the back and recent keys, disable alerts, record in-game video, take screenshots, and more.

With the update to version 2.0, Samsung is rolling out Game Discovery, a recommendation service that suggests games based on your preferences. Then there's My Diary, which analyzes and logs your scores over time. The interface now has a more opaque background, making it easier to read text.

The update also allows you to add non-gaming apps to the Game Launcher folder, if you're interested in using the Game Tools features with other apps. Game Launcher is pre-installed on the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, S7 active, Note 5, Galaxy A8, and the Galaxy C series. It is available to download from Galaxy Apps for the Galaxy S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+.

Chromecast Audio devices playing out of sync? Here's your fix!

How do I fix my Chromecast Audio devices going out of sync?

One of the best features of the Chromecast Audio is being able to put multiple units together into an audio group so they all play the same thing at the same time no matter where they are in your house. This is also something that can be dramatically affected by latency, so you need an easy way to get everything in sync.

We've seen it ourselves and so have plenty of others. This is because so many things can introduce latency — when a signal takes longer than expected to go from point A to point B — in a Chromecast setup. Not everything connects to the internet at exactly the same speeds, the location in your house can mean slower network data, and every speaker and the wires that connect it have their own built-in latency. And it doesn't take much of it to make things sound off. Luckily, there's an easy and completely non-technical way to fix it in your Chromecast Audio group.

• Open the Google Home app and find the affected unit in the Chromecast Devices.
• Tap the Settings icon (three dots) in the upper right corner.
• In the Advanced section, tap the Group delay correction setting.
• Adjust the slider until things sound "right" to you.

It sounds too easy to be true, but this works great. Sometimes, doing things "by ear" is the best way and this is one of those times. Numbers and widgets and meters can be fun, but in the end, all we want is for it to sound good to our ears.

It's important to not adjust things until you know you have a problem and to make sure you're adjusting the right thing. Momentary internet and network lag happen, and while there is a buffer to prevent it from causing an issue it can still happen. And adjusting the internal timing of a Chromecast Audio isn't going to be able to fix network or connectivity problems. But if you notice a delay often and are sure everything else is good to go, here's your fix.

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Protect your Google Pixel XL for just $14.95 today!

Looking for a thin but protective case for your Google Pixel XL? If so, check out Incipio’s Octane case for a great thin layer of clear protection for the phone. It won’t add much bulk or weight to the phone, and right now you can pick one up for only $14.95.

Nokia making a comeback in 2017 as HMD secures exclusive rights

HMD Global secures rights to Nokia's branding exclusively for 10 years.

Back in May, we heard that HMD Global — a new mobile company made up of ex-Nokia staffers — is looking to use the Nokia name to manufacture smartphones running Android as well as feature phones. Today, HMD has announced that it has secured exclusive licensing rights to Nokia's branding for 10 years.

The first batch of Android smartphones bearing the Nokia name will make their debut in the first half of 2017:

Finnish company HMD will bring a new generation of mobile phones to consumers, with the first smartphone products set to be launched in the first half of 2017, alongside the existing Nokia branded feature phone business.

The launch of HMD comes just six months after the company signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia, giving HMD exclusive use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets worldwide for the next 10 years.

HMD has developed a unique strategic partnership model that will see it working with some of the world's leading technology companies including Nokia, FIH Mobile Limited (FIH) and Google. Future Nokia smartphones will utilise Google's Android operating system, currently deployed on 86% of the world's smartphones.

HMD is developing an exciting new consumer centric product range which will focus on innovation, quality and experience, alongside the iconic Nokia mobile phone attributes of design, robustness, and reliability.

The devices will be manufactured by FIH Mobile, a subsidiary of Foxconn that acquired Microsoft's feature phone business earlier this year.

HMD Global is helmed by Arto Nummela, who made the switch from Microsoft. Before that, he was at Nokia, where he held several product creation, business management, sales and marketing roles. He's eager to restart the Nokia brand:

Today marks a happy and important day for HMD. Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. The excitement of re-introducing this much-loved, well-known and trusted brand to smartphone consumers is a responsibility and an ambition that everyone at HMD shares.

We see this as a brilliant opportunity to solve real life consumer problems and to deliver on the quality and designs that the Nokia brand has been always known for. Our talented and passionate team is uniquely placed in this modern setup to deliver our promise of reliable, beautifully crafted and fun Nokia phones for consumers across the globe.

Nokia still has a strong brand cachet, particularly in emerging markets. With HMD taking charge and the company fielding several ex-Nokia employees, we could see a resurgence of one of the most iconic brands in this industry. Who's excited?

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Android 7.0 Nougat is now making its way to the Xperia XZ

Nougat goodness is coming to the Xperia XZ.

After rolling out Nougat to the Xperia X Performance yesterday, Sony is now making the update available on the Xperia XZ. The update brings build number 39.2.A.0.327, and is rolling out initially to the unlocked variant (F8331) as well as the dual-SIM model (F8332).

As noted by Xperia Blog, the Nougat update should be making its way to other Xperia XZ variants shortly. The update itself brings multi-window mode, improvements to Stamina battery-saver mode, enhancements to the camera, and more.

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Samsung works with Australian carriers to block the Note 7

Note 7 will be cut off from accessing mobile networks in Australia.

At this point, I thought we were done with the Note 7 saga. Turns out that isn't the case, as Samsung is now announcing that it is working with Australian carriers to disable services for Note 7 units in the country. Samsung did the same with New Zealand carriers last month, so it isn't surprising to see the company resort to the same measures in other regions as it tries to get back the few units still out in the wild.

According to the official statement, network access for the Note 7 will be cut off on December 15:

Samsung Electronics Australia is working with local telecommunications operators to discontinue Australian network services for Galaxy Note 7 devices that are still being used in Australia.

The network discontinuation will commence from December 15 and is part of Samsung's ongoing safety measures to recover all affected Galaxy Note 7 devices.

Galaxy Note 7 customers in Australia have responded well to the recent recall, with only a small number of affected devices still in customers' hands.

Note 7 customers in the country will be able to exchange their devices for either a Galaxy S7 or an S7 edge, with Samsung refunding the difference in retail price. The comany is incentivizing the exchange even further by providing AU$250 worth of credit to those returning their Note 7 units. If you're still holding on to your Note 7, it's about time you returned it.

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