Author: Clinton

Android apps on Chromebooks continues its slow march but has started entering into a second phase of sorts.  While support in general continues to new Chrome OS devices, those that already have the support are starting to see an update to Android Nougat 7.1.1.

If you recall, when Android apps started rolling out to Chrome OS, it was based on Android Marshmallow.  It worked well but you didn’t have the benefits like split-screen natively as you do in Nougat.  Now devices which have had the ability to run Android apps are starting to see an update to Nougat.

In the Stable channel, there are three Chromebooks that are supporting Android Apps, based on Android Nougat 7.1.1:

• Lenovo Chromebook Flex 11
• Samsung Chromebook Pro
• Acer Chromebook R 13

Keen followers of Chrome OS will know that these devices have had the ability to run Android apps for a while, in the case of the Samsung Chromebook Pro, since its release.  This update to their stable builds of Chrome OS will bring the Nougat update.

Last week, the Essential Phone, the PH-1, became available for both those who had pre-ordered as well as those who want to pick one up.  The unlocked variant of the phone is $699 through the Essentials site.  You can also purchase it through Amazon for the same price but orders placed at the online retailer won’t ship until September 1st.

While you are waiting for your PH-1 to arrive, you can at least have the benefit of the stock wallpapers that come with the phone on your current device.  Over on the wallpaper page, I’ve added all six of the default wallpapers for you to freely download and use on your devices.  I’ve also added them to this post after the break so those who want to move along can do so without having to download them.

The six wallpapers are a mix of scenic views and abstract images, all of which look great.

Today’s Deal is on another great accessory from AUKEY.  Right now you can pick up the AUKEY Dual Port wall charger with two Quick Charge 3.0 ports for $10.99 from Amazon.  Normally this is $19.99 and to get the special price, you need to use the coupon code P6DQ37MS when you check out.

Unlike most wall chargers that only have one Quick Charger port, this one is equipped with both ports supporting the 3.0 fast charging technology.  As you may know, that means it is also backwards compatible to Quick Charge 2.0 and standard USB charging so it will work with any of your devices.  At maximum, it can put out 5V for quick charging devices like the Pixel lineup and other Android phones.

Google has begun rolling out an update to Google Contacts for Android that brings it to non-Google devices.  The update, version 2.1 for those keeping score at home, will allow users running Android Lollipop or later to install the app and use it as your contacts app on your phone.  Like many other Google apps, Contacts was limited to the Nexus and Pixel lineup to a large extent but Google has been relaxing this as of late.

If you have Google Contacts installed, the OTA update to this new version should be on your phone in the next few days.  For those who want to download it and have a compatible device, you can get it in the Play Store.

Along with the support for more devices, there are also some new features in this update.

Google has announced that US retailing giant Walmart will be coming to Google Express in late September.  The addition of Walmart to the shopping app means that you will be able to buy thousands of products from the retailer via the app or by adding it to your list via Google Home.

We’re entering an exciting partnership with Walmart to bring you hundreds of thousands of products at Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices—everything from laundry detergent to Legos—that you can buy through voice with your Assistant on Google Home or on the Google Express website or app.

The addition of Walmart to Google’s shopping app & service will greatly expand the products available to users.   If you already have a Walmart account, in the Express app you will be able to link your accounts which will allow for a quick and smooth shopping experience.

Today’s Deal is on the powerful and very popular Amazon Echo.  Today you can pick up the Amazon Alexa powered personal assistant device for $99.99.  That is a savings of $80 off the regular price.  The Echo has thousands of services that you can link to it in order to get news, information and, of course, order things from Amazon.  The Echo is a truly immersive experience for those that leverage Amazon Prime and the associated services like Amazon Music.

Echo is also aimed to give you personalized information such as commute time to work, leverage smart devices in your house like smart lights and garage door openers, get recipes for things to cook or drink.