Chrome for Android Update Brings Minor Improvements

A new update to Chrome for Android is rolling out today, bringing mostly under-the-hood improvements to the browser.  The update is build 63.0.3239.83 meaning that it is the first build in the Chrome 63 train to go to the stable channel for all users.

While the release notes for the update point to mostly stability and performance improvements, it was noted that in this update there are also improvements to the autocompletion feature in the address bar.  This should make it easier and faster to get to websites while on your mobile.

Today’s Deal – AUKEY 5-Port USB Charger for $25 at Amazon

Today’s Deal at Amazon is on the AUKEY 5-port USB Desktop Charger.  This five port USB charger isn’t much larger than a credit card and one of the ports is fully Quick Charge 3.0 compatible.   If you have a device that has this technology, you will benefit from a rapid charge, something most desktop chargers don’t built into them.  Today on Amazon, you can pick one up for $24.99 and it is completely compatible with Android phones as well as your iPhone.

Full disclosure:  This is the desktop USB charger that I use at home.

With this charger from AUKEY, you can charge up to five devices at one.  Each of the USB ports outputs 5v of power and can charge devices at 2.4A, making it compatible with really any smartphone out there.  Four of the ports have the company’s adaptive charging technology to make sure that devices charge at an optimal rate but also protects against surges and overcharges.  The fifth port, noted with an orange insert, is the Quick Charge 3.0 port.

December Android Security Update Hitting The Unlocked Essential Phone

Good news this morning for those of you who have an unlocked Essential Phone.  The company has begun rolling out an update that brings the December Android Security Update to the device.  It will make Essential one of the first beyond Google themselves to get the December update out to end users.

The update is build NMJ51B for those keeping score at home and, based on Essential’s twitter post about the update, it appears that the update contains only this security patch.

It is possible (likely) that there are some other minor updates in the build but clearly the main focus is on the December security update.

Next Huawei P-Series Phone Could Have a 40MP Camera

An interesting leak suggests that the next Huawei P-Series phone could have an almost unbelievable 40MP camera in it.  And if that isn’t enough, the front facing selfie camera will be a 24MP shooter.  Most phones don’t even have a 24MP main camera!

The leak came from Evan Blass and while we don’t have a name for the next P-Series phone (likely the P11) or a release date, it looks like the Chinese manufacture is hard at work on getting the advertising ready for it.

Long time readers know that I don’t post a lot on rumors or leaks because things change so rapidly in the smartphone arena.  but when it comes to leaks from Mr. Blass, I generally pay attention to them.  And so should you.  He is probably got a 98% (if not higher) accuracy rate.

Today’s Deal – Harman Kardon Invoke for $99 at Microsoft

Today’s Deal is on the new Harman Kardon Invoke smart speaker that is powered by Microsoft Cortana.  This week at the Microsoft Store, you can pick up one of these awesome speakers for $99, a savings of $100.  No coupon code require and you can get it in either Graphite or White to match your décor.

I posted my review of the Invoke just yesterday and as I put in that review, it is one of the most stylish smart speakers out there with stunning audio quality as you would expect from Harman Kardon.  At the heart of the Invoke is Microsoft Cortana which, much like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, is a voice command away to help you with tasks or get information.

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