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A new version of the Chrome browser for Android is making its way into the Play Store.  The updated build, version 53.0.2785.97 for those keeping score at home, has a lot of security updates and improvements that we’ve come to expect from these types of updates.  However, there is also support for Payment Request API which means that this build of Chrome supports Android Pay.  The Payment Request API is somewhat self explanatory but here is the W3C definition:

This specification describes a web API to allow merchants (i.e. web sites selling physical or digital goods) to easily accept payments from different payment methods with minimal integration. User agents (e.g., browsers) will facilitate the payment flow between merchant and user.

This means that you will be able to use Android Pay to pay for goods and services through the Chrome browser on your phone without having to type in a credit card number.  It should make buying goods online faster and more secure.

When it comes to cases for your Android phone, the selection is vast.  That’s a good thing.  It means you have a lot of choices and can probably find the case that fits your particular need.  In my case, I need a case that will help my Nexus 6P survive the bumps and bangs that come with skiing and hiking.  For me, the SUPCASE Premium Hybrid bumper case fits the need.  A case that has a rubberized shell to hold your phone with a hard plastic back, the SUPCASE gives great protection against bumps, bangs and knocks while not adding a huge amount of size to the 6P.  It’s offered in a nice range of colors to match your phone or personal style.  Here’s my review of this nice, sub-$20 case.

The Starbucks app for Android has been updated today and with it comes several new features around Mobile Order & Pay.  For those who aren’t familiar with Mobile Order & Pay, as the name suggests, you can pre-order your coffee or food items from your nearest Starbucks location using the app, pay for it using the app, and then just walk in and pick it up at the store.  No more queues waiting for our precious coffee!

One of the new features that has come to the app is travel times to the store at which you made your Mobile Order & Pay order.  The feature requires location services to be enabled and if it is, you will see the travel time from your location to that store so you can plan your journey to pick up your order.

Last night the all new LG V20 was announced and this flagship device has a some serious specs for those looking for a high end, high performing device.  The first phone to run Android Nougat will be hitting the market later this month and will be carried by a few carriers here in the US as well as being available unlocked.  The 5.7″ device is powered by the Snapdragon 820 processor, has 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 16MP main shooter and a removable battery.  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.