Some of the day’s biggest stories included a huge report regarding Google Stadia’s popularity. In other news, Focals by North is getting a convenient new Showroom app, Alexa expands its language support, and more.
About After Hours: In this daily roundup, we cover some of the more minor stories regarding Android and Google from the day with additional commentary. To catch up on everything we publish, check out some of the biggest stories of the day below, and listen to 9to5Google Daily every morning.
Focals by North can now be purchased at home… unless you have Android
While Google Glass is essentially dead to consumers, Focals by North has proven one of the best options available. One big caveat, though, has been that Focals buyers had to visit a physical showroom location in order to get fitted for the glasses. That’s changing now, though, as North has launched a new app that scans your face to find the right fit. The only big problem? It doesn’t work on Android.
The Pixel 4 will be able to do it too?
Alexa now supports the Hindi language
Amazon Alexa still takes the majority of smart speaker sales today, but it’s playing catchup to Google Assistant in many ways. Today, Amazon announced that Alexa would finally support the Hindi language (via nearly a year after Google Home started supporting the Hindi language.
Facebook debuts new Portal devices, including one for your TV
Facebook also launched new Portal devices today. The company’s take on a smart display gets a second generation that has a new, less-unique design that looks like a picture frame. There’s a standard 10-inch Portal that costs $179, and also a smaller 8-inch model that takes the price down to $129 — squarely in line with the Google Nest Hub. These devices are also adding support for WhatsApp calls.
On top of that, there’s the brand-new Portal TV. This device adds a camera to your TV and acts as a typical set-top box with Prime Video, Netflix, and other services. It costs $149 and also allows for video calling as well as a picture-in-picture mode to “watch” shows with your friends. More details on all three devices are available in a Facebook post.
Today’s Top Stories:
- Report: Google-branded smartwatches canceled in 2016, no ‘Pixel Watch’ next month
- Android TV gets its Android 10 update this year w/ ADT-3, new hardware in 2020
- Here’s every Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL leak in chronological order [Gallery]
- Made by Google 2019: Here’s everything we expect for the Pixel 4 event so far
- LG’s vision for Android 10 revealed in leaked V50 screenshots [Gallery]
- Android 10-based Oxygen OS Open Beta 2 now rolling out for OnePlus 7 Pro
- YouTube’s app for TVs is adding a massive auto-playing video ad on its homepage
- Stadia Founder’s Edition sold out in ‘most of Europe,’ Google adds ‘Premiere Edition’
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