Andy Rubin teases a radically re-imagined compact smartphone – GEM

Andy Rubin, creator of Android and CEO of Essential just tweeted out a colorful glimpse into one of the most radically re-imagined compact smartphones we have ever seen. It’s long, it’s thin, there’s a huge camera at the back and also a fingerprint scanner. The guys at Essential call this device “GEM” and the first tweet from Andy (after almost an year) shows how color-shifty the design is. But it didn’t stop there.

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Essential Phone 2 could feature under-display camera, light sensor and fingerprint sensor

Essential PhoneEssential Phone 1 was launched way back in 2017; almost two years since launch and the company is yet to bring a sequel to it. However, filling the void, a set of design images show that the company is working on it and has not given up. Earlier reports suggested that it was working on a futuristic phone powered by AI. Continue reading “Essential Phone 2 could feature under-display camera, light sensor and fingerprint sensor”

Essential Phone officially discontinued as company shifts focus to future products

The Essential phone might not have seen the success it needed but the phone was well worth for the price after the price cuts. The phone despite the poor sales was always available for those who were interested, however, it went out of stock earlier today and the company now has confirmed that the Essential Phone won’t be restocked as the company shifts its focus to future products. Continue reading “Essential Phone officially discontinued as company shifts focus to future products”

November 2018 Android security now available for Pixel, Nexus devices and Essential Phone

Google has started rolling out new over-the-air (OTA) update for Pixel devices and also posted factory images as part of monthly Android Security release. The update for this month includes November security updates. Apart from Google, Essential also rolled out the November security patch update.  Continue reading “November 2018 Android security now available for Pixel, Nexus devices and Essential Phone”

Andy Rubin’s Essential lays off 30% of its Staff

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Essential has cut down about 30% of its employees, according to a latest report. This lay off will affect the company’s hardware, marketing, and sales divisions. The company has about 120 employees, according to its website. Continue reading “Andy Rubin’s Essential lays off 30% of its Staff”

Essential said to be developing new AI-Phone that would automatically respond to messages for you

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Essential, the startup run by Android creator Andy Rubin said to be working on a new kind of smartphone that will mimic its owner and automatically respond to messages on their behalf, according to sources. To pursue this project, the company said to have put aside all the other projects. Continue reading “Essential said to be developing new AI-Phone that would automatically respond to messages for you”

Essential Phone Android P latest build with July security patch, improvements to Android Auto starts rolling out

Essential Phone

Google rolled out the Android P Beta 3 (DP4) update to Pixel series smartphones yesterday. Now Essential Phone is getting another update to Android P Beta with latest Google Code Drop, improvements to Android Auto, and July security patch. Essential rolled out Android P beta last month along with bug fixes & June security patch.  Continue reading “Essential Phone Android P latest build with July security patch, improvements to Android Auto starts rolling out”

Essential Phone introduces magnetic 3.5mm headphone jack module, partners with MQA and TIDAL for masterclass audio

Essential

Essential today has announced that it has partnered with MQA and TIDAL to elevate everyday music listening. The update fine-tuned and calibrated to support MQA for studio master quality sound. The company has also launched its first magnetic 3.5mm headphone jack dongle. Continue reading “Essential Phone introduces magnetic 3.5mm headphone jack module, partners with MQA and TIDAL for masterclass audio”

Essential Phone Android P Beta with bug fixes and June security patch rolling out

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Google rolled out the Android P Beta 2 (DP3) update to Pixel series smartphones with final APIs, SDK, and Play Store publishing today. Now Essential Phone is getting the Android P Beta 1 update (DP2) with bug fixes & June security patch.  Continue reading “Essential Phone Android P Beta with bug fixes and June security patch rolling out”

Andy Rubin’s Essential is not shutting down, but Essential Phone 2 is cancelled

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In what can be seen as a surprising move, Android Creator Andy Rubin who floated Essential smartphone brand last year with the launch of Essential PH-1 is putting the company up for auction and has cancelled the next phone. Continue reading “Andy Rubin’s Essential is not shutting down, but Essential Phone 2 is cancelled”

Essential Phone 2 will have a better camera says the company

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Essential launched the PH-1 back in May 2017 and it opened up to pretty bad reviews for its camera. Though the company has been working and consistently pushing timely updates, it still is not on the same levels of its competitors. However, the company today has acknowledged the same and confirmed that its next-gen will come with a better optics. Continue reading “Essential Phone 2 will have a better camera says the company”

Essential Phone gets new Android 8.1 Oreo build with April security patch, Bluetooth 5.0, stability fixes and more

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Essential rolled out the Android 8.1 Oreo update back in March with features like better multitasking, improved notifications and more. Today the company is rolling out a new 8.1 Oreo build with April security patch, Bluetooth 5.0, modem stability fixes and more. Continue reading “Essential Phone gets new Android 8.1 Oreo build with April security patch, Bluetooth 5.0, stability fixes and more”

Essential Phone gets Android 8.1 Oreo update with better multitasking, improved notifications and more

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Essential today announced that it is rolling out the Android 8.1 Oreo update to its Essential PH-1. Back in January, the company announced that it will skip the 8.0 update for 8.1 and just as it promised it is now rolling to users. The update brings increased performance, better battery life, stronger security, and more, and Oreo features.  Continue reading “Essential Phone gets Android 8.1 Oreo update with better multitasking, improved notifications and more”

Essential granted patent for smartphone with no-notch display, popup front camera

Vivo showcased the APEX concept phone with in-display fingerprint scanner, 98% screen-to-body ratio and most importantly an elevating front camera at the MWC 2018 event last week. The unique feature of the phone is the front-camera that seamlessly rises in 0.8 seconds when it is required and retracts after use. But it turns out, Andy Rubin of Essential was granted the patent for this solution to Essential Products, Inc in 2017. Continue reading “Essential granted patent for smartphone with no-notch display, popup front camera”

Essential Phone gets October Security Patch, KRACK WPA2 Fix, fingerprint gestures and more in the latest OTA update

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Essential has rolled out a new update to the Essential PH-1 that brings October security patch, fingerprint gestures and most importantly, KRACK WP2 Wi-Fi protocol vulnerability. The company has been very active in pushing updates since the launch.

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