Two years after debuting the Pixel Buds Pro, the 2nd Gen version is here. While on the surface they look the same, there’s some updates and improvements here. For starters, they are smaller and lighter which should make the fit more comfortable, and they bring back the stabilizing silicone fin for secure support. What else is new?

I got a pre-release set of Peony Pink Pixel Buds Pro 2 from Google and while the company did gift them to me in advance of their public launch to allow me time to test them, the company has not asked for nor received permission to have any input into this review and I got to test them out as I wanted. You can consider these thoughts my own.

In this review I’ll take a look at what’s new including the addition of AI-powered assistant Gemini Live, how the other new features work, how they sound and if I can recommend Pixel Buds Pro 2, for you.

What’s new with Pixel Buds Pro 2?

The bold new colour aside, Pixel Buds Pro 2 look similar to the previous version, but when you hold one of the new Buds next to the Gen 1, you can see the difference. Officially these are 27% smaller and 24% lighter, but what will that mean for you? I found they felt far less fat and bulky in my ears, making them extremely comfortable. The smaller size does make them perhaps a little fiddlier to grip and place, but you should get used to this fairly quickly.

Watch my full hands-on review of Pixel Buds Pro 2

Fit and feel

After dumping it from the Gen 1 Buds Pro, Google has brought back the silicone fin found in the original Pixel Buds in the new design. This time it’s less a hook and more of a small silicone ridge.

It’s barely noticeable but does provide some additional grip on the buds, helping them feel more secure in the ear.

I found these are the most comfortable ear buds I’ve tried in a long long time; I completely forget I’m wearing them after just minutes, and I can wear them longer than pretty much every other earbud. The fit is so perfectly seamless that it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them, and that’s saying a lot when it comes to earbuds. Most earbuds are far too large; designed to hold larger sound drivers and bigger batteries. Here Google has put fit and comfort above and succeeds in making these extremely wearable.

The pebble shaped case is touchably smooth and soft and slides easily into pocket or purse. It has this matte softness that just makes you want to hold it and play with it, kind of like you might do with a smooth river stone.

The buds themselves keep the similarly nature-inspired feel with perfectly rounded edges, and sit very flush with the ear.

Set up

Setting up the Pixel Buds Pro was easy, and I tried it on both the Pixel 9 smartphone and the Apple iPhone 15. The buds will link automatically to a Pixel phone using Fast Pair and you’ll be connected without much work from you; just open the lid and watch for the light on the case to flash, then you’ll see a pop up on your screen.

On an iPhone, you need to push the small pairing button on the back of the charging case and wait for a light to flash. Then go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings and tap to connect.

Can I use Pixel Buds Pro with Apple iPhone?

One of the first questions I get asked with Pixel Buds is if they work with Apple phones and the answer is YES—I’ve been using mine for the last year with an iPhone and actually think they are far superior to AirPods. While Google has obviously created these for use with its Pixel phones (like the new Pixel 9 which I just reviewed), and other Android phones, Pixel Buds Pro do work as a standard Bluetooth earbud for other Bluetooth devices, including iOS, tablets, and laptops. If you use this with a non-Android device you won’t get access to the Pixel Buds App for additional control and settings.

Pixel Buds app

Let’s see what you get with that app:

The Google Pixel Buds app lets you manage and set up your Pixel Buds Pro on Android 6.0+ devices. You can use the app to do things like:

● Check battery levels: See the battery levels of your
earbuds and case
● Control features: Control features like Adaptive Sound,
in-ear detection, find device, digital assistant, and spoken
notifications
● Learn touch controls: Learn how to use touch controls on
your Pixel Buds
● Ring your earbuds: Ring your earbuds to help you find
them
● Get tips and support

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Pixel Buds Pro 2 keep Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode which is becoming more standard these days. Noise cancellation of course will block out extraneous sound, while transparency mode will let you keep an ear out for the doorbell or your boss calling for you.

The Noise cancellation works incredibly well, and the Ambient Mode is among the best I’ve tried; it sounds completely natural; as if you’re not wearing any earbuds, and there’s none of that hollow tinniness or echo that you get using Transparency Mode on a lot of other earbuds and headphones.

Sound & Call quality

Now is a good time to talk sound quality. From the beginning I’ve been impressed by Pixel Buds audio quality. They sound just as good as a much more expensive pair and really seem like they’re punching well above their weight. I listened to a variety of music and audio during my week or so with the buds before their public launch. I found that the earbuds are extremely well balanced and have an incredibly rich sound overall.

Music sounds amazing on Pixel Buds Pro 2. The bass is subtle but vibrant, the vocals are clear, and there’s lot of fine details in the sound. I’ve had a pair of Pixel Buds as my go-to headphones since the first version was launched because they’re the best, and these continue the high quality audio tradition and seem to even add a little bit more too.

When it came to phone or video calls, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 were similarly great. Audio sounded clear and it seems like background noise is minimized.

Listening to podcasts, the speech quality is clear and accurate and really top notch.

One thing I did notice during my testing is that if I would pinch the buds in order to twist them and get a better fit, sometimes there would be almost a squeaking or a chirp noise in my ear that sounded a bit like low-grade feedback. It was only when I would grasp them more firmly and twist and it never happened at any other time, and to that end it was extremely intermittent. I’m not sure if this is some kind of pre-release issue that I’m experiencing, so I reached out to ask Google.

Touch Controls

Touch controls are built in to Pixel Buds Pro 2 and they’re super responsive. Swiping front to back on the buds adjusts volume and touching and holding the buds will swap between Noice Cancelling and Transparency.

Spatial Audio & Head Tracking

Another feature that’s becoming more common in more advanced earbuds and headphones are spatial audio and head tracking. In the Pixel Buds Pro 2, they kind of work hand in hand but you can choose to only enable one or the other or both if you want.

Spatial audio is a pretty cool feature that allows music to seem like it’s coming from all around you. The sound of instruments and voices is placed so that it seems like it’s coming from all around you, not just being piped into your ear canal. It kind of mimics the effect of a multi-speaker surround sound setup.

Head tracking on the other hand is another neat effect that essentially keeps the audio sounding like it’s coming from in front of you, so as if you were watching TV, but if you turned your head to the right you would hear the sound more clearly with your right ear. And then if you twist your head back around to the left, the sound follows your movement. Head Tracking is possibly most noticeable watching movies and TV shows on your phone, and you can use it now with streaming services such as HBO Max and Netflix Premium.

Gemini & Gemini Live

This year Google has been all about Gemini its new artificial intelligence assistant. Gemini as a service, which is very similar to chat GPT, allows you to ask questions and make requests using AI. For the most part this is a written interface where you type a request in. The next level of that is known as Gemini Live. Gemini Live allows you to carry on a more natural conversation verbally with the Gemini assistant. I’ve been trying it out over the last couple of months and have found it extremely helpful, very intelligent and it works surprisingly well.

Gemini Live does require a Gemini Advanced subscription, but it essentially lets you invoke the assistant to carry on a conversation and throw multiple requests at Gemini that it can answer quite easily.

Technically Gemini is different from the Google Assistant…and obviously it has a different name, but strictly speaking, Google has engineered Gemini in the earbuds to be invoked by using the Google assistant name. I have to say I’m getting a little confused by the branding differences between Gemini and Google assistant and would love some clarity about whether these two assistants are definitely going to be separate entities going forward or if they will eventually merge into one.

As it is, if I want help from Gemini while wearing the Buds Pro 2 I say, ‘Hey Google, let’s talk’… and it will summon the Gemini Live assistant for me.

I asked it to help me brainstorm ideas for new reviews, for weather info and for it to list upcoming holidays.

It can even do something as complex as take a photo of a recipe, then you can put the phone away and ask Gemini or Google what the ingredients are.

While Gemini Live does use my Pixel 9 smartphone as its base, you can shut the phone off or put it away and still make your requests; as long as the phone is nearby.

Battery Life & Charging

Google has essentially kept the battery life on these the same as the previous generation. It appears it’s trying to squeeze out an extra hour or so from the buds, but for the most part the specs on listening time are largely holding steady; you’ll get about eight hours in the buds and about 30 in the case. Technically speaking that’s actually pretty good, and considering that Google shrunk the design by one-third, in favour of comfort— and still managed to hold the battery life steady— that’s actually kind of remarkable.

The Buds Pro 2 will charge with a wired USB-C connection or wireless charging. Fast charging is also packed in: charge for 15 minutes to quickly grab up to three hours of extra battery life.

Comfortable for Sleeping?

Unlike 95% of earbuds out there these are comfortable and soft enough to sleep in, even for side sleepers. Google’s shrinking of the size and weight have made these an even better option for sleepers and laying on them doesn’t trigger the touch controls.

Multiple connections

You can connect Pixel Buds Pro to multiple devices like phones, tablets and computers, and Google calls this Audio Switch (Formerly Multipoint). There’s no need to click into Bluetooth menus, and Multipoint connectivity lets you automatically switch between compatible devices including Android, iOS, tablets, and laptops.

I can confirm this works amazingly well, even between both the Pixel 9 and Apple iPhone 15; the signal stayed connected to both simultaneously, making it easy to answer work and personal calls. You do have to toggle this feature on first in the Pixel Buds app on a Pixel phone.

Overall Review: Google Pixel Buds 2

Overall I’m incredibly impressed by the way Google is able to keep improving and innovating with these earbuds. Let’s go over the pros and cons…

When it comes to the Pros… the fit, design and comfort are even better than the original Pros way outdo any close competitor. The sound quality is fantastic, the bass is solid and the overall sound is so well balanced.

Noise cancellation and Transparency mode work super well and transparency mode in particular lets you let that audio in without the annoying hum or hollowness .
It’s also good to see popular features like multiple device connections, translation, and in-ear detection are still packed into these tiny buds. The touch controls work well, and in-all they are a joy to wear and use.

Downsides? Honestly I’m struggling to find any issues with these or valid complaints. Yes things I could complain about are that Google did not improve the battery life, but given the substantial size shrinkage, I’d say it could be forgiven.

There was also that weird intermittent squeak when I adjusted, but it seems to have disappeared for now.

I can definitely recommend Google Pixel Buds Pro to you —especially for Pixel Phone users and yes, even for iPhone owners.

The Buds Pro 2 have gotten a slight price increase from the original Buds Pro; Now selling for $229US/$299CAD and you can get them from Google’s website and from Amazon.

And Buds Pro 2 are made to work perfectly with Pixel phones, so you should check out my hands on review of the Google pixel 9 smart phone. Or see why my favourite fitness and activity tracking device is the new Pixel Watch 3.. right now.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The post Pixel Buds Pro 2: my hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Google Pixel Watch 3 hands-on review

I got this sample watch from Google ahead of its public launch so I could test it out and review it ahead of time. While the company has provided the watch to me at no cost, it has not asked for not received permission to have any input into this review so you can consider these thoughts my own.

What is Google Pixel Watch 3?

This is Google’s third gen smart watch, designed to work with the Google Pixel line of phones, and any newer Android device.

It has built in Fitbit technology for health tracking and fitness, plus it will do all the standard smart watch tasks like send texts, calls, e-mails and calendar alerts and more to your wrist (as long as you’re using it with an Android phone). It can even control your smart home and let you pay for things too. It also, naturally, has built in Google Assistant, which as a rule works far better than Siri.

Speaking of Siri, in what will be a major blow for Apple users looking for a more stylish smart watch option, the Watch will not work with iOS devices.

Watch my full video review of Google Pixel Watch 3

What’s new with Watch 3?

I’m glad to report that for a change this is a next GEN device that actually has substantial upgrades and changes.

Watch 2 (L), and Watch 3 (R).

There are a few key design and performance improvements. For starters Google has shrunk the bezels on the watch slightly giving the impression of a slightly larger watch face. The screen has also been made almost twice as bright as the previous version; now up to 2000 nits of peak brightness and I can say right out of the gate the additional brightness is extremely noticeable and very welcome. There’s a lot more variability when it comes to colour and shading on the watch now; meaning it goes beyond being a monochromatic single colour screen, which I’m loving.

Google is now offering this watch in a new larger 45 mm size which gives you 40% more screen and 35% bigger battery. I won’t be going into that version because my watch is the 41 mm version.

Battery life has been improved a little bit, and the watch now charges about 20% faster. Again, this was noticeable to me right away and another welcome upgrade.

A few other tweaks to this watch allow you to view your live Nest cameras and even use your watch to talk, watch can also be a remote for your Google TV device. The new pixel watch three will also allow you to access off-line Google maps, use your watch to unlock your phone, and even use the recorder app right from your watch.

No Google Gemini… yet

One rather startling omission is that there is no Google Gemini app for the watch yet. Google made a big deal out of Gemini, it’s new AI Assistant at its big 2024 product announcement, and it’s available on all Android phones, so I’m a bit surprised it’s not on the watch. While Google says AI is built into the watch, accessing Gemini specifically is not yet possible.

What’s in the Box?

In the box you get your Watch with a 4-pin charging pad (same version as Watch 2) and there’s an extra size band for adjusting fit too.

Set up

Getting the Watch set up was super fast and easy in my testing: Just bring the charged Watch close to your Pixel phone and set up is automatic, requiring just a few confirmation taps from you, and the download of the Pixel Watch app—then you’ll be ready to go. You can also link an existing Fitbit account in the set up to port that data to your Pixel Watch.

Using Pixel Watch 3

On the surface, it’s not going to look like very much is new at all; the watch looks essentially identical to both its previous 2 generations. Where you’ll again find significant improvements is under the hood.

Design & Display: Familiar Yet Refreshing

The Pixel Watch 3 keeps the round 1.5 inch touchscreen design of its predecessor. There’s new faces available and lots more options in terms of customizing this watch to your personal preferences.
The display is as crisp and vibrant as ever, and the touchscreen is still responsive, making app navigation an absolute breeze.

Performance & Battery

Google has also fitted the Pixel Watch 3 with a slightly bigger battery, meaning you can expect a significant improvement in the overall battery life even with the Always-On Display activated.
In my testing I found there was definitely better battery life, even as I left the Always-On display on. I got about 35 hours or so, which is an improvement from the 28-29 hours of life on the gen 2. When you do get close to running out of battery, pixel watch 3 will enter auto battery saver mode which will turn off the always on display, but maintain the tilt to wake feature so you can still see your information at a glance. Battery saver mode will automatically engage when you drop below 15% battery and automatically return to normal once you charge above 25%.

The faster charging also means it’s a lot easier to charge and go with this watch. I could drop it onto it charging puck for just 15 or 20 minutes while I checked my email in the morning and that would be enough to get it to at least 50% battery. It takes a full 60 minutes to go from 0 to 100%, which Google says is 20% faster (about 15 minutes) than before.

Fitbit health tracking

Thanks to Google’s ownership of Fitbit, Pixel Watch is among the best at health and fitness tracking in the dedicated smartwatch space—and I’ve written for years about the effectiveness, accuracy, and efficiency of Fitbit devices, and I continue to be a huge fan. In terms of the basics, you’re getting step count, calories burned, sleep tracking, exercise tracking, heart rate, floors climbed and more.
It can also automatically detect and log if you are currently doing a handful of key exercise like walking, running, or using an elliptical machine.
One of the key reasons you’re going to want this watch is because of the absolute wealth of aditional health and fitness data that is now available from it. In fact there’s almost too much but this watch will track and measure. Googles briefing document about the watch runs almost 90 pages. So chances are if you are looking for a particular Health or Fitness metric it exists on pixel watch three. I can’t possibly go into all of the features so I’ll just pick out a few of the newest ones and those that were most relevant to me.
Sensors for heart rate, skin temperature, electro dermal activity and more, it’s going to measure just about everything.

What is Fitbit Daily Readiness Score?

One of the new features I found interesting about pixel watch three is what’s called the daily readiness score. As someone who has recently returned to the gym after almost a decade of absence, this is a metric I think I can use, but I’m honestly a little afraid to know. Your daily readiness score measures how recovered and ready for exercise your body is on a scale of 0 to 1 so depending on how much exercise you’re getting, what your sleep is like, and potential signs of illness, Fitbit will issue you a score. To get your first score you need to wear your Pixel Watch 3 for seven nights.
Once I did this I started to receive my daily rating and was rather surprised to find it hovering at about 50%. Not the greatest news for someone who has taken up thrice weekly workouts with a personal trainer. Fitbit says several things are impacting my readiness score and ranking me at only a “moderate readiness”. My heart rate variability is about average my sleep for the past two weeks has only been “good” and my resting heart rate is about normal also. I’m not really sure how to interpret this data since after a good night sleep and a protein shake I usually feel like I’m pretty ready to hit the gym. But perhaps on the inside my body hasn’t quite returned to previous fitness levels yet?

What is Pixel Watch Cardio Load?

Cardio load is another new tool that along with my daily readiness score is used to help me understand how much cardio exercise I should be able to handle. During set up you can choose whether or not you’re looking to improve your cardio levels or simply maintain your current fitness level. Cardio load measures how hard your heart is working during a workout or a run or during any physical activity through the day. It helps you see the impact of activity on your cardiovascular system and understand your overall fitness trends overtime. Once calibrated each day it will give you a target cardio load that takes into consideration your recent activity and your daily readiness. It’s meant to work best when you work out regularly and can help keep up an exercise routine to improve your fitness.
It does take several days for this to calibrate.

Runner’s dream?

The new pixel watch three is a runners dream. With multiple tools designed to give you data and analysis, this device is clearly targeting other favourite running gadgets like Garmin.
The Fitbit app can track your running trends and help you meet running distance goals. It can also provide insight into your form by using motion sensing and machine learning.
The Fitbit app on pixel watch can also deliver AI powered daily running recommendations where it will lay out a running planned for you; you might do a five minute warm-up, a handful of intervals or try to reach a certain distance. And also create a custom running program for yourself too.

Loss of Pulse… not yet available

One of the cooler features of the Watch 3 though is the Loss of Pulse feature… which can actually detect if your pulse stops beating, which can happen if you have a heart attack. If it does, your Pixel Watch 3 will automatically call 911 for help and can transmit your location, meaning your Pixel Watch 3 could literally save your life if you’re alone in an emergency.

Recorder app: record on your wrist

Recorder app can record from your wrist and save files there too.

I’m a huge fan of googles recorder app, since it often helped me transcribe interviews that I do for work. It’s available on pixel watch three as an app and you can simply enable the recording right on your wrist if you want you can have these recordings back up to your pixel phone by enabling that feature on the watch.

Phone Unlock

Can you Google pixel watch three can also quickly unlock your pixel phone. Compatibility with phones varies so you’ll want to check if this will work if you’re using an older pixel phone. Your watch will unlock your phone when it’s within reach, and your watch is on your wrist and unlocked itself. This does drain the battery life a bit more but is a convenient feature if you’ve adopted both the phone and a watch.

Camera Stream using Google Nest

Nest Cam live feed.

Another rather amazing feature is that if I ever get an alert to my Google nest cam outside, I can pop up the feed of the camera right on the watch and even talk or listen to what’s happening in the frame.

Safety & help features

Pixel Watch 3 keeps existing safety technology, like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS.
Something called Safety Check allows you to schedule a timer for situations where you might want your friends or family to know where you are. After the timer expires, Safety Check will prompt you to confirm you’re OK, or if you’d like to start sharing your location or contact emergency services. If no response is received, Safety Check will trigger Emergency Sharing, which shares your real-time location and situation with your pre-selected emergency contacts. You can also use Emergency Sharing with contacts for a designated amount of time so your loved ones can see your real-time location, or enable Medical Info to share personal health information with emergency services, like blood type, allergies, or conditions.

New safety features are accessed on the watch by swiping down from the top and choosing the Settings gear then selecting Safety & Emergency from the menu. Worth noting is that in some cases these features (like fall detection) do you need to be turned on for them to work.

With Safety Signal, Fitbit Premium members can get phone-free connectivity to safety features even without activating a full carrier LTE plan on their cellular-enabled watch.

Fitbit Premium – pay to play

It’s probably also worth pointing out that some of the more advanced features of the watch and of the fitness tracking are reserved for Fitbit premium members. Fitbit Premium costs a not-insignificant $13CAD/month or $10USD and gets you things like recorded workouts and more granular data on sleep or stress.

Control smart home from your wrist

Pixel Watch has the ability to control your smart home gadgets, thanks to that built in Google Assistant (and Google Home) function. That means you can turn lights on and off, unlock doors, even open your garage all by just triggering the assistant.

Google Pixel Watch 3 overall review

I really liked the first Pixel Watch, Loved the gen 2, and I have to say the improvements on the Watch 3 have me all-in on this device. It’s officially my go-to smart watch.
Some users (not me) might find the lack of a significant design overhaul a little disappointing, looking for a flatter profile. And while the Pixel Watch 3 offers improved battery life, it might still fall short for those who might be used to getting days or a week from a simpler Fitbit tracker.

Let’s look at the pros and the cons.

On the Pro side, I still love the round face design, and the bigger white face combined with brighter screen makes it so much easier to view at a glance. Plus with all the Fitbit health and tracking features, plus the emergency help options, this is a great watch for day to day, fitness enthusiasts or those with health conditions. I think the band is comfortable and the screen is easy to read, and the touch interface works well.
Host of brand new Fitness readings and measurements, and a handful of tools geared for runners, pixel watch is definitely becoming the go to for those who are serious about Fitness and Health.

On the Con side, it’s really hard to nitpick at this product. The improvements are major and make this worth upgrading to. One of the biggest knocks I could find is that because it will not play at all with any type of Apple device, iPhone users may not find it as useful. But the truth is even though you might not get your phone calls or texts from an iPhone to your pixel watch, it still does so much and measures so much that if you are serious about your health and fitness tracking, this device would be worth having even without the compatibility with an iPhone.

In short, this is a great watch for Android phone users, an outstanding companion for Pixel phone owners and a watch even an iPhone owner will fall in love with. I can absolutely recommend it to all of you.
Here’s the price breakdown, and Google has held the base price from the Gen 2 model: There’s a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth version for about $479CAD or a cellular connected option that costs a bit more at $599— and this is only a marginal price increase over the previous watch. Prices in the USA are $349US and $399 respectively. You can get it from Google or places like Best Buy and Amazon.
You’ve got plenty of other options for smart watches… Check out what you can get from a far less expensive Fitbit tracker, or see what else Google launched this year… right now.

The post Google Pixel Watch 3: my hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

The range of options is staggering: apps that keep it simple with minimalist note-taking, those that organize your life into a perfectly color-coded symphony, and ones that could run small countries with their project management features. 

And the beauty of it all? There’s something out there for everyone. Whether you’re a visual thinker who loves doodling your way through meetings or a list-maker who gets a thrill from checking off tasks – technology has got your back.

So while our brains might be a bit leaky, technology’s evolution in note-taking apps means we’re all just a tap away from reigning in the chaos. Here are some of our favorites:

Evernote: The Old Reliable

Evernote’s one of the most seasoned players on the market and has gained substantial market share in the note-taking app space. It’s got the kind of easy-to-use interface that can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be.

Pros:

• Robust organization functions
• Cross-Device syncing
• Search champion

Cons:

• Freemium version openly teases with the paid features average consumers might not need

Best for: Hoarders of notes who want a no-fuss way to organize their brain dumps.

OneNote: The Freeform Artist

Microsoft’s answer to every student and meeting-goer’s prayers, with an endlessly flexible canvas. And since it’s a Microsoft app, it conveniently syncs with your other Office apps like Outlook Email and Calendar. 

Pros: 

• Superb for pen input 
• integrates smoothly with the Office suite 
• Free

Cons: 

• Can be overwhelming for the uninitiated
• There’s almost too much freedom

Best For: Visual thinkers and digital pen enthusiasts who can’t stand the straight-jacket feel of linear notes.

Notion: The Organizational Wizard

Half note-taker, half project manager, Notion is where notes go to get a job.

Pros: 

• Incredibly versatile with features for project tracking 
• Databases
• Great for team collaboration

Cons: 

• There’s a steeper learning curve
• it might be overkill for those who want something simple

Best For: Anyone juggling multiple projects who dreams in to-do lists.

Google Keep: The Quick and Dirty

The digital equivalent of sticking a post-it on your fridge, but infinitely more powerful.

Pros: 

• Super simple
• Integrates with Google’s ecosystem
• Free

Cons: 

• Lacks depth in organizational features
• Not quite robust for heavy-duty note-takers

Best For: Casual users who need to jot things down in a hurry and not forget the milk.

Bear: The Minimalist’s Dream

Sleek, beautiful, and focused, Bear keeps it simple but effective.

Pros: 

• Gorgeous interface that encourages focus
• Excellent tagging system for organization 
• Joy to use for writing

Cons: 

• Only available for Apple devices
• Best features like Export to PDF and DOCX are locked behind a paywall

Best For: Apple users looking for a distraction-free writing space and those who appreciate aesthetic as much as functionality.

Ulysses: The Writer’s Go-To

A sleek, minimalist writing app that’s like the Swiss Army knife for writers, keeping everything from everything from fleeting thoughts to your next big project neatly organized in one spot. Perfect for Apple lovers with a penchant for clean design and a distraction-free environment.

Pros:

• Clean, minimal interface feels like the digital equivalent of a zen garden
• Easy to organize separate different ideas into different “sheets” for maximum focus
• Export and publishing features that make it easy to share your thoughts

Cons:

• Subscription model might not be the best for writers with commitment issues  
• Apple device exclusive

Best for: Serious writers on the quest to create the next great novel.

SimpleMind: The Visual Maestro

SimpleMind is your personal digital mind mapper that helps you organize your thoughts into a neat, visually satisfying format.

Pros:

• Mind mapping tool that can help give you the big picture at just a quick glance
• Cross-platform syncing
• One-off purchase for each platform means you won’t have to worry about monthly charges

Cons: 

• Might be too simple for power note-takers who like a more detailed approach

The post 7 Best Note-Taking Apps for All Kinds of Note Takers appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

There are a few things in tech that rivals the public anticipation for every new iteration of the iOS. So, when iOS 17 was released in 2023, a lot of people got a glimpse of some of Apple’s newest software enhancements to the ever popular iPhone. And among the new features, NameDrop was probably the flashiest.

Essentially, it’s like AirDrop got a social butterfly sibling. Instead of files, you’re swapping ‘hellos’, ‘nice to meet you’s, and all the essentials to keep the conversation going long after you part ways.

What’s Apple NameDrop?

Apple has decided to sprinkle a little of its Cupertino magic onto our social lives with Name Drop. It’s a contact exchange feature that lets you easily give out your details by simply tapping two iOS 17 equipped devices together.
If enabled, you can select the details you’re comfortable with sharing – like your name, number, and email. And then, with the other person’s consent, of course, gently ‘drop’ that information into their Contacts. They also have the option to send over contact to you as well. No more scrambling for a pen or awkwardly spelling out your email in a noisy cafe.

How it works

Like most Apple features, convenience is the name of the game with NameDrop. If you have it turned on, you simply need to do the following to instantly share your contact information:

1. Unlock your iPhone.
2. Place the top end of your phone next to the phone you want to share contacts with.
3. Then, the NameDrop animation goes on and you can choose whether to Receive Only or Share your contact information with the other phone.

Is it too easy for its own good?

While it’s a welcome new feature for a lot of people, especially those of us with wide professional and personal networks, there are still some potential concerns. There’s that perennial question about privacy. Would we be comfortable knowing our details could be ‘dropped’ so easily?

Would people misuse it? An iPhone left unattended on a bar counter, for example, is susceptible to bad actors siphoning off the owner’s contact information.

It was a valid concern that even got the attention of law enforcement agencies citing the ease of contact sharing as a possible breach of privacy especially for young people and the elderly.

Fortunately, Apple heard these concerns and patched NameDrop in iOS 17.2 to only work if both iPhones are unlocked. This would prevent contact sharing without the consent of the phone’s owner. However, bad actors can still find workarounds to this safety feature, so it’s still advised to remain vigilant of your phone’s whereabouts at all times.

How to turn NameDrop on or off?

NameDrop is switched on by default on iPhones so if you’re worried about your privacy you can turn it off by following these steps:

1. Go to the Utilities page on your App Library.
2. Tap on Settings.
3. Then, click on General.
4. Click on AirDrop.
5. Then, toggle off the Bringing Devices Together setting.
6. To re-enable NameDrop, just toggle this setting back on.

The iPhone 15 is available at Best Buy.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Apple NameDrop: What Is It, How to Use It, And How to Turn It Off? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

How to find Apple customer service number

Apple doesn’t make it easy to figure out how to just call someone for help. Need the Apple  phone number? To talk with Apple advisors device issues, use the Apple support phone number 1-800-275-2273 for US customers and 1-800-263-3394 if you’re Canada. You can also Contact Apple to find the specific numbers for each international region.

Apple also offers online chat support if you prefer typing over talking, accessible via the Apple support website. And guess what? There’s also an Apple Support app just waiting for you on your iPhone or iPad gives you access to basic troubleshooting guides and diagnostic tools as well as a direct chat tool with an Apple advisor.

Unfortunately, no email support exists for Apple, but the live chat support and Apple Support App may make up for it.

How to call Amazon customer service

Got a burning question for Amazon support? Simply call 1-888-280-4331, a number that’s open for your queries round the clock in both US and Canada. You can also call 1-877-375-9365 for any Amazon Echo queries for US customers or 206-922-0197 for Canadians and international customers.

If you prefer an email conversation, Amazon’s got you covered. Hop on to your email and direct your message to mws-admin@amazon.com for Amazon Web Service support, and echo-support@amazon.com for issues with Echo devices.

For best results, however, you can use the built-in Amazon customer support system from the website. It should give you troubleshooting guides or direct you to the proper channels if troubleshooting measures don’t work.

Pro tip: If you’re trying the email route, be a little patient and give them 24 hours to respond.

How to call Google support

For Google, things are a little more… well, Googly. There doesn’t appear to be a universal Google support number, but they do offer phone support for some specific services and gadgets like Pixel devices.

Google’s team is the one who’ll contact you but only after logging in, answering a couple of questions about your service or device issues on their customer support website. This way, Google representatives can already look up your queries beforehand for a faster, smoother conversation.

But don’t stress! They’ve got a comprehensive Help Center and perhaps the most popular forum of all time — Google Support Communities.

And hey, bet you didn’t know that Google has a support Twitter account! Now that’s modern service. Unfortunately, there are no listed customer service email addresses for the tech giant.

How to call Samsung

Samsung’s got a handy number for all your queries 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864) for US and Canada. But, if you’re a Samsung Care+ subscriber, you have a dedicated hotline at 1-877-699-1356.

They also have a pretty tidy Support website, where you can input the device or service you need help with, select the issue, and get a live chat agent to help you get it all sorted.

Can’t find an email for them, but between phone and chat, you’re set! You can also try @SamsungSupport on X for US and Canada customers.

How to call for help for Microsoft Office

Last but definitely not least, Microsoft Office has your back at 1-800-Microsoft (1-800-642-7676) if you’re a US customer and 1-877-568-2495 if you’re in Canada. You can find the rest of the international numbers in the Global Customer Service page on Microsoft’s website.

If you’re not crazy about human interaction via the phone, they’ve designed a sleek support site where you can find answers to almost all your questions.

Remember, folks, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom! Now, armed with these numbers and links, may all your tech troubles find swift resolutions.

The post How to call Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung & Microsoft appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Battery anxiety – it’s that sinking feeling when you’re out and about, far from the safety of a charger, and your trusty sidekick (aka your iPhone) starts gasping for juice.

Unfortunately, iPhones aren’t exactly the fastest kids on the block when it comes to charging speeds. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck slogging slowly to 100%. There are plenty of ways to make iPhones charge a little faster. Here are five of them:

Activate Airplane Mode

First things first: put your iPhone in Airplane mode while charging. But wait – won’t you be cut-off from your digital life? Don’t worry, you’ll survive the short break. Just think of it as a mini digital detox.

Switching to Airplane mode turns off power-hungry features like cellular data and Wi-Fi, allowing you to supercharge your iPhone’s power recovery. Airplane mode also suspends any background app data transfers, downloads, and updates making sure every little bit of power is kept within the battery.

Avoid Using it While it’s Plugged in

While using an iPhone while it’s plugged in won’t result in any catastrophic harm, it significantly slows down charging rates, especially if you’re using power-hungry tasks such as video streaming or gaming. You’re essentially discharging the battery as it’s charging, like filling a bucket with a hole in it.

Get a Faster Charger

The most basic charging brick that Cupertino giant officially sells is the 20W USB-C charger. This type of charger is compatible with a range of Apple devices including the iPhone, AirPods, and even the MacBook Air.

However, if you have any of the Pro iPhones starting from the iPhone 13, opting for a 30W charger is a practical choice because these bad boys can charge up to 27W. This helps significantly in topping up your battery from 0% until 50% or when Apple’s battery management software kicks in.

Ditch Wireless Charging – For Now!

Wireless charging might promise a tangle-free life, but it often takes longer than the old-school wall adapter. To be more specific, iPhones are only able to charge up to a decent 15W with MagSafe chargers and 7.5W with older Qi wireless charging standards. So, until the technology improves, it might be wise to stick to the cord if you’re in a hurry. You know how the saying goes – “Old is gold.”

Keep It Cool

Last but not least – heat and batteries are arch-enemies, like Sherlock and Moriarty. Charging your iPhone in a hot environment slows down its charging speed because too much heat can damage the battery. So, for a faster, safer charge – keep it cool and ventilated.

With our growing reliance on iPhones in our day-to-day tasks, the ability to charge from 0% to 50% in 30-40 minutes can come in clutch. Luckily, Apple has upgraded its charging standards in recent iterations of the iPhone. With the right charger, a swift Airplane mode swap, a balanced temperature, some rest, and a good dose of maintenance, you’re all set to transform your iPhone’s charging time from a drawn-out drama into a speedy sitcom.

1. Apple iPhone X Tips and Tricks + What’s new
2. How to use a friend’s phone to find your lost iPhone or Android Phone
3. How to Edit and Unsend Text Messages on an iPhone

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 5 EASY Ways to Make Your iPhone Charge Faster appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

We’ve all been there, tucked in bed with that familiar feeling of dread as the morning alarm goes off. Desperately in search of a few extra minutes of shut-eye, we hurriedly hit the snooze button. But have you ever stopped to wonder why Apple’s snooze setting is a peculiar 9 minutes? Let’s explore the history behind this little digital quirk.

Homage to Horology

The nine-minute snooze duration on Apple’s clocks isn’t a random number picked during a company icebreaker. Instead, it has a backstory rooted deep in time – mechanical clocks, to be precise. Back when alarm clocks first became a thing, inventors had to work around the limitations of the gear design.

As a result, the nine-minute snooze was born. Pre-digital alarm clocks depended on rotating gears, and due to their internal mechanism, a ten-minute snooze would have required a significant redesign and added complexity. Thus, engineers opted for the nine-minute interval. Though digital clocks can now easily accommodate other timing options, many brands (including Apple) have maintained this nine-minute duration.

How to Change Apple’s 9-Minute Snooze

Unfortunately, Apple does not allow you to change the default 9-minute snooze duration directly from the ‘Clock’ app settings. But you can work your way around both within the app or via the Apple Store.

The No-Download Way

If downloading a new clock app or alarm app isn’t an option for you, you can set multiple alarms with your desired snooze interval. We like to keep a 15-minute interval on our snoozes, here’s how you can do just that:

• Open the Clock app on your iPhone. (It’s usually in the Utilities category on your App Library)
• Go to the Alarms tab using the bottom ribbon.
• Tap on the ‘+’ (plus) icon in the top right corner.
• Set the time you want your first alarm and then turn off ‘Snooze’.
• Click ‘Save’.
• Tap on the ‘+’ icon again to create your next alarm, this time with the desired gap between the first.
• Repeat steps 3 to 6 for as many ‘snoozes’ you want at your chosen intervals.

Although, this method admittedly takes more effort especially if you know that other phone makers allow you to change the snooze interval with their default clock.

Third-Party Apps

To customize the interval using third-party applications, you’ll need to download an alternative alarm clock app from the App Store. Many of these apps like ‘Alarmy’, ‘Sleep Cycle’, and ‘Progressive Alarm Clock’ among others offer more flexibility in their snooze settings.

For instance, ‘Alarmy’ allows you to manually set the snooze time to any length you want. Similarly, ‘Sleep Cycle’ allows for personalized wake-up phases, and ‘Progressive Alarm Clock’ offers a gradually increasing alarm sound which can be a more peaceful way to wake up.

Once you’ve downloaded your app of choice, manage the snooze interval by diving into the settings of the respective application. Each app has its own configuration, but typically, you can go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Alarm settings’ -> ‘Snooze duration’ (or similar) and adjust it to your desired interval.

In Conclusion: Thanks, Old-School Alarm Clocks!

Whether you’re an iPhone owner, a mechanical clock aficionado, or just someone who appreciates a good ol’ history lesson, it’s fascinating to discover the origins behind everyday tech quirks. Apple’s choice to maintain the nine-minute snooze isn’t just a mysterious company secret—it’s rooted in history and practical design.

By the way, should you want a different snooze duration, worry not! There are plenty of third-party alarm apps available that let you personalize snooze intervals to fit your lifestyle, because sometimes you just need that extra minute.

The iPhone 15 is available from Best Buy.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Why Apple’s Snooze is 9 Minutes & can I change it? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Search Without Interrupting Your Flow: Circle to Search

Highlighting and selecting objects for the purpose of looking up more information can be a bit of a hassle especially if you need to do it spontaneously, and while Google Images search is great, it takes a few steps. Google is tackling this issue with its new Circle to Search feature that promises quick access to search results after performing a simple gesture.

How to use Google Circle to Search

To use Circle to Search, just long press your Pixel’s home button or gesture bar and use the touchscreen to draw a circle over a piece of text, area of an image, or object you wish to search more information on. Once finished, Google will work its AI magic and deliver the results without switching away from your active app. Circle to Search isn’t limited to just circling too as you can squiggle over an object or highlight text and Google will recognize what you are trying to find.

Transform Photos into Reactions: Meet Photomoji

The Google Messages app in Pixel devices is getting a fun little feature called Photomoji which can turn a part of a photo in your library into a reaction or sticker. The magic of Photomoji is its quickness and accuracy of taking out objects from the background for immediate use within Google Messages. Photomoji saves every sticker you make in a special tab for easy reusing. Your friends in your Google Messages conversation can use these stickers as well even if they are not using a Pixel device.

Magic Compose Out of Beta and Runs On-Device for Pixel 8 Pro

Magic Compose was a breakthrough experimental feature when launched in beta back in May 2023. The feature used AI to generate suggestions on how to respond based on the conversation. Its main limitation was the fact that the messages needed to go through Google’s servers.

Part of Google’s feature drop is the non-beta debut of the Magic Compose feature and for Pixel 8 Pro devices specifically, the feature works entirely on the device. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the first Android device that is compliant with Google’s Gemini Nano AI model. Gemini Nano is the most efficient model in the Gemini family allowing Pixel 8 Pro devices to rewrite drafted messages and generate appropriate responses to a conversation without requiring access to the cloud.

Pixel Thermometer App Gets New Body Temperature Feature in the US

Pixel 8 Pro owners in the US can now use the Pixel Thermometer app to take a person’s body temperature just by letting the device scan the forehead. The feature is FDA-certified and the app can save the data to your Fitbit profile to further build up your health and wellness profile. Keep an eye out for a Canada release in the future.

Faster Sharing Across Devices

Say goodbye to the Nearby Share feature as Google merged its technology with Samsung’s Quick Share feature bringing a better default option for Pixel devices to use for simple peer-to-peer sharing. The feature works across Android devices and Chromebooks and can even detect certain Windows PCs that have the Quick Share app preinstalled.

Hassle-free Audio Switching

You no longer need to fiddle with menus and Bluetooth pairing settings if you want to connect your Pixel Buds Pro to another device (Pixel 5a devices or newer). As soon as you move your Pixel Buds Pro to another device, that device will recognize it and automatically pair. Google’s latest feature drop adds Pixel Watch support.

New Minty Fresh Colour for Pixel 8

For those who haven’t yet upgraded to the Pixel ecosystem to enjoy these new features, Google is offering a new color for their Pixel 8 models – Minty Fresh. The Pixel 8 Minty Fresh is currently available on Google Store Canada and is currently bundling this new variant with a free matching case if you order on or before February 3, 2024.

This feature drop represents a new paradigm shift for the smartphone arms race for 2024 as the best smartphone isn’t just about having the fastest processor and most advanced camera array. We are now living in the AI era and smartphones need advanced processors like Google’s Tensor G3 found in the Pixel 8 devices to use the latest and greatest features. With Google promising 7 years of software updates for their Pixel 8 series, expect more feature drops to utilize these AI-centric processors.

Don’t forget to check out Erin’s full review of Google Pixel 8 smartphone, or Google Pixel Buds Pro.

Shop Google Pixel 8. Shop Pixel Buds Pro.

Also Read:

1. New Google Pixel 6a smartphone review
2. Google Pixel 7 & 7 Pro: What’s the difference & how to choose
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro smartphone Review

The post Google Just Dropped Cool New Pixel Features appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Read our step-by-step guide to connect Alexa to your Wi-Fi network and streamline your home experience.

Have you ever looked at your Alexa device and wondered why it isn’t following your commands? The reason might be as simple as a lost internet connection. What if you’ve changed your Wi-Fi network or relocated to a new location with a different network, and Alexa has gone silent?

Isn’t it frustrating?

Let’s solve the problem of connecting Alexa to the Internet so simply that you’ll wonder why you ever bothered. No technical language, no complicated procedures—just a simple, no-hassle guide to keeping your Alexa device as connected as you are.

The Alexa app or the Amazon Alexa website can connect your Alexa device to Wi-Fi.

• You can also change your Wi-Fi source using the Alexa app.
• Use Firefox, Safari, or Edge to connect your Alexa to Wi-Fi from the webpage.

Stick around for the definitive answer to your Alexa connection questions!

How do you Connect Alexa to the Internet Via an App?

Follow these simple steps to connect Alexa to Wi-Fi via the app:

Open the Alexa App: If you haven’t already, get it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Tap Devices: This option is located at the bottom of your screen.

Choose Echo & Alexa: Located in the upper-left corner of your screen.

Select Your Device: Select the Alexa device to connect to a new Wi-Fi network. If it isn’t visible, check All Devices or think about resetting it.

Tap Status to display the current Wi-Fi network to which your device is connected.

Under Wireless, tap Change: Located next to Wi-Fi Network.

Choose a Wi-Fi Network: Select “Join another Wi-Fi network” from the options for more freedom.

By following these simple steps via the app, you’ll have your Alexa connected to the Internet and ready to answer your every order. But what if you like the Alexa website from Amazon?

Read our next section, where we will go through the processes on your browser.

Problems with connectivity? Not with this expert advice on your side.

How Do You Connect Alexa to the Internet Without an App?

Set up your browser to use Firefox, Safari, or Edge. However, Chrome, unfortunately, won’t work.

Go to alexa.amazon.com. Log in to your account with your browser.

Navigate to Settings, which is located on the left sidebar.

Choose Set Up a New Device: Start the connecting process under Devices.

Select Your Device: Select the Alexa device you wish to connect to.

Turn on your device and check that the ring light is orange.

Choose the Amazon-XXX Network: Select a Wi-Fi network with this identifier.

Continue by clicking here.

Select Your Network: Select the Wi-Fi network to connect to and enter the password.

With these simple steps, you can use Alexa without needing an app. 

Is Alexa not Connecting to WIFI? What to Do?

Let’s look into why your virtual assistant isn’t connecting to the Internet. Here’s a step-by-step procedure for dealing with connection issues:

Check Wi-Fi

• Open the Alexa App on your smartphone.
• At the bottom, choose Devices.
• Select Echo & Alexa, followed by your device.
• To confirm and enter the proper password, tap Change next to your Wi-Fi network.

Check Your Internet Connection

• If Wi-Fi is secured, ensure your internet connection is running.
• Check your device’s signal strength before attempting to browse.
• If your internet connection goes down, contact your internet service provider.

Changing the Wi-Fi Band

• Switch between 2.4 and 5 GHz on dual-band routers for the best signal.
• In the Alexa App, go to Devices.
• Select Echo & Alexa, followed by your device.
• To change the band, go to Settings, then Change next to Wi-Fi.

Reboot the Alexa device

• A fresh start may work wonders.
• Unplug your device, then wait 10 seconds before reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

Optimize Device Positioning

• Ensure that Alexa is at most 30 feet from your router.
• Remove physical impediments and reduce electrical interference.

Restart Both Manually

• Unplug the modem or router.
• Wait 30 seconds before reconnecting.
• Unplug Alexa for 3 seconds at the same time.

Router Software Upgrade

• Check your router’s manual or website for the most recent software update.

Factory Reset Alexa

If everything else fails, factory reset your Alexa device.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to solve any connectivity issues and guarantee that Alexa stays the dependable virtual assistant you rely on.

Alexa is Ready to Help You!

From app installation to browser connectivity, ensure your virtual assistant is always connected to your Wi-Fi.

As you begin your journey with Alexa, know that help is coming if any connectivity issues emerge.

Now that you’ve learned how to create and maintain a solid connection easily, it’s time to utilize the power of your Alexa device.

Manage your home smartly, play your favorite music, or answer questions.

So, Alexa users, what is your favorite command to use regularly? Share your insights in the comments.

The post How to connect Alexa to the Internet: Quick and Easy Guide appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.