TechnikNews Weekly # 044: Google Calendar, One UI and more
A SUMMARY of David Haydl 
on December 30, 2018, 18:00 | Write a comment
This forty-fourth edition of the TechnikNews Weekly will be the last one of the current year. But it will continue next year. This week we reported, among other things, about the new design of the Google Calendar web app and the rollout of One UI.
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- 1 The web version of the Google Calendar got a new design
- 2 Start of distribution of Android Pie with One UI
- 3 Samsung is reportedly working on a new smartwatch
- 4 Sonos 5.0 home cinema setprobeer
- 5 Android Pie reaches OnePlus 5 and 5T
- 6 Android Pie with EMUI 9 for Huawei P20 (Pro)
- 7 Instagram accidentally rolled out a new app design
- 8 Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 XL Lite should be released in spring
- 9 Google announced a 30-day Google Fit Challenge
- 10 Huawei P Smart (2019) presented
- 11 Android Pie causes battery problems on the Galaxy S9 (Plus)
- 12 LibratoneZIPP 2 and ZIPP mini 2 tested
The web version of the Google Calendar got a new design
It wasn't that long ago that Google redesigned its calendar mobile app. Now the web app has also received the new design. Google's Product Sans font can now be found in several places, the Floating Action Button, or FAB for short, now looks like it does in the web versions of Gmail and Google Drive, and the entire UI generally looks more modern. The current day is now circled in blue in the appointment overview instead of being highlighted with blue font color, and the corners of the blocks that represent the individual events are now rounded.
Start of distribution of Android Pie with One UI
The rollout of Android Pie with One UI for Samsung devices shouldn't start until January. But this week, just in time for Christmas, the update began to be distributed. Users of a Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus will get the new Android version first. In February, the Galaxy Note 9 should be on, followed by the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus in March.
Samsung is reportedly working on a new smartwatch
In just a few months, Samsung could introduce the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus. Now a smartwatch with the code name "Pulse" appeared, which the company could present to the public along with the new smartphones. The code name suggests that this is the direct successor to Gear Sport. Accordingly, the watch is expected to have a heart rate sensor, GPS, and other sensors for tracking sports.
Sonos 5.0 home cinema setprobeer
Editor-in-chief David had the opportunity to test the 5.0 home cinema set from Sonos. This consists of two Sonos One speakers and a Sonos Beam soundbar. In his conclusion, he said that although the devices cannot replace a professional home system, Sonos still has a right to exist. The company's ease of use and reliability are particularly impressive. Sonos is clearly ahead of competitors such as Teufel, especially when it comes to the app.
Android Pie reaches OnePlus 5 and 5T
Buyers of a OnePlus 5 or 5T also received Android Pie this week, here in combination with the OxygenOS user interface in version 9.0. The update will be rolled out gradually, which means that it may take a while for Pie to arrive on all devices. The security patch for December is also included with Android Pie and OxygenOS 9.0.
Android Pie with EMUI 9 for Huawei P20 (Pro)
Almost at the same time, there was news that Huawei had also released Android Pie with the EMUI 9 interface. To be more precise, all buyers of a Huawei P20 and Huawei P20 Pro will now be provided with the latest version of Android. But here too, it may take some time until all devices have the update.
Instagram accidentally rolled out a new app design
This week there was an internal error on Instagram, as a result of which a new design was rolled out to many users of the social network. Those affected reported that it was then suddenly only possible to navigate horizontally through the new posts. This update should only have been distributed to a handful of users as part of a test phase, reports Adam Mosseri from Instagram on Twitter. In the meantime, all involuntary testers got the old design back.
Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 XL Lite should be released in spring
According to some rumors, Google is planning to introduce mid-range versions of the current Pixel devices for the first time this year. Android Police colleagues may have heard that such smartphones will be available from Verizon this spring. It is not known whether the Pixel-Lite smartphones will make it to Germany. But I think it's likely. The Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 XL Lite are said to have a Snapdragon 670 or 710 with 32 gigabytes of memory and 3 gigabytes of RAM. The displays are almost certainly 5,5 and 6 inches each.
Google announced a 30-day Google Fit Challenge
To start the new year fit, Google announced a 30-day challenge. During this time, it is important to collect as many cardiopoints as possible on Google Fit. The challenge starts on January 1st, but you can already register for it in the app on your smartphone.
Huawei P Smart (2019) presented
Huawei already presented a smartphone in the current year before the coming year. This is called Huawei P Smart (2019) and has a so-called "dewdrop display", which is 6,21 inches. "Dewdrop" could be an allusion to the waterdrop notch. Inside is the in-house mid-range Kirin 710 chip with 3 gigabytes of RAM and 64 gigabytes of memory. The OS already has Android Pie with EMUI 9.
Android Pie causes battery problems on the Galaxy S9 (Plus)
The update for the Galaxy S9 (Plus), whose rollout began at Christmas as mentioned, is already causing problems. More specifically: battery problems. SamMobile reports that when the remaining charge is 10 percent, the level drops to 5 percent within just a few seconds. Some readers were able to confirm this in the comments on the post, while others claim that the update has increased battery life by up to 20 percent. Those affected are advised to perform a factory reset.
LibratoneZIPP 2 and ZIPP mini 2 tested
Last but not least, my test report on the new ZIPP loudspeakers from Libratone was published yesterday evening. I found the design of the smart speakers with the colorful fabric covers particularly appealing. I was also consistently satisfied with the Libratone app and the battery life. However, the sound quality didn't make me a hundredprocent warm. In fact, at low volume, the bass can overshadow other details of a song.