Here’s who is making that ultra-bright Google Pixel 8 Display

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Here’s who is making that ultra-bright Google Pixel 8 Display
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The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro both sport pretty bright displays. With peak brightness hitting 2,000 nits and 2,400 nits respectively. Which is pretty incredible. And many are wondering who made these displays. Was it Samsung? And if so, why didn’t they keep these for their own flagship phones like the upcoming Galaxy S24 series? Well we have an answer.

On the Pixel 8, Google is apparently sourcing displays from two companies. That’s Samsung and BOE. A bit surprising to see BOE there over LG. Google has used LG quite a bit on its Pixel devices, and BOE hasn’t gotten to make displays for a lot of flagship smartphones lately.

Over on the Pixel 8 Pro, Google is only sourcing displays from Samsung. So that means these ultra-bright displays are coming from Samsung. Making things a bit weird, since they usually save the best stuff for their latest flagship phones. So are we going to get even better displays on the Galaxy S24 series next year?

Super Actua is legit

With the Pixel 8 series, Google coined a new name for their displays. That’s Actua for the Pixel 8 and Super Actua for Pixel 8 Pro. It’s really just marketing, but who cares about that. Because these displays are incredible. As I mentioned in my Pixel 8 Pro Review, the display is not only bright, but it’s incredibly stunning. The colors really just pop at you. Which is not something I’ve said about Pixels in the past.

Google using both BOE and Samsung on the Pixel 8 means that either Google wasn’t able to secure enough panels from Samsung, or they are expecting to sell a lot of these phones. And honestly, they should sell a lot. These are both really great smartphones from Google. And that’s the first time I’ve said that in quite some time. Thanks to BOE and Samsung.


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Batteries Plus will repair your Samsung Galaxy under warranty

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Batteries Plus will repair your Samsung Galaxy under warranty
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Samsung has announced an expansion of its partnership with phone repair solutions provider Batteries Plus. The repair firm is now an Authorized Service Center (ASC) for the company in the US. It will offer in-warranty repairs for Galaxy devices in 35 locations across the country.

Batteries Plus is now an authorized Samsung Galaxy service center

Founded in 1988, Batteries Plus is headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin. Along with phone repair services, the firm is also a leading retailer of batteries and specialty light bulbs in the US. It currently operates more than 700 stores across the country.

Samsung introduced Batteries Plus as an official but Independent Service Provider for Galaxy devices in 2018. The firm primarily handled out-of-warranty repairs. However, starting this fall, it has graduated into an ASC. The Korean firm announced that 35 Batteries Plus stores in the US will now provide in-warranty repairs.

According to the company, this expansion will address the demand of people who prefer in-person repair services rather than mailing their damaged devices to its service centers. Samsung says Batteries Plus will offer walk-in service for all Galaxy devices, including the complex foldables. Whenever possible, it will provide a same-day delivery too.

Samsung added that it will train the repair technicians at those 35 Batteries Plus locations to ensure quality services. The technicians will undergo “rigorous Samsung Certified training,” the company said. This will set “the highest standard for quality device repairs” and help in customer satisfaction.

With this partnership expansion, Samsung has taken another major leap toward its mission “to make convenient, fast, and quality repair options accessible to more people across the country.” Mark Williams, a Vice President at Samsung US, acknowledged the inconvenience faced by customers due to the lack of easily accessible repair options.

He said this expanded partnership with Batteries Plus will fill “a crucial gap in communities where there isn’t an existing Samsung Care location or other authorized service centers. This means more customers can benefit from our customer-first care experience and get in-warranty repairs.”

Samsung has more than 2,000 Care locations in the US

This partnership further expands Samsung’s already robust service chain in the US. The Korean firm has more than 2,000 Samsung Authorized Care locations across the nation. It claims to cover over 80 percent of the US population with a typical repair time of two hours or less. No wonder it sits at the top of the customer satisfaction index.

“Our expanded partnership with Samsung marks a significant milestone for Batteries Plus, taking our long-standing collaboration to a new level,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. Together, we’re meeting our customers where they live with convenient, expert Samsung device care — and contributing to a more sustainable future.”


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Google Meet introduces a new portrait touch-up feature

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Google Meet introduces a new portrait touch-up feature
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You’re fighting a bad cold, you have a business meeting over Google Meet at 2:00, and you rolled out of bed at 1:50. Obviously, you don’t have the time to fix yourself up before the meeting, and you don’t want to join looking like a wreck. Thankfully, Google’s got your back. The company unveiled a new portrait touch-up feature for Google Meet.

There are always those times when you aren’t looking your best right before a meeting. Admittedly, business meetings aren’t exactly beauty pageants; you don’t need to look your best to talk to your fellow colleagues. However, people also use Meet for friendly get-togethers and job interviews. These are situations where appearances matter that much more, so this feature will be much more handy for them.

Google Meet unveils its new portrait touch-up feature

It’s often that people will join a meeting when tired, sick, or jet-lagged. This is something that Google acknowledged with this new feature. Called portrait touch-up, it does what its name states. It touches up your portrait so that you look more meeting-ready.

For the moment, this is only coming to the mobile app, but the company is looking to bring this to the web version by the end of the year. As for the function, there are two modes that you can choose from. The first mode is called Subtle. This will only administer slight changes to your face to negate any facial or complexion issues.

This mode will slightly smooth out your complexion, lighten the area under your eyes, and whiten your eyes slightly. This will remove bags under the eyes and red eyes. This could also come in handy if you don’t particularly feel unwell.

The next mode is a little more intense, and it could be useful if you’re in the grips of a cold or just rolled out of bed. This one is called Smoothing. It will do all of the same things that the other mode does but to a further extent.

Right now, this feature is rolling out, and it should be completed within the next 15 days. This feature is coming to Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, Teaching & Learning Upgrade, Google One, and Google Workspace Individual users.

People with personal accounts won’t be able to use this feature.


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10 interesting facts about Android phones you should know

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10 interesting facts about Android phones you should know
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Android phones have become an important part of our daily lives, offering a world of functionality and possibilities at our fingertips. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just a casual user, there are some intriguing aspects of Android devices of which you might not be aware.

In this write-up, we’ll take a look at 10 interesting facts about Android phones that will provide a deeper understanding of this amazing technology.

1. Android’s Open-Source Nature

The open-source nature of Android is a major characteristic that sets it apart from its major competitor, Apple’s iOS. This means that the source code of the Android operating system is freely available for developers to access, modify, and distribute. This open philosophy has created a thriving ecosystem of developers, contributing to the widespread adoption of Android across a variety of devices, not just smartphones.

2. Multiple Manufacturers

Unlike iOS, which is exclusively used on Apple devices, Android is a versatile platform that spans across numerous manufacturers. This diversity has led to a wide array of Android-powered smartphones, catering to varying needs and preferences. Samsung, with its Galaxy series, is one of the most well-known Android manufacturers. However, other prominent manufacturers such as Google, LG, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Sony have also established their presence in the Android market. This wide-ranging selection ensures that consumers can find a device that matches their budget, design preferences, and feature requirements.

3. Fragmentation in Android Versions

While the openness of Android is an advantage, it comes with a challenge: fragmentation. Android users run various versions of the operating system simultaneously, with some devices operating on older versions due to delays in receiving updates. This fragmentation can impact app compatibility and security. Google has initiated efforts to mitigate this issue by encouraging manufacturers to provide regular updates. Additionally, the Android One program has been established to offer a near-stock Android experience and faster updates on select devices.

4. Google Play Store Dominance

The Google Play Store is the go-to source for Android applications, boasting a vast library of apps ranging from productivity tools, to utilities, healthcare, and gambling apps. Speaking of gambling apps, the Google Play Store made changes to its policies in 2021 to support gambling-related apps. This means slot and table game fans can now download and install all their favorite casino apps from the store. Poker players are also not left out, as there is a vast selection of supported Android poker apps like Ignition and Bovada. The Google Play Store takes things up a notch by offering features like user reviews, app ratings, and app recommendations. While alternative app stores exist, none have been able to match the depth and security of the Google Play Store.

5. Android’s Multitasking Abilities

Android excels in multitasking, offering features like split-screen functionality. This allows users to run two apps side by side, making it easier to reference information or perform tasks simultaneously. This multitasking capability is a significant advantage for those who need to juggle multiple tasks on their mobile devices.

6. Easy Customization

Android is known for its customization options. Users can personalize their home screens by arranging widgets, icons, and wallpapers according to their preferences. Also, third-party launchers, which are apps that replace the default home screen experience, allow for even deeper customization. This level of flexibility sets Android apart from iOS and other operating systems, enabling users to tailor their devices to match their unique style and workflow.

7. Google Assistant Integration

Android devices are deeply integrated with Google services, including the powerful Google Assistant. Google Assistant is a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence, capable of answering questions, providing information, controlling smart home devices, and even executing tasks like sending messages or setting reminders. Its integration into Android devices ensures that users have a personal assistant at their fingertips, making everyday tasks more convenient and efficient.

8. Android’s Security Measures

Google places a strong emphasis on the security of Android devices. To address security concerns, Android devices receive regular security updates that patch vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats. Google Play Protect is a built-in security feature that scans installed apps for malware, enhancing the overall security of the device. Users can also enable biometric authentication methods like fingerprint and facial recognition, adding an extra layer of protection to their devices.

9. Android for VR and AR

Android’s influence extends to more than just smartphones. The platform is used for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Devices like the Oculus Quest and Google Cardboard rely on Android to offer immersive VR experiences, opening up new possibilities in entertainment, education, and training. In the world of AR, Android-based applications have been transforming industries, such as gaming, by overlaying digital information onto the physical world through the device’s camera.

10. Android in the Automotive World

Android’s versatility extends into the automotive industry with Android Auto. Android Auto is a platform designed for in-car infotainment systems. It offers a safe and convenient way for drivers to access navigation, music, and messaging features while on the road. Many major automakers have integrated Android Auto into their vehicles, allowing drivers to connect their Android smartphones and enjoy a seamless and intuitive in-car experience.

Conclusion

Android phones have revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. Their open-source nature, diverse manufacturer options, customization capabilities, and integration with Google services make Android an incredibly versatile and dynamic platform. Staying informed about the latest developments and features in the Android ecosystem can help users make the most of their devices and enjoy the best features.


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Apple’s native iOS, iPadOS weather app is more informative than you might think

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Apple’s native iOS, iPadOS weather app is more informative than you might think
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We’ve seen how complex weather apps have become over the years. Did you ever see how many weather apps are available in the App Store or the Google Play Store? In the past, you could get by with one weather app, but now you need one for your region and at least another for hyper-local forecasts. Some weather apps will include a radar to help you get a better idea about precipitation in your area, and there are the big names that have been around forever such as The Weather Channel and AccuWeather.

Apple’s native weather app has improved greatly over the years

Apple has improved its weather app over the years and the acquisition of hyperlocal Dark Sky in 2020 led Apple to shut down the Android version of the app on July 1st, 2020. The iOS version of the Dark Sky app, which was the top weather app in the App Store for some time, was shut by Apple at the start of this year. Dark Sky was known for its highly accurate local forecasts which it put together using crowdsourced weather data.
Apple's native weather app overs plenty of vital data, graphs, and information - Apple's native iOS, iPadOS weather app is more informative than you might think

Apple’s native weather app overs plenty of vital data, graphs, and information

Apple took the hyerlocal forecasting process offered by Dark Sky and is using it on its native iOS weather app. With the release of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, Apple has added new features. For example, opening the native weather app and scrolling down to the 10-day forecast now allows you to tap on any one of those 10 days to get a more enhanced look at the one particular day that you tapped on. This is a new feature called “Conditions.”
With “Conditions,” you’ll see a graph for the day you selected that will show the forecast temperature during certain times of the day. A graph underneath that one will show you when any precipitation is expected followed by a Daily Summary. For example, in Salem Massachusetts for next Thursday, the summary notes that “Thursday’s low will be 54 degrees at 12am, and the high will be 68 degrees between 2pm and 3pm.” Nice to have some warm weather this late in October!
And if I want to see the “Conditions” page for any other of the 10 upcoming days, I can simply swipe to the left to go forward or to the right to go back.

You can learn more information about the Air Quality where you live by tapping the Air Quality heading in the native weather app. Tapping the heading will show you a map with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area and will compare the current reading with the previous day’s number. It will also give you data about pollutants such as noting that Ozone is typically elevated due to traffic, fossil fuel combustion, and fires and can be transported far distances.

How to find more information from the iOS and iPadOS 17 native weather app

Tapping on the heading of any of the individual headings in the native weather app will give you more information about that category. The headings include:


  • Visibility
  • Humidity
  • Pressure
  • Feels Like
  • Wind
  • Sunrise/Sunset
  • Averages (Temperature/Precipitation)
  • UV Index
  • Moon

As we said, tapping on any one of these headings shows you beautifully done graphs and historical information. One of the most useful is the data you see when you tap the Averages heading and have the page on temperature. You can see a graph that shows the average high and low temperature for each month in the city that you’re looking up.

If you tap under the Moon heading, not only do you see a gorgeous image of what the current phase of the moon looks like, but a calendar shows you which phase the moon will be in for every day of the current month along with the dates for the New Moon and the Full Moon.

Even if you already pay for a weather app that you use on your iPhone or iPad, the native weather app on both devices is chock full of weather information that will come in handy. All Apple needs to add is a radar and many iOS and iPadOS users might start deleting their paid weather apps.

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You can now back up your RAW photos in Google Photos

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You can now back up your RAW photos in Google Photos
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With the Pixel 8 Pro, Google is now giving RAW photos more attention. Previously, you couldn’t back up your RAW photos to Google Drive. However, that’s going to change, as Google Photos will allow you to automatically back up your RAW photos.

Google Photos didn’t really accommodate the RAW files that people would take. It would automatically upload your JPEGs and that was pretty much it. However, the Pixel 8 Pro has the ability to take and save photos in RAW format. Thus, Google is making changes to its photos app to better support the format.

Google Photos will automatically back up RAW files

This feature is still new, as it was spotted earlier on Thursday. When you can use the feature, you’ll see a little banner at the top of the screen saying “New RAW photos will appear in the Photos view and will now be backed up.” This means that your RAW photos will be backed up along with your other photos.

When you’re viewing the photos, you’ll have some options. Firstly, When you’re looking at a RAW photo, you’ll have the option to look at the JPEG as well. When on the JPEG, you’ll have some options. You’ll be able to export the JPEG version or just keep that version of the photo. If you’re looking at the RAW photo, you’ll have the option to keep only that version of the photo or make it the main photo.

You’ll just need to be careful, as RAW photos take up a lot of storage. If you’re uploading them to the cloud by default, it could really eat up your cloud storage. You’ll need to keep an eye on that.

Fortunately, the app will only upload newly taken RAW files. So, if you have RAW files on your computer already, they won’t be uploaded automatically.


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Google may have brought Project Iris AR glasses back from the dead

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Google may have brought Project Iris AR glasses back from the dead
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Google may have resumed work on Project Iris, its effort to make AR (augmented reality) glasses. Code strings found inside the latest version of the Google app for Android hint at the ongoing development of the product. This comes just a few months after a report claimed that the company had shelved the project.

Google’s Project Iris may be alive and kicking

We first heard about Project Iris in January 2022. Several tech giants, including Meta and Apple, were working on new AR and VR (virtual reality) headsets at that time. Google wanted a slice of this emerging market and started developing its own AR glasses. It demoed an early version of the product during Google I/O in May 2022. The glasses could translate spoken languages in real time and show transcriptions right in front of your eyeballs.

The company said it would start testing the futuristic glasses in public in July 2022. However, that never happened. In the meantime, both Meta and Apple went on to unveil their respective AR headsets. Then came the dreaded news in June 2023. Multiple people familiar with the matter confirmed that Google has pulled the plug on Project Iris. It reportedly wanted to focus on software solutions for such products.

However, Google hadn’t buried Project Iris for once and all. While the company was no longer actively working on the glasses, the sources said that the door was open for work to resume in the future. Some suggested that the firm may have folded the project into its joint mixed-reality venture with Qualcomm and Samsung announced in January this year. While things aren’t clear yet, Project Iris appears to be very much alive and kicking.

During a teardown of the Google app for Android (beta version), 9to5Google found a string tagged “Iris.” It explains how users can activate Google Assistant with a long press on their right temple without the saying “Hey Google” hotword. The string is as follows: <string name=”assistant_bisto_oobe_iris_finish_setup_description_no_hotword”>Just touch & hold the right temple to talk to your Assistant.</string>

Google may offer a deep Assistant integration with the product

As noted by the publication, there already exist some wearable devices, including the Sony LinkBuds, that let you summon Google Assistant with a similar gesture. However, this string isn’t related to those devices. It’s for products that Google has given the “iris_device” attribute. The company could refer to all AR glasses with the “Iris” codename, but chances are high that it’s a Google-made device.

This APK teardown also revealed that the product will feature a deep Assistant integration. The publication could find code strings hinting at Assistant actions such as calling friends and setting timers. Unfortunately, there’s no telling when Google’s Project Iris will see the light of day, if at all. It’s also unclear whether the device will be different from the one it’s developing jointly with Qualcomm and Samsung. Hopefully, it won’t be long before we have more information.


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WhatsApp is rolling out “view once” mode for audio messages

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WhatsApp is rolling out “view once” mode for audio messages
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WhatsApp is once again rolling out new features, joining the list of recent updates. The Meta-owned app recently added support for passkeys, and there are reports of upcoming group chat events. But the updates don’t stop there, as now more updates are coming our way.

The go-to source for WhatsApp updates, WABetainfo, reports that the Meta-owned app is introducing a new feature. Users can now share voice notes with “view once” mode enabled, offering an extra layer of privacy.

A new “view once” icon is now present in the chat bar when recording a voice note. When tapped, this icon activates “view once” mode, preventing the recipient from exporting, forwarding, saving, or recording the voice note. Once the voice note is sent with “view once” mode enabled, neither the sender nor the recipient can listen to it again after it’s dismissed.

This feature gives users more control over their privacy when sharing voice notes. It ensures that these voice notes cannot be exported, forwarded, or shared with others, eliminating the risk of personal or sensitive information reaching unintended recipients. This adds an additional layer of privacy to your messages.

Furthermore, the source confirms that recipients are unable to save or record your voice notes, providing better control over the content you share and further safeguarding your privacy.

The ability to set “view once” mode for voice notes is now available for some beta testers. You can get it by installing the latest versions of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store and WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app. And, good news, it’s gradually rolling out to more users over the next few days.

iMessage lets you send voice messages that vanish after 2 minutes of being listened to. While WhatsApp’s new feature might not be a game-changer, it’s a nice addition to the messaging app that boasts a whopping 2.7 billion users.


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Gboard update makes emojis more expressive and customizable

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Gboard update makes emojis more expressive and customizable
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If you use Gboard on your Android device, you’ll find it hard to customize your emoji packs. This customization involves selecting the skin tones and gender of various characters within the collection. With a new update, things are getting easier and with just one edit, users can customize the entire pack of emojis available for usage.

Google took to its blog to announce this design improvement coming to Gboard emojis. Now, by changing the gender and skin tone of one emoji, all other emojis will switch to the user’s pick. This change fixes many issues that users have had to endure over the past years.

Users will be able to access this new feature with an update that is rolling out to the Gboard app. Google is bringing this upgrade to Gboard emojis after learning how users interact with these various emojis while texting. Many users worldwide will benefit from this change, as it’ll help them represent themselves better while texting others.

Recent research by Google prompted a vital change to Gboard emojis

Gboard emojis

Gboard is the official keyboard on Android devices, and it comes with a lot of emojis. However, there is a need to understand how users interact with these emojis to better serve them. Google recently researched to understand how Gboard users interact with certain emojis while texting.

For this research, Google had to involve 2,000 participants consisting of the five skin colors available on Gboard. This research threw more light on an issue that users have been facing for a very long time. Most participants in this research were more likely to use their actual skin tone and gender for emojis while texting.

Previously, to achieve this, users had to change the skin tone and gender on each emoji. However, with this update, users only have to change their skin tone and gender on just one emoji, and it’ll extend to the rest. Making this change one for all will take away the stress of having to change the skin tone and gender of all emojis individually.

Also, the research shows that the majority of the 2000 participants are more likely to use emojis that represent them with friends, family, and in private contexts. However, when texting colleagues, and strangers, and in public contexts, these participants are less likely to use emojis that represent them. Only about 24% of participants regularly swap between various skin tones for their emojis.

From the data collected after this research, it became clear to Google that users want to use emojis that reflect their skin tone and gender. With this information, Google is making it easy for users to customize Gboard emojis. You’ll get this improvement in an update to the Gboard app that is currently rolling out.


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Nanoleaf now has limited edition High on Life bundles

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Nanoleaf now has limited edition High on Life bundles
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Nanoleaf has announced a new collaboration to stir up some excitement over its RGB light panels, this time with High on Life from Squanch Games. As a result of the partnership Nanoleaf now offers a few different bundles themed after the game. This includes the Knifey Bundle and the Zephyr Bundle, both of which come in variations with and without the Nanoleaf 4D screen mirroring immersion kit.

Prices on these bundles range from $260 all the way up to $470 depending on which one you go with. One bundle for example comes with just the 12 light panels. While you can also get it with the 12 light panels and the 4D kit that comes with a light strip in either the 65-inch or 85-inch sizes. While these bundles are cool, it’s important to note that there’s nothing inherently different about them from the standard kits you can buy. At least, not really. The tech inside the package is the same but you do get more of the panels in these High on Life bundled kits than you would a standard one. So there is certainly incentive to get these over the regular offerings.

Spice things up with new High on Life scenes in the Nanoleaf app

Nanoleaf High on Life 2

To help celebrate the launch of these bundles, Nanoleaf is also launching new High on Life-inspired scenes. You can find these on the front page of the Nanoleaf app. And they’re the first two in the carousel banner at the top of the Discover tab. So they’re hard to miss. The ‘Zephyr Paradise’ scene and the ‘High on Life’ scene can both be downloaded for free from within the app. And if you’re playing the game they add a nice aesthetic to the experience.

Of course if you have a Nanoleaf 4D kit, it’s also worth playing the game using the 4D screen mirroring. Which provides a really vivid and immersive experience that will sort of flow with you as you play. These bundles are only available directly from Nanoleaf’s online store. However, you can get standard Nanoleaf kits from Best Buy and Amazon as well as other retailers. And the High on Life scenes will work with those kits too.

Nanoleaf – Best Buy


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