Author

Jordan Kahn

Senior Editor

9to5Mac / 9to5Google / 9to5Toys / Electrek.co

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac. He covers Google for 9to5Google.com, the best gadgets and deals on 9to5Toys.com, and delivers a weekly roundup of EV and solar news on Electrek.co. Sometimes he makes weird electronic music as one half of Makamachine.

Contact Jordan with news tips and long-winded complaints:

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Look how massive Google’s upcoming Nexus 6 is compared to other flagship smartphones (Video)

Jordan Kahn Oct 3 2014 - 8:17 am PT

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/-qzLDwLWqqs]

After our report late last month revealing details on specs and design for the upcoming Motorola made Nexus 6, today we get a look at just how much bigger the device is compared to the previous generation and other devices. As a reminder, the video above uses the specs leaked in our report including a massive 5.92-inch display, which is a big step up from last year’s 5-inch display. The video above from Canoopsy takes a mock up of the device based on our previously leaked specs and compares to not only the previous generation Nexus but also other flagship devices from Samsung, LG and others.

Some users weren’t too happy about the larger display planned for Google’s upcoming next-gen Nexus, and rumors of a possible second 5.2-inch model have persisted following a device with similar specs appearing in benchmark results.

You can read all of the details about the upcoming Nexus 6 in our original report here.

Google X is reportedly developing seamless wall-sized screens using modular display tech

Jordan Kahn Oct 3 2014 - 7:59 am PT

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The Wall Street Journal reports that the latest product under development at Google’s experimental Google X division are “giant TVs” made up of many smaller displays pieced together to create one seamless screen:

Google’s secretive advanced-projects lab is developing a display composed of smaller screens that plug together like Legos to create a seamless image, according to three people familiar with the project.

The various modular pieces that make up the display, according to the report, would allow for the ability to create large screens of varying sizes and shapes. WSJ notes that head of the Google X display division Mary Lou Jepsen, who previously founded various startups specializing in display technologies, is leading the project.
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Google unveils The Physical Web project, ‘an open web spec to walk up and use anything’

Jordan Kahn Oct 2 2014 - 11:22 am PT

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Google today unveiled The Physical Web, a project that will allow anyone to walk up to a smart device and use it without downloading an app. Google UX designer Scott Jenson published details on what he described as “an open web spec to “Walk up and use anything.” Jenson says “The Physical web isn’t about replacing native apps, it’s about allowing interaction for the times when native apps just aren’t practical.”
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Facebook rolls outs Mobile Like Button to Android app developers

Jordan Kahn Oct 2 2014 - 10:43 am PT

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After releasing a preview of the new feature for iOS developers at an event earlier this year, Facebook today announced that it’s officially rolling out a Mobile Like Button to all, including Android developers. That means that app developers can now easily offer users the ability to “directly Like the app’s Facebook Page, or any Open Graph object within the app, and share on Facebook.”

The mobile Like Button works seamlessly with the Facebook account the person is logged into on their device, allowing people to Like any piece of content, while in your native app.

Facebook is recommending developers show the Like Button when users reach a certain achievement or “level of engagement”. The company pointed an example from The Tribez & Castles game pictured above. Another recommendation is to encourage users to Like as soon as they open the app as pictured in the musiXmatch example above.

Android developers interested in learning more can do so here.

Apps and Updates

Hangouts gets improved screensharing & ambient noise filters, any Google account for work

Jordan Kahn Oct 2 2014 - 9:05 am PT

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Google announced today that it’s introducing some new features for its Hangouts video calling service with some nice improvements specifically for Google Apps for Work customers. First up, Google is adding the ability for Google Apps for Work users to invite anyone with a Google account to join a Hangouts meeting through a URL.

That includes either a work or personal Google account, but does have some restrictions that Google outlines here. Google notes that “Uninvited guests can join only from a web browser” and “Joining from a mobile device is not currently supported.” Previously Google required users joining a meeting to have a Google apps account.

In addition, Google is rolling out other improvements for all Hangouts users today including new features for screensharing when presenting to a large group and improved ambient noise filters:
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Google rolls out a redesigned Play Newsstand app for Android

Jordan Kahn Oct 2 2014 - 7:35 am PT

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Google announced today that it’s rolling out a new design for its Google Play Newsstand app, which it released earlier this year as a replacement for its Currents newsreader app. Google says the new design makes some big improvements to readability for magazines and other content through the app, especially on smaller screens:
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Android

Samsung Galaxy Alpha teardown finds razor-thin display assembly, other surprises

Jordan Kahn Oct 2 2014 - 6:48 am PT

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Samsung’s new Galaxy Alpha is getting the teardown treatment today courtesy of our friends over at iFixit. The device, which is being advertised as a Galaxy S5 with an improved iPhone-like build quality and metal frame, has a few internal changes compared to S5 as well.
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Android

Samsung: Galaxy Note 4 won’t bend in your back pocket like iPhone 6

Jordan Kahn Oct 2 2014 - 6:08 am PT

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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrhCz6PnT78]

You might have thought the whole iPhone 6 Bendgate controversy had been put to bed following extensive testing and responses from Apple, but Samsung wants you to know that, unlike the new iPhones, its new Galaxy Note 4 won’t bend in your back pocket:
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Kamcord gameplay recording platform gets into mobile gaming competitions starting w/ SEGA

Jordan Kahn Oct 2 2014 - 5:39 am PT

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Kamcord-hulk-crazy-taxi

Kamcord, the mobile gameplay recording platform that offers developers an easy way to implement cross-platform gameplay recording and sharing features, is today announcing its next big push in mobile gaming: competitions.

The company realized that its SDK provides a lot of unique opportunities for app developers interested in hosting competitions or tournament-style contests, so it’s now working with some to host competitive gaming events in their apps. First up: SEGA.
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LG announces F60 mid-range smartphone rolling out to US, EU, & Asia this week

Jordan Kahn Oct 1 2014 - 8:06 am PT

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LG announced today that it’s rolling out a new mid-range smartphone that is largely based on its flagship LG G3 and includes some pretty impressive specs for what we expect will be a cheaper device than the G3. While we have all the details on specs for the 4.5-inch, Android 4.4.2, Quad-core F60, LG is yet to reveal pricing for the device. Here’s a breakdown on specs:

￭ Chipset: 1.2GHz Qualcomm^®Quad-Core
￭ Display: 4.5-inch WVGA (207ppi)
￭ Memory: 1GB RAM/ 4GB, 8GB
￭ Camera: Rear 5MP/ Front 1.3MP
￭ Battery: 2,100mAh
￭ Operating System: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
￭ Size: 127.5x 67.9 x 10.6mm
￭ Network: 4G LTE
￭ Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 / Wi-Fi / A-GPS
￭ Colors: Black / White (varies by market)

LG also noted the Android device will include some of the unique features of its LG G3 smartphone including Gesture Shot, a Front Camera Light, Touch & Shoot to snap a photo by tapping anywhere, and Knock Code to unlock with a personalized “knock”.

LG didn’t unveil specifics on availability for the device but said it’s rolling out to Europe now and the US and Asia later this week.

Google Chrome

Google increases payouts in bug reward program to $500-$15k per bug

Jordan Kahn Sep 30 2014 - 12:49 pm PT

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While noting that it has fixed over 700 Chrome security bugs and paid out more than $1.25 million through its bug reward program, Google today announced it’s increasing rewards for the program. It also announced some policy changes for the program:

Second, we’ll pay at the higher end of the range when researchers can provide an exploit to demonstrate a specific attack path against our users. Researchers now have an option to submit the vulnerability first and follow up with an exploit later. We believe that this a win-win situation for security and researchers: we get to patch bugs earlier and our contributors get to lay claim to the bugs sooner, lowering the chances of submitting a duplicate report… Third, Chrome reward recipients will be listed in the Google Hall of Fame, so you’ve got something to print out and hang on the fridge.

As for the new rewards, Google is increasing the maximum $5000 payout for bugs to $500-$15,000 per bug. Google has details about what rewards it pays for specific but types here, but it points out that it often pays more than the maximum: “As always, we reserve the right to reward above these levels for particularly great reports. (For example, last month we awarded $30,000 for a very impressive report.)”

In addition, Google said that the new reward levels will be retroactive for submissions from July 1, 2014, meaning it will back-pay researchers for valid submissions made on or after that date.

Google has more info about the specific policy changes in the program in an FAQ on its website.

Gmail

Gmail adds new full-screen mode for images within emails

Jordan Kahn Sep 30 2014 - 10:37 am PT

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Google has just rolled out a nice new feature for Gmail that lets you click to view images within an email in a full-screen mode.

You might be familiar with the full-screen mode for Gmail on the web, which was already available for images and documents attached to emails. Now you’ll get the same experience when clicking on emails contained within the body of an email:

New! View images within your message full-screen

Similar to attachments, you can now click on large images within a message to see them full-screen in Gmail on the web. Click the Google Drive button to save the images directly to Drive or the arrow button to download them to your computer.

Samsung says Note 4 screen gap manufacturing issue is a feature not a flaw

Jordan Kahn Sep 30 2014 - 8:45 am PT

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Yesterday we reported that Samsung’s earlier-than-planned September 26th launch of its new Galaxy Note 4 had been met with complaints from customers regarding a ‘screen gap’ manufacturing issue. Today, a reference discovered in Samsung’s Note 4 manual confirms that the gap is actually a feature, not a flaw (via AndroidCentral).
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Spotify music streaming service finally launches in Canada

Jordan Kahn Sep 30 2014 - 7:24 am PT

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Spotify announced today that it’s finally expanding into Canada giving Canucks access to the music streaming service that was previously available in the UK, US and a long list of other European and South American countries.

The official announcement comes from Spotify’s blog following a beta period in the country in which the company invited select users to sign-up and try out the service.

Canadians that download the Spotify app will be able to access the service’s usual “fully licensed free tier.” That includes the ability to “shuffle play on mobile or play any song on tablet or desktop,” but users can also pay $10 CAD per month for the unlimited, on-demand experience with the highest quality audio and no ads.

A full list of countries that Spotify is currently available in is here.

Google Capital makes its first investment in a Chinese company with InnoLight Technology

Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2014 - 1:50 pm PT

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The Wall Street Journal notes that Google Capital, Google’s new equity fund launched earlier this year for growth-stage investments, has now made its first investment in China by investing in InnoLight Technology Corp. Google reportedly participated in a $38 million Series C round alongside Chinese venture firm Lightspeed China Partners. A bit more from the report on InnoLight’s technology:
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Google Chrome

Adobe brings Creative Cloud to Chromebooks starting w/ ‘Project Photoshop Streaming’ beta

Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2014 - 9:50 am PT

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Google announced a new partnership with Adobe today that will see the companies bring Adobe’s suite of popular Creative Cloud apps to Chromebooks. Initially, Adobe will launch just the Photoshop app as a beta (pictured above) and make it available to only its education customers.

The announcement notes that Adobe has a streaming version of Photoshop that’s “designed to run straight from the cloud” and fully integrated with Google Drive, but also appears to hint that the app will offer a full Photoshop experience that Creative Cloud users will be familiar with. In case you’re wondering how this streaming version of Photoshop will differ from the normal Creative Cloud experience, Adobe explains:
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Waze app now automatically remembers where you park

Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2014 - 8:35 am PT

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Waze, the maps and navigation app acquired by Google last year, today gets an update that introduces a few new features to help improve navigation through user feedback.

First up, the app will now automatically remember and save where you park when using it to navigate to your destination: ”Your parking location will be saved automatically. Plus, you’ll help Waze learn where to find parking & how much time to account.”

Other new features included in today’s version 3.9 update: the ability to “easily add or edit places, business or residential” as well options for adding arrival photos and driving info for specific destinations. In addition, the update adds search autocomplete worldwide for all users.

The Waze app is available now on Google Play for Android devices.

What’s New

Version 3.9 introduces Waze Places! Help make information on local places fresh & accurate for everyone.

– Easily add or edit places, business or residential

– Add driving related info like if a place has a parking lot or drive-thru

– Add arrival photos to help others find a place at any time

– Drive with Waze until you park: your parking location will be saved automatically. Plus, Waze will learn where to find parking and how much time to account

– Search autocomplete now worldwide

– Bug fixes

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 launch met with ‘screen gap’ manufacturing issue

Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2014 - 7:57 am PT

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It appears Samsung’s launch of its new Galaxy Note 4 is running into issues with a number of early customers in Korea reporting a manufacturing problem causing a large gap between the display the frame of the device. South Korean outlet IT Today first reported the controversy noting that the gap on the device is roughly the the thickness of a business card. As you’d probably imagine, that could be a big problem for dust, dirt and waterproofing features.
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Google is rolling out new display ad formats & tools for mobile devices

Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2014 - 6:57 am PT

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Google announced today on its AdWords blog that it will be rolling out new mobile display ad formats and tools for advertisers in the coming months. Google is hoping the new ads, which will be available through the Google Display Network, the AdMob Network and DoubleClick, will help advertisers increase engagement with users on mobile devices.

The ad types include “Mobile lightbox Engagement Ads” that will dynamically resize to fit any ad and device size, TrueView video ads that will roll out more broadly in apps through the AdMob network, as well as an anchor ad format for mobile web apps and magazine style text ad formats that will expand into apps instead of just on mobile websites. Google also announced a number of new tools coming for advertisers to help improve the experience with mobile campaigns:

Automatic mobile sizes for your image ads: The auto-resizing tool for the Google Display Network will automatically create new sizes of image ads, including mobile-specific ad sizes.

Interactive HTML5 backups when Flash isn’t supported: The Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tools for the Google Display Network and DoubleClick Campaign Manager will automatically create an HTML5 version of your Flash ads. When these ads are served on a device or browser that doesn’t support Flash, the system can show the interactive HTML5 ad instead of a static image backup.

HTML5 and in-app rich media ads built in minutes: There are now 29 HTML5 and in-app formats available in DoubleClick Studio Layouts, a tool that let’s you upload your existing creative assets into a pre-built rich media ad template to quickly create rich ads that work on smartphones and tablets.

Google says the new ad formats will roll out to its various ad networks in the coming months.

Android

Sony releases new Xperia Z3 TV ads focusing on camera & waterproofing features (Video)

Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2014 - 6:11 am PT

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/31kVmY3PcRY?list]

Sony today revealed its new ad campaign for the flagship Xperia Z3 lineup, which is already available to preorder in many places and about to launch worldwide in the coming weeks. The ad campaign, which will hit both TV and online outlets, is dubbed “Don’t settle for good. Demand great.”

So far Sony has released TV two spots (above & below) that focus on the device’s low light photo taking capabilities and waterproofing features. There are also other new videos that have made their way online today showing off various Xperia Z3 features (below).

The campaign, according to Louise Forbes, director of product marketing creation here at Sony Mobile, “taps in to the passion of those people who refuse to settle”, and will be supported by a digital platform with a series of short films that feature inspirational stories of real life people using their Xperia Z3 to achieve greatness.

We went hands-on with the new flagship Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone earlier this month on the IFA show floor in Berlin. The new device features a 5.2-inch 1080p display, 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a 3,100mAh battery.

Sony recently scheduled an October 9 press event in NYC, so it’s possible we could learn more of an official stateside launch then.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/DFM4DSJHs5w?]

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFM4DSJHs5w&list=UUoOx45FcGxN7sI2xQakj0EA]

MLB At Bat app will for the first time live stream every World Series game, select Postseason games

Jordan Kahn Sep 26 2014 - 2:18 pm PT

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MLB-app-01 The MLB.com At Bat app was updated today alongside a couple notable announcements including the league’s plan to live stream every World Series game and select Postseason games to all of its MLB.TV Premium subscribers through the app. The 2014 World Series is set to kick off on October 21.

The release notes add that the app will now also offer “Live Postseason coverage for every game through the 2014 World Series” and a Postseason.TV feature with “Live companion coverage featuring up to 10 alternate camera angles for the AL Wild Card, AL Division Series and AL Championship Series (TBS broadcasts only).”

The update MLB.com At Bat app is available Google Play for Android smartphones and tablets now. Regular $129 for the full year, an MLB.TV Premium subscription is available to purchase now for $3.99 for the remainder of the season, World Series, and postseason.

What’s New

Ver. 3.5.0

• For the first time we will be streaming live every World Series game and select other Postseason games to all authenticated MLB.TV Premium subscribers

• Live Postseason coverage for every game through the 2014 World Series

• Postseason.TV: Live companion coverage featuring up to 10 alternate camera angles for the AL Wild Card, AL Division Series and AL Championship Series (TBS broadcasts only)

• General performance improvements

Android

Google reportedly increasing requirements for Android OEMs, making its own apps/branding more prominent

Jordan Kahn Sep 26 2014 - 8:13 am PT

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According to a new report from The Information, Google is once again changing the terms of its licensing agreements with Android device manufacturers using Google Mobile Services, the program that allows them to offer Google Play services and Google branded apps like Maps and Gmail. Among the changes, Google is reportedly requiring manufacturers to include more Google apps displayed prominently on the device in addition to making Google Search more visible:
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Sony invites press to Oct. 9 event in NYC for possible US Xperia Z3 announcements

Jordan Kahn Sep 25 2014 - 12:31 pm PT

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Sony has just sent out invites to press for an event coming up in NYC that could possibly see the company carry out the US launch of its latest Xperia Z3 lineup. The company already took the wraps off the new devices at IFA early this month, but it’s possible we’ll get a US-based event to officially unveil the devices here and announce available stateside.

The Xperia Z3 unveiling arrived alongside announcements for the Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia E3 and Xperia Z3 tablet also announced earlier this month at IFA.

(via AndroidCentral)

Google Drive mobile web app redesign rolling out now

Jordan Kahn Sep 25 2014 - 10:30 am PT

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Google announced today that it’s rolling out an updated version of its Google Drive interface on the web for mobile devices. That means if you visit Google Drive from a browser on your device (instead of using the native Google Drive apps), you’ll now arrive at a refreshed user interface specifically optimized for the web on smartphones and tablets. Google still recommends you go with its native Drive apps, but if you have to visit the mobile version, you’ll now have a much improved experience.

Starting today, you’ll find a much improved mobile web version of Drive that’s faster and easier to use. The apps are still the most optimized experience, but if you find that isn’t an option, the mobile web will do the job better than ever.

The new UI is rolling out starting today and should become available to all in the coming days at http://drive.google.com.