Jordan Kahn

• Google Apps
• GV (Google Ventures)
• $100
• cloud platform
• startups

Google is giving $100K in Google Cloud Platform credit to startups through new program

Jordan Kahn Sep 12 2014 - 6:28 am PT

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Google announced today that it’s kicking off a new program that will see the company hand out $100,000 in credits to its Google Cloud Platform services to help early-stage startups. Google will choose eligible companies through 50 partners that include a mix of incubators, accelerators and investors:

This offer supports our core Google Cloud Platform philosophy: we want developers to focus on code; not worry about managing infrastructure. Starting today, startups can take advantage of this offer and begin using the same infrastructure platform we use at Google… Thousands of startups have built successful applications on Google Cloud Platform and those applications have grown to serve tens of millions of users.

It will also provide the startups chosen with 24/7 support, and access to our technical solutions team.

Those interested in learning more can visit Google’s new Cloud Platform for Startups site.

• Android

LG begins roll out of its affordable L Series smartphones

Jordan Kahn Sep 12 2014 - 5:59 am PT

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LG announced today that it’s officially launching its new entry-level, affordable L Series smartphones to several markets starting with Brazil. The lineup includes two new models– L Fino and L Bello:

L Fino and L Bello — Spanish for Fine and Beautiful — represent LG’s commitment to strengthening its portfolio of mobile devices, with a strong emphasis on creating a more premium user experience at the entry and mid-tier segments. The L Fino features a 1.2GHz Quad-Core processor with a 4.5-inch display and the L Bello sports a 1.3Ghz Quad-Core processor and a larger 5.0-inch screen. With batteries generating 1,900mAh in the L Fino and 2,540mAh in the L Bello, users can expect long-lasting multimedia enjoying from both devices.

Following Brazil, other markets including Latin America, Europe, and Asia, will get the device over the coming weeks.

L Fino KeySpecifications:

￭ Chipset: 1.2GHz Quad-Core
￭ Display: 4.5-inch WVGA IPS (800 x 480 / 207ppi)
￭ Memory: 1GB RAM/ 4GB / MicroSD slot
￭ Camera: Rear 8MP/ Front VGA
￭ Battery: 1,900mAh
￭ Operating System: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
￭ Size: 127.5x 67.9 x 11.9mm
￭ Network: HSPA+ 21Mbps (3G)
￭ Colors: White / Black / Gold / Red / Green (varies by market)
￭ Other: Knock Code™ / QuickCircle™ Case

L Bello Key Specifications:

￭ Chipset: 1.3GHz Quad-Core
￭ Display: 5.0-inch FWVGA IPS (854×480/ 196ppi)
￭ Memory: 1GB RAM/ 8GB / MicroSD slot
￭ Camera: Rear 8MPAF / Front 1MP
￭ Battery: 2,540mAh
￭ Operating System: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
￭ Size: 138.2x 70.6x 10.7mm
￭ Network: HSPA+ 21Mbps (3G)
￭ Colors: White / Black / Gold
￭ Other: Knock Code™ / QuickCircle™ Case

• update
• glass
• Google Now
• Waze
• sports

Google Glass XE21.0 update brings quicker Google Now updates, Waze integration

Jordan Kahn Sep 8 2014 - 1:52 pm PT

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Google just announced the XE21.0 update for Google Glass and with it introduce faster Google now notifications for flights and sports and the integration of Waze data for navigation:

When looking up routes to your destination, Waze accident indicators help you avoid potential traffic.

Google announced its acquisition of mapping company Waze last year and has quickly integrated real-time traffic alerts and other features from the app into its own Maps and navigation features across platforms.

Earlier this month Google began selling its $1500 Google Glass Explorer Edition through the US Google Play Store alongside a number of accessories.

• Android

Olloclip releases 4-in-1 Photo Lenses for Samsung Galaxy S5 & S4

Jordan Kahn Sep 5 2014 - 9:11 am PT

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/hlJB39rxl2g]

Olloclip, maker of iPhone camera lens accessories, just announced it’s expanding into Android accessories with the launch of its popular 4-in-1 Photo Lens attachment for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S4.

Leveraging the phenomenal success of its iPhone flagship product, the olloclip 4-IN-1 Photo Lens systems for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S4 feature four lenses (fisheye, wide-angle and two macros – 10x and 15x) in one small package weighing less than an ounce.   The all-new designed exclusively for Galaxy S quick-change lens system is similar to those available with larger DSLR cameras, yet sized to fit in pockets, purses, backpacks and hands, making them the perfect camera accessory that can easily be carried at all times.

Olloclip has a great reputation in the iPhone world (we’ve reviewed its products on our sister site 9to5Mac), so we’re excited to finally see its photo lens system available for Android devices.

You can purchase the Olloclip 4-in-1 from the company’s website.

• Android
• Apps and Updates

Samsung releases Tizen Wearable SDK for new Gear S

Jordan Kahn Sep 5 2014 - 8:29 am PT

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Samsung today announced the release of a new Tizen Software Development Kit for the recently introduced Gear S smartwatch. The SDK will let app developers tap into network, call and location based APIs, as well as notifications and the device’s various sensors.

The Tizen SDK will allow developers to make the best use of the following features and APIs for the Samsung Gear S:

•Enhanced Standalone Features: Network, call and location-based APIs to take advantage of the fact that the Samsung Gear S can connect directly to 3G networks without the need for a separate mobile device.

•New Sensor APIs: Magnetic, Ambient Light, Barometer, and UV sensor APIs as well as Accelerometer and Gyroscope APIs.

•Rich Notifications: Create a variety of notifications for the Samsung Gear S.

While other companies are investing heavily in Google’s new Android Wear platform, Samsung is clearly still hoping that developers will embrace its own Tizen-based platform. It hasn’t completely abandoned Android for its wearables, however, as it also recently launched the Android Wear-powered Samsung Gear Live.

Developers interested in developing apps for the Gear S can learn more and download the SDK here.

• Android
• Google
• Nexus 5
• deal
• Germany

Google Play offers discount on Nexus 5 + LG G Watch bundle in GB, IE, FR, DE, AU, KR, JP

Jordan Kahn Sep 5 2014 - 6:51 am PT

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Google is offering a new bundle through Google Play in some countries that offers a discounted price for customers that purchase both a Nexus 5 and LG G Watch. Discounts vary with local currencies, but discounts general range from $100 in Australia to £60 in the UK.

We reached out to Google to find out where exactly the deal is available, and it offered up a full list of countries: GB, IE, FR, DE, AU, KR, JP.

You can head over to Google Play now if you’re in a participating country to take advantage of the deal.

• Google X
• White House
• president obama
• Megan Smith
• Chief technology officer

White House confirms Google VP Megan Smith as new Chief Technology Officer

Jordan Kahn Sep 4 2014 - 8:26 am PT

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Google X VP Megan Smith

As previously rumored, the White House confirmed today that Google executive Megan Smith will be its next Chief Technology Officer alongside former Twitter lawyer Alexander Macgillivray as its new Deputy U.S. CTO. President Obama said the following about the new hires in a statement (via The Washington Post):

“Megan has spent her career leading talented teams and taking cutting-edge technology and innovation initiatives from concept to design to deployment. I am confident that in her new role as America’s Chief Technology Officer, she will put her long record of leadership and exceptional skills to work on behalf of the American people. I am grateful for her commitment to serve, and I look forward to working with her and with our new Deputy U.S. CTO, Alexander Macgillivray, in the weeks and months ahead.”

Smith was previously a vice present at Google X, Google’s division for experimental projects like its self-driving cars and recently unveiled Project Wing drone project.

• Android

Samsung shows off Android-powered printers w/ 10-inch touchscreen at IFA

Jordan Kahn Sep 4 2014 - 8:02 am PT

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Samsung today announced during IFA that it’s introducing the world’s first printer powered by Android. While someone should probably let Samsung know they’re actually not the first, its ten new Android printer models are set to hit at least the European market in the near future:

As part of Samsung’s focus to develop printer solutions that seamlessly fit into the IT and Smart office ecosystem, the new Android based MFPs will feature Samsung’s Smart UX Center to operate independently without a PC, app scalability, and a consumer friendly UI.

The printers include a 10.1-inch touchscreen for the Android-based UI that will make easy for users to print from web browsers, emails, maps, images and other apps without having to connect to a PC or other device. Samsung will also, however, sell an NFC Pro accessory that will offer a fast and seamless experience for printing from mobile devices as well.

Samsung hasn’t yet announced specific pricing and availability for the products but has more info on various models here.

Google, Apple, Intel, & Adobe resume settlement talks w/ employees in ongoing anti-poaching case

Jordan Kahn Sep 3 2014 - 1:41 pm PT

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Reuters reports that Apple, Google, Intel, and Adobe have resumed settlement talks in the ongoing lawsuit with employees over anti-poaching hiring practices. The news comes following a judge in the case rejecting an earlier $324.5 million settlement reached between employees and the companies last month.

In the court filing on Wednesday, both sides said they had resumed mediation with a retired judge but provided no additional details on the talks. They also asked Koh to set a new trial date.

The lawsuit also brought on a separate case last month filed on behalf of Apple shareholders accusing the company of “breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and breach of the duty of honest services” related to the case.

A hearing in the case, which centered around emails sent between then Apple CEO Steve Jobs and executives from other tech companies, is currently scheduled for September 10.

• Android
• Smartphone
• Bluetooth
• tablet
• IFA

Logitech’s new Bluetooth Multi-Device keyboard doubles as a smartphone/tablet stand

Jordan Kahn Sep 3 2014 - 11:57 am PT

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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MceLc7-w1lQ]

Logitech today announced a new Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard (K480) that doesn’t just make switching between devices easy, it also doubles as a stand for your smartphone or tablet. While Logitech has made similar keyboards previously that let you switch between connected devices, the new keyboard adds a “Easy-Switch dial” that makes it super easy to switch between three devices on the fly:

Now you can type a report on your computer and, with the flick of the Easy-Switch™ dial, respond to a message on your smartphone and type a tweet on your tablet. The universal keyboard can connect to three different Bluetooth wireless devices at once, whether you are using a Windows®, Mac® or Chrome OS™ computer, or an Android™ or iOS tablet or smartphone.

The keyboard is available now in the US and Europe for $50 in two color schemes (white & black). You can images of the two colors below and see more specs and order the keyboard now on Logitech’s site.

Technical Specifications

• Available in white and black.
• Bluetooth range: up to 10 m (30 feet)*
• Battery life: 2 years**
• On/Off power switch
• Battery life indicator light

• Google Maps
• Taiwan
• Russia
• Map Maker
• Malaysia

Google Maps rolls out Map Maker & Report a Problem features to Taiwan, Russia and Malaysia

Jordan Kahn Sep 3 2014 - 9:56 am PT

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In a blog post today detailing its Ground Truth data collection program for Google Maps, Google announced some new features rolling out to users in Taiwan, Russia and Malaysia. As part of the Ground Truth program rolling out to 5 new countries today, Google is also making its Google Map Maker and Report a Problem features available for users in Taiwan, Russia, and Malaysia to contribute:

Today, we’ve reached our 50th Ground Truth country with the addition of five new countries: Taiwan, Malaysia, Poland, Romania, and the last regions of Russia. We’re also rolling out Google Map Maker and Report a Problem—our crowdsourcing map tools—to Taiwan, Russia and Malaysia, giving anyone in those locations the ability to share and contribute their local knowledge directly to Google Maps.

Google also notes that it will be publishing more articles over the next week sharing more details of how its Ground Truth program and Map Maker work to let others contribute to improving Google Maps.

• Apps and Updates
• update
• Drive
• Google Forms
• Fonts

Google Forms adds custom themes & new survey designs

Jordan Kahn Sep 2 2014 - 9:44 am PT

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Google announced today that it’s rolling out the ability to customize themes in its Google Forms web app. It’s also adding a number of new pre-made survey designs to the current selection of templates.

One of your top requests has been the ability to add your own personal touch to forms, and starting today you can with custom themes.

You can customize a theme using a new “Change theme” button in the toolbar (pictured above). From there, you can add your own photos or logos to the header, customize fonts and colors, pick a background, and more.

Google also gave a look at some of the new themes it’s added:

More on adding custom themes in Forms here.

• Android
• Apps and Updates

Google Play features new Beautiful Design app collection highlighting Material Design

Jordan Kahn Sep 2 2014 - 8:28 am PT

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After first publishing its Beautiful Design Collection on Google Play last summer featuring apps handpicked by Google to show of great Android UI design, today the company has updated the collection. With some apps starting to implement UI elements based on Google’s new Material Design coming with Android “L” this fall, Google decided to update the collection to show of some of its favourite app designs:

Today, we’re refreshing the Beautiful Design collection with our latest favorite specimens of delightful design from Google Play. As a reminder, the goal of this collection is to highlight beautiful apps with masterfully crafted design details such as beautiful presentation of photos, crisp and meaningful layout and typography, and delightful yet intuitive gestures and transitions… . Some apps are even starting to incorporate elements from material design, which is great to see. We’re on the lookout for even more material design concepts applied across the Google Play ecosystem!

Apps in this year’s collection include:

• Flight Track 5
• Oyster
• Gogobot
• Lumosity
• Vivino
• FIFA
• Duolingo
• SeriesGuide
• Spotify
• Runtastic
• Yahoo News Digest
• Airbnb

Google reminds developers to take advantage of the material design spec when redesigning their apps for the next-generation of devices.