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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Google reportedly acquired WIMM Labs for its Android smartwatch/wearable platform

Jordan Kahn Aug 30 2013 - 1:51 pm PT

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WIMM One Module

Google has reportedly acquired WIMM Labs, the company that first introduced us to its 1-inch, Android-powered wearable platform back in 2011.WIMM stopped offering its open Developer Kit for its “WIMM One” platform back in the summer of 2012, noting on its website that it had “entered into an exclusive, confidential relationship” for the technology. According to a report from GigaOm, that’s because Google quietly picked up the company last year to help work on its own wearable products:

At the time, some publications speculated that Apple may have snatched up WIMM Labs to bolster its iWatch efforts, but GigaOM has now learned that the buyer actually was Google. The acquisition was facilitated by Woodside Capital Partners, and it looks like a significant part of WIMM’s staff stayed on to join Google. Most of WIMM’s senior staff still list their original company on their Linkedin profile, but a few have updated it with a mention of their new employer.

The news comes just as Samsung is about to introduce its new Galaxy Gear smartwatch product and as rumors of Apple releasing a smartwatch or similar wearable product continue to heat up. According to the report, which Google is yet to confirm, the talent picked up from WIMM is currently working with Google’s Android team. There is no mention of Google working on a smart watch product specifically, and, while the 1-inch WIMM One platform might be best suited to the wrist watch form factor, there is a possibility Google could put the tech towards other wearable products.
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Top Android Apps go FREE: Cut The Rope, Angry Birds, Shazam, PAC-MAN & many more

Jordan Kahn Aug 30 2013 - 7:38 am PT

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Screen Shot 2013-08-30 at 10.36.04 AM

From 9to5Toys.com:

We have some solid Android game/app deals today as part of Amazon’s Free App of the Day Greatest Hits deals. The deal brings some solid titles like Cut the Rope, SwiftKey, Angry Birds and Shazam Encore, all for free.

Android: Cut the Rope: FREE (Reg. $1)
Android: SwiftKey: FREE (Reg. $4)
Android: Angry Birds: FREE (Reg. $1)
Android: Shazam Encore: FREE (Reg. $5)
Android: World of Goo: FREE (Reg. $3)
Android: CalenGoo: FREE (Reg. $3)
Android: Jamie Oliver’s 20-Minute Meals: FREE(Reg. $8)
Android: Paper Camera: FREE (Reg. $2)
Android: Sprinkle: FREE (Reg. $2)
Android: Drawing Pad: FREE (Reg. $2)
Kindle: PAC-MAN HD: FREE (Kindle Edition)

Twitter launches Android beta tester program

Jordan Kahn Aug 30 2013 - 7:24 am PT

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Following an app update earlier this week to the Twitter mobile apps that introduced a somewhat controversial conversation view in the app’s timeline, Twitter is now making a beta of its app available for those interested in testing out the latest beta. It’s likely not a direct response to the backlash Twitter received with the latest update, but at least those interested in testing out the latest new features and UI changes will have the ability to give feedback prior to the public release of future updates. It’s worth noting that the beta will replace your current Twitter app, rather than installing a separate beta version like some Google’s beta apps, but you can return to the public build at any time.

Facebook and Google do it with a lot of their apps, and now you can download the Twitter for Android Experiment by joining this Google group and signing up to become a tester here.

(via Android Police)

Screenshots of Samsung’s ‘Galaxy Gear’ smartwatch companion app leak ahead of Sept. 4 unveiling

Jordan Kahn Aug 29 2013 - 2:19 pm PT

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Screen Shot 2013-08-29 at 5.15.06 PM

We’ve been hearing a lot about Samsung’s upcoming smartwatch dubbed “Galaxy Gear” in recent weeks, and just a few days ago Samsung’s Lee Young-hee confirmed that the device would make its first official appearance at the company’s event scheduled for Sept. 4 in Berlin. Today, Evleaks points us to the screenshots above showing what appears to be the device’s companion app that will likely be available for all Android devices, although there is still the possibility it will only support Samsung’s own Android devices.

The screenshots above confirm the device will pair with Bluetooth, and there is also a section within the app to manage “Samsung Apps.” Another feature called “Find my watch” sounds a lot like a feature for locating a missing Galaxy Gear and Samsung also references wireless charging: “turn on NFC in Settings and bring the mobile device and charger together, back to back.

We reported previously of claims that the Galaxy Gear would pack in a 2.5 inch OLED display, dual core processor, an accelerometer, speakers, and built-in NFC, and another that added 1GB of RAM, a “320×320 1.67-inch AMOLED display” and an ARM Mali-400 MP4 GPU. There is still nothing official for specs, but it’s likely we’ll be seeing something similar to the above based on the prototypes and developer units floating around.
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Android

Samsung Galaxy NX Camera available in the US starting October for $1,599/$1,699 w/lens

Jordan Kahn Aug 29 2013 - 11:19 am PT

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tinhte_Samsung_Galaxy_NX_3-580x397

Samsung announced today that the new Galaxy NX camera that it first showed off at a London event back in June will soon become available in the US after landing in the UK this month. Starting October, you’ll be able to pick one up for a hefty $1,599 (body only) or $1,699 with the bundled 18-55mm lens. This is the first time Samsung, or just about any big camera manufacturer, has released a professional mirrorless camera system running a full-blown Android OS. The device follows the more consumer friendly and less expensive compact Samsung Galaxy Camera it introduced last year. To navigate through the Android 4.2.2 UI, the Galaxy NX packs in a 4.8″ HD TFT LCD touchscreen display, 1.6GHz quad core processor with separate image signalling processor, hybrid autofocus, and a 20.3mp sensor. The device will also support 13 interchangeable lenses from the NX line and a brand new 10mm fish eye lens. And what good would an Android camera be without built-in Wifi and LTE capabilities? The Samsung Galaxy NX is definitely an interesting move for Samsung and we plan on bringing you a full review of the device soon.
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Google Maps for iOS adds ability to share locations to Google+

Jordan Kahn Aug 28 2013 - 11:41 am PT

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Google updated its Google Maps app today for iPhone and iPad with one new feature on top of the usual bug fixes. With version 2.2.0, users can now share their locations directly to Google+ from within the Google Maps iOS app. Tapping the the share button will now provide a “Google +” option and users can also select specific circles to share with before posting. Previously users could only mail, message, or copy a location to the clipboard.

What’s New in Version 2.2.0

● Share your favorite places with friends via Google+
● Bug fixes

Google rolling out 720p HD Google+ Hangouts in the coming weeks

Jordan Kahn Aug 28 2013 - 10:48 am PT

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Google-Hangouts-HD-video-calls

According to a new report from GigaOm, Google is in the process of rolling out an update to higher quality 720p HD video for Google+ Hangouts and Google’s Vic Gundotra later confirmed the roll out will continue over the coming weeks. The report explains that the move is part of Google’s transition to new plug-in free standards including the switch from the H.264 video codec to VP8:

One of the key advantages of VP8 is that it will enable Hangouts in HD, something that Chew said simply wasn’t possible with H.264, because handling HD streams from 10 participants would have required too much processing power. The new video format also makes it possible for Google to serve up better-looking streams at low bit rates, which is especially important when it comes to mobile video chats.

Google’s Vice President of Engineering Chee Chew told GigaOm that the company plans to move Hangouts to the open standard WebRTC standard, which it just implemented support for in Chrome, to provide a plug-in free experience for users and other improvements:

“We will eventually move over to WebRTC,” said Chew, but this process may take several more months. However, eventually, WebRTC could actually provide an even more immersive video chat experience, explained Chew. That’s because when the video becomes a native HTML element, it will be even easier to add overlays and other, more subtle improvements.

More details available in the full report here.

YouTube retiring little-used video responses on Sept 12, developing ‘more effective fan engagement tools’

Jordan Kahn Aug 28 2013 - 7:02 am PT

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YouTube has announced on its YouTube Creators blog that it will be retiring the video response feature that allowed users to leave a video response in the comment field instead of the usual text comment. It’s likely not something that many users will even notice, as YouTube notes that video responses currently only have a click-through rate of about .0004%. That means only around 4 out of every 1 million users that see a video response actually click it. The feature will officially come to an end on September 12, but YouTube says it has plans to implement even better fan engagement tools in the near future:

So, on September 12 we’re going to retire this little-used feature as we work to develop more effective fan engagement tools for creators. The team is focused on enabling you to share video links in comments. Doing this in comments will let creators and viewers add more context to a video, and more context should drive more engagement.

Until the new fan engagement features for video comments roll out, YouTube provides a couple tips for finding and sharing video responses from fans:

In the meantime, you can continue to encourage fans to upload videos with specific titles, hashtags or descriptions (e.g., Video Response To Taylor Swift’s Video “22”), so you can find these by searching for them. If you want to highlight them, you can use playlists and channel sections instead of displaying these videos below yours. Any video responses you or your fans have made will still be available and discoverable.

AT&T’s Moto X now available to purchase directly through MotoMaker, $579 off-contract, ships in 8 days

Jordan Kahn Aug 27 2013 - 12:20 pm PT

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Moto-Maker-Moto-X

Five days after arriving on AT&T, Motorola announced today that its new Moto X flagship smartphone is now available to purchase directly through its Moto Maker website. Previously customers were forced to purchase the device through AT&T and enter a code on the Moto Maker site to start the customization process. Starting today, Motorola will allow AT&T customers to purchase the device directly through the Moto Maker site for $199 (16GB) or $299 (32GB) on contract, and it’s also making the device available without a contract for $579 (16GB) or $629 (32GB). While Motorola originally planned to ship devices ordered through Moto Maker in 4 days, the site is currently quoting a shipping time of 8 days.

The Moto Maker tool is the standout feature of the Moto X, allowing users to choose from over 2000 customization options for back, front and accent colors, unique wallpapers, and engraving. Unfortunately, we found out earlier this month that engraving won’t be available initially due to some manufacturing issues.

Verizon announced that Moto X would arrive in black and white on August 29, but the Moto Maker customization tool remains and exclusive to AT&T. Other major US carriers are expected to start carrying the Moto X by early September.
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Amazon launches new API to let Android devs sell Amazon.com products as in-app purchases

Jordan Kahn Aug 27 2013 - 7:30 am PT

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5bU28_GYmc

Amazon announced today that it’s introducing a new “Mobile Associates API” for Android and Kindle Fire devices allowing developers to offer Amazon.com goods as in-app purchases and earn a percentage of sales in the process. Developers will earn up to 6% off purchases made through their apps and all sales will go through Amazon’s secure 1-Click purchasing and Amazon Prime shipping.

Amazon described a few of the possibilities for developers:

Until today, if developers wanted to create additional revenue channels for their apps they could use a “freemium” model with digital in-app purchasing or subscriptions, or by using mobile ads… App and game developers as well as existing Amazon Associates can create new and compelling user experiences within apps and games in three ways: selling a single item from within an app or game, showcasing a category of goods, or bundling the purchase of physical goods with the purchase of digital goods (for example, the customer receives a digital version of a board game when they buy the physical one). Animoca, Fismos, Days of Wonder and Spring2Partners are already integrating these experiences within their popular apps and games.

You can learn more about the new API on the Amazon developers blog.

Verizon’s Moto X arrives on August 29th for $199 on contract

Jordan Kahn Aug 26 2013 - 1:05 pm PT

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https://twitter.com/VZWnews/status/372079298259066880

Following a launch on AT&T last week, Verizon confirmed today that it will be launching Motorola’s new flagship Moto X smartphone starting August 29. Leaks leading up to the launch of the device pointed to an August 29th release date for the Verizon version of the device through Best Buy, but Verizon only mentioned online availability in its announcement today. It did note that the Moto X will become available in stores in the coming weeks.

The 16GB model will sell for the same $199 on contract as AT&T (the 32GB is exclusive to AT&T), but Verizon will only offer white and black versions. The customization options available through the Moto Maker tool are currently still available exclusively to AT&T customers.

Moto X is expected to launch on all major US carriers by early September.

Android

Rumored Sony Xperia ‘Honami’ smartphone appears in official teaser ahead of Sept. 4 event

Jordan Kahn Aug 26 2013 - 12:01 pm PT

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G-Teaser-Mon

A couple images allegedly showing an upcoming Sony smartphone codenamed Honami have been showing up in recent weeks. Honami, aka the Xperia i1, might have just made its first official appearance ahead of a Sony press even scheduled for September 4th in Berlin with the company posting the above teaser image to its Google+ page (via Engadget). There is still no confirmation from Sony that this is indeed the 5-inch device that we’ve been hearing about, but from what we can see the image does seem to line up with earlier leaks. Other specs that have been rumored for Honami include a 20 megapixel camera, 1080p display, and Snapdragon 800 processor. Judging by the image above and the accompanying “Have we captured your attention yet?” tagline, Sony will likely spend a lot of time focusing on the rumored 20 megapixel camera when it finally unveils the device. We’ll be on hand early next month to bring you all the official details.
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Google reportedly blocking Android app for streaming local files to Chromecast

Jordan Kahn Aug 26 2013 - 10:01 am PT

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Chromecast-01

Developer of the third-party AllCast Android app, Koushik Dutta, says that Google’s latest software update for Chromecast blocks the app’s ability to stream local files to Google’s new $35 streaming device. The app had not yet made its way to Google Play, but Dutta claims (via TheVerge) that Google intentionally disabled support for AllCast in the latest Chromecast software update:

Heads up. Google’s latest Chromecast update intentionally breaks AllCast. They disabled ‘video_playback’ support from the ChromeCast application.Given that this is the second time they’ve purposefully removed/disabled[1] the ability to play media from external sources, it confirms some of my suspicions that I have had about the Chromecast developer program:

The policy seems to be a heavy handed approach, where only approved content will be played through the device. The Chromecast will probably not be indie developer friendly. The Google TV team will likely only whitelist media companies.

So far Google’s Chromecast only officially supports YouTube, Netflix, and content from Google Play, and to help it make deals with other big media companies it looks like it might have to limit access to streaming capabilities for third-party apps. The other side to that of course is that Chromecast allows users to stream a tab from the Chrome browser, which allows users to stream local content from their own devices anyway. Google hasn’t commented on the AllCast situation, but we’ll update you if we hear anything.

Samsung officially opens registration for first Developer Conference, will unveil new SDKs & S Pen features

Jordan Kahn Aug 26 2013 - 6:23 am PT

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Screen Shot 2013-08-26 at 9.16.06 AM

Samsung originally planned to open up registration for its first developer conference earlier this month, but after a short delay, the company has finally announced today that it’s accepting sign-ups for the event. This will be the first time Samsung comes to San Francisco to host a developer conference, something Google and Apple have been doing for years and commonly use to introduce new products and upcoming developer facing features. Samsung too plans to unveil some new services and features for developers:

Samsung’s event will feature over 40 technical sessions and industry sessions from leading influencers in the mobile, consumer electronics and digital content industries. Samsung will also unveil a number of new SDKs and tools that will help developers maximize the latest innovations, features and capabilities found in Samsung devices.

Registration is open now on Samsung’s website for the event scheduled to take place on October 27-29 at Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Tickets cost $299 and will provide access to all keynotes and developer sessions.

We still don’t know what exactly we’ll be seeing at the conference, but Samsung does plan to show off some new tools and APIs for developers, including:

* First-look at new Samsung SDKs and tools including S Pen and new features

* Deep dive into Samsung Service Platform and services APIs including ChatON, Group Play,

Samsung AdHub, Context Aware and much more

* Best practices for developing Smart TV application in multi-screen environments spanning,

mobile, tablet and TV

* Cross-platform development case including HTML5, Web app and more

* Special sessions for B2B developers which cover the Samsung mobile partnership program,

building certified applications, KNOX, Enterprise SDK, and more

* Development opportunities in emerging categories such as gaming and much more

Samsung Opens Registration for First Annual Global Developers Conference

Event takes place in San Francisco from October 27-29 and includes over 40 working sessions, insight to new Samsung tools and SDKs and guest talks from industry luminaries

SAN JOSE, Calif.― August 26, 2013 ― Samsung Electronics Co. today announced that registration for its first annual Samsung Developers Conference has officially opened. The event, to be held at San Francisco’s St. Francis Hotel, from October 27-29, will feature insight into new tools to help developers create exciting, innovative applications and services across Samsung devices and best practice demonstrations.

Samsung’s event will feature over 40 technical sessions and industry sessions from leading influencers in the mobile, consumer electronics and digital content industries. Samsung will also unveil a number of new SDKs and tools that will help developers maximize the latest innovations, features and capabilities found in Samsung devices.

“Samsung is excited to offer developers a single place to learn how to develop, market, and monetize applications and services that may span smartphones, tablets, and televisions,” said Dr. WonPyo Hong, President of the Samsung Media Solution Center. “As convergence of user experiences and as consumers utilize more devices, even at the same time, the opportunity for developers to be innovative has never been better.”

Technical sessions and presentations from industry thought-leaders will cover key topics, including:

* First-look at new Samsung SDKs and tools including S Pen and new features
* Deep dive into Samsung Service Platform and services APIs including ChatON, Group Play,
Samsung AdHub, Context Aware and much more
* Best practices for developing Smart TV application in multi-screen environments spanning,
mobile, tablet and TV
* Cross-platform development case including HTML5, Web app and more
* Special sessions for B2B developers which cover the Samsung mobile partnership program,
building certified applications, KNOX, Enterprise SDK, and more
* Development opportunities in emerging categories such as gaming and much more

Tickets to the Samsung Developer Conference cost $299 and include access to keynotes, working sessions and an exclusive developer event on the evening of Monday, October 28. Additional information about the conference, including details on how to register, can be found at www.samsungdevcon.com.

Report: Google Ventures invests $250M in Uber private car service

Jordan Kahn Aug 23 2013 - 10:39 am PT

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Uber-Android-app

According to a report from AllThingsD, Google’s investment arm, Google Ventures, just invested around $250 million into Uber, the private car delivery service that lets users order vehicles through mobile apps. The investment comes as Uber raises $360 million at a valuation of around $3.5B:

Though pricey, the latest scramble to be in the Uber funding round was apparently very competitive. Sources said Google won the investment because of direct intervention by CEO Larry Page, who met with Uber CEO Travis Kalanick.

While it would be a bit stretch to guess what plans Google might have for Uber down the road, there are a few Google services in development that could benefit. Some have speculated that Uber could help power a future driverless car service from Google, but perhaps more realistic for the short term would be deliveries. Since last year Google has been testing a same-day delivery service in and around San Francisco, and it reportedly planned to use driverless cars to do so.

Moto Maker goes live as Moto X lands on AT&T alongside Galaxy Mega & HTC One mini

Jordan Kahn Aug 23 2013 - 6:55 am PT

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Moto-Maker

We knew it was coming and today is finally the day that customers can get their hands on Motorola’s new Moto X flagship smartphone and the thousands of customization options offered through Moto Maker. While Moto X should be arriving on all major carriers in the US around the end of this month, the AT&T version of the device available starting today is the only one that will offer access to Moto Maker. The other carriers will be launching white and black versions of the device until Motorola’s puts an end to AT&T ‘s exclusive window sometime later this year.

Starting today, the customizable, assembled in the US version of the Moto X is available exclusively through the MotoMaker.com online tool for AT&T customers. Unfortunately online purchasing isn’t an option at this point, so you’ll have to first purchase the device through AT&T. That includes the 16GB model for $199 and the 32GB model for $249 on contract.

It’s not the only notable device launching on the carrier today, however. The company is also kicking off availability of the 6.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Mega $149.99 on the usual two year agreement today, as well as the 4.3-inch HTC One Mini for $99.99 on contract.
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Google improves definitions in Search w/ sample sentences, synonyms, translations & spoken responses

Jordan Kahn Aug 22 2013 - 3:06 pm PT

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fortuitous (1)

Google noted today on its Google+ page that it has updated search on both the desktop and mobile with new and improved definitions. Google search would previously let users ask for a definition by simply asking, for example, “What’s the definition of fortuitous?” The most recent update makes those definitions even more useful with the addition of sample sentences, synonyms, origin, translations and more:

Now you’ll also see sample sentences that highlight how the word is used, as well as synonyms…Give it a whirl the next time you’re reading an article online and you stumble across an unfamiliar word. In addition, try translating words to one of 60+ languages directly from the box. When you select a language, future definition searches will consistently provide a translation to that same language.

In addition to those features, Google will also offer spoken responses when tapping the microphone icon next to the definition:
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Google rolling out update to fix new Nexus 7 multitouch issues

Jordan Kahn Aug 22 2013 - 9:35 am PT

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nexus-7-best-buy

As noticed by Droid-Life, Google has responded in its product forums to complaints related to multitouch issues for its new Nexus 7 and is rolling out an update to address the problems. The update will bring the Nexus 7 up to Android 4.3 build JSS15Q and a Googler confirmed the update should fix the touchscreen issues:

As a couple of you have mentioned, there’s a new system update that’s started rolling out for your Nexus 7s. This update does address the touchscreen issues discussed in this thread. If you’re one of the people experiencing touchscreen issues, please let us know how it’s going after you’ve received and installed the update.

We also heard earlier this month that Google was investigating reports of GPS problems with new Nexus 7.

Robert Scoble says Best Buy rumored to sell Google Glass next year [update: no]

Jordan Kahn Aug 21 2013 - 2:41 pm PT

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google-glass-robert-scoble (1)

According to a report from plugged-in technologist Robert Scoble, Google might have plans to rent out around 6,000 square feet inside every Best Buy location to begin selling Google Glass by as early as next year.

Scoble does note that this is still a rumor at this point, but hopefully we’ll get some more details soon. While previous reports claimed that Google Glass could be available for everyone to purchase by the end of the year, Google confirmed earlier this week that Glass will not begin shipping to consumers until at least 2014.

Google Glass is currently still available to those invited to Google’s Glass Explorer program, but the company recently started experimenting with a Gmail style invite-a-friend strategy for the product.

While we heard previously that Google had plans to open its own retail stores, it wouldn’t be the first time its used the store-within-store model as it already operates smaller spaces within Best Buy and Dixons.
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Chrome for Android update w/ WebRTC, WebAudio, & improved scrolling now available

Jordan Kahn Aug 21 2013 - 1:17 pm PT

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chrome We noted yesterday that the release of Chrome 29 on Windows, Mac, and Linux would be followed by an update to the Chrome app for Android that brings support for the WebRTC standard and scrolling improvements. Google has just released the update on Google Play and also noted that it includes support for the WebAudio API allowing developers to “process and synthesize audio” in web apps. WebRTC support, as we’ve noted previously, is typically used by developers to implement voice calling, video chatting, and peer-to-peer file sharing in their web apps without the ned of a plugin. Google also says the update includes enhancements to “scrolling responsiveness and visual indication when reaching the end of a page.”

The updated Chrome for Android app also brings a new UI for the color picker in web forms and improved startup performance.

Google adds time & location reminders, photo uploading to ‘Google Keep’ apps

Jordan Kahn Aug 21 2013 - 10:56 am PT

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Screen Shot 2013-08-21 at 1.52.56 PM

Google announced today on its Google Drive blog that it’s rolling out a new update to its Google Keep note taking app that will introduce both time and location based reminders. After updating to the latest version of the app, users will be able to select a small reminder icon at the bottom of each note and select from a time reminder to set a specific date and/or time of day, or a location-based reminder that provides suggestions for nearby destinations as you type. The feature will let users ‘snooze’ the reminders if they choose, and the update also brings a new and improved navigation drawer for the app:

Of course, sometimes plans change. If you get a reminder you’re not ready to deal with, simply snooze it to a time or place that’s better for you. It’s now even easier to get to all of your notes using the new navigation drawer, which includes a way to view all of your upcoming reminders in one place. And for people who want more separation between their home and work lives, the drawer also lets you easily switch between your accounts.

Google Keep will also now allow users to attach photos from their device’s photo gallery opposed to just being able to snap a new picture:
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Google brings ‘Field Trip’ virtual tour guide app to Google Glass

Jordan Kahn Aug 21 2013 - 10:04 am PT

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Google is today rolling out its Field Trip app, previously available only on Android and iOS, to those lucky enough to be part of its Google Glass explorers program. While the Google Glassware version of the app appears to offer a slightly stripped down version of the virtual tour guide experience, the hands-free experience with Glass seems to be a natural fit for Field Trip. John Hanke, who is in charge of the Niantic Labs project at Google told Cnet that Field Trip was actually “conceived with Glass in mind, but Glass wasn’t ready.”
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Samsung announces ‘Galaxy Golden’, a $700 dual-screen flip-phone for Korea

Jordan Kahn Aug 21 2013 - 7:18 am PT

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Fit for a Saudi prince, Samsung today made things official for another new flip-phone for the Korean market. While it’s unlikely to steal any of Apple’s thunder ahead of the launch of the much rumored gold iPhone expected early next month, Samsung is branding the dual-screen device as the “Samsung Galaxy Golden.” For what it’s worth, the exterior of the device appears to be closer to bronze in color than gold. It appears Samsung plans on having some success with the clamshell design in markets outside the US, as the announcement follows the launch of another new Android based flip-phone earlier this month and rumors of the ‘Galaxy Folder’ arriving soon. Specs include two 3.7-inch Super AMOLED screens, a 1.7GHz dual-core CPU, 8 megapixel camera, FM radio, and Android 4.2. The Galaxy Golden will sell for around 790,000 won, which equals approximately $700 US.

Google Play Services 3.2 now rolling out to all devices

Jordan Kahn Aug 20 2013 - 12:44 pm PT

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Google today announced its finishing its roll out of Google Play Services 3.2, the latest version of its platform for delivering updates to its own apps and third-party apps using Google APIs. Version 3.2 includes a number of notable new features that end-users will benefit from, including a new compass mode for PhotoSphere that lets users navigate through PhotoSpheres by moving their device, and an improved InstantBuy UI that supports offers and loyalty data.

A few of the new features available for developers include improvements to location based services and hardware-based GPS geofencing:

The Fused Location Provider now supports the selection of a low-power mode option when requesting location updates, and the ability to inject mock locations — allowing you to more efficiently test your apps in a variety of simulated conditions.

The geofencing APIs have been updated to support hardware-based GPS geofencing on devices that have supporting hardware, such as the Nexus 4. Hardware geofences consume significantly less battery, and best of all your app will automatically take advantage of this feature on supported hardware without you having to make any changes.

Google also noted that a new Snapshot feature for the maps API will let devs “capture a bitmap image of the current map in order to improve performance when an interactive map isn’t necessary.” A simplified sharing control feature in the latest release will let developers using Google+ sign in (which also receives a shiny new animation) to simplify sharing to the social network.

The Google Play Services 3.2 release is now available for developers to test through an updated Google APIs emulator image in the Android SDK Manager. More info is available on the Android developers blog here.