Android might be changing soon and no, we’re not talking about the release of a new dessert-themed operating system. After over five and a half years on the market, Google’s mobile software platform may possibly be getting a new logo. Initially revealed by Twitter account @UpLeaks, an alleged boot animation for LG’s upcoming G Watch may have revealed Android’s refreshed emblem.
Google Shopping Express is now overnighting purchases in Northern California. Starting today, East Bay residents in Berkeley, Concord, Danville, Dublin, Fremont, Oakland, Pleasanton, Richmond and Walnut Creek can take advantage of the search giant’s slick delivery service. Further expanding its operations, the company says that in the next few months it plans to bring Google Shopping Express’ overnight service to the California-Oregon border, Fresno and Visalia.
In wake of its decision to bring its Zavers service to an end, Google has also pulled its Google Offers apps from the App Store and Google Play. Mountain View has yet to announce its plans for existing Offers users, but the company recently stated that it wasn’t stepping away from the retail scene and that it would focus on connecting shoppers with brands through Google Wallet, Shopping Express and Listing Ads. Wondering what’s in store for the people still using Google Offers on their mobile devices, we’ve reached out to the search giant for comment regarding its support plans for the fading platform. We’ll be sure to update this news article if any new information becomes available. Until then, be sure to pour one out for Zavers the Google Offers app. See you at the crossroads.
Today, Google announced 64-bit Chrome support for Windows 7 and 8 users. Available through Mountain View’s Canary and Dev channels, these new additions will provide users with an enhanced browsing experience that improves Chrome’s speed, security and stability. In order to take advantage of Google’s new offerings, you’ll need to have a system capable of running 64-bit software, so make sure your setup is up to the task before clicking that install button.
Sony’s mobile product line increased by one today, as the company announced the Xperia T3, a mid-range device with a high-end look. Aesthetically pleasing, this new smartphone features a 5.3-inch display, a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera, 8GB of internal storage, a 2,500 mAh battery and Android 4.4 KitKat.
Not letting T-Mobile subscribers have all the fun, Google has released the factory image and binaries for Android 4.4.3 today. These tools apply to the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013) and WiFi Nexus 10, Nexus 4 and WiFi Nexus 7 (2012) models.
Last month, Google updated its Google+ app for Android with a set of new visually stimulating features known as Stories and Movies. While that latter launched with parity across multiple platforms, Mountain View just released Stories for iOS today. Now available to download on devices running iOS 6.0 or later, this new feature takes pictures, videos and location tags and rolls them into a stylish trip summary without the need of a third-party photo editing software.
Further maintaining the update’s photography-centric theme is the addition of a new photo editor equipped with new filters and creative tools. These should help you snap the perfect shot of your pet, baby, lunch or whatever else people are posting to social networks these days. However, if any of said items are found offensive, Google+ members can now report abusive communities directly from their iOS-powered devices. If you haven’t pulled down the update yet, head on over to the App Store and check it out.
Google is pulling the plug on its online coupon cutting business known as Zavers. If you’re unfamiliar with this platform, don’t feel too bad, it’s only been around for a little over a year and a half. In its heyday, the soon to be defunct platform would let shoppers use online coupons at brick and mortar locations from participating retailers.
Since the very first CR-48 rolled off the assembly line, Google has billed its Chromebook platform as reliable but affordable alternative to buying a traditional laptop. Today, the company expanded on this idea by revealing plans to bring its next-gen netbook to nine new territories. Residents of New Zealand, the Philippines, Norway, Denmark, Mexico, Chile, Belgium, Spain and Italy will soon have access to Google’s Chrome OS-powered platform.
Sony’s working on a new device and it’s going to be big! Today, the company published a cryptic picture of a woman facing what looks like a enormous, but thin device. Posted to Sony’s mobile blog, the photo was accompanied by a caption that asked “do you want to know a secret? Stay tuned for the next big thing this season.” Since we’re pretty sure that Sony isn’t working on a smartphone or tablet for giant’s, the outfit is most likely teasing a follow up to its super-sized Xperia Z Ultra.
If you’re unfamiliar with this behemoth handset, it features a massive 6.4-inch 1080p display, a quad-core 2.2GHz MSM8974 Qualcomm processor, 2GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 2-megapixel front-facing shooter, 16GB of internal storage and Android 4.4 KitKat. While we’re not completely sure that the Xperia Z Ultra will receive a sequel, we’re almost positive that Samsung’s marketing team will get a kick out of this mystery device’s tagline.
Today, T-Mobile announced that its Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 devices will be making the jump to Android 4.4.3. Available now, these small software patches are rolling out to the carrier’s versions of Google’s latest purebred Android gadgets, but they can be installed manually if patience isn’t your strong suit. To start the update process, tap All Apps, Settings, About device and Software update. Once installed, your Nexus 5 should reflect software version KTU84M. If you’ve also invested in last year’s Nexus 7, just repeat the process and your tablet’s software version should display as KTU84L upon completion.
We’ve heard about it, now we’re seeing it. Pictured above are a set of alleged press renders for Samsung’s unannounced Galaxy Tab S 8.4 tablet. Obtained by @evleaks, this new slab kind of resembles a larger Galaxy S5, but is rumored to be a full-blown tablet. Samsung already has a giant tablet-like device that places phone calls.
Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy Tab S 10.5 has already been spotted by a blurry cam under dim lighting, but today we take a look at some pretty press images of the South Korean manufacturer’s new slab. Outed by @evleaks, these clean-cut renders give a better idea of what we might see on June 12th in New York. Since the Galaxy Tab S 10.5’s press shots line up with previously leaks, there’s a slightly better chance of the slate’s rumored specs being the real thing.
LG recently revealed its new top-shelf smartphone to the world and while the company talked up its latest handset’s bells and whistles, we’ve yet to see what really makes the G3 tick. Enter the folks at uBreakiFix, who’ve managed to get their hands on the device and tear it apart. Aside from completely revealing the phone’s hardware, this exploratory surgery helps determine the G3’s repairability.
After weeks of screenshots a quick video walkthroughs, a working extension for Google Stars has been outed by Google sleuth Florian Kiersch. Once up and running, Stars resets your Chrome bookmarks page with a grid setup filled with sites that you’ve bookmarked. Users can add sites to their collection by clicking the star icon in the omnibox. This brings up a folder selection option that lets you decide where you wish to file your latest bookmark and for fast access the app displays a screenshot of the item selected before placing it in your display grid.
Motorola Mobility’s journey to becoming a Lenovo-owned company has been filled with changes, but it looks like some of Google’s influence may endure this transition. Pictured above is a purported shot of the long rumored Moto X+1. While the photo’s appearance is quite sketchy, it was posted on the Google+ page of Antony Cheng, a former Motorola product specialist, based out of Hong Kong.
Google has openly stated that it takes web security very seriously, but the company might be playing around a bit by releasing a browser-based challenge created to test developers’ understanding of XSS. Allegedly made by Google’s security team, the game features six levels that resemble real world applications vulnerable to XSS. Players are tasked with finding a level’s problem and exploiting its weakness.
Samsung is dumping Android for Tizen. Well not completely, but the company is moving its Galaxy Gear smartwatch to its in-house operating system. An update for the first Galaxy Gear is now available through Samsung’s Kies software and in addition to a platform jump the download brings a trove of new features to this smart timepiece.
The HTC One mini 2 is rumored to hit the US as the HTC One Remix and although we’ve officially seen the former, we’ve yet to see it materialize with any carrier branding. Today, however, we’re getting a closer look at what might be heading to Verizon thanks to the often reliable @evleaks. If in fact the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer decides to bring its petite smartphone to the US, it’ll most likely be coated with Big Red’s emblem.
Google announced today that it has finished the rollout of its new AdMob to more than 200 countries and as a result the company will stop accepting apps into Google Play based on its old SDK on August 1st. Following this initiative, the search giant will sunset AdMob’s legacy platform on August 31st. After this, legacy ad units will stop working and the outdated AdMob UI will no longer be accessible.
It’s no secret that LG is working on a smartwatch and while the company has openly teased its new wearable, we’ve yet to get a really good look at this up-and-comer in action. However, that just changed thanks to the folks at AppDated, who’ve managed to get their hands on the Android Wear-powered timepiece during the recent LG G3 event in London. While the video is completely in German, it still gives a solid overview of the watch in a real world environment and does a nice job of showing off how smooth Google’s wearable operating system seems to be despite this being a beta build of the platform. Check out what might possibly be up for grabs in the next few weeks.
Google Maps for Android recently received an update and while it’s not too heavy on features, it does bring back a feature that a lot of people have missed. Version 8.1 reintroduces Terrain Mode, which lets users view a topographic layer that shows elevation changes in surrounding hills, mountains, and valleys. Absent for nearly a year, this standout feature could be useful to would-be adventurers looking to experience the great outdoors. In addition to a mountain view from Mountain View, Maps users will notice a slightly modified UI, with previews for the first available route beings added to biking and walking views. Other adjustments include font changes and some onscreen information being repositioned. If you haven’t installed the update yet, head on over to our source link below to get brought up to speed.
(via Google Play)
After several weeks of rumors and leaks, the cheaper plastic version of the HTC One M8 also known as the “Ace” has surfaced on HTC’s website. Aptly named the E8, this budget-friendly take on the company’s current flagship smartphone appears to retain its high-end counterpart’s BoomSound speakers, but it lacks the Duo Camera setup offered by the M8.
A Samsung device with the model number SM-T2558 recently made its way through the FCC, which suggests that the South Korean electronics maker could be preparing to release a new smartphone. Quite possibly the US version of the rumored Galaxy Mega 2, this unannounced handset is said to feature a 7-inch 720p display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel primary shooter. A thumbs up from the FCC doesn’t exactly guarantee an immediate product release, however it does clarify that Samsung is developing a new gadget that could be coming to the US. However, until the company makes an official announcement, we’ll file model number SM-T2558 in our “wait and see” cabinet.
(via SamMobile)
