Android

If you’ve been waiting on Google Now to Tap to be available to those running the Android M Developer Preview, the wait is over. Besides a few days when Developer Preview 3 first launched, those running the developer version of M have been left without access to the feature. Now, it seems that Google is finally opening the floodgates…

Google Now on Tap is the latest big feature to come to Google Now, allowing users to quickly find more information about just about anything on their screen. If you’re reading an article about Donald Trump, Now on Tap can give you more info about him and links to his social media profiles and website, for example.

At this point, I’d suggest waiting until October 5th for the official rollout of Android Marshmallow to Nexus devices. But if you’re super antsy and just want to try out Google Now on Tap right now, you can head over and read our guide on how to install the Developer Preview 3 factory image. It’s not too tough, if you have the time.

Android Marshmallow on Nexus 5X, 6P shows the date to which your device is secured

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 2:42 pm PT

You may remember earlier in the summer, Google responded to a serious vulnerability — called Stagefright — by stating that it would commit to regular and consistent security updates for its Nexus devices. This way, customers would update their software every month or so and always be protected against any known-about vulnerabilities. With Android 6.0 and the new Nexus smartphones, Google is giving us a new, simple way to tell how up-to-date our mobile security is.

As you can see in the photo above, heading in to the ‘about’ page in settings on the Nexus 5X reveals a new piece of information: ‘Android security patch level’. This will show when your phone received its last security patch, letting you know how secure the device is. It’s a relatively small update, but one which could be very useful to consumers.

Thanks for the pic, Tom

Specifications compared: Google’s Nexus 5X vs. Nexus 6P

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 2:11 pm PT

4 Comments

For the first time ever, Google announced two brand new Nexus phones alongside each other at the same launch. The two devices are clearly different, from materials and design to specs and price, and each will appeal to different consumers. But will you go for the plastic-clad, smaller LG Nexus 5X or for the more premium Nexus 6P designed and manufactured by Huawei?

It may seem an obvious choice, but there are already differing opinions among the 9to5Google staff and — judging from the poll we published — our readers too…

Hands-on: Google releases new Chromecast app w/ What’s On, social backdrop feeds, more

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 12:57 pm PT

Alongside the new Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, Google also today introduced a new version of its Chromecast app. It’s not a drastic departure from the previous version, but it does bring some notable new features including a new “What’s On” section that suggests content from the apps you have installed, support for image feeds from Facebook, Flickr, and other sources, voice search for content, and more…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Roundup: Cases already available for Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 12:09 pm PT

Google just announced its latest Nexus phones, and with new devices always comes the opportunity for accessory-makers to get busy producing cases for the shiny new smartphones. There’s no shortage of options for the Huawei Nexus 6P or the LG Nexus 5X. Whether you’re looking for official cases available on Google’s store, or cheaper alternatives, you should be able to find something to suit needs.
Expand
Expanding
Close

PSA: You can order the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P on an installment plan via Project Fi

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 11:53 am PT

3 Comments

If you’re one of the many excited to get one of Google’s new Nexus devices, but you would rather pay for one over time rather than outright (or if you’re just looking to become a Project Fi subscriber), I have some good news. Although not exactly mentioned in detail today, you can grab either phone from Project Fi on an installment plan…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google’s Chromecast & Nexus event now available for replay [Video]

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 11:48 am PT

Although all the Chrome and Nexus festivities are over, Google has now posted its livestream video from earlier this morning on YouTube for replay. Along with the Nexus 5X and 6P, Google also unveiled a pair of new Chromecasts, the Pixel C tablet, a new Chromecast app, new features for Google Photos, and more…
Expand
Expanding
Close

HTC to unveil new One smartphone on Oct. 20 via ‘virtual’ event

Chance Miller Sep 29 2015 - 10:39 am PT

Just as Google’s jam-packed Nexus event is wrapping up, HTC has sent invites to its own press event. The company says it will hold an event on October 20th during which it will unveil its newest One smartphone. The event itself, however, is somewhat different than your normal smartphone unveil…

Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, Nexus 5X & 6P pre-orders now live on the Google Store

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 10:37 am PT

If you’re frantically trying to figure out how to buy the new Google-y product goodness, you’re not alone. Alongside two completely new $35 Chromecasts, Google has today announced the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.

Here are some quick links

Google has also added a listing for the ZenWatch 2, although it’s not yet available:

ASUS ZenWatch 2

While the two new Chromecasts are currently showing as leaving the warehouse within a couple of days, both Nexus phones are set to ship sometime later in October. The Nexus 6P, in fact, has already slipped to 5-6 weeks from 2-3 for most models.

HTC announces which devices will get Android Marshmallow, starts rollout this year

Mike Beasley Sep 29 2015 - 10:16 am PT

HTC has announced its plans to roll out Android 6.o “Marshmallow” to some of its mobile devices. Two devices, the One M8 and One M9, will get the update beginning this year, but most other devices on the list appear to be getting support next year.

New Google Photos features announced: Shared albums, people labeling, Chromecast support

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 9:46 am PT

Last week we told you that a teardown of the latest version of Google Photos revealed some interesting new features: album collaboration, people labeling, Chromecast support, and more. Now, Google has announced today at its September 29th event that it is making these exact three features official…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google launches Google Play Music All Access Family Plan w/ 6 users for $15 per month

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 9:38 am PT

Google has today launched a new Google Play Music All Access family plan at today’s September 29th event. This is a move to take on competitors like Spotify and Apple, and will allow users to use the service across 6 accounts for just about $15 per month…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Android 6.0 Marshmallow gets a release date: Rollout starts next week for Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013) and Nexus 9

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 9:31 am PT

5 Comments

At its event in San Francisco today, Google confirmed that Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be rollout out to users from next week, just as previously rumored. The update isn’t as big a design refresh as Lollipop, but brings with it a host of new features which help speed things up, and give you better battery life with ‘Doze mode’ and enhanced security.
Expand
Expanding
Close

LG Nexus 5X officially announced, $379 gets you full HD display, Snapdragon 808 and fingerprint sensor

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 9:16 am PT

At its event in San Francisco this morning, Google has finally taken the wraps off its latest Nexus smartphones. The smaller of the two is made by LG, and marks the third time Google has partnered with the Korean tech company on a Nexus smartphone. Looking at its design alone, this is clearly the descendent of the Nexus 5. It has a similar form factor, and is built from similar materials, albeit with a few modern twists…

Huawei Nexus 6P officially announced, 5.7-inch QHD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 810, more

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 9:15 am PT

1 Comment

At its event in San Francisco this morning, Google has finally taken the wraps off its latest Nexus smartphones. The larger of the two is made by Huawei, and marks the first time Google has partnered with a Chinese manufacturer for its Nexus smartphone. In every way, this is the flagship Nexus. From build quality and size, to screen quality and battery, this is the phone that all tech-hungry, pure Android aficionados will flock to…

Google: 1.4B Android actives, 1B active Play users, 30k new Chromebooks/day, 10k companies using Android for Work

Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2015 - 9:14 am PT

1 Comment

Google has just kicked off its press event, where it’s expected to unveil next-gen Chromecast and Nexus devices alongside other announcements, but it started with an update on company numbers and more.

Among the numbers, Google’s Sundar Pichai confirmed that it’s introducing around 30,000 new Chromebooks everyday with around 10,000 companies using or testing the company’s new Android for Work platform. Google announced its new Android for Work platform back in February, opening up a dedicated Google Play store and other features specifically for enterprise users.

The company also said that it’s now at 1 billion active Google Play users with around 1.4 billion active Android devices over the last 30 days and 20 million Chromecasts sold to date.

Head below for a full roundup of numbers announced today during Google’s press event:
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google confirms its ‘Pixel C’ Android tablet w/ detachable keyboard, Android Marshmallow, more

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 9:11 am PT

Google has today confirmed that it’s introducing the next entry in its Pixel line: the Pixel C. This tablet, unlike the Pixel devices that preceded it, will launch not with Chrome OS, but with Android — 6.0 Marshmallow to be exact. The device also offers a detachable keyboard — taking on the likes of Microsoft’s Surface and the iPad Pro — and comes with the same high-quality build found with the original Pixels. And like the original Pixels, this device isn’t a Nexus; it’s completely made by Google in-house, and there’s no tramp stamp from any other OEM to be found on its body.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Some users already noticing Chromecast support in the Spotify Android app

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 8:40 am PT

As we exclusively reported earlier this month, Spotify is teaming up with Google to — finally — introduce support for the Chromecast. Now, as the event is nearing kickoff, some users are already noticing their Chromecast devices appearing in the Spotify Connect list, although the feature doesn’t seem to be working quit yet.

As you can see above, it looks like Spotify is going to include Google Cast devices in the same list as other Spotify Connect devices (via Reddit). However, as of right now at least, try to cast your stream to a Chromecast simple results in the following error message: “Spotify is not support on this device right now.”

Google is sure to make mention of Spotify’s new support for its platform at its event scheduled to kick off at 9 AM PT. If you want to keep in the loop on this as well as new Chromecast hardware, new Nexus devices, and more, be sure to head over and watch the livestream when it becomes available.

Leaked press release reveals 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB Nexus 6P pricing across many regions

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 8:18 am PT

We pretty much know everything we think there is to know about the Huawei Nexus 6P ahead of its launch, thanks to multiple leaks and rumors. Until Google announces it however, none of the information can be treated as gospel. Including the latest leak which seemingly shows the price for each storage model across many regions.

As revealed previously, the Huawei 6P is going to launch in USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, Korea, France, Germany and Hong Kong. A leaked press release somehow made its way online and shows all the pricing information, for all the regions it’s going to be available in at launch. In the US, the 32GB model will cost $499, with the 64GB costing $549, while the highest storage option will cost a handsome $649. For a flagship device, with the spec and premium design we’ve seen leaked, the pricing is very reasonable. For those in the UK like me, prices are £449, £499 and £579 respectively for the 32GB, 64GB and 128GB models.

If those prices are still a little to steep for you, and you want a great stock Android experience, you can still snag the current generation Nexus 6 for just $349 on Amazon. Once Android 6.0 Marshmallow arrives for it (allegedly on October 5th), it’ll look and feel like an up-to-date phone.

Watch Google’s Chromecast 2, Nexus 5X/6P event right here [Livestream]

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 7:55 am PT

Google’s planning to introduce new Chromecasts, new Nexus devices, and plenty of other goodies at its September 29th event today, and thankfully, the company is livestreaming it for those who won’t be there in the flesh. If you’ve got a chance to watch along (although there probably isn’t much we don’t already know), head below the break…
Expand
Expanding
Close

HTC One M9+ Aurora edition official, features 21MP camera with OIS and laser autofocus

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 7:39 am PT

1 Comment

HTC has taken the wraps off its latest HTC One smartphone. The One M9+ Aurora edition was announced in China and comes with a few welcome improvements to the original HTC One M9. Chief among the new features is the new, revamped 21MP camera with built-in optical image stabilization and laser-guided autofocus. It also includes phase detection autofocus to further enhance the camera’s focus.

This is HTC’s first device with three methods of focus, dubbed 3-in-1 fusion focus. Sadly, it’s only going to be available in Taiwan, but we’re told we should still be expecting another announcement from HTC later today. Could it be a GPE edition HTC phone for western markets? HTC’s senior PR man, Jeff Gordon, teased us on Twitter with the following:

[tweet https://twitter.com/urbanstrata/status/648865378597076997 align=’center’]

Other specs of the M9+ Aurora Edition include:

5.2-inch QHD display
2.2GHz Helio X10 octa-core processor
3GB RAM
32GB storage (expandable to 2TB via microSD)
Ultrapixel front camera
BoomSound speakers with Dolby Audio
4G LTE and W-Fi a/b/g/n/ac
2,840mAh battery
Android Lollipop with Sense UI 7

The Aurora Edition costs approximately $630 and comes in gold, silver, black and grey. From the spec sheet alone, it seems this is the phone the One M9 always should have been. Let’s just hope the announcement later today features something just as promising.

Alongside the Aurora Edition, HTC also announced the Butterfly 3 for international markets. Like the M9+, the Butterfly 3 has a 5.2-inch QHD display, but is powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor. There’s 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage and 2,700mAh battery with Quick-Charge 2.0 support. The 20MP camera on the back also feature OIS, and is paired with a secondary camera to create added depth in photographs. On the front, there’s a 13MP camera and the trademark BoomSound speakers. For now, it’s also in Taiwan only and costs around $600.

First official BlackBerry PRIV images published

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 6:53 am PT

As device launches go, the BlackBerry PRIV’s announcement has been anything but ordinary. The first teaser was at BlackBerry’s press event at MWC in February, at which point it was assumed this would just another BlackBerry 10 OS device, albeit one with a slide-out keyboard. We then learned through multiple leaks and rumors that it would be, in fact, an Android phone.

LG Nexus 5X prototype gets hands on treatment ahead of launch (Video)

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 4:19 am PT

By now we’ve all seen and heard pretty much there is to about the upcoming LG Nexus 5X. Thanks to some detailed leaks, we’ve seen everything from specs and design to its launch date and pricing. The 5.2-inch Nexus will be LG’s third pure Android device and is expected to launch later today for less than $400.

Just in time for the official announcement, YouTube channel UNDERkg has published a quick hands on video giving an overview and tour of the design and hardware features. It’s worth noting that this is a pre-release model which is missing much of the hardware required to power it on and use it. However, even with all the missing hardware, we still get a good look at the size of the device and how it will look in real life.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF90EMInXEk]

The video shows the mint green (or ‘Icy Blue’) version of the 5X, which we’re expecting to launch alongside a black and white model, with 16GB and 32GB storage options available for all three. With the rumored 1080 x 1920 resolution 5.2-inch display and Snapdragon 808 processor, the 5X could be one of the best sub-$400 devices on the market when it’s made available to order later today.

We’ll be bringing you plenty of reaction to the announcements after the event kicks off at 8am Pacific, in the mean time, be sure to check out our in-depth guide on what you should be expecting from the Google announcement in San Francisco this morning.

LG G4 Pro spotted on GFXBench, features 5.7-inch QHD display and 4GB RAM

Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 4:03 am PT

We’ve heard a number of rumors concerning upcoming LG devices over the past few weeks and months. All together, we’re not entirely clear on what LG has in store for us for the holiday quarter. Whether it’s a budget phablet with a stylus, a ‘V10’ with a secondary ticker display or the LG Class which was officially announced recently, the Korean tech company’s wares have leaked so much it’s confusing.