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14,539 'Android' stories May 2011 - September 2015
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Android is Google’s mobile operating system, launched in September 2008, although its history technically began with the release of the Android alpha in November 2007. To this day, Android powers the majority of the world’s smartphones and comes in several different flavors across many phone makers.

Table of contents

What is Android?

Android Inc.

Android, before it was Android, was a company called Android Inc. That company was founded in Palo Alto, California, in 2003 by a crew of four: Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. The company and its project was acquired by Google in 2005 for a sum of more than $50 million, although the exact number is unknown. The company’s founders joined Google as part of the deal.

In its infancy, Android was an operating system built not for touch screen smartphones like the iPhone, but rather BlackBerry-like devices with physical keyboards. It’s well documented that after Apple shocked the world with the iPhone, ahead of its nearest competition by at least a couple years, Google and Android Inc. had to go back to the drawing board to build something competitive.

Adoption by third-party makers

It didn’t take long after the launch of the iPhone for various manufacturers to enter the market with their alternatives — and Google’s Android immediately became the obvious platform of choice for just about everyone except Microsoft. HTC was the first manufacturer on board, and introduced the T-Mobile G1 running Android in September 2008. Soon after, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and carriers like Sprint and T-Mobile jumped on board to form the Open Handset Alliance.

Android makers across the world

Iconic Android handsets

There have been thousands of Android phones released since Android’s inception, but some have been more important to the platform’s history than others. There was the original T-Mobile G1, as mentioned, but there was also the HTC One Google Play Edition, Moto G, Samsung Galaxy S4, and others. Some of the most iconic Android handsets include:

  • HTC G1
  • HTC Nexus One
  • Samsung Galaxy S, S2, S3, S4, and their successors
  • HTC Incredible S
  • Samsung Nexus S
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
  • Nokia 8
  • BlackBerry KeyOne
  • Google Pixel and its successors

In more modern times, there are several Android smartphones makers that popped up across various niches and in several international markets. Huawei is a dominant Android maker in China and many European markets, while Samsung is by far the most popular maker in the United States by far — effectively creating a duopoly with Apple. Today, there are dozens of major device makers contributing to the Android ecosystem.

Full list of Android OEMs

History of major Android versions

Android has seen countless software revisions over the course of its life, but in modern times the OS usually sees a major release on an annual cadence. In the earlier days, Google famously gave its major software releases dessert-themed codenames, but retired that practice in 2019 with the release of Android 10.

VersionNameReleaseDevices
2.3GingerbreadFebruary 9, 2011Nexus S
4.0Ice Cream SandwichOctober 19, 2011Galaxy Nexus
4.1Jelly BeanJuly 9, 2012Nexus 7
4.2Jelly BeanNovember 13, 2012Nexus 4, 10
4.3Jelly BeanJuly 24, 2013Nexus 7 (2013)
4.4KitKatOctober 31, 2013Nexus 5
5.0LollipopNovember 3, 2014Nexus 6, 9
5.1LollipopMarch 9, 2015Android One
6.0MarshmallowOctober 5, 2015Nexus 5X, 6P
7.0NougatAugust 22, 2016Nexus 5X, 6P
7.1NougatOctober 4, 2016Pixel, Pixel XL
8.0OreoAugust 21, 2017Pixel, Pixel XL
8.1OreoDecember 5, 2017Pixel, Pixel XL
9PieAugust 6, 2018Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL
1010September 3, 2019Pixel 3, 3a
1111September 8, 2020Pixel 4

List of major Android OS platforms

While Android proper is certainly the most widespread of Google’s Android operating systems, the company has also launched many offshoots of the main OS over the years. There’s Android Auto, Android Wear (now Wear OS), Android TV (now rebranded to Google TV), as well as versions of Android built for tablets and Android Things (now defunct).

9to5Toys Lunch Break: LG G4 (unlocked) $400, Nexus Player by ASUS $50, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 22 2015 - 12:32 pm PT
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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

LG G4 brand new smartphone 32GB (unlocked): $400 shipped (Reg. $800) | eBay

Brand new Google Nexus Player by ASUS: $50 shipped (Reg. $100) | Best Buy

Logitech mice, keyboards, speakers up to 50% off: Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac $40, Bluetooth mouse $22, more

Brother Google Cloud Print All-in-One InkJet Color Printer: $48 shipped (Reg. $80+)

Amazon teases one day sale that’ll discount Prime memberships down to just $67

Giveaway: This is Ground’s Mod Laptop 2 is a road warrior’s dream bag, up to $499 value

More new gear from today:

Daily Deals: OontZ Curve Bluetooth Speaker $15, MS Band Smartwatch $100, more

More deals still alive:

LG 49-inch 60Hz Smart 4K UHDTV: $550 shipped (Reg. $800+)

New products & more:

Infento’s Constructible Rides are a K’NEX-like bicycle system that grows with your kid

The Makerarm 3D prints, laser engraves, and even assembles your electronics

Another ‘HTC One A9’ photo purportedly surfaces, corroborates previous iPhone-like images

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 22 2015 - 10:48 am PT
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Last month’s “HTC One A9” leak

Last month we shared with you photos purporting to be of an upcoming ‘One A9’ handset from HTC. While we pitted them as likely to be fake thanks to sketchy images that had surfaced the day before, a newly-leaked photo (via OnLeaks) suggests that this design might actually be the real deal. And that’s sad, because if this phone isn’t an iPhone copycat, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen one…
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Gmail gets ‘block sender’ and ‘unsubscribe’ features on Android & web

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Sep 22 2015 - 9:33 am PT
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Google is rolling out a couple notable new features for Gmail, starting today with a new “block sender” feature on both the web and Android and a unsubscribe button coming to the Gmail app for Android.
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New LG V10 render leak shows secondary ticker display

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 22 2015 - 9:01 am PT
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A few weeks ago, an unreleased and unnamed LG device passed through TENAA, China’s version of the FCC. The images showed what seemed to be an unremarkable device albeit one with the unusual design choice of having the front-facing camera built into the display. Later on it was revealed by Evan Blass (@evleaks) that there would be a secondary ticker display running along the top of the primary display.

Today, the well-known leaker is back with what looks like an official press render of that device, confirming that speculation…


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Infinix HOT 2 arrives as first Android One device in the United Arab Emirates

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 22 2015 - 9:00 am PT
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We’ve seen Android One devices land in a couple Middle East countries already, but now the program is coming to the United Arab Emirates. The Infinix Hot 2, which you can see in the image above, is now available exclusively from Souq.com…

The 5-inch smartphone launches with a quad-core MediaTek processor, dual-SIM support, front and rear cameras (at 2 MP and 8 MP, respectively), 1 GB of RAM, and 16GB storage (expandable via microSD card). Out of the box, the phone runs Android 5.1 Lollipop, and the whole package will cost you AED 299 (or just about $80 in the equivalent US dollars). We saw the same phone launch in Africa earlier this year.

Interestingly, we have yet to see the official Android blog come out to brag about this launch. Android One has been introduced to many major markets this year, most recently including Europe with the BQ Aquaris A4.5, a new handset in India called the Lava Pixel V1, and a launch in Pakistan just a few months ago with the QMobile A1. According to a recent report, Google wants to halve the price of its Android One handsets in all of these markets.

Infinix Hot 2 becomes Middle East’s first Android One smartphone; launched exclusively onSouq.com

20 September 2015 Dubai, UAE– Infinix Mobility has announced the launch of the new Infinix Hot 2 phone in collaboration with Google™ to bring high-performance, low-cost Android™ experience to the Middle East. The device, which is the first smartphone on the Android One™ program in Middle East, will enable all users enjoy the latest version of Android with guaranteed software upgrades after release, premium hardware specs and a wide range of customized apps.

Speaking on the device, Benjamin Jiang, MD, Infinix Mobility, stated that the new Infinix Hot 2 will redefine the smartphone industry in Middle East. He said: “At Infinix we believe that Middle East end-users deserve to experience the latest smartphones at competitive price. That is why we are pleased to collaborate with Google to deliver this unique smartphone; the Infinix Hot 2. We are confident that the phone will push the frontiers of smartphone technology to the next level.”

Speaking in the same vein, Caesar Sengupta, Vice President, Product Management at Google said “Google is pleased to collaborate with Infinix Mobility on Android One — a program designed to help bring high-quality, low-cost Android devices to everyone. We’re looking forward to working with Infinix Mobility to put a great smartphone into the hands of people in the Middle East.”.

Ronaldo Mouchawar, CEO & Co-Founder of Souq.com commented, “Souq.com is committed to the development of e-commerce in the MENA region of which consumer electronics (smartphones specifically) is the biggest industry sector. Today, Souq.com is championing the factory-to-consumer model through its unique partnerships by opening the market up and providing product diversity for our customers as well as making high-spec, world-leading technology more accessible. Infinix Mobility’s high-performance, great value Android Hot 2 could be a significant turning point in the smartphone ecosystem. We are excited to be exclusive partners and supporting Infinix Mobility in this launch.”

As with other phones running the latest Android Lollipop, users of the Infinix Hot 2 can automatically enable the new battery saver feature to extend battery life by 90 minutes. Users can also see the estimated time left before they need to recharge. And when charging, they can also see the estimated time for the battery to become fully charged. The operating system offers users more control over data usage by offering a two-quick swipe control to turn data on or off; they can also easily check data usage.

The Infinix Hot 2 is made of glossy materials that give users a luxury experience. Its cutting edge style was precisely designed to fit in the palm of a user; its style, display and architecture give it a unique design.
Powered by a Mediatek 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor and a 1GB RAM, users can play 3D games on the Infinix Hot 2 in addition to an extraordinary experience while watching videos in high-definition (HD). The smartphone has a 2200mAh battery that allows users to enjoy the device for longer hours. The device runs on Android Lollipop and there will be automatic update to the latest version of Android when it becomes available.

The Infinix Hot 2 also comes with a 5.0 inch display and high-definition (1280 x 720 pixels) resolution that allows users to read and respond to messages directly from the lock screen and provides quick access to tools like the flashlight, Bluetooth, WI-Fi, and more- also standards available on the latest Android Lollipop.
Infinix Hot 2 has an 8.0 MP rear camera in addition to 5P Lens and 2MP front-facing camera. The metal camera decorative design makes the camera a bright spot on the back. It comes with true flash+ BSI. And even in dark light, users can still capture best shots. Camera not only allows you to take photos of things and people you love but also of you through the front camera. Infinix Hot 2 also comes with a beauty face option which captures a portrait and automatically adjusts the photo to create a more visually pleasing photo, making face smoother and brighter.
In addition to improved high dynamic range and low-dark current, the device perfectly complements the 5P lens which increases light sensibility by 30% thus making it possible for users to take high quality photos anywhere and anytime.
Exclusively available on Souq.com No.1 Middle East e-commerce retailer for 299AED only

http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/ae-infinix-hot-2/c/

Full Device Specifications
Network: 2G/3G
OS: Lollipop 5.1
Dimensions: 145 x 71.86 mm x 88 mm
Display: 5” HD screen
Resolution: 720 x 1280
Processor quad core: 1. 3 GHz
Battery: 2200mAh
Camera: 8MP rear + 2MP front

Premium Accessories
Double-Side PU screen protector
Stylish Leather Cover

*Terms and conditions apply
1Users will be able to receive updates for the latest Android operating system up to two years

 

Samsung testing Snapdragon 820 in Galaxy S7 according to leaked benchmarks

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 22 2015 - 5:52 am PT
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Samsung caused a lot of chatter in the tech scene when it decided to eschew Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips in favor of its own Exynos processors this year. All four of Samsung’s high end devices feature its own processor in every market worldwide. But that could change next year. According to a few leaks posted to Chinese social network, weibo, Qualcomm has sent a few different versions of its Snapdragon 820 processor to Samsung for testing in its Galaxy S7.


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Xiaomi Mi 4c officially announced, features Snapdragon 808 chip, 5-inch 1080p display and USB Type-C for under $205

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 22 2015 - 3:18 am PT
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Xiaomi has a growing reputation for releasing smartphones with impressive spec lists and features for very affordable prices. Its latest “flagship” was unveiled just a short while ago and features some flagship matching specs, but with a price that’s far below what you’d expect it to be…


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Leakster OnLeaks says that an LG G4 ‘Pro’ is still coming

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 21 2015 - 3:25 pm PT
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LG G4c

The LG G4 was announced almost 6 months ago now, and it wasn’t long after that the rumors of a larger, speedier, and more-capable LG G4 “Pro” started to surface. Earlier this month, the well-connected David Ruddock came out to say that LG isn’t planning a “pro” or “premium” version of the G4 for this fall, but new information from a credible leakster suggests that such a device is still in the cards.

The next handset that we’ll see from LG is almost surely going to be the much-rumored Nexus 5X, set to be announced at Google’s September 29th event. Another handset has also been making the rounds, however, called the LG V10. This device purportedly packs a 5.7-inch screen, an auxiliary ticker display, and a Snapdragon 808 processor. We’ll see what LG announces on October 1st…

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Refurb Galaxy S5 (unlocked) $180, LG 49-inch 4K UHDTV $550, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 21 2015 - 12:59 pm PT
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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Refurb Samsung Galaxy S5 16GB Verizon + GSM Unlocked: $180 shipped (Reg. $300+) | eBay

LG 49-inch 60Hz Smart 4K UHDTV: $550 shipped (Reg. $800+)

Review: Tile’s 2nd-gen Bluetooth tracker makes finding lost keys, dog, or iPhone easier than ever

More new gear from today:

Games/Apps: FX Photo Studio goes free, PS4 Destiny Taken King bundle w/ MGS V $399, iOS freebies, more

More deals still alive:

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 32 GB (factory unlocked): $550 shipped (Reg. $1,000) | Amazon

New products & more:

The all-in-one Bruvelo Coffeemaker hits Kickstarter with a lofty goal and slim design

Tacos are the key to scoring one of Sony’s crazy limited edition Gold PlayStation 4 bundles

Wileyfox Swift: Unboxing Britain’s answer to OnePlus [Video]

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 21 2015 - 12:56 pm PT
1 Comment

The smartphone market is getting crowded by low cost phones offering great performance. It’s been something of a rising trend, especially with brands like OnePlus and Alcatel OneTouch leading the way. The next devices wanting a piece of the action are the Wileyfox Swift and Wileyfox Storm. Both released in what looks like a direct response to last year’s “flagship killer”, the OnePlus One.

I unboxed the more budget-friendly model of the two, the Wileyfox Swift, to see if it could deliver as much bang for your buck as other, similar devices…


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Google launches its Android Developer Nanodegree program in India

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 21 2015 - 12:02 pm PT
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In May, we told you that Google had partnered with Udacity to offer a new Android Developer Nanodegree program. Now, Google has announced that it is launching the same program in India.

With a vision to transform India into a hub of high-quality mobile developers for global and local apps, we’re delighted to announce the launch of a program to offer Android Developer Nanodegrees in India in partnership with Udacity. The Android Nanodegree is an education credential that is designed to help developers learn new skills and advance their careers in a few months—from anywhere on any device—at their own pace.

India is world’s second largest programming population, but Google says that today, less than 2% of the apps built in India are “featured in top 1000 apps globally.” The company’s goal — with this initiative and others — is to bring this number beyond 10% over the next three years.

The Mountain View company has been putting a lot of focus as of late on the next billion people in the world to come online. Among other initiatives, Google also launched the Android One program in India last year to bring affordable and well-supported handsets to the masses.

Google says that the program “takes an average of 6-9 months to complete,” and will cost Rs. 9,800 per month in India. If this sounds steep to you, it’s worth keeping in mind that Udacity is refunding 50 percent of the tuition you pay when you complete the program, and Google and Tata Trusts are giving away 1000 scholarships for the Android Nanodegree.

Image: Forbes

Review: Huawei’s Mate S is well-built w/ a very fast fingerprint scanner, but falls short in some areas [Video]

Avatar for Dom Esposito Sep 21 2015 - 10:16 am PT
1 Comment

I’m fairly new to Huawei’s lineup of smartphones, but since I was such a big fan of Huawei Watch, I had some high hopes and expectations for this new device. As with Huawei Watch, the unboxing experience is excellent. Huawei knows how to do packaging. It’s clean-cut and presented well. Though packaging is only a small part of the battle…


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Latest Google Photos update hints at album collaboration, people labeling, Chromecast support, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 21 2015 - 9:49 am PT
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Google released version 1.5 of Google Photos for Android last week, and there weren’t any notable user-facing features. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any additions at all in the new app — these updates very often lay the groundwork for features set to launch in the near future. Cody Toombs pulled this update apart himself, revealing that Photos is preparing for quite a few new additions including album collaboration, people labeling, Chromecast support, and more…
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Poetic’s high-quality $10-$20 cases now available for Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge/Plus, S6 Active, and Note 5

Avatar for Sponsored Post Sep 21 2015 - 9:07 am PT
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Poetic-Android-Hero-02

If you don’t want to spend $50 for a case every time you upgrade your smartphone, you still have great options: cases with comparable quality are available for much less money if you do your research. One of the best brands for that is Poetic, maker of many accessories we’ve reviewed in the past and loved, and now the company’s high quality, sub-$20 cases are available for the latest lineup of flagship Android devices including the Galaxy S6 Edge and S6 Edge Plus, the S6 Active, and the new Galaxy Note 5.

The two new cases are updated versions of well-reviewed products that Poetic had available for previous generation devices, so unlike many other affordable cases, we already know what we’re getting into in terms of quality.
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Rumor: Samsung’s well-received Galaxy Ax series set to continue for another generation at least

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 21 2015 - 5:21 am PT
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Samsung is, unsurprisingly, working on the follow up to its Galaxy A3, A5 and A7 handsets. SamMobile has learned from its sources that the devices will have model names SM-A310F, SM-A510F and SM-A710F in Russia, while Chinese models will be SM-A5100 and SM-A7100.

Little else is known about the devices. The site hasn’t heard anything specific about specifications or pricing, but the slight change in model numbers suggests the improvements will be incremental.

Samsung introduced metal bodies on its phones for the first time with the Galaxy A-series phones, before the solid chassis design hit the Galaxy Note, then the Galaxy S lineups later on. The series itself has been relatively well-received by consumers, offering great build and almost-flagship specs for competitive prices. Although not quite as cheap as disruptive brands like OnePlus and Alacetel OneTouch, the phones did help dissuade fears that the company only knew how to make cheap-feeling, and cheap-looking plastic ‘mini’ phones.

LG Class unveiled in Korea: Metal build, 5-inch display and support for 2TB MicroSD in tow

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 21 2015 - 4:14 am PT
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You may remember, just a few weeks ago, an upcoming LG device was leaked showing what looked to be a metal chassis and protruding rear camera. Today, the LG Class went official in Korea and — although it probably won’t make its way to Western markets — it looks to be a solid mid-ranger.

It’s been designed to look and feel like a quality device. Both the glass on the front and metal on the back are curved towards the left and right edges to make it feel great in hand. It’s also just 7.4mm thin, making one of the thinnest smartphones around.

Specs aren’t exactly inspiring, but typical for a mid-tier device. The 5-inch display on the front boasts 720p resolution with a pixel density of 294ppi. There’s a 13MP camera on the back and an 8MP front facing sensor. The Korean manufacturer opted for a quad-core 1.2GHz processor on the inside, along with 2GB RAM and a 2,050mAh battery.

Perhaps the most noteworthy specification is its expandable storage. Like many phones, it has a MicroSD card slot, except this one will support memory cards up to a huge 2TB after a software update is released next month. With just 16GB internal storage, that extra capacity will surely make the device much more tempting to buyers. There’s also a loud 1W loudspeaker, 4G LTE connectivity and Bluetooth 4.1. It’ll cost just under the equivalent of $340 when it goes on sale in Korea, and will be available in three colors: Blue Black, Silver and Gold.

It’s not likely that we’ll see this smartphone outside Korea, but there’s always hope that the manufacturer will release a new phone for us before the holiday season rolls around. Although I’m not holding my breath, it’d be nice to see the company compete with Samsung’s Note series.

Third OnePlus smartphone allegedly shows up in sketchy render leak

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 21 2015 - 3:02 am PT
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Pinch of salt at the ready? A leaked render published this morning seemingly shows what OnePlus’ second phone of the year will look like, and it seems a bit of a change from the angular, flat frames and edges of the current devices. At least, it does from the back. From the front, the renders look very familiar; with the chrome-finished edges surrounding a large, flat, glossy black panel.

From the back, the smartphone seems to be a solid piece of plastic with slightly rounded edges and corners. The bottom edge looks to be hosting a USB Type-C connector, flanked by two identical sets of machined holes, presumably for the microphone and single loudspeaker like the OnePlus 2.


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Add wireless charging to almost any LG G4 without an expensive Quick Circle case for just $15 [Video]

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 19 2015 - 12:03 pm PT
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While many flagship smartphones have wireless charging built in as standard, LG opted against it with the G4. Unless you buy the company’s expensive and — in my opinion — unattractive Quick Circle case, you don’t get wireless charging. As always with these kind of problems, there is a solution and all it costs is $15 and a little patience…


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Review: Huawei Watch sets a new standard for Android Wear smartwatch design [Video]

Avatar for Dom Esposito Sep 19 2015 - 7:23 am PT
2 Comments

Huawei Watch is beautiful. I know that’s a rather odd way to start out this review, but this is hands-down one of the best looking smartwatches on the market. I suppose that opinion is somewhat subjective depending on your taste, but every little detail about Huawei Watch’s look and feel is proof that there’s light at the end of the tunnel for beautiful smartwatch design…


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Android Pay now available from Play Store, time to split your payments into 2 apps

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Sep 19 2015 - 5:41 am PT
3 Comments
Site default logo image

In all of the excitement about the new Chromecasts yesterday we missed a semi-important milestone. Android Pay  can now be downloaded at the Play store meaning it is now the de facto way to pay for goods and services offline with NFC readers.  The new service in recent weeks brought heavies like McDonald’s, Citibank and Wells Fargo.

In a strange and head scratcher “Google Reader” type move, Google decided to split the online payments (Google Wallet) with its offline payments (Andoid Pay) services to two apps. Perhaps that Wallet is an iOS app while Android Pay will never be is a reason for the split. Sure, I’ll take another app on my phone with a side of confusion, especially at the moment I’m stressfully taking out my phone and rolling the NFC dice …and the 10 people behind me in line don’t have to wait any longer for this bolted together payments system to work.

Oh, I notice that I have to re-enter all of my cards into Android Pay like I never set them up in Google Wallet so that’s a nice added kick in the teeth to get my Saturday started.

Where’s my coffee!?

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