Google

Android M’s software features have already been announced, but what hasn’t been announced is what the ‘M’ stands for. In our early poll, you decided Marshmallow was the most likely choice, and that’s what Google’s gone with. Earlier today, Jeff Sharkey shared a photo of the covered statue on Google Plus, and now the tarp is off! It’s our favorite green robot clutching on to a Marshmallow.

Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S4 receives Stagefright patch, other fixes

Tom Maxwell Aug 17 2015 - 9:47 am PT

Stagefright isn’t totally a solved issue just yet, but device manufacturers and carriers have continued work on rolling out a patch that mitigates the OS vulnerability until another one of Google’s monthly security updates. Today we get an update for Verizon’s version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 which includes that patch and then some.

The update, rolling out over-the-air (OTA) and first spotted by Android Police, includes nothing new at all but quite a few fixes for software bugs to go along with addressing the Stagefright vulnerability. Device carriers and manufacturers that make them have felt almost unanimously responsible for rolling out fixes for the issue due to its sheer potential for damage and ease of exploitation, to name just two reasons.

If you own a Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon, expect to receive a notification when the update hits your device, sometime within the next few days. You can also check for it manually by visiting Settings > About phone > System updates.

Google’s Project Sunroof automates much of the solar purchasing process

Tom Maxwell Aug 17 2015 - 9:32 am PT

Google today used a YouTube video to announce Project Sunroof, a website through which it is automating much of the process of researching and then purchasing solar panels for the home.

The gist of it is that while the cost of solar energy has been falling dramatically over the past few years, thanks in part to subsidies and economies of scale, the actual process of determining whether solar panels are right for you — logistically and economically speaking — is still complicated. Google is (still) a very data-driven company, though, and thinks that it can use data to provide just the right insights and information consumers are in need of, tailored specifically to each individual household.
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Roundup: 5 best affordable to premium Chromebooks out right now

Cam Bunton Aug 17 2015 - 9:16 am PT

Chromebooks are only four years old as a computing category, but they’ve helped give a new lease on life to a flagging PC industry in this ‘Post PC’ world. They’re almost always inexpensive and low maintenance, thanks to being almost entirely browser based. But now, four years later, there are so many options on the market, it’s hard to know what to buy. Here’s our guide on the best Google-powered notebooks out there…

Google X robotics expert speaks out on the decline of women in tech from 35% to 26% (Video)

Ben Lovejoy Aug 17 2015 - 4:57 am PT

If we want to understand why the percentage of women in working in the tech sector has dropped from 35% in 1990 to just 26% today, asking some women in tech for their thoughts on the issue seems like a smart thing to do. Re/code is doing just that, in a new video series entitled The 26%: Women Speak Out on Tech’s Diversity Crisis, and a Google X robotics expert was first in line …
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Photo of rumored 2015 LG Nexus 5 leaked

Cam Bunton Aug 17 2015 - 3:50 am PT

LG and Google are purportedly working together to release a revamped version of the Nexus 5 for 2015. We’ve already seen a number of supposed specifications, a case leak and a detailed 3D render based on detailed schematics. But we hadn’t seen any real evidence of the device being real. Until now.

High quality Huawei Nexus renders published based on “detailed blueprints”

Cam Bunton Aug 15 2015 - 3:38 am PT

Yesterday the well-known leaker, Steve Hemmerstoffer teamed up with uSwitch to leak digital renders of the purported upcoming LG-made Nexus. Today, the two are back with their first look at what could be this year’s flagship Nexus device. As rumored multiple times, this device is expected to be manufactured by Huawei, one of China’s biggest Android OEMs.

9to5Toys Lunch Break: GoPro HERO4 Silver $330, Brother wireless printer $80, more

Stephen Hall Aug 14 2015 - 1:20 pm PT

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:

GoPro’s HERO4 Silver Action Camera is on sale for $330 shipped (Reg. $400)

Brother Wireless Laser Printer with AirPrint $80 shipped (Orig. $130)

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 64 GB (factory unlocked): $580 shipped (Reg. $1,000) | eBay

Up to 50% off Android on eBay: LG G Pad V410 $9, Samsung Note Pro P905 32GB $400, more

Giveaway: Olio Model One Black Collection Connected Timepiece for iOS and Android ($795 value)

More new gear from today:

Daily Deals: Logitech Wireless Performance Mouse MX $45, D-Link Wireless Cloud IP Camera $55, more

Synology DiskStation 2-Bay Network Attached Storage $300 shipped (Reg. $350+)
Games/Apps: Batman Arkham Knight from $45, Metro Redux $17, Wii U bundle $253, iOS freebies, more
Stop paying rental fees w/ the best-selling Motorola Arris SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable modem (refurb): $45 (Orig. $100)
Get Ed Sheeran’s complete X album for $1 (Reg. $12)

More deals still alive:

Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display (newest) 2.7GHz/8GB/128GB: $1,100 shipped (Reg. $1,299)

Apple 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K Display 3.3GHz/1TB/8GB: $1,850 shipped (Reg. $1,999)

Spigen: Air Vent Mount for iPhone 6/Plus & Android Devices $7 (Reg. $16), iPhone 6 MFi 3100mAh Battery Case $35 (Reg. $60)

Home: Hamilton Beach Single-Cup coffee maker (refurb) $26 (Orig. $60), stainless steel electric kettle $18 (Orig. $30), more
ThinkGeek 16th Birthday Sale w/ toys at only $16: USB Flux Capacitor, Minecraft/Star Wars items, more
Canon PIXMA MX922 Wireless AirPrint All-in-One Printer $70 shipped (Reg. $97+), more
Juiced Systems USB-C 6.5-Foot Braided Cable: $20 Shipped (Orig. $30, CA Tax Only)
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x over-ear headphones + Apogee Groove portable headphone amp $329 shipped ($600 value)
Specimen vintage-style horn speakers/amps 50% off: 19-inch Hornlet $1,200 (Reg. $2,400), more
Over $90 of paid Android Apps for Free: Scribblenauts Remix, Bloons TD 5, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Goat Simulator, more
Get 12 months of Adobe’s Photography Creative Cloud plan for $100 ($20 savings)
JBL LSR305 Professional Studio Monitor speakers (pair) from $262 shipped (Reg. $300), more
Etekcity Remote Control Outlet $12 Prime shipped (Reg. $20)
Charge your Apple Watch and iPhone with this Bamboo Dock for $11.50 Prime shipped (Reg. $17)
D-Link DCS-5029L 720p HD Pan & Tilt Day/Night Wi-Fi Camera: $100 shipped (Reg. $150)
USB roundup: Lumsing 6000mAh Power Bank + 3-port USB car charger $16, more
NomadPlus converts your iPhone USB wall charger into a 1800mAh power bank: $20 shipped (Orig. $40)
Storage: WD Portable USB 3.0 HDD $50 (Orig. $100), Samsung 500GB 2.5″ Internal SSD $150 (Reg. $180+), more
Spigen Rugged Armor Apple Watch Case & Night Stand: $22 Shipped (Orig. $35, CA Tax Only)
AT&T offers new customers up to $500 in credits to switch to its wireless service plan
The new Art of Lego Scale Modeling design book gives directions for custom projects: $22 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)
VIZIO 49-inch 4K 120Hz Smart LED UHDTV $650 shipped (Reg. $770), more
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ mic & CAD Acousti-Shield $159 shipped ($257 value)
Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones in black or white: $90 shipped (Reg. $120)
Back to school essentials you may have overlooked: Litographs tees, dorm decor, GE alarm kit, more
Two Philips Hue connected light bulbs (multiple styles) for $100 shipped (~$120 value)
Aukey Tempered Glass Screen Protectors for iPhone 6/Plus from $2 Prime Shipped
Complete this Chipotle trivia game & receive a buy one, get one free coupon

New products & more:

Make nearly any HDTV a giant Android touchscreen tablet with the Touchjet WAVE

JayBird’s new Apple Watch compatible X2 in-ears sport enhanced Bluetooth audio

iRobot finally gets approved to bring wireless robo lawn mowers to your backyard
The E-Raw concept electric motorcycle combines wood and steel for a one-of-a-kind look
Samsung’s new 15TB SSD fits world’s highest-capacity hard drive in 2.5″ enclosure
WalkCar looks like a four-wheeled MacBook that you can ride
These magnets can turn your fridge into a Game Boy for $20 Prime shipped
Solenica’s solar-powered Lucy lamp shines light into the dark spaces in your home
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 hits iOS a decade after its initial release
Build the wildest NERF Blaster you can imagine with Amazon’s new N-Strike Modulus design tool
Here’s the first look at The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land gameplay for iOS and Android
Amazon’s Kindle First delivers Prime members early access to books for free, see August’s picks
Utinni! This unbelievably detailed Sandcrawler might be one of the coolest Star Wars LEGO customs ever
Thermos’ latest water bottle will nag you with iOS notifications to make sure you stay hydrated
The new Graava action camera uses your heartbeat to capture the best moments and make a highlight reel
The CydeKick uses renewable energy to charge your iPhone while you ride
Blizzard brings the new World of Warcraft: Legion expansion & character class to Gamescom 2015
DJI reveals a new Phantom 3 for beginner pilots loaded with specs
Bang & Olufsen brings it all together with new whole home audio capabilities for existing products
Review: Sony’s RX100 IV is the best compact photo/video camera that money can buy (Video)
The Lexus Hoverboard is here: watch as it flies around a skatepark and over water
Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain gets brand new trailer & gameplay footage w/ commentary
EA Gamescom 15: deep Need for Speed campaign mode, new Battlefront gameplay, more
Microsoft announces new Halo 5 Limited EditionXbox One Console, DVR functionality, games and more
Epson’s new EcoTank printers have enough ink for “two years” right out of the box

The coolest Apple-certified MFI Lightning cables you can buy for your iPhone, iPad and iPod

Use Google’s same-day delivery service, help give school supplies to kids in need

Tom Maxwell Aug 14 2015 - 9:50 am PT

2 Comments

The beginning of a new school year is almost here and with it many stores have begun to fill their aisles with supplies and pepper the media with advertisements to get kids, and their parents, in the door. Many students can’t afford to get everything they may need, however, which could start the year off on a wrong, anxious foot. Google, in partnership with Volunteers of America Operation Backpack, is using its Google Express same-day delivery service to give away 10,000 backpacks full of supplies to disadvantaged children.

Operation Backpack^® provides new backpacks and school supplies to disadvantaged kids, giving them a sense of confidence in knowing that their education is important and that somebody believes in them.

Here’s how it works: Spend at least $50 on Google Express between now and the 17th of this month, and Google will donate a backpack to Volunteers of America Operation Backpack, up to 10,000 backpacks. The website isn’t specific as to whether or not the $50 has to be in one transaction, but I assume so. And since there’s just a limit on the maximum amount of backpacks they’ll donate, you should be able to make multiple $50 orders and have a backpack donated each time until they hit that limit.

Google Express is Google’s same-day delivery service for getting everything from electronics to fruits and vegetables delivered right to your door within hours. It’s the same idea as the popular Instacart delivery service, except that Instacart delivers a more limited selection of items — mainly food and healthcare products. Express, like Instacart, procures its inventory from local stores which vary depending on the city you’re in, and you can either pay $5 for delivery, or a $95 annual membership fee to get unlimited free deliveries on orders of at least $15 in value. Google Express is only available in a few major US cities right now, though:

San Francisco
Peninsula & San Jose
West Los Angeles
Manhattan
Chicago
Boston
Washington, DC

Sprint rolling out Stagefright vulnerability patch for HTC One M8

Tom Maxwell Aug 14 2015 - 8:23 am PT

Like every other US carrier, Sprint has been working diligently to release a patch to the Stagefright vulnerability in Android to its lineup of phones, and today HTC One M8 owners get the fix.

The release notes for the update only list a “Patch for critical security vulnerability (‘Stagefright’)” as being included in this update, so don’t expect anything else.

Stagefright is a vulnerability spotted in Android’s default MMS behavior that makes delivering and executing code on an Android-powered smartphone as simple as delivering a rich text message. Android has the ability to fetch the contents of a message before the user even opens it (this functionality itself is called “Stagefright” in Android), and most messaging apps previously didn’t prevent this from happening because, why not? Pre-fetching contents would be ideal as it means the user doesn’t have to wait for something to download when they tap and open a message.

Unfortunately, however, it’s also an easy way for bad guys to gain control of your phone. Google’s default text messaging app on Android, Messages, as well as its Hangouts messaging app, have both received updates to solve this from happening. Other popular messaging apps have followed suite, but Google’s vulnerability patch means that more apps won’t need to do the same.

Since this is a carrier update it’s being rolled out in stages, so it could be a few days before you see it hit your device. You should receive a notification when it’s available, otherwise you can manually check by visiting Settings > About phone > System updates.

Google ‘recalculating’ plans for Project Ara modular smartphone, says will update next week

Ben Lovejoy Aug 14 2015 - 5:35 am PT

Engadget noticed that Google’s Project Ara team had posted a confusing series of tweets about its Project Ara modular smartphone, making it unclear how the company now plans to proceed.

After a long period of radio silence following a photo posted from Google I/O back in May, the project’s Twitter account posted first that it had some updates to share, then that there would be a “market pilot re-route” but “don’t worry, #ProjectAra isn’t going anywhere, #just recalculating” …
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OxygenOS 1.0.2 update released with Stagefright patch for OnePlus One users

Cam Bunton Aug 14 2015 - 4:14 am PT

OnePlus One users running OxygenOS can now download the security patches to deal with the Stagefright vulnerability. OnePlus One announced in a blog post this morning that Oxygen OS 1.0.2 is now available to download, and fixes what some dubbed the worst Android vulnerability in the mobile device era. Customers are advised to ensure they back up all their data before flashing. Those using OxygenOS already won’t need to reset their devices.

Detailed LG Nexus 2015 renders leaked, show 5.2-inch screen, fingerprint sensor, more

Cam Bunton Aug 14 2015 - 3:05 am PT

2 Comments

For the past few weeks, rumors have surfaced suggestion Google will partner with two manufacturers this year for its Nexus phones. We’re purportedly going to see a smaller device made by LG and a larger model made by Huawei. Today we get our first look at some detailed 3D renders designed using hardware schematics sent to case-makers.

Google’s new Mobile Vision API makes it easy for Android developers to tell if you’re smiling

Tom Maxwell Aug 13 2015 - 2:02 pm PT

Google has today completed its roll-out of Google Play services version 7.8, the package of app tools and APIs that Google manages and which make it stand out from those who use the open source version of Android to create their own mobile platforms. With version 7.8 comes some new technology that will make it easier for developers to recognize when you’re smiling into your Android device’s camera.

9to5Toys Lunch Break: 128GB Galaxy S6 (unlocked) $600, Wireless Travel Router $5, Android Car Mount $7, more

Stephen Hall Aug 13 2015 - 12:53 pm PT

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:

Samsung Galaxy S6 128GB Smartphone (unlocked): $600 shipped (Reg $800+)

Aukey Wireless Portable Travel Router/1800mAh power bank: $5 Prime shipped (add on)

Spigen: Air Vent Mount for iPhone 6/Plus & Android Devices $7 (Reg. $16), iPhone 6 MFi 3100mAh Battery Case $35 (Reg. $60)

Over $90 of paid Android Apps for Free: Scribblenauts Remix, Bloons TD 5, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Goat Simulator, more

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 64 GB (factory unlocked): $580 shipped (Reg. $1,000) | eBay

Up to 50% off Android on eBay: LG G Pad V410 $90, Samsung Note Pro P905 32GB $400, more

Giveaway: Olio Model One Black Collection Connected Timepiece for iOS and Android ($795 value)

More new gear from today:

Canon PIXMA MX922 Wireless AirPrint All-in-One Printer $70 shipped (Reg. $97+), more

Games/Apps: PDP dual PS4 controller charger $20 (Orig. $30), Civ Beyond Earth for Mac $20 (Reg. $40), iOS freebies, more
Juiced Systems USB-C 6.5-Foot Braided Cable: $20 Shipped (Orig. $30, CA Tax Only)
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x over-ear headphones + Apogee Groove portable headphone amp $329 shipped ($600 value)
Specimen vintage-style horn speakers/amps 50% off: 19-inch Hornlet $1,200 (Reg. $2,400), more
Samsung’s new 15TB SSD fits world’s highest-capacity hard drive in 2.5″ enclosure

More deals still alive:

Xiaomi 16000mAh Portable External Battery: $18 shipped (Reg. $28) | eBay

USB roundup: Anker 60W 6-Port USB Charging Hub $24 (Reg. $36), Imneed Power bank + MFi Lightning cable $10 (Reg. $22), more

Get 12 months of Adobe’s Photography Creative Cloud plan for $100 ($20 savings)
JBL LSR305 Professional Studio Monitor speakers (pair) from $262 shipped (Reg. $300), more
Etekcity Remote Control Outlet $12 Prime shipped (Reg. $20)
Charge your Apple Watch and iPhone with this Bamboo Dock for $11.50 Prime shipped (Reg. $17)
D-Link DCS-5029L 720p HD Pan & Tilt Day/Night Wi-Fi Camera: $100 shipped (Reg. $150)
USB roundup: Lumsing 6000mAh Power Bank + 3-port USB car charger $16, more
The best-selling Brother Monochrome Laser Printer is on sale for $43 shipped (Orig. $120), more
NomadPlus converts your iPhone USB wall charger into a 1800mAh power bank: $20 shipped (Orig. $40)
Storage: WD Portable USB 3.0 HDD $50 (Orig. $100), Samsung 500GB 2.5″ Internal SSD $150 (Reg. $180+), more
Spigen Rugged Armor Apple Watch Case & Night Stand: $22 Shipped (Orig. $35, CA Tax Only)
AT&T offers new customers up to $500 in credits to switch to its wireless service plan
The new Art of Lego Scale Modeling design book gives directions for custom projects: $22 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)
VIZIO 49-inch 4K 120Hz Smart LED UHDTV $650 shipped (Reg. $770), more
App Store Free App of the Week: Matter 3D photo effects goes free for the first time ($3 value)
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ mic & CAD Acousti-Shield $159 shipped ($257 value)
Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones in black or white: $90 shipped (Reg. $120)
Back to school essentials you may have overlooked: Litographs tees, dorm decor, GE alarm kit, more
1byone Digital Indoor HDTV Antenna: $13 Shipped (Orig. $36, CA Tax Only)
Amazon’s Kindle First delivers Prime members early access to books for free, see August’s picks
Two Philips Hue connected light bulbs (multiple styles) for $100 shipped (~$120 value)
Save 50% on the entire Infinity Blade Trilogy: $5 (Reg. $10)
Aukey Tempered Glass Screen Protectors for iPhone 6/Plus from $2 Prime Shipped
Complete this Chipotle trivia game & receive a buy one, get one free coupon

New products & more:

JayBird’s new Apple Watch compatible X2 in-ears sport enhanced Bluetooth audio

WalkCar looks like a four-wheeled MacBook that you can ride

These magnets can turn your fridge into a Game Boy for $20 Prime shipped
Solenica’s solar-powered Lucy lamp shines light into the dark spaces in your home
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 hits iOS a decade after its initial release
Build the wildest NERF Blaster you can imagine with Amazon’s new N-Strike Modulus design tool
Here’s the first look at The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land gameplay for iOS and Android
Utinni! This unbelievably detailed Sandcrawler might be one of the coolest Star Wars LEGO customs ever
Thermos’ latest water bottle will nag you with iOS notifications to make sure you stay hydrated
The new Graava action camera uses your heartbeat to capture the best moments and make a highlight reel
The CydeKick uses renewable energy to charge your iPhone while you ride
Blizzard brings the new World of Warcraft: Legion expansion & character class to Gamescom 2015
DJI reveals a new Phantom 3 for beginner pilots loaded with specs
Bang & Olufsen brings it all together with new whole home audio capabilities for existing products
Review: Sony’s RX100 IV is the best compact photo/video camera that money can buy (Video)
The Lexus Hoverboard is here: watch as it flies around a skatepark and over water
Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain gets brand new trailer & gameplay footage w/ commentary
EA Gamescom 15: deep Need for Speed campaign mode, new Battlefront gameplay, more
Microsoft announces new Halo 5 Limited EditionXbox One Console, DVR functionality, games and more
Epson’s new EcoTank printers have enough ink for “two years” right out of the box

Google adds new Dell Chromebook 13 to Chromebook for Work lineup, available September 17

Tom Maxwell Aug 13 2015 - 11:32 am PT

Chromebook for Work is Google’s lineup of premium Chrome OS-powered laptops which it promotes as easy to deploy, highly secure, and ready to run legacy Window applications through OS virtualization. Today the company announced that Dell will begin selling a new one of these business-ready Chromebooks starting September 17th, called the Dell Chromebook 13.

The Chromebook 13 is, like the rest of the Chromebook for Work line, packing a serious punch for a computer running such a lightweight operating system. It has a 13.3″ full HD touchscreen display (1920×1080), a 5th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, a backlit keyboard and glass touchpad, and a palmrest made out of magnesium alloy. The laptop is quoted for 12 hours of battery life, although these ratings are usually generous. The starting price will be $399 when it goes on sale, with no more detail on upgrade options or variants. “Enterprise class performance at an economical price point,” Google says in its blog post.

Chrome OS certainly does hold a lot of promise for IT departments frustrated with the current solutions out there, namely Windows and all the tumult going on at Microsoft over the company’s strategy for the operating system going forward. Google’s operating system was built at a much later time, and without the baggage of years and years of developing and supporting software meant for a place and time that has since passed. In my day-to-day there are rarely more than a few edge case applications and tools I need a full-on desktop computer for, so the ability of Chrome OS to virtualize Windows and run its applications is just icing on the cake of an OS which recognizes that many business-related programs can run in the web and be almost indistinguishable from their desktop equivalents — especially with Chrome OS’s ability to run web apps as individual windowed apps.

Samsung announces Galaxy Note 5 & Galaxy S6 Edge+, its two 5.7-inch flagships

Stephen Hall Aug 13 2015 - 8:17 am PT

2 Comments

Samsung has today announced at its Unpacked event the latest in the Galaxy line of smartphones. The Korean company introduced the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, as well as a larger S6 Edge called — yes, it’s a bit of a mouthful — the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+…

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Samsung’s Unpacked event is kicking off at 11 AM ET [Livestream]

Stephen Hall Aug 13 2015 - 7:41 am PT

In case you’re out of the loop, Samsung is announcing a couple of new devices at its Unpacked event today. Based on the leaks we’ve been seeing over the last couple of months, it looks like the Korean company is set to unveil its S Pen-sporting Samsung Galaxy Note 5, as well as a bigger “plus” version of the Galaxy S6 Edge. Follow below for the livestream…
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Google reveals details of first monthly Nexus security update in new Google Group

Ben Lovejoy Aug 13 2015 - 5:05 am PT

Google’s Android security lead Adrian Ludwig has posted a detailed description of the security update recently issued by Google for Nexus devices. The update was designed to address the Stagefright vulnerability which has been described as the “worst Android vulnerability in the mobile OS history.”

On August 5, 2015, we released an over-the-air (OTA) update for Nexus 4/5/6/7/9/10 and Nexus Player devices that includes several security fixes. The patches for these fixes have also been released to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) source repository. These issues are categorized and provided in decreasing order of severity. We have also provided an assessment of each issue, given the information we have at the time of the publication of this bulletin …

Niantic Labs, creator of Ingress, to be spun off as an independent company

Chance Miller Aug 12 2015 - 4:28 pm PT

As the changes from Google’s Alphabet restructure continue to emerge, it today was revealed that Niantic Labs, the team behind popular Ingress augmented reality game, will be spun off as its own independent company. In addition to creating Ingress, Niantic Labs also created Field Trip, which will also stick around when the company breaks off from Google.

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Galaxy S6 Edge (unlocked) $580, HTC RE waterproof camera $100, more

Stephen Hall Aug 12 2015 - 12:26 pm PT

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:

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 64 GB (factory unlocked): $580 shipped (Reg. $1,000) | eBay

Daily Deals: HTC RE 16 MP Waterproof Camera $100, CyberPower Standby Series UPS w/8 Outlets $35, more

Xiaomi 16000mAh Portable External Battery: $18 shipped (Reg. $28) | eBay

Up to 50% off Android on eBay: LG G Pad V410 $90, Samsung Note Pro P905 32GB $400, more

Get 12 months of Adobe’s Photography Creative Cloud plan for $100 ($20 savings)

Giveaway: Olio Model One Black Collection Connected Timepiece for iOS and Android ($795 value)

More new gear from today:

Samsung 850 Pro 2.5-inch Internal Solid-State Drives: 256GB $115 shipped (Reg. $150+), 1TB $430 shipped (Reg. $465)

Games/Apps: Terraria & Day One $2 ea, 1TB Halo Xbox One w/ Unity + 1yr. Live $399, iOS freebies, more
Etekcity Remote Control Outlet $12 Prime shipped (Reg. $20)
JBL LSR305 Professional Studio Monitor speakers (pair) from $262 shipped (Reg. $300), more

More deals still alive:

D-Link DCS-5029L 720p HD Pan & Tilt Day/Night Wi-Fi Camera: $100 shipped (Reg. $150)

USB roundup: Lumsing 6000mAh Power Bank + 3-port USB car charger $16, more
Home: Cuisinart Popcorn Maker $28 (Reg. $40), Black + Decker Lawn Tool Combo Kit $175 (Reg. $250), more
The best-selling Brother Monochrome Laser Printer is on sale for $43 shipped (Orig. $120), more
NomadPlus converts your iPhone USB wall charger into a 1800mAh power bank: $20 shipped (Orig. $40)
Storage: WD Portable USB 3.0 HDD $50 (Orig. $100), Samsung 500GB 2.5″ Internal SSD $150 (Reg. $180+), more
Spigen Rugged Armor Apple Watch Case & Night Stand: $22 Shipped (Orig. $35, CA Tax Only)
AT&T offers new customers up to $500 in credits to switch to its wireless service plan
The new Art of Lego Scale Modeling design book gives directions for custom projects: $22 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)
VIZIO 49-inch 4K 120Hz Smart LED UHDTV $650 shipped (Reg. $770), more
CyberPower 6-outlet + USB power bar $100 ($130 value), APC Back-UPS 8-outlet $100 (Reg. $130)
App Store Free App of the Week: Matter 3D photo effects goes free for the first time ($3 value)
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ mic & CAD Acousti-Shield $159 shipped ($257 value)
Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones in black or white: $90 shipped (Reg. $120)
Pay What You Want For The 10 App Mac Power User Bundle (Orig. $383)
Back to school essentials you may have overlooked: Litographs tees, dorm decor, GE alarm kit, more
1byone Digital Indoor HDTV Antenna: $13 Shipped (Orig. $36, CA Tax Only)
Amazon’s Kindle First delivers Prime members early access to books for free, see August’s picks
Two Philips Hue connected light bulbs (multiple styles) for $100 shipped (~$120 value)
Save 50% on the entire Infinity Blade Trilogy: $5 (Reg. $10)
Aukey Tempered Glass Screen Protectors for iPhone 6/Plus from $2 Prime Shipped
Readdle app sale 50% or more off: Scanner Pro 6, Printer Pro, Calendars 5, PDF Expert 5, more
802.11ac Routers: Linksys AC1200+ $87 (Orig. $130), TRENDnet AC1200 $20 shipped (Orig. $52)
PreSonus Ceres 3.5-inch Powered Speakers w/ Bluetooth streaming $100 shipped (Reg. $230)
Complete this Chipotle trivia game & receive a buy one, get one free coupon

New products & more:

WalkCar looks like a four-wheeled MacBook that you can ride

Solenica’s solar-powered Lucy lamp shines light into the dark spaces in your home

Build the wildest NERF Blaster you can imagine with Amazon’s new N-Strike Modulus design tool
Here’s the first look at The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land gameplay for iOS and Android
Utinni! This unbelievably detailed Sandcrawler might be one of the coolest Star Wars LEGO customs ever
Thermos’ latest water bottle will nag you with iOS notifications to make sure you stay hydrated
The new Graava action camera uses your heartbeat to capture the best moments and make a highlight reel
The CydeKick uses renewable energy to charge your iPhone while you ride
Blizzard brings the new World of Warcraft: Legion expansion & character class to Gamescom 2015
DJI reveals a new Phantom 3 for beginner pilots loaded with specs
Bang & Olufsen brings it all together with new whole home audio capabilities for existing products
Review: Sony’s RX100 IV is the best compact photo/video camera that money can buy (Video)
The Lexus Hoverboard is here: watch as it flies around a skatepark and over water
Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain gets brand new trailer & gameplay footage w/ commentary
EA Gamescom 15: deep Need for Speed campaign mode, new Battlefront gameplay, more
Microsoft announces new Halo 5 Limited EditionXbox One Console, DVR functionality, games and more
Epson’s new EcoTank printers have enough ink for “two years” right out of the box

The coolest Apple-certified MFI Lightning cables you can buy for your iPhone, iPad and iPod

LG G4c unboxing and G4 head-to-head comparison [Video]

Cam Bunton Aug 12 2015 - 12:03 pm PT

In many ways, the LG G4c is a mini version of the LG G4. Sadly, unlike Sony’s Compact series smartphones, it’s not a small phone with flagship specs. It’s less powerful, has a lower resolution screen and a smaller battery than the high-end G4. But all of that is reflected in the price difference. We’ve unboxed the device and filmed a brief comparison between the G4c and the LG G4…

Android Experiments is a gallery of apps that make the best of Android

Tom Maxwell Aug 12 2015 - 10:06 am PT

Yesterday we wrote about three new Android apps to come out of Google’s Creative Lab, which at the time we had trouble making sense of as at first glance since they all seemed like trivial products without clear meaning. Now their existence makes more sense with the launch of a new community gallery of apps called Android Experiments.

Motorola says the new Moto X Pure Edition will be available September 3rd

Stephen Hall Aug 12 2015 - 9:58 am PT