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Google Play services 8.1 now available for developers

Google just announced the rollout of Google Play services 8.1 for developers, introducing Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) permissions, app invites, ambient mode maps, the new Play Games Player Stats API, and more.

Among the more notable new features for developers in this release is support for the new permissions in Android Marshmallow, which we noted previously offer users precise control over app permissions on a case by case basis.

A new App Invites feature allows apps to integrate the ability for users to invite Google contacts from Android or iOS using email or SMS, while a new Play Games Player Stats API will let apps better customize the gameplay experience in relation to the player’s stats and actions.

Lastly, Google Play Services 8.1 brings the ambient mode for always-on apps on Android Wear to Google Maps and introduces Nearby Status Listener for Google Nearby allowing apps “to receive callbacks when an active Nearby publish or subscribe expires.”

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

The Google Play services 8.1 SDK is available now for developers.

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Galaxy S6 Edge (unlocked) $500, 64 GB Nexus 6 (unlocked) $370, more

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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 32 GB (unlocked): $500 shipped (Reg. $1,000) | eBay

Motorola Nexus 6 Unlocked 64 GB: $370 shipped (Orig. $650) | Expansys

Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone 32GB (unlocked): $430 shipped (Reg. $800) | eBay

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

Seagate Backup Plus 8TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive $200 shipped (Reg. $250)

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

More new gear from today:

Shine on! Free MP3 Downloads: Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here (Reg. $8), much more

More deals still alive:

The best USB car charger (Aukey 4 port/48W) is just $7 Prime shipped, Lumsing 6000mAh Power bank: $10

New products & more:

Skreens combines your DVR, Xbox One, Roku and more onto one screen

Polk’s new flagship Omni S6 speaker goes after the multi-room audio crown

Google’s Sundar Pichai welcomes Indian Prime Minister to Silicon Valley [Video]

Google’s Sundar Pichai has taken to the Indian YouTube channel today to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Google headquarters.”It is an honor to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Silicon Valley this weekend,” Pichai said in the video. “I hope Prime Minister Modi’s visit will energize people in Silicon Valley.”

He puts emphasis on Google’s hope to bring the next billion users online, with the majority of those coming from developing smartphone markets in India, China, and elsewhere. He also outlined a couple of Google’s initiatives intended to make this happen, including Android One. Modi will be visiting Google HQ later this week.

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Nexus 6 (unlocked) $300, Galaxy S6 (unlocked) $430, more

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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Motorola Nexus 6 Unlocked 32GB: $300 shipped (Orig. $650)

Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone 32GB (unlocked): $430 shipped (Reg. $800) | eBay

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

The best USB car charger (Aukey 4 port/48W) is just $7 Prime shipped, Lumsing 6000mAh Power bank: $10

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:

CyberPower 1350VA 810W UPS Mini-Tower w/ Dual USB Ports: $130 shipped (Reg. $175+)

More deals still alive:

GoPro HERO4 Black $389 + shipping (Reg. $500), HERO+ LCD $249 (Reg. $300)

New products & more:

Polk’s new flagship Omni S6 speaker goes after the multi-room audio crown

Sony reveals the first 1TB PlayStation 4 for North America w/ the new COD: Black Ops III bundle

LG’s Nexus 5X is coming in three colors: white, black, and mint-ish green

We just saw the Huawei Nexus 6P colors earlier today, and now the same source has shared stock imagery showing the upcoming Nexus 5X from LG. While the white variant was all but confirmed (and a black version easily assumable), this image shows that Google is preparing to launch a green-ish blue color as well — lining up pretty well with previous rumors of a “mint” color.

According to an earlier report out of Android Police citing a “reliable source,” LG’s upcoming “Nexus 5” (which we’ve recently learned is actually called the Nexus 5X), will sport a Snapdragon 808 processor, a 5.2-inch 1080p display, 3 GB of RAM, a 2700 mAh battery, support for USB-C, a 12.3-megapixel main camera sensor, and a 5-megapixel front camera.

As is the case with the Huawei Nexus 6P (and the Chromecast 2nd gen. & Chromecast Audio, which we exclusively leaked last week), we’ll know more about Google’s announcements on September 29th.

 

‘Free, world-class education’ service Khan Academy now available on Android

One of the best things about the Internet is the access it provides to free educational resources, and the Google-backed Khan Academy is one of the best examples. The non-profit launched an iPad app way back in 2012, and has now finally done the same for Android.

“A free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.” This mission inspires us day in, day out, and we’ve seen over 30M students sign up on Khan Academy to learn almost anything for free. We know you love using Khan Academy more and more on your phones: in fact, over 30% of our sessions are now on mobile devices. We believe strongly that unlocking the potential for anyone, anywhere to learn on 2B+ smartphones worldwide is just getting started. Today Khan Academy is releasing our first Android app along with a redesigned iPhone app


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Hovering over this link will crash your Chrome browser, and here’s why [Video]

A YouTube user by the name of Tom Scott has discovered a nasty bug in Google Chrome. It’s probably harmless, and Google is probably about to fix it, but it’s interesting nonetheless. Typing in http://a/%%30%30  in your browser window and pressing the Enter key will completely crash your browser, and even hovering over a link containing the text will at least crash your current tab.

DEFINITELY DON’T HOVER YOUR MOUSE HERE

Here’s why this happens:

Opinion: Now is the perfect time for another Samsung Galaxy Nexus

This year, Google is rumored to be partnering with a Chinese manufacturer for the first time on its Nexus lineup. The Huawei Nexus isn’t just an experiment, or giving a new OEM a chance at making a device. If rumors are correct, the partnership was chosen because of Huawei’s influence in China. Google’s Play Services are limited in China, in that they’re basically non-existent. But still, as a consumer, I can’t help but feel this year should have been Samsung’s year, and next year definitely should be…


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

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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ 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

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

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

 

‘Netflix for books’ service Oyster shutting down as Google acquihires the key execs

Oyster, the ‘Netflix for books’ service that provided unlimited access to over a million books for a $9.95 monthly subscription, is closing, with Re/code reporting that its CEO and two co-founders have been ‘acquihired’ by Google.

It’s not known at this stage whether Google plans to relaunch the service as a Google-branded product. Oyster said in a blog post that members that they will receive an email with more information in the next few weeks, and Google declined to comment … 
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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Refurb Galaxy S5 (unlocked) $180, LG 49-inch 4K UHDTV $550, more

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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ 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 freebiesmore

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

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Nexus 6 (unlocked) $300, Galaxy S6 Edge (unlocked) $550, more

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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Motorola Nexus 6 Unlocked 32GB: $300 shipped (Orig. $650)

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

LG Watch Urbane Android Wear smartwatch: $279 shipped (Reg. $350) | AT&T

Samsung SM-G900A Galaxy S5 16 GB 4G LTE unlocked: $300 shipped (Reg. $500) | eBay

LG G3 D850 32 GB unlocked new 32 GB: $250 shipped (Reg. $450) | eBay

AirPrint All-in-One Inkjet Printers: Brother $45 shipped (Reg. $90), HP $70 shipped (Reg. $100)

Samsung 1080p Smart LED HDTV 50-inch $500 (Orig. $750)

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

Giveaway: Schoolhouse Electric makes the clock cool again, $290 value

More new gear from today:

Daily Deals: SanDisk 64GB Flash Drive $15, Logitech K410 Wireless Keyboard $20, more

More deals still alive:

Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drives: WD My Passport Ultra 3TB $125 (Orig. $200), Samsung 2TB $70 (Reg. $80)

New products & more:

iRobot takes its new Roomba 980 vacuum to the cloud with Wi-Fi connectivity and remote management

Timex combines its analog heritage with fitness tracking on the new Metropolitan+

Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P purportedly chosen as next ‘pure Google’ phone names

Information given to Droid-Life by one of its sources claims that the names chosen for the upcoming pure Android phones will be ‘Nexus 5X’ and ‘Nexus 6P’. The first of those is a name we’ve heard before. It was rumored recently that this is the name picked out for the LG-made Nexus smartphone. Nexus 6P is new to us however, and is purportedly the moniker chosen for Huawei’s larger Nexus. Although naming plans could change between now and launch, the site claims this is unlikely since the announcement is expected before the end of this month…


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Stick with Android app is the perfect response to Apple’s ‘Move to iOS’ software

Apple caused something of a stir when it launched its first app for Android. ‘Move to iOS’ is an app designed to help us poor users stuck in the ‘toxic hellstew’ (in their view) that is Google’s mobile operating system. Hilariously, most Android users who noticed the app shared their feelings clearly in the Google Play Store ratings, with thousands of users giving it a 1-star review. They may perhaps have been kinder if Apple had released software on Android before, but the fact that this is the company’s first was the salt in the wound.

One developer had the perfect response to Apple’s app. Jonotthias launched an app called ‘Stick with Android’, which does exactly what you expect it to. Except it doesn’t do anything as such, apart from making you feel totally awesome for not switching to the dark side. Upon launching, you get a green screen with an icon telling you ‘click here to stick with Android’, tap it and you’ve successfully stuck with Android. Tap it again, and you’re still with Android. Unsurprisingly, early reviewers enjoyed the app very much. It’s available to download from the Play Store for free and is — unsurprisingly — compatible with every Android device running 4.0.3 or later.

Android One lands in Europe with the BQ Aquaris A4.5

Google Spain took to its official Twitter handle to announce the news we’ve been waiting on for some time: Android One has finally landed in Europe. Having seen a rollout in several Asian and African countries, this marks the first time we’ve seen Google’s budget-friendly stock Android effort within the EU. The first European Android One handset is the BQ Aquaris A4.5, which is available to buy now direct from BQ in Spain and Portugal…


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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Galaxy S6 Edge (unlocked) $550, LG Watch Urbane $279, more

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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

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

LG Watch Urbane Android Wear smartwatch: $279 shipped (Reg. $350) | AT&T

Samsung SM-G900A Galaxy S5 16 GB 4G LTE unlocked: $300 shipped (Reg. $500) | eBay

LG G3 D850 32 GB unlocked new 32 GB: $250 shipped (Reg. $450) | eBay

Giveaway: Schoolhouse Electric makes the clock cool again, $290 value

More new gear from today:

Amazon intros new $50 7-inch Kindle Fire and 8/10-inch Kindle Fire HD plus 4K Fire TV

More deals still alive:

ASUS Chromebox 1.7GHz/4GB/16GB Desktop PC: $200 shipped (Reg. $230)

New products & more:

This Star Wars Battlefront Deluxe bundle includes a working Han Solo mini fridge

Explore the depths of the ocean with the new Trident submersible drone

YouTube Gaming will soon let you broadcast straight from your Android phone

The YouTube Gaming app launched on Android about a month ago, but now we’re already hearing about a significant update that’s on the way. As was first revealed in a teardown done by Android Police earlier this month, Google has now confirmed that it is preparing to introduce Android game broadcasting straight from the app itself…
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Google’s ‘Project Aura’ could be the beginnings of the next Glass

According to a new report out of Business Insider, Google over the summer started a new wearable technology effort called Project Aura. The group is reportedly spearheaded by Nest CEO Tony Fadell, but it’s unclear if that will still be the case when Nest becomes a separate Alphabet company. Project Aura, however, will remain within Google and not be folded into an Alphabet company.


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