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903 'update' stories May 2011 - October 2015

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Google Creative Lab launches Meter, a live wallpaper that shows battery, WiFi, and notification info

Stephen Hall Oct 6 2015 - 3:17 pm PT

Google Creative Lab, the same group responsible for a few quirky photo and location-based apps that we told you about earlier this year, has released a new live wallpaper for your Android phone that shows you some useful info about your device. There are three different status indicators shown with this wallpaper: Battery, WiFi, and Notifications…

Based on my initial testing, it seems that the wallpaper randomly switches between these three indicators. Locking and unlocking your phone, as well as opening and closing apps, will rotate between them so that you’re always up to date. Also, they all respond to the tilting of your device for some added phone — the battery one reminds me a lot of calibrating the iPhone’s compass app.

You can grab the app for free on the Google Play Store right now.

Some Nexus 5 owners on T-Mobile reporting worsened reception on Android Marshmallow

Stephen Hall Oct 6 2015 - 9:16 am PT

Never does a software update — of any kind — land without some group of users believing that it caused more problems than it solved. With Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which Google starting pushing out yesterday, it looks like Nexus 5 owners who use T-Mobile are that minority group of people. Apparently, Marshmallow is causing some problems with reception for these users…
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Google also pushing Marshmallow OTA updates to Android One devices

Stephen Hall Oct 6 2015 - 8:05 am PT

Google yesterday announced that Android Marshmallow is coming over-the-air to Nexus devices in the coming days and weeks, but now we have confirmation that Google is also pushing the update to Android One devices. Google promised when it launched the Android One program that these phones would get update priority and offer the latest and greatest much like Nexus phones, and it looks like the company is delivering on that promise…
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Sony confirms Android 6.0 Marshmallow coming to 14 devices including Xperia Z5, Z3+, Z2, more

Cam Bunton Oct 6 2015 - 6:50 am PT

Sony has joined the likes of Motorola, HTC and Google in announcing which of its products will (eventually) receive the sought-after update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Sony’s list includes several Xperia devices, old and new, and spans devices back to 2013. So, even if you have a Sony Xperia M5, you’ll be able to get the brand new OS on your device at some point. The Xperia-makers state in their blog post that they’ve “been working hard to bring this major update to as many of our devices as possible, as quickly as we can.”

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Latest Google Play Movies & TV app update makes binge watching shows even easier

Chance Miller Oct 5 2015 - 8:10 pm PT

Google today has updated its Play Movies & TV app to version 3.9 with a couple of new features and bug fixes. The standout new feature of the app with this update is a new feature called binge watch. Binge watch is a capability that will automatically plays the next episode in the season of a show a user is watching.

Once the credits of the show start to play at the end, a small thumbnail will appear in the lower right corer of the display with the number and title of the next episode, as well as a timer. Once the timer hits zero, the next episode will automatically begin to play. Users can also tap on the thumbnail to immediately jump to the next episode, or swipe right to stop autoplay (via Android Police).

Next up, the update improves the process of setting up a Roku device through the app. Users can now setup a Roke through a new “Connect a device” option in the Settings menu. Google also notes that the update adds support for Android 6.0 Marshmallow and includes a variety of bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements.

Android Marshmallow support

Bug fixes and stability improvements

Easier setup for Roku devices

Binge watch for TV episodes

The latest version of the Play Movies & TV app is available now on the Play Store.

How to update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow manually using OTA downloads

Stephen Hall Oct 5 2015 - 4:17 pm PT

Google today announced that Android Marshmallow is coming OTA to several Nexus devices in the coming days and weeks. If you like to get the latest from Google, you know that “coming weeks” could be a pretty long wait. Thankfully, you can head to the front of the line and install the over-the-air (OTA) update by following our quick guide…

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Android 6.0 Marshmallow OTA downloads start showing up for Nexus devices, here’s how to install them [Roundup]

Stephen Hall Oct 5 2015 - 4:17 pm PT

Google began the rollout of Android 6.0 Marshmallow earlier today, and while we already have full access to downloading the 6.0 factory images, OTA update download links are going to trickle in slowly as the update rolls out over the next several days. Factory images are typically for doing a fresh install of the OS, but these OTA updates are intended to let you keep your data intact and are typically smaller in total size…
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How to install Android 6.0 Marshmallow factory images on Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player

Stephen Hall Oct 5 2015 - 10:02 am PT

Google has now released the latest version of Android, dubbed Android Marshmallow, which the company first previewed earlier this year at Google I/O in San Francisco. And while Google will most certainly be rolling out the update (and subsequent updates) over-the-air with no work required on your part, many who aren’t as familiar with how to flash factory images might want to install the latest build manually.

That’s why we made this guide. If you have the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013) Nexus 9, or Nexus Player, there’s a build of Android 6.0 Marshmallow available right now for you to install on your device. Be warned however, that this process isn’t something that most regular users should attempt. If you do have a little bit of command line knowledge (or you think you want to take the time to learn), keep reading…
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Motorola announces Marshmallow update plans, Moto Assist and Moto Migrate will be removed

Cam Bunton Oct 2 2015 - 9:50 am PT

In a blog post published today, Motorola has confirmed that it will be bringing Android 6.0 Marshmallow to several of its phones from the past couple of years. As you’d expect, the list is made mostly of the stock Android phones like the Moto X, Nexus 6 and Moto G. And since Android 6.0 includes features very similar to Moto Assist and Moto Migrate, the company has stated it will be removing those software features from any handset running Marshmallow…

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PSA: Stable release of Android Studio 1.4 now available

Stephen Hall Oct 1 2015 - 9:47 am PT

Android Studio 1.0

Google has today released Android Studio 1.4 in the stable update channel. As has been the case since the software was first released in beta just about a month ago, the update features new design tools such as vector assets, a theme editor, new project template features, new performance monitors, and more…

Some of the new design tools, as outlined at the Android Developers blog:

Vector Assets:

Starting with API 21, you can use Vector Drawables for image assets. For most apps, using VectorDrawables decreases the amount of density dependent drawables you need to maintain, and will also give you sharp image assets regardless of the screen device densities your app supports.

Theme Editor:

We understand that managing your app theme and style can be a bit complex. With Android Studio 1.4, we are releasing a preview of the Theme Editor to help with this task. This first version of the Theme Editor is focused on editing and updating the material theme colors (colors.xml) in your app project.

Project Templates:

We know many of you use the New Project Wizard app templates to start a new app project or to quickly add an activity to an existing app. To help with the visual design of your apps, we updated the app templates to include the Android Design Support Library alongside the AppCompat Support library.

There are also two new monitors: You’ll find one for GPU rendering and another for networking, which can monitor both GPU rending performance and the network usage of your app, respectively. Finally, Google says that it’s making taking advantage of a Firebase mobile backend even easier with the latest version.

You can grab Android Studio at the Google Developer website, and if you already have it installed, you’ll find that version 1.4 should be available right now.

NVIDIA’s SHIELD coming to Europe, partnering with Google Fiber, gaining Spotify, more

Stephen Hall Sep 30 2015 - 12:44 pm PT

Nvidia has come out today to announce several ways that its SHIELD Android TV set-top box is about to get way better. Rounding out the list, we have mention of game streaming service GeForce NOW, a debut of the device in Europe, a partnership with Google Fiber, cast support for more services such as Spotify, and home theater upgrades…
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Nexus Camera app adds support for slo-mo videos, new Smart Burst feature, more

Chance Miller Sep 29 2015 - 4:12 pm PT

Google made the cameras on both of its new Nexus devices this year a main selling point. Both the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X feature 12.3 megapixel sensors with dual LED flash and an f/2.0 lens. The front facing cameras are also both 8 megapixels with HDR+ support. To go along with today’s new hardware, Google has announced changes to its Camera app, as well.

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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

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…
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Google’s Chromecast Audio WiFi-enables your speakers, packs multi-room support

Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 9:55 am PT

Along with the 2nd generation Chromecast that Google unveiled today, the company also showed off an audio-focused version of the device. Not to be confused with Google Cast for Audio, which is Google’s platform for making speakers and other audio hardware directly compatible with the Chromecast, “Chromecast Audio” is a Chromecast itself that will plug into your speakers by way of 3.5 mm headphone jack…
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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…
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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.

Android Marshmallow expected to roll out on October 5th for Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013) and 9

Cam Bunton Sep 28 2015 - 2:49 pm PT

Google is in the final stages of preparation for its event tomorrow morning in San Francisco, and just as the company is putting the finishing touches on its presentation, it seems we have a release date for Android Marshmallow: October 5th. Android Police’s sources confirmed the date previously found in a Telus leak, suggesting several Nexus devices will get the software update on that day.

It’s expected that the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, 2013 edition Nexus 7, and the Nexus 9 will all start receiving the Android 6.0 software on October 5. Sadly, however, it seems several older generation Nexus phones and tablets are being left out of the picture. Lollipop will remain the latest (and last) software update we’ll ever see on the Nexus 4, 2012 edition Nexus 7, and the Nexus 10. Although, that really isn’t very bad for 3-year-old devices.

We’re expecting Google to confirm this release date at its event tomorrow, alongside several other updates and some new product announcements. We’ve been building up to Google announcing a pair of new Nexus phones as well as a couple of refreshed pieces of Chromecast hardware. What’s more, recent rumors have predicted we could even see a new tablet named the Pixel C with a 10.2-inch display and a detachable keyboard. You can read more about all of those in our guide on what to expect from the event.

Google to introduce new Google Photos features tomorrow: album sharing, people labeling, Chromecast support

Stephen Hall Sep 28 2015 - 12:18 pm 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 we’ve learned thanks to a new report that Google is planning to make these exact three features official at its Nexus and Chromecast event tomorrow…
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Google Play ups app size limit for devs from 50MB to 100MB

Jordan Kahn Sep 28 2015 - 10:37 am PT

Google today announced that it’s increasing the size limit for apps on Google Play allowing developers to upload APK files (Android application package) up to 100MB in size. That’s up from the old limit of 50MB and will allow developers to push out bigger app packages without a warning to the user, which will now only appear when apps are over the 100MB quota.

While Google notes that the increase will help developers with rich apps or graphically intensive games that need a bigger app package, it also warns developers to keep in mind mobile data connectivity and caps, app performance, and install times for users.

Not much changes for users, however, as Google points out that auto-updating of apps will remain “over Wi-Fi only, enabling users to access higher quality apps and games while conserving their data usage.”

Developers can find out more here.

Some users noticing offline voice commands for some functions in latest Google app

Cam Bunton Sep 28 2015 - 7:14 am PT

Earlier this year, a release of Google’s app for Android hinted at future ability to use voice search and commands without an internet connection. Offline voice commands could be used for a number of functions, and are now already be up and running for some Android users with the latest Google app installed…

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Many Google Now Launcher users now receiving Marshmallow-style app drawer

Stephen Hall Sep 25 2015 - 11:02 am PT

Although Google isn’t yet rolling out Android Marshmallow to the masses (it’s currently rumored that the rollout will begin on October 5th), many users are this morning waking up to an automatically-updated Google Now Launcher, sporting a design that might be familiar to those who have taken a look at the Android M developer preview…
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Software release schedule from Telus suggests Android M rollout to begin October 5th

Stephen Hall Sep 25 2015 - 9:50 am PT

Google has an event scheduled for September 29th, at which the company is expected to launch its upcoming lineup of Nexus phones, new Chromecast hardware, and more. The two new Nexus devices are surely going to ship with Android Marshmallow, and that means that over-the-air rollout of Marshmallow to older devices is set to begin sometime soon as well.

According to leaked schedule from Canada’s second largest mobile carrier, Telus, the day that’s set to happen is October 5th…
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Google Play Newsstand reaches 1 billion installs on the Play Store

Stephen Hall Sep 24 2015 - 10:16 am PT

At this point it’s just about once a month that an app on the Play Store manages pass 1 billion installs. This month, the app to reach this milestone was Google Play Newsstand.

Not many apps have reached this number, and third-party apps from Facebook are the only outside of Google to do it. As you might expect, other popular Google-made apps like Google Maps and Gmail, alongside Hangouts, Play Music, and others, managed to pass the 1 billion mark a while ago.

Passing 1 billion installs isn’t very exciting for Play Newsstand considering the app comes pre-installed on most Android phones, but it’s worth noting that not all of Google’s stock apps have come anywhere close to this milestone. Google Docs, for example, which comes shipped on all Nexus devices and others, is only in the 50-100 million range.