Google confirms the existence of Android Pay
The MWC last morning was abuzz with news about the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the new Samsung Pay service that was announced along with the handset. Google’s Senior VP Sundar Pichai has now confirmed that Android will get a default payment service known as Android Pay, which will be supported by VISA, MasterCard and American Express.
This will be Android’s answer to Apple Pay which was launched in Fall last year along with the new iPhones. It seems a little confusing to have Samsung Pay and Android Pay running in tandem, but we expect more clarity on that over the coming days.
Google hasn’t explained the exact functioning of this service, so there’s still a lot we don’t know. However, it is said that Android Pay won’t be available as a separate application like Google Wallet, but will be built directly into Android. In fact, Google Wallet will reportedly run on the Android Pay architecture, thus making it easier for Android developers to bake in support for the new payment service.
We’re guessing Android Pay will be very similar to Samsung Pay in functionality, which can only mean good news for fans. What do you make of this news?
Come comment on this article: Google confirms the existence of Android Pay
Cyanogen inks deal with Qualcomm to help low cost device makers in developing countries
Well this is an interesting deal. Qualcomm has partnered with Cyanogen in order to bring their best software enhancements from Cyanogen OS to Qualcomm’s Reference Design (QRD) devices.
These reference devices will utilize the Snapdragon 200, 400, and 600 Series and is meant to assist device makers of lower cost handsets for developing markets. The Cyanogen OS brings their own launcher and enhancements to Android’s personal information management apps such as the dialer, messaging, contacts, and calendar.
Previous versions of QRD devices only had simplified versions of Android based on AOSP. By using Qualcomm’s new reference design with Cyanogen OS, device makers for low cost handsets will be able to market a phone with their own branding in as little as 2 months, without the need to come up with their own software enhancements.
These features will be in the newest QRD devices this April.
Also note the new logo for Cyanogen in the image above. Things are looking pretty good at Cyanogen right now.
Full Press Release:
Cyanogen and Qualcomm Collaborate to Raise the Bar on User Experience
Cyanogen, Powers New Offering for Snapdragon Processors
Palo Alto, CA. — March 1, 2014 — At Mobile World Congress today, Cyanogen Inc. and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, announced details of a collaboration that will provide support for the best features and UI enhancements of the Cyanogen Operating System on certain Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processors. This will be available for the upcoming release of Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD) planned for April.
Cyanogen is widely known through the industry for its commercially distributed Cyanogen OS and the CyanogenMod community distribution. Through the enhanced solution, Cyanogen brings a number of feature-rich enhancements, including a new launcher and personal information management apps across dialer, messaging, contacts, and calendar. The Cyanogen OS experience arrives on the most current Android™ 5.0 Lollipop release, and will be available to device makers globally.
“We’re delighted to collaborate with Qualcomm on their QRD program,” said Kirt McMaster, CEO, Cyanogen Inc. “We’re addressing the needs of device makers in developed and developing markets looking for a truly differentiated software experience that matter to consumers.”
The features and UI enhancements will be available from Cyanogen Inc. for Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processors in the 200, 400 and 600 series, bringing the Cyanogen experience across multiple device tiers. Additionally, Cyanogen features such as the new Launcher will also be available for the QRD program across these tiers of Snapdragon processors. The QRD program is designed to streamline the rapid introduction of devices at lower development costs — drawing on the technical innovation and product quality that have made Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. an industry leader.
“We chose to work with Cyanogen based on their deep Android expertise and innovative approach to enhancing smartphone software,” said Jason Bremner, SVP of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies . “By collaborating with Cyanogen, we are able to offer unique experiences to users of Snapdragon based devices.”
Through this ongoing collaboration, Cyanogen will be adding exciting new features and services in future releases as the company continues to drive advancements in mobile computing across a range of devices that incorporate Snapdragon processors.
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About Cyanogen Inc.
Cyanogen is reimagining mobile computing, giving power to the people to customize their mobile device and content experiences. The CYANOGEN® operating system is built on Android and known for its revolutionary personalization features, intuitive interface, speed, improved battery life, and enhanced security. With a rapidly growing global user base and a vibrant community of developers, we’re intelligently connecting smartphone and tablet consumers to people, apps, and things they love. For more information, visit Cyanogen’s website, Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is a world leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies. Qualcomm Incorporated includes Qualcomm’s licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of its patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of Qualcomm’s engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of its products and services businesses, including its semiconductor business, QCT. For more than 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of digital communications, linking people everywhere more closely to information, entertainment and each other. For more information, visit Qualcomm’s website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.
Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries.
Come comment on this article: Cyanogen inks deal with Qualcomm to help low cost device makers in developing countries
Our Microsoft Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL forums are now open! Join the conversation
Have questions? Need help? Let’s talk about the new Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL announced today!
This morning, Microsoft unveiled two new affordable Windows Phones to the Lumia family: the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL.
Both phones significantly improve upon their predecessors, the Lumia 630/635 and Lumia 1320, respectively with better hardware and fewer limitations. All with a solid price point for emerging markets and those on a budget.
Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL will launch on AT&T, T-Mobile and MetroPCS in the US
Microsoft today announced that the Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL will be available through AT&T, T-Mobile and MetroPCS in the US, offering some choice for consumers as to who they wish to use with their shiny new smartphone.
IBM Expands MobileFirst for iOS Portfolio With Three New Apps [iOS Blog]
IBM on Monday announced the expansion of its MobileFirst for iOS portfolio with three new enterprise apps for the banking and financial services, airline and retail industries. The new made-for-business apps available for customization and deployment in the enterprise today include Passenger Care for travel agents, Dynamic Buy for retail buyers and Advisor Alerts for financial professionals. 
“Apple and IBM are the only companies that could partner to develop a new category of made-for-business apps that is truly transforming how works gets done,” said Fred Balboni, IBM General Manager, IBM and Apple partnership. “We set out to transform how millions of workers consume, process and use information when they are outside the four walls of the office. Our goal is to boost the performance of every enterprise by making all its data and processes available to any employee with an iOS device – anytime, anywhere.”
Apple and IBM announced an enterprise partnership last summer and released the first ten apps in the MobileFirst for iOS suite in December. MobileFirst for iOS apps are designed specifically for iPhone and iPad in a secure environment, and can easily be deployed, managed and upgraded through IBM cloud services. The other apps cover insurance, telecommunications, energy and utilities for governments and airlines.
My thoughts on the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL and why this is a turning point for Microsoft
This morning, Microsoft has – as expected – unveiled two new Lumias for the Windows Phone line: the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL.
With the announcement of the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, Microsoft demonstrates it can handle Lumia hardware (and improve where Nokia failed)
Announcing mid-range phones during Mobile World Congress is almost routine now for Microsoft (Nokia), and this year’s additions are not game changers by any means. They will also not quell the masses yearning for a new high-end Lumia Windows Phone, something we do not expect until later this year when Windows 10 is good and ready. Sorry, folks.
Still, I want to talk briefly about these phones and my time with them. In short, I like what I see, and I think Microsoft is paying attention.
Microsoft’s latest accessory is the Bluetooth-enabled Universal Foldable Keyboard
Microsoft has announced a new foldable Bluetooth keyboard that works on cross-platform devices. Dubbed the Universal Foldable Keyboard, Microsoft’s latest accessory works with iPads, iPhones, Android devices and Windows tablets. Also announced is compatibility with Windows Phone, starting with Windows 10 for phones.
Microsoft shows off the new Office for Windows Phone
As well as announcing two new smartphones, Microsoft also revealed a new feature coming to Windows 10 for phone. Microsoft Office. The new suite is fully optimized for smaller screens, and will come pre-installed with Outlook on all Windows Phones (just like how things are currently).
Qualcomm announces ultrasonic finger scanner and machine learning engine, teases Snapdragon 820 processor
Qualcomm has a host of new technologies in store, including an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, cognitive machine learning for your smartphone and tablet, and, of course, a new processor: the Snapdragon 820.
Qualcomm today at MWC 2015 announced their newest device security measure: an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. Dubbed Qualcomm Snapdragon Sense ID 3D Fingerprint Technology, the tech uses ultrasonic waves to penetrate through the outer layers of your finger to build a three-dimensional map of your fingerprint that’s much harder to duplicate than a mere capacitive scanner as you’d find on the Samsung Galaxy S6 or iPhone 6. Additionally, Qualcomm also announced their new “machine learning” platform Zeroth, which aims to go for a device that learns and adapts to how you use it.
BlackBerry announces new cross-platform BES12 Cloud for Enterprises and SMBs
BlackBerry has now announced BES12 Cloud, a cloud-based enterprise mobility management solution that will offer easy management of iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry 10 smartphones and tablets, as well as a wide range of Samsung KNOX and Android for Work smartphones and tablets.
BES12 Cloud will offer customers more flexibility and choice in managing their mobile solution while supporting a broad range of device mobility policies, all through a simple browser interface and without complicated or expensive server installs.
AIVAnet 