Huawei and Google: it’s more than just the Nexus
It looks like Google is smitten with a new Android partner. Chinese manufacturer Huawei can do no wrong right now. The feelings are definitely mutual, and a closer relationship could deliver major benefits for both companies. Not least because Huawei can help Google get into China, and Google can help Huawei get out.
Why else would Huawei and Google look to partner? Where is Huawei coming from? What is Google after? And what could it all mean for Android users?
Huawei aims high
We took a close look at the Chinese manufacturer at the start in the year in Huawei – Past, Present, and Future. The company has been growing steadily for the last few years. According to IDC, Huawei is now the fourth largest smartphone vendor in the world by market share, securing 5.2% of shipments in the first three months of 2015. It was third for a while, until rival Lenovo acquired Motorola.
Huawei has done well in China and a number of other emerging markets around the world. It has also been doing increasingly well in Europe, but it has not yet cracked the lucrative U.S. market. It’s one thing to sell quality hardware at knock-down prices and generate a lot of sales. But selling premium devices with a huge markup is what most companies aspire to, and Huawei is no different.
The Huawei Watch was the biggest surprise of MWC – few expected anything to get excited about, much less the best-looking Android Wear smartwatch to date. Since then, we’ve been hearing persistent rumors about a Huawei Nexus smartphone. It’s pretty obvious that Huawei wants to secure a prime slice of that high-end market, but it needs a little marketing help.
A partnership with Google could provide design insight, marketing tips, and be interpreted as a general thumbs up for a company that many Western consumers have little knowledge of. Google could help to open doors for Huawei, but it won’t do so unless it stands to gain something.
Winning Google’s affections
If you look at the ebb and flow of Google’s partnerships on the Android scene, you can generally see the motivation behind them. HTC and Samsung produced smartphones capable of competing with the iPhone. LG and Asus offered lower prices without compromising quality.
It’s pretty easy to see what Google wants because it can often be reduced to – as many people as possible accessing the Internet through Google services or apps. Hardware for Google, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, is just a delivery device.
As the smartphone market has grown saturated, prices have dropped until they’re low enough to persuade every last holdout to snag a smartphone. Google’s Android platform is dominant everywhere, except in the largest and fastest growing market in the world.
Google’s relationship with China has been awkward for a while now and it’s falling behind just as the market is really taking off. Apple has been making a concerted effort to secure a decent market share in China and it’s paying off. Maybe Google is looking for a route in. According to IDC, Apple was the largest vendor in China for the first three months of the year (14.7%), with Xiaomi in second (13.7%), and Huawei in third (11.4%). Google already has a relationship with Lenovo (it came fifth with 8.3%).
Android boss Sundar Pichai talked publicly about Google’s ambition to return to China
Could they work out some kind of deal to include Google services on Huawei’s Chinese smartphones? Will Huawei wield its influence with the Chinese government to help hammer out some kind of a deal with Google? Maybe Huawei will help Google to gain market share for a Chinese Play Store. If Google does want to get into China, then partnering with Huawei makes a lot of sense. It’s also worth remembering, though, that Huawei is strong in lots of other markets and Google wants everyone it can get.
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Could a deal go deeper?
Huawei also has major credentials in the wireless networking industry, providing equipment for many major carriers across the globe. Even after the claims about Huawei equipment being suspect on political grounds in the US, the company is in a strong position. Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for LTE Network Infrastructure names Huawei as a leader, and points out that it has a broad portfolio that spans the globe.
It’s another potential attraction for Google. We’ve seen some interest in this with Google launching Project Fi. It makes some sense for Google to want to drive the Internet further, delivering better speeds and a better experience, or taking it to areas that have sub-standard service, or no service at all. After all, people can’t enjoy Google services without a decent connection.
If Google was looking to scale up a service like this, offering seamless transition between Wi-Fi and LTE, it could do a lot worse than partner with Huawei. It has the equipment, the expertise, and the patents that Google may need. It’s not going to happen in the short term, but in the future – who knows?
Balloons alone can’t make Internet ubiquitous, and Huawei can be potent ally for Google
What does it mean for now?
For right now, a closer relationship between Google and Huawei means that the Huawei Watch is likely to be the best Android Wear smartwatch so far. How meaningful that is will depend on how sold you are on the smartwatch trend, but don’t discount it until you see one up close – it’s a really nice device. If you want a premium competitor for the Apple Watch, this could be it.
The prospect of a Huawei Nexus may be more exciting for many Android fans because we’ll probably get great specs with decent pricing. Whether we’ll see a return to the kind of value LG’s Nexus 4 and 5 offered, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Whatever else Huawei may or may not be doing for Google is firmly behind the scenes, but those two forthcoming devices are reason enough for a closer relationship.
Swatch will launch its first smartwatch later this summer
As smartwatches are finally beginning to make their way to the mainstream, we’re seeing a steady rise in the number of manufacturers jumping on board the wearable train. But so far, since the launch of Android Wear, we’ve really only seen technology-focused companies produce wearables. Obvious contenders like Motorola, LG and Samsung were quick to get their first smartwatches onto consumers’ wrists, but that’s definitely not the case for actual watchmakers.
Smartwatches in video
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TAG Heuer recently announced that its first Android Wear-powered device would be the Carrera Wearable 01, though it looks like that’s not going to be the only Swiss-made connected wearable on the market in the next few months. According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Swiss watchmaker Swatch plans to release its first Internet-connected watch sometime this summer.
Now, this “smartwatch” might not be anything close to what you’re thinking. The watch will come with NFC on board, mainly to be used for mobile payments and hotel room access. The report didn’t mention anything about an OS, so we’re not sure if this new device will come with Android Wear or any in-house built operating system from the watchmaker. The report states that the watch won’t require daily recharging thanks to NFC’s low power consumption, but details beyond that are scarce at the moment.
The Swatch NFC watch will launch in the U.S., China and Switzerland in H2 2015
Swatch CEO Nick Hayek said earlier today that the “Swatch NFC watch” will be announced later this summer and will go on sale in the U.S., China and Switzerland sometime in H2 2015. Hayek also says that this product is in response to the Apple Watch and similar devices from manufacturers like Samsung. The report didn’t shed any light on cross-platform compatibility, but since the Swatch watch was built in response to Apple’s and Samsung’s offerings, this new wearable will likely be compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
As of now, details are scarce. We know the watch will be unveiled sometime this summer and will have NFC on board, but that’s about it. As more details trickle in over the next few weeks, we’ll be sure to let you know.
HBO Now comes to Android and Fire OS devices, coming soon to Chromecast and Fire TV
Back in May at Google I/O 2015, Google announced that the popular HBO Now television streaming service would make its way to Android sometime in the near future. That day has finally come, and the app is now available for download on Android phones and tablets, as well as Amazon Fire devices. Support for Chromecast, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick is coming soon, according to HBO.
The application has yet to hit the Google Play Store, but you can head to the Amazon Appstore to download it if you’d like. New customers who download the app will receive a 30-day free trial of the service. If you decide to stick with it after your 30 days are up, HBO Now will cost $14.99 per month.
HBO Now is a great way to experience Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley, Veep, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and all of your other favorite shows and movies without the need to subscribe to a cable provider. Oh, and if you don’t have an Android device lying around, you can also access the service from your computer. Pretty nifty!
If you’re interested in downloading the app, check out the Amazon Appstore link below. We’ll let you know once it makes its way to the Play Store.
Easymind breaking boundaries
It’s not every day that you see a new kind of app. The Play Store seems flooded with just about every type of app you can get, almost like everything possible has already been thought of and made. The developers at Easymind saw an opportunity to make a tool that would bring convenience to the masses by allowing users to vote on polls, either private or public. The app is a small 23MB and requires an Internet connection.
Setup
You need to create an account upon opening Easymind. It is indeed a bit of a nuisance, however it is certainly necessary as users can create private polls and share it with their friends. This becomes particularly handy when you have a group chat. There are quite a few Settings but few of them are actually toggles, most of them are for account settings. There is a tutorial to help you in the beginning, so you’re not left in the dark
Function
I’m sure you’ve experienced the moment when everyone wants to eat at a different restaurant or watch a different movie. So, now someone can be assigned to create a poll and the rest of you go to his account and, granted that the poll creator has granted you access to his poll, vote for your option. It is easy to create a poll. You can add different voting options and set a time for how long the poll is open for. Unfortunately the results are only displayed when the time runs out, so you have to wait until the end to get any idea of the results. Easymind has added a nice feature here that shows you the demographics of voters (Age, Sex) on each option available. It knows your age and sex from when you signed up. A handy feature is that you can limit who can vote, if you feel it’s necessary. So if you only want females to vote, just change it when you create a poll!
The user interface is decent, however at times I found myself confused at where the previous screens could be found. You can follow people an easily view their public polls.
Is it for me?
Almost certainly! Unless you don’t text that often or aren’t that kind of person who would go have a picnic, you should definitely try it out. It might be a nuisance setting up, but that’t the only hurdle.
What we liked
- Its applicability in real life
- Easy to use
- For private and global use
And not so much…
- Confusing user interface
- Independent of any messaging apps
Easymind should try integrate it better with social messaging, as the work between inviting new users and having to use two apps may seem a bit demanding for some users. They have certainly created something that has the opportunity to be big, constant work and improvements on it should insure that the “possibilities are infinite”, as they say in the app description.
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Marshall created an audiophile smartphone
We always love when random companies decide to produce a smartphone. Today we have a new one, by Marshall, who’s name is most associated with their historically successful pro-audio amplifier business. It is called the London and you’ve guessed it, puts audio in front of everything else.
Let’s review what the London will do for your pricey set of cans, beginning with the on-board audio chipset. The London uses a Wolfson WM8281 ‘Audio Hub’. Wolfson has always been a highly regarded audio solution for smartphones (often found in Galaxy phones), so it’s a great choice. The WM8281 is capable of high resolution 24-bit 192 KHz playback and probably the best solution for a smartphone at the moment.
Looking at the top of the device, we see a couple unique features.
First, those dual headphone jacks are sadly not for a dual-channel set up. They are two headphone sources, so another person can share your audio experience. A neat thing is that each source has independent volume control. Thus, your ears don’t have to be blasted due to your friend’s hearing loss. Though I do wonder, can you watch a movie while the other listens to music? That’d be rad.
Another thing you might’ve noticed on the top is a gold button, with Marshall’s signature ‘M’ on it. This is a dedicated button to launch you into your music or the Global Equalizer that Marshall has developed for the phone.
Since you’re going to be rockin’ out frequently, there is also a gold scroll wheel for ‘tactile precision’ control of the volume.
With all this said, you’re probably expecting mediocre specs elsewhere? You’d be right, they’re fairly yesteryear:
- Display: 4.7″ 720P IPS LCD, with Gorilla Glass 3 protection
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, quad-core @ 1.2 GHz
- Memory: 2 GB of Ram
- Storage: 16 GB on-board, with microSD support
- Cameras: 8 MP rear and 2 MP front
- Battery: 2,500 mAh, removable
- OS: Android Lollipop 5.0.2
A couple other notable mentions is that the London houses front-firing stereo speakers, contains the high quality Bluetooth aptX, and comes with Marshall’s Mode earphones.
The price of the London is quoted at 4,995 Swedish Krona, which translates to roughly $585 USD. It is expected to begin delivery on August 17th. Are you swayed to push specs to the side for a better audio experience?
Source: Marshall Headphones
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Oculus buys VR hand-tracking company Pebbles Interfaces
It’s pretty easy to see why Oculus VR wanted to scoop up this company: Pebbles Interfaces specializes in technology that detects hand movement via “custom optics, sensor systems and algorithms,” the Oculus blog explains. “Over time, technology breakthroughs in sensors will unlock new human interaction methods in VR and revolutionize the way people communicate in virtual worlds.” We’re talking about hands as controllers in virtual reality here. Pebbles joins the hardware engineering and computer vision teams at Oculus, where it hopes to make VR more immersive with improved human-computer interaction.
Oculus revealed its own brand of motion controllers, the Oculus Touch, back in June. The Touch is two separate handheld devices with two buttons and one analog stick each, and it’s closer to a natural input system than using, say, an Xbox One controller. But it seems that Oculus has been interested in device-free movement for a while: In December, Oculus acquired Nimble VR, a company that transfers your real-life skeletal movement into virtual reality. Yep, hands in VR. In May, Oculus acquired Surreal Vision, a company that transforms physical spaces into VR worlds. Yep, hands and entire rooms in VR.
Source: Pebbles Interfaces, Oculus
Samsung begins testing Samsung Pay in Korea
Samsung’s Apple Pay competitor is almost ready for primetime — but first, it’s going through a bit of testing. The company announced that it’s begun a Samsung Pay trial for select owners of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Plus in Korea. To refresh, Samsung Pay is the company’s spin on mobile payments, and while it packs in NFC, it also takes advantage of Samsung’s acquisition of LoopPay for “magnetic secure transmission.” That allows you to hold your Samsung phone next to any magnetic card stripe reader to make a payment. Apple Pay and other mobile payments offerings rely on NFC, which isn’t as widely supported at most retailers. There’s no word when Samsung Pay will officially launch (Samsung says “it won’t be long”), but rumors point it landing alongside the Galaxy Note 5 in August.
Filed under: Misc, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Samsung
Apple in ‘Advanced Talks’ With Mobile Telecom Groups for Standardized ‘e-SIM’ Cards
Apple and Samsung are in talks with mobile standards organization GSMA to introduce electronic SIM cards, according to Financial Times. The talks are happening around the GSMA’s impending announcement of the creation of a standardized embedded SIM card for consumer devices, which would involve both Apple and Samsung if the talks go through.
Rumors of Apple creating its own SIM card line began in late 2010, when a report from Gigaom claimed the company was working with digital security firm Gemalto to create the custom built-in SIM. The iPhone 4s was even rumored to be “SIM-less,” pointing once again to an electronic SIM card pre-built into the device to save space, and inaccessible to the user.
The e-SIM would essentially allow customers to avoid being locked in to a dedicated mobile carrier, letting them sign up to their network of choice and even switch instantly if they changed their minds.
With today’s news, the networks expected to be on board with the new e-SIM standard include: AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Hutchison Whampoa, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone. GSMA’s chief executive, Anne Bouverot, claims all parties are “heading towards an agreement” regarding the standardized e-SIM card. But, as the Financial Times points out, thanks to the technical specifications of the e-SIM, it will be “at least a year” before any devices supporting the new card reach the market.
The GSMA said: “With the majority of operators on board, the plan is to finalise the technical architecture that will be used in the development of an end-to-end remote SIM solution for consumer devices, with delivery anticipated by 2016.”
“We have got everyone back on one point, with Apple and Samsung agreeing to be part of that specification,” said Ms Bouverot. “We have been working with them and others to create an industry solution for machines and will agree a solution for consumer electronics.”
The deal with Apple is yet to be finalized, however, with the GSMA noting it is “continuing to work with Apple to secure their support for the initiative” and an actual agreement with Apple “is still in progress.”
Last year, Apple took its first steps toward opening up carrier access on some of its devices, introducing an Apple SIM card for cellular versions of both the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, allowing users — particularly in the United States — to switch easily between AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, taking advantage of each carrier’s short-term data plans as they saw fit. EE in the UK was also included in the Apple SIM program, and just weeks ago a partnership with GigSky expanded Apple SIM service to over 90 countries.
The e-SIM standard has been under consideration for several years, but many carriers have resisted the concept over concerns it will be too easy for customers to switch. Even with Apple’s physical Apple SIM card, AT&T moved to locking cards to the carrier’s service. The company gave no reason why it decided to prevent the Apple SIM from functioning properly beyond “it’s just simply the way we’ve chosen to do it.” With only a handful of carriers currently on board and a 2016 launch date for the new e-SIM cards, it remains to be seen how quickly they will be able to gain momentum in the industry.
Misfit introduces the entry-level Flash Link while lowering Shine and Flash prices
The amount of health and fitness devices on the market is anything but sparse. And the companies behind them are showing no signs of backing down. Misfit, which already has the Shine and Flash activity trackers, has announced an entry-level device to remain competitive and attract new consumers. The Flash Link is a simplified device that users can carry around and collect data about their day-to-day activities. It can be attached with a clip rather than strapped on a wrist. The Flash Link is essentially the same of the Flash but without the band.
There is also a new app to build upon the functionality of the Flash and Flash Link. The Link app converts those devices into smart buttons to take pictures, control music, and operate slideshow presentations. Both IFTTT and Logitech Harmony integrations are on the way with additional functionality. Misfit notes that the app is not ready and will go live next month.
Alongside the launch of the Flash Link, Misfit has lowered the prices of the Shine and Flash to $69 and $29, respectively. The entry-level Flash Link, though, is available for just $19.
Misfit’s Flash Link: More Powerful At a Lower Price
BURLINGAME, CA July 16, 2015–Today Misfit, makers of Shine and Flash Fitness and Sleep Monitors, announces Misfit Link, a new software experience that makes Flash an even more powerful tool to control and connect with the world around you.
The new Misfit Link app lets you use any Flash to take a selfie with your phone camera or Snapchat; control your music with Spotify, Pandora, and more; or advance slides in a presentation. Additional functionality coming soon, including IFTTT and Logitech Harmony integrations. The iOS app is available for download now; an Android version will be released next month.
Misfit is also unveiling a new hardware offering: Flash Link, an easy to use activity tracker and smart button compatible with the Misfit Link app with a suggested retail price of $19.99. At this price, Flash Link is the lowest-priced multifunctional and modular wearable product on the market.
Misfit Flash Link is available now on misfit.com and includes the tracker / smart button device and a companion clip so you can wear it anywhere. In addition to announcing Flash Link and the Misfit Link app, the Company is now making Shine and Flash available for $69.99 and $29.99, respectively.
“We’re focused on making products everyone can use. Flash Link is not just a more affordable wearable, it’s a more powerful one,” said Tim Golnik, Misfit’s Vice President of Product and Design.
Flash Link will be available later this quarter in retail locations worldwide.
About Flash Link
Flash Link is an easy-to-use activity tracker and smart button. A low priced, modular, and multi-functional wearable, Flash Link gives users even more ways to connect with the world around them. Use any Flash or Flash Link with the Misfit Link app to take a selfie, control your music (pause, play, skip songs, adjust the volume), or advance slides in a presentation.About Misfit
Misfit invents and manufactures wearable and smart home products. The Company was founded in 2011 by Sonny Vu with John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi, and Sridhar Iyengar, co-founder and former CTO of AgaMatrix.
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Motorola hosting event on July 28th, expect it to be filled with new hardware
Motorola just announced they will be hosting an event on July 28th and we can infer that this is when the company will unveil its latest round of hardware. The unveiling will take place in three major cities simultaneously – London, São Paulo, and New York City.
The tagline for the event states “Yes, We’re in a relationship with our phone” and “A better mobile relationship is on its way.” According to recent leaks, we should see the new Moto X flagship and the more affordable Moto G. The company may also release some new low-end handsets and possibly the new Moto 360 smartwatch. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard many rumors about the latter, so Motorola could be waiting even longer to show the world its next smartwatch.
What are you most excited about?
Source: Motorola
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AIVAnet 