As the Note 7 dies will Google inherit the Android kingdom?
Samsung just officially ended the Note 7, barely two months after it launched. The full implications for Samsung are yet to be seen, but it’s undeniably a huge blow to its mobile reputation. When Mountain View unveiled the “made by Google” Pixel recently, some wondered what it meant for the Android ecosystem. If Google can capitalize on the demise of the Note 7, it could mean a significant shift in the Android hardware landscape. And it could happen faster than anyone thought.
That said, a highish price tag ($769 or $869 for the 32/128GB XL version) and limited carrier options (Verizon in the US/EE in the UK) currently give brands like Samsung, Huawei and LG some breathing room. But, there’s no denying the Note 7 leaves an immediate hole that needs filling, and the Pixel XL could be a logical fit.
Samsung’s Note arguably defined (and then did away with) the term “Phablet.” The first model was “only” 5.3-inches — normal by today’s standards — but this was at a time when the current iPhone had a mere 3.5-inch display. Samsung also normalized the dual-sized flagship strategy. We don’t think anything of a company launching a handset along with a “pro” or “plus” model these days.
While Samsung is oft-maligned (or legally charged) for copying Apple, it’s not hard to argue the Note was the one thing Cupertino envied. Its success was clearly the inspiration for the iPhone Plus. The demise of the Note 7 today is not the end of big phones from Samsung (it makes many of those), but the Note branding may be in danger. And now there’s a gap in the market just ahead of the holidays.
Enter Google Pixel XL
“Made by Google.” That’s how Mountain View sold its Pixel phones to the world at their Californian launch last week. The reality, however, could be that Pixel ends up being made by Samsung. At least in a metaphorical sense. The Pixel line-up was already imposing on Samsung’s turf. The “regular” 5-inch Pixel and a 5.5-inch “XL” version would stand shoulder to shoulder with the 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 and 5.7-inch Note 7.
Then there was the Daydream VR headset that didn’t step, rather trampled on the GearVR’s toes in the mobile virtual reality space. This might not have been a direct attack on Samsung — most phone line-ups resemble this, and Samsung could make Daydream handsets — but the parallels to the Korean giant’s mobile offering were undeniable. Even if Google was ostensibly setting its sights on Apple.
Pixel, on the other hand, needs every chance it can to get it’s hooks in the public’s mind. The Nexus brand never fully managed this. Samsung might have had problems with the Note 7, but it’s dominated Android in terms of both brand recognition and sales. The Pixel, with its fancy AI “Assistant” and big camera boasts had instant tech-appeal, but the relatively high upfront cost and limited carrier options aren’t setting it up for mass appeal.
Google just needs to make the Pixel XL easier, and cheaper to get hold of. Right now, unless you’re on Verizon in the US, you have to either pay upfront or buy direct from Google (and pay monthly on top of your cell plan). And even with a contract, the Pixel isn’t cheap. In the UK EE is the only direct operator, but it’s available on other networks via one online retailer. Not to mention that, ironically, with Samsung’s Note out of the way, Google’s biggest competition for the Pixel XL could be the relatively affordable Moto Z ($624) from the formerly Google-owned Motorola.
Here’s the big question: Can Google position the Pixel XL at a more competitive price and mop up the Note 7 market? Then address the second issue: getting it sold through more operators. It’s not clear if Google’s exclusivity deal with Verizon is just for the launch window, or the life of the phone (we’ve asked). But, getting more operators onboard seems the most sure fire way for Mountain View to get the Pixel into the largest amount of hands, quickly.
Google’s newly appointed (and formerly Motorola) hardware boss Rick Osterloh proudly told Bloomberg “[Pixel,] it’s ours.” Osterloh was referring to Pixel being the first phone designed in house (albeit assembled by HTC). He was perhaps also reasserting Google’s place in the hardware game (and moving away from the experimental Nexus Q, and Google Glass era). We’re sure Google wasn’t expecting Samsung to help with its goal, but the Note 7’s demise could be the surprise gift Pixel needed.
Cyanogen ditches its mobile OS in favor of a modular strategy
Cyanogen is abandoning its dreams of becoming the third big mobile platform in favor of rolling out a modular approach to smartphone software customization. The Cyanogen Modular OS program empowers device manufacturers to introduce “intelligent, customizable Android smartphones using different parts of the Cyanogen OS via dynamic modules and MODs, with the ROM of their choice, whether stock Android or their own variant,” according to new CEO Lior Tal.
Tal replaces co-founder Kirt McMaster as CEO; McMaster will transition to executive chairman of the board, a more outward-facing role. Co-founder and former CTO Steve Kondik is now chief science officer.
Cyanogen’s first dance with modularity was the MOD program, which enabled partners to tweak deep, formerly closed levels of the Android ecosystem to create a custom OS. For example, Microsoft added Skype to the Android dialer while enabling Cortana to take voice-activated selfies (Microsoft and Cyanogen partnered heavily on the MOD platform). However, this program required working with the OS’ full stack, a laborious and ultimately limiting feature, Tal says.
Now, manufacturers will be able to ship phones that use discrete aspects of the Cyanogen OS. These phones can use the stock Android OS and pull in custom features and apps from the Cyanogen side.
“Android has become extremely fragmented, causing serious security vulnerabilities and few or no incentives to device manufacturers to deliver software upgrades and/or security patches,” Tal writes. “Increased demand for lower-priced smartphones, coupled with the specifications arms race, has left manufacturers focused on scale and efficiency while compromising investment in software and services.”
Cyanogen has been on shaky ground recently. Executives laid off roughly 20 percent of the Cyanogen workforce, or about 30 people, in July. Rumors at the time suggested the company was moving toward developing apps, though Kondik denied the pivot. Tal says the Cyanogen OS has tens of millions of users, though a report by The Information in August found this figure was exaggerated.
Source: Cyanogen
HTC’s Android Wear smartwatch emerges in a photo leak
HTC has had on-again, off-again plans for a smartwatch for years, but it looks like something is finally starting to materialize. A Weibo user has posted what are claimed to be photos of the “Halfbeak,” an in-development Android Wear smartwatch that only recently surfaced in a Phandroid rumor. As you might surmise from the Under Armour branding, this would be all about fitness — you’d get a heart rate sensor, a rubber strap and other exercise-friendly design touches.
It’s not certain what HTC would do to spice up Halfbeak’s software, if anything. However, previous reports had it using a 360 x 360 circular display (no flat tire, thankfully) that you can clearly see here. The big question is when the smartwatch would ship, provided it’s still on track for a release. It’s easy to imagine HTC going forward with this wristwear, mind you. The company’s finances still aren’t in great shape, and a smartwatch could help establish its name among customers who currently have no interest in buying an HTC phone.
Via: Techtastic (translated)
Source: Weibo (sign-in required)
Two more Galaxy Note 7 replacements caught fire this week
Unfortunately, that replacement Galaxy Note 7 which caught fire wasn’t just a one-off. There are now two more incidents of the ostensibly safer smartphone igniting and threatening the health of its users. To start, a teen in Farmington, Minnesota reports that her replacement Note 7 started burning up while it was in her hand on October 7th. She ‘only’ suffered a minor burn to her thumb, but tells KSTP that it could have been worse if it was in her pocket. Both Samsung and the Consumer Product Safety Commission say they’re investigating the issue.
The other incident is more concerning, however. Michael Klering in Nicholasville, Kentucky describes his replacement Note 7 catching fire in the early morning on October 4th, while it was sitting unplugged in his bedroom. While it didn’t set the bedroom on fire, it filled the room with smoke — a hospital diagnosed Klering with acute bronchitis following the blaze. He declined to give the phone to Samsung, but agreed to have it X-rayed for the firm’s investigation. It’s not clear if the CPSC is investigating this fire as well, although that seems probable given that it’s looking into the Farmington situation.
To make matters worse, a Samsung representative’s behavior raised eyebrows. One of the agents helping him accidentally texted him a message intended for another person at the company, indicating that the rep considered stalling Klering. “Just now got this,” it reads. “I can try and slow him down if we think it will matter, or we just let him do what he keeps threatening to do and see if he does it.” Klering now says that he’s looking into legal help.
We’ve asked Samsung for comment on both fires, particularly the one in Kentucky. However, it’s already safe to say that this doesn’t look good for the Korean tech giant. This represents three known fires in just the past week, and the Kentucky case happened the day before the Southwest Airlines fire that raised alarm bells. While the jury’s still out on whether these incidents are connected, there’s a mounting concern that the phone’s new battery isn’t any safer than before — or worse, that the Note 7 design is inherently flawed.
Via: The Verge (1), (2), Hatge (Twitter)
Source: KSTP, WKYT
LeEco inadvertently spoils its US launch plans
LeEco’s hardware lineup is supposed to make its splashy US debut on October 19th, but it appears that someone at the company couldn’t wait to show what it had in store. Vizio’s new owner briefly posted listings for most (if not all) of its American devices, and it looks like the company’s cost-conscious Chinese pricing will survive the trip across the Pacific. Its 5.7-inch Le Max 2 flagship, for example, could cost just $349 before a $60 promo discount — and the mid-tier, 5.5-inch Le S3 (likely a rebranded Le 2) could start at $299 before discounts. You may not like the absence of a built-in headphone jack, but these phones could offer a lot of performance for the money.
There are four 4K TVs listed (the Super4 X43, X55 and X65, plus the uMax 85), although their prices are definitely placeholders. Sorry, folks, you won’t pay $15 for an Ultra HD set. However, their very existence is telling. It suggests that LeEco isn’t going to rely solely on Vizio for TV sales in the US, and could complement Vizio’s in-house smart TV strategy with its own Android TV models.
There’s no guarantee that these are the prices you’ll get, or that the devices you see here represent exactly what LeEco will present on the 19th. From initial appearances, though, the company might be planning a more cautious US rollout that focuses on the hardware most likely to prove a success.
Via: The Verge
Source: Android Police
Google Duo is pushing Hangouts off Android
It looks like Hangouts is being sent to the big office suite in the sky. According to Android Police, starting on December 1st, phone makers like Samsung and HTC will no longer be required to add Hangouts to their handsets. Instead, Duo will be the mandatory video-calling app on Google-powered devices.
This isn’t that surprising, Google has said that it will focus on making Hangouts more of a business app and after December 1st, users will be able to download it from the Play Store.
Meanwhile cross-platform Duo is geared more towards the masses with a simpler interface and “fun” features like Knock Knock which shares a video of a person before a call is answered.
But don’t be surprised if come December you see both apps on your new Android phone. Just because Hangouts is no longer a mandatory part of the default OS bundle doesn’t mean phone makers will pull it right away.
Via: The Verge
Source: Android Police
Alexa can now lock your BMW and feed it directions
Remember when James Bond drove his BMW in a parking garage from the back seat by remote control? Yeah, the automaker’s latest Connected app won’t do that. But, it’ll at least make you feel like “007 lite” with Alexa, Apple Watch 2 and Android support. The Alexa integration is the most fun, letting you use voice commands with an Echo or Echo Dot to lock your vehicle’s doors, load up a scheduled trip and check battery and fuel levels.
BMW isn’t the first automaker with an Alexa skill. Hyundai already offers the service with its luxury Genesis brand, and Ford will support it by year’s end. Ford’s service will offer a few more features, letting you start your car with voice commands, communicate with your smart home and use the AppLink service to talk to Alexa while you’re in the car. It will only work on three of Ford’s models, however: the Focus Electric, Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi, according to Reuters.
With BMW’s latest iOS version, you can use your Apple Watch Series 2 to check driving times based on current traffic or see a navigation map without pulling out your smartphone. As with the Alexa, you can use the wearable to lock your doors and check vehicle parameters from the comfort of your couch.
Finally, the company finally launched an Android app with similar features to the iOS version. Those include walking directions to your car’s parking spot, departure notifications based on your appointments and traffic, and the ability to set points of interest. New features include EV charger searches filtered by the type of charging and payment method you prefer, and a smartphone battery-conserving mode. You can now download the iOS and Android apps via BMW’s site, or by enabling the Alexa skill and linking your BMW account.
Via: BMW Blog
Source: BMW
The Pixel’s release doesn’t mean your Nexus is completely toast
Google unveiled its fancy new Pixel phone during a press event on Tuesday. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s an impressive handset, with VR capabilities, a fast-charging battery, supposedly the best-ever phone camera, a super-smart AI assistant and Android 7.1. It’s also the harbinger of death for the current line of Google Nexus smartphones.
As soon CEO Sundar Pichai announced the Pixel on-stage, Google set about scrubbing listings for the Nexus 5X and 6P from its online store. If you want to buy one of them direct from Google now, you’re out of luck. You can however still get one through Google Fi if you don’t mind switching carriers. So what are consumers who have recently purchased these phones (*raises hand*) to do? Does the introduction of the Pixel mean that Nexus owners are on their own, hemmed in by a Nougat 7.0 ceiling, relegated to the technological sidelines until our service contracts expire and we’re free to upgrade?
Turns out, the situation isn’t quite as dire as I feared. Per Google, the company will continue to support existing handsets (think: customer service, software updates and the like), but the company has no plans to build any more Nexus-branded products.
Although there are definitely some features that will remain exclusive to the Pixel handsets themselves, a Google rep told me that a number of them will eventually spread to the rest of the Android ecosystem. Assistant, for example, will start off as a Pixel exclusive and probably won’t be porting to other devices any time soon. Daydream VR support, though, will be available on day one for any Android device new enough to accept the Nougat 7.1 upgrade.
All told, the Pixel will ship with the following exclusives: the Pixel launcher, Google Assistant, screen sharing and various UI/wallpaper tweaks. It will also be the only one to offer the Pixel camera (obvs) as well as Smart Storage, and unlimited space on Google Photos. Plus the Pixel is the first Android phone to offer a quick switch adapter that ports content from your old phone, so of course that’s an exclusive too. Again, some of these features will eventually find their way to other phones, some will not. It depends on a litany of marketing and technological factors so Google isn’t publicly saying what or when just yet.
That said, our Nexuses are not chopped liver. When Nougat 7.1 arrives, you can look forward to a slew of new software features. These include Night Light, touch and display performance improvements, Daydream VR mode and a new manual storage manager that will allow users to see which apps are using the most onboard memory. The update will also enable Moves: an opt-in gesture-based feature that will open or close the notifications slider.
So, no, Nexus owners aren’t going to get Assistant or a fancy new camera — those are the perks of riding the early-adopter train — but we’re not being left in the wilds to fend for ourselves either. Plus, no matter which handset you have, Nougat 7.1 is going to give us VR and that’s something everyone can get excited about.
Google puts fitness playlists in Runtastic’s Android app
If Google Play Music and Runtastic are your favorite running companions, this collab was meant for you. The Big G’s Play Music division has teamed up with Runtastic to put free workout playlists within the Adidas-owned fitness app itself. All you need to do is fire up its music section to access, say, a collection of 130-beats-per-minute tracks that can match your steps, electronic dance music or high-energy rock tunes. You’ll be able to pause, play and skip within Runtastic, so you won’t need to switch apps anymore.
Now, if you’ve been using Play Music mostly as a free, ad-supported service, this partnership also gives you the chance to try out the features only available to paying subscribers. You can get two months Play Music subscription for free if you’re a Runtastic user, whether you have an iPhone or an Android device. 
Source: Google, Runtastic (Google Play)
Verizon has final say over when its Pixels get Android updates
Verizon is pretty pleased to be Google’s sole US carrier partner for the new Pixel and Pixel XL. Sure, you could order one straight from Google, but nothing sates gadget lust like being able to walk into a store and buy a thing right there. Buying a Verizon model obviously won’t be for everyone, though, and we now have a clearer understanding of how those phones will — and could — differ from the ones you can order from Google.
If you’re concerned about keeping your Pixel secure, Google has your back. A Verizon spokesperson confirmed that their Pixels will get security updates and patches at the same time as the non-Verizon versions. Not bad.
Still, it’s a little troubling that Google and Verizon have been cagey about when Verizon Pixel owners will get more substantive Android software updates. One of the best parts of using Nexus devices in the past was the understanding that they would get updates straight from Google, well before carrier-branded phones did. That practice will continue with Google’s new Pixel phones, but Verizon’s software certification process could introduce some delays into the mix. Carriers in general can take ages to test software updates, making sure they (among other things) don’t adversely affect the network. Google has pushed carriers to reduce that lag, and a Bloomberg report from earlier this year claims Verizon has trimmed its testing time by “a few weeks.”
Google has confirmed that Verizon is handling software updates for the phones it sells, so the biggest question here is one of time. Verizon wouldn’t comment on the specific update schedules for their Pixels, though a spokesperson for said the company’s goal “is to always provide software updates in a timely fashion so our customers have the best experience.” Take that however you like. Hopefully there is no gap between when Verizon and non-Verizon Pixels get those big updates, but it’s a little troubling that no one is coming out and committing to it. For now, we’ll just have to wait and hope.
At least bloatware shouldn’t be a huge issue. Verizon has said that the Pixel and Pixel XL will only have three apps — My Verizon, Verizon Messages and the Go90 streaming service — that straight-from-Google devices don’t. What’s really interesting is how they get on your phone in the first place. None of them are technically preloaded onto the phones. Instead, they’re downloaded onto the Pixels during the setup and activation process. Not at fan? You can uninstall them at will, leaving you with a mostly pure Pixel or Pixel XL to play with. That’s a surprisingly hands-off approach for a carrier that usually bars users from uninstalling Verizon apps on more heavily branded devices — the best you can typically do is disable apps you didn’t want in the first place.
AIVAnet 