Google mistakenly lists Huawei Watch with 4GB of RAM
Google listed Huawei’s new Android Wear smartwatch on the Google Store a few weeks back. Up until this point, no one realized that the company mistakenly listed the watch with 4GB of RAM.
Now 4GB of RAM on a smartphone is just becoming the norm, but on a smartwatch? The majority, if not all Android Wear smartwatches have 512MB of RAM installed. But according to the Huawei Watch’s listing on the Google Store, this is not the case. Now obviously it’s an error because everywhere else the Huawei Watch is listed with 512MB, and 4GB or RAM on a smartwatch is kind of overkill. I’m sure once Google discovers the mistake, it will provide a fix.
The listing shows 512MB of RAM, 4GB of RAM. One could infer that the company meant 4GB of on-board storage space because that’s what most smartwatches have these days. If you happen to be interested in purchasing the Huawei Watch, it will cost you $399 at the Google Store.
Come comment on this article: Google mistakenly lists Huawei Watch with 4GB of RAM
Leaked presentation reveals the Nexus 6P will feature a big 3450mAh battery
The latest Nexus devices have been leaking like crazy as of late. We’ve already gotten a good look at some purported press images of the LG-made Nexus 5X and Huawei-made Nexus 6P, including a long list of specs for each device. But if you thought you’d have to wait until the official unveiling on October 29th to get another look at the new handsets, we have some good news for you. Someone has just leaked an official Google presentation for the Huawei Nexus 6P, giving us many more details on the upcoming higher-end Nexus device.
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According to the slides, the Huawei Nexus 6P will feature a 5.7-inch WQHD display, a slim, metal unibody, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, dual front-facing speakers and a USB Type-C port. All of these specifications have been rumored for some time, so these shouldn’t come as a surprise. What hasn’t been rumored is the device’s battery size, which, according to the slides, will come in at 3450mAh. The 6P’s screen will also be made of Gorilla Glass 4. The device will also weigh a total of 178 grams, which is relatively light considering the Nexus 6P’s all-metal build. For comparison, the Motorola Nexus 6 weighs 184 grams.
The device will come in 32, 64 and 128GB variants and will be available in Aluminum, Graphite, Frost and Gold color options. The Gold option will be a Japan-exclusive for the time being.
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Aside from the specs listed above, the slides aren’t really showing us any other new bits of information we haven’t heard in the past. One slide does talk about the 6P’s improved camera that will let in more light for better quality photos, as well as a faster Google Camera application that will let you capture photos much more quickly.
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There are also some slides that detail some new features that will be available with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, including Google Now on Tap and the new Doze feature that will help save precious battery life.
We’re still not sure how much money this device will cost or when exactly it will be available, but we probably won’t need to wait much longer to find out.
Google’s Nexus 5X hits the FCC with support for all big US carriers
Google’s Nexus phones haven’t had the best cross-carrier support in the US (ahem, Verizon), but that might change when the Nexus 5X and 6P roll into town. The Nexus 5X has just swung by the FCC for approval, and one filing is for a model that appears to support all four major US carriers in at least some capacity — there are concerns that it might not handle T-Mobile’s existing 3G, but this does include Verizon support. There’s also a second variant of the LG-made device that removes some frequency bands and appears destined for other countries. There’s not much to see beyond this, although the FCC’s measurements back rumors that the 5X will have a 5.2-inch screen. Will this Nexus actually work with every major US network when it launches? It’s hard to say for sure, but you’ll likely get the full scoop at Google’s event in a few days.
[Image credit: Android Police]
Via: Android Police, S4GRU
Nexus 6P presentation leaks in entirety, confirms nearly all the rumored specifications
A slides presentation just surfaced in its entirety containing the majority, if not all of the specifications for the upcoming Nexus 6P. The leak also includes high quality renders, new features and more.
Apparently, the Nexus 6P hasn’t leaked enough in the past few weeks. Today, just about all the specifications for the upcoming handset was released free into the wild. The Nexus 6P made by Chinese manufacturer Huawei will feature slightly higher-end specifications when compared to the LG made Nexus 5X. It will also be the larger of the two with its 5.7-inch WQHD IPS-LCD display. The design has been described as a metal unibody, slim and sophisticated. Users will get the toughest build out there when it comes to the screen which will boost Gorilla Glass 4. It will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdargon 810 processor v2.1. The amount of RAM is still up in the air, but one could expect to see a minimum of 3GB for this handset. Other specs include high-resolution front and rear-facing cameras that can be activated via a tap of the newly included rear mounted fingerprint scanner. Just in case you didn’t know, Android 6.0 will be making its debut with this one. The handset will boost a large 3,450mAh battery that is non-removable. Type C is also included with ultra-fast charging capabilities and faster data transfer speeds.
The Nexus 6P’s design matches recent leaks and will support dual front-facing speakers. The camera is said to bring fast auto-focusing and improved low light photo taking. The handset will weigh a total of only 178g. Nearing the end of the presentation, Google reminds us about some of the newest features included with Marshmallow such as Now On Tap, new app permissions, a new fingerprint API and better power consumption with dose and app standby.
The handset will come in a variety of color options such as aluminium, graphite, frost, and gold. However, the choices may vary depending on your location. Storage options include 32GB, 64GB and the whopping 128GB many were hoping for. Unfortunately, there has been no word on pricing, but it’s rumored that pre-orders will go up on October 13. Google will hold the conference on September 29 in San Francisco, where is will announce the Nexus 6P alongside a LG manufacturer Nexus 5X. Updated Chromecast models are also expected. Screenshots of the entire presentation have been included in the gallery below. Whose excited?
Source: Imgur
Via: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Nexus 6P presentation leaks in entirety, confirms nearly all the rumored specifications
Google has filed a patent aimed at preventing one from dropping their smartphone
Google just submitted a patent of a rather odd design aimed at preventing users from dropping their smartphone.
The patent pictured above was filed last week by Google. It features a brand new smartphone with a design that will hopefully prevent users from dropping their device. The patent indicates better grip, but comes with a cost of a bad design. It shows rather sharp edges and a thick body. On the rear side it has ridges for one to put their fingers along when holding the device. Ultimately guided at helping users maintain control of their smartphone and preventing it from slipping out of his/her hand. It will be interesting to see if this ever hits the market. We’ll keep an eye out.
Source: Patently Mobile
Come comment on this article: Google has filed a patent aimed at preventing one from dropping their smartphone
Google under antitrust investigation over Android Apps
The Federal Trade Commision(FTC) has begun a preliminary investigation into Google using Android to push its own apps like Search and Maps.
The search giant has been under investigation in Europe for antitrust violations for a while and the FTC has voted several times in the past not to pursue charges against Google. But there’s now an investigation brewing within the country’s antitrust watchdog.
Complaintants actually went to the Department of Justice(DoJ) first and the DoJ recently asked the FTC for clearance to begin their investigation by making contact with complaintants.
The DoJ and FTC have since worked out an agreement for the FTC, instead of the DoJ, to investigate the claims. The issue stem from the “home screen dominance” of Google’s Android App placement and Android app bundle requirements. The complaint is still in the fact finding stage, the FTC has still yet to contact Google, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that charges will move forward.
Google distributes Android for free to companies like Samsung and LG but if they want to have any Google Apps installed on their phones or tablets, they must take a bundle of a certain set of Android apps which includes money makers like Google Search and the Google Play store. Complaintants are unhappy with this because it gives Google a distinct advantage on the world’s most popular mobile operating system.
Google has offered no public comment comment regarding this matter and Justin Cole, an FTC spokesperson, was quoted as saying, “investigations are nonpublic, and we do not comment on an investigation or the existence of an investigation.”
Google has faced the harsh hand of the government before, but escaped charges. In 2013, Microsoft and Yelp brought complaints to the FTC that Google unfairly gave an advantage to its own products, but Google escaped scrutiny after the FTC voted unanimously not to bring charges.
Source: Bloomberg, via The New York Times
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Report: YouTube’s 2-in-1 subscription service is coming this October
YouTube might be launching its long-awaited subscription service as soon as the end of October, according to Recode. Google’s video website already sent out emails to content owners, asking them to agree to the terms for a “new ads-free version of YouTube” by October 22nd. Just like earlier reports revealed, if providers refuse to get on board, their catalogues will “no longer be available for public display or monetization in the United States.” The service won’t just flush out ads from videos, though: Recode says the company’s $10-a-month offering also comes bundled with Music Key, the website’s music streaming product that features offline access, background playback and more.
If you recall, YouTube announced Music Key’s pricing when its beta version launched, and it was supposed to cost $10 per month on its own. So it’s unclear how the company will make money from the twofer, especially since it reportedly had trouble locking down deals for its ads-free model earlier this year. Note that YT only gave providers until October 22nd to agree to its new terms and didn’t actually confirm if the service is going live the same day — you might have to wait a bit longer before you can throw money at the website.
Here are some of the pertinent parts of the email YouTube sent Peter Kafka at Recode:
To give fans more choice we will be launching a new ads-free version of YouTube, available to fans for a monthly fee. This service will create a new source of revenue over time that supplements your advertising revenue…
That’s why we’re asking you to update your agreement to reflect the updated terms for the ads-free service.
To accept, simply log into YouTube.com as “username” from a desktop or laptop and follow the prompts by October 22nd.
If you haven’t signed by that date, your videos will no longer be available for public display or monetization in the United States.
[Image credit: shutterstock]
Source: Recode
How to make your own Google Cardboard headset
Ever since the launch of Google Cardboard back in 2014, virtual reality has slowly been making its way to the masses. Not only are more and more manufacturers producing higher-end headsets such as the Samsung Gear VR and the Oculus Rift, there are also a slew of super affordable options available for those who are looking to try VR for the first time. Perhaps most interestingly, Google has published a set of easy-to-follow instructions online that will help you build your own DIY Google Cardboard headset for a very small price.
Today we’re going to walk you through that process, and show you exactly how to build your very own Cardboard headset.
Here’s what you’ll need
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Required:
- A piece of cardboard at least 22” (55.88cm) by 8.75” (22.23cm)
- Two 2” (5.08cm) strips of 3/4” (1.91cm) wide Velcro
- One 3/4” (1.91cm) neodymium ring magnet
- One 3/4” ceramic disk magnet
- Two Biconvex lenses (45mm focal length)
Optional:
- Rubber band
- An NFC tag
Additionally, the only tools you will need for this project are an X-ACTO knife, a straight edge, Scotch tape, some spray adhesive or contact cement, and you may also find that some super glue will come in handy.
Instructions
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Begin by downloading the manufacturers kit from Google by following this link (.zip). Once you extract the .zip file, open the scissor-cut template and proceed to print the three pages.
Use a straight edge to trim away any excess paper from the templates, and use tape or glue to connect the three pieces of the main body template together. Align the corresponding numbers over one another with the light numbers on top. In all, there will be three templates – the body, the lens holder and the lens divider.
Next, trim away any extra cardboard you may have. Once all the excess is cut away, lightly coat the cardboard with spray adhesive and let it sit for three to five minutes. Press the three separate templates into place, and you’re ready for the next step.
So far it’s been pretty easy, right? Well, unfortunately, here’s where you’ll have to put in a little bit of work. The next step is cutting out every little nib with an X-ACTO knife, which can get pretty tiresome after awhile. I began this process by trimming away all the unnecessary outside pieces and worked my way in from there. For all of the tight corners and smaller pieces, I found it much easier to just perforate the cardboard by stabbing it repeatedly, rather than trying to drag and cut. Dragging your knife through the cardboard might end in you cutting off more than you need.
During this part of the process your hand might cramp up a time or two, but just remember – be patient! Making all of these cuts will likely take you around 30 to 45 minutes in all, so be prepared when it comes to this step. We’d recommend cutting out all of the round pieces last, as these are the most intricate.
Once you’re done cutting everything out, it’s now time to begin assembling.
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First, insert the lenses into the two eye holes, and make sure you pay attention to their orientation. The paper template will tell you which direction the lenses should face. Proceed by folding the top third of the lens holder template down and the lower third up, so that the middle panel is sandwiched between the two and the lenses can’t fall out. Then use a straight edge to help make straight and sharp folks on all of the lighter colored lines on the template. Place the ceramic magnet in its designated spot with the neodymium magnet on the opposite side (I ended up gluing mine, though it’s not required), and start folding. Insert the lens holder with the divider, then wrap the cardboard frame around it, lining up all the proper slots and grooves.
I added a touch of super glue to the inside of the left-most panel and glued the headset shut. Next, add the Velcro strips to the top of the flap where you’ll later insert your phone. Here’s where you have the option to add an NFC tag to your Cardboard. You can program it by downloading Trigger from the Google Play Store and creating an action which will launch the Cardboard app.
Once your Cardboard headset is set up, download the Cardboard app from Google Play, launch it, then insert your phone into the headset. You can now experience VR at will!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Have you made your own Google Cardboard headset? If so, how did it turn out?
FTC to investigate Google for anti-trust abuses over Android operating system
This is the not the first time Google has been accused of abusing anti-trust laws. According to a new report, the Federal Trade Commission is about to step in and begin investigating whether Google has an unfair advantage by using Android to gain popularity of its services.
As most of you know, Google’s Android operating system is open source meaning the company allows others to use it free of cost. However, the companies apps and services are not open source. When a company or carrier wants to ship devices running the Android operating system they need Google’s approval. This is where Google is being accused. Google forces these companies and/or carriers to include Google’s core applications such as Gmail, Maps and more. The FTC believes that by promoting its apps through its widely popular mobile operating system gives the company an advantage and shouldn’t be allowed. If the FTC finds the company guilty of a Monopoly with its Android operating system, Google could very well be charged and forced to remove the pre-installed apps for future Android powered handsets. As of now, Google is yet to provide a response. Whether this will be seen as a violation or not, users will always be allowed to download the company’s services after purchasing the device via the Play Store.
Source: Bloomberg
Come comment on this article: FTC to investigate Google for anti-trust abuses over Android operating system
Bugs and software fragmentation spoils Samsung’s premium devices
When Samsung released the Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge last year, both devices screamed premium and were laden with features beyond all other phones. Out of the box the devices ran Android Kitkat 4.4 which was rather stable. Since then Google has released Android Lollipop 5.0 with Material Design but that release was laden with bugs like memory leaks and terrible battery life.
Due to the fragmentation of Android, many of the most expensive Android devices, from less than a year ago, are still dealing with issues because they are still running Android 5.0. Even though Samsung was testing 5.1 back in the summer, very few Note 4 devices got the upgrade to 5.1. I happen to be one of those AT&T Note Edge users who has been dealing with incredibly poor battery life, memory leaks, display issues, and laggy performance when users of almost most other flagships are running 5.1 and are not having issues. When I ask AT&T customer support for help they tell me they have no time frame but to continue to look for updates. (Thanks AT&T!)
Fragmentation is a huge issue for manufacturers and only a couple have made a firm commitment to get updates out within a reasonable time frame, which Samsung is not one of those companies. They make deals with carriers to further customize their software, and in my case I have over 20 apps that I cannot uninstall because of AT&T. Those apps and customizations add another layer of fragmentation to my updates.
If Samsung wants to fix their sales and stop laying people off from poor sales, they need to stop selling out to the carriers as well as focus on getting updates out to their phones more quickly. Sure I bought the Note Edge for $945 without tax, which was my fault for not knowing Samsung and AT&T was going to leave me hanging, but shouldn’t customers expect their phones to work for more than a year without major bugs? I almost feel as if those of us dealing with bugs should get a manufacturer’s replacement device of choice because our software does not work. My Note Edge battery life lasts an incredibly short five hours and that isn’t five hours of on screen time. That is five hours of being disconnected from the plug.
By the time most of us power Note users get Android 5.1, the rest of the Android community will be on Marshmallow 6.0.
If you bought a Note 5, S6, S6 Edge or S6 Edge plus I sure hope Samsung gives you updates after the first six months. Until Samsung makes a commitment to pushing updates out on a timely basis, my future phones will only be pure Android Nexus devices. I would never buy an iPhone ever again, but at least when an update is published, every phone/tablet within the last three years has access to it.
Most of you readers here are super users and would tell people like me to flash their devices. For a flagship device, I shouldn’t be forced to flash it and void the warranty just for it to perform normally.
Are you a 2015 Galaxy S6 or Note 5 owner? Are you worried about not getting updates?
Or if you do happen to be one of the lucky Note 4 and Note Edge users on 5.1, is it running smooth for you?
I posed the question to my colleagues here at AG ,”If you didn’t switch phones so quickly, do you think you would be okay with fragmentation?” Out of all of the writers only one, Benton, has used a phone for two years and he has a Moto X(2013) which is one of the phones to get updates on a regular basis. Personally I do not think most Android bloggers would be okay with fragmentation if they used their phones like normal people and hung onto them for two years.
Let me know how you feel in the comments.
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AIVAnet 