Android Authority this week – September 9, 2015
It was the week of IFA, and some of the biggest names in technology delivered once again. Sony launched a new generation of the Xperia Z series, including the bombshell Xperia Z5 Premium, the world’s first 4K smartphone. Samsung managed to wow us with a Tizen smartwatch that actually looks sleek and compelling. Motorola brought out its refined Moto 360 2nd generation. Huawei introduced the impressive Mate S and the long-delayed Huawei Watch. Lenovo and ZTE continued their quest to conquer the market with affordable, but competent devices. Startup Nextbit showed off a fresh take on the cloud-centric smartphone concept. And maybe the hottest news of the week: details on the upcoming LG Nexus 5X.
Inside AA HQ
Having a team that is spread out throughout the world has its perks, but one drawback is we don’t often get to see each other IRL. That’s why big shows like IFA and MWC are special for us on a personal level. Not only we see each other, we get to meet up with our colleagues, friends (and competitors) in the blogosphere and media. And for people that spend their days literally staring at screens, that’s a blast.
Josh, Lanh, Nirave and I have had a good time in bustling Berlin, bringing you what we hope is some of the best IFA coverage around. But the show still goes on, so keep it tuned for more posts and videos over the next couple of days.
This week, we brought you our exclusive report on the Nexus 5X. Coming September 29 at an affordable price, the Nexus 5X will probably be targeted at the mass market, and that makes us happy – more people will be enjoying Android in the most Googley way possible, and we can’t wait to see the new device (and Huawei’s Nexus) in action.
Is 4K even remotely necessary on a smartphone screen? The debate will rage on for years, but Full HD is still a great choice, especially if battery life is what you’re after. From my hands-on time with the Full HD Xperia Z5, it’s a lovely piece of gear. If you want to win one, our weekly giveaway is the place to go – best of luck to everyone!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Review: The most anticipated review of this autumn: Galaxy Note 5
- Review: Galaxy S6 Edge Plus review: bigger, edgier, but is it better?
- Tech talk: 5G is coming: will it make our lives simpler? Gary weighs in
- Roundup: Joe takes a look at the finest 10 apps and games that launched in August
- Tech talk: Want to understand how a SoC works? This in-depth post will help
- Rumor roundup: BlackBerry Venice rumors: Android, keyboard, oh my!
- Qualcomm’s Kryo chip will power 2016’s flagships: here’s what you need to know
Top news of the week
Xperia, now in 4K
- Sony Xperia Z5 officially announced: what you need to know
- Sony Xperia Z5 Premium officially announced: what you need to know
- Sony Xperia Z5 Compact officially announced: everything you need to know
- Sony Xperia Z5 hands-on and first look
- Sony Xperia Z5 Compact hands-on and first look
- A quick look at the new Sony Xperia Z5 camera
- Sony Xperia Z5 Premium vs Samsung Galaxy Note 5 quick look
- Sony Xperia Z5 Premium hands-on and first look
Gear S2 is here, and it’s impressive
Moto 360, take two
- Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) officially announced – everything you need to know
- Moto 360 (2nd Gen) first look
Huawei Mate S
- Huawei Mate S is official, here are the details
- Huawei G8 officially announced – metal chassis and fingerprint scanner in tow
- Huawei Watch available for pre-order today, priced at $349 (Update: live on Amazon now)
- Huawei Mate S unboxing and first look
New Lenovos
- Lenovo unveils the VIBE P1, P1m and S1 smartphones at IFA 2015
- Lenovo announces YOGA Tablet 3, YOGA Tablet 3 Pro and several new smartphones at IFA 2015
- Lenovo PHAB Plus Hands on First Look
- Lenovo Vibe P1 and Vibe S1 hands on and first look
- Lenovo YOGA Tablet 3 Pro hands-on and first look
Nexus 5X coming soon
- Google reportedly set to unveil new Nexus devices on September 29th in San Francisco
- Exclusive: LG’s Nexus 5X coming September 29 for around $400
- LG Nexus 5 (2015) shows up in clearest image we have seen
Nextbit Robin: perching in the cloud
- Nextbit is Kickstarting its Robin “cloud-first” smartphone. (Update: passes goal in 10 hours)
- Here’s what the Nextbit Robin looks like in closer detail (gallery)
Axon Elite
- ZTE Axon Elite quick look: what’s the difference?
- ZTE Axon Elite announced: a global version of the original Axon
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Google Translate update: convert text across all apps when running Marshmallow
Have you noticed an update to the Google Translate app? You may have realized there is not much of a change. That is, unless you are running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, in which case you definitely have something new to look forward to.
The Google Translate team has been hard at work bringing system-wide translation to our devices, adding the ability to decipher text across all applications. This means users no longer need to go through the hassles of switching to the Translate app, entering a word (or phrase), translating it, copying it, then going back to paste it in the application of choice. Those with the latest Android version can now simply highlight text from any app and translate it instantly. It’s as easy as pie.
#gallery-1
margin: auto;
#gallery-1 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 50%;
#gallery-1 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
#gallery-1 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
We know: this is no good for most of us right now, as very few people are using the Android 6.0 Marshmallow preview software. It’s definitely a sign of good things to come, though. This is only a taste of what Marshmallow can do with text. Not only will this feature be available to all users once Android 6.0 starts spreading, but other applications and services may be able to take advantage of these capabilities later on.
Interested? You will have to wait until you get Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your device. On the Google Translate side, the update is already available from the Google Play Store. Have any of you tested this feature yet? Do tell us how it’s treating you!
LG Nexus 5X (2015) shown off in the clearest picture yet
The LG-made Nexus 5 2015 model, also known as the Nexus 5X, is no stranger to the camera having been leaked multiple times before, but this time we’re got one of the clearest images we’ve seen so far.
The only detail that seems different about this device is that we have previously seen the LG logo along the bottom of the device below the Nexus logo on the rear of the casing but it would appear that it may have been removed for the final design.
This is by far the clearest shot we’ve seen of the Nexus 5X and shows the pretruding camera (expected to be 12.7-Megapixel), dual LED flash, and fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device.
The Nexus 5X is expected to have a Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, a 5.2-inch 1080p display, a 2,700mAh non-removable battery, and either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.
Likely to be announced around September 29th, the Nexus 5X could only be a few weeks away. What are your thoughts of the Nexus 5X?
Source: AndroidPIT
The post LG Nexus 5X (2015) shown off in the clearest picture yet appeared first on AndroidGuys.
How to setup payment methods in the Play Store
The Play Store has hundreds of thousands of free and useful applications, however, the more quality apps out there usually cost you a bit of money. That’s certainly not a bad thing, but it can be frustrating if you don’t know how to setup payment methods in the Play Store.
Stick with us, and we’ll take you step-by-step on adding your first credit card to the Play Store. We’ll even show you how to setup parental controls so children you hand your phone too can’t just buy hundreds of dollars worth of in-app purchases!
Setting up a credit card
It’s relatively easy to setup a payment method in the Play Store. Just follow the steps listed below:
- Open the Play Store app
- Hit the menu button at the top right corner
- Select “My Account”
You will now see three options for adding a payment method. If you want, you can either add a credit or debit card, PayPal account, or even redeem credit you’ve purchased in-store.
To add a credit card, tap “Add credit or debit card” and then follow the instructions to add all of your card information.
And that’s it! You now should be able to buy anything on the Play Store with that card on file.
Adding a PayPal account
Adding a PayPal account can be a bit more complex. To get started, we’ll follow some of the same steps listed above:
- Open the Play Store app
- Hit the menu button at the top right corner
- Select “My Account”
Instead of tapping “Add a credit or debit card” you’ll need to select “Add PayPal” this time. Next, once the prompt appears, type in the email address you use to log into PayPal along with the password right below that. Once that information is filled out, select “Log In.”
You’re all set! You are now able to purchase things using the funds you have in your PayPal account.
Redeeming credit
Redeeming Google Play Store credit is just as easy, if not simpler, than adding a credit card or PayPal account to your payment methods. Again, the steps start out similarly as the last two options:
- Open the Play Store app
- Hit the menu button at the top right corner
- Select “My Account”
This time you’ll want to select “Redeem.” Simply type in the code on the back of your prepaid Google Play Store credit you got from the store and hit “redeem.”
It’s that easy!
Setting up parental controls
If you ever hand your phone or tablet to a child to calm them down or keep them quiet, you’ll want to make sure you have parental controls setup in the Play Store.
By not doing this, you put yourself at risk to losing a bit of money. I’m speaking from experience here–I let a child use my smartphone, and that child ended up buying $99 worth of gems in Clash of Clans.
- Open the Play Store app
- Hit the menu button at the top right corner
- Tap “Settings”
- Select “Require authentication for purchases”
From there, you can select how many times the Play Store should inquire about authentication, whether that be for every purchase, every 30 minutes, or never. I chose the for every purchase option, just to be on the safe side.
This will require the user to enter the main account owner’s Google password every time someone wants to purchase something, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars from the antics of children.
Wrap Up
As you can see, it’s fairly easy to setup new payment methods in the Google Play Store, but in doing that, it’s important to make sure you have security measures put in place.
Happy shopping!
Come comment on this article: How to setup payment methods in the Play Store
Google has added system-wide device translation using Google Translate to Android Marshmallow
Google has made language translation a little easier in Android, but it’ll only be functional for devices running 6.0 and up. Android Marshmallow’s contextual selection menu allows apps to add functionality, and Google has updated their Translate app to join in on the fun. You’ll be able to directly translate text on your device without having to go into the actual Translate app, which is a huge time saver.
Apps being able to add contextual actions is a pretty big deal and one of the cooler new features of Android 6.0. Hopefully Google brings some new functionality into this with their other apps, and we’ll probably see tons of third-party apps take advantage of this once Marshmallow starts rolling out to devices later this year.
source: Zachary Kew-Denniss (Google+)
via: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google has added system-wide device translation using Google Translate to Android Marshmallow
Google improving searches for health information and diseases
Last February Google launched a new feature in its search engine that showed relevant health information when people searched for certain conditions or diseases. The feature has been fairly popular up to this point, so Google is expanding it with tons of new health information, plus some extra features.
The updated results will include around 900 more conditions, which is double what the feature started with. Results will show symptoms, treatments, and more. The interface for results has been tweaked, too, so searching for a disease’s symptoms will take you directly to the symptoms tab. There’s also a button for downloading a PDF of information about what you’re looking at so you’ll have something to take to the doctor on your next visit.
Google is teaming up with doctors and professionals to make sure this information is updated and accurate, and they’re in the process of getting the results localized into different languages besides just English.
source: Inside Search
Come comment on this article: Google improving searches for health information and diseases
Google reportedly plans to re-enter mainland China through the Google Play Store
Google has been completely absent from China since the year 2010, but that might be changing sometime soon. According to a recent report from The Information, Google soon expects to return to mainland China to sell mobile services. More specifically, with approval from the Chinese government, the company hopes to distribute a special China version of the Google Play Store application for Android smartphones in the country, according to people familiar with the plan.
Google supposedly already has partnerships in place with Chinese companies to help architect and run the China version of the Play Store locally. Additionally, the company is also preparing to announce support for a new version of Android Wear for smartwatches in China. Google could plan to re-enter China as early as this fall, the report states.
Related: Does Google need to return to China? It’s complicated.
As part of this big push back in to China, Google is expected to offer new incentives to OEMs to upgrade their mobile devices to the latest version of Android. Simply put, if more Android smartphones are running the latest software and have a similar experience overall, this will make the platform much more attractive to both application developers and consumers alike.
According to one person familiar with the matter:
As more Chinese app developers look to extend their apps beyond China’s borders and more non-Chinese app makers try to tap the Chinese market, Google wants to ensure all the apps work well across Android devices globally. Thus, hardware partners that will distribute Android Wear or Google Play in China will need to adhere to certain global compatibility standards.
Google wants to make money through Android, and China is the place to do it
Seeing as how the vast majority of Android devices in China have no Google services installed whatsoever, bringing Google services along with the Play Store, albeit a stripped-down version, to Android devices in the country would be considered a huge win for Android as a whole. Google wants to make money through Android, and China is the place to do it.
If this comes into fruition, Google says that it will follow local laws and block applications that the Chinese government deems unacceptable. To many, this might look like a back-tracking on Google’s part, especially following the company’s bold stance on the subject back in 2010. The Chinese smartphone market is growing tremendously, and Android is a huge player in that space. There are tons of great Chinese phone makers that have gained popularity as of late, and Google needs to be on good terms in this region if it wants to make even bigger bucks.
Google is set to mend ties with China, launch modified Google Play Store there
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It seems pretty obvious not to argue with your customers, especially relatively new customers, but that’s exactly what happened in 2010 when Google famously got into a dispute with China over its tough censorship of the Internet. Since then, China has grown into one of the largest consumers of the Internet in Asia, and Google has had to look on from the sidelines – while Android has a presence there, its Google Play apps don’t feature on any Chinese devices due to that 2010 decision to pull out. Thankfully, it looks like Google is set to mend ties with China, which will allow a modified Google Play Store to feature on Chinese devices as well as bring the Android Wear operating system to China for the first time too.
The obvious disclaimer over all of this is that the Chinese government must approve everything that goes through and reserves the right to shut down anything that they see as breaching their agreement. On the flip side, smartphones and smartwatches are still undergoing a big growth period in China so it’s absolutely essential for Google to re-enter China if it hopes to be there when the growth plateaus.
What do you think about Google making things over with China? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Information via TalkAndroid
The post Google is set to mend ties with China, launch modified Google Play Store there appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Older Apple TVs can get YouTube back, but it will cost you
A few months ago Google made changes to its YouTube app and pulled it from old second-generation Apple TV boxes (as well as some other older smart TVs). Now, if you’re longing for the heady days of 2007 and aren’t ready to upgrade (probably a good idea, with new hardware right around the corner), there is a way to get it back. Firecore has added a YouTube plugin to its aTV Flash (black) software for jailbroken Apple TVs. If you own a third generation Apple TV (on sale since early 2012, supports 1080p), then this doesn’t apply to you, since you still have YouTube. But if your ATV2 is still in use, this will get it back… for a fee of $30. With Apple’s big event just a few days away and a new $150 Apple TV rumored to be on the way we can see why this isn’t the time to buy an upgraded model. You could buy a Chromecast plus whatever is announced on the 9th and do just as well, but if you prefer the DIY route then follow the instructions here.
[Image credit: Associated Press]
Filed under:
Home Entertainment, Transportation, HD, Apple, Google
Source:
Firecore
Tags: apple, AppleTV, ATV2, AtvFlashBlack, google, hdpostcross, jailbreaking, youtube
Google is inching closer to a settlement with the Chinese government
In 2010, Google pulled its Play services from China. According to a new report, the company is trying to make a return to China with a modified version of Google Play to fair with the Chinese government.
Google is looking to bring its core service back to China. Google holds a lot of market share in China and what is an Android device without Google services. Earlier, Google stated “there is money to be made” and demands a settlement with the Chinese government.
Google is now in close talks with China and is allegedly inches away from closing a deal. The deal would let Google create a modified version of its Google Play Store that stays within the governments boundaries. The compromise will allow the Chinese government to shut down any service they don’t approve of at any given time. In addition, Google is working to bring its Android Wear OS to China. This would be the first time Chinese users will be able to use Google’s new smartwatches.
With Chinese smartphone manufactures on the rise, it’s essential for Google to make a deal. Competitors like iOS are gaining steam and if Google wants to open up the gap they need to make an agreement fast.
Source: The Information
Via: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google is inching closer to a settlement with the Chinese government
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