OnePlus is giving away Google Cardboard for $0 plus shipping
Well, this is one way for an up-and-coming company to get people’s attention. OnePlus, the Chinese manufacturer best-known for making a cheap handset with surprisingly good specs, is about to launch its second-generation phone, and to get folks pumped up, it’s selling Google’s Cardboard virtual reality headset in its store. Make that: “giving away.” The headset is free, plus a $5 shipping charge, making it a great deal, even for what’s already marketed as a cheap way to experience VR. All told, it’s very similar to the second-gen version of Cardboard unveiled at Google I/O a month ago, except this particular iteration is made of a thicker material, is 20 percent smaller and is coated in a dirt- and oil-resistant film, according to TechCrunch.
The headset ships next week, on July 10th, and once it arrives, OnePlus is hoping you’ll use it to watch the global debut of the OnePlus One 2 on July 27th. To order, you’ll first need to create a OnePlus account, though it’s OK if you aren’t already a current OnePlus One owner. Be warned, though: When I tried to order one, I initially saw it listed as out of stock. If that happens to you, just be persistent — after refreshing the page, I was able to enter my credit card info. Happy shopping, folks.
Via: 9to5 Google
Source: OnePlus
Possible Google Glass successor spotted in FCC database
A new FCC filing for a device from Google that includes “GG1″ in its identifier has many thinking this may be version 2, or the consumer version, of Google Glass. There are not many details available, but a couple clues point to the device being some type of wearable.
The device will come with support for WiFi and Bluetooth LE, but at least for this filing, no wireless support. This seems to rule out a smartphone of any sort. The device will also have a non-removable battery.
According to the filing, the device’s FCC label will not be physically printed on the device. Although the filing does not reveal why that may be, a lack of space would be one explanation. Google indicates the FCC label will be provided as an “e-label” and a sample is provided. Appearing as white text on a black background, it is not a stretch to envision this e-label appearing on the Google Glass screen assuming the consumer version takes a similar form factor as the original Google Glass.
Earlier this year Google shut down its Glass Explorer Beta program and stopped making the original version available to interested consumers. The entire project was also moved out of Google X over to the Google Nest unit headed up by Tony Fadell in preparation for the next version. However, Google has been mostly silent regarding plans for Glass.
Come comment on this article: Possible Google Glass successor spotted in FCC database
Get your free Cardboard VR headset for the OnePlus 2 launch
OnePlus wants you to experience the launch of its all-new OnePlus 2 in virtual reality. That said, the company has begun giving away Cardboard Virtual Reality headsets for free, only asking for $5 to cover shipping costs.
Google’s Cardboard VR headsets are available through many online retailers for relatively cheap prices. In fact, Google has a page dedicated to its Cardboard VR retailers. Some of them are as cheap as $5 while more advanced and improved models could cost you as much as $85.
Either way, OnePlus says they have improved upon Google’s design, making the cardboard more compact, durable, and resistant to stains. As is the case for most of these headsets, OnePlus says it should be compatible with most devices up to 6-inches in size, which means Note users should have nothing to fear.
Keep in mind that there’s probably limited quantities available in this initiative to make VR more accessible. “We aren’t making any money by offering OnePlus Cardboard. In fact, we are losing money with each one,” OnePlus says.
It’ll be interesting to see just how well VR will work with the OnePlus 2 launch later this month. It’s said to be a powerful device, packing a Snapdragon 810 CPU, and a fingerprint scanner “done right.”
If you’re interested in getting your own Cardboard VR headset from OnePlus, just hit the source link below. They begin shipping on July 10.
source: OnePlus
Come comment on this article: Get your free Cardboard VR headset for the OnePlus 2 launch
#ICYMI: NFC Cognac Caps, play a Virtual Neymar, and More
Today on In Case You Missed It: Remy Martin installs NFC-enabled caps on its cognac bottles to prevent shady saloons from pulling the old switcheroo, Nike lets Google Cardboard users to play soccer as Neymar Jr., and a London-based artist creates custom Power Gloves that can carve through wood and stone.
From the cutting room floor: This Auburn Fire Department quadcopter makes a special delivery of lifejackets and tow lines to a couple of guys stranded in the middle of a river.
Let the team at Engadget know about any interesting stories or videos you stumble across by using the #ICYMI hashtag @engadget or @mskerryd.
Google’s ‘GG1’ teases a new version of Glass
Before a company announces a device, it has to pass through the FCC’s secretive bunker to ensure that it’s wireless radios are safe for human contact. Droid Life has trawled through the most recent list of anonymized gadgets to find A4R-GG1, a Google-hewn offering that might, just possibly, be the new version of Google Glass. The clues aren’t exactly concrete, but include the fact that the hardware isn’t classified as a smartphone, tablet or media device. It’s equipped with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth LE and a built-in rechargeable battery, so clearly it’s also meant to be taken around with you.
Now, a lot of devices are moving toward e-labels, but the documents reveal that the e-label (pictured) for this device has been formatted to the same sort of aspect ratio as Google Glass’ display. Oh, and we could mention the fact that the GG1 in the codename would be a fairly obvious allusion to the wearable’s name, but we won’t. Of course, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re merely weeks away from seeing Tony Fadell’s reimagining of the face-worn computer. If all of this stuff is true, however, then perhaps we can expect to see some testers hanging around the Mountain View area hoping that you’re not paying attention to their glasses.
Filed under: Wearables, Google
Via: Droid Life
Source: FCC
New Android One phone rumored for India launch on July 14
According to a “person with knowledge” of the plan, Google and Lava are gearing up to launch the next Android One handset in India. The new smartphone is expected to launch on July 14, will feature renewed specifications and will have a retail price of Rs. 12,000.
The first wave of Android One handsets were not exactly what we would call a success, with less than 800,000 units in consumer hands in India at the last count. That’s considerably less than MediaTek’s ambitious target of two million handsets by the end of the first year.
There are probably two main factors that have held Android One back. Firstly, a lack of retail store presence prevented customers from being exposed to the products. This time around Google is apparently working more closely with Lava, to make sure that the next Android One phone is available online and in shops. Google is also expected to spend around 10 to 15 million in marketing and promotion.
“The first-phase partners took devices from original device makers (ODMs) in China and had no say over hardware and software. The latest device is controlled by Lava, which would be in a position to provide an enhanced experience,”
Secondly, the hardware wasn’t really competitive with other handsets that have shown up the country since. To address this issue, the next Android One phone is rumoured to arrive with better mid-range hardware. MediaTek will still be providing the SoC but the phone will also come with 2GB of RAM and a larger 5-inch display, although we don’t know at what resolution. Google and Lava are also said to be working on specific software features tailored to the region.
By working more closely with individual partners, perhaps the hope is that the next Android One phones provide a more refined experience, but this looks like it will come at a higher price point. The expected retail price of Rs. 12,000 is almost double what the first generation of handsets cost.
Perhaps more will be revealed at the rumoured launch event on July 14th in Delhi. Google India decline to comment.
CTL announces the H4 Education Chromebook
Earlier today, CTL took the wraps off its latest Chromebook, the H4 Education. This model is aimed at students in lower and middle school who require access to the Internet and basic word processing software via Google Drive. The device will retail for $199 and has a 10 hour battery on board, making it the perfect companion for any student.
The H4’s specifications include a 11.6-inch HD widescreen LED-backlit display display which has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, a 1.8GHz Rockchip quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable internal storage.
This device has built-in Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, two USB 2.0 ports, an SDcard slot and an HDMI out slot — so you’ll always have the facility to share files, connect to the internet, mirror your screen and transfer documents.
As you’d expect of any laptop that’s designed to be portable, the H4 Education is pretty rugged, but unlike most machines on the market, this one’s water resistant with the ability to withstand drops of water from a height of 70cm.
CTL also announced that purchasers of the H4 Education Chromebook will be eligible for the free 100GB of Google Drive storage offered by Google.
Come comment on this article: CTL announces the H4 Education Chromebook
HERE Maps updated with support for reversible lanes
HERE has just started rolling out an update for its official Maps application via the Google Play Store. In terms of added functionality, the upgrade brings support for reversible lanes, as well as multiple bug fixes and stability improvements.
The reversible lanes function is live for eleven U.S. and one European city and for those of you unaware of its role within the app, the feature is used to reduce traffic congestion during busy times by way of providing alternative routes to the user in the event of heavy traffic.
To install the update on your smartphone, simply open up the Play Store, toggle the hamburger menu by swiping in from the left-hand side of the screen, select ‘My Apps’ and click on ‘HERE Maps’. You’re now going to want to hit the update button.
If you’d prefer to start the upgrade process instantly without having to use the Play Store, you can scan the QR code below to initiate the installation procedure.
Come comment on this article: HERE Maps updated with support for reversible lanes
Google’s preparing to launch a new Android One smartphone this month
According to a report published by The Economic Times, Google is currently preparing to launch a brand new Android One smartphone in India on Tuesday, July 14. The device is expected to be manufactured by a local company operating under the name Lava and will carry a price tag of around INR 12,000 ($190).
Whilst the first batch of Android One devices weren’t designed and developed in conjunction with Indian suppliers, this latest handset has been created in close collaboration with Lava and MediaTek — so it should be pretty well suited to the Indian market. Unfortunately, we don’t have a spec sheet for the device, but we do know that it will feature a 5-inch display and 2GB of RAM.
Despite demand for Android One devices never really taking off India, Google is determined to make this smartphone a success and has confirmed that it will be available from all channels, including retail stores.
Do you think Google should continue to add devices to its Android One lineup? Or should it just quit while it’s ahead? Be sure to let us know your thoughts below.
Source: The Economic Times
Come comment on this article: Google’s preparing to launch a new Android One smartphone this month
Video for Android Wear & YouTube app bringing videos to… your watch?
You know the world has gone nuts when people start watching videos on their smart watches. It’s simply not what Android Wear devices were made for, and it truly beats the purpose of a wearable, but it may have its benefits (which we can talk about later). The point is it’s now possible to enjoy your videos straight from your wrist, thanks to the new app Video for Android Wear & YouTube.
Video for Android Wear & YouTube allows smart watch owners to view YouTube videos on their tiny screens. After opening the app, one can simply perform a voice search to find any video. One is then presented with a plethora of results you can scroll through. Select one and you are ready to go! The video starts playing on your tiny screen and you are presented with options to pause, resume, seek and control volume.
Sound is an important part of a good video experience, right? We know most of you are wondering exactly how that works on the Video for Android Wear & YouTube app. Android Wear smart watches have no speakers! Thankfully, there is a solution to this. You can use any Bluetooth headphones or speaker to enjoy your clips to their fullest. These have to be connected directly to the watch, though, not the phone.
Still not satisfied? I mentioned an app like this may have its benefits, and that is what we are going to talk about now. Videos for Android Wear & YouTube (they seriously need a shorter name!) comes with full Chromecast support. This makes it unbelievably simple to watch YouTube videos on the large screen when your phone is not within reach, or when you are simply feeling too lazy to pull it out of your pocket.
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Interested? You can head over to the Google Play Store to download the Video for Android Wear & YouTube (really?!). It is free to download, but offers in-app purchases. Developer appfour mentions it’s compatible with all Android Wear devices, so you shouldn’t have a problem. If it takes a while for the app to work, it’s because the Android Wear part of the app is larger than usual. Just give it some time.
Who is downloading? Is this really an app you see yourself using?
AIVAnet 