Google launches #andproud campaign for LGBT Pride Month
This month, cities worldwide are hosting parades in celebration of LGBT Pride Month and Google, a longtime supporter of the LGBT community, wants everyone to attend one even if its virtual. On June 27, Google will launch an global online Pride parade filled with characters designed with Androidify. The app received an update that includes rainbow-colored accessories and Google wants characters wearing them to be shared and featured in their parade. It is all part of the new #andproud campaign that reflects on Android’s “Be together, not the same” mantra.
Google has worked with various people to get the #andproud campaign going:
Hey @Android, I’m in! And i’ve already picked my outfit! ❤️ Are you ready to party @kylieminogue? ❤️ #andproud pic.twitter.com/ntRFlL7ugx
— Conchita Wurst (@ConchitaWurst) June 18, 2015
Am I?! Can’t wait @ConchitaWurst! 😁 Loving the tambourine.🎶 Who else is in? #andproud pic.twitter.com/YcYs5TUrZn — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) June 18, 2015
I’m in @kylieminogue and flying the flag! @IanMcKellen’s always up for a party right? #andproud pic.twitter.com/wxOmBHKlOn
— Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994) June 18, 2015
Hope it goes swimmingly @TomDaley1994. Derek Jacobi & I will do NYCPride. Show us your outfit @JesseTyler? #andproud pic.twitter.com/B2ffEOuZ7e
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) June 18, 2015
With this outfit, @IanMcKellen, it’d be a crime to miss it. Are you joining us @TylerOakley? #andproud pic.twitter.com/txJ4Eg4BIx
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) June 18, 2015
heck yeah @JesseTyler! i’m planning on partying with @Harto, if we can get her out of the kitchen… #andproud pic.twitter.com/uA6p7VbIDo
— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) June 18, 2015
You can get the Androidify app or head over to Androidify’s site to get started.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Android (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Google launches #andproud campaign for LGBT Pride Month
Google’s Clock app is available in the Play Store
The stock clock app is available for all to download in the Google Play Store and brings with it Google’s new Material Design language. Most people see the clock as the first thing they look at once they unlock their device. Google knows this and always keeps the clock app up to date with the latest in design. You get all the Material Design touches like bold colors, nice animations, and floating buttons.
Here is how Google its Clock app:
Enjoy Google’s material design clock experience on your Android device.
• Set alarms, add timers, and run a stopwatch
• Add your favorite cities to the World Clock pane
• Connect with Android Wear to snooze or dismiss alarms from your watch
Come comment on this article: Google’s Clock app is available in the Play Store
Google’s Clock app makes its way onto the Play Store
You can now add the stock Google clock to the plethora of stock apps that Google has added to the list of available apps in the Play Store. Earlier today, Google released the clock app that’s found in everything from Android 4.4 KitKat, all the way up to Android M.
The app is compatible with any device running Android 4.4 and up, and is of course available for free. Now this clock app may not be updated regularly, however, it’s still pretty awesome to be able to download Google’s clock app versus versus having to use the default app from LG or Samsung.
Enjoy Google’s material design clock experience on your Android device.
• Set alarms, add timers, and run a stopwatch
• Add your favorite cities to the World Clock pane
• Connect with Android Wear to snooze or dismiss alarms from your watch
You can grab the default Google clock application from the Play Store widget below. What other default Google apps would you like to see “ported” to the Play Store so that it will become available for everyone? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Google’s Clock app makes its way onto the Play Store appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Uber hires former head of Google Maps to oversee future technology developments
Brian McClendon, a former Google vice president that worked in the company for the past 10 years who helped develope Google Maps and Google Earth, has recently been hired by Uber to oversee its new technology center in Pittsburgh. As Uber is currently trying to improve its mapping technologies, McClendon had the perfect qualifications for this spot thanks to his years of experience and expertise in the field. McClendon will be in charge of guiding Uber’s mapping, self-driving cars, and vehicle safety measures and will be supervised by Jeff Holden, Uber’s former Chief Product Officer.
Uber is currently depending on Google and Apple map technologies for its services that include: estimated car arrival times and directions for drivers to its “UberPool” system for matching travelers who want to share rides. Uber is slowly trying to decrease its reliance on those companies, and with this new addition to its workforce, hopes to improve its systems and continue to grow as it has been successfully doing since its launch in 2010. In fact, according to Holden who had spoken with Re/Code, McClendon is an “extraordinarily talented engineer and entrepreneur”.
Source: Re/Code
Come comment on this article: Uber hires former head of Google Maps to oversee future technology developments
Google launches YouTube Newswire, a feed of verified news stories
The massive amounts of video on YouTube makes it tough to tell if the video you’re watching is legit, or an elaborate hoax. So, in a bid to make the streaming video site more useful for people who want accurate information, Google just announced YouTube Newswire, a curated feed of verified eyewitness videos. The search giant is partnering with News Corp-owned Storyful, a startup focused on surfacing accurate social content, for the site. Google’s also teaming up with experts from organizations like Eyewitness Media Hub, Reported.ly and Verification Junkie to create the First Draft Coalition, a site that will offer tools and training for journalists to help determine the veracity of videos and the ethics of using them. Basically, Google is finally helping journalists and news junkies make sense of everything on YouTube. It’s not enough to just offer the world a mountain of content these days, Google has to highlight the best of what YouTube has to offer.
“Today, more than 5 million hours of news video is watched on YouTube every day, and the role of the eyewitness has never had a more vital place in the newsgathering process,” Olivia Ma, head of strategy and operations at Google’s News Lab, wrote in a blog post. “We live in a world where anyone can bear witness to what is happening around them and share it with a global audience, and YouTube has become a primary home for this powerful, first-person documentary footage.”
On top of these major moves, Google also announced support for the WITNESS Media Lab, which will be creating a series of projects focused on human rights struggles through the lens of eyewitness accounts. First up, it’ll explore how user generated videos have shaped the way we view police brutality cases in the US.
[Photo credit: Mohammed Abed/AFP/GettyImage]
Source: Google, YouTube Newswire
Google Clock app finds its way to the Play Store for Android 4.4+ devices
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Google has pulled the stock Clock app from stock Android and made it available in the Play Store today for everyone on Android 4.4+. This isn’t HUGE EARTH SHATTERING news, but for those who like stock Google apps on their devices will likely be happy to see it. Plus it gives Google the ability to update the app with new functions and features without having to roll out a whole software update OTA to do it. Like other standard clock apps you get Alarms, Timers, Stopwatch and can check to see what time it is anywhere in the world.
For many Motorola users, this will be an update tot he current clock on your device as it is the stock Android clock already, much like the stock clock on all Nexus devices. For Samsung, HTC and other users, it is just a different, but with same similar features, clock app as you already have. It gets the job done for me since I have to be up at 6 a.m. 7 days a week and don’t need to set odd ball bi-weekly alarms. I just set reminders for those one offs. If you want to get it on your device then hit up the Play Store link below.
Google Clock in the Play Store
The post Google Clock app finds its way to the Play Store for Android 4.4+ devices appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Nest announces several new products for your home
Ever since Google acquired Nest last year, there have been lot of developments taking place in the company. Earlier today at a press conference in San Francisco, Founder/CEO, Tony Fadell along with the rest of the product team have unveiled a revamped new product line for home security.
The new announcements include the new Nest Cam, 2nd generation Nest Protect, added features in the Nest Learning Thermostat and a brand new 5.0 companion application.
Nest Cam
The new Nest Cam is perfect for your home security needs. With clear 1080p high definition video and sound you can always be sure that your nothing will go unseen. It claims to offer motion detection and remote feed options that will make sure that you can monitor you home from anywhere and be at peace that your home is safe at all times be it night or day.
Nest Protect
The new Nest Protect is an industrial grade smoke sensor which stays connected with your phone all the time. Its a talking smoke alarm that informs you about any smoke emergencies. And a smart one at that, so that you can know in which room the smoke’s been coming from.
Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat with improved learning features. You don’t even have to program it, it learns automatically while you use it. And with all these products you can access it from anywhere via your mobile app. The improved power saving features will keep your costs down even when you are away from home.
And finally, the companion, One Home One app which links all these devices together so you can control them from one single app right from your mobile phone.
All of these new products really look promising and open up a new world of technology for home security and safety.
The company is also partnering with some home insurance companies and offering certain discounts to eligible customers for Nest Protect.
What do you think about these new products? How excited are you to install them in your home? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Nest announces several new products for your home appeared first on AndroidGuys.
The Moto 360 smartwatch is getting better with WiFi, always-on apps
It’s taken nearly a month, but the round Moto 360 smartwatch is finally joining some other Android Wear devices with support for the latest software update. It’s rolling out to owners now, and adds features like the ability to connect directly to WiFi even if your phone is out of Bluetooth range, apps that stay visible until they’re dismissed (especially useful for maps and to-do lists) and the ability to draw your own emoji right on the screen. Wearers can even scroll through info on the screen without touching it, simply by rotating their wrists. We felt like the Moto 360 was the best Android Wear device you could get nine months ago, and this update may help it keep up with the pack at its reduced price — if it hits your wrist let us know how things are going.
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLMKk4lSYoM-whlavGuI0SZov31Subdl1I
Welcome Wi-Fi connectivity to your #Moto360 and say hello to our newest update. Learn more: http://t.co/3CMxGBhdC8 pic.twitter.com/Gi0mCsvQIH
– Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) June 17, 2015
[Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Filed under: Wearables, Mobile, Google, Lenovo
Source: Motorola, Wayne Piekarski (G+)
Huawei Nexus smartphone seemingly confirmed by anonymous Huawei tip
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There’s no shortage of Nexus rumours circulating the Internet at the moment, the latest of which addresses the rumoured Huawei Nexus smartphone – for anyone not up to date, there are rumoured to be two Nexus smartphones this year, one from Huawei and another from LG. This rumour, which is really more of a confirmation if true, comes allegedly from a Huawei employee working in the UK who, under the shroud of anonymity, confirmed to the International Business Times that Huawei is indeed making a Nexus smartphone and is in very close cahoots with Google. The rumour goes on to say that this is to strengthen Huawei’s standing not only with Google, but with the Western markets which Huawei has traditionally struggled to sell well in.
Unfortunately, the tip from the Huawei employee failed to confirm any details about the device itself, apart from its existence. What we’ve previously heard about the device is that it will be based on the eventual Huawei Ascend Mate 8, Huawei’s annual phablet device, which would make it a 5.7-inch phablet smartphone with a Quad HD display. This news is the closest we’ve got to a confirmation that a Huawei Nexus smartphone is actually happening, but we’ve still got several months – presumably till October – to find out whether any of this is true.
What do you think about this latest Huawei Nexus smartphone rumour? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: International Business Times via Droid-life
The post Huawei Nexus smartphone seemingly confirmed by anonymous Huawei tip appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Best Android phones [June 2015]
There are a wide range of smartphones that are up for grabs today with varying price points. So it can get a bit tricky to pick the best of them, mainly due to the sheer volume of devices. Some handsets, however, stand out in the crowd and we’re going to discuss the best of the best. Choice is one of the best things about choosing an Android device over other platforms.
The phones listed here have all been released by the end of June.
OnePlus One
Despite being on the market for an entire year, the OnePlus One continues to make its way onto our list on the basis of price and performance. It runs a clean, customized version of Android in the form of OxygenOS and that makes the overall experience even better.
Right now, the model with 16GB of internal storage is available for $249 and $349 returns 64GB of internal storage along with year-long subscription of Dropbox Pro. The OnePlus One features a 5-inch display (1920×1080), 13MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera, Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 3,100 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and this summer should see Android 5.1 arrive in the form of a software update.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
This is another device from last year that has held up months later. The Galaxy Note 4 goes to show that some devices have stood the test of time quite convincingly. The Galaxy Note 4 was launched amidst plenty of hype and buzz during IFA 2015 in September. The smartphone was soon to be overshadowed by the launch of the Apple iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a stellar handset.
Following the long range of Galaxy Note devices, this one too comes with the iconic S-Pen, an accessory that has some fancy tricks up its sleeve. On the hardware front, customers are greeted to a 5.7-inch display (2560×1440), 16MP rear camera, 3.7MP front-facing camera, Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot, Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, and 3220 mAh battery.
The Galaxy Note 4, even though its approaching the anniversary of its release, still maintains a high two-year contract price. With a two-year contract, the price is $299. Without a contract, the Galaxy Note 4 costs around $699. And any carriers with payment plans charge around $29 per month. The Galaxy Note 4 really gives you what you pay for.
Nexus 6
The Nexus 6 was originally supposed to be an Android Silver device before the program was scrapped by Google. The program was touted to bring high-end hardware to consumers, a shift from the principles of selling stock Android devices on the cheap.
Although its size was a bit of a disappointment for the customers, there’s no denying that it is by far the best Nexus device to be sold by Google, perhaps after the Nexus 4 and 5. We highly doubt anyone would give the Galaxy Nexus that acclaim.
The handset has a massive a 5.96-inch display (2560×1440), 13MP camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 3GB of RAM, an abundance of internal storage, Snapdragon 805 processor, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and 3220 mAh battery housed inside.
The device, available directly from Google and select retailers, will set you back by $649 and $699 for the 32 and 64GB models, respectively. Don’t forget that the Nexus 6 will likely be among the first devices to receive Android M when it launches this fall.
LG G4
The LG G4 was announced recently and is only making its way to the markets now. It’s the company’s flagship handset, which means you’re getting the very best of LG. The smartphone is selling for just under $600 from T-Mobile off contract, which is a remarkable price for a flagship smartphone.
It features all the necessary hardware to grab your attention, including a 5.5-inch display (2560×1440) and an impressive design with a leather rear panel option available as well. The device hosts a 16MP camera with an f/1.8 lens underneath its gorgeous exterior and is accompanied by an 8MP front-facing camera with an aperture size of f/2.0, which is quite impressive for a front camera.
Other specifications, too, make the G4 the beast that it is. The internal storage is set at 32GB but is expandable by 2TB through a microSD card slot. The G4’s hexa-core processor, the Snapdragon 808, is paired with 3GB of RAM so performance is not an issue. For those looking to get the G4, T-Mobile is offering a 128GB microSD card for free along with the device, thus offering you an added incentive to get the device from Team Magenta.
The price of the G4 is set around $599 without a contract but carriers have payment plans to spread the cost across twenty-four months.
Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge
Adjudged the best smartphones available in the market, the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge have topped the performance and usability charts from critics and users alike. In addition to featuring a groundbreaking design and technology underneath, the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge were also voted to be sporting the best camera sensors in the industry by DxOMark, which is an industry approved site for judging mobile camera performance.
If you’re in the market for a flagship Android phone and money is no bar, you can’t do much better than the Galaxy S6 or the Galaxy S6 Edge right now. The smartphones are available from all major carriers as well as plenty of retailers, so you have a multitude of options to get either of the two devices.
The Galaxy S6 comes with a 5.1-inch Quad HD display, 16MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera, Exynos 7420 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32/64/128GB options when it comes to internal storage, Android 5.0.2 Lollipop or higher, and a 2550 mAh battery. The Galaxy S6 Edge has the same hardware specs sheet but with the curved edges on either side and a slightly larger 2600 mAh battery pack.
The Galaxy S6 starts from $599 off-contract, while the pricing for the Galaxy S6 Edge starts from $699 from major carriers in the United States. Of course, you can also get the devices by signing a two-year contract for $199.99 and $299.99, respectively.
What devices do you think are among the best available right now? Let us know in the comments.
Come comment on this article: Best Android phones [June 2015]
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