Google Maps will tell you if your destination will be closed upon arrival
We have all been there. You hop on your car without a worry and tell Google Maps to take you to one of your favorite restaurants… only to get there and find out the darn place is closed! This is frustrating, especially knowing Google Maps has hours and other information on hand. But worry not, for the latest Google Maps will help you avoid those disappointing and pointless trips.
The latest update to Google Maps includes a feature that makes total sense. Upon asking for directions, Maps will check your destination’s hours (if available) and let you know if the place will be closed by your estimated arrival time. A simple and clean notification will also present you with the hours of operations for that day, as well as the estimated time of arrival. You can easily cancel navigation after receiving this message.
Pretty convenient, right? Don’t go testing it just yet, though. Google seems to be feeling very generous today, as there is another significant feature added to Maps. In addition to pulling information from Gmail about flights and hotels, Google Maps will now also uses data from car rental-related emails. All the user needs to do is access the “my events” section. Oh, and if you want the full rundown of this update, we should add that there was also the usual round of bug fixes.
Google Maps is one of the most important services for Android users (or anyone, really), so we are glad to see the recent onslaught of improvements the service has received lately. From the recent inclusion of real-time transit information to Navigation sharing and upcoming offline features, these are all updates that will surely make our trips much more pleasant.
Head over to the Google Play Store to test out this new update. And don’t forget to hit the comments section and tell us how well these new features are treating you.
Google changes architect for new London headquarters
According to recent reports, Google has made a change in the architect working on designs for a new European headquarters to be located in London. Sources indicate Google has retained British designer Thomas Heatherwick to start working on the project, replacing AHMM. Heatherwick is one of two firms that has been working with Google on a new headquarters facility in Mountain View.
Allegedly, the change comes after Larry Page reviewed proposals from AHMM for the London facility that included an indoor climbing wall and a track on the roof only to find them “boring.” The fallout from that incident supposedly caused several AHMM staff members to leave the company. AHMM has not commented on this latest development and it is not clear whether they may still be working as part of a team with Heatherwick.
Heatherwick has been involved in several high profile projects recently like the Olympic cauldron for the 2012 London games and he recently redesigned Routemaster buses in London. The Google headquarters project is expected to be a £1 billion ($1.56 billion USD) project. However, no date for completion of the project has been set.
source: Business Insider
Come comment on this article: Google changes architect for new London headquarters
Google kills Chrome’s unpopular new bookmark manager
Google has decided to expunge it’s new Chrome bookmark manager in favor of the previous version, likely because users kind of hated it. With search, images and other fancy additions, it probably seemed like a good idea at the time. But the changes weren’t very useful, and made bookmarking cluttered and slow on a browser most people go to for speed. If you still want it, Google said you can download it as an extension from the Chrome Web Store. The rest of us can pretend the whole thing never happened, though the product team did say it’ll still “continue to explore other ways to improve the bookmark experience.”
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Via: TNW
Source: Google
Waze to add voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger
Navigation app Waze is bringing the voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger, with his macho Austrian accent, to their Android app. You will find yourself accepting directions from the Terminator himself in Google’s community driven voice-navigation app Waze.
Waze’s official twitter account posted a teaser pic yesterday suggesting that they are adding their biggest celeb voice. Judging by the State of California Governor’s ring on the finger, it leaves no doubt that it is indeed, Arnold Schwarzenegger. You can even see his name written over it.
Tomorrow, our BIGGEST celeb voice EVER is coming to Waze! Any guesses on who? (Hint: Look at those hands!) pic.twitter.com/At6Kxusnwd
— waze (@waze) June 14, 2015
This move comes as a promotion for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s upcoming movie Terminator: Genisys due for a release on July 1.
The new update will bring Arnold’s signature catchphrases like ‘Hasta la Vista Baby’ and automated prompts in his voice to Waze’s navigation system much to the delight of the users.
The Terminator star recorded all the pre-defined prompts and catchphrases in an hour. Waze is set to push out a formal update with this addition by tomorrow.
Source
The post Waze to add voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared first on AndroidGuys.
If you have Android Auto, you should get TuneIn Radio
Android is no longer just an operating system you choose to get on your smartphone or tablet. The industry is evolving and welcoming new platforms, form factors and applications. You can now even opt to get Android Auto with your car!
Android Auto is relatively new, so we know you will need some help trying to figure out which apps you should get for those long commutes and road trips. One of our favorites happens to be TuneIn Radio, so let’s show you what it’s all about!
What is TuneIn Radio all about?
The idea is very simple. TuneIn Radio harnesses the power of broadcast radio stations and web podcasts. Yes, you can listen to actual radio stations through the internet. The app goes as far as offering international stations, so some of us may even feel a little closer to home while driving around town listening to TuneIn Radio.
As it goes with any other Android Auto-supported app, you can control TuneIn via voice commands and never really take your eyes off the road. It’s still not the best option for those trying to discover new stations and podcasts, but you could pull your car over for that (hopefully you will!). Voice commands are pretty much for those who know exactly what they want to listen to.
How do I get TuneIn Radio?
Interested? You can get yourself signed up by downloading the TuneIn Radio app from the Google Play Store. By the way, there is no need to download any special apps for Android Auto. All the vehicle-focused functionality is built into the smartphone app, as it should be.
Oh, and it’s also available for all kinds of devices and platforms, so it’s not really only for Android Auto users. We can all take advantage of this awesome app.
Wrapping up!
We are expecting Android Auto to boom and reach many vehicles in the coming years, so expect us to cover more applications and services like this one. I personally use TuneIn radio all the time, so I can’t wait to enjoy it with Android Auto. Hopefully I can afford a new vehicle soon!
If you are lucky enough to have an Android Auto-equipped vehicle, though, do give TuneIn Radio and tell us what you think about it in the comments below! By the way, you can learn more about Android Auto by checking out our review on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata.
Android Authority this week – June 14, 2015
Hello Android fans, this week brought us rumors of new Samsung devices, a potential release date for the OnePlus 2, and Apple’s first foray into the world of Android apps.
The iPhone maker can’t pretend Android doesn’t exist any longer, so it’s bringing Music to Google’s platform this summer; patents gave us a glimpse at Samsung’s future folding tablets and smartphones, while more details of the rumored Galaxy S6 Plus surfaced; OnePlus cut the price of its first device by $50, as the OnePlus 2 is coming round the corner; Google had another busy update window; a new report confirmed the Huawei Nexus; BlackBerry is reportedly working on an Android device; and Oculus introduced the consumer version of the Rift.
Inside AA HQ
It’s been pretty quiet around AA HQ this week, though that doesn’t mean we’ve revved down our Android coverage engines. Quite the opposite, we had several cool reviews, comparisons, and feature pieces coming out these past seven days, and some of the best are highlighted below.
The world’s biggest gaming event, E3, is starting this Tuesday, and for the first time ever, Android Authority will be covering the show on the ground. Gaming on Android is big and getting bigger each year, and we want to be a part of that. Expect hands-on coverage of hot new titles and Android gaming devices, but also our impressions of the show as a whole. Game on!
This week we’re putting a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge up for grabs. As always, it’s super easy to get your raffle tickets, so you’ve got nothing to lose!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Opinion: Nirave discusses the benefits and drawbacks of rugged devices
- Opinion: Should after-sale services and warranty programs be higher on your list of priorities?
- Review: Lanh reviews the excellent Xiaomi Mi Note Pro
- Versus: Josh pitches against each other the two hottest Android devices right now: S6 Edge and LG G4
- Review: It’s not just the flagships that matter: Bailey reviews the affordable Blue Life One
- Feature: Gary gives you a thoughtful perspective on the changes the emergence of true AI will bring
- Feature: Samsung is at a turning point. What paths can it take?
- How to: Turn your Galaxy S6 Edge in an Iron Man edition with Slickwraps
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
Folding Samsung
- New Samsung patent could be further proof of Project Valley, a rumored foldable device
- Samsung’s foldable tablet could look like this
S6 Plus and Note 5 rumors
- Samsung patents automatic ejectable stylus design for a Galaxy Note
- Galaxy Note 5 rumor: USB 3.1 Type-C and Quad HD display
- Rumors point to 5.7-inch Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, but trademark hints at S6 Note moniker
Apple on Android
- Apple Music is making its way to Android devices this fall
- Apple’s other Android app will help you switch to iOS, “recycle” your Android for free
OnePlus One & 2
- OnePlus One now from $249 permanently, partners with Dropbox for promo
- OnePlus won’t issue Android 5.1 update for OxygenOS until the OnePlus Two is released
- Enter these contests for your chance to win a OnePlus Two
- OnePlus 2 rumored to launch this July with a $322 price point
Google apps updates
- Google Maps gains improved photo viewer and rental car information in v9.10 update
- Google’s new family-friendly section now live in the Play Store
- Google offering a free movie rental for Chromecast owners
- Android Auto update supports Galaxy S4 and S5 on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon
- Gmail adds OAuth support for Microsoft and Yahoo email accounts
- Google Slides updated bringing Chromecast support and more
Huawei Nexus
DroidBerry
Oculus Rift is ready for business
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
Google Web Light strips down pages when slow connections appear
There is nothing worse then trying to load anything on a slow connection. For years, many of us have benefited from 4G LTE, 3G, and WiFi connections. Tasks are completed much quicker when a solid connection is present. Frustratingly, the entire world does not have this luxury. Google plans to fix the problem for those with slow connections with the introduction of Web Light. This approach loads pages four times as fast and consumes 80% less data. It strips down everything to just text and images (which are in a lowered resolution). While some are noticing that advertisements vanish when using Web Light, I found the majority of sites to keep them alive.
You can go to this page on a mobile device with Chrome to test it out.
Hit the break to see what Google Web Light does to pages.
Normal web view
Google Web Light activated
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Google Support
Via: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google Web Light strips down pages when slow connections appear
Google executive talks about the new permission system
At Google I/O, Android M was announced with a revamped permission system. Instead of being told what an app can access up front, Google has switched to an as needed system similar to what is found in iOS.
This is a welcome addition to the Android operating system. They started to offer something similar back with Jelly Bean (4.3) called App ops, but they pulled it with KitKat (4.4.2). Head of Android and Chrome OS development, Hiroshi Lockheimer, gave the Guardian some insight about why this was and what took Google so long to implement this new system.
“App ops was launched somewhat out of context; we really needed to solve the whole story, not just launch App ops without moving apps from install time to run time permission requests“
“App ops was launched somewhat out of context; we really needed to solve the whole story, not just launch App ops without moving apps from install time to run time permission requests“
Lockheimer informed Guardian that apps “were not built with the notion that certain functionality could be turned off behind their backs”. If a user were to deny permission to a certain aspect of an app without the app developer being prepared for the permission to be denied, the app would not be able to handle the denial.
“The way Android works is that there is no advantage we can give to Google’s applications, everyone operates on a level playing field“
“The way Android works is that there is no advantage we can give to Google’s applications, everyone operates on a level playing field“
Lockheimer claims that Google’s apps are subject to all of the rules that all other third-party apps are. In this regard, Google is a third-party developer in its own right. Basically, all this means to users is that you can deny Google apps permissions just like any other app. They are not above the rule.
The video segment from I/O explains how Android M’s new permission system will work.
For apps targeting APIs below 22, turning off permissions in the settings app will feed the app blank data in place of the data from your device that they would expect. This way, the app still functions (sort of) without any critical failures.
Developers can continue to target APIs corresponding to Lollipop (5.1) and bellow, but they won’t be able to implement features from Android M and other features in the future.
Our friends over at Google hope that the new features that come with APIs 23 and over will be enough to get developers to jump onto the new permission system bandwagon.
I am not to hopeful since fragmentation forces a lot of developers to stay on Ice Cream Sandwich APIs (level 14) in order to reach a decent amount of users.
If Google really hopes to get everyone working out of newer APIs, they are going to have to do something to fix fragmentation, but that is another story for another time.
The post Google executive talks about the new permission system appeared first on AndroidGuys.
This is how Google Web Light makes websites look in slow connections
If Google is to get a hold of the next billion first smartphone owners, they need to do much more than just sell affordable smartphones. This much we have established. This is something the Search Giant really focused on at Google IO, where they announced more initiatives that would improve the smartphone experience in emerging markets.
One very important issue that was addressed was slow connections. Google never named this feature, but we do know it is being internally named “Google Web Light”. This is a service that would optimize websites for 4x faster loafing and less data consumption. About 80% less data, to be exact. In short, it should make your browsing much faster than it would be if you loaded a regular page.
Google Web Light would automatically activate when the browser detects slow internet speeds (we don’t know how slow), and only in select emerging markets. This means we likely won’t be seeing this feature coming to the USA anytime soon, and so far it’s only available in Indonesia.
I guess what matters here is we haven’t quite seen how pages will look when this feature is active, until today. In fact, Google has a page that allows you to preview it, and we just wanted to show you an example so you can get an idea of how Google Web Light works. Here is how the Android Authority mobile site looks without, and with the optimizations.
#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 */
So there’s an obvious decrease in details and imaging, which was to be expected. Images also show in much lower quality, but at least your data speeds will seem much faster and pages will load in a jiffy.
I honestly can’t see why this should only be a feature for emerging markets. I hate trying to browse the internet when out of the city. A feature like Google Web Light would truly be a life saver. Wouldn’t you agree?
Talk Android Weekly Recap: June 5 – June 13, August 2015
This week features an array of awesome events for Android. Its ecosystem is alive and well, and it’s constantly becoming a better mobile operating system with a lot of options for a lot of different personalities.
We saw a lot of exciting headlines this week that will intrigue users of all kinds. If you missed the excitement, be sure to catch up with some of the craziest news below:
- Apple Music heads to Android this fall
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Active available through AT&T
- Google is launching a Twitch competitor–YouTube Gaming
- Android One had a slow start, but Google is sticking with it
- Twitter CEO Dick Costolo is stepping down
- Hangouts is getting a facelift
- Nest Cam and Nest app overhaul leaked ahead of next week’s event
- Asus finally made a profit selling its smartphones
Don’t forget to enter into our weekend giveaway, either. We’re handing out a 16GB Nexus 9 to one lucky winner anywhere in the world! Have a great weekend, and be sure to stay tuned to Talk Android for more exciting news next week.
Come comment on this article: Talk Android Weekly Recap: June 5 – June 13, August 2015
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