[Deal] Google Play offering twelve free episodes from Comedy Central shows
Right now, people in the United States can grab twelve free episodes from television shows aired on Comedy Central. Then, on top of the free content, there are full seasons available at discounted prices.
Free episodes:
- Key & Peele – Alien Monsters
- Big Time in Hollywood, FL – Severance
- Nathan For You – Yogurt Shop/Pizzeria
- Kroll Show – Gigolo H-O-R-S-E
- Drunk History – Washington D.C.
- Workaholics – Piss & S**t
- This Is Not Happening – Brain on Drugs
- RENO 911! – Training Day
- Tosh.0 – Tosh.0 601
- Adam Devine’s House Party – King Cake, Baby!
- Chappelle’s Show – Episode 1
- Strangers with Candy – Old Habits, New Beginnings
Discounted seasons:
- Key & Peele – Season 4 ($19.99)
- Big Time in Holly Wood, FL – Season 1 ($9.99)
- Nathan For You – Season 1 ($8.99)
- Kroll Show – Season 3 ($9.99)
- Drunk History – Season 1 ($9.99)
- Workaholics – Season 1 ($9.99)
- This Is Not Happening – Season 1 ($6.99)
- RENO 911! – Season 6 ($19.99)
- Tosh.0 – Season 6 ($9.99)
- Adam Devine’s House Party – Season 2 ($8.99)
- Chappelle’s Show – Season 2 ($14.99)
- Strangers with Candy – Season 1 ($9.99)
Binging on this @ComedyCentral collection like it’s 
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— Google Play (@GooglePlay) May 25, 2015
Source: Google Play (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Google Play offering twelve free episodes from Comedy Central shows
Two Nexus phones coming from LG and Huawei while the Nexus 9 sticks around
This year, the Nexus lineup from Google could look slightly different. The company is allegedly preparing to offer two Nexus phones in the Google Store while an existing device remains available.
LG and Huawei will each produce their own Nexus phone, according to Android Police. The code names attached to the phones are Angler and Bullhead, respectively. The LG Angler is set to have a 5.2-inch display, Snapdragon 808 processor, and 2700mAh battery. The Huawei Bullhead raises the size with a 5.7-inch display, Snapdragon 810 processor, and 3500mAh battery. The LG Angler would be closer to the Nexus 5 while the Huawei Bullhead resembles a newer Nexus 6. Rather than changing its gameplan entirely, Google is going for a refreshed lineup.
They are to be joined by the Nexus 9 that was released in late 2014. Google seems to find their flagship tablet in no need of change.
The two phones are expected to be released around October, the usual time for Nexus devices to arrive. All of this could change, of course, as we progress into the summer.
Source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Two Nexus phones coming from LG and Huawei while the Nexus 9 sticks around
Microsoft soon launching ‘Office Now’ personal assistant on major mobile platforms
A new report tells us that Microsoft could soon reveal its cross platform mobile personal assistant known as ‘Office Now’ very soon. Neowin reports that this service will be available on Android, iOS and Windows platforms and even has a couple of screenshots to show off.
Using this app, users will be able to get all the information that is relevant to them at that given point. Options include directions for a meeting/conference, emails that are directed to you, reminders, appointments etc. We don’t think it will be a Google Now killer as of yet, but it tells us that Microsoft is willing to take the fight to Google in the personal assistant arena.
Bill Gates hinted at the arrival of Office Now during a Reddit AmA (Ask me Anything) session a few months ago and it’s good to see this finally coming to fruition.
Here are some of the features that are said to be available with the app:
- At-a-glance summary of your day first thing in the morning directly from your lock screen or notification center.
- Commute card – Tells you what traffic looks like and how long your commute will take.
- Highlights card – Presents insights about your day, like how much time you’ll spend in events, when your first event starts and when your last event ends.
- Missed call card -Shows any missed calls and provides a quick action to return the call.
- In-depth people insights – via a deep link into the Revolve app.
- Natural language event creation -Allows you to create events like you would say it.
- Email to yourself card – Displays any email that you send to yourself.
- Emails directly to you – Shows email that is sent directly to you from others.
Source: Neowin
Come comment on this article: Microsoft soon launching ‘Office Now’ personal assistant on major mobile platforms
Report says global Chromebook sales will touch 7.5 million this year
We recently reported that the Google Chromebook sales have reached 5.7 million in 2014, with more expected later this year. And according to a report by research firm Gartner, this is indeed true as they believe there will be at least 7.5 million units of the Chromebooks sold in 2015.
It is interesting to note that most of the Chromebook sales come from the education sector, while small businesses and professionals tend to look towards alternatives. But with more powerful Chromebooks scheduled to arrive later this year, we expect that to change.
“Since the first model launched in mid-2011, Google’s Chromebook has seen success mainly in the education segment across all regions,” said Isabelle Durand, principal analyst at Gartner. “In 2014, the education sector purchased 72% of Chromebooks in EMEA, 69% in Asia Pacific, and 60% in the US.”
Luckily for Google, Chromebooks are also being used outside of the U.S. on a large scale, which goes to show that there’s plenty of awareness among global consumers about the product.
Source: Gartner
Via: Digitimes
Come comment on this article: Report says global Chromebook sales will touch 7.5 million this year
WWE Tough Enough app makes its way to the Play Store
The WWE Tough Enough reality show gives fans of the WWE Universe to rub shoulders with some of the greats of the industry. And now, users can get all the action from Tough Enough directly on their smartphones or tablets courtesy of the official app released by WWE.
The app gives you all the access you need for the show including audition videos, photos and much more. The app also keeps you updated on the contestants and their progress. Users can vote for their favorite participants in real time using the app, ensuring that you’re engaged at all times.
If you’re a fan of the Tuesday night show, make sure you give this app a go from the link below.
Come comment on this article: WWE Tough Enough app makes its way to the Play Store
Google patents creepy connected toys that can interact with children
Uncovered just recently, a three-year-old patent filed by Google describes connected toys that would be able to interact with, listen and respond to users to not only entertain children, but also to control connected devices around the home. The patent creator goes by the name of Richard Wayne DeVaul, and is the “director of rapid evaluation and mad science” at Google’s experimental X labs. The patent reveals how these products would include microphones, cameras, speakers and motors, as well as a wireless connection to the internet.
Much like the “Okay, Google” hotword we have to wake up our mobile devices, these toys would also require a trigger word or phrase to wake up. According to the document, these toys would be as lifelike as possible, providing human-like interactions to the person using the device. The patent creator explains:
To express interest, an anthropomorphic device may open its eyes, lift its head and/or focus its gaze on the user. To express curiosity, [it] may tilt its head, furrow its brow, and/or scratch its head with an arm.
The end goal isn’t just for children to use these toys, though. The document suggests that the devices could be used to control other electronics in the home, such as DVD players, thermostats, motorized windows and curtains, and much more. This idea is certainly similar to what we already have with Amazon’s Echo connected speaker or even our smartphones.
Quite frankly, a lot has changed since this patent was filed back in 2012. Many folks are much more concerned about privacy nowadays, especially when it comes to our children’s privacy. Big Brother Watch told the BBC, “The privacy concerns are clear when devices have the capacity to record conversations and log activity. When those devices are aimed specifically at children, then for many this will step over the creepy line.”
Connected devices aren’t anything new, though not many companies have developed a fully kid-centric connected device that could be listening and collecting data at all times. Of course, this may be just another random patent, as well. Many of Google’s patents don’t actually make their way into consumer products, so we’ll just have to wait and see if any of these connected toys actually come into fruition.
Amazon finally starts paying proper taxes in European countries
For many years, Amazon has sent a huge percentage of its European revenues over to Luxembourg. The tiny country levies a much smaller rate of tax than most of the countries in which the retailer operates, allowing it to keep a larger share of sales. With the European Commission breathing down its neck over claims it had agreed an illegal tax deal with Luxembourg, Amazon has quietly begun booking sales in some of its biggest European markets. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company began paying direct taxes on sales in the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain from May 1st.
The move comes just as European governments are cracking down on tax practices employed by some of the world’s biggest technology companies. In the UK, chancellor George Osbourne introduced a new law, commonly referred to as the “Google Tax”, in April to punish those diverting revenue overseas by imposing a 25 percent levy on their domestic profits. As a result, Apple, Google and Facebook are now required to report their earnings on a country-by-country basis.
With Amazon making the first move, it’ll put pressure on other major tech companies to follow suit. Despite claims to the contrary, Apple has been accused of not paying its fair share of tax in Ireland, and Google has previously been told by lawmakers that its stance on tax is “devious, calculated and unethical”. Amazon says that it began paving the way for the changes two years ago, but only now are plans coming into force. However, it might be too late to influence the public’s perception of the company.
Filed under: Apple, Google, Amazon
Source: Wall Street Journal
Android M will reportedly feature clarified Nexus update guarantee
Despite only debuting Android Lollipop last year, all signs point to the launch of Android M at Google I/O later this week, with a full release likely sometime in the fall. We still don’t know a ton about what to expect from Android M other than hints of improved voice control, enterprise security, and integrated fingerprint authentication. According to a new report, Android M may also offer more clarified update and support terms for Nexus devices.
Right now, the general policy is that after 18 months of updates, a Nexus device is no longer promised updates. We’ve seen some devices extend past this window, however, and often times because an update is needed to improve overall device security and performance. Citing “trusted sources”, Android Police claims that Android M will bring hard cut-off dates for support.
Under the new policy, all Nexus devices will get major system updates for two years and security patches for three years from an OS release date. Furthermore, you can expect security patches to be guaranteed for at least 18 months from the time you purchase your device from the Google store.
The new Android M policy will not only apply to upcoming Nexus products, but the existing line-up as well. From the sounds of it, that means devices like the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012), and Nexus 10 will be left out of the Android M party but should still see security updates for a little while longer. It also means that newer offerings like the Nexus 5 are in the clear for Android M and should have security patches at least into sometime in 2016.
As for when Google might announce the new policy changes? Reportedly it will happen sometime before the final commercial arrival of Android M, though it is possible Google could reveal the news on stage this week.
Google I/O preview: what Google has in store this year
You never know exactly what will make an appearance at Google’s annual I/O developer conference in San Francisco, but that’s what makes it so interesting. Google I/O 2015 kicks off on Thursday, 28th May, with a two-and-a-half hour keynote that promises to unveil an exciting array of updates and new hardware.
We’ve already taken a look at the program with what Android developers can expect at I/O, now it’s time to speculate about what might get tech fans cheering.
Android M
The next flavor of Android was mentioned in the Android for Work event schedule, though it was subsequently removed. We’re expecting security improvements, enterprise features, more voice controls, better notifications, and support to drive Android into cars, wearables, and the living room. You can take a closer look, as we ask what will Android M bring?
Does M stand for Marshmallow?
Chromecast 2
New hardware is always exciting, but we think the most likely device to make an appearance at I/O will be a Chromecast sequel. No one expected Google’s original to be such a success, but it’s almost two years old now. There’s no doubt it could be improved upon, especially since the competition has started to heat up with Amazon’s Fire Stick and Roku’s wares. We should see support for 802.11 AC and 5GHz Wi-Fi, and maybe 4K content.
Android TV
If you’re in the market for a new TV, then you’re sure to have a wide array of Android models to choose from in the not too distant future. There will be no need for a Chromecast, if you opt for an Android TV, and we expect to see more demos and features to whet the appetite. Gaming on your big screen, using your smartphone as a controller, is something that Google will want to push. We may also see some creative second screen ideas. Android TV needs something to help it stand out from the crowd.
Developments on the Android TV front are likely
Android Auto
We have no doubt that there will be some news for drivers awaiting an in-car Android system. There should be some demos and partner announcements that will bring Android to your dashboard, and M is sure to have some auto-focused features. Will we see full-fat Android running in cars without the need for a smartphone? We’ll find out soon.
There’s also a chance that Google’s self-driving car will make an appearance as a nod to the future in this space.
Google Head of Android Sundar Pichai will take stage during the keynote
Android Wear
The wearables market is growing ever more competitive. Google has been making progress with Android Wear, recently adding Wi-Fi support for some devices, but it’s still very far from a perfect platform. There’s an awful lot of room for improvements, some of which we might see at I/O. There’s also a chance that Google will try to bring the platform to iOS, though, it seems distinctly unlikely that Apple would allow it.
We may also see some new wearables on show. A number of traditional wrist watch brands are getting on board with Android Wear, and there’s always the chance that Google will make a Nexus smartwatch. Recent improvements to Google Fit could also pave the way for some new fitness wearables.
Google What will Matias Duarte introduce this year?
Google Glass 2
The big launch everyone expected for Glass never really came. Has Google learned enough from the experiment to unveil Google Glass 2? We’ve heard rumors about a redesign, maybe we’ll get a sneak preview of what’s in the works. Could Google move it into the rapidly expanding virtual reality headset space?
Google Photos
There are persistent rumors about Google offering a standalone photo service, that might be the Photos app stripped out of Google+ with some extras thrown in. Expect editing tools, support for all the major social media players, and a material design aesthetic. We’re not sure what that means for Google+ in the longer term, but it can’t be good.
ATAP Group
The Google Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group is behind the modular phone with Ara, and 3D modeling of the environment with Tango, but there’s mention of “wearables that we hope will blow your socks off” in one session description. Could that be a new type of wearable altogether?
What we’ll see from them is probably the hardest thing to predict, but it should include an update on Ara. The pilot program is set to begin anytime now, though it’s going to be in Puerto Rico. Google obviously needs working hardware to start that, so it should be ready to show something off.
The ATAP session teaser promises something “badass”
Smart home and IoT
Can Google drive Android into the home, or help unify the Internet of Things? We’ve been expecting more of a push into the smart home for quite some time now, and it seemed certain after the acquisition of Nest, but we’re still waiting. Given Google’s love of big data, it must be planning to capitalize on the IoT trend, maybe we’ll get a glimpse of how at I/O. There has been talk of a low power version of Android, code named Brillo, that could make its way into all sorts of devices.
No new Nexus?
We don’t think there will be a new Nexus smartphone or tablet until October at the earliest. The Nexus 6 and 9 landed last October, so another release at I/O would be a real surprise. It seems as though Android Silver, a program designed to set specific standards and requirements for Android devices, was shelved, but the fragmentation problem remains and there’s an outside chance that Google might still be pursuing some sort of hardware answer.
Motorola is no longer with Google, and a new Nexus device seems unlikely at this point
What else will we see?
Expect to see Material Design rolling out across more of Google’s platforms, possibly alongside the Polymer release. There will also be some mention of real-time satellite imaging through the Skybox acquisition, presumably for Google Earth, but we can expect some privacy concerns if that’s the case.
Is there anything else you’re expecting, or hoping, to see? Tell us in the comments. Naturally, there will be one or two surprises, and you’ll find full coverage of the event right here.
Android M is known as Macadamia Nut Cookie at Google, probably means nothing for us
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One thing that fascinates Android media websites, including us, just before Google I/O is what the name of the next version of Android is going to be called. With Android Lollipop done and dusted, the focus has turned to Android M, the provisional codename while we work out what dessert Google has in mind. In the meantime, we’ve got a tidbit of information that is saying that Android M is known as Macadamia Nut Cookie internally at Google, or at the very least, “mnc”, though unfortunately that probably means nothing for us.
If history has taught us anything the last few years, Google’s internal codenames never translate into commercial product names – Key Lime Pie ended up being KitKat and Lemon Meringue Pie became Lollipop. So even though references to “mnc” have been spotted in AOSP, that name will almost certainly never see the light of day unless Google decides to play a prank on us at some point. If anything, Google is more likely to cut a deal with Mars Inc. and call their next version of Android, Android Malteaser.
What do you think the official name of Android M is going to be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Android Police via Phone Arena
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