Google Chrome update version 42 brings site notifications and bug fixes
Google is now rolling out an update to Chrome stable that introduces a handy new feature and some bug fixes. The update, which will bring the version number up to 42, introduces website notifications. First launched in version 42 of Chrome Beta, this new feature will let you receive notifications once your favorite website is updated. In order for this to work, developers need to add the new Push API to their code so users can start getting notifications.
In addition, this new version of Chrome will also let you add your favorite websites to your home screen much easier. Once you begin to frequent a website, a banner will pop up on your screen and prompt you to add the site to your home screen for easy access. Google has also added in some bug fixes and speedy performance improvements.
For those interested, here’s the full changelog for version 42:
- Get the latest updates from sites with notifications.
- Adding your favorite sites to your homescreen is now even easier.
- Bug fixes and speedy performance improvements.
Chrome version 42 is now rolling out in the Google Play Store, so head to the link below to grab it!
Deal: Pick up a refurbished Chromecast for only $20 from Groupon
If you’ve been putting off buying a Chromecast dongle, now may be your chance to score one for cheap. Groupon is offering a manufacturer refurbished Google Chromecast for just $20, which is $15 off the normal retail price.
Even though it would be nice to have a brand new Chromecast, refurbished products aren’t bad options in the slightest. Each and every faulty product is sent back to get repaired and checked out for any more defects, so these products are approved by Google (or at least Chromecast technicians) before they’re sent out again. Additionally, you’ll still get a one-year warranty with the refurbished model, so there’s no need to worry.
More on Google Chromecast
.rvs_wrapper
width: 335px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
#page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
Google and many other retailers have been offering a good amount of bundles and deals since the Chromecast’s launch. Speaking from experience, I’ve received multiple free movie rentals from Google Play, roughly $20 in Google Play credit and much more. If you decide to pick one up, make sure you head to the Chromecast Offers website so you can cash in on some great deals. In fact, if you buy a Chromecast (new or refurbished) between now and April 19th, Google is throwing in $80 worth of movies, music and more.
If you’re interested in the Groupon discount, check out the link below.
Google launches new Google Handwriting Input app, does what you think
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
One of the cool things that the Galaxy Note line of devices offered was an input method that allowed you to write your words and have them turn into text. I used it on occasion, but it required the Samsung Keyboard and I preferred the Google Keyboard for my text input. Google has now released an app that brings similar functionality to not just Note owners who might miss the written input, but also to any Android device out there. The app is happily named Google Handwriting Input.
Don’t fret, you don’t need a stylus to take advantage nor do you need to work on your letter printing either. Although, I am sure that some handwriting skills to make words and letters at least somewhat recognizable will help. Google says it will recognize printed letters and cursive along with various emoji’s. Simply meaning you can actually draw a smiley face and have it land in your message. International Android users need not get upset either, unlike some apps that are US only, this one is global and supports 82 languages currently and works on devices sporting Android 4.0.3 and up. So, yes, your 3-year-old tablet should be able to use it too.
Head to the Play Store and pick it up as soon as you have a chance and see what you think. Who knows, maybe it will be able to decipher your long-lost art of writing.
The post Google launches new Google Handwriting Input app, does what you think appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google announces winning apps from their Google Fit Developer Challenge
Google has announced the winners of the Google Fit Developer Challenge that they launched last year. The challenge was designed to help encourage developers to look at the Google Fit platform and figure out unique, fun ways to get users active while using their Android devices. The challenge was launched with the support of adidas, Polar and Withings. Besides having their apps highlighted in Google Play, the winning developers will also be receiving some prizes from the sponsoring companies including:
- the X_CELL and SPEED_CELL from adidas (sensors for the body and shoes)
- an Android Wear device
- a Loop activity tracker and H7 heart rate sensor from Polar
- Smart Body Analyzer (a smart scale) from Withings.
The following apps were the twelve grand prize winners:
- 7MinGym: All you need is this app, a chair, and a wall to start benefiting from 7 minute workouts at home. You can play music from your favorite music app and cast your workout to Chromecast or Android TV.
- Aqualert: This app reminds you to stay hydrated throughout the day and lets you track your water intake.
- Cinch Weight Loss and Fitness: Cinch helps you with detailed information your steps taken and calories burned. The app also supports heart-rate tracking with compatible Android Wear devices.
- FitHub: FitHub lets you track your fitness activity from multiple accounts, including Google Fit, and multiple wearable devices, including Android Wear. You can also add your friends to compare your progress!
- FitSquad: FitSquad turns fitness into a competition. Join your friends in a squad to compare progress, track achievements, and cheer each other on.
- Instant – Quantified Self: Instant is a lifestyle app that helps you track not only your physical activity but your digital activity too and tells you how much you’re using your phone and apps.other activity. You can also set usage limits and reminders.
- Jump Rope Wear Counter: This simple app lets you count your jump rope skips with an Android Wear device.
- Move it!: This app packs one neat feature – it reminds you to get up and move about if you haven’t been active in the last hour.
- Openrider – GPS Cycling Riding: Track and map your cycle routes with Openrider.
- Running Buddies: In this run tracking app, runners can choose to share their runs and stats with those around them so that they can find other runners similar to themselves to go running with.
- Strength: Strength is a workout tracking app that also lets you choose from a number of routines, so you can get to your workout quickly and track it without manual data entry. Schedules and rest timers come included.
- Walkholic: Walkholic is another way to see your Google Fit walking, cycling, and running data. You can also turn on notifications if you don’t meet your own preset goals.
source: Google Developers Blog
Come comment on this article: Google announces winning apps from their Google Fit Developer Challenge
Download and manually install the Android 5.1 OTA update for the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi (2013)
The Android 5.1 factory image for the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi (2013) was posted earlier, so it’s no surprise the official over-the-air (OTA) update is now ready for your downloading pleasure.
It’s fairly easy to flash and you don’t have to lose your data. Check out our extensive guide, which will help you each and every step of the way.
If you happen to already know what you’re doing, then we have the download link (directly from Google) below.
Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi (razor) From LRX22G to LMY47O (5.1)
Come comment on this article: Download and manually install the Android 5.1 OTA update for the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi (2013)
Android 5.1 factory images now available for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013, And Nexus 7 LTE 2013
Android 5.1 is slowly making the rounds and next up is the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013, and Nexus 7 LTE 2013. Factory images were posted for all three, and the actual OTA update was captured for the Nexus 4.
Flashing a factory image is really easy, so be sure to check out our extensive guide which will guide you every step of the way. If you happen to have an unlocked bootloader, you don’t even have to lose your data. We show you how to do that as well.
source: Google Developers
Come comment on this article: Android 5.1 factory images now available for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013, And Nexus 7 LTE 2013
Android 5.1 rolling out to Nexus 7 2013 LTE, OTA and factory image available
The Android 5.1 rollout is probably the slowest in living memory, with some of Google’s Nexus devices still waiting for it more than a month after the official announcement of the new version.
Now a new Nexus device is joining the ranks of the up to date, with Android 5.1 going out to the LTE version of the Nexus 7 (2013).
The Nexus 9 has taken over as Google’s reference tablet, but the 2013 Nexus 7 remains a popular and beloved device among Android fans. Android 5.1 will bring to the Nexus 7 2013 LTE bug fixes, performance improvements, and a handful of UI changes and new features. Learn about all things Android 5.1 from this post.
For those who are on the latest version of Android 5.0.2 (LRX22G), updating is as simple as flashing this OTA file. For a full-on system refresh, which also means you will lose your data, a factory system image is available as well.
Of course, the safest and easiest way is to wait for the OTA to hit your device on its own.
We’re still waiting for the Android 5.1 update for the Wi-Fi version of the Nexus 7 2013, but, at least in theory, it shouldn’t be too far behind. Let us know if you’ve got the update on your Nexus tablet!
European Commission launches antitrust investigation into Android
Following three years of scrutiny, the European Commission is to formally investigate claims that Google is abusing its Android operating system to unfairly gain market share for its services and software.
The investigation will examine whether Google has unfairly hindered access to rival applications, excessively bundled its apps with other essential services or APIs, and if the company has illegally prevented manufacturers from running modified versions of the open-source Android operating system.
The investigation will examine whether Google has unfairly hindered access to rival applications
One of the key causes for the commission’s concern is Google’s controversial approach to controlling its operating system. By preventing forked versions of Android from running its software, Google locks them out of important services like the Play Store.
There are also an increasing number of pre-installed Google services that ship with new devices, which may unfairly disadvantage competeing applications. Chrome, Hangouts, and Youtube are just a handful of the Google owned applications found pre-installed on smartphones these days, and the commision wants to know if manufacturers are being forced or incentivised to exclusively pre-install Google’s apps.
In its defence, Google has responded by suggesting that Android has helped offer users more choice than was available before. Google cites carrier and manufacturer choices to pre-install rival services, such as Facebook or Microsoft’s Office, and its anti-fragmentation agreement, which stipulates that apps work across a range of different Android devices, as part of its rebuttal.
Google says that Android has helped offer users more choice
Google is also keen to point out that it ships far fewer Google apps on Android phones than Apple does on iOS devices. However, the two have rather different business approaches.
Furthermore, the European Commission has formally accused Google of breaching antitrust laws. Specifically, by abusing its dominant position in the search engine space to promote its own services ahead of more relevant results from its rivals.
The EU regulator states that it is “concerned that users do not necessarily see the most relevant results in response to queries—to the detriment of consumers and rival comparison shopping services, as well as stifling innovation.” A final decision regarding the search case could be made before the end of the year. If supported, the commission may impose large fines and injunctions against Google that would affect its European business.
Again Google has already responded, showcasing a selection of the most popular shopping and travel sites in Europe, with Google’s own services ranking among the lowest. Google claims that innovation and competition has increased in these markets, not slowed, and believes that it has a very strong case against these charges.
As for the investigation into Android, Google will be discussing the commission’s concerns in the coming months and any decision could take a considerable length of time. Do you think that the European Commission is right to try and keep Google in check or might these claims unreasonably hamper Google’s ability to offer high-quality services in Europe?
Internal Document Shows Google’s Side of EU Antitrust Case
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8523547931208430″
data-ad-slot=”2010118040″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
As we reported earlier, the European Union is preparing to file antitrust charges against Google as of tomorrow. Well according to an internal document leaked to re/code, we now can roughly expect what the search engine conglomerate’s defense can be. The memo leaked to the media outlet quotes as follows.
“The competition is just one click away… and it’s growing. People can use Bing, Yahoo, Quora, DuckDuckGo, and a new wave of search assistants like Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana, as well as more specialized services like Amazon, Idealo, Le Guide, Expedia, or eBay. In addition, users increasingly turn to social networks like Facebook and Twitter to find news and suggestions… where to eat or which movies to watch.”
This is followed up by several charts and graphs, one reference, in particular, was ComScore, sighting ongoing and tough competition from the likes of Amazon and Ebay.. Also from the memo…
“Competition online is thriving… despite what many of the complainants in this case allege. Indeed, if you look at shopping, it’s clear that there’s a ton of competition (including from Amazon and eBay) that has not been harmed by Google’s own shopping service.”
The reference information is focused on online shopping, with a few exceptions. Google also expects that the European Union will want to investigate the Android operating system as well, but according to the documents, they’re pretty confident that they have a good chance to prevail. If you would like to read the full document at the source, check out the link below. We’ll be here when further news develops.
Source: Re/code
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8523547931208430″
data-ad-slot=”2010118040″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
The post Internal Document Shows Google’s Side of EU Antitrust Case appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Europe accuses Google of abusing its monopoly in mobile and search
It’s been coming for what seems like an eternity, but today’s the day that Europe finally hits Google with an official investigation into its business practices. The European Commission has announced that it’ll open an antitrust probe into Android, and has laid out its objections following a similar probe into Google Shopping. In essence, regulators believe that the search giant has “abused its dominant position,” or playing favorites with its own products and crowding competitor’s products out of the market.
The complaint regarding Google Shopping boils down to the fact that, when you compare products, its own price comparison tool is prominently displayed on the search screen. The potential risk, as far as watchdogs are concerned, is that you might not get the best, or cheapest result, but the one Google profits from. Another complaint levied at the company is that its own shopping service isn’t subject to the same up and down rankings other (non-Google) sites get, even if it’s not performing well. That’s considered to be “systematic favourable treatment,” and to solve the problem, the company should treat Google Shopping as it would any other comparison shopping service.
Commission adopted Statement of Objection. Our preliminary view: Favourable treatment of Google Shopping is an abuse of dominant position.
– Margrethe Vestager (@vestager) April 15, 2015
Meanwhile, the newer complaint, regarding Android, centers around the way Google ships the software and if that somehow creates a monopoly. For instance, handsets that ship with access to Google Play are required to ship with Gmail and Chrome pre-installed, theoretically making AOSP handsets second class citizens. Regulators are concerned that bundled access to Google’s services crowds out potential rivals and harms their development. In addition, commissioners are worried that withholding privileges for AOSP and forked versions of the OS is “illegally hindering the development” of rival mobile operating systems.
CONFIRMED: @vestager confirms to @POLITICOEurope that she & Commission are willing to take Google complaint thru to fines stage (up to €6bn)
– Ryan Heath (@RyanHeathWriter) April 15, 2015
The tl;dr explanation of all of that is that the European Commission is worried that Google’s got a monopoly on Europe’s smartphone and price comparison market, and wants to dig deep to confirm if that’s the case. Should the allegations turn out to be true in the eyes of the regulator, Google could be slapped with a fine totaling $6 billion. Europe’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager has said that she’d prefer to work with Google than against it, and invites the firm to take all opportunities to avoid the fine.
@vestafer also strikes a canny constructive tone: invites Google to take all opportunities to avoid fine, confirms she likes their products
– Ryan Heath (@RyanHeathWriter) April 15, 2015
For its part, Google’s Policy Blog has already responded to the complaints by saying that it isn’t the 800 pound gorilla it’s made out to be. Google VP Amit Singhal points out that competition in the European price comparison market is thriving, and Google Shopping is dwarfed by other sites, including Amazon and eBay. In another post, Android’s Hiroshi Lockheimer, meanwhile, says that Android is a “key player in spurring this competition and choice” in the modern world of smartphones. He also throws a sharp elbow towards Apple, saying that “there are far fewer Google apps pre-installed on Android phones than Apple apps on iOS devices.”
There’s no deadline to how long this investigation can take, and considering how long it took for the Commission to decide on the bundling of Internet Explorer, don’t hold your breath for a speedy resolution of this one.
Source: Europa, (2), (3), Google Policy Blog, (2)
AIVAnet 