Google’s Sundar Pichai confirms MVNO carrier plans
Earlier last month, it was revealed that Google was readying their own MVNO carrier plan. In other words, a seller of other carrier networks, namely Sprint and T-Mobile. Today Sundar Pichai as confirmed that Google will indeed offer some sort of plan. That’s the good news. The bad news is that he didn’t reveal anything else other than it will be “in the coming months.” Reading between the lines, you have to think that they will make an announcement at Google I/O.
Pichai did ensure that they are working with all carriers, including AT&T and Verizon to make sure they don’t disrupt existing relationships.
The rumored plan includes some sort of combination of Sprint and T-Mobile service that would automatically switch to the best signal and Wi-Fi. It’s also been reported that it could be more geared towards the tablet crowd.
What do you guys think? Can Google offer something compelling here?
Be sure to check out our complete coverage of Mobile World Congress 2015.
source: Android Authority
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Google confirms the existence of Android Pay
The MWC last morning was abuzz with news about the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the new Samsung Pay service that was announced along with the handset. Google’s Senior VP Sundar Pichai has now confirmed that Android will get a default payment service known as Android Pay, which will be supported by VISA, MasterCard and American Express.
This will be Android’s answer to Apple Pay which was launched in Fall last year along with the new iPhones. It seems a little confusing to have Samsung Pay and Android Pay running in tandem, but we expect more clarity on that over the coming days.
Google hasn’t explained the exact functioning of this service, so there’s still a lot we don’t know. However, it is said that Android Pay won’t be available as a separate application like Google Wallet, but will be built directly into Android. In fact, Google Wallet will reportedly run on the Android Pay architecture, thus making it easier for Android developers to bake in support for the new payment service.
We’re guessing Android Pay will be very similar to Samsung Pay in functionality, which can only mean good news for fans. What do you make of this news?
Come comment on this article: Google confirms the existence of Android Pay
Google confirms “Android Pay” API in the works
At the end of last week, we heard rumors suggesting that Google is planning a new payment API named Android Pay, which has now been confirmed today at MWC by Google’s own Sundai Pichar. With Samsung also entering the mobile payment game, the pressure is on Google to finally make its mobile payment system universally useful.
Google intends for Android Pay to become its standard for mobile payments, with the API allowing for other parties to take Android Pay and integrate it into their own services and apps. Essentially, Android Pay will be the backbone behind transactions and software, meaning that it can continue to work with Google Wallet too.
As you may expect, Android Pay makes use of your phone’s NFC connection to transfer payments and will eventually support biometric security measures to act as confirmation as well. Speaking about security, Android Pay also implements tokenized card numbers, to prevent stolen data from causing a problem, and card data is stored locally on your device, meaning that you can use it without a network connection and there’s little risk of someone intercepting vital data over the air.
Android Pay doesn’t have a scheduled rollout plan just yet, but the latest report suggests that Google will be unveiling additional details at its I/O conference in May.
Google’s new mobile payment platform is called Android Pay
It’s shaping up to be a big year for mobile payments, what with Apple Pay enjoying rapid adoption and Samsung finally getting in the game too. Google also has a presence, but it’s only very recently decided to ramp up its efforts in this space. Last week, we saw the company team up with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile to preload its Wallet mobile payment app on new Android phones, and now it’s creating a new framework to power payments across its OS.
Speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Google SVP Sundar Pinchai confirmed the existence of Android Pay, a platform that will allow developers to build payments into their apps. Don’t think of it as a separate app like Wallet (especially as Wallet will utilize the Android Pay platform), but as an OS-level service that makes it easy for app makers or retailers to let you to buy things using your Android device.
While Apple Pay lets iPhone users purchase goods in physical stores using NFC, it also provides tools to let retailers offer online checkout tools using its platform. Pinchai didn’t go into too much detail as to how Android Pay will work, but did confirm that it will offer similar features to its rival. One is the use of tokenized card numbers, which reduce fraud by generating a one-time credit card number for each transaction. It’s also a standard that Visa, Mastercard and American Express all support.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google
Google’s Titan drones to take maiden flight this year
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress this morning, Google’s Sundar Pichai said that its Titan drones would be conducting their maiden test flight later in the year. Google is using the project to asses viability of providing internet access from above, similar to Project Loon.
Google purchased Titan Aerospace back in April of 2014 after showing an interest in the company’s drones, which can maintain high altitude for prolonged periods of time with little energy input. The Titan team is currently developing a new ultra-lightweight solar-powered drone that is capable of hovering in the stratosphere for prolonged periods of time.
The solar-powered drones would then be used to beam internet services down to the surface below, boosting bandwidth in a local area, providing access to locations previously without internet services, or assisting in areas where the internet has been taken offline, such as during a natural disaster.
Pichar suggests that Project Loon and the Titan drones could be run side by side, providing wide coverage from a balloon and zeroing in on target areas with Titan aircraft. Google eventually intends to partner up with network carriers to provide services from both the ground and air, giving total coverage to customers.
Jolla takes on Android with a promise not to sell your data
When Jolla launched its tablet on Indiegogo, it was an instant success. Today that tablet is being shown to the media for the first time at MWC. But, that’s not all that the plucky mobile start-up has to reveal. With the new tablet comes the second version of Jolla’s Sailfish OS. Version 2.0 not only brings some features you’d expect (like easy scaling between phones and tablets — to accommodate its new hardware) but also some new, bigger picture additions like support for Intel’s Atom x3 chipset, a new push to into licensing with OEM hardware, and a couple of direct swipes at Android, and how it gathers your data.
At MWC, Marc Dillon, the company’s Head of Software, made it clear that Android is too dominant, and requires that all its partners invest heavily in the software’s ecosystem. Jolla, on the other hand, wants to work more closely with hardware manufacturers to accommodate their requirements (and not ask that it bends to theirs). Perhaps Dillon’s more damning attack on Android was on the topic of security, claiming that Google’s OS was “designed to collect data from its users” with the explicit motive of selling it. “We are not going to sell user data” was Dillon’s emphatic response. If there had been a table in front of him, he would have slammed his fist on it.
In a related theme, Sailfish 2.0’s other big push is security. Jolla is working with SSH Communications Security to develop of version of the operating system robust enough for use by government agencies, or the user who wants added layers of privacy. Conceptually, this would be similar to Knox from Samsung. This would make Sailfish the first European-based mobile software suitable for use (it hopes) by official agencies.
What about regular folk like you and me? Well there are software tweaks in v2.0 that should make our lives easier, too. The latest Sailfish comes with new user interface gestures and notifications that should be easier to get along with than what we saw last time we tried it. Jolla’s so keen to simplify its OS experience that it’s done away with the power button (double tap to wake, basically), and there are no on screen buttons at all, with gestures filling those roles. In reality, this means a thumb-swipe will take you home, and swipe up from the bottom for apps — a similar way to how BlackBerry’s PlayBook handled such things. Will security, more hardware support and a promise of not selling your data be enough? We’ll have to wait for a chance to get to know the OS better, but with our first time with the tablet being today, and the product shipping in Q2 this year, it shouldn’t be too long to find out.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile
Google releases new Android video for the young at heart
With all kinds of new Android powered devices being announced at MWC 2015, like the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge and the HTC One M9, Google has released a new video in their line of be together.not the same. commercials. The new video is titled Android: Young Together and shows how ordinary people of all ages use their devices to stay young at heart.
You can check out the video after the break. Be sure to stick with us at TalkAndroid for more coverage from MWC 2015 to see all the new Android powered devices ready to hit the market.
Click here to view the embedded video.
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Pebble sets a new record, net neutrality passes and other stories you might’ve missed!
Pebble beats its own record, Motorola confirms what we already knew about the Moto E and Facebook takes a break from the sillier aspects of its site to get serious about mental health. Basically, we’ve got everything you need to know from this past week in one neat little package. Won’t you catch up with us?
The top 11 tablets you can buy today
If you like to take your tech on the go (or even just to the couch), a tablet is usually a good gadget to have on hand. Not sure which one is best for you? We’ve rounded up 11 that we think are excellent choices.
Pebble returns to Kickstarter for its next-gen color smartwatch
Three years ago, Pebble made Kickstarter history with its smartwatch. Now, with a new color display and other features, the company is besting its own crowdfunding records. We explain what’s made the brand so popular in this breakdown of the wearable’s triumphant return.
I got a connected surveillance camera, but used it mainly as a puppycam
If peace of mind is important when it comes to your home, a connected surveillance system might be just what you need to feel secure. We gave Withings Home HD camera a try to find out if it’s worth the $200 price tag.
What you need to know about HTTP/2
The familiar four letters — HTTP — in your address bar are getting a behind-the-scenes makeover. The current version has been the same since 1999, but in case that date alone isn’t reason enough for an upgrade, we explain why you’ll soon be using HTTP/2.
Here’s what we know about Magic Leap so far
We know it’s a blend of augmented and virtual reality, but the rest of the specs behind Magic Leap are shrouded in mystery. We’ve amassed all of the information available on the project to find out why companies like Google are dropping half a billion dollars to invest in it.
Motorola’s budget Moto E gets LTE, a quad-core CPU, and more storage
It’s official: Motorola is releasing a bigger and better budget phone. We go hands-on with the updated Moto E — now with LTE — to break down its new specs.
Facebook rolls out new tools to help prevent suicides
Social media has become an outlet for for many, whether that means sharing exciting life changes or issuing a cry for help. When it comes to the latter, Facebook is stepping up its policies and introducing new suicide prevention efforts.
FCC approves net neutrality rules, reclassifies broadband as a utility
Both mobile and home-based broadband are now classified as a public utility thanks to new rules from the Federal Communications Commission. This marks a huge milestone for those in support of a free and open internet.
Adult Themes: The rise and fall of America’s first digital brothel
RealTouch Interactive lets consenting users “have sex” with each other over the internet. But it’s going out of business — not because of moral protests — because of patent licensing.
Happy net neutrality day! Here are some llamas and a dress
As our Engagement Editor John Colucci stated on Thursday night, “Twitter was on fleek today.” Join us as we take a minute to celebrate the glorious and sometimes ridiculous platform that is the internet.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Wearables, Internet
11 best new Android apps and Android games released in February 2015
We’re nearing the end of February and it’s been quite the month for Android apps and Android games. We saw some flops but we also saw some pretty impressive software. Let’s take a look at the best Android apps and Android games of February 2015.
Do Button by IFTTT
[Price: Free]
Do Button by IFTTT is a software button that allows you to customize your Android experience. You set up a button with a task to do something and that task gets done when you press the Do Button. Fans of IFTTT should definitely check this out and it’s a pretty nifty tool for just about everyone.
Draw Slasher
[Price: $2.99]
Draw Slasher is a hack-and-slash game where you use your finger to gesture your attacks. This was once a popular game on the PS Vita and the Android release is a pretty decent recreation. It features a fast pace, plenty of swiping, and ninjas. There are also no in app purchases.
Heavenstrike Rivals
[Price: Free with in app purchases]
Square Enix has released a new RPG called Heavenstrike Rivals. This is a tactical RPG similar in game play mechanics to Final Fantasy Tactics. The graphics are pretty decent and it is free to play with plenty of stuff to do. Beware, though, as the title is suffering from some launch day issues.
Limbo
[Price: $4.99]
Limbo is a monochrome horror game where you play as a kid who is looking for his lost sister. The game has already received praise for its interesting graphics and creepy, misty atmosphere. At its heart, it’s a 2D side-scrolling platform and puzzle game and it doesn’t have any in app purchases.
Picturesque
[Price: Free]
Picturesque is a free lock screen app that came out of Microsoft’s Garage project. It grabs beautiful wallpapers from Bing frequently to keep things fresh and also shows things like weather, news, notifications, calendar events, and more. They’re still working out some issues but it’s still pretty solid.
ScreenPop Lockscreen Messenger
[Price: Free]
ScreenPop Lockscreen Messenger is a picture sharing service similar to Snapchat and others. The catch is that instead of opening an app, ScreenPop puts the photos right on your lock screen so you can view and respond without ever unlocking your phone. The app is going through some release day issues but it can be fun for people who are into that.
SlingTV
[Price: Free app / $20/month subscription]
SlingTV turned a lot of heads in February by allowing people to get some decent TV channels streamed over the Internet for only $20/month. The app is having a few issues here and there but nothing too serious. It’s a great deal for cord cutters even if the channel lineup is rather limited.
Smart Weather Wallpaper
[Price: $1.99]
Smart Weather Wallpaper is a live wallpaper that changes based on the weather. So if it’s rainy, you’ll have a rainy wallpaper. It also changes based on seasons and the time of day. Overall, it’s an attractive option even though there are some bugs to work out.
SoundHUD
[Price: Free with in app purchases]
SoundHUD is a customizable volume panel where you can control things like your system volume, ringtone volume, etc and one of the few that doesn’t require root access. Its claim to fame is the ability to put Lollipop devices into silent mode which is something that is tedious and confusing to do without it. It also has a few other nifty and unique features.
theScore eSports
[Price: Free]
theScore eSports app is a sports app that covers predominately eSports, such as DOTA 2 and other video games. It represents a monumental shift in mainstream sports coverage because this was the first major sports media company to officially cover eSports. The app itself is actually very good too.
YouTube Kids
[Price: Free]
YouTube Kids was released late in February and it’s a YouTube experience that caters to young minds. It’s full of playlists that show kids educational and entertaining content that caters specifically to their age range. Every parent should have this app without a shadow of a doubt.
Wrap up
If we missed any awesome Android apps or Android games that were released in February 2015, let us know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the Android Apps Weekly newsletter for more new releases and Android apps news!
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Google rethinks Mountain View campus with new proposal
Certain locations are synonymous with companies headquartered there — Redmond (Microsoft), Cupertino (Apple), Mountain View (Google). While Microsoft is sitting comfortably in its current campus, Apple is expanding with a multi-billion dollar campus resembling a giant ring. That project is set to complete sometime next year. Google, too, wants to expand and has revealed what it will propose to Mountain View’s City Council.
The North Bayshore section is targeted by Google for the construction of lightweight block-like structures to allow constant rearranging. The company notes that different teams, such as self-driving and Search, have different needs. Massive canopies are featured in the proposal and Google shows trees, cafes, bike paths, and landscaping spread throughout the area.
Hit the break for images and a video tour of the proposal.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Official Google Blog, Google+
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