Italy tells Google it has 18 months to change how it handles your data
Google has already drawn fire from various European nations for allegedly violating users’ privacy through its unified data policy, but Italy is more than willing to join the fray. The country’s data protection agency has given Google 18 months to obey local laws and change how it handles your personal info. The crew in Mountain View now has to get your permission before it creates a profile; it also has two months to honor any requests to delete your data on active servers, and six months to scrub that content from backups.
Google tells Reuters that it’s going to comply with the new rules, and it should have a roadmap on officials’ desks by late September. Not that it has much choice but to act — while the internet giant can easily afford potential fines, it’s no doubt eager to avoid the agony of a criminal case. However quickly the company springs into action, the new requirements will likely be welcome by privacy-minded Italians who’d rather not give Google a detailed picture of what they’re doing online.
[Image credit: George Kyriazis, Flickr]
Via: Reuters
Source: Garanteprivacy.it (translated)
BBC Sport apps for iOS and Android get Chromecast support
Four months after it updated the iPlayer app to play nice with Google’s Chromecast, the BBC has extended support for the streaming dongle to its sport apps. As part of today’s update, BBC Sport users can now stream live and on-demand video to their TV from their iOS or Android device. The feature comes just days ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games, allowing the BBC to double down on its in-app coverage. That’s why it’s also included an option to set medal alerts and access dedicated sections for UK nations, letting you to catch up on related news, analysis and performance charts over the next couple of weeks.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Internet, Software, Google
Source: BBC Sport (App Store), (Google Play)
FYI: You can create Google Now reminders from Google.com
Just a short and sweet post to let you guys know that you don’t have to open you Android device to create reminders for Google Now. No sir, you can actually do it from a desktop client by simply navigating to google.com in the Chrome browser. Instead of searching for something type something with one of the following phrases
- remind me to…
- create a reminder to…
- add reminder…
These reminders, when saved, will prompt you on your Android smartphone or tablet as well as in the Chrome OS. Feel free to play around with the reminder feature for things such as calling contacts, stopping at places, events to check out, and more. Have fun putting together reminders based on time of day, date, and location!
The post FYI: You can create Google Now reminders from Google.com appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Pranksters can hijack your Chromecast to show whatever they want
It’s easy for someone in your home to interrupt your Chromecast stream and play something of their own, but you can always retake control… right? Well, don’t count on it. Analyst Dan Petro has built the Rickmote Controller, a proof-of-concept device that hijacks Google’s media stick to play everyone’s favorite Rick Astley video (and theoretically, any media) on loop. The Raspberry Pi-based box simply floods the Chromecast with WiFi disconnection requests, kicking the adapter into its setup mode; after that, it’s easy for the Rickmote to make its own connection and deliver non-stop ’80s pop.
You might not see a fix for this behavior any time soon. Part of the Chromecast’s appeal is its easy configuration, and altering the disconnection response might create more headaches than it solves. As it stands, you won’t have much reason to worry. Even if pranksters build gadgets like the Rickmote, they’d still have to get within range of your Chromecast’s WiFi at the same time that you’re using it — if someone tries to rickroll you through your TV, you’ll probably catch them in the act.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Google
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Bishop Fox
ZTE continues the trend toward minimizing Android customization
For all its beauty, Android’s openness is the reason why manufacturers and carriers are able to make their own tweaks to the OS. Some companies go as far as completely forking the platform, and we know how terrible that can be — though there are exceptions like Amazon’s Fire ecosystem, which offers a solid experience overall. Thankfully, manufacturers are beginning to realize it’s much better to deliver Android as Google intended, or at least as close to it as possible (e.g. HTC’s Sense 6). Chinese outfit ZTE will join this movement very soon, announcing that the Google Now launcher will be set as the default home screen on its future smartphones, starting with the launch of the Blade Vec 4G next week. Naturally, doing so means giving buyers a cleaner look right out of the box; plus, it puts all of the search giant’s services front and center, including the Play store and, of course, Google Now. Most importantly, it’s definitely going to make Google happy.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google
Via: PocketNow, Android Police
Source: ZTE
Recon’s ‘Google Glass’ for sports gets a finalized design ahead of September launch
No, the Recon Jet still isn’t out yet, but its manufacturer has a few bits of news to share. For starters, the sports-minded heads up display’s brain box is now angled slightly upward, which supposedly improves the display’s viewing angle and camera orientation. This tweak apparently boosts the HUD’s ergonomics and makes it fit a bit better, too. The Jet is also now rated to IP65 standard, which means it’ll be able to withstand dust and torrential rainstorms. Don’t think that it’ll work on your next swim, though, because submerging the unit is apparently out of the question. The outfit (thankfully) doesn’t mention any changes to its September 25th release date, either, but it is spending the next month working on testing the Jet. Oh, and there’s a protective case in the works too — all the better to keep your $700 investment safe and sound. How protected to the Jet remains while it’s on your face, however, well, that’s up to you.
Filed under: Wearables
Source: Recon Instruments
At loggerheads: Google and Samsung are having a spat over Wearables
Over the last few months, we’ve heard plenty of reports that Samsung has started to comply with Google guidelines more at Google’s request. Things like TouchWiz customization and Samsung Apps have been tuned down a lot since then, so you might have been forgiven for thinking Samsung and Google have been coexisting happily ever since. There could be some trouble in paradise though, as reports are saying Google and Samsung are having a spat over wearables, specifically the new Tizen-based smartwatches that Samsung pushed out earlier this year.
Earlier this month, there was reportedly a “tense private meeting” between Google CEO, Larry Page, and Samsung Vice Chairman, Jay Y. Lee, in which Page made clear that he was not impressed with Samsung putting in so much more effort into their Tizen smartwatches than their Android Wear devices. You can definitely see why Page has voiced this concern; the recently released Gear Live is basically the Gear 2 with cheaper parts, though it’s not unheard of for Samsung to re-use slightly tweaked designs for new devices.
What do you think about Samsung and Google arguing over wearables? Think Google has grounds to be worried? Let us know what you think.
Source: The Information via The Verge
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The post At loggerheads: Google and Samsung are having a spat over Wearables appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google reportedly confronted Samsung over its approach to smartwatches
The strained relationship between Google and Samsung over Android customization has been apparent for a while, and it now looks like this discontent has spread to the wearable world. The Information claims that Google CEO Larry Page confronted Samsung last week over its decision to invest more in its Tizen-based Gear 2 and Gear Fit smartwatches than the Android Wear-packing Gear Live. While the details of Page’s discussions aren’t available, it’s clear that Google wants its biggest hardware partner to devote more attention to its Android-based platform. Reportedly, Google had even wanted Samsung to avoid dipping into wrist-worn technology until Android Wear was ready. As we know now, the Korean company didn’t exactly honor that request — instead, it released the Galaxy Gear (initially using a heavily customized Android) and quickly threw most of its energy into Tizen peripherals.
Neither firm has commented on the disagreement. However, a scrap over wearables isn’t completely shocking. Google is trying to rein manufacturers in by requiring that they use its stock interface on Android Wear equipment; that’s not going to please Samsung, which has spent a lot of time customizing Android in an attempt to stand out. The Gear Live’s very existence suggests that Samsung is being somewhat accommodating. If the leak is accurate, though, Google may not be truly happy unless that device takes center stage in Samsung’s lineup.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile, Samsung, Google
Via: 9to5Google
Source: The Information
Engadget Daily: Top cellphones, Kindle Unlimited and more!
Check out the top smartphones you can buy right now, read to your heart’s content with Kindle Unlimited, our review of the Samsung ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition and find out how to live off vending machines in Tokyo. All that and more inside Engadget’s news highlights from the last 24 hours.
The top 15 smartphones you can buy right now
What are the top smartphones on the market today? Our new buyer’s guide has you covered. Boom! You’re welcome.
Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited offers all-you-can-eat e-books for $10 a month
Good news for you bookworms, Amazon announced an all-you-can-eat subscription plan for Kindle devices. For just $10 a month, you can get all e-books you want!
Samsung ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition review: big screen, even bigger price
Samsung’s latest ultrabook is here. How does the ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition hold up to the competition? Check out Dana’s review for all the details.
Surviving on Tokyo’s vending machines
Japan has more vending machines per capita than anywhere else on Earth. Follow along as Mat Smith tries to live off nothing but vending machines as he travels around Tokyo.
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Google experimenting with major redesign of Chrome OS
Google has made attempts in the past to unify the design of its various properties with varying degrees of success. Material Design, which is major part of the upcoming Android L release, may be its most coherent effort to date. The new look is expected to touch every corner of Google’s catalog, and Chrome OS will be part of that revamp. A screen shot posted by Chromium evangelist François Beaufort on Google+ shows the very early fruits of Athena, an effort to “bring a new kind of user experience” to Mountain View’s desktop OS. The image shows windows with minimal controls and decoration in a stacked card view, similar to the app switcher revealed as part of the next Android update. There’s also what appears to be a launcher bar with a search field at the bottom of the screen. While the redesign is clearly in the very early stages, you can see the important elements of Material Design at work. Everything is flat and paper like, but exists in a three-dimensional space, complete with less-than-subtle drop shadows. You can compile a copy of Chromium OS yourself to give Athena a test run, but we’d hold out for a more complete version.
Source: François Beaufort (Google+)
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