HTC Nexus 8 rumors heating up again, points to Q3 release
For quite awhile now, we’ve heard rumors regarding the upcoming Nexus 8 tablet from Google. Not only that, but we continue to hear rumors regarding HTC being the manufacturer of the device.
According to sources from the unnamed “upstream supply chain”, Google will partner with HTC for their new Nexus tablet, the Nexus 8. The tablet will reportedly launch in Q3, which coincides with most other rumors on this topic.
While HTC making a Nexus tablet would be incredible for users, many have strong doubts. In the past, Nexus devices of all kinds have been very budget-friendly. Though not necessarily a bad thing, these devices cut corners in the hardware department. Most are soft-touch plastic, and don’t have many outstanding features, hardware-wise. The way HTC has been losing money, could they really take the chance to invest in a tablet that most likely won’t make a huge profit? Probably not, but only time will tell.
Source: DigiTimes
The post HTC Nexus 8 rumors heating up again, points to Q3 release appeared first on AndroidGuys.
You can now pay for your Domino’s Pizza with Google Wallet
Domino’s has already made it pretty easy to order your favorite pizza using your smartphone, but today things are getting even simpler for US Android device owners. Today the company confirmed that it’s added Google Wallet to the list of supported payment types in its Android app, allowing you to complete an order using the same details you’d typically download apps or rent movies with. If app-based ordering wasn’t already affecting your impulse spending, dispatching a deep dish with even fewer screen presses might be a blessing or a curse.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Google
Via: Domino’s
Source: Domino’s Pizza (Google Play)
The battle for exclusive games has come to smartphones
It’s like Sega and Sony all over again. We don’t mean the hardware arms race (although that’s certainly happening), but how the smartphone world’s two top players are now fighting over the most popular games… and their sequels. Gaming is one of the top money-spinning app categories on smartphones and tablets and according to a WSJ report, both Apple and Google are trying to get popular games and their developers on their side. The companies promise headline placement in their respective online stores and prominent ads around the app portal, in exchange for exclusivity, or at least a lead. This was apparently the case for Plants Vs. Zombies 2 last year, where Apple got a two-month lead over the Android version — and it’s not the only one.
The Cut The Rope series followed a similar pattern, while Gameloft, the company behind titles like Asphalt, had apparently discussed the exclusivity angle with Apple, but eventually decided to launch on both Android and iOS at the same time. “We haven’t found the case where it makes sense for us,” said Gonzague de Vallois, head of sales and marketing. In contrast to the console battles from the last few decades, neither platform has managed to nail down anything resembling a talismanic mascot character or series — we’re not expecting hell to freeze over in this new fight.
Filed under: Gaming, Mobile, Apple, Google
Source: WSJ
Weekends with Engadget: Windows Phone 8.1 and Gear 2 reviews, the anonymous internet and more!
Welcome to Weekends with Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines from the past seven days — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. For even more action, subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Windows Phone 8.1 review: Microsoft’s mobile OS finally feels whole
Microsoft’s mobile OS just got a whole lot better. Complete with keyboard swipe gestures, a notification center and Cortana, the virtual assistant, version 8.1 brings Windows Phone into adulthood.
My connected home turned me into a spy and an addict
Ten years ago, adjusting the temperature of your home from a smartphone might have seemed like something from a science fiction movie. But in this age of hyper-connectivity, it’s easier to get wrapped up in the quantifiable aspects of life than you might think. Just ask our own Joseph Volpe.
Sony Xperia Z2 review: a big, powerful slab of a phone
The Xperia Z2 is just as waterproof as the original Z1 and it packs a slightly larger display and better battery life — not to mention it’s several grams lighter. But at 5.2-inches, Sony’s curveless flagship might be too big for its your britches.
Shh, it’s a Secret: The allure of the anonymous internet
You can say almost anything you want on the internet, often without consequence. But are there advantages to being truly anonymous? Our own Nicole Lee spent some time with an app called Secret to find out.
Samsung Gear 2 review: much improved, but that doesn’t mean you should buy it
Samsung’s next gen smartwatch, the Gear 2, is indeed an improvement over its predecessor. It sports a slimmer design and a much longer battery life, though it’s $50 more than the original. Add in a skimpy app selection, and it still might not be worth investing in Samsung’s wrist-worn platform.
Here’s Amazon’s phone: six cameras and a 4.7-inch screen
We’ve all heard the rumors, but BGR claims it’s gotten hold of Amazon’s first phone — and it has six cameras. The 4.7-inch handset (shown above) might not appear very sleek or attractive. But don’t worry, that’s just an enclosure.
Apple CarPlay coming to Pioneer’s in-dash systems this summer
Pioneer’s NEX line of five in-dash entertainment systems will get Apple’s CarPlay support through a firmware update set to arrive this summer. Owners with an iPhone 5, 5c or 5s will be able to take advantage of Apple Maps, Siri and more!
Google beats Facebook to acquisition of drone maker
Earlier this week, Google agreed to buy Titan Aerospace, a solar-powered drone manufacturer that had previously been in talks with Facebook. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company plans to use the high-flying aircraft in collaboration with its Project Loon.
MSI GS60 Ghost review: a gaming rig in Ultrabook’s clothing
Thin, light and simple: MSI’s latest gaming laptop is all of those things and more. Dubbed the GS60 Ghost, this slim aluminum machine has a bright 15.3-inch display and ultrabook-esque buttonless trackpad. All in all, the Ghost is a great choice for serious gamers, provided they can endure its less-than-average battery life.
Sony pumps up its PS4 update with game pre-loading and SHAREfactory video editor
In a recent blog post, Sony announced it’s preparing a 1.70 firmware update for the PS4 that will include a brand new video editor (called SHAREfactory) and pre-game loading functionality. Exactly when it will be released, however, is still to be known.
Google Trends email alerts will guarantee you never miss another cat meme
You can always swing by Google Trends if you want to gauge the popularity of a given search, but visiting that website every time can be a hassle. Thankfully, there’s now an easier way: Google has added a subscription option that sends email notifications when there are changes in the interest levels for most searches, including hot searches, specific topics and the top US charts. If you want to see how long an internet meme survives or find out when your favorite team is creating a lot of buzz, you just have to visit Trends’ subscription area to get started.
Source: Inside Search, Google Trends
[Download] YouTube version 5.6.32 makes quite a few changes in a small Increment
It must be Christmas because the Google apps updates just keep coming. Or maybe it’s just Easter. Either way, Google has pushed yet another update for the YouTube app just days after updating it to version 5.6.31. This new iteration, YouTube version 5.6.32, looks like it adds quite a few tweaks despite only being a 0.0.01 increment. The new additions include quite a few changes to interactions with playlists as well as tweaks to comments like replying to and deleting them. The full list of changes from the Play Store page include:
- YouTube Mix automatic playlists for music videos
- Reply to comments
- Improved video quality for Android 4.2 and above
- Delete your own comment
- See if a comment was shared privately or publicly
- Share and like playlists
- Your liked and personal playlists appear in the left-hand guide drawer
The update is showing on the Google Play Store now, but if the update hasn’t hit your device yet and you want to get your hands on the latest and greatest, we have the APK file available for download below:
YouTube version 5.6.32 APK download
Don’t forget to let us know how you find the latest update in the comments!
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Prospective Google Glass buyers can “try on” before buying
Google is making it easier for those wanting to purchase Google Glass but are hesitant in spending the rather large $1500 for a pair. Google has launched a new free Home Try-On Program allowing potential customers to find what color and frame style they want before committing to the purchase.
The package allows customers to receive a package with Glass in four different colors along with the different styles of prescription frames. Google place a $50 hold on your credit card until they receive the home kit back, but otherwise the Home Try-On kit is completely free.
Now before you think that $50 is a small price to pay to not send back four Google Glass devices, they are non-functional. You’ll get Google Glass devices in Charcoal, Tangerine, Shale, and Sky, and have 10 days to return the kit to Google using the prepaid shipping label.
So if you were wondering what Glass feels like before purchasing, then the Home Try-On program is for you.
The post Prospective Google Glass buyers can “try on” before buying appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google could be working on an even cheaper Nexus
If the Nexus 5 wasn’t budget enough already. a new report has surfaced that suggests Google has partnered with MediaTek for a very low-priced Nexus smartphone.
With Nokia lining up their budget Android handsets aimed at developing markets, it’s expected that the MediaTek processor will power the Nexus device that could sell for only $100 in order to further spread the Nexus brand.
Whilst details are scarce at the moment, it certainly makes sense for Google to offer a budget Nexus device running pure Android to not only advertise Nexus, but also promote Android as Google intended.
SOURCE: mtksj
The post Google could be working on an even cheaper Nexus appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google kicks off Chromecast offers program with £5 of free Play credit
With Google’s Chromecast streaming dongle now fully settled in the UK, the great provider (of search results) has kicked off a promotional program rewarding new and old customers alike. You’ll find the offer highlighted in the Play store, where (browser) window shoppers are being tempted with “£4.99 credit towards a movie rental.” The truth is, however, that you can spend your free fiver on anything available on Play, like music, books or Android apps. Furthermore, anyone with a Chromecast purchased in the UK is eligible, regardless of when you bought it. The only catch really is you must redeem the credit online by mid-July and spend it before the same time next year. It would appear this is just the first freebie in an ongoing offers program, so don’t be surprised to see others in the future that sweeten the deal for newcomers, as well as thank old hands for their patronage.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Peripherals, Google
Via: Android Central
Source: Google (1), (2), (3), (4), Play store
[RUMOUR] Is a budget, Mediatek-powered Nexus device coming some time in 2014?
For some people, the only news worth holding out for in 2014 will be the expected announcement and release of yet another Nexus device, generally referred to as the Nexus 6. This so-called Nexus 6, if real, will likely marry high performance hardware with great value as the previous two iterations have done. If a report coming out of China is to be believed, however, we might be getting a second, slightly different Nexus device prior to the Nexus 6′s release. According to MTKSJ who specializes in Mediatek-related news, Google is looking at making a budget, Mediatek-powered Nexus device sometime in 2014.
For a bit of background, Mediatek is one of the biggest mobile processor players in the world, however, their influence is mainly concentrated in the Asia region. The primary reason why they are so successful in this region is the low cost of their processors, a game that Qualcomm, the major player in Western markets, is unwilling to play. Logically then, if a budget, Nexus device were to be made, a Mediatek processor could be a possibility, which could imply that a manufacturer in the Asia region would likely work with Google on making the device. However, as with all rumours surrounding Nexus devices, this rumour should be taken with a grain of salt as many stories relating to Google’s plans have generally been pure conjecture.
What do you think about the suggestion that there could be a budget, Mediatek-powered Nexus device? Would you buy such a device? Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments.
Source: MTKSJ via Phones Review
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