2014 Doodle 4 Google encourages kids to share ideas on how to make the world better
Google is one of a few companies that loves being involved in all kinds of different projects, one of which is Doodle 4 Google. In 2013, through the initiative, the Mountain View-based company challenged kids to shoot for the stars and describe their best day — the results, to say the least, were quite creative and heartwarming. This year’s version of Doodle 4 Google takes on a whole new theme: “If I could invent one thing to make the world a better place…” On its blog, the Chrome maker says the idea is to have “young artists think and dream big,” adding that this is all about “curiosity, possibility and imagination.” Submissions are being accepted as we speak and will have to be in by March 20th; as was the cast last year, the winner will be receiving a $30,000 college scholarship and $50,000 Google for Education tech grant for the triumphant kid’s school. Even better, the chosen Doodle is set to be featured on the almighty Google.com page.
The 50 finalists, one from each US state, are going to be revealed on April 29th, after which Google will let the public decide which creation should take the highest honors and be crowned 2014 Doodle 4 Google champ. If you’re interested in getting your little ones involved, then head over to this link here — details on how to participate can be found there.
Filed under: Internet, Alt, Google
Source: Google
Google Maps on iOS now notifies you when a faster route is available
In an effort to bring Maps for iOS up to par with its Android equivalent, Google has released an update that makes the app on Apple’s platform smarter in real-time. Now, when you’re using Navigation mode within the iOS application, Google Maps can send a notification to let you know a faster route has become available. If that’s the case, you’ll simply have to choose from either a “Reroute” or “No thanks” option — but, you know what they say, time is money. It’s worth noting this particular feature made its way to Android last month, and now those with iDevices will be able to take advantage of it as well. Unless, of course, you’re just a big fan of Cupertino’s own map service.
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google
Source: App Store, Google Maps (Google+)
Google and Cisco sign cross-license patent deal
Google and Cisco today announced a new deal which sees the two benefiting from playing nice with each other. The two companies will license patents to the other in an attempt to promote innovation and freedom of operation. Rather than fight it out in court and waste time with litigation and damages, the pair are essentially strengthening their respective portfolios.
“Our agreement with Cisco will reduce the potential for litigation, letting us focus instead on building great new products…We’re pleased to enter into this cross-license, and we welcome discussions with any company interested in a similar arrangement.”
More at Cisco
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ASUS’ Chromebox arrives in March for $179
As promised late last year, ASUS unveiled its new Chromebox packing Intel’s fourth-generation Haswell processors today. The most compact Chromebox yet, the computer comes sporting either Intel’s Celeron 2955U or i3-4010 processor. Another i7 version of the box will be available outside of North America.
Under the hood of the svelte 4.88 x 4.88 x 1.65-inch device, you’ll get Intel-integrated HD graphics and 16GB of onboard storage. If you need more room to store your stuff, ASUS is also offering buyers 100GB of free cloud storage through Google Drive. Display-wise, the i3 and i7 Chromebox supports 4K Ultra High-Definition displays, and all three have HDMI and DisplayPort out ports for dual-monitor capabilities. You’ll also find four USB 3.0 ports on the device, as well as a built-in SD card reader. You can snag your own ASUS Chromebox in March starting at $179; check out more images below.
AllCast Android media streamer and Chromecast are friends again now that the SDK is here
Google’s Chromecast has teased seemingly limitless potential since its release last year, but until the Cast SDK came out yesterday most developers couldn’t take advantage of it. That includes Koushik Dutta, creator of the AllCast app that we’ve already seen featuring screen mirroring or streaming music, video and pictures from Android devices to the dongle, but that’s all changed. He reports that adding Chromecast support to his existing app (previously limited to streaming with Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, Playstation and other DLNA/AirPlay ready devices) took about 20 minutes in a “trivial” procedure requiring almost no extra code. A video demo of the feature is embedded after the break, and while it loads a little slower than other devices, pushing media from phone to TV is now just a button press away.
That bodes well for other apps we’d like to see supporting Chromecast, and hopefully means that tiny button will pop up everywhere soon. As for AllCast, an update with Chromecast support is coming “soon,” interested users can grab a free version that works for one minute to try it out, or upgrade to the unlimited premium edition for $4.99.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Google
Daily Roundup: Google’s Chromecast SDK, Facebook Paper hands-on and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
GTA 5 is best selling game of 2013
Grand Theft Auto 5 was the best-selling game of 2013, but that should come as no surprise since the title pulled in $1 billion at its debut. Click on through for more information.
Facebook Paper hands-on
Facebook’s new app, named Paper, hopes to become your go-to new source, but does it really offer any advantages over the plethora of other aggregators out there? Follow the link to our hands on and find out.
Google unveils Chromecast SDK
If you’re a developer who’s been waiting to take advantage of Mountain View’s $35 dongle, you’re in luck. Earlier today, Google released the Chromecast SDK and invited coders to get hackin’. Click through for details.
PS4 update brings Pulse headset support
PS4 owners with a Pulse headset will soon be able to take advantage of Sony’s version 1.6 update. Set to arrive late tonight, the update will bring PlayStation 4 support for both the regular Pulse and Elite editions. Click the link for more.
Google’s so-called mystery barge must relocate in light of permit blunder
Sure, Google’s so-called mystery barge is a little less, well, mysterious now that we know it’s meant to be “an interactive space where people can learn about new technology,” but the tale of its creation continues the theme of intrigue. After receiving complaints about the craft’s construction, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission looked into Mountain View’s project and discovered that the proper paperwork wasn’t in order. As it turns out, the city of San Francisco nor the Treasure Island Development Authority, which gave Google the green light to set up shop in the bay, had applied for the permits necessary to let work begin at the raft’s current location. According to Larry Goldzband, the commission’s executive director, Page and Co. must move the vessel, and sending it to a permitted construction spot in the bay would do just fine. The future might not be as rosy for the Treasure Island Development Authority, however, as Goldzband says they could face fines and enforcement proceedings for stepping out of line.
This isn’t the first time Google’s float has had a run in with government officials either. Last fall, the US Coast Guard inspected the watercraft and seems to have suggested some design changes. The paperwork blunder likely won’t mean much for the barge in the long term, but we’ve reached out to Google for word on how they’ll adjust to the troubles.
Source: SFGate (Associated Press)
Google Calendar now helps you remember holidays in 30 more countries
If you’ve ever made the faux pas of contacting foreign coworkers while they’re out celebrating national holidays, you’ll appreciate the latest update to Google Calendar. The service now accounts for special occasions in 30 more countries, including Argentina and Switzerland. It also covers a larger range of holidays, and you’ll see their dates further in advance. Google may not patch up any damaged international relations with its Calendar update, but it’ll at least help you avoid future incidents.
Source: Official Gmail Blog
Adobe’s Photoshop guru John Nack is heading to Google’s photography team
If you needed further proof that Google was serious about its photography efforts, one of Adobe’s main Photoshop folks is heading for Mountain View to pitch in. John Nack, former Senior Product Manager for Photoshop, has been with the creative software outfit for about 14 years and led the software’s first public beta (CS3) and the introduction of notable features like Smart Objects. Most recently, Nack has worked on Adobe’s mobile efforts as Principle Product Manager. It’s no surprise that Google is looking to dive further into photo editing after debuting Auto Awesome last year and snatching up Snapseed before that. In a blog post announcing the move, Nack noted that the two companies have collaborated for quite some time and that he hopes to pursue that relationship further, writing “There’s so much we can all do to help photographers & storytellers of every sort.” For now, we’ll just have to bid out time until Google’s next snapshot-focused software release.
Filed under: Software
Source: John Nack
Google looses Chromecast SDK on developers
Google has rolled out the official Google Cast SDK for all developers, which could, in essence, open the door to a bunch of new apps with Chromecast support. Those developers wishing to utilize the tools should note that the SDK has “undergone a thorough overhaul since the developer preview release”. In other words, be sure to read through the documents, notes, and other files before starting up.
Just incorporate the SDK into your existing mobile and web apps to bring your content to the TV. You are in control of how and when you develop and publish your cast-ready apps through the Google Cast developer console. The SDK is available on Android and iOS as well as on Chrome through the Google Cast browser extension.
Is there a particular app or game that you would like to see take advantage of the Google Chromecast?
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