Google’s Ingress to become a platform for augmented reality games
Augmented reality games are really cool, and I remember when I used to play one on a Nokia a long time ago, but the way technology is moving forward, the world of augmented reality is changed as well. Niantic Labs, a part of Google, developed an augmented reality game known as the Ingress. It transforms the real world into the landscape for a global game of mystery, intrigue, and competition. However, now it seems that Niantic Labs will have to wind down their story-line.
Soon it will be turned into a platform for other augmented reality games. Niantic told The Verge that they are working on kits that will allow developers to create their own games with chat layer, location info, and in-game ads if needed. However, don’t expect to write your own title anytime soon. Right now, Niantic doesn’t know when the tools will be ready, and it all depends on the flexibility of the team, so hopefully sooner or later we will hear the good news.
So, any Ingress fans out there? What do you think about this? Tell us about it in the comment box below.
Source: The Verge
The post Google’s Ingress to become a platform for augmented reality games appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google’s Ingress to become a platform for other augmented reality games
Eventually, Google’s Niantic Labs will have to wind down Ingress’ storyline. However, that won’t be the end of the developer’s augmented reality efforts. Niantic tells The Verge that it’s working on programming kits that would let aspiring coders build their own games with chat layers, location info and (if necessary) in-game ads. Jut don’t expect to write your own title any time soon. Niantic doesn’t yet know when the tools will be ready, and their availability may depend on the kind of flexibility that the team wants to offer. If the developer plays its cards right, though, Ingress fans will have a lot more to look forward to than just the beta’s end or iOS support.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Google
Source: The Verge
Skype brings picture in picture video calls to Android tablets
For Skype’s latest Android update, the company turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: parent company Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 OS. Specifically, the Skype team wanted to achieve a Snap View-like feature for Android tablet users and that’s just what’s rolling out to users today. The new picture-in-picture option allows callers to continue browsing the web, reading email or even playing Candy Crush on their slates while they video chat away. A new pinch to browse alphabetically feature has also been bundled into the update, making it far easier to locate contacts without endlessly scrolling through a list. Existing Skype users should see the update hitting their Android devices soon though, take note, smartphone users will only benefit from included stability and bug fixes. You can’t have it all, people.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Software, Mobile, Microsoft, Google
Source: Skype blog, Google Play
Google Maps Navigation for Android makes its way to 25 more countries
Eager to go on a driving trip to an exotic locale? You’ll be glad to hear that Google Maps Navigation is now available in 25 more countries. Most of the additions are in Africa, including Libya, Somalia and Tunisia. The rest of the coverage is scattered across the globe: Caribbean travelers can find their way through Guadeloupe and Haiti, while European visitors can navigate Andorra, Croatia and Serbia. There’s even support for relatively remote places like Bhutan and Vanuatu. Maps Navigation still isn’t a truly global service when it reaches 99 countries, but it now reaches far enough that it will be a surprise if you can’t get your bearings while traveling abroad.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
Via: Android Police
Source: Google Maps Support
Nexus 5 now shipping with slightly altered physical appearance
Over at XDA Developers forum, some new owners of the Nexus 5, and those that returned theirs for defects, are reporting that their devices are slightly different from those that originally shipped at launch.
According to XDA member shinral, some devices had noisy buttons, a protruding SIM card tray and a “cutting edge” or sharp display frame.
With the recent long shipping times for the Nexus 5 to come back in stock, Google and LG must have been busy making slight tweaks to the production line.
All of these imperfections are reported to have been fixed and one of the other differences noted between the original and new Nexus 5 are larger microphone and speaker holes.
Have you had any issues with your Nexus 5 or noticed any of these changes?
via XDA Developers
The post Nexus 5 now shipping with slightly altered physical appearance appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google launches Tips to help you get more out of Gmail and its other services
Though we’re sure Google tries to keep its products like Now and Docs as easy to use as possible, who has the time to learn every single feature? That’s likely why Google just launched Tips, a site that uses its info card trope to help you dive more deeply into all 13 of its consumer products. For instance, if you choose Google+, one card suggests you can “make your still photos not so still,” and reveals step-by-step instructions when you flip it along with each device it supports. You can even submit your own idea for a tip, though to do that and other functions, you’ll need a Google account. It’s only available on desktop browsers for now, but if you want to give it a spin and see all the supported products, hit the source.
Source: Google Tips
LG and Google tweak Nexus 5 production to fix speaker and loose buttons
Owners of brand new Nexus 5 handsets are starting to notice a few subtle differences compared to the version that sold at launch. The mono speaker grille holes are slightly larger, for a start, which could potentially offer a decibel or so of extra volume and prevent buyers from having to go all crazy with a hot needle. The volume and power buttons seem to have been made stiffer too, suggesting that complaints about excessive rattling noises reached receptive ears at LG and Google. None of this will help those of us who bought launch day models, of course, unless there’s the option of seeking a replacement, but we reckon the Nexus 5 remains the best $350 option on the market even with all its original foibles.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, LG
Via: TalkAndroid, PocketDroid
Source: XDA
Moto X gets Android 4.4 KitKat and camera enhancements on Sprint and US Cellular
Sprint and US Cellular customers with Motorola’s $199 smartphone have finally joined the KitKat party. Starting today, Moto X users can enjoy Android 4.4′s streamlined interface and Google-licious features, courtesy of an OTA update.
In other Moto X news, the company updated its camera app with manual control of the focus and exposure. Users can select “Control focus & exposure” to adjust the aforementioned settings by dragging a green bracket to the desired location. In order to cash in on the update, you’ll need to hit up the Play store via our source link below.
Filed under: Cellphones, Google
Via: PhoneArena, Droid Life
Source: Motorola, Google Play
Google optimizes web versions of Play Movies and Music for Chromecast
The Chromecast is the tiny dongle that just keeps on giving. A mere couple of days after announcing support for a number of new applications, Google has let it be known that its $35 streamer is now compatible with Play Movies and Music on the desktop in a more native way. What this means is you will no longer have to rely on casting a Chrome tab to watch videos or listen to tunes ; instead, a Cast icon shows up within the Google Play web player and allows content to seamlessly be pushed to the device. Of course, there’s still a requirement to have the Google Cast extension installed on your Chrome browser — but this is a small price to pay in exchange for such useful functionality.
Filed under: Google
Source: Google
YouTube opens live streaming for all verified channels, even yours
What’s that, your YouTube channel has fewer than 100 subscribers, but you feel it’s a travesty that you can’t share your video opus as it happens? Well, start popping bottles: Google has begun rolling out live streaming capabilities to all of its verified users that are in good standing (hopefully that includes you!). Since releasing the feature more widely less than a year ago, the video giant has now given the option to all, putting even the lowliest accounts on equal footing with the site’s heavy hitters. Don’t start planning a live broadcast of your next quilting bee just yet, though: While the update starts today, YouTube said it’ll be a few weeks before everyone gets access.
Via: The Next Web
Source: YouTube Creators blog
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