Google's moving toward more of an Apple-like release schedule for its operating systems, so the new L release of Android isn't coming out for real for a while. But there will early versions for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7 that developers—or endeavoring nerds—can download starting tomorrow.
Android L Release Preview: Everything You Need to Know (Updating)
It's been years since Google has given its Android platform as fresh a face as this. But today we got our first look at Android's next big shakeup. It doesn't have a name yet (lollipop?) but it's here to tie things together.
WSJ: Google Is Going to Announce an Android TV Set-Top Box at I/O
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google will announce "at least one" set-top box running its Android TV operating system at today's I/O event.
The world's first android newscasters are terrifyingly realistic
In the future, we'll get the news from fair and balanced android newscasters that'll somehow terrify us more than the cable newspeople we have today. These android newscasters are frighteningly lifelike and can interact with humans, read the news and Tweets, tell a joke and basically replace the talking heads on TV.
Minuum to develop keyboard for circular smartwatches
As the eagerly-awaited official announcement of the Moto 360 smartwatch is expected this week at the Google I/O, several apps are already preparing for the first round-face smartwatch in the market. Minuum Keyboard has announced they are developing an app meant for the circular interface of the Moto 360.
Ever since it launched last year, Minuum, which calls itself “the little keyboard for big fingers,” has been aiming to change how people type on their devices. They believe that since phones and tablets are much smaller than desktops and laptops, the QWERTY style of keyboards should be revolutionised. They made it into a horizontal-type of keyboard that takes up less space on the screen. Although it takes some getting used to, they believe that the horizontal format will intuitively teach users to type quickly.
Minuum says they’re developing the circular keyboard for the Moto 360 because smartwatches, even though they’re small enough, still need keyboards. Voice recognition and yes/no type of interaction may not be enough and there are times that a quick reply. When you’re in class or at work and you can’t bring out your phone or tablet, then having a keyboard on your smartwatch would be handy.
The makers of the app also said they received several requests already for a Minuum for smartwatches so they decided to create one already. They’re inviting those with Android-based watches to test-run the initial version by emailing them. But they also warn that Android Wear will not have full input method integration yet when they launch.
Download Minuum on Google Play Store
SOURCE: Minuum
LG G Watch pre-order set up by online retailer
LG's smartwatch is coming this week, that much is sure, but its actual availability will most likely only be revealed at I/O 2014 . Online retailer MobileFun isn't waiting, however, and has already put up a pre-order page for the LG G Watch, with a price tag that roughly matches previous leaks.
The LG G Watch has been adequately teased by LG itself as well as with a little help from Google. However, not much is really known about this device outside of some leaks. The closest we've gotten to a complete specification was two weeks ago with a leak of what is more likely quotation sheets than actual spec sheet. That said, it showed a slightly underpowered device, though it could very well be the baseline that Google is aiming for with Android Wear smartwatches.
As to the price, there hasn't really been any solid information either, with most leaks either coming up with estimates or comparing it to existing smartwatches in the market. MobileFun puts the price tag at $254.99, which is only a bit below previous estimates that put it somewhere lower than the SRP of a Samsung Gear 2 Neo. Aside from that price, however, there is nothing on those pages that haven't already been officially revealed before, like features and color options. Given that we're still waiting for the official word on the G Watch, best to take this pre-order offer with a healthy dose of skepticism.
LG won't be the only Android Wear star at Google I/O. Of course, the Moto 360 will also be there to share the stage. But a surprising latecomer will also be vying for the spotlight. Samsung is also expected to unveil its own Android Wear smartwatch, which is definitely a surprise and a deviation from its Tizen-powered wearable thrust.
SOURCE: MobileFun (1), (2)
VIA: Phandroid
Next Android version to be revealed at Google I/O 2014
Sometimes it is good to be wrong. With most of the focus spent on Android Wear and its upcoming devices, we definitely did not expect that Google will be taking time to unveil the next Android release. But Android lead Sundar Pichai was ready to break tradition and has confirmed that he will give a preview tomorrow at I/O 2014.
In the past, Google has scheduled the release of a new Android version outside of its annual I/O conference. Usually this happens during fall and with the announcement of an accompanying new Nexus device bearing the new version. Google is, however, shaking things up a little and, according to Pichai, this is because of the complaints from device makers. Although some OEMs may be privy to what Google is cooking up, most of them will not get their hands on "Android Next" until it is announced. This leaves them with a very tight schedule to integrate and test the software for new devices or firmware updates. In practice, this means potentially missing out on the mad rush of holiday shopping.
In contrast, the lone manufacturer chosen by Google to make the next Nexus devices will have the advantage of getting to play with the new Android OS before everyone else. With this change of schedule, Google is leveling the playing field. That said, the tech giant has remained coy about which manufacturer has been chosen to bear the Nexus name this time around, or what form factor the device will take in the first place. LG claims that it has not been approached by Google for any Nexus smartphone, but a recent leak hinted at a 9-inch tablet made by HTC codenamed Volantis. Still, there might not even be any Nexus device at all if the rumors about the Android Silver program do come to pass.
Pichai has not mentioned any timetable for the actual release of the next Android version, so we can only presume that it will still come around fall. But now that the cat is out of the bag, the floor is open for speculation, guesses and rumors about its name, which will start with an "L" this time around. Anyone want a Lollipop?
SOURCE: Bloomberg Businessweek
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)