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Google Maps is ditching cloud-based location history for a more private solution
Your location history will be stored locally on your device going forward, but you can still opt for an end-to-end-encrypted backup
It's no secret that Google Maps keeps tabs on your every move with its Timeline feature, which logs all your pit stops and the routes you take. As long as you're signed in to your Google account with Location History enabled (it's off by default), Google collects all this juicy information and secures it in the cloud, promising it's encrypted. But if you're the paranoid type, the company will soon give you the option to stash your trips directly on your device.
We enabled Android's new App Pairs to show you split-screen shortcuts in action
Android will soon let you save an App Pair to quickly launch a duo of apps into split-screen mode
One of the biggest advantages of using an Android device with a larger screen is the ability to multitask more effectively. Android has long offered a split-screen mode that enables placing two apps side-by-side or one above the other on the screen. However, Android doesn’t natively offer the option to save your split-screen configuration. That means if you want to open a particular pair of apps in split-screen mode, you have to manually do it every time. Fortunately, Android could finally let you save an App Pair so you can quickly relaunch a pair of apps into split-screen mode.
Google likes naming phones after fish, and according to a look we took at the recently released version of the new standalone Lens app, There's a new fish/phone named "Blueline" that Google may be planning. According to another leak, "Bonito" may be the name for Google's upcoming Snapdragon 710-powered device.
The worst thing about living in the future is all the cables, and I'm not just talking about the extra dongles OEMs make us carry around now. Every new gadget, whether it uses a nice easy standard like USB-C or not, is another electronic mouth to feed come bedtime. From phones to wearables and all your day to day accessories, how many devices do you have to charge at night?Personally, I hate having to charge more than one device. That's at least part of why I dislike wearables such as Android Wear-powered smartwatches. At least my Pebble only needed to be topped up once a week, the last thing I want is yet another device to plug in each night. Add in the fact that we're all being forced to switch to Bluetooth headphones or accept the #DongleLife, and bedstands in 2017 are becoming a very crowded place.For some of our readers, that might just be the start. There are plenty of other accessories or duplications like separate work and personal phones that can further compound the cables and connections required. As I'm fond of saying, it's all about your workflow. Based on yours, how many devices do you need to plug in and charge up at night?
If you're into framing screenshots with beautiful device art, the process really doesn't get much easier than using Google's official Device Art Generator. Perennially updated with the latest Google devices, the tool started its life as part of Roman Nurik's indispensable Android Asset Studio project, but since graduated to the official Android developers site.
Thanks to MotoFirmware.com, Motorola's Droid Turbo has just broken cover in a detailed quick-start guide to the device covering its form factor, features, and much more.
Back at Google I/O we were introduced to Android One, an initiative from Google to give smartphone manufacturers guidance on how to build quality Android experiences using affordable hardware and updates directly from the Google mothership. At the time, Sundar Pichai explained that the program would be launched in India with three hardware partners - Spice, Micromax, and Karbonn "this fall," with other territories coming later.
Earlier today, Google announced that the new LTE Nexus 7 was now available for purchase from the Play Stores in 9 countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, UK, Japan, Korea and U.S. For some reason, the company has neglected to mention Italy, which just got the Devices (Dispositivi) section added to the Play Store for the first time ever.
When Google launched the Android Device Manager in early August, I applauded the initiative because we finally got a much-needed security solution that was built into every Android devices that ships with Google's services. Rather, it was a good start, since the functionality was so limited: location, remote wipe, and alarm.
Update: According to GigaOm, today's Galaxy Gear images are definitely of a prototype, as VentureBeat speculated could be the case earlier. Additionally, GigaOm's sources indicate that the watch will be running Android 4.3 with Bluetooth LE connectivity, a dual-core 1.5GHz Exynos 4212 processor (with Mali-400 MP4 GPU), and the ability to make phone calls. Our original post follows below.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is working on a few things. They are, according to the world's most infamous tipster "People Familiar With The Matter," working on an Android-powered video game console. And a smart watch. And a new Nexus Q. And the possibility of Android-powered appliances (like refrigerators). And Laptops. And, oh yeah, low-cost phones for developing markets.
Unified Remote, in short, is a great app. Its claim to being "easily the most feature-filled PC remote" may have merit, as Artem will attest. The app, in conjunction with a PC-compatible server, will allow your device to control your mouse, keyboard, and favorite software (think Spotify, Winamp, VLC, Hulu, iTunes, etc.) via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
There's no denying that wearable tech seems to be where it's at among industry analysts. Indeed, the concept of wearable devices separate from smartphones and tablets has piqued the interest of many would-be users. Pebble's smartwatch drew some pretty significant attention, and rumors of more advanced watches from both Samsung and Apple have fueled buzz for several weeks.
As Promised, The Nexus 4 Is Now Back In Stock On Australian Play Store
As Promised, The Nexus 4 Is Now Back In Stock On Australian Play Store
Australians on the prowl for the Nexus 4, your time has finally come. You were last, after U.S., Canada, Germany, Spain, France, and UK, but who's holding grudges? Just like our tipster indicated, both the 8GB and the 16GB Nexus 4s are on sale on the Play Store as of a few minutes ago. The Bumper, unfortunately, seems to be out, but that's a minor niggle in the grand scheme of things.
Like most in the Android world, I've been steadily increasing my comfort zone on how big a screen I want. Back in the day, I was obsessed with getting my phone as small as possible, like Zoolander. Then I got my first smartphone in the Windows Mobile 6 days, and ever since then every device I get has a bigger screen than the last, and I end up being happy about it.
Despite the slew of devices released since Summer, the Galaxy S III remains one of the most popular handsets in the Android world right now. If you were looking to get your hands on one without signing a new contract, eBay Daily Deals has both the black and blue international versions for $499 unlocked.
It was bound to happen. Really, it was inevitable at this point, however today we've gotten official word that Samsung is requesting to add the newest iPad, the iPad Mini, and the latest iPod Touch to its lawsuit against the Cupertino company. This isn't shocking so much as it is entirely expected. Still, while HTC and Apple are busy settling their differences and the patent wars seemingly cooling off—if only a bit—this is a solid reminder that the two manufacturers with the most to gain (and lose!) from this fight aren't backing away from each other.
Update: It looks like the 16GB Nexus 10 is back in stock now. If you were one of the unlucky few who missed the first batch of orders, go ahead and claim yours now.
Device Art Generator Updated With Nexus 4, 10 Frames
Device Art Generator Updated With Nexus 4, 10 Frames
Since the Device Frame Generator moved to Google's Android Developer site and received its new name (Device Art Generator), we've heard nary a peep about additional frames or other updates. That appears to have changed today, however – the Device Art Generator now features gorgeous new frames for both the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, of course with the ability to toggle shadow, glare, and rotation. If you're a developer who needs a nice easy way to build promotional collateral, or just an average user who wants to create beautifully-framed screenshots, hit the link below.
Earlier today, a couple of rather exciting photos found on Picasa began hitting news sites showing what could be a leaked device called the Sony Nexus X. Of course, during Nexus season, any rumor or glance at a possible new device is always exciting, but sometimes it's worth while to take a step back and consider whether what we're looking at is actually what it appears to be. Our penchant for putting leaked images under the microscope led us to do a bit of investigating.