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The past year has been good for Android. As Google likes to do during each of its annual developer conferences, it happily boasted about a few numbers. Engineering Vice President Dave Burke appeared happy to give the news.
A new version of Android is on the way, but Google isn't announcing a name at Google I/O. All throughout the keynote, the next release continues to go by Android N.
Amazon Echo is about to have company. As the New York Times reported, Google has a competing device in the works, and it has the full weight of the search giant's natural language processing behind it. If you haven't already heard the name, you could probably take a guess. It's Google Home.
Android has seen no shortage of Assassin's Creed companion apps. But games based on the franchise that were built explicitly for mobile devices? Those are rare. So rare, in fact, that 2014's Assassin's Creed Pirates has thus far been the only one. And to be fair, that game was hardly your typical AC experience.
Have a Samsung device with an S Pen? Then you're probably familiar with S Note. This note-taking app encourages you to pull out your stylus, pen notes or a doodle, and memorize things in a way that may seem a bit more artsy than Google Keep.
Sports are more enjoyable on TV than phones and tablets. It's a demonstrable fact. You don't see bars hanging Samsung Galaxy Tabs on walls do you?
The Huawei Honor 5X is the kind of phone that leaves buyers wondering why people are willing to pay so much for other devices. $200 gets you a 5.5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 616 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (plus a microSD slot), a 13MP camera, a metal body, and a fingerprint sensor.
Belkin makes a series of gadgets intended to make your home smarter. Think WiFi-connected light switches and outlets that let you toggle anything you plug in. Now these products work with Nest.Connecting WeMo devices to a Nest Thermostat makes controlling all these products even simpler. Rather than tapping a few buttons on your phone, Nest will adjust things automatically as you enter and leave the house. Dim the lights, turn on the fan, and get that smooth jazz playing.The exchange goes both ways. You can also manage basic functions on your thermostat using version 1.15 of the WeMo app.Products that now work with Nest include the WeMo Switch, WeMo Light Switch, WeMo Insight Switch, and the WeMo Maker.
The workplace may be stuffy, but that doesn't mean there isn't space for a tech lover to geek out. You may be the IT guy responsible for managing user accounts and security policies, but just like on your personal phone, you like having access to the latest tools.
Twitter will soon make fitting everything into 140 characters an easier task, according to Bloomberg. The news agency reports that the social network is about to stop counting photos and links toward the character limit. The change is expected in the next two weeks.
Google-owned navigation company Waze is expanding into a new area, metaphorically and physically. Last year Wave began testing a carpooling app called RideWith, which was only available in Israel. Ten months later, the company is ready to test out the experience in the US.
Alarm.com sounds like a website whose sole purpose is starting your day with a broken laptop. Turns out it's a home automation service. The site can manage your security alarm systems, locks, lights, thermostats, and garage doors. Using "scenes," it can manage multiples at once with a single button press.
There comes a moment when you're making a recording where you wish you could zoom in. Well, you can, and now Snapchat has made that something that only requires one hand.
Own a Zopo phone? Then you probably don't live in the US. No matter. If you own a Speed 7, Speed 7 Plus, or Speed 7 GP, you're in for a treat. Zopo is now pushing Android 6.0 to those devices.
Apparently if you call an emergency number from your Android device, you can't block calls for the next 48 hours.
Airside's Mobile Passport app offers a way to speed up the process of re-entering the US after traveling abroad. You send Customs and Border Protection your passport and customs information via your Android device. Then you get to skip the main line and zip through the dedicated Mobile Passport one instead.
Evernote and Google Drive aren't exactly competing services, but they're similar. Both are places you go to vomit out notes and other documents worth remembering. Now the two are working together.
Yesterday we reported on a rumor that Google would unveil a new "Android VR" platform at Google I/O next week, along with a standalone headset. Today we're seeing what looks like additional evidence. Folks who sign into the Google Play Developer Console are seeing Android VR alongside Android Wear, Android TV, and Android Auto.
I like budget phones. I especially like those that still let me run the latest version of Android. It looks like AT&T's upcoming GoPhone from LG may be one to add to that list.
T-Mobile is preparing to offer the HTC 10, and if you have yet to buy the phone, this may be the route to go.