In the wake of carrier delays and missteps, Google has decided it's taking the reins when it comes to the future of phone messaging and RCS. The Verge is reporting that Google will be spinning up its own RCS/Chat services later this month for users in the UK and France, with support coming to other areas "throughout the year," though there is no firm timeline or list of markets.
Read MoreOnePlus buys Robert Downey Jr. to hawk the 7 Pro in select markets, while supplies last
According to a promotional image published to the actor's Weibo account earlier today, Robert Downey Jr and OnePlus have entered into a marketing deal. According to The Verge, which was able to confirm some details with the smartphone manufacturer, the Avengers star's likeness will be used for promotions across Asia, especially India and China.
Read More'Chat' will be Google's new name for RCS, Allo development paused in favor of Android Messages
It's a meme at this point: Every two years, Google announces yet another new messaging platform that will finally give Android its iMessage competitor. Those of you hoping Allo might break this cycle will be disappointed today, as The Verge has revealed that Google is pausing development for Allo and switching focus to the existing Android Messages app, paired with an investment in branding RCS messaging into something called "Chat."
Read More[Update: More details] OnePlus confirms the OnePlus 6 will have a notch, explains the reasoning behind it
As evidenced by the comments on yesterday's post about the OnePlus 6 leak, you guys don't like notches at all. Unfortunately, leaked photos had already revealed that OnePlus was at least seriously considering adding one to the OnePlus 6, and the company itself has now confirmed it. Carl Pei, OnePlus's cofounder, spoke with The Verge to explain why the decision was made to add one.
Read MoreThe Verge takes a closer look at the OnePlus 5's camera and some early prototype designs
Today is just one day away from OnePlus' announcement, and everyone is eagerly anticipating the final reveal of the company's latest flagship. While we while away the last 24 hours in anticipation of the OnePlus 5 launch event, the fine folks over at The Verge were able to get an exclusive with the company about the new camera setup in the upcoming phone. The article explains a lot of the design decisions that had to be made and demonstrates how OnePlus iterated upon different configurations.
Read MoreThe Pixel and Pixel XL's cameras do not have optical image stabilization (OIS)
Considering the Pixel's score of 89 by DxOMark, Google is clearly pushing the camera as a major selling point. However, contrary to what was rumored and what was stated on Carphone Warehouse's spec sheets, Google's latest phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, do not have optical image stabilization (OIS) built into their main cameras.
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Google Glass Will Be Available For Purchase By Anybody In The US, One Day Only [Update: Confirmed]
If you've been anxiously awaiting your opportunity to get your very own Google Glass, and somehow you've missed every other invite or code giveaway, your time is coming up in just a few days. The Glass team has confirmed documents leaked to The Verge that indicate Google will be giving a one-day pass to all residents of the United States to join the Explorer Program and purchase their very own head-mounted unit. The event will occur on April 15th at 6am PDT. The price remains faithfully locked in at $1500, but buyers will also have an option to choose between free frames (suitable for prescription lenses) or tinted shades.
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Rumor: This Might Be Android TV, Google's Renewed Bid For Your Living Room
In a bit of unexpected news, the Verge has just posted images and descriptions of Android TV, based on information provided to them by an unnamed source.
Android TV, according to the Verge, is Google's renewed bid for the living room, looking to put Google TV in the rear view mirror, and deliver content in a cohesive experience that users will actually want to do. It does this by focusing on being an entertainment platform, rather than making your TV function like a large tablet with a remote.
The Verge's documents evidently reveal that "major video app providers" are already building experiences for the platform, including Vevo, Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, and others.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
The Verge Goes Deep Inside Google HQ For A First Look At The Nexus 4, Nexus 10, And Android 4.2; Also, Matias Duarte With A Beard
If there's one thing to say about The Verge, it's that they're already known for world-class reporting in the realm of all things tech. It's clear that Google thinks so, too, as they gave Verge editor-in-chief Joshua Topolsky a personal tour of the new Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Android 4.2. This is a first look at what to expect from the devices, some of the thought process behind the design of both the N4 and N10, as well as some not-yet-highlighted features of Android 4.2, like lockscreen widgets and the quick settings panel.
Oh, and Matias Duarte has a beard.
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The Verge Launches Its Very Own Android App, For The Rest Of Your Tech News Needs
Since you're reading Android Police, we know you've already got all your Android news covered. But hey, we know there are other gadgets out there! For that, the Verge is a pretty great source of information. For the (very few) uninitiated, the Verge is a gadget blog founded by former Editor-in-Chief of Engadget Joshua Topolsky. For broad gadget news of the industry at large, there are few publications that are better.
The app looks pretty great on a phone, though the tablet layout is non-existent. The app even locks to portrait mode, which isn't a big deal for all you new and future Nexus 7 owners, but for virtually every other Android tablet in existence, it's a little annoying.
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