Showing posts with label Google. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Google. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Motorola year-over-year sales double

Ever since Google acquired it, Motorola has been gaining success upon success. While the beginning was a bit shaky, now Motorola is really starting to bring it in, and the recent report only emphasizes it.

 According to ABI Research, a market research firm, Motorola has sold 8.6 million smartphones in the second quarter of 2014. Considering it has sold 6.5 in Q1 2014, that's an immense improvement, and even more so if you consider Q2 2013 featured less than half the sales, that's an improvement of over 100% year-over-year.

 We would guess this was mainly helped by the booming succes of the Moto G and E in emerging markets. Another thing we Motorola is doing, which might help users stay loyal, is keeping all devices including the Moto E up-to-date, which is something some OEMs tend to forget.


While that is a very impressive improvement, and is definitely showing a good trend for Motorola, you need to consider two things: First of all, 8.6 million isn't that much, considering the Galaxy S5 by itself sold 11 million in its first month. Secondly, this sales are mostly from the Moto G and Moto E. While any sale is good, the profit margin from the Moto E and G is significantly lower than from other mobiles, so Motorola's profits might not jump a similar 100%.

 Nonetheless, that shows a very good trend, and selling many devices will certainly help building Motorola's brand name. All that's left is to see whether or not this will continue once Lenovo acquire it. However, considering the Nexus 6 will be produced by Moto, we can expect this trend to continue in the near future.

 Source: PCWorld

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Google, Intel, Apple, Adove employees "no-poach" settlement rejected by judge


In a court ruling, the judge rejected the quadruple's settlement to pay $320 million to the employees that were hurt by the companies joined "no-poach" alliance, saying it should be higher at a minimum of $380 million.

 Apple, Google, Intel and Adobe all formed a pact, which was acclaimed in the lawsuit and proved to be correct, so none of these companies hired any employees who work for one of the other three. That has caused sort of a quad-opoly, allowing the employers to pay lower than they might have had there been a competition over the employees.

 As a result of the lawsuit, which represents 60,000 Silicon Valley employees the companies were required to settle the matter with the employees who were hurt by the agreements, and hence came the settlement, which judge Lucy Koh ruled was too low, requiring the companies to up their bid by $60 million.
The quadruple's deal was revealed by email conversations which were uncovered following the lawsuits, in which the scandal was discovered. One of the causes of the companies' agreement was the scrapping of plans to build a Google center in Paris.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

LG updated LG G Watch, attempts to fix corrosion issue


While the charging ports of the L G Watch are conveniently placed on the back of the device, that means they will often come into contact with your hands and sweat, which as we found out last week could lead to unpleasant consequences, in the form of skin irritation, as you can see below.


The new update will bump up the software version from KMV78V to KMV78Y. It is supposed to fix the corrosion issue. Since the bug was caused when sweat came into contact with the electrical current coming from the charging port, the update simply disables that when the G Watch is not charging, e.g. on your hand, so it will not happen again. Here's the official statement by Google:

Recently it has come to our attention that a small number of G Watch devices have been reported to have developed discoloration and residue buildup on the terminal pins located on the back. While completely safe and unlikely to affect charging, LG will be rolling out a maintenance release over the next few days that will disable the current when the G Watch is not in the charging dock. The maintenance release will be rolled out automatically over-the-air to all G Watch owners. We thank G Watch users for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Since it is a staggered roll-out, try being patient and you will receive the update in the next few days.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Motorola 'Shamu' a.k.a Nexus 6 probably confirmed


On Sunday we brought to you reports of a rumored device code-named 'Shamu', which might actually be the next device in the rumored-to-be-dead Nexus series. The device has an alleged huge 5.9' display, and now according to The Information, that might actually be correct.

As reported by The Information, the handset will in fact be manufactured by Motorola and sport a 5.9' display as the next Nexus (Nexus 6?). It claims to have this confirmed by three different people affiliated with the subject.  Heres the quote:
         Separately, Motorola is also getting a boost from working on an              undisclosed phone-tablet project with Google—the type of initiative which, ironically, it could not pursue as a Google subsidiary due to concerns about favoring the house-owned Android vendor over others...After Lenovo agreed to buy Motorola, Google’s Android unit began working with Motorola to develop a co-branded “Nexus” phone that’s considered to be a “phablet,” or phone-tablet, because of its large screen size, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.
But, the Nexus line was supposedly trashed in favor of Android Silver? Well, looks like actually the latter is the one being discarded. Here's the quote:
Some in [Arora's] camp wanted Silver to supersede the Nexus phone program. But with Mr. Arora’s absence, there are questions about how much firepower Google will give to the Silver program.
If you were wondering about the code-named, Google is continuing its tradition of code-naming its Nexi after aquatic animals, and 'Shamu' is the name of a killer-whale (Orca) who was the first to be captured alive. Yup, that's a big animal, quite fitting to a monstrous 5.9' device.
So, it would seem the Nexus line is here to stay. However, since such a large screen device fits a very niche category, we can't help wonder if Google has two Nexi up their sleeves for this year's release. The handsets should be unveiled around October, so stay tuned for more details.


Monday, July 28, 2014

Google testing Interactive Timeline feature, based on Wikipedia

Google is already using Wikipedia for many features; if you make any search, such as "Samsung", you will get an info card fetched straight from Wikipedia, givijng you basic knowledge about whoever you searched. Now Google seems to be testing a new feature, to use Wikipedia in a more complex yet interesting way.

According to Florian Kiersch, a Google+ user and a Google watcher, who has the credit for revealing Google Stars (a.k.a Google Sky Map) before it was released. Now, he is allegedly bringing details about a new feature in the beta stages, which uses Wikipedia to give you a detailed timeline about a person/event/etc.

For example, if you search World War 1, it will give you a detailed interactive timeline, with details about world war 1 such as battles, etc. Sort of like a history-book on the go, fetching data from Wikipedia and displaying it in a more user-friendly way. Here's a video below showcasing it:



While it is very clearly in beta stages, and the graphics have a long way to go, this looks like a pretty neat feature, and hopefully it will make it past beta and be available for everyone to use.

Source: Florian Kiersch

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Google introduces "Translate Community", destined at improving translations

While Google Translate is undoubtedly an excellent service, helping you translate words and phrases quickly and efficiently, everyone has had some not-so-good translations at some point of time, now Google is attempting to fix that.

With Translate Community, the purpose is for everyone to contribute to make Google Translate. You don't get any money for it, just the knowledge you helped make better translations, and thanks to you Europeans wouldn't sound like dictionary-entries when talking in English.

The way it works is, when you enter the Community, you have two options- to "approve" other people's translations (in some languages), but to actually make a translation by yourself is a feature so far limited to English-Other only. 

We would guess that whatever you translate/approve wouldn't go on the actual service immediately, but perhaps when Google sees a 'significant' amount of votes for a certain entry, then that would get inspected and then go to the official website.

It is mainly directed at helping Google make people not sound 'opposite-of-slang', and so trolls are definitely not welcome here. In case you didn't understand, here are some pics showcasing it-

Translate Community
Like we mentioned above, please don't come here to troll. Especially since it won't work. Anyways, all of you bilingual people, go out there and improve Google Translate. Tell us what you think, are you going to try this? Is the last thing you ever want to do is work for Google, and for free?! Tell us below! 






Microsoft encourages OEMs to use Bing, shares profits

Under Google's current undisputed monopoly over the search engine world, Bing is trying to come out of its underdog position and be a major player in the field. Currently, Google hold 67% market share, with Bing left with a mere 18%. This is definitely something Microsoft wants to change before the consumers are even more accustomed to Google then they are today (and they pretty much are), so while Microsoft hopped on the bandwagon a tidy late, now it's doing efforts to catch up.

One of MS's tactics is not very different than Google, and it shares profits with OEMs in order to encourage them to use Bing search. The existence of such a tactic has been discovered thanks to Windows Phone Dev Center, in a post you can see below, reminding manufacturers to place codes to earn profits.

We have seen WP starting to gain some market share in the mid- to low-range market, thanks to its rather-aggressive pricing tactic, something which WP has to do in order to get people to try it.

Now, OEMs wouldn't leave themselves such small profit margins, would they. So, to sweeten the peel and inspire budget pricing, it seems Microsoft is sharing the profits in makes from Bing searches with the manufacturers which implement the search engine in their phones, something mostly WP does.

Personally, I would rather have more competition, so while I might favor one OS or another, I would always like for there to be competition, and a player with over 66% market share is a little un-sportive, so the better Bing gets, the more competition, the better output we will all see and enjoy. 
Tell us what you think below!  

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Chrome Beta 37 brings Material makeover

Following the Play Store, Chrome Beta is now getting treated to the new Material design. With the latest Chrome Beta 37, specifically v37.0.2062.39, Chrome Beta is not only getting the Material treatment, but also gets simplified sign-in and lots of bug fixes.

 By simplified sign-in, we mean that first of all the actual sign-in has been simplified- once you have several email accounts on your phone, you simply need to choose to sign-in with one of them, without even a need for a password. Then you can enter all Google sites, such as Maps, Gmail and Blogger, without going through the sign-in process again, which could definitely make for a bit more pleasant experience.

 In our short experience with the new version it seems the recent tabs section has gotten a little sharpened around the edges and looks cleaner now. Also the default Google page looks more Material-ish. Check the Google's official photos below (we sneaked one of ours):




Want to check out the new app and don't feel like heading all the way to the Play Store to update/download Chrome Beta? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Get the latest Chrome Beta 37 right here:




First Android One phone to launch in October, manufactured by Spice

We already knew of Google's intentions to have an Android One handset out in the market by October, and now it seems that Spice, one of the original manufacturers that Google announced in I/O, is to be the first one to produce such a phone.

Spice, an Indian manufacturer, intends to release it for the Indian market, and the CEO announced the handset will be ready for the Diwali (a.k.a Festival of Lights), which is happening on October 23rd. 

Android One is a platform meant for emerging markets, of which India is an excellent example, and it's designed to bring entry-level devices with Google support a a reasonable price, claimed to be under $100. Google has pre-selected hardware, which includes a 4.5' screen, dual-sim support, FM radio, and an SD card support. In this case, probably a WVGA display, paired with a dual-core MediaTek processor. Definitely entry-level, but at under a $100 it's fairly reasonable, especially considering it will have Google support and will get immediate firmware updates.

Except for Spice, Google is also partnering with Indian manufacturers Micromax and Karbonn Mobiles, and probably other OEMs will join in as well. Google is planning a massive effort on this project, as it set a $1 billion marketing budget. The vision for this is to bring Android to every home in the world, and get 5 billion users. 

What do you think of it.? If it's under a $100, would you consider getting one just for playing around? Tell us below!



Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Modern Combat 5 arrives to Google Play Store, doesn't have IAPs

Gameloft is continuing its Modern Combat series, one of the most successful FPS game-series, with the latest title being called Modern Combat 5: Blackout. With this latest game, Gameloft has made a bold move by removing In-App-Purchases from its apps, making all people who buy the app equal even if they don't spend money on IAPs. 

 Here's the official trailer:
Although the IAPs didn't cause too much un-even playing, those who played the game might remember the problem with mods taking advantage of it and practically beating everyone in multi-player. Well, that won't happen now. Modern Combat features a story-line based mission system which is quite neat, and also has a multi-player mode. 

 The game is available starting today for the traditional $6.99. While that might seem like much, this game is heavily-invested and could be worth your money if you are interested. You can get it from the Play Store here.

 Stay tuned for more details concerning the game when we get our hands on it.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Google Now reminders can be set from the desktop Google search bar


After a while ago Google added the ability to set reminders from the Google Search app in Android, now it seems the option is also coming to the desktop Google, enabling you to set notifications straight from your computer. 

That can add functionality when you don’t feel like saying aloud your reminders, e.g. when you’re in the middle of a public place. Here’s Google’s statement, explaining the feature:

Sunday, July 20, 2014

ZTE ZTE partners with Google to produce phone with Google Experience Launcher

ZTE Blade Vec 4G with GEL
ZTE, a Chinese company which doesn’t get too much attention here since most of its activities are focused in China, in China it has a big audience, and it proved that while selling 52,800 Nubia Z7 handsets in under five minutes.

Now, it seems ZTE is on a new project, and it will apparently pair with Google to put a Google Experience Launcher on the ZTE Blade Vec 4G, out-of-the-box. While that’s a mid-range device, ZTE announced it will also bring the Experience to a premium handset.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Play Store Google will no longer call apps with in-app purchases ‘free’

Apps that are free will generally generate more downloads that costly apps. And then, once you’ve already downloaded the application, you’re more likely to buy things inside the app, something that generates the app-maker more money in the long-term.

Many developers have realized that, and not only do they make free apps with many in-app purchases required for further-enjoying the game, they also make it children-friendly, often causing kids to spend money without parents’ permission.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Google Earth Google to allow usage of Google Earth data for businesses


Google Earth launched 9 years ago under the original name of EarthViewer 3D, and has since taken many pictures of our beloved Earth. It has become quite a popular tool, and although its popularity might be shifting due to Google Maps offering Street View, Google has decided to start making a profit from its vast database.

So, starting today, any company, business or government office who wishes to make use of Google’s database, will be able to do so for a certain amount of money.

FBI FBI warns about self-driving cars, might help criminals

Self-driving cars are looking to be the next big thing in automotives, a branch which has seen few major changes in the past few decades. If you ask Google, then certainly.

Google has recently introduced one of the world’s first fully-functional self-driving car prototype. The prototype can perform almost like your average Joe: It stops for obstacles, drive around the town, stops at lights, and basically behaves as your own taxi, except there is no taxi-driver.

Udacity Google to teach mobile development

Are you a developer, and you always wanted to make the transition to mobile development and get some apps out there? If yes, Google can help you.  Note: What Google offers is directed at developers who aren’t experienced in mobile, but do have some practice at other platforms. If you are a brand new developer, this isn’t for you.

Google is teaming up with Udacity, an online computer-skills educational website, in order to help developers new to the platform to jump into the water and help enrich the OS.

virus Google to make Internet safer with Project Zero

Google’s vision includes a safe Internet environment, where you can browse and enter any website you wish without fearing getting a virus, without cyber-attacks, etc. and removing as a whole all dangerous things from the Web.

This is supposed to be achieved with Google’s newest project, Project Zero. Project Zero will be a special team composed of Internet security research, which will hunt down and report any exploits they can find.
Here’s the official statement by Google:

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Google Android 4.4.4 R2 coming to select devices

Uncharacteristically, Google has posted new factory images for the Realse 2 of Android 4.4.4, and unlike usually, this time its only coming to select markets, which include New Zealand and India.

Yes, that means it doesn’t include all the markets. Now that’s a thing we’ve never seen of Google, as the company tends to do a world-wide release of any new OS it makes. I mean, that’s the point of owning a Nexus device.

warning Google search adds incompatibility warnings for mobiles

Did it ever happen to you that you were entering a web site on your mobile, and then discovered you couldn’t enjoy it since it requires e.g. flash, which your phone doesn’t happen to have, thus reducing the experience on that specific website.

Well, it seems Google went down that train of thought, and figured a way to stop that from happening. Beginning this week, if Google Search comes upon a website which you cannot fully enjoy, it will give you a warning, presenting a warning message of its incompatibility.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Nexus Nexus 6 leaked by Google?

A recent tweet by Google concerning easy grocery shopping has left our head scratching. As you can see, there’s clearly a device in the picture, and that device has a clear Nexus look to it, and that device is clearly not the Nexus 5. So what are we seeing here?

Well, it might actually be