Android Phone Fans |
- Sneak peek at Android L’s redesigned Settings, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar and lots more [GALLERY]
- Are you buying an Android Wear smartwatch today? [POLL]
- LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live now available to order from Google Play; ships early July
- Moto 360: hands-on with one beautiful smartwatch [VIDEO]
- Here’s your full list of initial Android L features
- Samsung Gear Live: specs, hands-on video and pictures, and info you need to know
- Miss the crazy Google I/O 2014 keynote? It’s now available on YouTube [VIDEO]
- Google gives developers a low-cost VR headset made out of #cardboard [VIDEO]
- Google Fit gets formally announced at I/O
- Android for Work to bring KNOX-based security and improved device management for enterprise
- Android L coming to HTC One M8 and M7 90 days after it’s released
- You can now signup to learn more about Android Auto and Android TV
- Google I/O attendees receive not one, but two Android Wear devices
- Google announces exciting new features for Chromecast at Google IO 2014
- Google unveils Android Auto, first supported automobiles arrive later this year [VIDEO]
| Sneak peek at Android L’s redesigned Settings, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar and lots more [GALLERY] Posted: 25 Jun 2014 04:46 PM PDT
I think it’s safe to say we’re all pretty hyped about the upcoming Android L release, the next version of Android that looks to pretty things up with Google’s new Material redesign. As part of Google’s new found focus on design, the search giant is already providing developers with a handy resource page. The page discusses all the dos and don’ts in regard to the new Material design and in the process, it appears Google may have let slip some of their Google apps getting the fresh new facelift. While in many cases, these were simply mockups to provide developers with examples of how to use Material, sifting through the guidelines were able to find a few that we believe can be called legit “leaks.” Let’s take a look. Settings
New for Android L is a redesigned Settings app and although it may appear to be rocking a dark theme in these images, we’ve seen some hands-on with L showing an all new light theme. So what gives? Well, we don’t think Google will allow users to choose between a dark and light theme with Android L, this is probably just an example of Settings using Material’s dark theme. Oh, and check out that redesigned Apps Settings, it looks absolutely gorge. Contacts
Contacts is also getting some Material love. We found Android L’s new “complete action” popup that vaguely reminds us of the one found on iOS. We’re sure it’s just a coincidence. Gallery/Photos
Now, we’re not entirely sure if this is the Photos or the stock Gallery app (maybe neither), but it looks all refreshed for the upcoming Android L release. Google Keep
Google Keep also found its way in the style guidelines, and were not much has changed, you’ll notice Material’s new floating “compose” button. Gmail
We got a glimpse of Gmail during the Google I/O keynote, and here we get a glimpse of the new text selection handles coming to Android L. Small, but simple.
We found screenshots of what appears to be Google’s stock Email app, the one that recently became available on Google Play. It mirrors closely the Gmail application, only featuring an aqua blue/yellow color scheme. Hangouts
Now Hangouts looks so drastically different from our current version, we’re not entirely sure how accurate this new look is. Whether a generic mockup or a sneak peek, it’s clear Google is focusing on a much more minimal, simple user experience. Google Keyboard
You’ll notice the Google Keyboard popping up in both a dark and light theme — but not so fast. It’s possible the keyboard simply changes its color based on whatever is “underneath,” similar to the keyboard found on iOS. While options are always good, it’s also possible Google will have a system wide dark and light theme for Android L, but don’t hold your breath. YouTube
Digging through the Material files, we found a short video for a new YouTube app. The video was mainly to show off the new buffering animations coming in Android L. We like ‘em. Google Drive
Google Drive was made many an appearance during the I/O keynote, but here we get a look at the introduction page and a few screenshots of the file system. Pretty standard affair and cleaner than the current version. Google Play Store, Books
Screenshots of the Google Play Store and Play Books was buried deep within the style guidelines page. While they don’t reveal much, they do show us the overall color scheme Google could use for the Material version of these apps. Chrome
To show off one of the new ways of loading images in Android L, a new version of Chrome was shown off in video form. While the static image doesn’t show much, the video has this awesome new loading animation that fades an image into view, instead of abruptly loading it. Maps
Google Maps is also getting the Material treatment and doesn’t look too different from the current version found on KitKat. You will note a new permissions popup asking for general location data from the app. Google Play Music
For Google Play Music, we’re seeing a much more simple interface from our current version. We don’t hate it, but we just started getting used to the redesign that feels like was barely introduced not too long ago. Google Calendar
Lastly, Google Calendar was shown off in all its Material glory. The app is clean and really, the screenshots don’t do it justice. There are loads of animations for expanding calendar entries, scheduling events, and everything else the app offers. It’s a thing of beauty. |
| Are you buying an Android Wear smartwatch today? [POLL] Posted: 25 Jun 2014 04:40 PM PDT The first batch of Android Wear smartwatches are finally available for purchase today. The LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live are the two lucky pieces of wrist-bound gadgetry being offered up over in the Google Play Store. We’re sad to see Motorola’s Moto 360 wasn’t ready to join the party (especially since it was the first Android Wear smartwatch revealed, and perhaps the best looking one of them all).
Now is the moment of truth: are you going to buy one? You have the LG G Watch for $230 with a nice, sleek design. The Samsung Gear Live also doesn’t look bad with its design cues borrowed from Samsung’s Tizen-based Gear lineup — it doesn’t hurt that it’s $30 cheaper than LG’s offering. I’m personally opting to hold out for the Moto 360 simply because I can’t resist its good looks and circular design. Chris has already submitted his order for an LG G Watch in black simply because he’s the most impulsive buyer you’ll ever know. I kid, Chris.
Now we want to hear from you, so leave a vote in the poll below and be sure to let us know why you chose whichever smartwatch you’ve chosen with a comment down below! |
| LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live now available to order from Google Play; ships early July Posted: 25 Jun 2014 04:14 PM PDT
Quick heads-up for those of you who were looking to buy a Samsung Gear Live or LG G Watch smartwatch from Google Play today: the devices are now available to purchase from the Google Play Store. The two are priced differently and set to ship on different dates: We’re not sure how long stock is going to last so use those links above to get to the Play Store and order one as soon as you can (unless, of course, you’re holding out for the stunning Moto 360). |
| Moto 360: hands-on with one beautiful smartwatch [VIDEO] Posted: 25 Jun 2014 03:42 PM PDT
We’ve finally been able to get our grubby little paws on the Moto 360 smartwatch. It’s one of three of the first Android Wear smartwatches, though it won’t be headed to Google Play later today like the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live (hands-on) will. So what’s up with this thing? Beauty, that’s what. Immediately we can tell you that no smartwatch has quite the same good looks that the Moto 360 does. We don’t know if it’s due to the natural circular build or just the fact that Motorola designed it so well, but it looks and feels like something we would want to wear in a wrist as a fashion accessory as much as a smart utility.         Motorola still isn’t revealing much about the watch’s innards, though there shouldn’t be many surprises under the hood. It’ll contain hardware necessary to run Android Wear to the best of its ability. Speaking of which, we were able to get a rather swift look at the UI in action, with one of Motorola’s product managers taking us through various bits of the UI on her wrist. It looked about as smooth as you could ask for on a device that doesn’t necessarily concern itself with excruciating power.
We’re saddened that this won’t be on the way today, but Motorola says we won’t have to wait too long as they look to have these in your hands (or on your wrist, rather) by the end of this summer. Take a look at the photos and hands-on video above. |
| Here’s your full list of initial Android L features Posted: 25 Jun 2014 03:18 PM PDT Tomorrow is the big day for Android L, the next version of Google’s mobile OS. The Developer Preview was announced today, but no one can use it until tomorrow. What exactly does Android L add? Well, for starters, it has a completely redesigned look. The first big redesign since Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The redesign is a big deal, but there is a buch of other good stuff, too. Check out this handy list of new things you can expect in Android L.
We will learn much more about Android L by the time it gets a full release. We can expect the update to start rolling out to devices this fall. Hopefully by then we know what the “L” stands for. What features are you excited about? Do you like the new design?
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| Samsung Gear Live: specs, hands-on video and pictures, and info you need to know Posted: 25 Jun 2014 02:20 PM PDT
Earlier today Google took a quick second to announce the Samsung Gear Live, one of the first Android Wear smartwatches we’ll be seeing. Wondering what’s under the hood? Here’s a full spec sheet with everything you can expect:
Samsung didn’t have much else to say about the device, though that’s because Google already did all the talking about its software platform and features. This is standard, untouched and unscrubbed Android Wear (which you can read all about right here).         Our hands-on time with the Gear Live revealed a smartwatch that wasn’t really amazing, but felt and looked solid. One immediate thing we noticed was the lack of camera was the lack of a camera (which only looked weird because we’re so used to seeing one on the original Samsung Galaxy Gear and the Samsung Gear 2). It’s a bit refreshing to see a Samsung device that isn’t aiming to shove more sensors onto the thing than can barely fit. Unfortunately the software on the demo unit we handled wasn’t yet available and we were treated to nothing but a repeating demo reel, but it did give us a pretty good idea of how life with a Gear Live on your wrist would be once you receive one in the near future.
The smartwatch is supposed to be going live alongside the LG G Watch in the Google Play Store later today so stay tuned as we wait for them to touch down. In the meantime be sure to check our hands-on video up above (and you’ll have to excuse Rob repeatedly calling it the Galaxy Gear Live — I guess he’s gotten so used to Samsung’s strong branding by now). |
| Miss the crazy Google I/O 2014 keynote? It’s now available on YouTube [VIDEO] Posted: 25 Jun 2014 02:16 PM PDT What a crazy day it has been in the world of Android and Google. Our homepage is flooded with announcement posts from the many new things Google showed off. The keynote speech had everything: new designs, new products, new platforms, and even some protesters. Googlers talked for nearly three hours about many exciting new things. If you didn’t have time to watch it all you can catch up now. The full keynote speech is now available on YouTube to watch in full. Here are some of the things to watch out for:
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| Google gives developers a low-cost VR headset made out of #cardboard [VIDEO] Posted: 25 Jun 2014 01:27 PM PDT
It was back in 2009, a fella from Recombu constructed a makeshift VR headset for the MyTouch 3G using only tape and scissors. While many were quick to scoff at the idea, it appears it was our own Rob Jackson who had the foresight in seeing how this could one day change the way we use our Android devices. Fast forward to today’s Google I/O developer conference and wouldn’t you know it — the dude was right.
Android lead Sundar Pichai announced onstage that — in addition to the LG G Watch, Samsung Gear Live, and Motorola Moto 360 — attendees would be receiving a cardboard box capable of transforming an Android device into a full fledged VR headset. After folding the box together, a phone slips into the provided slot and when using the companion app, the eye holes create a sort of virtual reality environment, not unlike Recombu’s from 5 years ago. Check out our very quick unboxing below. Apparently Cardboard was created as part of Google’s own “20 Percent” project that allows employees to devote 20% of their time on a side-project. Because VR headsets are all the rage these days — and quite expensive — Google came up with this low-cost alternative.
Given this is a developer conference, Google encourages developers to come up with their own VR apps using their experimental SDK, posting their experiences online using the #cardboard hashtag. You can also join up with the Google+ community here. The best part? You can create your very own headset out of a pizza box (order a large) thanks to Google’s step-by-step instructions on their landing page here. And we all laughed at this guy… |
| Google Fit gets formally announced at I/O Posted: 25 Jun 2014 01:09 PM PDT
We were expecting so hear about Google Fit today, and Google did not disappoint. They waited until about two and a half hours into the keynote to do it, but they did do it nonetheless. Google Fit is a platform to organize all of the health and fitness data from various trackers and sensors. Google Fit is similar to Apple’s Healthkit for iOS. Apps are able to access a users fitness profile with data aggregated from all the fitness services they use. Think of it like Google+ sign in, but for fitness data. Google announced several big name partners that will be integrating Fit into their apps. Adidas, Nike, Runkeeper, Withings, and Basis are the main ones. The software kit for Google Fit will be available to developers in the coming weeks. Android just got a lot healthier. How many of you use your Android device for tracking fitness and health data? Do you also use a fitness tracker, like a Fitbit, to go along with it? Are you excited about Google Fit? |
| Android for Work to bring KNOX-based security and improved device management for enterprise Posted: 25 Jun 2014 01:03 PM PDT
Google sought to make enterprise users happy at their developers’ conference this morning by announcing Android for Work. The first part of it is comprised of security, with Google revealing Samsung to be a major player behind improving Android’s underlying security platform. Google says they’ve made many contributions, including everything they’ve been working on with KNOX in their own Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Beyond that, some new device features have been revealed such as seamless integration of work and personal apps. No longer will you need two different phones, VPN and virtual machines, and more to access your work apps — they can live in harmony on the same device that you do your personal bidding with. It’ll be up to you to decide if you want to make business with pleasure, but it’s a nice choice for those who don’t fancy having to carry multiple devices around. So when’s the new security platform coming? With Android L to start, whenever that is. Don’t fret, though, as Google says it will eventually be rolled out to all devices with Android 4.0 or higher. |
| Android L coming to HTC One M8 and M7 90 days after it’s released Posted: 25 Jun 2014 12:22 PM PDT
Leave it to HTC’s (USA) to ride in the wake of today’s Google I/O announcements. By now, it really shouldn’t come as a much of a surprise, but the Taiwanese manufacturer has committed to bring Android L to their flagship HTC One family ( HTC One M8 and originally HTC One) world-wide, only 90 days after they receive the final code from Google. Pretty sweet and should help give HTC One owners the added peace of mind that they wont be left out in the cold. As far as other HTC devices in their lineup, they also mentioned that they’d be bringing Android L soon after to those as well, but no time frame was given. HTC’s commitment to providing Android updates is part of their “HTC Advantage”program, a set of perks HTC owners enjoy as part of their device purchase. Really, you gotta love their transparency. |
| You can now signup to learn more about Android Auto and Android TV Posted: 25 Jun 2014 12:16 PM PDT
Google announced tons of great new developments at their developers’ conference today. You can read all about it right here if you haven’t been keeping up. Once you’ve done that, you’ll probably want to signup to learn more about everything you’re interested in. Signup forms for Android Auto and Android Auto and Android TV have gone live for those who are interested in learning more about those particular things when they’re ready for public consumption. You’ll also find links to learn about Android phones and tablets, Google Play and more. Be sure to take a good look at all of it and get psyched up for what should be an exciting year ahead! |
| Google I/O attendees receive not one, but two Android Wear devices Posted: 25 Jun 2014 11:58 AM PDT
Google I/O has been known as a bit of a second Christmas for Android fans, and Google again delivered at their 2014 developer conference. While the overall event was short on actual device announcements, a focus on Android Wear meant Google was eager to get new wearable from partners like LG and Samsung onto the wrists of attendees. All making the trip to Google I/O will leave with either an LG G Watch or Samsung Gear Live smartwatch in addition to a Moto 360 when it ships later this summer. Sundar Pichai pointed to the differing form factors when presenting those at the show with the devices they would be able to take home. Both Samsung and LG's Android Wear offerings utilize a square form factor, but Pichai wanted to make sure developers would get a chance to experience the round Android Wear face of the Moto 360 as well. Google made wearables a focus this year, and the decision to provide attendees with multiple devices further shows their commitment to promoting app service developments for Android Wear. We'll be snagging our own ASAP and will report back with hands-on and initial impressions shortly. |
| Google announces exciting new features for Chromecast at Google IO 2014 Posted: 25 Jun 2014 11:18 AM PDT
Chromecast got a bit of stage time at Google IO 2014 today, and Google had a lot of interesting new features to show off. For starters, a new Bump-esque feature will now allow your friends to cast content to your Chromecast without them having to connect to your WiFi network. It can be a bit cumbersome to have to ask your friend for their WiFi password and connect, so to be able to skip this step is sure to be a very welcome change. Google has also vowed to allow you to use your Chromecast to make your TV the “biggest photo frame in your house.” They aim to do this with Backdrop, a feature that allows your Chromecast to display photos, information and more. Think of it as “Daydream,” except for your Chromecast. The Chromecast can show photos from your personal collection, art pieces from a list of art curated by Google, maps that are relevant to you, weather reports and more.
And you won’t ever need to question whatever is on your television. Want to know more about the artwork your Chromecast is showing? Just say “what’s on my Chromecast” in Google Search and it pulls up everything you need to know. The next big feature is the ability to mirror anything you’re doing on your Android phone directly to your Chromecast. This is a feature developers have been trying to implement in their third party apps, and it’s nice to know that it will now be built into Chromecast and Android by default. Finally, Google announced new apps, sites and sections in the Play Store to make it easier to find Chromecast-enabled apps which we should see rolling out quite soon. All of the features above are due within weeks, apparently, so sit tight as we wait for Google to deliver the goods. |
| Google unveils Android Auto, first supported automobiles arrive later this year [VIDEO] Posted: 25 Jun 2014 11:09 AM PDT
There’s been a ton of news pouring out of this year’s Google I/O thanks to Google and their Android L preview. The biggest Android release yet, we’re seeing Google’s latest resolve to bring the Android platform to every screen possible, and in a more polished way than ever. One of those screens is a very important one, and it just so happens to be in your car. Announced at Google I/O 2014, say hello to Android Auto.
Essentially, this is user-friendly a car-mode that will be available in Android L. Plugging your phone into a compatible car’s in-dash unit will then mirror the display from your phone, onto your car’s infotainment display. It’s pretty seamless. What’s more is you can interact with the Android Auto UI via your car’s built-in display, opening apps, listening to music, or navigating Maps straight from your car.
On stage, Google showed off the Google Play Music and Google Maps experience orientated in landscape mode, complete with big buttons and a few basic phone functions in the dock. Of course, Google Search voice actions were present, bringing a true hands-free experience to the car. Again, it’s the same Android experience with all the apps you’ve come to love, but featuring a new interface built for and designed for (safe) driving.
According to Google, 40 new partners have joined the Open Automotive Alliance, with 25 car brands already signing up to ship Android Auto in the “near” future. You can expect the first cars with Android Auto to roll off the lot before the end of this year. Check out Google’s new Android Auto trailer below. |
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