Android N could bring redesigned notification shade and quick settings panel

While most of have only recently begun settling in with Android 6.0 Marshmallow on our devices, Android N looms near. In fact, we can expect to see our first official look at what the Android team has cooked up during this year’s Google I/O, taking place on May 18th – 20th at the Shoreline Amphitheater. If you were hoping for a sneak peek, a new leak could be giving us an early look at some of the UI changes we can expect.

Using a handful of mockups, the folks at Android Police show us what Google could be planning for Android’s trademark notification shade and quick settings panels. Going for more of a Samsung-type feel, a few of the most commonly used quick settings will now appear at the top of the notification shade, removing the need to swipe twice to access things like WiFi, Bluetooth, or the flashlight. Of course, you can still swipe down twice to access all the others, with the new quick settings panel now paginated, allowing you to swipe left to access even more controls.

As for notifications, it seems Google could be toying around with the idea of removing the card UI we have no, going with instead a list and smaller, less prominent app icons. It’s an interesting look, one that almost feels like a throw back to early versions of Android. It may look a little less Material, but overall it seems cleaner and less cluttered. Still aren’t sure how we feel about it yet. What do you guys think?

Android N could completely change how the Settings menu looks

With Google IO 2016 just a few months away, rumors about the next version of Android have been flying around like crazy. A couple of the rumors have indicated major changes to core Android features, such as the removal of the app drawer. The next big change could be found in the Settings menu.

Google may have accidentally shared screenshots of the Settings in Android N. Yesterday, the Android Developer Blog posted about the Android Support Library 23.2. Unless you’re a developer, this is not a terribly exciting post. However, the screenshots towards the bottom of the page show a hamburger menu icon in the Settings. Presumably, tapping the hamburger icon will open a slide-out drawer with the different Settings sections.

Currently, the Settings menu is organized into sections on a single page. It can be a little cumbersome to scroll through the long page looking for a specific setting. A hamburger menu would make it much easier to navigate, and it would match the UI that a lot of Android apps already use. We would be able to quickly jump into the desired section of the Settings.

How do you feel about this new menu in the Settings? It seems that Google is rethinking how certain parts of Android work. We’re not sure how we feel about the app drawer going away, but taking a look at things that have been the same for a long time is a good practice.

[via Android Police]

Google is officially more valuable than Apple

Today is earnings day at Alphabet, the parent company for Google. The biggest news to come out so far will mean the most to diehard Android fans. Google has passed Apple as the most valuable company in the world.

This is actually not the first time Google has been more valuable than Apple. Back in early 2010, Google was more valuable. This was before the first iPad and when the iPhone 3GS was on the market. At that time, both companies were worth less than $200 billion. Table scraps compared to today’s numbers. Alphabet’s market cap is at a whopping $570 billion while Apple is at $535 billion.

This news is even more impressive when you consider that Google was behind Apple by over $400 billion just a few years ago. The iPhone took Apple on a historic skyrocket, but now it’s coming back to hurt them. Relying so heavily on one product is not great for the long term. Google, on the other hand, has its hands in everything from A-Z.

Apple received $1 billion from Google in 2014 for its share of Google Search ad revenue

Google and Oracle’s court proceedings are heating up. The latter — who is still pursuing judgment against Google for “stealing” Java code to build Android in what has become a 5-year war — has cut deep in its recent filings.

For starters, Oracle revealed that Google has made as much as $31 billion in revenue on Android to date, most of which was primarily driven by the ads users see when using Google Search and various other products, as well as the money they make from sales in the Google Play Store. $22 billion of that revenue was billed as pure profit.

Oracle’s motive in revealing the information is no big mystery: the more money they can prove Google made on Android, the more money they’ll be able to ask for in the event that they win the lawsuit. Whether they’ll eventually get that money or win that lawsuit is still yet to be determined.

Oracle also revealed that Google paid Apple $1 billion in an agreement to make Google Search the default search engine on iOS. The deal supposedly gives Apple a percentage of all revenue (34%, apparently) earned on search ads that are performed on iPhones and iPads. None of this is surprising in business: deals are made, money is exchanged, and both sides benefit. Why this is relevant to Oracle’s case regarding the use of Android in Java? We can’t say.

Google’s biggest problem with all of this is that none of this information was even supposed to be presented to the court. The information was presented to Oracle’s attorneys in private for various reasons, and Google says the disclosure of the terms of those agreements would be detrimental to their business. Apple feels the same, too: both of them have asked the judge to redact and seal the statements made by the Oracle attorney on grounds of the information being highly confidential.

We’re not sure how this is going to play out in the near future, but Oracle certainly has no problem using whatever information they can to get what they feel they’re owed (which could be over $1 billion if the courts see things their way). Let’s just hope the courts force them to go about it the right way instead of passing along information that they had no business telling.

Photos of updated Google Glass Enterprise Edition exposed by the FCC

After reports of a work-focused “ Google Glass Enterprise Edition” began swirling around the net, photos of the upcoming headset have finally surfaced thanks to the FCC. The Commission posted a handful of photos in its documentation, showing the device from every angle and even open, exposing all of the device’s (hopefully improved) internal hardware.

For the most part, things look largely the same as previous models, with the exception of a large metal hinge being added, probably so the display can fold completely flat against the rest of the device. Word on the street is this updated version of Glass will be much more durable than previous models and distributed only to Google’s Glass for Work startups. A separate model — sans the display — aimed at fitness and sports is also said to launch sometime later.

Recently, the Google Glass team shifted gears, moving Glass out of Google’s X Labs and officially renaming it Project Aura. This may have had something to do with the team now reportedly working on more than just Glass with a handful of other wearables also in the works.

With the new Google Glass 2016 model already receiving its FCC certification, it seems it’s on a roll to finally launch next year. Although this wont be a general consumer release, who knows what else Google has planned for 2016. We imagine we’ll learn more during Google I/O where Google will more than likely make this new hardware available to developers to get up and coding on.

[VIDEO] Android’s latest ‘Be together, not the same’ commercial features finger puppets in all shapes and sizes

Everybody has a fingerprint, but no two are exactly the same. Google’s latest Android commercial tries drive this point home, showing casing a variety of fingerprint puppets in multiple personalities, colors, and sizes.
The video is yet another in Android’s “Be together, not the same” series which is supposed to show consumers that when it comes to Android, not every device is the same — and that’s okay. In fact, it could be the platform’s greatest strength.

Why finger puppets? Well, perhaps it had a little something to do with Google finally adding support for fingerprint sensors in Android Marshmallow, or just the uniqueness of the fingerprint in general, but either way the playful video is a fun way to get their point across.

What do you guys think? Is Google hitting the mark when it comes to “Be together, not the same” ad campaign?

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow factory images now available for Nexus devices, brings all new emoji and more

While it’s sure to include a variety of bug fixes, we’re just going to call Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow — rolling out soon to Nexus devices — Android’s big “emoji update.” Although the rollout has started quite yet, as promised, Google did release the factory images onto their developer page in case anyone wants to flash them manually.


Not only does the update bring all new emoij to Android like the taco, middle finger, unicorn and a few other emotions, Google also redesigned a few old favorites as well. The infamous poop emoji now has an actual face and less stink to it, while others like “hands in the air” emoji are now represented by hands-only. This should help avoid confusion when communicating to others, regardless of their platform.

Other updates include “Until the next alarm” option when activating “Do not disturb,” new navigation button placement for tablets (back and home on the left, overview on the right), as well as December’s security updates.

For all those that own devices other than Nexus, it could take some time before you see it approved/rolling out on the carrier branded devices. Given that it’s such a small update (although not really all that urgent), we’re hoping that the new 0.1 release will hit everyone quicker than usual.

Google rewarding Maps reviewers with 1 TB of Drive storage (VIDEO)

It may not be that well-known, but Google Maps actually has its own Yelp rival built right in, allowing users to leave reviews, photos, and information about restaurants, attractions, and other locations. It's called Local Guides, and now Google is upping its incentives for users who continually make contributions. Among the rewards are the chance to win a new Nexus smartphone and access to beta features before others, but one of best may be 1TB of free storage for Google Drive.


Participating is simple for users, with those who already leave reviews and other information just needing to keep doing what they normally do. Leaving a review, adding photos, updating information, adding a new location, and even answering questions from others will score users points.

After just a few points they'll be eligible to enter the drawing for a Nexus. Between 5 and 49 points will grant them access to Google product betas, while 50 to 199 points will recognize their efforts with a Local Guide badge next to their name, letting others know posts by you are from a trusted source.

It's at 200 points and above when the bonus cloud storage reward kicks in, with users getting 1TB of Google Drive storage for free, something that normally costs $9.99 per month. Those who really show their dedication and earn 500 points or more can apply to attend Google's inaugural Local Guides summit in 2016, where they'll be able to meet other Guides and see the Google campus.

Those who are eager to begin participating can keep track of their progress by updating to the latest version of Google Maps on iOS or Android, and then navigating to the app's Contributions tab.

Google+ is rolling out a dramatic redesign with bigger focus on Collections and Communities

Say what you will about Google+, it’s actually grown a pretty strong following, not just among Android enthusiasts, but those that take have taken the time to find their niche. I guess that’s why in a new update hitting the web today (and soon, mobile apps), Google+ is being redesigned from the ground up to focus on doing what it does best: Collections and Communities.

Upon signing in, users will be presented with a completely redesigned home stream and with what Google is calling a “drastically simplified” product. That means everything from posting, searching, and connecting with others should be easier than ever. Google is putting a big focus on navigation that’s centered around Collections and Communities, which is helpful for finding others with shared interests.

Google says that in a way, things are still beta and not every Google+ feature has found its way into the new redesign. Because those will come at a later time — along with updates to their mobile apps — you may want to roll back the update or hold off for now. In either case, updating on the web is as simple as clicking the “Let’s go” prompt, and you can always go back to the “Classic” design by clicking the button in the lower left-hand corner. Enjoy!

Gmail will soon warn users when incoming email is unencrypted

Google has announced plans to implement a feature in Gmail that’ll notify you when an email is coming from an unencrypted source. This is convenient and important in a couple of different ways:
If you’re unsure that the line isn’t secure you can refrain from sending sensitive information in your email responses.

If the person you’re emailing has power to change it, it gives you an opportunity to tell them they should get with the encryption program.

Google went into detail about how far email encryption has come to now, and what they plan to do to help continue to push it forward in the future. Be sure to check all of that out right here if you’re interested. In the meantime, we’ll be waiting patiently for the aforementioned Gmail feature to make its way to our inboxes.

Google launches YouTube Music for an endless stream of your favorite music videos (VIDEO)

Remember those days of coming home from school, flipping on the TV, and watching an endless stream of music videos on MTV? Neither do we. But if there was some alternate reality where something like that happened, YouTube Music would be like that. It’s a new app Google is launching that, as the name suggests, is focused only on music. Just picture what would happen if Pandora and YouTube were to have kids.

The app is free to download and although having YouTube Red (which you’ll be given a free 14-day free pass for tying out YT Music) makes the whole experience better (ad-free listening, background music play, audio-only mode), it’s entirely possible to enjoy this without it. Just be prepared for the usual assortment of ads to popup in between music.

A YouTube built just for music
Any video, album, or artist starts a non-­stop station
Personalized stations learn your tastes
A home tab with recommended tracks just for you
A trending tab to stay up on the newest releases
New songs and artists in ‘On the rise’
The latest hits in ‘The Daily 40’

Using it is simple. Just fire up a song from your favorite artist and watch as YouTube Music builds a station based on that. You can like music (or dislike) videos just like in the YouTube app, and there is a handy slider for adjusting station variety. It’s quite literally a music video-only YouTube experience and only further adds value to Google Play Music/YouTube Red’s monthly service fee.

We think those that listen to top 40 or popular music on the radio will feel right at home — most of those song are accompanied by a music video. For those with most obscure tastes, you may have trouble finding your favorite indie videos or you’ll just run into a lot of those videos with static album art. For everyone else, downloading the app is free so give it shot.

Google finally adds offline navigation to Google Maps

Google has released the Google Maps update we’ve all been waiting for. The company today announced the addition of offline navigation, so you’ll no longer need a reliable internet connection if you want to use navigation.


How does it work? Simple: tell Google an area (city, state, or country, for example) and it’ll download that area to your device for offline use like it always has, only now it’ll be able to deliver turn-by-turn navigation without you having to be on an internet connection. Google says the offline mode is seamless, and it’ll revert to the mode when it detects you have a spotty data connection. Of course, they maintain that using it while connected offers the best experience as you can get live traffic updates.

And that’s all there is to it. This is a big feature that kept Google Maps from being the go-to navigation solution for many folks, but with this improvement it’s sure to challenge the crown of whichever app you’re using. Give it a go when it hits Google Play (and your device) sometime this week.

YouTube Red is live, sign up now for a free trial (US only)

Last week, YouTube officially announced their ad-free subscription service. It’s called YouTube Red, and it includes all of YouTube without ads, original YouTube content, and Google Play Music All Access, for just $9.99. It seems like a pretty sweet deal. Today, the service has officially gone live. You can sign up now for a free trial.

Another benefit of YouTube Red is the ability to save videos for offline viewing and listen to videos in the background. As mentioned above, this also marks YouTube’s venture into producing original content. Shows from popular channels like PewDiePie, RoosterTeeth, the Fine Brothers, Tobuscus, and CollegeHumor will be available only with a YouTube Red subscription.

The reception of YouTube Red has been shaky. A lot of people love the idea, but others are afraid it will create a divide among YouTuber viewers: those that can afford Red, and those that can’t. Up until this point, YouTube has been free for everyone. Anyone in the world can watch videos, and also create videos that can be seen by everyone. What do you think about YouTube Red? Are you signing up?

Unboxing and hands on Nexus 5X and 6P (VIDEO)

Nexus 5X unboxing confirms it does not ship with USB Type-C to Type-A cable
Many of you have yet to receive a Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P, but some lucky souls in India walked away with units at Google’s launch event for the devices in the region today. Wondering how things look when you finally get to take it out of the box?


Wonder no more. Unboxing videos are starting to hit the web. There’s nothing out of the ordinary that we don’t expect from past unboxing experiences. There’s nothing flashy going on, though we do give Google a good deal of applause for keeping things nice and neat.

The boxes contain your standard assortment of quick start guides and warranty information, though you should also find an insert for a Google Play Music trial in there, as well. There’s also the USB Type-C charging puck and a Type-C to Type-C cable in both.

One thing worth noting is that that the Nexus 6P does ship with a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, but the Nexus 5X does not. We’d heard this would be the case as per Google’s listing on the Google Store, but many held out hope that this was simply an error on Google’s part. Sad to say it’s not an error, which explains why it hasn’t been fixed despite our inquiries into Google.

Looks like you’ll have to order a cable for your Nexus 5X (Amazon has a great variety of cables right here) if you’re in need. As for those unboxings, the videos are above, so be sure to check them out at your earliest convenience!

Android 6.0 Marshmallow factory images go live for Nexus 6, Nexus 5, and more devices (VIDEO)

The time is here! Google has just posted the Android 6.0 Marshmallow factory images for a slew of Nexus devices. The list of devices include the  Nexus 6,  Nexus 5,  Nexus 9,  Nexus 7 (2013), and Nexus Player.
Head on over to developer website to download the files for your device now!

Google will be rolling out an OTA update soon, but if you don’t want to wait for that you can flash the factory image. The process is relatively simple if you’ve never done it before. 

What will you get with Android 6.0? A bunch of things. We went hands-on with the first couple of Android Marshmallow builds below.

Nexus 5X is now official with 5.2-inch display and Nexus Imprint (VIDEO)

After the countless leaks and rumors, the Nexus 5X is finally official. LG’s long-awaited successor to the Nexus 5 improves upon the fan favorite from two years ago. The 5X is slightly cheaper and less powerful compared to the Nexus 6P.

The Nexus 5X has a 5.2-inch 1080p display. It’s powered by the familiar Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor. On the back is a 12.3MP camera that Google says is especially good at indoor photos. The back is also home to a fingerprint sensor, which is used for a feature called “Nexus Imprint.” It’s basically the way you’d expect a fingerprint sensor to work, but Google says it gets better over time.

The Nexus 5X will be available for pre-order today from the Google Store. It will start at $379. You’ll be able to get your hands on it later in October, and it will work on all major US carriers (including Project Fi). It will also come with 90 days of Google Play Music All Access, a $50 Google Play credit, and optional Nexus Protect protection plan.

Google officially announces the Huawei made Nexus 6P (VIDEO)

Google has made it all official, folks: this is the Nexus 6P by Huawei. There aren’t many surprises by now, but it’s nice to get an official rundown of everything this phone has to offer.

It’s a 5.7-inch AMOLED display surrounded by a ton of metal and backed by a lot of processing power. Here is the full spec sheet for your consideration:
Screen: 5.7”, 518 PPI, WQHD AMOLED
Camera: 12.3MP Rear / 8MP Front (1.55 μM, F2.0 / 1.4 μM FF)
Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 v2.1 processor
Battery: 3,450 mAh (Built-in)
Dimensions: 159.4 x 77.8 x 7.3
Weight: 178g
RAM: 3 GB (LPDDR4)
Storage: Comes in 32/64/128 GB

You’ll notice there’s no wireless charging or microSD slot, but there’s plenty more to like here. The device features Nexus Imprint, which is a fancy name for that fingerprint scanner you see on the back. It can be used to authorize purchases from Google Play or in financial apps, as well as the ability to authorize Android Pay purchases.

The device also works with the new “Android Sensor Hub,” a low power mode which is always working to deliver context-sensitive functions. For instance, tapping the fingerprint scanner will bring the device from sleep to wake in no time — it’s nearly instantaneous. It also powers the ambient display mode, which — coupled with an awesome AMOLED display technology — makes it easy to jump in and out of notifications even while the display is powered off.

The Nexus 6P will obviously ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and all the features which come with that goodness (including Google Now on Tap). Google also confirmed that it’s fully compatible with all major US carriers, as well as most carriers in Canada and around Europe. Oh, and there’s Proect Fi support — can’t forget that. You can order one from the Google Store right now starting at $499 in Aluminium, Graphite, or Frost color options.

Google announces Android Marshmallow-themed event for September 29

Google sent out invites for an Android Marshmallow themed event in San Francisco on September 29. The occasion will all but certainly mark the debut Android 6.0, as well as new Google hardware.


We are likely to see a duo of new Nexus smartphones made by LG and Huawei. The devices are expected to debut as Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P respectively.

The LG-made Nexus 5X has already leaked on a number of occasions. Its rumored specs include Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 SoC, 2GB of RAM, 5.2” 1080p display, 12.3MP main camera, and a fingerprint sensor.

Nexus 6P on the other hand, is rumored to pack Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset, 3GB of RAM, and 5.7” QHD display. The Handset will be Huawei’s first Nexus device.

Nexus 5 2015 the first photograph live and design leaks (PHOTO/VIDEO)

New Nexus from Google this year will most likely be back to the Nexus 5 and comes in two variants. Here we have a view of the back most likely smaller Nexus 5 2015 from LG's.


This first live photos allegedly showing the back of a prototype of the Nexus 5, 2015 and reveals again polycarbonate case in white with Nexus logo printed vertically. You will notice that around the camera slightly protrudes out of the case, followed by a dual LED and laser autofocus on the left. There is speculation that it is a 16 MP or 20.7 MP camera.

This round under the camera is supposedly a fingerprint sensor, which as we know Android M get native support.

The openings do not see the rear speakers, which to some extent confirmed by the speculation that it will on the new Nexus 5, 2015 get a frontal position, which we certainly welcome, especially if it is a stereo speaker that can compete with HTC BoomSound speakers.

On a white najljepnici with bar code, to be observed and the LG logo.

This photo live in accordance with previously published renderings devices:

This is does not look particularly impressive, at least as far as design.

New Nexus from LG and Huawei, are expected sometime in the second half of October

>>Read more - First renders of the Huawei Nexus phone are here (VIDEO)<<

>>Read more - Specifications and price Nexus 5 2015 phone<<

>>Read more - New Nexus from Huawei on the video ?! (VIDEO)<<

Latest YouTube For Android Update Improves Offline Video Feature

Online video was launched alongside Music Key back in November last year, but was available only for a limited number of users. While this still remains unchanged, the latest YouTube update brings some improvements to the feature and a few other changes.

To watch videos online, you have to download it and Google has decided to enable lower quality video option for offline viewing. 144p video option is not the only new thing. Users can expect some user interface changes and voice command support, which allows users to control the playback of videos with a varying set of phrases and commands.