Google might be in talk with Huawei for a 2015 Nexus phone

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BY Unknown 20:30 0

Google might be in talk with Huawei for a 2015 Nexus phone

According to the latest set of rumors, Google may be partnering with a Chinese phone maker for the next generation Nexus smartphone. The Weibo source cited by GizChina from where the information originates shares that the phone will be ready later in 2015.

A mockup of a Huawei-made Nexus

Additionally, there would be two different Nexus devices this year - one from LG and one from a Chinese maker. The last Nexus smartphone LG did was the Nexus 5 over a year ago. More interestingly, this will be the first time for Google to go with a Chinese phone maker, provided the rumor is true.

The source of the information hints that the Chinese company in question is yet to decide whether to use its own chipset or a Qualcomm-made one. Clearly, this leaves Huawei to be the company in question.

The mockups are based on the Huawei Honor 6

SlashGear has received a bunch of mocked up photos of the Huawei Honor 6 Plus rocking Nexus branding. Sadly, they're not the real deal, but give us a glimpse of how a Huawei-made Nexus device could look like.

If true, Google is on track to release two Nexus smartphones this year - one more affordable made by Huawei and a high-end one done by LG. We'll keep our ears to the ground additional rumors on the matter.

Google reverses its stance to disallow sexually explicit content on Blogger

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BY Unknown 11:10 0

Google reverses its stance to disallow sexually explicit content on Blogger

Earlier this week Google announced that it won’t be allowing people to have sexually explicit content on its Blogger platform. Earlier such content would be marked as ‘Adult’ so as to provide a warning to viewers before the content was presented to them but then Google thought even that wasn’t enough.

However, it seems the company has received a fair amount of backlash on the decision, following which it has promptly reversed its stance on it. A team member said on the Blogger Help Forum:

We’ve had a ton of feedback, in particular about the introduction of a retroactive change (some people have had accounts for 10+ years), but also about the negative impact on individuals who post sexually explicit content to express their identities. So rather than implement this change, we’ve decided to step up enforcement around our existing policy prohibiting commercial porn.

As before, blog owners will have to mark any sexually explicit content as Adult’ but other than that there is not much difference for regular users.

Google gets experimental reader mode in Chrome for desktop

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BY Unknown 09:30 0

Google gets experimental reader mode in Chrome for desktop

One of the best features of Safari on desktop or mobile is the Reader mode, that extracts the basic text and the relevant images from a web page and presents it in a more readable manner, free of distractions such as advertisements and odd font choices.

Google has been working on something similar for Chrome. They already added it in Chrome for Android a while back but oddly you have to mess around in chrome:flags to enable it. Now they are bringing it to Chrome for desktop and you can use it with more fiddling around.

On desktop it’s even more work to use this feature right now, as you have to install the DOM Distiller from here, at which point you will see the ‘Distill page’ menu item in your Chrome. That will let you use the reader mode for the webpage.

Of course, this feature should come formally with a more user friendly switch in future but if you want to use it right now and for some reason don’t want to use one of the many Chrome extensions that can already do this (such as Clearly) then give this method a try.

Google Play Store will soon feature sponsored app placement

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BY Unknown 18:00 0

Google Play Store will soon feature sponsored app placement

It there is one thing Google knows how to do its advertisement. It is one of the main reasons the tech giant is such a formidable force nowadays. Google’s Play store has become an incredibly popular content hub, not only for apps, but movies and music as well. It was only natural that the company’s unique ad-supported suggestion system find its way to the store sooner or later.

The ads in question will only be present within the search results in much the same way you see results being pushed to Google’s web search. So you might start seeing suggested apps pop-up in you Play Store searches. These will look almost identical to other results but will be marked with a little “Ad” label.

This initial beta test will consist of apps from developers, already using Google’s advertisement platform. It is also important to note that at this time ads will only appear in search results and not on any home page or app section.

Updated search bar is coming to Google Play store for Android

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BY Unknown 01:00 0

Updated search bar is coming to Google Play store for Android

The Google Play store for Android is about to receive an updated search bar. The new setup was teased by a Google UI engineer and is due to arrive in the near future.

The new search bar once again sits on top of the application and feature the “Google play” sign. Tapping it reveals you past searches in a similar fashion as the Google Now launcher. See how it works below.

The improved functionality will be available as a server-side update. You will not need to update the Google Play store app if you are already running the latest version.

Giveaway: Google Nexus 9 International giveaway.

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BY Unknown 02:06 0

Giveaway: Google Nexus 9 International giveaway.

Get your hands dirty with Htc Nexus 9 Free .. this is a Google Nexus 9 international giveaway enter here.

Google brings Android One devices to Philippines

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BY Unknown 01:58 0

Google brings Android One devices to Philippines

Google has launched Android One devices in Philippines. The two phones - the Cherry One and MyPhone Uno - will go on sale in the coming weeks on Cherry Mobile and MyPhone networks, respectively.

Both phones are similar to the Android One devices sold elsewhere but have a newer version of software. While those in India, for example, are still stuck on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, the ones being launched in Philippines are running Android 5.1 Lollipop, similar to the ones launched in Indonesiarecently.

Philippines is the sixth country to get Android One, and Google will be bringing it to more countries in the future. Hopefully, that Android 5.1 update is also seeded to other devices soon.

Slow growth forces Google to discontinue its Helpouts platform

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BY Unknown 14:56 0

Slow growth forces Google to discontinue its Helpouts platform

Google has announced that it’s shutting down its real-time expert assistance service Helpouts. “The Helpouts community includes some engaged and loyal contributors, but unfortunately, it hasn’t grown at the pace we had expected,” the Mountain View, California-based company said in a blog post.

The service will be discontinued on April 20, and you’ll be able to download your Helpouts history by using Google Takeout until November 1 this year.

For those who are not in the know, Google launched Helpouts back in November 2013 as a way for experts to provide help over live video to those in need. The news comes just a week after the search giant launched Google Device Experts, a free live-chat service which utilizes the Helpouts platform for video lessons.

Google Talk for Windows to be deprecated on February 25

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BY Unknown 14:51 0

Google Talk for Windows to be deprecated on February 25

After about ten years since it was first introduced, Google will be deprecating the Google Talk application for Windows. Google stopped allowing people to download the app long time ago but you can still continue using it, that is, until February 25.

Google already has a replacement in the form of Hangouts, which has been around for over a year now, and includes a lot more features, such as group messaging, audio and video calls, and emoji support.

If, however, you use Google Talk on a third party application, such as Pidgin, to access Google Talk, you can continue to use it for now, as only the Windows desktop app of Google Talk is being deprecated for now. However, it is still recommended to switch over to Hangouts for all the additional functionality you are getting.

You can access Hangouts through Gmail or Google+ website, or download the Chrome desktop extension, which also works when the browser isn’t open.

The new View-Master is a kid-friendly, Google Cardboard-compatible VR headset

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BY Unknown 02:45 0

The new View-Master is a kid-friendly, Google Cardboard-compatible VR headset

One of the earliest virtual reality headsets – the View-Master – is getting a 21st century makeover. Mattel has partnered with Google to create the new View-Master, which is based on Google Cardboard and will offer a kid-friendly, immersive experiences.

The new product comes with a modernized version the fairly recognizable shape and has even kept reels.

Unlike the originals, which were cardboard disks with photographic film, these “reels” will be entry points for a digital experience based on Street View type photography of recognizable locations. These are similar to the AR Cards for the Nintendo 3DS, for example.

Anyway, the new View-Master will cost $30 when it comes out in the fall and a pack of three reels will go for $15. The software and the reels will be compatible with Google Cardboard and Cardboard apps will work with the View-Master.

Other companies have jumped on the phone-based VR headset too – LG recently launched one for the LG G3, Samsung has the Gear VR for the Galaxy Note 4 and even famed lens-maker Carl Zeiss launched a headset.

This year’s Google I/O will take place on May 28-29

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BY Unknown 18:24 0

This year’s Google I/O will take place on May 28-29

Google announced the official dates of its annual developer conference. This year’s Google I/O will take place on May 28-29 in San Francisco.

Registration for the large event is scheduled to begin on March 17 at 9AM Pacific time. Due to the large interest towards the conference, Google will distribute passes for the event via a lottery system.

There is no word on what will Google reveal during the conference just yet. We will keep a close eye on any hints going forward.

Google offers 2GB of Drive storage for a quick security checkup

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BY Unknown 14:05 0

Google offers 2GB of Drive storage for a quick security checkup

Google has always put high emphasis on security. Seeing how most everybody nowadays has a Google account it is only natural for the tech giant to constantly take steps to secure its primary asset and source of income – its users.

But rooting for proper online behavior and aiding with security concerns all over the internet means little if Google can’t be sure that their own subscribers are safe. Naturally there are several tools available to users for improving Google account security and in order to promote their frequent usage and spread the word the company is now offering 2GB of free additional Drive cloud storage to anyone who takes the time to run their security checkup.

The process itself is very simple and straight-forward and should not take more than a couple of minutes. Besides the additional online storage running the tool can also reveal interesting holes in your personal security and if nothing else will allow you to do a quick overview of your recovery details and make sure that everything is nice and up to date.

The promotion itself will be available until February 17. Simply running the tool before then will make you eligible for the free storage update, which in turn will roll out on February 28.

So be sure to take the time to review and confirm your online security, apps, devices and personal information for a bit of extra reassurance while you’re online.

Google acquires media backup and sharing service, 'Odysee'

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BY Unknown 02:45 0

Google acquires media backup and sharing service, 'Odysee'

Google has acquired Odysee, a company offering an iOS and Android app that allows you to automatically backup photos and videos from your mobile devices to your personal computers, as well as lets you privately share them with others. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

“Odysee’s vision was to be the easiest way for everyone to capture unlimited memories and access them everywhere. We are very excited to join Google where we’ll continue to focus on building amazing products that people love,” the company said in an announcement post on its website. The company will now be a part of the Google+ team.

Although Odysee’s iOS and Android apps have been pulled, the company says the service will continue till February 23, following which all your photos and videos will be available as a downloadable archive.

LG G3 buyers will get a free VR headset based on Google’s Cardboard project

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BY Unknown 02:40 0

LG G3 buyers will get a free VR headset based on Google’s Cardboard project

LG has teamed up with Google to offer future buyers of the G3 a free VR headset. This is based on Google’s Cardboard contraption unveiled last year at the search giant’s developer conference. However, LG has tweaked things a bit.

First off, this iteration seems to be made out of plastic, and not actual cardboard. Next up, it features cutouts for the G3′s rear-facing power and volume buttons, as well as its 1W speaker.

Otherwise, it looks pretty much like a plastic version of Google Cardboard. And like that, it has no batteries and no processing power of its own, relying solely on the phone’s visuals and innards. The VR for G3 has a neodymium ring magnet on its side, which works with the magnetic gyroscope inside the smartphone to select apps and scroll through menus without ever touching the screen. And all you need to do to use the VR for G3 is put the handset in.

Unfortunately LG has not yet detailed which markets will get the offer, but the company assures us that it will start happening this month, so hopefully more information is coming soon. We do know that LG will throw in a free VR game too, called Robobliteration.

Google brings live video chat with a salesperson to the Play store

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BY Unknown 00:59 0

Google brings live video chat with a salesperson to the Play store

Google brought live chat with a salesperson to the Play store. The feature allows buyers to have their questions answered before they splurge on new Android hardware.

The free service is called Google Device Experts. It utilizes the search giant’s Helpouts platform for video lessons. Google has been quietly testing the service since November last year.

Reportedly, Google has even more ambitious plans about the service going forward. Plans to install a virtual help desk with Google Device Experts in major retail stores are said to be place.

Google Device Experts is available every day from 9am to 9pm Eastern time. You can find the service in the devices section of the Google Play store.

Giveaway: Win a nexus 9.. !! 15 hours left.

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BY Unknown 18:48 0

Giveaway: Win a nexus 9.. !! 15 hours left.

wanted to lay your hand on the nexus 9 , but running out of money??
Here's a nexus 9 international giveaway from android authority.. just click either here or on the image below to enter.

Google Search will soon include tweets

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BY Unknown 03:53 0

Google Search will soon include tweets

According to a report in Bloomberg, Google Search will soon include tweets. Google and Twitter have apparently reached and agreement, which will include the social network’s posts in its search results.

The feature is allegedly set to launch in the first half of this year. Tweets will appear in Google Search as soon as they are posted. Google will automatically receive content generated by Twitter’s 280+ million users.

Engineers from both companies are said to be hard at work on the new feature. Google and Twitter had a similar agreement running between 2009 and 2011.

Reportedly, there is no advertising revenue involved in the deal between Google and Twitter. The social network will receive data-licensing revenue from its partner instead.

Google and Twitter are yet to announce the deal. The social network is going to report its earnings tomorrow, so more details are likely to arrive.

Google Chromecast scored 10 million sales in 2014

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BY Unknown 02:34 0

Google Chromecast scored 10 million sales in 2014

It’s not surprising that Google’s Chromecast HDMI streaming stick has been quite successful. After all it’s cheap and relatively easy to use, and it can instantly make your TV smarter than it was. Today though we get the first glimpse of just how successful the Chromecast was, at least during last year.

That’s because for the first time ever Google has shared some sales numbers with the media. According to a report out of South Korea, the search giant’s arm in that country has revealed that 10 million Chromecasts were sold globally in 2014.

That’s certainly a good achievement, and it’s nice to finally get some actual numbers from Google. The Chromecast apparently supports more than 350 apps and services already, and the company boasts that more than 6,000 developers are currently busy writing more than 10,000 cast-enabled apps for Android, iOS, and Chrome. So it looks like the little dongle will continue to be a success story for Google in the future.

Google reportedly preparing to launch its own ride-hailing service

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BY Unknown 02:29 0

Google reportedly preparing to launch its own ride-hailing service

Just a few hours after Uber announced that its has entered into a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to create a new tech center focused on developing autonomous driving vehicles, among other things, Bloomberg is reporting that Google is preparing to offer its own ride-hailing service, “most likely in conjunction with its long-in-development driverless car project.”

That’s particularly interesting given the fact that Google Ventures, the search giant’s venture capital arm, has already invested $258 million in Uber, and just last year the Mountain View, California-based companyintegrated Uber functionality in its Maps application.

As per the report, Google’s chief legal officer and senior vice president of corporate development David Drummond, who also sits on Uber’s board, has informed the board about Google’s plans, and executives of the ride-sharing startup have seen screenshots of the search giant’s ride-sharing app. Unsurprisingly, Drummond could soon be asked to resign from Uber’s board for obvious reasons, the report notes.

The news also comes just days after Google updated its Google app for Android with support for 40 new third-party apps, including Lyft. However, Uber was missing from the list, and now we probably know why.

LG Nexus 5 returns to the Google Play store

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BY Unknown 23:40 0

LG Nexus 5 returns to the Google Play store

LG Nexus 5 quietly returned to the Google Play store in the United States. The smartphone was listed as out of inventory for quite a bit of time before its sudden reappearance.

Both the 16GB and 32GB version of the handset are available to order for $349 and $399 respectively. Black is the only color listed in Google Play at the moment.

A couple of months ago, a word got out that LG and Google have stopped the production of Nexus 5. The search giant subsequently confirmed that the device will be available through Q1 this year, thus meaning that now might be a perfect time to pick one up.