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Showing posts with label Lollipop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lollipop. Show all posts
Nexus 7 3G and Nexus 7 LTE finally gets Lollipop factory images
The Nexus family is treated like Android royalty and is among the very first devices to get updated to a new software version. That’s great, except the Nexus 7 tablets with mobile data did not get the princely treatment they deserve and their update was delayed.
This affected both the original Nexus 7 and the Nexus 7 (2013). No more though, Google released the factory images for Android 5.0.2 Lollipop for both devices.
Other Nexus devices (including the Wi-Fi only versions of the Nexus 7 tablets) started their update process in November last year so this has proven quite a delay. Now tech-savvy users can update theirs to build version LRX22G.
You’ll need an unlocked bootloader, the factory image and the driver for your device. You can grab the files straight from Google.
There doesn’t seem to be an OTA version of the update yet.
Samsung Galaxy S4 (I9500) getting Lollipop in Russia
Following in the footsteps of the Galaxy Note 3, the Samsung Galaxy S4 (I9500) is making the jump to Android 5.0 Lollipop in Russia. The update weighs in at a hefty 1.05GB and has restrictions for the internal storage.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop update is over 1GB
First off, you'll need around 3GB to complete the update, so you may need to move some stuff off to the microSD card or to a computer. And you may not be able to get all of it back either.
After the install completes it will permanently eat 950MB of the storage. This is due to the new runtime, called ART. It compiles your apps the first time you boot your phone and stores the result, which where those 950MB go. Dalvik had an app cache too, but that was smaller.
So, if you're in Russia and have a Galaxy S4 - the Exynos one - you can check for updates from the settings menu.
Lollipop update rolls out for LG G Pro 2 in Korea
Over a month after the G3 started receiving the Android 5.0 update, LG has started rolling out the Lollipop update for the G Pro 2 in its homeland South Korea. The new firmware brings features like Material Design, rich notifications, better security, and improved performance
All three Korean variants of the device - LG-F350S, LG-F350K, and LG-F350L - are set to receive the update.
Launched early last year, the G Pro 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 800 chipset with a quad-core 2.26 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. It sports a 5.9-inch full HD IPS display and 3GB of RAM, and comes in 16GB and 32GB variants. The device packs in a 3,200mAh battery, as well as a microSD card slot for up to 64GB of additional storage.
Few HTC One versions lollipop update later than expected
Some carrier versions of HTC One (M8) and One (M7) will get updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop a bit later than expected. HTC initially promised to update all versions of its 2013 and 2014 flagship smartphone within 90 days of receiving the Android 5.0 code.
Mo Versi, HTC’s Vice President of product management delivered the news in a dedicated post. The delay is caused by issues Android 5.0 initially contained, which were subsequently fixed by Google with minor updates. HTC is working hard with Google and its carrier partners to incorporate the latter into its OS build.
HTC already updated several versions of the One (M8). They include the factory unlocked model, the Developer Edition, and the Google Play variant. Mo Versi promises “good news to share soon” on the rest of the One family.
LG G3 receives a newer version of Lollipop update in Europe
The LG G3 is already rocking Android 5.0 Lollipop, as its initial update has spread across Europe since December.
Now though, the Korean smartphone maker is in the process of pushing an additional firmware upgrade for the G3, at least it's doing so in Italy. So presumably other European countries will follow.
This is still Lollipop, mind you, but it's a smaller update that's primarily meant to polish things around, making the experience better than before.
The update comes in at around 90 MB. After applying it, you'll be running software version V20h, whereas the initial Lollipop update took that to V20e.
The new version brings with it unnamed bug fixes and improvements, along with some new icons for the software-rendered Android keys, as well as smoother animations all-round.
Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update will be delayed due to compatibility with Gear VR
With the Lollipop craze in full steam and the Galaxy Note 3 already up for a soak test in Russia it is only natural to expect that Samsung will give an equal share of attention to the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge.
We already saw a leaked manual for Android 5 with the device model on it so the OTA is getting closer, but no official news is available as of yet. Faryaab Sheikh, Editor-in-Chief of SamMobile might have just shed some light on the issue with a recent Twitter post. According to him the Galaxy Note 4 ROM is still in the hands of Oculus VR who are "tweaking the kernel" to ensure compatibility with the Samsung Gear VR.
For anyone unfamiliar with the device it is Samsung's current take on virtual reality headset based on the popular Oculus Rift. Gear VR however takes the experience one step beyond by using a wireless setup. This is achieved with the help of a mobile display, in particular the 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED panel of the Galaxy Note 4.
While compatibility issues might explain the delay the question still stands why this can't be achieved in a later update. This is supposedly what occurred on the Verizon version of the phone last month.
Delivering Gear VR compatibility is most definitely a huge deal in terms of marketing strategy, but the fact of the matter is that a very miniscule percentage of all Samsung Galaxy Note 4 devices will ever be put inside a VR headset. So why make everybody wait for what is essentially a niche feature?
Lollipop update for HTC One (M8) gets in Europe
The HTC One (M8) is taking the Android 5.0 Lollipop update around the world and today it has disembarked on the Old Continent. The news comes from Senior Global Online Communications Manager, Jeff Gordon, who posted it on Twitter.
Updates from users started in from users – Germany, France and Nordic gave the thumbs up, but the update is rolling out in waves so it may not be available in your region right this minute (about an hour ago there was a negative report from the UK).
HTC One (M8) Lollipop update
The update spruces up the interface with a new lock screen and a new app switcher, but Sense 6.0 remains largely unchanged. The update is heftier than in other regions, weighing in at 780MB and brings the ROM version up to 4.16.401.10. Versions of the update for other regions were 580MB and 650MB.
HTC One (M8) runnin Android 5.0.1
You can go to the Settings menu to check if the update is available. Make sure you're on Wi-Fi though, that's a rather large download.
ZTE Blade S6 welcomes LTE and Lollipop on a budget
The ZTE Blade S6 was announced today and will be headed around the world to deliver dual-SIM LTE connectivity plus Lollipop on 64-bit power for people with a tight budget.
The phone is built around a 5" IPS LCD with In-cell touch tech and 720p resolution. It runs ZTE's MiFavor 3.0 interface and Smart Sense motion gestures, which can open Play music, snap a series of photos or turn on the flashlight.
ZTE Blade S6 will also come in Matte Pink
The Blade S6 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset and will be among the very first to run Android 5.0 Lollipop on that chipset. The chipset has eight Cortex-A53 cores (half clocked at 1.7GHz, the otherhalf at 1GHz), those are 64-bit cores too.
Lollipop is the first Android version to make proper use of the new instruction set. Anyway, there's 2GB of RAM and Adreno 405 GPU. The storage is 16GB out of the box plus whatever you add with a microSD card.
The main camera packs a 13MP sensor (Sony IMX 214), while the selfie camera is a 5MP shooter with a wide-angle lens. The phone measures 7.7mm thick and will be available in matte Silver and Pink.
ZTE Blade S6 official photos
Connectivity combines practicality with speed – LTE gets up to 150Mbps and there are two nano-SIM slots. There's also a side dish of Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, FM radio and A-GPS too. The phone is powered by a 2,400mAh battery.
AliExpress will sell the ZTE Blade S6 has globally at $250, in select markets it will also be available through Amazon and eBay. In Hong Kong there's an exclusivity deal with carrier CSL.
Lollipop kernel source available for unlocked and Developer Edition HTC One (M8)
HTC started rolling out the update to Android 5.0 Lollipop for the unlocked and Developer Edition units of the One (M8) in the US a couple of weeks ago, and today the Taiwanese company has made the next important step for developers.
It’s now posted the kernel source for its particular flavor of Sense-infused Android 5.0.1 Lollipop on its specialized developer website. This release is different than Google’s Lollipop kernel source exactly because it’s for phones running HTC’s UI overlay.
While this is of absolutely no use to normal users, it’s the exact opposite for developers of custom ROMs and kernels. They need these bits to properly do their magic, so if you run a custom ROM on your HTC One (M8) this is good for you. It means your favorite ROM will either get a Lollipop update soon, or, if it has already, that it has the potential to become more stable.
Cyanogen trying to break free of Google dependence
At an event in San Francisco, the CEO of Cyanogen Inc. Kirt McMaster spoke about the company's bold plans about the future. As it turns out, Cyanogen has ambitions “to take Android away from Google.”
Cyanogen wants to provide an open version of Android on a deeper level than what’s currently available. This will allow the company to offer its partners “tier one services.”
McMaster gave Google Now as an example. The search giant’s mighty personal assistant interacts with the core of Android in a way third-party apps are not allowed to. Cyanogen plans to give such access to apps made by their partners. One example discussed was Yahoo’s Aviate launcher, which could benefit from such deep integration into the OS. of course, for that to become a reality, Yahoo would have to team up with Cyanogen, so for now that remains only an example.
Furthermore, Cyanogen plans to “not be based on some derivative of Google in three to five years.” This means that the company plans to break away from Google Play services. The latter are unsurprisingly firmly controlled by the search giant.
Cyanogen plans to break away from Google Play services by creating its own app store in collaboration with partners. The latter is expected to go live within 18 months.
Overall, it appears that Cyanogen has more or less had it with Google and its control over Android. We are quite curious to find out if the small, yet ambitious company can materialize its bold plans. So far, only Amazon has somewhat managed to do so, though, it is worth noting, that the retail giant has considerably more resources than Cyanogen.
LG tweets: Android 5.0 Lollipop update for G3 in the United States
It looks like LG G3 owners in the United States are soon going to get the Android 5.0 Lollipop treatment. LG USA told its followers on Twitter that the new Android version is “coming soon” to G3 smartphones across the Atlantic.
LG G3 has already received Android 5.0 Lollipop in a plethora of regional markets. The latter include a number of European countries, South Korea, and India.
The Korean giant is the first major smartphone manufacturer to deliver the latest Android build to its halo smartphone. LG will subsequently announce Android 5.0 upgrade schedule for the rest of its lineup of mobile devices.
As expected, Android 5.0 Lollipop will bring a host of improvements to LG G3. They include new UI design language, new security features, as well as a brand new Android ART runtime.
Windows 10 for mobile, will give Android some competition?
Microsoft made a few huge announcements yesterday, primary of which was the introduction of Windows 10. One huge feature stood out for us, the fact that Windows 10 will work across all of your available platforms, from the PC to your tablet, and even on your phone.
Microsoft has been struggling a bit in playing catch up with the leading mobile hardware and software vendors around the globe. Windows 8 began down the road to mobile friendly functionality, it was certainly built with touchscreen input in mind, but it somehow felt like an incomplete operating system to many, with a UI that made sense for a tablet experience, but lacked in old school Windows functionality on the desktop.
While Windows 8 is still the prevalent desktop OS, Microsoft has had to rely on a separate OS altogether for mobile. Windows Phone 8.1 is the current iteration, found mostly on the Microsoft owned Nokia devices, plus a small selection of HTC and other handsets.
Windows 10 is a new approach, the same OS is capable of installing on the various devices, where it offers a differing UI for each form factor. From what Microsoft showed off in their announcement, the phone UI brings with it the typical functionality we have all come to expect from our mobile devices. Home screens, settings menus, a phone book, a web browser and more.
What’s new
Windows 10 will rock a new web browser, code named Project Spartan. Cortana is a huge element to the new OS. Universal Apps make for a consistent experience across devices. Action Center eases settings control and syncs data and notifications across devices. Expanded Xbox integration goes beyond sharing game clips, streaming full games to your Windows 10 PC or tablet.
Looking at the new Universal Apps approach, there will be a few limitations as developers work around the x86 vs ARM architectures, but the goal is for one app to work on all of your gear. In addition to the app itself, there has been a focus on services.
Users familiar with the advanced photo functionality of Google+ should be comfortable with most of the Windows 10 Photo capabilities.
Your photos will show together in the Photos app, they will be automatically organized into sections and albums. Small touch-ups will happen automatically as well, such as red eye reduction. Best of all, photos will be a part of the new synchronization technology available on your Windows 10 phone in the Action Center. As is true for Google+ users, you’ll be able to get to your full photo collection regardless the device you are using.
A new messaging app seamlessly jumps between your SMS and IM communications, with Skype integration bringing video to the mix.
There is even a floating on-screen keyboard in Windows 10. Just swipe with your finger to re-locate it wherever you need it.
Should Android and other mobile be worried?
This is a tough one to answer. When it comes to walking into a cell phone store, one usually has to go looking for the Windows Phones hidden on the back shelf. Android and iOS devices have all but monopolized the industry. In these spaces, Microsoft has a long road ahead of them.
When viewing Windows 10 as a service, as many business and educational institutions may do, Windows phones and tablets take on a new appeal. If outfitting a large group of your employees or students with Windows PCs, a matching Windows tablet or phone is an easy sale.
Android, for many, is a powerful OS because it integrates so well with the Google ecosystem of apps and services. Microsoft has a growing user base of OneDrive and Outlook.com users that may become very interested in a phone that directly ties into those services.
As Microsoft expands their services, Windows 10 becomes a larger threat to Android. As a side note, with all of that said, Samsung has worked hard to build their own ecosystem, a roughly mirror image of Google’s own Android apps and mobile related services. Yet, Samsung’s Tizen OS has struggled to take off, so far.
Perhaps one move that Microsoft has done right with Windows 10, is adjust their pricing structure to be more in-line with other Mobile OSs. That’s right, as you have probably already read, for a wide selection of upgrade paths, Windows 10 is free. We are eager to learn what the price will be for those not upgrading. Android remains free, and open, Microsoft will have to keep that in mind as they try to compete.
Final thoughts
If the going success of Windows Phone and the once-great Nokia are to be considered when measuring future threat to Android, we might just say that Android’s market share has nothing to worry about. However, Microsoft has had time to watch and learn, by all accounts, it appears that they are doing things right with Windows 10. We’ll have to wait and see if that translates into smartphone sales.
What do you say, is Windows 10 a viable threat to Android market share, or is this just another Microsoft OS, doomed to be mocked and kept to your PC?
Moto G Lollipop update now rolling out in India
Motorola is rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the first and second generation Moto G in India.
As usual, the update is rolling out in phases, so not everyone will get it at the same time but your phone should show you a notification as soon as the update is available for download. Alternatively, you can check if the update is available by heading over to Settings > About phone > System updates.
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