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Google announces Android 3.1, available on Verizon Xoom today
Google has just announced Android 3.1, and it's rolling out to Verizon Xoom 3G customers today. It brings with it a range of improvements and refinements including resizeable widgets, and a new host mode that will let you import photos to your tablet directly from your digital camera, and take advantage of a "ridiculous" number of USB devices, even including Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers. It also includes Google's new Movies app that will let you rent thousands of movies from the Android market, a new Books app, a new video editing app dubbed Movie Studio, and updated versions of most of Google's main apps, including a "faster" web browser with a new Quick Controls menu -- and to top things off, the OS will be hitting Google TV sometime "this summer" as well. Unfortunately, there's still no firm word on when it will hit non-Xoom 3G tablets, although Google did mention that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 that it's giving away to everyone at IO will be getting the update in the "next couple of weeks." %Gallery-123213%
Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote!
We're camped out on the corner of Howard and 3rd, but Google I/O 2011's opening keynote hasn't started quite yet. You're still in the right place, though -- bookmark this very page and return at the time listed below for blow-by-blow coverage as it happens. 06:00AM - Hawaii 09:00AM - Pacific 10:00AM - Mountain 11:00AM - Central 12:00PM - Eastern 05:00PM - London 06:00PM - Paris 08:00PM - Moscow 01:00AM - Perth (May 11th) 01:00AM - Shenzhen (May 11th) 02:00AM - Tokyo (May 11th) 04:00AM - Sydney (May 11th)
Google reaches 100 millionth Android activation, 400,000 Android devices activated daily
36 OEMs, 215 carriers, 450,000 Android developers all over the world, Google wants to say "thank you!" Android has recently crossed its 100 millionth activation milestone, and is also growing at its fastest pace yet: 400,000 devices activated each and every day. There are now 200,000 Android applications in the Market, which have accumulated a total of 4.5 billion installs, at a rate which Google actually says is accelerating. These figures have all been cited as a way to illustrate Google's mobile momentum, which is evidently not even thinking about slowing down.
DoubleTwist's latest trick is NFC-based MP3 sharing between Androids
After adding AirPlay to AppleTV support to its Android media player app over the weekend, DoubleTwist's followup is a page out of Microsoft's Zune squirting (R.I.P.) handbook as it has implemented the ability to share MP3s between two devices. Play the video above to get more details on how DoubleTap works (or just keep an eye on Google's I/O event where it will be on display) but basically you'll need two Android phones with NFC, then tap them together and watch the file sharing magic happen automagically over WiFi or Bluetooth. The new update went live in the Android Market overnight, now all you need to do is find someone else with a Nexus S, Galaxy S II or any of the other NFC-packing Android devices expected to arrive shortly.
Google I/O 2011 kicks off tomorrow, get your liveblog right here!
It's been quite a year for Google already, but in truth, things haven't even begun. The outfit's annual tech extravaganza kicks off in the morning at San Francisco's Moscone West, with an untitled Day 1 Keynote scheduled to boot things up at 9:00AM PT. As for what to expect? Things have been eerily quiet surrounding this year's event, but it wouldn't be a stretch to hear more about the rumored Google Music, Android's next step towards world domination, juicy details on the company's relationship with NFC, or where Chrome OS really sits. Might we see the mythical Nexus Two? Is Android 4.0 ready to shock the world? Will we be smacked around by a litany of location-based apps, all of which can happily be opted-out of? Feel free to toss your guesses in comments below, and be sure to have a bag of your favorite popping corn on tap come May 10th. As always, we'll be live from the keynote floor bringing you up-to-the-second coverage, and you'd be doing yourself a solid by bookmarking our liveblog page right here. For reference, a handful of time zones are listed below -- we considered adding Easter Island, but we have yet to confirm whether or not the Moai forbid access to the internet. 06:00AM - Hawaii 09:00AM - Pacific 10:00AM - Mountain 11:00AM - Central 12:00PM - Eastern 05:00PM - London 06:00PM - Paris 08:00PM - Moscow 01:00AM - Perth (May 11th) 01:00AM - Shenzhen (May 11th) 02:00AM - Tokyo (May 11th) 04:00AM - Sydney (May 11th)
YouTube adds 3,000 movies for rental from Universal, Sony, Warner Bros. (Update: they're live)
In the midst of a blog post welcoming us to "the future of video" head of YouTube Salar Kamangar confirms that starting today it will add around 3,000 new movie titles for rental in the US, along with reviews and behind the scenes extras. More details are promised to come in another post later today, but right now the video page appears to have the same list of flicks we've seen before so the question of which studios will bite is still up in the air. The rest of the post also mentions the YouTube Next program to push new original content on the site with "much more to come" -- consider the week of Google I/O underway. Update: Additional details have been posted on the YouTube Blog and are also after the break -- NBC Universal, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. are the new studios YouTube is partnering with to add the 3,000 new and catalog releases, doubling the amount previously available. The pricing is $2.99/$3.99 for movies viewable via PC or Google TV (no other device support is mentioned) and the FAQ notes that YouTube supports resolutions up to 4K but "most" of the new additions are sadly in SD, a choice which is apparently up to its partners. Update 2: The YouTube Movies page is updated now, as seen above. There's plenty of well known movies to be seen now replacing the catalog of older and indie movies that filled the page before. Rotten Tomatoes ratings integration is also front and center, while the Extras are on each movies individual page, but really just show a list of related videos on YouTube, while there doesn't appear to be a way to tell if a movies is one of the few in HD before you pay.
Google I/O attendees asked to give their old Android phones to charity
Steve Jobs might not think much of Google's old "don't be evil" mantra, but it's hard to fault a company for using its products' popularity for the common good. In what seems to be a spiritual successor to last year's Chrome for a Cause drive, Google is asking I/O 2011 attendees for their unwanted, unlocked Android smartphones in a campaign dubbed "Android for Good." Donated devices collected at the event will be put to use at charities in developing nations -- for instance, your old phone could save elephants from poachers, or help remote villages get healthcare. We aren't saying hording your old G1 is evil per se, but what good is it doing in your junk drawer?
Google I/O includes Google TV app development session; software speedup in the works
Take this for what it's worth, but the schedule for Google's 2011 I/O conference includes a little session called "Building Android Apps for Google TV," as well as "Building Web Apps for Google TV." That's certainly interesting, as Google's reportedly asked TV manufacturers to delay (or at least downplay) their smart TV products at CES until the core software is revamped, and we're hearing that the relaunch will focus heavily on apps. We're also told by a trusted source that there's a big performance boost coming as things get more optimized, comparable to the jump from Android 1.6 to Android 2.3 on phones, and that future input devices will be more streamlined and simpler to use than the current Logitech and Sony affairs. That's all good news, but, um, I/O isn't until May, so we're hoping all this stuff comes true much, much sooner than that. [Thanks, D.]
Google: jabs at Apple 'in a spirit of good fun' in fight for developers (video)
In case you missed it, you really should go back and check out Google's Vic Gundotra roasting of Apple during the Google I/O day 2 keynote last week. Hearing a VP from a major company in the consumer electronics industry so ruthlessly lampoon Apple was refreshing to say the least. TechCrunch sat down with the man post I/O and asked Vic about Google's relationship with Apple, particularly after the flurry of jabs Google made in the direction of Cupertino. Vic responded as follows: "It wasn't necessarily jabs at Apple, we have a deep respect for the innovation they brought. And places where Android has gone further we're very excited to show those off, we're very proud of Android. And I think in the end consumers really benefit from healthy intense competition that leads all companies to elevate their game. And it was done in a spirit of good fun." When pressed on the jabs and particularly calling Apple "closed" and Google "open," Vic responded: "We do like to draw sharp distinctions between our various approaches. But let's be clear we're two competitors competing for the hearts and minds of developers and we're trying to have some fun while doing that." We'll see how much fun Google thinks this is when Steve Jobs unleashes his RDF onto the world on June 7th. Until then, watch the TC interview after the break -- the good stuff kicks in at about 5:35. Oh, and we've also tossed in Vic's notorious "draconian future" dig for reference.
Engadget Podcast 197 - 05.22.2010
Google may not rule the universe quite yet, but it certainly rules the hearts and minds of the Engadget Podcasteers this week, in one way or another. Featuring the world debut of the dramatic musical theater segment Nilay's Niggles.Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul MillerSpecial guests: Chris Ziegler, Ben DrawbaughProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Valpo Usta - BabyHear the podcast00:02:35 - HTC EVO 4G review00:18:46 - Android 2.2 Froyo: everything you ever wanted to know00:19:22 - Google I/O recap: more web than you can shake a frozen dessert at00:20:30 - Live from the Google I/O 2010 day 2 keynote!00:20:40 - Google adding over-the-air app installation and iTunes streaming to Android00:21:08 - Google claims Froyo has the world's fastest mobile browser00:23:10 - Flash 10.1 for Android beta unveiled: Hulu a no-show, Froyo now a minimum requirement00:38:38 - Google TV: everything you ever wanted to know00:39:30 - Google TV turns on at I/O: runs Android and Flash, partnered with Sony, Logitech, and Intel00:40:09 - Logitech's Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)00:40:30 - Sony Internet TV, DISH first with Google TV this fall; Adobe, Logitech and others along for the ride01:00:45 - Sad Violin01:16:08 - The Engadget Show returns, this Saturday, May 22nd with Sprint's Evo 4G, Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch, and an Engadget editors Q&A!Subscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Android 2.2 coming to Nexus One, open source community 'in the coming weeks'
Why, thanks Google! Just a day after wrapping up a rather monumental Google I/O event in Northern California, the company's official show Twitter account has belted out a tidbit that just about every attendee was wondering about. According to the outfit, Android 2.2 (yeah, that's Froyo for the inexperienced) will be "made available to OEMs and the open source community in the coming weeks," and it'll be hitting up the HTC-built Nexus One in the "next few weeks." That's music to our ears, and if you're unsure what kind of impact this will have on your own life, feel free to take a deep dive into this right here. [Thanks, Alex]
Android 2.2 Froyo: everything you ever wanted to know
Since its initial launch on the T-Mobile G1 in October of 2008, Google's Android operating system has evolved rapidly -- perhaps more rapidly than any other operating system in recent memory -- to become one of the most important and prolific smartphone platforms in the market today. Its latest incarnation, announced at Google's I/O conference in San Francisco this week, began life as codename "Froyo" (continuing its tradition of naming new versions as desserts in alphabetical order, starting with Cupcake) to officially become Android 2.2. Don't be fooled by the mere 0.1 boost in the version number over 2.1 Eclair, though -- this is a huge upgrade that represents the most user-friendly, compelling, and feature-complete version of the little green guy to date. Read on for our full look!%Gallery-93349% %Gallery-93350%
Google I/O recap: more web than you can shake a frozen dessert at
Whew, Google really knows how to pack it in. Two days of Google I/O and we've got enough info on the future of the web, phone, and television to write a couple sci-fi novels and retire. Of course, we aren't just bystanders here: we've also gotten our hands on the latest version of Android (2.2, codenamed Froyo) and put its through its speedy paces. You can catch up on all the action below. Liveblog Live from the Google I/O 2010 day 2 keynote! Google TV Clicker.tv brings streaming internet video to your TV's browser; it has a web browser right? Google TV turns on at I/O: runs Android and Flash, partnered with Sony, Logitech, and Intel Sony Internet TV, DISH first with Google TV this fall; Adobe, Logitech and others along for the ride CE-Oh no he didn't!: Sony's Sir Howard says 'when you beat Apple, you're dominating' Logitech's Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!) Android Froyo Foxconn's Tegra 2-powered Android tablet hands-on (video) Google's Larry Page says there's 'something wrong' if your Android phone's battery doesn't last all day Android Gingerbread is 'planned for Q4 2010' Android 2.2 Froyo officially announced Google claims Froyo has the world's fastest mobile browser Android 2.2 'Froyo' beta hands-on: Flash 10.1, WiFi hotspots, and some killer benchmark scores Flash 10.1 for Android beta unveiled: Hulu a no-show, Froyo now a minimum requirement Google adding over-the-air app installation and iTunes streaming to Android Android 2.2 SDK goes live, developers likely unable to crash Google's download server Web tech Google Wave opens doors to public, asks old friends for new chance Google launches open WebM web video format based on VP8 (update: hardware partners and Microsoft statement) Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more Google unveils Chrome web store, Sports Illustrated app impresses OnStar reveals mystery partner: Google mSpot stores your music* in the cloud, makes it available anywhere**
Wikitude Drive AR nav app beta announced, available in Android Market (video)
With all the action going down at Google I/0 you can be excused for missing this latest tidbit: the folks behind Wikitude have made the beta version of Drive (their augmented reality personal navigation app) available for free for 2,000 users. And we just got our hands on it, so we know that there are at least a few downloads left at the Android Market. The full-featured demo sports NAVTEQ map data, both AR street view and 3D map view, worldwide coverage, voice commands, and both driving and walking directions. There's no word yet on when the final version will be released, so this might be your last chance for a while to play with what's stacking up to look like a pretty decent application. See the thing in action and check out the PR yourself after the break.
Logitech's Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)
Dashing away from the Google I/O keynote as fast as our feet would carry us, we scored the very first look at Logitech's Google TV companion box. While we'll share full details when we catch a breath, here's the scoop: the box extends the full functionality of a Logitech Harmony remote and a WiFi access point to your TV, providing not only Google TV but also allowing you to control your entire entertainment system (including DVR) with a still-in-development keyboard / touchpad remote or an iPhone or Android smartphone app over WiFi. Hit the gallery below for a taste of what the little set-top box can do, and rest assured we've got more info on the way. Update: Now with video, after the break. Update 2: Details and specs after the break, too. %Gallery-93420%
Android 2.2 'Froyo' beta hands-on: Flash 10.1, WiFi hotspots, and some killer benchmark scores
Much to our surprise at the time, when Adobe sent us a Flash 10.1-enabled Nexus One for testing, the phone came preloaded with a preview build of Android 2.2 -- a.k.a. "Froyo" -- the apparent turning point for curbing Android fragmentation due for a very public unveiling today at Google I/O. We've had a day or two to dig into it, and while we're surely missing some improvements here or there (Google was unable to provide us a changelog as of this writing), we've spent pretty much all our waking moments combing through every virtual nook and cranny. So what can Eclair alumni expect from the revised platform? Read on for more! %Gallery-93349% %Gallery-93350%
Flash 10.1 for Android beta unveiled: Hulu a no-show, Froyo now a minimum requirement
What was once just one echelon above a myth is now finally coming to fruition. Adobe is pushing out a beta of its Flash 10.1 player alongside Google's own beta for Android 2.2 "Froyo." The general release for Flash is still on track for June, according to Anup Murarka of the Mobile and Devices team. The announcement doesn't come without caveats, however, and the bad news is that Froyo is now a minimum requirement -- according to Murarka, the APIs needed for its software only now exist in 2.2. Also not on the docket? Hulu -- it's being blocked due to content licensing issues, and our inquiries with that company turned up nil. Flash 10.1 will be available as a Marketplace download, but Adobe intends to work with as many OEMs as possible to preload it on devices so it's there at purchase. Speaking of OEMs, Murarka teased that we should expect announcements later this month and the next regarding Flash integration in TVs. Be sure to head on after the break as we talk a little more in-depth with Murarka about 10.1. As for all there is to see, hear, and do with Froyo, Google's big keynote is going on now -- stay tuned, and in the meantime, why not check out our hands-on impressions of Android 2.2! Oh, and did we mention Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch is gonna be on this week's Engadget Show? %Gallery-93358%
Google claims Froyo has the world's fastest mobile browser
You heard it here first, folks. Google has just come out with the strident claim that the web browser in Android 2.2, aka Froyo, is the world's fastest for mobile devices. Having implemented the V8 JavaScript Engine that's already made an appearance in its desktop Chrome browser, Google's reporting JavaScript performance that's somewhere in the vicinity of two to three times better than what you can get from previous Android versions. We'll give this geek cabal some style points for the double equals sign up top, but will certainly be putting its bold assertion to the test in the very near future.
Live from the Google I/O 2010 day 2 keynote!
Yesterday's Google I/O keynote brought about a number of big newsbits -- a Chrome web app store, the open WebM video format, and so forth -- but even more tantalizing were Vic Gundotra's not-so-subtle hints at some major announcements coming at today's keynote. Will we finally get some details on Android's latest updates on the food roadmap?
Clicker.tv brings streaming internet video to your TV's browser; it has a web browser right?
When Clicker launched last fall it seemed like just another me-too streaming video aggregator, but we'll have to give it another look after it's followed up its Boxee integration by showing off the HTML5-built Clicker.tv site at Google I/O today. Designed as a "ten-foot" experience for TV screens it can be perused via mouse and keyboard or just a remote, bringing Clicker's index of video including network TV, webisodes and web-only content, plus premium sources like Amazon VOD and iTunes. It's currently in beta, but if leaning back and browsing from the couch is your thing -- or on the off chance someone launches a Google TV with Intel processor, support for all those streaming codecs we love and a QWERTY remote from Logitech tomorrow -- it could be worth bookmarking.
