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A taste of something great: five days with NVIDIA's Shield Android TV
I wanted to watch The West Wing, so I asked for it. I wanted to play Asphalt 8 on my TV, so I downloaded it. I wanted people to see me playing a copy of Street Fighter X Tekken I didn't (strictly speaking) own, so I broadcasted it. All of these little interactions -- some mundane, some seemingly strange -- are what make using NVIDIA's Shield Android TV box such a tantalizing experience. At its very core, it's not all that different from the Nexus Player we saw last year, with an added veneer of NVIDIA gamer-friendliness. It's that extra dose of ambition, though, that makes the Shield the most interesting Android TV box you'll find out there right now. I've had the thing hooked up to my TV for five days and haven't completely put it through its paces yet, but read on for a taste of what it's like having a Shield-powered living room.
Android app makers can experiment with Play Store listings
Those rumors of Google letting Android app developers experiment with what you see in the Play Store? Yes, they're true. Creators can now conduct tests to see what pricing works best, or whether one icon color is more alluring than others -- you'll only view one of each while the test is ongoing. Also, app makers are getting Developer Pages (shown above) that showcase all of their apps, so you'll have a one-stop shop for everything from your preferred brand. If all goes well, you'll find more Android apps with prices you're willing to pay, and you won't have to scrounge quite so much to get every app you need. Don't miss out on all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2015. Follow along at our events page.
Google Cardboard now works on iOS
At the I/O developers conference this morning, Google announced that its low-cost VR headset, dubbed Cardboard, is now available for (official) use with the Apple operating system. The system has only been available for the Android OS since its debut at last year's I/O conference. Its associated app, however, has been downloaded more than a million times since then.
GoPro unveils a 360-degree camera array for VR videos
Now that Google has announced Jump, a new VR technology platform that lets you create and share 3D content, you're probably wondering how you can do exactly that. Well, Google has partnered with GoPro to come up with a solution: a 360-degree camera array built out of 16 GoPros. The circular rig boasts camera syncing, multi-camera control and a super-long battery life so it can stand out there to capture as much crazy 3D footage as you can conjure up. From there, you can just hand over the video to Google's Jump software and it'll process it for you. And, if you like, you can share it with the world so that anyone with a VR headset -- Cardboard or not -- will be able to see it. We're hearing from Google that the 360-degree camera will be seeded out to a few select YouTubers at least initially, but it'll eventually be up for purchase to any and all wannabe VR content creators. Meanwhile, you should check out the video below to see an interactive (use your keyboard or mouse to look all around you) 3D video shot with the GoPro 360-degree camera array.
Google intros new Jump VR platform and improved Cardboard
Google brought virtual reality to the masses cheaply with Cardboard, a DIY headset announced at last year's I/O conference. Now, the search giant's building upon its 1 million VR viewers with an improved Cardboard headset that fits smartphone screens up to 6 inches. It also incorporates a new top-mounted button that replaces the finicky magnetic ring so that Cardboard works with any phone. And, in what's probably the most consumer-friendly move Google's made with the new and improved Cardboard, it takes just three steps to assemble. Clay Bavor, VP of Product, told I/O attendees that they'd be receiving these new DIY VR kits immediately after the keynote. And for interested VR developers, it's important to note the Cardboard SDK now works with iOS in addition to Android.
Google Play makes it easier to find kid-friendly apps
Finding kid-friendly content in the clutter of inappropriate digital entertainment is one of the hardest tasks for parents. Google Play will now include a discovery tool that makes it easier for families to find apps, movies, shows and books that are best-suited for kids. One-third of the Android users in the US are parents with kids aged 12 and under. If you're one of those parents, and you're looking for an app that keeps your toddler occupied or a tween-fiction book to encourage a reading habit, you will be able to tap the Family button on the home page to browse content by age and interests. You can also personalize the search based on characters -- so Elsa, SpongeBob and Peppa Pig all get their own character badges.
Google's Cloud Messaging now sends notifications to iOS devices
Google's Cloud Messaging is no longer just for sending alerts to Android devices or your web browser. The internet giant has announced that the service now pushes notifications to iOS devices as well -- your favorite app can deliver updates to all your gadgets using a single system. The Cloud Messaging update also introduces topics, so an app can ask you about getting only the notifications you care about. A news app can send you notifications about tech and world news, for instance, while skipping entertainment. These features will take a while to filter down to the software you use, but they promise to both keep your hardware in harmony and cut back on some noise. Don't miss out on all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2015. Follow along at our events page.
Google Maps delivers destination info, voice directions while offline
Sometimes you still need navigation and destination info when you're offline. Google is delivering just that with offline Maps. Even when you're not connected (or in airplane mode), the app will still provide information on places in your searches. This means that you can browse hours, reviews and other important details for places like museums and restaurants. What's more, voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation is included as well for maps that you've saved for offline use. Unfortunately, there's no word on when the new tools will arrive other than a vague "later this year." Don't miss out on all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2015. Follow along at our events page.
Google Photos offers unlimited storage for mobile and web
Google today launched a standalone, unlimited photo and video service called Google Photos. Google Photos is a free -- and, again, unlimited -- storage, sharing and editing service, and it should be available today on Android, iOS and the web. However, do note that the unlimited storage only counts if you're okay with a little compression -- your photos will be downsized to 16-megapixels and your videos will have to be 1080p or worse. You can certainly upload original resolution photos and videos too, but they'll count against your Google Drive storage limits. Update: The Photos app is out, and we've given it a test run, check out our impressions right here.
Google reveals Now on Tap, its canny new Android M concierge
Google's trying to make Now even more subservient to your needs with its next version for Android M called Now on Tap. The new digital assistant listens in on your activities and gives you supplemental info like store hours or movie reviews right inside an app or web page. For instance, if a friend texts you with a dinner invite at a new restaurant, you can ask Now on Tap for reviews, hours and other info mid-conversation. It'll also create reminders on the fly about previous email or text discussions and incorporate detailed Knowledge Graph information.
Project Brillo is Google's platform for the Internet of Things
Google wants to be everywhere in your home, not just hiding inside your thermostats and smoke alarms. That's why, as rumored, it's just announced Project Brillo, a super-slim operating system that's designed specifically for devices collectively known as the Internet of Things. If you're feeling a sense of deja vu, don't -- the company has already dipped a toe or two into this market before, with 2011's quietly abandoned Android@Home project. As expected, Project Brillo is based on Android, but pared down enough to operate on a wide variety of day-to-day (and traditionally dumb) objects -- doorbells, baby cameras, ovens and so on that speak to each other via Bluetooth and WiFi.
Google standardizing fingerprint IDs across Android devices
At its I/O conference, Google's just revealed that it will standardize fingerprint ID security across Android M devices, so that manufacturers like Samsung don't need to build their own. That means developers will be able to use an open system that lets you unlock your device, buy with Google Pay, pay at Google's Play store and perform other common functions with your digits. The system will also be bundled in its API to help developers integrate it into third-party apps. In other words, it'll work much like Apple's fingerprint system already does. Don't miss out on all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2015. Follow along at our events page.
Android Pay will arrive with Android M, handle payments via NFC
Google SVP Sundar Pichai may have tipped the company's hand on mobile payments back in Barcelona, but he offered little detail on how the system would work. At I/O 2015, though, the folks in Mountain View served up a wealth of details on the matter, including the announcement that Android Pay would be part of the Android M release. Just like Apple Pay, transactions are sorted via NFC and your actual card number isn't shared with merchants. Instead, it'll use "a virtual account number" to handle payments. When it arrives, the system will be employed by over 700,000 retailers (sounds familiar) like Macy's, Whole Foods, Walgreen's and many more. It'll also be used for in-app purchases, so if you're ordering food from Chipotle or paying for an Uber ride, you'll be able to use Android Pay there as well. And yes, web sellers can leverage the system, too.
Google's Inbox email app is now open to (almost) everyone
You no longer have to cajole your friends into giving you an invite to Google's smarter, task-oriented Inbox app. As of today, it's available to everyone with a standard Gmail account -- you just have to grab the Android or iOS app, and you're off to the races. There are a few new features coming along for the ride, too. Inbox now bundles all your trip-related email in one place, and will both show your Google Keep reminders and suggest adding them if someone sends you a to-do list. You also get options to take back outgoing emails, add custom signatures and open reservations directly in apps like Eat24 or HotelTonight. Workers who need Google Apps support won't get to use the normal Inbox app just yet, but Google is opening the early adopter program to anyone who wants to get in.
Google debuts Android M, which is all about 'polish and quality'
Like clockwork, Google lifted the veil on Android M at its I/O developer conference today, an event that's traditionally served as the company's launchpad for its mobile OS updates. No, we don't yet know what the "M" stands for (we'd love to see Android Marzipan), but, as usual, that's not stopping Google from divulging details. After the bold redesign that was Android Lollipop, M is more focused on refining the entire Android experience. "For [Android] M, we've gone back to the basics," said Google SVP Sundar Pichai. "We've really focused on polish and quality; we've literally solved thousands of bugs." While there's still no firm release date for Android M, developers can give it a spin today with a special preview release for the Nexus 5, 6, 9 and Player set-top box.
HBO Now is coming to Android and Chromecast this summer
That Apple-exclusive streaming window is ending -- Google exec Sundar Pichai just announced that HBO Now is coming to Android too. Whether you use Android, iOS or a web browser, Google Cast support is coming too -- for the 17 million or so Chromecasts out there -- although there weren't exact details on when. HBO says it's coming "this summer," and Pichai mentioned it will be in time for the upcoming True Detective season, which premieres June 21st. There weren't any details on how, but it sounds like Google Play will offer subscriptions in the same way Apple (and Cablevision) have so far. Finally, whether you have cable or are a cord-cutter, HBO confirmed that HBO Now and HBO Go are both coming to Android TV soon. HBO VP Bernadette Aulestia says, "We have seen through social media that there is great demand for the service among Android and Chromecast users and we're excited to deliver HBO Now to them," so it looks like someone has been reading your posts. Don't miss out on all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2015. Follow along at our events page.
Live from Google's 2015 I/O keynote!
The stage is set, the Moscone Center is tricked out with leopard print Androids, and Google I/O is just about to start. You know the drill here: The first order of business is an hours-long keynote address that'll show us exactly what Google's been working on behind closed doors these past few months and what we can expect to play with in the future. Android M? More insight into Android Pay? VR announcements? It seems like this year's show is really going to have it all. We've got a little more time before the keynote kicks off, so hang tight, thumb through our I/O preview for as a quick refresher, and stay tuned for more shortly. May 28, 2015 12:30:00 PM EDT Don't miss out on all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2015. Follow along at our events page.
Watch the Google I/O keynote right here
Technology is pretty awesome. Google is prepared to take the stage in San Francisco for the I/O Conference keynote presentation, with executives ready to talk about the company's latest wares -- and you can watch it all from the comfort of your own screen. Even if you're in San Francisco, we suggest beating the traffic and watching the presentation without moving an inch (except to grab your coffee, of course). The keynote begins at 12:30PM ET / 9:30AM PT, and you can watch it via the live stream below.
Google's experimental 3D-scanning tablet goes on public sale for $512
If you're fascinated (or baffled) by Google's spatially aware, three-dimensionally scanning Project Tango tablet, you can now buy and try one yourself. The in-development tablet is now (still?) $512, invite-free at the Google Store. While the device is no longer a conceptual toy, it's still expressly aimed at developers, as Google looks to them to add functionality -- and ideas as to what to do with those spatial sensors built inside. Perhaps the most unusual part is that this wider retail release was dropped a mere day before Google I/O kicks off. Don't get too aggrieved if Project Tango 2 suddenly appears.
Android Pay's arrival means a new direction for Google Wallet
As we suspected, you'll be hearing more about the new Android Pay setup -- announced a couple of months ago during Mobile World Congress -- during the Google I/O event this week. According to a New York Times report, Android Pay will let retailers take payments from inside their mobile apps, use it at brick-and-mortar retail locations, and automatically update the customer's status in store loyalty programs. Like Google, retailers are interested in using those loyalty programs to track trends among their customers, and the report goes on to claim that Apple Pay will add a similar tie-in within the next month or so. So what will become of Google Wallet? Apparently, it will be reintroduced with a focus on sending money directly between two people to go along with being preinstalled on carrier phones. The mobile payment wars are just beginning, and potential competitors like Facebook and Samsung have their own plans too -- expect more details from all sides soon. [Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
