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Android 4.4 KitKat comes with a deep, non-destructive photo editor (video)
Google revealed many things about Android 4.4 KitKat on the software's launch day, but it glossed over one of the sweetest treats for shutterbugs: a much more advanced photo editor. As the company's Nicolas Roard demonstrates, creatives can now apply effects, filters and adjustments at very precise levels, down to specific color channels and regions. Mobile artists can create presets, and every change is non-destructive -- it takes just a a couple of taps to revert to the original image. The new tool is built into KitKat's Gallery app, so just about any Android device that uses the standard photo browsing interface will reap the rewards.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 195 - 11.1.13
We hope you didn't wear out your sweet tooth this Halloween, because our host Brad Molen is joined by Android and Me's Taylor Wimberly for a big bite of Android 4.4 KitKat. A new Google OS wouldn't mean as much without a new reference device rollout, so we dive into the details of the Nexus 5 handset, as well. While lots of early adopters are eagerly waiting by the mailbox for their Google delivery, Brad humbly admits to already having scored both the black and white versions to take for spin. Not only that, but Taylor is a bona fide Ara Scout and discusses the potential of Project Ara's modular phone concept. So rest up your sugar-soaked selves and ease into a fresh edition of the Engadget Mobile Podcast via the streaming links below. Hosts: Brad Molen Guest: Taylor Wimberly Producer: Jon Turi Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast:
Motorola phones updating to Android 4.4 KitKat include Moto X, newer Droids
Now that Google's latest mobile OS is officially rolling out, the folks over at Motorola are letting end users know which phones will see Android 4.4 KitKat, and which ones won't. As AndroidCentral points out, digging through the upgrade tool reveals pretty much what you'd expect: all Moto X variants are on the list, as well as the company's recent Droid Mini, Ultra and Maxx devices. Statuses for the Droid Razr HD, Razr Maxx HD and Razr M are left fuzzily tagged "future plan coming soon" while the Droid Bionic, Razr Maxx and Droid 4 are all confirmed staying on Android 4.1.2. VP of Product Management Punit Soni posts on Google+ that Motorola will keep updating the website as plans get more detailed (and hopefully get release dates, or at least windows).
Nexus 5 launcher and apps ripped from factory image, available for download
Can't wait for your freshly ordered Nexus 5 to show up? This might grab your attention: the Android community has already ripped a handful of the phone's apps from Google's official factory image. Droid-Life has collected the essential applications (calendar, clock, email, camera hangouts, and others), but the full Nexus 5 experience requires Google Play Services, Google Home (the new launcher) and the revamped Google Search, specifically. As always, side-load with caution -- these apps were built specifically for the Nexus 5, and there's no telling how they'll affect a device running Sense or CyanogenMod. It may not be a full upgrade to KitKat, but it could be enough to tide over the impatient. Feeling brave? Check out the list of available apps at the source link below.
HTC: Android 4.4 KitKat coming to the One within 90 days, Google Play edition within 15 days
Now that we know which of Google's Nexus devices will be eligible for an update to Android 4.4 KitKat, other manufacturers are starting to speak up about their rollout plans as well. Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America, confirmed to us in an interview that the company is going to aggressively push out the latest version of Android to the HTC One. The Google Play edition will be updated within the next 15 days, the Developer edition and unlocked versions will get it within 30 days, and the remaining SKUs in North America (including all carrier variants) will have it in 90 days or less. With the exception of the Google Play edition, HTC plans to keep its signature Sense UI at version 5.5 (which has been available on global devices running Android 4.3); and although Mackenzie couldn't go into details on how the new KitKat features will be implented in Sense, we expect to see plenty of them make an appearance in the update in some way. HTC is still working on a rollout plan for the other devices in its portfolio, such as the One max and One mini, but Mackenzie assures us that the company will have a statement concerning those other phones in the near future. He also reiterated HTC's commitment to rapidly pushing out updates, telling us that "we're not going to [roll out updates] in a lazy fashion. We're going to make it a priority to have every dot release out on the One within 90 days." Since Mackenzie spoke to us on behalf of the company's North American branch, we're still awaiting word on HTC's plans for its global devices. Given the fact that US operators are set to push out updates in the next 90 days, we'd be surprised if it doesn't arrive sooner on One units around the world.
Google: Samsung Galaxy Nexus won't get updated to Android 4.4 KitKat (updated)
From the horse's mouth, we're hearing some unfortunate news: Google has taken to its Spanish support pages to announce that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is not on the list of devices to receive Android 4.4 KitKat. This seems a bit odd, given the new update's focus on "the next billion" and offering solid performance to other budget devices, but at the moment things aren't looking up for owners of the phone -- or any older Nexus devices, for that matter. We've reached out to Google for clarification on this and will update you if and when we hear back. Update: There's still no official word on why this is the case, but sources close to the company have pointed the finger at a different hardware issue on the Galaxy Nexus: its Texas Instruments-built chipset. The company is out of the mobile business and as such isn't in a great position to give the support necessary for continuing OS upgrades -- presumably some of those 1,700 employees let go in the shift away from mobile could have helped. Now we'll have to see if the community can pick up where the corporations left off or if this is the end of the road for the Gnex and its other OMAP-based kin like last year's Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD and Droid Bionic.
Nexus 5 bumper case and QuickCover listed as 'coming soon' on Play store
Sure, it's got a protective Gorilla Glass 3 coating, but there's only one way to really protect that new Nexus 5: cases. If you're breathlessly refreshing the Play store for a shot at ordering Google's new handset, you may want to check out the associated bumper case (available in black, grey, red and yellow) and LG's QuickCover case (in white or black) which wraps around to also safeguard that 4.95-inch screen. Both are currently listed as "coming soon," so you won't actually be able to add them to your cart. But if you find either option tempting, know that the bumper case will set you back $35, while the more luxe QuickCover is retailing for $50. That is, assuming, you were able to successfully place an order for the Nexus 5, anyway. Update: We've included a hands-on photo of the bumper (above) and one of the flip cover after the break.
Android 4.4 KitKat lets you say 'OK Google' to activate touchless search
"Okay Google." Those Touchless Controls aren't just for the Moto X anymore -- they're now part and parcel of the Nexus 5. With today's unveiling of Google's (terribly leaked) Nexus 5, we're getting a first look at Android 4.4 KitKat on the handset, and that OS update comes with some significant tweaks to Search and Now. For starters, Nexus 5 users will have the ability to set hot keywords as a means of activating or "waking up" Now voice search. So, presumably, this means you'll be able to link any word you'd like to start barking voice commands at Now. Just don't be surprised if Now talks back to you: KitKat also apparently allows for a dialogue of sorts between users and the handset to refine search queries. This could be especially useful when directing Now to access contacts by first name. For example, saying "Text Jennifer" could result in it asking you to specify, "Which Jennifer?" It's smart control made smarter. But that's just the tip of the improvements Google's made to its Now and Search product. Overall, speech recognition is said to have been made 25% more accurate and manual access to Now can be triggered by a swipe to the left (Nexus 5-only, for now) -- no longer a swipe from the bottom of the screen up. Now has also been outfitted with a wider array of "contextual cards." It's yet another step in making Google's digital assistant even more prescient, as it will now display information based on a user's current activity, like Fandango for ticket listings if you're at a theatre, or even updates on a favorite TV show you've searched for previously. And going even further, Google Now will also provide "deep links" to applications you've installed on the handset. In the use case Google provided, this means that a recipe search won't just display link results, but will also ping up the AllRecipes app or even OpenTable, if you're on the hunt for a restaurant. Though all of these Search tweaks are bundled into the Nexus 5 for now, they should soon rollout to other Nexus devices as Android 4.4 KitKat is made more widely available.
Google announces the Nexus 5 with Android 4.4, on sale today for $349 (hands-on video)
It's about time. The Google-backed and LG-manufactured Nexus 5 is now really a reality, after countless rumors and leaks (a few of them coming from Google itself). The new device, which predictably boasts the latest and greatest version of Android known as KitKat (or 4.4, if you're so inclined), takes its place in the spotlight in place of the Nexus 4. And, despite coming out at a slightly higher price point than last year's Nexus, it still takes the cake in terms of features, components and other specs. Now that it's ready for the public, let's take a deeper look at the Nexus 5, which will be available on the Play Store today, in both white and black, starting at $349 for AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint (sorry Verizon customers).
Android 4.4 KitKat arrives, focuses on budget phone performance (video)
After entirely too much teasing, Google has at last taken the wraps from Android 4.4 KitKat. The new mobile OS is based on efficiency that brings smartphones to "the next billion people," according to Android Senior VP Sundar Pichai. Google's own apps use less memory, and the interface will automatically scale back to fit on devices with only 512MB of RAM. While the company can't enforce anything, it wants KitKat to be ubiquitous on Android phones released in 2014, regardless of performance -- a lofty goal when some low-end phones still ship with Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich.
Android KitKat leak suggests big improvements for cheap phones, wearables
When you thought we were ready for Google's next announcement, along comes some fresh information, courtesy of regular Google news-breaker, Amir Efrati. He's apparently taken a look at confidential documents outlining what's going on with the next big mobile OS update. The Android KitKat iteration will apparently tackle that tricky fragmentation issue, and has been designed to work well even on lesser-specced Google-powered handsets. The new Android OS "optimizes memory use in every major component," and will include tools to make memory-friendly apps for "entry-level devices" with memory even as low as 512MB. The other major point is how Google, a well-known proponent of wearables, is already is prepping for even more smartwatches and visors on its mobile operating system. The new version will reportedly include support for three new sensors: geomagnetic rotation vector, step detection and step counters, which could be Android's way of answering Apple's inclusion of a dedicated motion processor in its latest iPhone. The source reckons these are geared towards Google's rumored smart watch -- or possibly glass. Google is apparently still working on making NFC a bigger deal, and has also worked internally on improving smartphones' skills controlling your TV and other devices. Apparently, this will involve unifying how Android deals with IR blasters, rather than the fragmented approach brought by phone makers including Samsung, LG, Sony and HTC. Bluetooth is also rumored to see significant improvements, with Bluetooth HID over GATT and Message Access Profile both mentioned what Android-running hardware can talk with. Update: The author's also taken to Twitter, adding that there will be a new fullscreen mode, with the ability for developers to create interfaces from edge to edge. The navigation bar will apparently remain hidden. Sharing the love over on G+, he adds that there could well be power savings alongside the update, with both sensor and WiFi batching helping to eke out battery life. We'll hopefully see soon how much of this hits the mark, and have our fingers crossed that there's also a new phone, primed with those sensors, to go with it all.
Nexus 5 reportedly due to launch on November 1st, will be available in black and white models
Still waiting for Google to make its often-leaked Nexus 5 official? Sit tight -- one leak suggests the device's unveiling could be just around the corner. The latest render from @evleaks shows a two-toned Nexus 5 with a white backplate, but the post's text is even more revealing: "In white," it says. "11/1." It's definitely a vague statement, but in light of Google Play's recent product page leak, an early November launch would be right on schedule. The latest rumors and leaks promise a device with a 4.95-inch 1080p display, a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU and LTE available in both 16 and 32GB models and, apparently, in black or white. Reportedly starting at $349, it certainly has our attention. We'll let you know when we hear something official.
Google buys French company FlexyCore to make Android more buttery
Though Google made significant strides in smoothing out Android performance with Project Butter, apparently it's not yet satisfied. According to L'Express, Mountain View has just purchased French firm FlexyCore for €16.9 million ($23.1 million). That company made its name with software like DroidBooster, which improves the speed of apps running Android without increasing battery drain. A Google spokesman in France said that the business is already integrated with its Android teams, and confirmed that the software will "help optimize the performance of (Android) on mobile devices." Whether it'll bear fruit in the soon to be released Android 4.4 KitKat remains to be seen -- but given Google's promise that the new OS will make even low-spec phones sing, we wouldn't be surprised.
Weekly Roundup: HTC One Max review, PS Vita review, Apple confirms iPad event and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nexus 5 listing appears in the Play Store, teases 16GB for $349
We still haven't heard anything official about Google's next Nexus phone, but tonight some people are already seeing the Nexus 5 as an option in the Play Store. Just among our editors, some see the outgoing Nexus 4 while others get the result shown after the break, with a 16GB (from the link in the page, although it doesn't go anywhere) Nexus 5 listed for $349, along with the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. Previous leaks have given us a good look at the outside while a service manual gave up the internal details: 1080p 4.95-inch display, 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU, LTE and storage capacity that tops out at 32GB. These screenshots show the Hangouts app where we'd usually expect our SMS icon to be, which is among the software changes we're expecting when this new device arrives with Android 4.4 KitKat some time in the future -- possibly around October 28th. Update: It looks like Google has plugged the leaky hole, as the page is showing all of us the Nexus 4 once again. Nothing to see here... for now. [Thanks, Jacob]
Daily Roundup: GoPro Hero3+ review, gdgt's best deals, Android KitKat tease and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nestle may be hinting at Android 4.4 KitKat launch on October 28th
We know that Google is fond of puzzles, and it may be using a few of them to tease the launch of Android 4.4 KitKat. Nestle's @KitKat Twitter account has posted two musical references (embedded after the break) that suggest the OS could appear on October 28th. The first, "everybody dance now," clearly points to C+C Music Factory -- originally known as The 28th Street Crew. The second hint may be an allusion to Michael Jackson's This Is It movie, which reached stores on (you guessed it) October 28th. Don't plan your schedule around that day, however, as there are a few reasons to doubt the timing. C+C Music Factory released its "Gonna Make You Sweat" single on October 18th, and the album version of This Is It reached the US on October 26th; if these are teasers of any sort, they're not especially obvious. Still, we're fast approaching the October 29th anniversary of the launches for both Android 4.2 and the Nexus 4 -- no matter what, Google is due for both new software and the hardware to match.
Nexus 5 prototype shown from all angles in leaked video
With pretty much every spec of the Nexus 5 already leaked, it was only a matter of time before it popped up prematurely in a video. The seven-minute clip shows the device from all angles and running various apps like Google Earth, albeit without any sound. The unit matches a previous accidental photo leak from Google, but it's unlikely the final version; the software is listed as KeyLimePie, the back is marked with "Not For Sale" and the camera lens appears rough around the edges. One Week Creations notes that the original video (likely from retailer, Club SFR Smartphones) was set to private, but you can catch a rip of it via YouTuber Enaze Uddin after the break.
Weekly Roundup: Galaxy Gear hands-on, iPhone 5S and 5C rumors, Microsoft / Nokia acquisition, and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Daily Roundup: iPhone 5S and 5C rumors, Distro Issue 106, LG Nexus 5 at the FCC, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
