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IRL: Why I got my mom a Nexus 9 for Christmas
My dad called me up a few weeks ago saying he wanted to get mom a tablet for Christmas, one that might be good enough to replace the laptop she hated. It wasn't the hardware causing angst; it was the software: Windows 8. She's pretty comfortable with technology, but migrating from the familiar world of Windows' past was tricky and she wasn't alone -- I didn't find it easy either. While no tablet could completely replace a laptop, for general internet use, it's all she really needed.
Google Play update makes it easier to manage payment info on mobile
You'd think that after rolling out so many design updates, Google would take a breather for a bit. After all, aside from some Nexus devices, not everyone has Lollipop just yet. No matter: Mountain View has another new version of the Play Store up its sleeve. As Android Police notes, it brings a full-height navigation drawer and some new shadow effects for those running the latest version of Google's mobile OS. In addition to that, there's also a new My Account page with your order history. AP says that this tab not only lists stuff you've bought recently, but makes changing payment preferences a bit easier too. Can't wait for the update to hit your device? Click over to the source where you can download and sideload it for yourself.
Android's new assistant app helps you use (and fix) your Nexus
So you just snagged a Nexus 6, and you need help navigating Android 5.0 Lollipop or figuring out why your battery life is lousy. Who do you turn to? As of today, you can turn to an app: Google has released Device Assist, a helper tool for Android One, Google Play Edition and Nexus devices. You'll get tips and tricks, like most digital guidebooks, but it'll also offer "proactive" fixes for detected issues; it'll turn down the screen brightness if it's cranked too high, for instance. If you're using a Google Play Edition device or Nexus, you also have a fast track to Google's live support. No, this won't magically repair cracked screens and other broken hardware, but it could spare you from scouring the web (or making a tech support call) to get solutions to software problems.
Lollipop isn't making a dent in Android usage numbers (yet)
Now that Android 5.0 Lollipop is finally rolling out to devices around the globe, you might be wondering just how much of an impact it's making on the Android ecosystem. The short answer: not much. Google has released its latest Android usage stats, and Lollipop doesn't even register yet -- in other words, less than 0.1 percent of Google Play users have moved to the new software. That's not surprising given that both the upgrade and Lollipop-native devices like the Nexus 6 are weeks old at best, but it suggests that the new OS will take a while before it makes its presence known.
OnePlus and Cyanogen on brink of breakup after India fight
Poor OnePlus just can't take a break. Just as the company's busy taking care of its Black Friday promotion, its store opening in Beijing and its India launch with Amazon next week, a close partner decided to drop a hurtful bomb. Cyanogen Inc., the maker of OnePlus One's Android ROM, announced that it's now inked a deal with Micromax to exclusively support the latter's upcoming online brand Yu -- a direct competitor of Xiaomi -- in India. And by "exclusive" we do mean no love for OnePlus, who implies in its latest blog post that Cyanogen knew about its India plan all along, yet it was suddenly shunned to make way for a new partner over there. If true, this is a surprisingly childish move from an up-and-coming company that has no doubt benefitted much from its partnership with OnePlus thus far.
Virgin Media customers can now access the Sky Movies Android app
While Virgin Media customers have been able to access Sky Movies and Sky Sports on their iPhone or iPad for over three months now, Android users have been left twiddling their thumbs. Luckily, that wait is now over, for film fans at least, after a new update to the Sky Movies Android app unlocked access to the broadcaster's bumper collection of motion pictures. If you subscribe to the M+ Virgin TV package or above, then you should be able to log in with your Virgin account details. However, if your device is running Android 5.0 Lollipop, then you'll have to wait until early next year to get your streaming on. There's currently no word on when the Sky Sports Android app will get the same treatment, but Virgin Media says it's "working hard" to get it ready.
Moto makes lost keys and phones a thing of the past
Motorola isn't done releasing small yet convenient accessories this year, apparently. It just unveiled the Keylink, a Bluetooth key fob that helps you find both your smartphone and your keys. If you lose your phone between the seat cushions, you can push a button on the Keylink to make it ring from as far as 100 feet away; if your keys disappear, you can use Motorola's Connect app to make the Keylink sound off. It plays nicely with both Android phones and iPhones, and it'll also serve as a trusted Smart Lock device if you're using Android 5.0 Lollipop -- you may never have to unlock your phone so long as your keys are nearby. The Keylink is relatively costly for a narrow-purposed device at $25, but the price might be justifiable if you periodically misplace your gear.
Nokia's return to hardware begins with the $250 N1 Android tablet
Rumors of Nokia's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Its lineup might seem empty now that it's relinquished control of its Lumia smartphones to a lumbering giant and gave up on those low-cost Asha devices earlier this year, but that doesn't mean the company's done crafting consumer gadgets just yet. Now Nokia's trying to revive its once-titanic consumer brand, starting with something a little... unorthodox. Meet the Nokia N1: a 7.9-inch Android tablet running some Nokia software that looks like a giant iPhone. It'll cost you $250 when it launches, but it's slated to land in China first in time for Chinese New Year (that's February 19, 2015) with a release in Russia to follow soon after. Yeah, we didn't expect any of that either.
Android 5.0 Lollipop review: Google's biggest mobile update in years
There's something magical about the idea that, in the space of a few minutes, your smartphone or tablet can look dramatically different and do some cool new things, to boot. That's why operating system updates can be oddly exciting, and Android's latest upgrade -- known as version 5.0 or Lollipop -- is the firmware equivalent of opening a stack of presents on your birthday. The upcoming release, which is now available on the Nexus 9 and heading to dozens of mobile devices in the coming months, brings a fresh design and no shortage of new features. Join me as I unwrap Google's latest gift to the wireless community.
Now saying 'Ok Google' to your Android phone can search inside apps
Android's Material Design facelift is eventually going to trickle down into the entirety of Google's services, but for now the folks in Mountain View are just trying to make sure all its apps look consistent. The latest in a long line of Android apps to get the redesign treatment is Google's Search for Android, but that new look just might be the least interesting thing about it. No no, with the update in place, you can just speak and have Google search within apps installed on your phone. Itching to pull up tracks on TuneIn or get cracking on your holiday travel plans through TripAdvisor? All it'll take is a quick "OK Google" command to get things started.
Google releases standalone Messenger app for Android
But what about Hangouts, you ask? Well, that application isn't going anywhere anytime soon, it would seem. Yet, Google isn't doing it any favors by outing a standalone version of Messenger, an app with very similar messaging features to the aforementioned. Messenger does come pre-installed on Android Lollipop, alongside Hangouts, but now it's available to devices running version 4.1 (or higher) of Google's operating system. As expected, you can use Messenger for SMS and MMS phone functions, in addition to being able to send and receive audio messages. The app is also quite elegant, since it does come with the new Material Design look. If you're running a compatible smartphone or tablet, Messenger is available to download from Google Play -- or you can grab the APK from here.
Moto X Pure Edition, Moto G and 'most Nexus devices' get a taste of Lollipop
We heard rumblings that Motorola's pair of single-lettered handsets would be amongst the first to get Android's latest update, and the company has made the news official. Lollipop is rolling out to the second-gen Moto X Pure Edition and Moto G (US GSM and global GSM versions) devices "in phases," so if you're wielding one of those, you should be privy to the new version soon enough. If you'll recall, Android 5.0 brings with it the flatter look and feel of Material Design, guest mode, battery saver and much more. Need a refresher on all the additions? Consult our extensive preview right here. Unfortunately, there's no telling how long it'll take for the new software to hit carrier versions, but we're just as anxious as you are. Update: Google has announced that Lollipop is starting to rollout to is family of Nexus devices. Of course, it's going to take a few weeks for the major update to hit everyone. But owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (both 2012 and 2013 models), Nexus 10 and the Nexus 4 can all look forward to Android 5.0 hitting their devices... at some point. You'll have to wait a little bit longer if you're using a tablet with mobile data, but that's just par for the course.
AT&T and Sprint spill the beans on Nexus 6 pricing
If you've been wondering just how much a Nexus 6 will set you back if you'd rather not pay Google $649 up front, your wait is over. Following early T-Mobile info, both AT&T and Sprint have divulged launch details for Android 5.0 Lollipop's poster child. AT&T's pre-orders start on November 12th, when it will sell the giant smartphone for a hefty $250 on contract, $23 per month over two years or $683 outright. Sprint will have the new Nexus in-store on November 14th, when you can get it for either $29 per month or $696 total. Both carriers are roughly on par with T-Mobile ($27 per month), but it's evident that the carriers aren't giving Google special treatment. This is a flagship device, and the networks are pricing it accordingly. As for Verizon? Big Red tells us that it still isn't ready to reveal its plans -- don't be surprised if its Nexus 6 variant arrives fashionably late. Update: Looks like T-Mobile is pushing back the launch 'til November 19th.
LG's phones are the first to get an Android Lollipop upgrade (updated)
So much for Google's Nexus phones being the first to get Android 5.0 Lollipop. LG has announced that it's rolling out the sweetened software upgrade to G3 users in Poland this week, ahead of seemingly every other smartphone on the planet -- yes, including the LG-made Nexus 4 and 5. As you might imagine given the timing, LG isn't reinventing the interface. Most of the improvements are either straightforward or under the hood, such as the new notifications and the ability to unlock your phone with nearby devices (such as an Android Wear watch).
Engadget Daily: Nexus 9 and Parrot Zik 2.0 reviews, a tour of Android Lollipop and more!
Google's Nexus 9? Check. What about Android Lollipop and Parrot's super-fly Zik 2.0 headphones? We have you covered. Read on for the rest of our news highlights from the last 24 hours, including Taylor Swift's breakup with Spotify and our review of Google's set-top box, the Nexus Player.
Google Calendar gets smarter and prettier
As part of the Google's continued push forward with Lollipop, Calendar is getting a major (and long-overdue) upgrade. Obviously that includes a Material Design facelift (which we can only assume will come to the web app eventually), but it also includes a metric ton of new features. The most impressive is its ability to mine your inbox for valuable information and automatically create appointments for you. Rather than suggest an event when you open your flight itinerary in Gmail, the new Google Calendar will just pull in that information -- including your flight number and check-in time. Best of all, those events are automatically updated, say if your flight is delayed or your pottery class is canceled. Assists are an other effort to save you time by suggesting locations, people or even events titles based on your behavior. As an example, Google says if you frequently go running with your friend Peter in Central park, typing "r-u-n" should automatically suggest "Running with Peter in Central Park" complete with a link to the location on the map and contact for Peter.
Google Nexus 9 review: The first taste of Lollipop is a sweet one
It's been nearly five years since Google released its very first Nexus device, and by now we all basically get what the Nexus name stands for. It's all about building devices to show off the bleeding-edge version of Android, to give us a better sense of Google's vision of our collective mobile future. That future isn't just phones, either: It's about screens of all sizes, and that's why Google and HTC teamed up to build the new Nexus 9. Now that ancestors like the Nexus 7 and 10 have been forcibly shuffled off this mortal coil, the 9 stands alone as the sole tablet in Google's Nexus hardware lineup. So, does it live up to the standard geeks expect from the Nexus name? And more importantly, is it actually worth the asking price?
Google's Nexus 6 is a high-powered handful (hands-on)
It's a little funny to see Motorola finally crafting a Nexus phone after Google sold it to Lenovo, but hey -- life is peculiar that way. What's more important is that Motorola has taken its responsibilities as Keeper of the Nexus name seriously, and put together a phone that's as big on power as it is big in your pocket. Let's go for a quick tour, shall we?
Google details the ways Android Lollipop protects your phone's data
Android 5.0 Lollipop isn't just about a shiny new interface or whiz-bang features; there are some new ways to safeguard your phone's data, too. To underscore that point, Google has detailed Lollipop's toughened-up security features. Some of them you may know if you've followed development closely. Smart Lock lets you unlock your device using a paired Bluetooth- or NFC-equipped gadget, such as an Android Wear watch. Tougher SELinux enforcement, meanwhile, should reduce the chances that a rogue app compromises the entire system. And as much as the FBI may hate it, full device encryption is both on by default (for new devices) and tied to hardware security -- both law enforcement and thieves should have a much harder time spying on your locally stored content. It's probably going to be a while before these new defenses reach your phone, and you'll still want to be cautious when sharing things online. Nonetheless, it sounds like you won't have to worry quite so much about data breaches in the near future.
Google gives you the tools to build apps for Android 5.0 Lollipop
The official Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade for your phone may be weeks away, but Google has delivered all the ingredients for you to make Lollipop-ready apps. The search firm has released both the finished Lollipop developer kit and a fresh batch of stripped-down Android test releases for Nexus 5 and 7 devices. There's also a new round of Material Design guidelines and assets to make sure apps look at home in Google's flatter aesthetic. This won't help much if you just want to try all the whiz-bang features, but you'll definitely want to hit the source links if you're a software creator.
