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Wireless Android Auto is available for Google phones
JVCKenwood was a tad premature in announcing head units with wireless Android Auto given that phones weren't officially ready for it, but that support is finally here... more or less. Google has enabled cord-free Android Auto in vehicles that have an Android Auto Wireless-compatible infotainment system (built-in or aftermarket), but only if you have a relatively recent Google phone running Oreo -- that means a Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P. Sorry, folks, your LG- or Samsung-branded phone will have to wait. You'll also need a USB cable for the initial setup, so don't leave the wire at home the first time around.
Android 8.1 starts rolling out to Nexus and Pixel devices
As promised, Android 8.1 is ready to reach the masses. Google has started pushing the new mobile operating system to Nexus and Pixel devices, and expects to complete the rollout over the next week. Naturally, it's also posting the source code. The biggest tangible improvement should be for low-cost Android Go phones aimed at developing markets, but there are plenty of important improvements -- particularly if you have a Pixel 2.
How Google’s smartphones have evolved since 2007
Google is expected to show off a ton of new hardware at a press event in San Francisco this week, and -- as expected -- most of the hype is centered around a pair of new Pixel phones. Now, the Pixel line itself is only a year old, but Google's smartphone ambitions have been part of the company's vision for over a decade now, and we felt that was worth celebrating ahead of Wednesday's big reveal. Join us as we take a look at Google's surprisingly long history in smartphones, starting with a device many of us had forgotten about completely.
Google reveals when it'll stop supporting Pixel and Nexus phones
Wondering when you should upgrade your Nexus or Pixel? Google has updated its support page to reflect when it will no longer offer telephone and online support for the devices, and you can use that info to make a decision. In the past, the big G promised that its phones will get Android updates for at least two years and security updates for at least three years after they're released. Once it security updates stop, phone and online support stop, as well.
Android Nougat 7.1 beta is now out for select devices
Google has delivered on its promise and released the developer preview of Android Nougat 7.1 for beta testers before October ended. You can only access it if you have a Nexus 5X, a Nexus 6P or a Pixel C, though -- Google won't be releasing it for other devices until November, and its final public release won't be available until December. If you do have any of the three devices, you can expect to get an OTA update if you're enrolled to Android's beta program.
The Pixel's release doesn't mean your Nexus is completely toast
Google unveiled its fancy new Pixel phone during a press event on Tuesday. If you haven't seen it yet, it's an impressive handset, with VR capabilities, a fast-charging battery, supposedly the best-ever phone camera, a super-smart AI assistant and Android 7.1. It's also the harbinger of death for the current line of Google Nexus smartphones.
A look back at Google's Android flagships: the Nexus family
Android purists have always had the same response to new smartphone announcements from the likes of HTC, Samsung or LG. "I'll just wait for the next Nexus." And why not? For years, Google's Nexus line served both as its official flagship products and as public reference devices for the latest in Android phones and tablets. Now, Google has replaced the brand with a new top dog: the Pixel. At first blush, it's everything users loved about the Nexus line and more -- but before we close the casket on Google's first series of smartphones, let's look back and talk about what made the Nexus brand so special.
Google offers $350,000 in prizes if you can hack a Nexus
Google has set aside at least $350,000 for its Project Zero Prize contest, and to win part of that sweet, sweet prize pot, you'll have to hack a Nexus 6P and a 5X. You'll have to do so only knowing the devices' phone numbers and associated email addresses. Plus, the vulnerability you exploit must be able to remotely execute codes on both phones just by opening an email or a text message. The big G says it hopes to discover new bugs from the contest. But since it's more than just a bug bounty program, it will also use your entries to take a closer look at how exploits work, as well as to gather info on how to protect its devices from similar vulnerabilities.
Android 7.0 Nougat review: All about getting things done faster
After a surprise debut and months of previews, Android 7.0 Nougat is ready for prime time. The broad strokes haven't changed since we first met Nougat back in March (when it was just "Android N"), which means it's still not the game-changer of an update some people have been hoping for. Instead, what we got was a smattering of big (and overdue) features mixed with lower-level changes that make Android more elegant. That might not make for the most viscerally exciting update, but that doesn't make Nougat any less valuable or useful.
Are you an Android N beta tester?
Sure, Google only proclaimed its newest build of Android N a "beta-quality" candidate yesterday, but that's more than enough time to formulate a hot take. With the new method of announcing and testing releases extremely early, the folks at Mountain View have made enrolling as a beta tester incredibly easy -- if you own a compatible device (Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C, General Mobile 4G) then you can click a button on this website to dive in. Of course, if you haven't already enrolled, the usual warnings still apply. This test software still has some issues to work out, and if you decide it's not for you, then going back to Marshmallow will require a full device wipe so keep your important data backed up elsewhere. Surely some of you have already taken the plunge, so click below and let us know how it's going -- or what's holding you back.
Fitbit's app auto-tracks activity on the Nexus 5X and 6P
With more and more smartphones now rocking motion co-processors, basic fitness activities can now be tracked without the need for a dedicated wearable. Fitbit brought such a feature to the iPhone 5S back in 2013, but Android support has been sporadic. Today, the company pushed a new update for Google devices, allowing owners of the Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P to use the app without a tracker and capture basic metrics like steps, distance and calories burned.
Republic Wireless gets serious about its phone selection
Republic Wireless' promise of extra-affordable cellular service has usually come with a big catch: the phone selection. Outside of the occasional gem, you've had to settle for browsing a tiny collection of so-so budget devices. That won't be a problem after this summer, though. Republic has announced that it's adding seven more phones to its roster this July, and most of them are reasonably up to date, high-end models you'd likely be happy to have. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are in the mix, as is Google's current Nexus line and the Moto X Pure Edition -- you can even get last year's Galaxy S6 if you're striking a balance between cost and cutting-edge. The prices are generally on par with what you find elsewhere, such as $699 for the Galaxy S7.
Google lets you download Nexus upgrades without waiting
Google has long made Nexus and Pixel C factory images available for people who just can't wait to install new Android versions (or want an alternative restore option). However, they've always come with a big gotcha: since it's a complete system image, you have to wipe your phone clean. You won't have to start from scratch after today, though. Google has posted over-the-air update images for all its currently supported Nexus and Pixel C devices, giving you the satisfaction of an immediate upgrade (no weeks-long waits here) without nuking all your data.
Google introduces customizable cases for Nexus 6P and 5X
Today Google introduced $35 custom Live Cases for the Nexus 6P and 5X. Artsy folks can design a case and companion wallpaper for their phone with their favorite image or map location. In addition to looking pretty, the cases ship with a programmable short cut button so you can launch an app without swiping around on your phone's screen.
Nexus 5X update should fix those lag and slowdown issues
Google's Nexus phones (and tablets) usually run Android at its best. Because, well, Google also makes Android. However, the company's recent heavy-middleweight Nexus 5X wasn't quite working how you'd expect. Several users, and reviewers, noted slowdown, apps shutting down, and other things that might ruin your time with the latest version of Android. (Marshmallow, if you were still paying attention to the candy-themed naming pattern.) In our review, we didn't see such extensive performance woes, deeming it "pretty smooth" -- although that's the diplomatic way of saying that the experience wasn't completely smooth. The next update, rolling out over the next few days, will help solve that issue. And you'll get some security updates too.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Nexus 5X courtesy of Bolste!
Today's workforce is often a mobile and global one. That makes finding the right tools to provide ease of communication and collaboration imperative. Bolste fits right into that sweet spot, offering a mobile and desktop platform that's simple to use, with the ability to track projects, share and store files, view tasks and manage project-specific teams. Pro users can also invite unlimited guests to collaborate free of charge (with limited access or through a free trial). The data and communication is also shielded with AES-256 bit encryption to keep your business private. This week, Bolste has provided us with a Nexus 5X smartphone and a year-long pro subscription of its service for one lucky reader. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this on-the-go biz combo. Winner: Congratulations to Scott G. of Dix Hills, NY!
Valentine's Day sale drops prices on Nexus 6P, 5X
If the earlier price drop for the Nexus 5X wasn't quite enough to make you pull the trigger, you might want to look again. Google has quietly slashed its official store's price on the 5X once again, to $299; we understand that European prices have dropped, too. It's not clear how permanent this cut will be, but it's making the reference Android phone that much more tempting compared to upper-mid-range competition from the likes of Motorola or OnePlus. Just be patient -- we've seen at least some reports that the Nexus 5X is out of stock, so you may have to wait a little while to plunk down some cash. Update: The Google Store listing reveals this is part of a Valentines Day promotion, which also includes a $50 price cut on the (matte gold-only) Nexus 6P. Also, 6P buyers can get an additional $50 off towards the purchase of a Huawei Watch.
Google's Nexus 5X now starts at $349
If you've been looking for an excuse to buy Google's latest entry-level smartphone, the Nexus 5X, here's your chance. Today, the search company announced a permanent price cut for the LG-made device, bringing down the cost of its 16GB and 32GB models to $349 and $399, respectively. This, of course, will make the Nexus 5X even more appealing to people, as it has received nothing but great reviews from the press -- including us, where it tallied a total of 88 in the Engadget Score.
The best stuff we bought in 2015
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-410140{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-410140, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-410140{width:570px;display:block;}When you write about technology for a living, a lot of folks ask you for buying advice. And, while we get to test the latest and greatest gear on the planet, telling others what to spend their money on is often easier than shopping for ourselves. Only a select few devices are deemed worthy of our dollars. These are the best gadgets we bought in 2015.
Google drops Nexus 5X and 6P prices by $50 for the holidays
Google announced on Wednesday that it has reduced the price for its flagship Nexus 6P and 5X handsets by $50. That means you can pick up a 6P or a 5X for as little as $450 and $330, respectively (and depending on how much onboard memory you spring for). What's more, the company is offering free overnight shipping throughout the holiday season. The discount promotion runs through December 22nd while free shipping lasts until December 30th. These deals are only available to customers in the US and Japan, mind you. So if you're in the market for one of these phones and don't want to go through your carrier to get it, now is the time to act.
