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Google debuts new wireless charging pad with support for Nexus 5 and 7
Last year, Google unveiled a new wireless charging pad alongside the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, and the company has taken advantage of 2013 to come up with another one. This new charging pad has been announced in tandem with the Nexus 5, and will include support for it and the Nexus 7. It's supposed to go on sale in the Play Store today, though pricing is still an unknown. So what's different this time around? The new pad, which should work with any device that offers Qi compatibility, has been completely redesigned (it's shaped like a square instead of a hockey puck) and now features magnets that will make it easier for devices to stick on it -- provided those phones and tablets in question have magnets built in as well. We'll have more information about the chargers as we get it, so stay tuned! Nicole Lee contributed to this post.
Google donates 17,000 Nexus 7 tablets to help New Yorkers still affected by Hurricane Sandy
A year has passed since Hurricane Sandy came ashore, but the northeastern US is still feeling its impact through closed facilities and lost jobs. Google hopes to tackle some of those longer-term challenges by donating 17,000 Nexus 7 tablets to the New York State Community Action Association. The non-profit will primarily hand out the Android slates to community centers, libraries and business development groups for both education and job training. Some devices will go to senior centers, where they'll help older residents communicate with friends and family that would otherwise be out of reach. While the donation won't have as much of an immediate effect as direct aid, it could be useful to New Yorkers who need more than just the basics to get back to normal.
Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: fall 2013 edition
Fall is the season of change, and tablet makers are embracing this concept with gusto -- Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and others have all refreshed their lineups. In many cases, , even, these refreshes are actually giant upgrades. The iPad mini finally has a Retina display, for example, while the Surface Pro 2 has the battery life we've wanted since day one. And prices are coming down quickly: Who'd have thought that we could buy a quad-core ASUS Windows 8 tablet for just $349? That's a lot of change to keep track of, but never fear. Whether you're doing some gift shopping or planning to treat yourself on Black Friday, we have recommendations for tablets in virtually every category.
T-Mobile offers 200MB free monthly data for all tablets, will carry Nexus 7 in-store on November 20th
T-Mobile's plan to offer 200MB of free monthly data to iPad users was just the start of a larger strategy. As of November 1st, the no-charge bandwidth will be available for the lifetime of any tablet on the network; customers who pay for data will get the 200MB on top of their existing caps. The company is simultaneously launching a tablet trade-in program that will discount new devices when shoppers bring in old slates, even if they're WiFi-only. To draw attention to its new initiative, T-Mobile has revealed that it will carry the LTE-ready Nexus 7 in-store on November 20th. Customers can get Google's tablet with no money down if they're willing to pay $16 per month for two years, or $384 in total. That's ultimately more expensive than purchasing through Google Play, but it may be easier to swallow for those who can't afford to buy the device outright.
Google's new Nexus 7 cover will protect your tab with a microsuede jacket for $50
Did you a buy a new Nexus 7 and think to yourself, "Self, I'd really like Google to make a cover for this thing?" Well, consider your (not very lofty) dreams realized, because Google's done just that by offering smart cases for its refreshed tablet via the Play store. The molded microsuede cases come in four colors and do just what you'd expect them to do: protect your purchase and help it stand on its own. The covers are going for $50 each and can be pre-ordered now (ships tomorrow, the 9th) at the link below.
Verizon speaks out on Nexus 7 LTE activation, expects it will be certified 'shortly'
Despite the wide LTE support featured on the Nexus 7 2013's cellular modem-equipped model, early buyers have found Verizon won't activate it for a new line on the Big Red Network. The company responded officially on the matter today, explaining that its 4 - 6 week certification process must be completed first. The process apparently began in August, and spokesperson Debi Lewis said the company expects that to happen "shortly." The whole process is actually laid out on Verizon's website and shows how the testing is undertaken by a third party lab of the manufacturer's choosing -- feel free to read through it during the days / weeks your new Nexus 7 isn't connecting to LTE.
New Nexus 7 with LTE now available for purchase from Google Play in Canada, UK, France and more
Live outside of the Sates and eagerly awaiting a LTE-enabled Nexus 7? Well, Google has just obliged by making the 7-inch slate available in a handful of locales through its Play Store. The 4G tablet is now for sale to willing customers in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, UK, Japan and Korea. In the US, a lone 32GB option that's compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks is available for $349. Those itching to part with their funds can do so via the source link below.
New Nexus 7 32GB with LTE now available on Google Play in the US for $349
Back in July Google promised a version of its Nexus 7 (2013) with LTE would be available soon, and today is the day. Those interested can pick up the 32GB tablet with a T-Mobile SIM (and 2GB of data service for one month) for $349 on the Google Play Store right now, and in T-Mobile stores next month. It's also compatible with other carriers, featuring LTE service on Verizon, and GSM / HSPA / LTE ready for AT&T and T-Mobile (check the bands after the break).
Google teases Android 4.4 as 'KitKat,' passes one billion Android activations (video)
After "a whirlwind trip to Asia" visiting Android partners, Google's SVP Sundar Pichai has just confirmed -- by way of the above photo -- that the next version of his mobile OS is called KitKat aka Android 4.4. The exec shared this geeky nugget on both Google+ and Twitter, while his company has updated the Android developer site with a page chronicling Android's milestones so far. Details are light at the moment, and Google teases its upcoming release with just the following line: "It's our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody." Pichai also announced that there are now over one billion Android device activations, surpassing the 900 million mark back in May this year. This is well ahead of the end-of-year target that Chairman Eric Schmidt predicted back in April. Just to recap, here are all the previous dessert-based names that contributed to these figures: Cupcake (1.5), Donut (1.6), Eclair (2.0), Froyo (2.2), Gingerbread (2.3), Honeycomb (3.0), Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0), and Jelly Bean (4.1-4.3). Naturally, it's "K" after "J" now. More after the break (pun intended). Update: We've added Nestle's wacky promo video as well. Update 2: Go ahead and grab the kids, because you'll now find a short clip of the KitKat statue's unveiling. So... is anyone gonna break off a piece of that, or what?
Refresh Roundup: week of August 26th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Daily Roundup: Peripheral Vision, GameStop's digital strategy, Lab grown human brains, 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.
PSA: New Nexus 7 launches today in UK and Europe, O2 to sell LTE model starting September 13th
Now that you've picked up a freshly discounted Nexus 4, how about a seven-inch Android tablet to go with it? Well, the next-generation Nexus 7 goes on sale today in UK, Germany, France, Spain, and, er, Japan. British readers will need to digitally transfer £200 to Google Play for the 16GB entry-level model, while the 32GB version rings in £240. Want LTE? Well, O2 UK promises that its 4G-ready version will go on sale September 13th, for £320 -- no details on data plan pricing though. Pre-orders for that start tomorrow and if you do, you'll get a free "premium case" for your enthusiasm.
New Nexus 7 arrives in Japan this week, SIM-unlocked 32GB LTE model coming this September
Google often takes its time bringing its Nexus variety of tablets and smartphones across the Pacific, but it's getting faster. Today, it announced that the refreshed Nexus 7 (with a new 1,900 x 1,200 resolution screen and 5MP camera) will land in Japan on Wednesday 28th August. The 16GB model is priced up at 27,800 yen, while double the storage will cost 33,800 yen. For Japanese readers hoping for that LTE model, there's news on that front too. It'll arrive SIM-unlocked in the middle of September, the 32GB LTE model will cost just shy of 40,000 yen, notably off-contract -- Google says it'll work on all three of Japan's major carriers (DoCoMo, Softbank and KDDI's au). Barring the original 7-inch tablet, Nexus models have typically been in short supply in Japan; the Nexus 4 is yet to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.
New Nexus 7 gets update to fix buggy multitouch (update: and wonky GPS, too)
If you're one of the 2013 Nexus 7 users who's experienced some wonkiness with multitouch, this is (hopefully) your lucky day. Over on Google's product forums today, Mountain View staffer Paulw confirmed a system update that addresses the touchscreen issues. Build JSS15Q is reportedly rolling out now -- if you've received the update, be sure to let us know if your Nexus 7 is finally screen freakout-free. Update: Looks like the update addresses an issue with the unit's GPS sensitivity, too.
Daily Roundup: Aspire S7 (2013) review, Ultrabooks buyer's guide, Ixi-play robot owl, 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.
Some 2013 Nexus 7 users report buggy multitouch, Google is investigating
A muddled sense of direction isn't the only problem affecting the new generation of Nexus 7 slates, it seems, as some users are also reporting issues with multitouch on the 1,920 x 1,200 display. The clip below the fold demonstrates the bug, and shows the touchscreen registering phantom inputs before freaking out for a couple of seconds. Over the past few weeks, chatter on the XDA Developers and Google Product forums suggests it's fairly common, with a response from Google on the latter stating: "The Android team is aware of this issue and investigating." We haven't had the same troubles with a 2013 Nexus 7 in our possession (running Android 4.3 build JSS15J, FYI), and while the root of the problem is still up for discussion, let's hope funky software is to blame -- no one wants the hassle of replacing faulty hardware, especially Google, when an OTA fix will do.
Nexus 7 factory image and binaries now available from Google
Wanna mod that shiny new Nexus 7? Today's your lucky day. Google just posted the factory image and binaries for its second generation 7-inch tablet -- also known by the product name "razor" and device name "flo". The factory image lets you restore your new Nexus 7 to the exact software it shipped with in case you grow tired of that custom ROM you cooked up using the binaries (natch). Speaking of which, the packages include drivers for audio and sensors from ASUS, NFC from Broadcom plus graphics and everything-but-the-kitchen-sink from Qualcomm. This comes mere hours after some open source drama surrounding the binaries (which now appears to be resolved) and with plenty of time to spare for UK customers. Follow the source links below and have fun hacking this weekend.
Users report new Nexus 7 suffering from GPS issues
The urban-hunchback shuffle is usually demonstrated by commuters slouching over a phone, in search of a pre-meeting coffee-house. But, if you're attempting something similar with the latest Nexus 7, maybe leave a little earlier. Why? Because word is that some users are reporting funky behaviour with the tablet's GPS -- perhaps causing a little deja vu for ASUS slate owners. Issues vary from total flake out, to halting after 10 to 30 minutes. Several attempted fixes -- including complete reinstalls -- haven't fixed things. Google is aware of the problem, and working on a fix -- but no details on when this might be delivered. It's suggested that disabling Google Play Services might help things. This component of Android is used by other apps though, so proceed with caution. Is it affecting you? Let us know in the comments.
New Nexus 7 reportedly coming to the UK August 28th (update: confirmed)
We were pleasantly surprised by the latest version of the Nexus 7, which landed in the US at the end of July. A little more patience has been required of Nexus fans on the other side of the pond, however, but the wait will soon be coming to an end. According to Pocket-Lint, ASUS has confirmed that the device will launch at midnight on August 28th, and will offer an asking price of £199.99 for the 16GB WiFi model and £239.99 for the 32GB WiFi-only version. There's no word on an LTE unit hitting British shores, but we'll keep you posted if we hear more. Update: ASUS reps have confirmed to us that the Nexus 7 will indeed be available on August 28th for the prices quoted above.
Android Open Source Project maintainer leaves role in wake of Nexus 7 open source issues
If you're upset that Google hasn't posted factory images for the new Nexus 7, you're not alone. Android Open Source Project maintainer Jean-Baptiste Quéru has just confirmed that he's leaving his role in the wake of legal issues that prevent him from publishing a Nexus 7 image with working graphics. While he isn't specific about the nature of the conflict, Android Police and others believe that Qualcomm isn't ready to offer its video drivers for use in AOSP builds. We've reached out to both Google and Qualcomm, and we'll let you know if they have any further insight. In the meantime, don't expect a Nexus 7 image anytime soon -- Google will likely need a new AOSP overseer, and Quéru doesn't see any progress on the horizon.
