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Rabu, 30 April 2014

HTC Nexus 8 reportedly will replace Nexus 7 line — a good move or not?

Google Asus Nexus 10 Logo aa 1 1600

Starting in February we’ve heard numerous rumors suggesting that HTC and Google are teaming up to create a “premium” Nexus tablet experience. Since that time, we’ve also heard at least one report that suggested the tablet could end up sized somewhere between the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.

Now, a new Digitimes report has surfaced claiming that, instead of the previously rumored 8.9-inch form factor, the HTC tablet will offer an 8-inch display and will likely go by the name Nexus 8. Digitimes sources also claim that Google is being “less aggressive” with its tablet strategy this time around, as the Nexus tablet line has already served its primary purpose: boosting Android’s tablet market pentration.

the Nexus 8 will reportedly be the company’s third-gen ‘smaller’ tablet, meaning that we may or may not see a 3rd-gen Nexus 7

What’s interesting about the report’s wording is that Digitimes sources indicate the Nexus 8 will be the company’s third-gen ‘smaller’ tablet, meaning that we may or may not see a 3rd-gen Nexus 7. The report also claims that, likely dependent on the Nexus 8’s success or lack thereof, Google may be ending its Nexus tablet program in the future.

Let’s be honest, there’s not a lot of details in this new report, and they could easily just be pieced together from the many other HTC Nexus tablet rumors we’ve already heard. It also seems at least a little bit fishy to think that Google would replace the lower-priced Nexus 7 line with a more premium (and likely more expensive) Nexus 8. And finally, it’s important to remember that Digitimes has a very hit-and-miss reputation, with more misses than hits as of late.

Why would Google ditch the Nexus 7?

The Nexus 7 2013 might not be the best selling tablet in the mobile world, but it’s still one of the most popular tablet options in the Android ecosystem. The Nexus 7 2013 not only has an excellent price point, it also offers pure Android and comes in a form factor that is reasonably portable — fitting in purses, handbags, a large front pocket on men’s jeans, etc.

There are fans of the Nexus 7 line that will more than likely gladly make the jump to a 3rd generation model, but would these same Nexus 7 fans be interested in a Nexus 8? It really depends. If Google does plan to ditch the Nexus 7, they’d need to tread carefully with the Nexus 8.

If the Nexus 8 had ultra-thin bezels so it wasn’t too much bigger than the N7 and yet still offered an aggressive price tag in a more premium (metal?) package? It’s possible Nexus 7 fans would still be interested, despite the downsides involved with going to a bigger form factor. Then again, there are those that prefer plastic builds and absolutely want the portability that comes with a 7-inch tablet.

Would Google be willing to turn these folks away? Honestly, we don’t have the answers and only Google (and maybe HTC) know for sure what’s going on.

So let’s leave the questions to our readers: Would you be “ok” with the idea of Google ditching the Nexus 7 in favor of the Nexus 8? What if this also meant no Nexus 10, either?

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Sabtu, 26 April 2014

Motorola reportedly getting ready to launch XT1021 series, could be cheaper than Moto G

Motorola G Hands On AA (13 of 17)

The first details about Motorola’s next-gen Moto X have already been leaking out recently, but what else can we expect from the company? While so much about Motorola’s future is up in the air as the Lenovo deal marches towards finalization, it appears that the Moto X+1 isn’t the only new handset in the works.

Thanks to Brazilian-based Tecnoblog, we have learned that three new Motorola handset models have passed through Anatel — Brazil’s equivalent of the FCC: the XT 1021, XT 1022 and XT 1025. All three models are basically said to be the same device but with the first having just a single SIM slot, the second with dual-SIM and the third with both dual-SIM and a digital TV tuner. It’s interesting to note that this isn’t the first evidence of the new Motorola XT 102(x) series, as the XT 1021 actually passed through the FCC a little over a month ago, rocking AT&T-friendly 3G capabilities.

Juding by the specs, this new handset could be even cheaper than the already extremely affordable Moto G

So what exactly can we expect from the Motorola XT 102(x)? If Tecnoblog’s leaked details prove correct, this could be a very modest entry-level handset. Specifically the phone is said to offer a 1.2Ghz dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, a 4.3-inch display, 4GB storage and a 1900 mAh battery. Reportedly the handset will also offer Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box.

As you can see, that puts this new handset even a bit lower down the budget chain from the already extremely affordable Moto G, which falls in line with former Motorola CEO Woodside’s past comments about attempting to drive down phone pricing even lower than we saw with the G.

details-leaked

So how low could the XT 102(x) go? It’s hard to say for sure, though reportedly the higher-end XT 1025 will come in at around 599 Brazilian reels, or roughly $267.75. That means the base single SIM model could be considerably cheaper if and when it launches internationally, though how much cheaper is anyone’s guess.

The Motorola XT 102(x) is said to be preparing for a launch as early as May in Brazil, though no word on when it might arrive beyond this. Of course it’s important to note that Motorola has yet to confirm the existence of this upcoming device, and that means you should take the above-mentioned specs and other details with a hefty grain of salt.

IF the rumors are accurate, could the Motorola XT 102(x) be a budget market game-changer like the Moto G? Would anyone be interested in picking up such a device if the price was sub-$150?

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Selasa, 15 April 2014

LG G Watch reportedly coming in early summer for under £180 in the UK, or roughly $300

LG G Watch Tweet

Back in March Google took the wraps off its new Android Wear platform, giving us a look at what the future of Android-powered watches will have in store for us. At the time, both LG and Motorola gave us early previews of their own Wear powered devices, the Moto 360 and LG G Watch.

Speaking of the latter device, LG originally promised the watch would be one of the first to Android Wear products to ship, with a 2nd quarter release target. Now LG has confirmed to Pocket-lint that the watch will arrive before July and will cost less than £180 in the UK (roughly $300). Considering U.S. pricing is often less than a device’s equivalent pricing in Europe, we wouldn’t be too surprised if the watch arrives around the $250 mark in North America, though that’s just speculation on our part.

Aside from the potential pricing and release details, LG also confirmed that the G Watch will offer user-changeable straps for those looking to further customize the look of their device. When it comes to more detailed specs, we really know little else about the LG G Watch, other than it will utilize Google’s new watch UI and software, giving us the power of Google Now right on our wrist.

Although many of us at Android Authority prefer the looks of the Moto 360, if the LG G Watch can offer similar functionality and specs in a cheaper (square) package — it could still prove to be a major success for the company.

What do you think of the Android Wear platform, and are you more interested in the G Watch or the Moto 360? Conversely, do you feel existing watches like the Gear 2 are still the better deal, based on what we currently know?

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Sabtu, 12 April 2014

HTC One M8 Google Play Edition reportedly starting to ship

htc one m8 outdoors aa (8 of 14)

If you happen to be one of those that ordered a Google Play Edition of the HTC One M8 during the first days that it arrived to the Play Store, you might want to check your inbox. Reportedly the handset is already starting to ship ahead of its original 2-3 week shipping target.

For those that ordered the handset more recently than April 25th or 26th? Google changed the status of the HTC One M8 GPe recently to shipping April 15th, so newer orders should expect it no later than the 15th, though here’s to hoping it comes even sooner!

If you have yet to order the HTC One M8 GPe, it is essentially the same exact handset as the standard version, though it forgoes HTC Sense 6 in favor of a stock Android experience. Under the hood you’ll find the same 2.3Ghz quad-core Snapdragon 801 CPU with 2GB RAM. Other specs include a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution, HTC’s Duo camera, boomsound speakers and a 2600 mAh battery.

For even more details on what to expect from the HTC One M8, be sure to check out our full review — just keep in mind that the software in our review model won’t be exactly the same as the Google Play Edition.

Have you already ordered the HTC One M8 GPe, if so have you received an email alerting you as to when it will ship? For those that are considering the HTC One M8, are you leaning towards the standard or GPe variant?

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Google reportedly considering its own wireless carrier service

Google Logo AA

Google already offers Google Fiber internet access to select markets and is exploring ways to bring web access to remote parts of the world using all sorts of unique methods, but what about cellular phone access? According to a new report from the Information, such an idea is floating around at Google as we speak.

Citing unnamed sources who “discussed the matter with Google”, the service could roll out to the same areas where Google Fiber is offered. As for the network infrastructure? While last year Google was reportedly in talks with Sprint to launch such an MVNO-based service, Google has shifted its plans and is said to be more interested in reaching  deal with Verizon Wireless or perhaps even T-Mobile.

Google exploring Verizon or T-Mobile as possible partners for the service

Verizon could certainly be an attractive option thanks to its wide level of coverage across the U.S., but unless Google made a version of its Nexus handset that played nicely with the Verizon-based MVNO service, it also would mean that the Google carrier wouldn’t necessarily have access to Google’s Nexus 5 — which would be a pretty odd move to say the least.

In many ways, T-Mobile seems like the more natural partner for Google, since T-Mobile’s more progressive approach to wireless phone service would likely better fit in with Google’s own approach. Of course, it’s still early in the game, so it’s hard to say what will happen if and when Google goes ahead with its plans to create its own MVNO carrier service.

Google as a phone service provider

Does the idea of a Google-backed MVNO make sense? It really depends on how Google presents the service. If it was included as a freebie or a bundled part of Google Fiber, absolutely. If Google could control software updates on its MVNO-based carrier it could also potentially offer faster Android updates, which could make its service even more appealing for those of us rocking Android devices.

The Information speculates that Google’s wireless service could work somewhat like Republic Wireless, in that it would use Google Fiber Wi-Fi access points to make calls, texts and use data when it can, and would then route over to their partnering network in situations where you don’t have Wi-Fi access.

What do you think, would you be interested in a Google-backed wireless service provider, particularly if it was included as an option alongside Google Fiber? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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Jumat, 11 April 2014

Google reportedly planning major overhaul of its Android and web apps

gmail new features

Yesterday we reported on a leaked set of screenshots that reportedly come from a yet-to-be-released version of Gmail. The new images not only show off a much more colorful and flatter look than we’ve seen with Gmail up until now, the app also had several new categories for better organization and a hamburger menu button that was out of place compared to existing Google apps.

This may be the beginning of a major overhaul effort from Google

While we still can’t say with any certainty whether the above images are legit, a new report from 9to5 Google claims that their sources suggest that this is just the beginning of a major “Google 2.0” overhaul effort from the company.

Reportedly Google will be bringing redesigned UIs and more colorful looks to all its core apps, and not just on Android. This new design language will permeate throughout Google’s web apps, iOS apps and beyond. The goal of the redesign will be to focus on full page content, while moving extra clutter out of the way.

Why the change? Reportedly this move has at least partly to do with new voice and wearable initiatives like Google Now, Google Glass and Google Wear. It’s also about bringing a universal look and feel to all Google apps, regardless of what platform or size of device you find them on.

How plausible is this idea?

It’s no secret that Google has worked hard to bring a uniform look over to its apps, particularly on the Android front. This effort has also included getting as many developers as possible to fall in with Google’s design language. With all the time invested, a major overhaul like this sounds a massive undertaking and one that could throw a wrench into all the progress Google has already made when working with app developers.

Of course, having a uniform experience for all of its apps makes sense, especially considering the wide range of devices that Google apps can be found on. Perhaps Google feels that this is worth the extra effort that would be required? We really can’t say for sure just yet.

A major overhaul like this sounds a massive undertaking and one that could throw a wrench into all the progress Google has already made

Is there any possible evidence of this change outside of the above screenshot and other rumors? A little, but not much. First, Google has been focusing on de-cluttering for a while, and KitKat’s immersive mode takes a further step in that direction by offering a distraction-free full-screen mode.

Aside from this? There’s Google Keep. While yesterday’s Keep update doesn’t see nearly as big of changes as you’ll find in the Gmail screenshot, it does add a yellow action bar and other minor UI tweaks — which could be a hint at more changes to come. Or it could mean nothing. Bottom-line, we’d take this whole rumor with a hefty dose of salt at least for now.

We’ll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for more information about this rumored overhaul, so be sure to stay tuned to Android Authority. What do you think of the alleged Gmail app update, would you like to see this new style applied universally to all Google apps or not?

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