22 Bold predictions for Google IO 2015

Google’s annual developer conference is one of the tech industry’s most exciting times. Android fans are sure to see a plethora of exciting announcements, developments, and unveils across a wide range of products. So what exactly will we see at Google IO 2015?

The web is already flooded with articles explaining what to expect, but if there’s anything we’ve learned in the past 6 years of covering Google IO, it’s to expect the unexpected. In that spirit we’ve combined our logical expectations with our deepest (and sometimes unrealistic) Android desires to formulate these 22 Bold predictions for Google IO 2015.

Sergey Brin will make a flashy entrance by way of self-driving car

Each year, Google is tasked with outdoing itself at their annual developer conference. In 2012, to showcase the capabilities of Google Glass, CEO Sergey Brin jumped out of a helicopter, parachuted onto the top of the Moscone Center, and ran downstairs to deliver his portion of the Keynote speech. Yes… that really happened.

Makes the self-driving car entrance seem less crazy, right? Let’s not forget that – within the past month – Google has promised their Self-Driving cars will be on the roads by this summer. With Android Auto waiting to make its big splash, perhaps this is the year Sergey makes another grand entrance.

[Prediction: Rob Jackson]
[Probability: 5%]

Android M will be revealed as Marshmallow

But our big guess? We’ll actually get a name this time, and its name will be Android Marshmallow. Because there just aren’t many other treats that start with the letter M that we can imagine an Android statue being made of except Macadamia Nut Cookies, though Google’s early and internal use of the “MNC” codename historically suggests they’ll be going another direction (The company used KLP and LMP for KitKat and Lollipop, but neither ended up being Key Lime Pie or Lemon Meringue Pie.)

[Prediction: Quentyn Kennemer]

[Probability: 5%]

Google will show something to convince you Google Glass isn’t dead

Google will surprise everyone by revealing that Google Glass is further along than we think, and will give us our first glimpse at the smart glasses since the man behind the iPod got his hands on it.

[Prediction: Quentyn Kennemer]

[Probability: 30%]

Google inks NFL deal for Pay-Per-View games through Play Store

In many ways the battle for the home is happening through content partnerships. If you don’t recall, this is the only way the late genius Steve Jobs was able to make the iPod bring down the music industry’s old guard. For this same content revolution to take place on the television, we’ll need some forward thinking executives to blaze trails.

Live sports is one main feature holding cord cutters back. Digital distribution through Pay-per-view and a la carte subscription models is the future. Look for Google to get ahead of the curve by landing one of the biggest TV deals of all-time and one that could be a catalyst for the industry. Later this year, you could be using your Nexus Player to watch NFL games on Android TV.

[Prediction: Rob Jackson]
[Probability: 2%]

Android will reach over 1.3 billion active users

The last time Google dropped some activation numbers on us they told us Android surpassed 1 billion active users. That number is sure to have grown since then, and we think it’ll grow by a significant amount. Google will announce that Android has 1.5 billion active users, likely fueled by the launch of the affordable Android One line in many developing countries.

[Prediction: Quentyn Kennemer]

[Probability: 65%]

Google finally follows their own guidelines for Material Design

Google is notorious for setting style and design guidelines and, well, completely failing to fully follow those guidelines themselves. We think Google will finally find it in their gracious hearts to make sure all their apps are consistent in design as described in the lengthy Material Design guideline documents they’ve released. Seriously, Google, how can you expect developers to follow your guidelines when you refuse to? Let’s get it together!

[Prediction: Quentyn Kennemer]

[Probability: 0%]

Google Play Store will launch kid friendly version for children

Google’s been making big strides towards kid-friendly apps and services. We’ve already seen them introduce a YouTube app made especially for kids, and recently purchased the team behind popular kids apps Toontastic and TeleStory. We also know they’re allowing developers to submit their apps into a new Designed for Families program.

It’s entirely possible that Google could be preparing a full suite of kid-friendly apps and making them easily accessible via a new “Google Play Kids” app. This will be a version of the Google Play Store that only features applications for children, with no in-app purchases or ads targeting children.

[Prediction: Chris Chavez]
[Probability: 99.9%]

Google Play Kids will be filled with exclusive Sesame Street content

OK, so Google Play for Kids is probably happening, but what will be in it? We’ll obviously see curated lists of educational apps and games suited for children, but we’ll also go out on a limb and say that Google will be the beneficiary of some exclusive apps. New Sesame Street games and digital books, anyone?

[Prediction: Quentyn Kennemer]

[Probability: 6%]

New Devices & Oprah Moments

Despite being more developer focused, every year Google reveals at least a few new Android devices, handing them out to attendees to get to tinkering with. This year we expect things to be no different and although we’re not sure what they could be unveiling, here’s what we think they’ll unwrap during this year’s Google I/O.

• Chromecast 2


• Nexus 8


• Google Glass (2015)


• Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen)


• Google Plastic (it’s like Cardboard, but made out of plastic this time around)


• Google Home automation speaker (Amazon Echo competitor)


• Google Fit Clip (Fitbit competitor)


• Google Fi Phone (Affordable Android smartphone)

[Prediction: Chris Chavez]
[Probability: 19%]

Google reveals Fit Clip activity tracking accessory

The fitness category is one of the hottest in tech and all the big guys are finally paying attention. One could argue the trend was started by Fitbit, but tech’s two household favorites have followed suit with Apple Health and Google Fit. Although Google Glass and Smartwatches haven’t been the home runs for which Google hoped, the company will exhaustively pursue the Android Wear lineup.

Next up: an activity tracker with integrated GPS that lets you leave your phone behind. We’re eagerly awaiting the Under Armour backed HTC Grip that will leverage Endomondo and MapMyFitness (now UARecord), but look for Google to offer a reference design of sorts by offering their own product that syncs with Google Fit.

[Prediction: Rob Jackson]
[Probability: 10%]

Project Fi will get a low-cost Android One device

With Project Fi, Google introduced an extremely low-cost wireless plans for individuals or families who sip data on their devices. The part that didn’t make any sense was the fact that it was only available on the Nexus 6, a huge mammoth of an Android device carrying a retail full value of $ 650.

Google says they plan on fulfilling all Project Fi invites by summer, but because just about no one is going buy an expensive handset just to save a few bucks on wireless service every month, Google will take introduce a new low-priced handset for the masses. Whether this will be a Nexus 5 (2015) or some kind of extremely low-priced Android One device, remains to be seen.

[Prediction: Chris Chavez]
[Probability: 11%]

Android Home bundle offers Nest, Dropcam, Android TV, at one low price

(Photo: Armando Ferreira)

One irritating actuality regarding technology is piecing together your “system” of sorts. Your personal electronics inventory consists of different devices across different brands and platforms that don’t always play nice together. If you’ve got a Macbook Air, HTC Android Phone, Samsung TV, Fitbit, Xbox One, Xfinity Security, and drive a BWM… how can you set them all up to work together?

To defray the expense and complications of piecing together this collection over time, Google will begin offering an Android Home bundle that puts all the latest technology into their house and hands at one low price. It will allow users a more seamless experience, encourage consumers to invest in emerging categories, and generate brand loyalty (through switching costs if nothing else). If this doesn’t happen, and Google hasn’t already seriously considered it… they should.

[Prediction: Rob Jackson]
[Probability: 7%]

Google Wallet will be resurrected as Android Pay

It’s no secret Google isn’t always the most thorough company when it comes to supporting the services they launch. Google Wallet, while stable and chock full of great reasons to  use it, was always marred by Google’s inability to get major retailers on board.

With Apple Pay out of the door and Samsung Pay on the way, we’re going to take a wild guess and suggest Google will relaunch Google Wallet as Android Pay. The bold part about this prediction? That they’ll actually put forth some effort in getting widespread support from the biggest retailers in the US and around the world.

[Prediction: Quentyn Kennemer]
[Probability: 70%]

Android Auto app to work everywhere

When Google first showed off “Android L” on stage during last year’s Google I/O, Android Auto was one of the more interesting aspects of the new firmware update. Here we are nearly a year later, and there really aren’t too many vehicles or head units that are able to trigger Android Auto on our devices, and even fewer devices even running Lollipop.

During this year’s Google I/O, we predict that Google will open up the Android Auto app to work without having to plug directly into a head unit. Simply fire up the app, and you’ll be able to use Android Auto on your Android device while it rests in your favorite car dock — no head unit or compatible vehicle necessary.

[Prediction: Chris Chavez]
[Probability: 13%]

Google will debut first robots with Project Tango technology inside

We haven’t heard much from Project Tango since Google opened up tablets to developers on the Google Play Store. The program was meant to give developers an inside look at building 3D motion and depth sensing software and earlier this year, graduated out of Google ATAP to an official Google project.

After purchasing Boston Dynamics late 2013, we think Google will finally show us the first few robots utilizing Project Tango’s depth sensing technology. Whether they come marching onto stage, or skydiving from a plane is anyone’s guess. The end result will be the same: they will eventually become sentient and take over the world.

[Prediction: Chris Chavez]
[Probability: 1% (or 99% in 10 years)]

Google shows off new Android UI built for VR

(Google Cardboard app UI)

In its current state, Android isn’t really built to work on VR headsets. Not the specialty apps or games, mind you. We’re talking the complete user interface: launcher, notifications, settings, all of it. When Google gave away Google Cardboard headsets during last year’s Google I/O, to get developers up and running with building VR apps, it was seen as more of a side project.

With the explosion of VR headsets from multiple OEMs in recent months, it’s clear Google needs to start getting serious about VR. During this year’s Google I/O they will, announcing a full VR-friendly UI for Android. I mean, hey — we’ve already got Android Auto for cars and Android Wear for smartwatches. Why not Android VR for virtual reality headsets?

[Prediction: Chris Chavez]
[Probability: 22%]

Android Wear grows up with new features and devices

Last year at Google IO we saw the first batch of Android Wear devices. Since then there have been many other Android smartwatches, but their popularity is still pretty small. Android Wear has slowly evolved over time and we expect to see more changes at IO. We wouldn’t be surprised to see new hardware features like speakers. It’s already possible to talk to an Android Wear device, but what if it could talk back? Could we see this new feature on the next Moto 360?

[Prediction: Joe Fedewa]
[Probability: 50%]

Chrome continues to replace Android apps

In the last year we’ve seen Chrome become much more than just a browser. Android Lollipop introduced “Merged Tabs,” which puts websites in the Recent App menu. More recently we’ve seen Chrome get “pull-to-refresh,” and even push notifications. Google has always loved web apps. We expect Google to announce even more tools for making websites act like native Android apps. A future without “apps” is getting closer.

[Prediction: Joe Fedewa]
[Probability: 80%]

Project Ara is fully operational (and we go hands-on)

We’ve been extremely impressed with the development of Project Ara. Last year at IO they showed off a prototype that could boot up (but nothing more). Just a couple of months later they had a prototype almost fully functional. Prepare to once again be blown away by the speed of tech progress. We expect Google to show off a more refined fully functional prototype, and maybe even allow developers to get their hands on devices.

[Prediction: Joe Fedewa]
[Probability: 75%]

Android TV gets HDMI passthrough and becomes your home’s hub

Android TV was also announced at IO last year, but there hasn’t been much word about it since then. The few set-top boxes floating around aren’t very popular. Expect to see Google take Android TV a little more seriously this year. We’d love to see HDMI pass through make its way back to Android TV. Integration with home automation devices would also be killer. Imagine if your Nest could communicate with your TV?

[Prediction: Joe Fedewa]
[Probability: 45%]

A new Chromecast is on the way

The Chromecast is one of those products that everyone should own. It can do so many amazing things, and it’s dirt cheap. This year there will be a big focus on “Google Cast” at IO. We’ll soon be able to “cast” stuff to more devices, but the Chromecast remains at the center. It’s been nearly 2 years since the Chromecast was announced. It’s a long shot, but this could be the year Google announces a new version of the Chromecast. We expect the same great price, and some new features as well.

[Prediction: Joe Fedewa]
[Probability: 15%]

Google Fiber comes to 10 new cities

Project Fi has dominated discussion when it comes to new internet oriented services offered by Google, but let’s not forget about Google Fiber which currently offers blazing fast home internet in Kansas City, Austin, and Provo. There are 9 more cities on-the-way or under consideration.

Look for Google to not only give us an update on Google Fiber, number of customers, and actual data speeds it’s generating for those using it, but also to add up to 10 more cities to their service roadmap. And since this article is all about predictions, why not toss out some city names: Baltimore, Charleston, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Miami, San Diego, Savannah, Seattle.

The spread of Google Fiber can’t happen fast enough. Perhaps best explained by Google Fiber Community Impact Manager Rachel Merlo, “What we are seeing so far is looking a little bit like the early days of going from dial-up to broadband. We didn’t really know what to expect but the innovation followed.”

[Prediction: Rob Jackson]
[Probability: 20%]

What do YOU think?

Will anything from our above wishlist come true? How about predictions you don’t think will happen but that you really want to see?

Leave your predictions below and make sure to follow Phandroid for live coverage of Google IO 2015!

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TAGS: Google IO

Source = phandroid

Tags = 2015, Bold, Google, predictions

OnePlus Says It’s Time to “Shake Up” the Industry, Plans Something for June 1

OnePlus has something in-store for us on June 1, at least according to a Tweet sent by the company this morning that talks about shaking up the industry. Does that mean the unveiling of the OnePlus 2 or another price cut on the OnePlus One? I do not know.

We do know that the OnePlus 2 is supposed to arrive in Q3 of this year with a Snapdragon 810 and what could be a $ 400 price tag, but June is not in Q3.

You tell me – predictions? 

We’re always looking for ways to shake up the tech industry. And we think it’s time for change. Find out more June 1. pic.twitter.com/odrsSko6dB

— OnePlus (@oneplus) May 26, 2015

Source : droid-life

Tags = Industry, it’s, June, OnePlus, Plans, says, Something, time, Up”, “Shake

Verizon Tweaks Edge Program, Lets You Upgrade Whenever Device is Paid in Full

Verizon announced a new change to their Edge program this morning that affects the timing for your upgrades to a new phone when signed up for Edge. Starting May 31, participants in the Edge program will be able to upgrade “at any time after their prior Edge device is paid in full.” 

Previously (and currently until we get to May 31), Verizon has made you wait 30 days and pay up to 75% of the device off before being eligible to upgrade. Now, they are taking away the 30-day time constraint, but making you pay 100% of the phone off. Odd. Am I missing something?

Well, there you go, today’s Verizon news.

Via:  Verizon

Source : droid-life

Tags = Device, Edge, full, let’s, paid, Program, tweaks, Upgrade, Verizon, Whenever

Deal: Nexus Player Just $79 From the Google Store ($20 Off)

Google just dropped the Nexus Player to $ 79 ($ 20 off) on the Google Store. At $ 99, this first Android TV device was already priced reasonably well, but at $ 79, you are venturing in to impulse buy territory.

If you don’t already own a Chromecast or Fire TV product, this is worth consideration should you want to make that TV of yours a little bit smarter. Just keep in mind that NVIDIA has its SHIELD unit on the way, and it should be quite the little gaming powerhouse. 

As a recap, the Nexus Player is Google’s first Android TV product. This isn’t Google TV, but similar. You connect the Nexus Player to your TV through HDMI, then get a full TV UI that features Google Play, your favorite streaming services, games, and casting capabilities, which means this is like a Chromecast on steroids. You also get a little smart remote with voice search, so that you don’t have to use those really difficult-to-maneuver on-screen TV keyboards.

Google Store Link

Source : droid-life

Tags = Deal, from, Google, just, Nexus, Player, Store

Here are the Factory Image and OTA Files for Nexus 6’s WiFi Calling Update “LYZ28E” 6 on T-Mobile

The WiFi Calling update for Nexus 6s running on T-Mobile that began rolling out over the weekend now has a factory image and OTA .zip file from Google as build LYZ28E. This is still Android 5.1.1, of course, but the files may come in handy for those of you running your Nexus 6 on the Uncarrier’s network and have yet to receive the update. 

You can download the factory image here. Instructions for flashing factory images can be found here.

If you need the OTA .zip file, you can grab that here (LYZ28E from LMY47M, 126MB). For instructions to sideload using adb, check here.

Via:  Google

Source : droid-life

Tags = 6’s, Calling, factory, Files, Here, image, Nexus, TMobile, Update, WiFi, “LYZ28E”

T-Mobile LG G4 begins shipping tomorrow with a free 128GB microSD card

T-Mobile has confirmed that they will begin taking orders for the LG G4 online tomorrow, and that the flagship phone will be ready to ship as soon as you confirm your order. This is about a week ahead of its expected June 3rd in-store availability, so this may be the quicker option for you to get your hands on it if you don’t want to wait any longer.

The LG G4 has proven to be a pretty stoic competitor for 2015, with an exceptional camera, good design and great performance being the driving forces behind the much-earned excitement of future owners. You can read our LG G4 review if you’re wondering whether it’s worth its skin.

The phone will cost $ 0 down and $ 24.99 monthly payments over 24 months, or $ 599.76 if you decide you want to go without a contract. That very reasonable price tag comes with an added 128GB microSD card for no extra cost, but only while supplies last. Not a bad deal at all, we’d say. Let us know if you’ll be picking one up once checkout goes live.

[via T-Mobile]

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TAGS: LG G4

Source = phandroid

Tags = 128GB, begins, Card, Free, MicroSD, shipping, TMobile, Tomorrow

Hyundai Now Offers Android Auto in 2015 Sonata

Android Auto, Google’s simplified version of its mobile OS made specifically for cars, is now available from Hyundai. Currently exclusive to 2015 models of the Sonata, dealers can begin updating head units with Android Auto, or current owners can update their units themselves starting later this summer. 

Android Auto brings access to Google Maps navigation, as well as Google Play Music, allowing drivers to experience an entertaining ride, while also minimizing distractions. Users can perform voice actions, such as “Ok Google, play metal radio,” or “Ok Google, call Sarah,” which should lead to your hands not leaving 10 and 2 on the wheel as much, fumbling for your smartphone.

I have been driving around with Android Auto installed in my car for the past few days, and so far, it is pretty neat. Even though it is very minimal right now, with the essential features such as Maps, Music, and Dialer working just fine, it will be interesting to see if Google and 3rd-party developers make it a more exciting platform.

Have you installed a Android Auto unit in your vehicle? What are your thoughts on the system?

Via: Hyundai

Source : droid-life

Tags = 2015, Android, Auto, Hyundai, offers, Sonata

Hyundai is the first car manufacturer to offer Android Auto in a production vehicle, starting with the 2015 optSonatas

It’s been possible to get Android Auto in your car for a couple of months now, but we’re still waiting on the first car to offer the smart vehicle system as standard. Wait no more: Hyundai has announced that they’re taking those honors with the 2015 Sonata.

The best part is that you can get the goods even if you already own the 2015 Sonata. Official Hyundai dealers can help you get the update as soon as today if you stop in, though if you don’t mind waiting you can apply it via a simple software update over USB later this summer.

HYUNDAI IS THE FIRST AUTOMAKER TO LAUNCH ANDROID AUTO (PRNewsFoto/Hyundai Motor America)

Android Auto requires a phone with Android 5.0 Lollipop for the deepest level of integration, so if you don’t already have it then you should look into options — official or otherwise — for updating whichever phone you have. Here’s a quick summary of everything Android Auto does to help make your time on the road safe:

• The Google Now card-based experience provides suggested locations and travel times based on the user’s searches, calendar entries and home and office locations, as well as weather information and “now playing” information for music streamed via the phone


• App software (navigation, streaming music, etc.) is automatically updated because the apps live on the phone


• Natural voice recognition with Google voice actions


• Owners can easily bring their personal reminders, suggested destinations, calendar appointments and music preferences with them when they get in their car


• Android Auto automatically pairs with the for phone calls through Bluetooth when connected for the first time via USB


• Android Auto has familiar interfaces that are easy to use and have almost no learning curve

Let’s hope others will follow suit soon enough.

[via Business Wire]

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TAGS: Android Auto

Source = phandroid

Tags = 2015, Android, Auto, first, Hyundai, manufacturer, offer, optSonatas, production, starting, vehicle

US Cellular LG G4 Pre-Sale Starts May 29, In-Store on June 4

The LG G4 is set to launch at US Cellular, with the company marking May 29 as the official pre-sale date, and in-store availability set for June 4. Potential buyers can pick up the G4 for $ 199 on a new two-year deal, or can opt for the monthly payment plan option, with those plans starting at $ 29.50 for the plastic back models, and $ 30.50 a month for the Black leather backed units. 

If you decide to purchase the device before June 21, LG will gift you a free 32GB memory card, extra removable battery, and battery charging cradle, all of which is redeemable via a dedicated promo site.

Stoked to order your G4 soon?

Source : droid-life

Tags = Cellular, InStore, June, presale, Starts

Motorola Drops Moto 360 Price to $150 (Updated)

We are still under the impression that Motorola is going to announce a new Moto 360 in the very near future, thanks to a Bluetooth SIG listing that showed up a couple of weeks ago. The original Moto 360 went on sale within weeks of stopping off at the Bluetooth verification service last year. 

If you were looking for an additional reason to believe that the new is near, then the hypebeast in you may want to look at today’s price drop of the original on Motorola’s site from $ 250 down to $ 150. This doesn’t appear to be a promotional drop either, as the website simply states that the Moto 360 is “now starting at” $ 149.99. We saw the price drop to $ 150 over the weekend at Best Buy, but assumed that was a Memorial Day sale. That doesn’t appear to be the case either, since Best Buy still has all Moto 360 models at $ 100 off today.

Update:  Motorola’s site outside of their Moto 360 landing page says that the $ 100-off price slashing is a sale that runs through June 9. Sorry, we were too quick in getting this up before they fully updated their full site.

Get ready for it. Or if anything, take advantage of this crazy low price on the best Android Wear watch still available.

Motorola Link

Source : droid-life

Tags = $150, Drops, Moto, Motorola, Price, Updated

IKEA’s Wireless Charging Furniture is Now Available

Included in the series of announcements surrounding the launch of the Galaxy S6 from Samsung, was word from IKEA that they had partnered with the Korean electronics giant to build out furniture that would include embedded wireless chargers. The thought was to help increase wireless charging adoption, but also to add functionality to your bedside table or lamp that would allow you to ditch the ugly chargers sold to you by Samsung and a variety of other accessory makers. The result, unveiled in April, was a series of lamps, tables, and stand-alone wireless chargers that added some style to something as geeky as wireless charging. 

IKEA told us to expect the entire line-up in the US at some point in “late spring.” We must now be in “late spring,” because I stopped through the furniture store over the weekend and found a variety of wireless charging options already available, including a couple of night stands, various lamps (one option pictured above), stand-alone chargers, wireless charging back covers for select phones, and kits that let you build your own furniture with wireless charging.

If you were interested in IKEA’s wireless charging options, now is the time to buy them.

(We may or may not have a handful of goodies to giveaway later today.)

IKEA Link

Source : droid-life

Tags = Available, Charging, Furniture, IKEA’s, Wireless

Microsoft confirms Cortana personal assistant is coming to Android this summer

Microsoft today announced that Windows 10 will support Cortana integration not only with their own smartphone, but also for those using Android phones or the iPhone. The functionality will come as part of the OS upgrade happening later this summer.

Microsoft Cortana is a voice assistant service, not all that dissimilar to Siri or Google Search + Google Now. Cortana is actually pretty good at what it does, with some people willing to give it the throne of best voice assistant.

So what’ll it bring? Here’s a quick look at the feature set Microsoft is boasting:

• You can have Cortana remind you to pick up milk the next time you’re at the grocery store, and then your phone will wake up and buzz with the reminder.


• You’ll be able to ask about the weather.


• Or sports scores.


• Or anything else you would head to a search engine for.


• You’ll be able to track a flight using Cortana on both your phone and your PC, and get the updates on the device that you’re on so you don’t miss anything.


• Everything in Cortana’s Notebook will show up across all your devices and any changes you make on one device will be reflected when you use Cortana on any of your other devices.


• The Cortana companion app will help you complete tasks you begin on your PC wherever you are, on your phone.

Unfortunately Android and iOS users won’t be enjoying some of the other things made possible by owning a Windows phone, such as being able to toggle settings. That sort of stuff requires more open access to system settings which Microsoft doesn’t have. Regardless, it’s better than having nothing at all.

Microsoft also detailed some of the other Windows 10 integration being worked on, including syncing your files across devices with OneDrive and being able to play music stored in OneDrive through the Xbox Music app. It all sounds great and we can’t wait for it to arrive.

So when will it happen? Microsoft says a new preview version of Windows 10 is heading out in a few weeks, and the Cortana apps for mobile should be out by the end of June. That’s not a long wait and you can bet we’ll be checking it out to see if it can’t steal us away from Google Now.

[via Microsoft]

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TAGS: Windows 10

Source = phandroid

Tags = Android, assistant, coming, confirms, Cortana, Microsoft, personal, summer, this

Periscope, Twitter’s Live Video Broadcasting App, is Now on Android

Periscope is now on Android! I don’t know why I’m acting even remotely excited about this bit of news, but hey, it’s exciting, right? You can now live broadcast your life to random strangers or friends or the tech journalists who keep telling you that this is a big deal. Fun! Such fun. 

In all seriousness, Periscope has proven to be a pretty popular platform for needy, attention hungry tweens (and tech journalists). Broadcasting your life or breaking news happening in front of your face or chatting live on video from your phone with all sorts of people is apparently a big deal. You remember Meerkat? (R.I.P., Meerkat.) This is just like that, only backed by Twitter.

You can stream live video publicly, chat in real-time with the people stalking watching, replay missed feeds, go private with only select people (Craigslist, do work!), and so, so much more.

Play Link

Source : droid-life

Tags = Android, Broadcasting, Live, Periscope, Twitter’s, Video

LG G4 Available at T-Mobile Starting Tomorrow, Free 128GB SD Card Included

The LG G4 is making its way to US stores! The phone that has clearly won Tim over, will be available starting tomorrow from T-Mobile’s online store before arriving in stores on June 3. Priced at $ 0 down with monthly payments of $ 24.99, you are looking at a $ 600 investment that will be well worth it. This is a fantastic phone, easily up there in terms of overall package with the Galaxy S6. 

Should you buy the LG G4 from T-Mobile, you will get a 128GB microSD card for free, “while supplies last.” Also, T-Mobile is claiming to have an exclusive on brown leather, so there’s that for the leather fanatics in the building.

Not much else to say other than, your time has come. Oh, and have you read our LG G4 review? You should.

Via:  T-Mobile

Source : droid-life

Tags = 128GB, Available, Card, Free, included, starting, TMobile, Tomorrow

You can download Periscope for Android later today

Waiting for Periscope to hit Android? The app will be launching today according to press information sent out by the company. If you aren’t aware, Periscope is Twitter’s new live streaming service that’ll allow you to quickly and easily broadcast a live stream from your phone and Tweet it out to your followers. Those followers can then get a quick and easy link to tune into what’s going on.

It was previously only available for iOS, though Twitter had always said Android wasn’t far off. The app is largely the same as its iOS counterpart, with a stream of broadcasts you can explore or an easy button to launch one of your own. It also has some unique features, such as a button in your notification tray to easily return to a broadcast if you were interrupted (by a call or message). It also features Material Design for those who are into that sort of thing.

The concept of Persicope is simple, yet its presence is important. While live streaming itself isn’t new, it hasn’t always been easy to do from the limited confines of a mobile phone. This app makes it easy to broadcast important events outside your home without having a clunky or professional setup.

Whether it be something as fun as a concert after-party or sensitive local events (Baltimore, anyone?), Periscope opens up a whole new avenue of live social media coverage. Periscope for Android will require Android 4.4 KitKat, though that shouldn’t be too tall an order with a vast majority of Android users being on that particular flavor. You can’t actually download it yet, but the app should be going live over at Google Play at some point later today, and we expect it’ll show up right here. Keep an eye out!

[via Engadget]

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Source = phandroid

Tags = Android, DOWNLOAD, Later, Periscope, Today

Sony Xperia Z4 Becomes the Z3+ for the Rest of the World, Launches in June

Remember how disappointed you were to not only find out that Sony’s Xperia Z4 was essentially a slightly upgraded Xperia Z3 with no drastically improved additions, but that it was also only going to be available in Japan? Assuming you can get past the disappointment of that slight spec bump, we have good news! It’s being re-branded for the rest of the world as the Xperia Z3+ and is coming in June! 

Need a refresher? OK. The Xperia Z3+ includes a 5.2-inch 1080p LCD display, 2930mAh battery, 20.7MP rear Exmor RS camera, 5MP front Exmor R camera, Android 5.0, Sony’s upgraded skin, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 64-bit octa-core processor, 32GB storage, microSD support up to 128GB, 3GB RAM, IP65 and IP68 water and dust resistance (with no USB cap!), and is just 6.9mm thick. So it’s like an Xperia Z3 with a newer processor, capless waterproofing, and slightly thinner body.

Sound appealing? Again, it launches in June globally, but we have no idea when or if it will come to the US. We also don’t know pricing. At least one leaker does think it’s coming to Verizon, though.

 

Via:  Sony

Source : droid-life

Tags = Becomes, June, Launches, Rest, Sony, world, Xperia

Iron Man Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge has been fully revealed — here’s the official unboxing video

Samsung has been teasing the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man edition for quite some time, but the goods have finally been fully revealed. It’s everything we imagined it would be, with a very nice red chassis accented with some elegant-looking gold (including Iron Man’s logo plastered on the back looking as mean as ever).

What’s even better is that this thing will also ship with an Iron Man-themed wireless charger. It’ll also obviously have Samsung’s Iron Man TouchWiz theme pre-installed (though that’s just as easy to change as any theme).

Everything else is the Galaxy S6 Edge as you know it, with this particular variant coming with a standard storage count of 64GB.

Unfortunately availability for this thing won’t be widespread for now, with Samsung  only confirming launches for China, Hong Kong and their home turf of South Korea. The earliest landing date will be May 27th — that’s tomorrow — so if you’re keen on importing one you’ll want to look into it as soon as possible because we’re sure this limited run won’t last.

[via Samsung]

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TAGS: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

Source = phandroid

Tags = been, Edge, fully, Galaxy, Here’s, official, Revealed, Samsung, Unboxing, Video, ‘Iron