HTC confirms Android N update for HTC 10, One A9, One M9

HTC has become the first Android smartphone manufacturer to confirm the upcoming Android N update for some of its smartphones. HTC confirmed that the HTC 10, One A9 and One M9 smartphones will be the first set of devices to get the Android N update.

HTC also said that the actual timing of the update and additional devices from its lineup that will get Android N update will be announced later this year, when Google ships the final version of Android N ships to manufacturers.

This does not come as a surprise considering the rumors that HTC could manufacture both Nexus devices for Google this year. In-fact, reports suggests that HTC will manufacture Nexus devices for the next three years. It's also worth noting that HTC One A9 was the first non-Nexus device to ship woth Android Marshmallow.

Android N brings several new feature including Multi-windows support, improved notifications, Data Saver, Background optimizations, Direct boot and more. We can expect other smartphone manufacturers to announce their initial list of devices that will get Android N update soon.

Android N Developer Preview 3 includes VR mode, background updates, new multi-tasking features and more

Google at it I/O 2016 conference revealed several new feature to the Android N version, that will be available in the new Developer Preview 3, as well as new features that will be available later. Google said that the Android N Developer Preview 3 is the first beta-quality candidate that can be tested on your primary smartphones.

Starting with performance, Android N Developer Preview 3 brings improved graphics and run-time performance. With the addition of Vulkan API, Google promises for better graphic performance in Android N. Also the JTI compiler in the update is said to work faster to improve software performance.

To make Android more productive, Android N now features a much easier multi-tasking including quick-switching between apps, multi-windows support and better notifications. Quick Switch feature works by double-tapping the recent app buttons, while you can now launch multi-window by long-pressing recent buttons. Google has added a 'Clear all' icon to the task switched button, which will automatically remove the apps from recent apps. There will also be a picture-in-picture mode (PIP) that will be limited to Android TVs only.

As for security, the enhancements include file-based encryption and seamless updates, which means devices running Android N can install system updates in the background.

VR will also be a big part of Android N. The main highlight for this is a hardware and software platform called Daydream. Android N will also include a special VR mode as well. Phones that are VR-ready will let VR contents including app and games access the mode directly.

Other Android N Developer Preview 3 features include Launcher Shortcuts, which will be released in summer; Android Pay; all-new Google Keyboard Themes; new power notification control; manual exposure added to camera app and as expected bring new system wallpapers. Google has also removed 'Night Mode' option from System UI Tuner. Also included in the update is actionable notification, which lets users to reply directly from chat notification.

Android N Developer Preview 3 is now available for Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G on the Android developer website. You can also get it through Android Beta Program. The Android N final build will release in Q3 2016. 

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Google's Instant Apps lets you use Android apps without downloading them

Google at it I/O 2016 event announced Instant Apps platform, that lets you run a particular app without the need of installation.

With Instant Apps, users can open any app by just tapping on a link even if the app is not installed on the device. You can also access apps from search, social media, messaging and other deep links without installing the app first. Although the app isn't installed on your device, Google claims that users will be able to use it just like a native app. You will also be able to pay for a item or service with Instant Apps.

Instant Apps feature is compatible with Android Jelly Bean OS and above, so that majority of Android users can access the feature. Currently, Google has worked with partner developers such as BuzzFeed, B&H Photo, Medium, Hotel Tonight, Zumpe and Disney.

The Android Instant Apps feature will be available to users later this year. 

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Google Play Store gets Play Early Access feature, two new apps: Play Console and Playbook

Google recently rolled out an update to Play Store, that made it easier for users to enroll into beta-testing various apps, which have not reached production stage.

Now at Google I/O in order to help app developer find beta testers for the apps, Google has added a new category called Google Play Early Access n the Play Store. This category will show list of hand-picked open betas that you can opt into. Google also announced that open betas will now appear on Google Play search. These feature will make finding beta apps much easier. You will also be able to send  feedback through your Play store listing as well.

Google also announced two new Play apps called Play Console and Playbook. The Play Console app lets you get access to app data such as installs, uninstalls, crashes and ratings. The app also offers push notifications to notify you crucial business update, like when your app update is live on Google Play. The Playbook app on the other hand has curated articles and videos based on your objectives, from Google experts, that will help to develop your first app. Both apps are in beta stage.

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Nextbit's cloud based Robin smartphone launching in India on May 25

San-Francisco based Nextbit has sent out invites for the launch of it 'cloud first' Robin smartphone in India on May 25. Tom Moss, CEO and Co-Founder of Nextbit and Shankar Parasaram, Head of India Operations will be present at the event. The firm recently received regulatory approval from the government, and has also started shipping the Robin to kickstarter backers in the Country.

The main highlight of Nextbit Robin is that it comes with 100GB of free cloud storage to backup personal photos and videos. If the smartphone has low storage space, the least used apps will be automatically loaded to the cloud as well, freeing some space. Off-course you will need a WiFi connectivity for that.

Spec-wise, Nextbit Robin comes with 5.2-inch 1080p IPS display, Snapdragon 808 SoC, 3GB RAM, 32GB inbuit-storage,  13MP rear & 5MP front camera, USB Type-C port, 4G LTE, NFC and a 2680mAh battery. It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and also comes with a fingerprint sensor. In the U.S, the Robin is priced at $399 (Rs. 26,000), so we can expect it to be priced below Rs. 30,000.

TENAA outs Samsung Galaxy C5 specifications and photos

Samsung will announce the Galaxy C series smartphone on May 26 in China. The Galaxy C series is expected to have two members, the Galaxy C5 and Galaxy C7. Both have them have be spotted in images and on benchmarking website. Now the Galaxy C5 has been certified by TENAA in China.

According to TENAA, Galaxy C5 will come with 5.2-inch 1080p AMOLED display, Snapdragon 617 SoC w/ Adreno 405 GPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB/64GB internal storage (two variants), microSD card slot for storage expansion, 16MP rear camera (w/ dual-tone LED flash), 8MP front camera, 4G LTE, 2600mAh battery and Fingerprint scanner. It will ship with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Note that most of the sepcs are in-line with the specs outed by benchmarking websites.

The Galaxy C5 will have a 6.7mm slim metal body and the design resembles that of HTC 10, especially the camera placement and antenna lines.

The Galaxy C7 is also expected to have the same design and specs, but will come with a bigger 5.5-inch display and Snapdragon 625 SoC.

The Samsung Galaxy C5 and Galaxy C7 are expected to be priced at CNY 1599 ($245 | Rs. 16,390) and CNY 1799 ($275 | Rs. 18,440) respectively and will hit China market first. It is not known whether the handsets will release globally. 

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Google Play Store, Android apps are coming to Chrome

Earlier several reports indicated that Google plans to merge its Chrome OS with Android, and recently in the developer version of ChromeOS there was an option to run Android apps on it. Now Google has confirmed that it bring Android apps and Google Play Store to Chrome OS. The announcement was not official, but was spotted in session description on the I/O event website that confirms Android apps are coming to Chrome OS. The description reads, 

"Today we announced that we’re adding the best mobile app experiences in the world, Android apps and the Google Play store, to the best browser in the world, Chrome! Come to this session and test your Android apps for Chrome OS. You will get hands on help from our friendly engineers on how to optimize your Android app for Chromebooks. Oh, and we will also be giving the first 50 developers to show up a free Chromebook so they can get a head start bringing their apps to Chrome!" 

The description suggests that developers will have to tweak their Android apps, in order to make them run on Chromebooks. With the new feature, Chromebooks will soon be able to get access to Play Store and download Android apps. Note that Android apps for desktops can be accessed via Play Store and developers won;t have to add them to Chrome Web Store. Currently a couple of Android apps like Duolingo, Evernote, Sight words and Vine are able to run on Chromebooks thanks to App Runtime for Chrome (ARC).

Google is expected to make the official announcement at today’s “Bring your Android app to Chrome OS” session of the I/O developer conference. 

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Google announces Android-powered mobile VR platform Daydream

Google at its annual developer conference (Google I/O 2016) introduced a new VR platform called ‘Daydream’, built for smartphones, headset & controllers, and apps. It is combination of both hardware and software, and a giant leap from Google's affordable VR headset Cardboard.

Unlike Google Cardboard, which worked with any device, Daydream will work only with phones which have pre-requisite components built-in. The Daydream platform is built on top of Android N.

As for the headset, Google Daydream features a new VR headset with a strap, along with a controller with two buttons and a touchpad. The controller offers several functions including wand, a pointer, a fishing rod depending on VR experience. Google will initially manufacture the headset and controller itself, but provide reference design so that third-party manufacturers can build their own device.

In addition, Google is also adding Android VR mode to compatible smartphones. When you use the smartphone with Daydream headset, you will be able to navigate Daydream homescreen and utilise VR versions of Android apps such as YouTube, Street View, Google Photos and Play Movies. You can also access the Play Store to download VR contents and apps.

Google has teamed up with content partners such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and game developers like Ubisoft and EA to offer contents. Samsung, HTC, LG, Huawei, Alcatel, ZTE, Xiaomi and ASUS, all have signed with Google to manufacture Daydream ready phones. Google said that  there will be several other smartphones ready this fall when Daydream becomes available.

Google announces Amazon Echo competitor, a smart speaker called Google Home

As expected, Google at its I/O developer conference has announced it own voice activated home assistant device called Google Home, to take on Amazon's Alexa. The small cylindrical shaped device is a speaker which is integrated with Google's new Assistant and supports Google Cast and select home automation devices.

Google Home features an always-listening microphones that can detect sound and you can communicate with the device via voice commands. With simple voice commands you can ask Google Home to play song, manage everyday task, check flight status, send texts, weather forecast, answer questions or turn off the lights of the room. The device recognizes 'Ok Google' voice command to initiate a search and offer the desired results.

Google Home is compatible with Google Play Music, and should also be compatible with other music services like Spotify. The device can also communicate with Google's Chromecast that's plugged to the TV, so you can command it to play YouTube videos or show search results on TV.

At the time of release, Google Home will work with a few home automation devices including thermostats and lighting including Nest. The device also comes with a range of modular cover so you can customize it and features LED light to let you know it is listening.

Google Home will launch later this year.  

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Google Assistant is a two-way conversational assistant for your devices

Google kicked-off its I/O 2016 with the announcement of its personal digital assistant called Google Assistant. The new assistant brings contextual skills to Google Now, and can now answer the questions in a conversational manner, enabling two way dialogue.

You can find information, play media or carry out tasks, such as booking cinema tickets using dialogues on both sides. For example, when you ask about a certain location, and Google has provided the details about it, you can have follow-up converastion regarding the topic.

Google Assistant will be integrated into Google Home, the company's smart speaker and Allo messenger. Google will also allow third-party developers to join and add their own services to Google Assistant when it launches. It will be available across devices.

YU Yunicorn launch postponed to May 31

YU's flagship Yunicorn was supposed to launch on May 19, tomorrow, however, the brand postponed the launch to a later date, since the event clashed with election results of five states that are due out on the same day. Now YU has announced it will unveil the Yunicorn on May 31.

Yunicorn will be YU's second flagship after Yutopia, and will run Android with deep integration of Around YU service, that was introduced alongside Yutopia last year. It is rumored to come with 5.5-inch 1080p display, MediaTek Helio X10 SoC, 4GB RAM and premium metal body. It is expected to be priced competitively. Other details are scarce.

Talking about Yunicorn, YU founder Rahul Sharma had previously said, "It's insanely beautiful and it will break some hearts. It will break records, it will break the conventional, it will break the rules...WAIT, it will break the flagships."

Samsung Galaxy C series launch set for May 26

After being part of several leaks and rumors, Samsung has finally sent out invites for the launch of the 'Galaxy C' smartphone series on May 26 in China. The Galaxy C series will be above E, J series but below the A and flagship S series.

The first two member of the new C series will be Galaxy C5 and C7, and are expected to come with metal body, 4GB RAM, 16MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, fingerprint scanner and run Android Marshmallow. The Galaxy C5 and C7 are expected to be priced at CNY 1599 (US$ 244 | Rs. 16390) and CNY 1799 (US$ 275 | 18440) respectively

Samsung Galaxy C5 possible specification
5.2-inch 1080p display
Snapdragon 617 SoC w/ Adreno 405 GPU
4GB RAM
32GB/64GB internal storage, microSD card slot for storage expansion
16MP rear camera / 8MP front camera
Fingerprint Scanner
Android Marshmallow
4G LTE, NFC

Samsung Galaxy C7 possible specifications
5.5-inch 1080p display
Snapdragon 625 SoC w/ Adreno 506 GPU
4GB RAM
32GB/64GB internal storage, microSD card slot for storage expansion
16MP rear camera / 8MP front camera
Fingerprint Scanner
Android Marshmallow
4G LTE, NFC  

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Google releases Chrome 48 update for android users.

Now Google has updated their browser Chrome for Android to version 48. The updated Chrome v48 brings better support for coloured status bar along with enhanced website notification and gives you a fast and secure way to explore the web. This saves up to 100 Terabytes of data a day — enough data to store the complete works of Shakespeare, 10 million times! 

 It allows websites to add custom buttons for notifications, letting users complete a task from within the notifications bar itself. The latest version of Chrome brings some fresh updates for the new year to get you moving faster and stay secure.

Google has not released a change log yet for the Android update, but from the beta releases, Chrome 48 for Android also allows developers detect a device's maximum bandwidth using Network Information downlink Max, or respond to connection speed changes using Network Information on Change event handler. This should result in better detection of connection speed on the device that will help in sending optimum page resources for that connection.

Chrome 48 for Android brings the regular "bug fixes and speedy performance improvements". The updated app is available to download from Google Play. The Chrome update for desktop last week saw releases for Linux, Windows, and OS X. The updated version brings several fixes and improvements.

"The crash rate was reduced by 70 percent and JavaScript execution is now dramatically faster!". The update also features redesigned icons on the new tab page for easy access to frequently visited websites, and Spotlight search integration. Users can simply drag down or right from the Home screen and search for Chrome bookmarks.


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Apple set to launch its Watch in India next week: Priced at Rs 36,999

Apple is now set to launch its most innovated Watch in india on 6 November for Rs. 36,999. Apple smartwatch, which is compatible only with iPhones, costs $349 (Rs. 23,000) for the base model In the US. No official confirmation has arrived from Apple, but it is expected that Apple Watch would be available in 2 variants in India: 38 mm and 42 mm sizes.

There are three basic variants, which would be uniform: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition.The first two come with sapphire crystal to protect the screen from cracking, whereas the sports version has a strengthened Ion-X glass on the display. Force Touch and digital crown are features that set the Apple Watch apart from other smartwatches in the market.

The digital crown that can be turned to scroll or zoom on the screen; one can press on this crown to return to the previous page. Force Touch, which has inspired iPhone 6S' new 3D Touch feature, can differentiate between a tap and press. Apple Watch also has a built-in mic and speaker using which one can complete a conversation as long as the iPhone is connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Among the key features of Apple Watch are always-on Siri, tracking users' fitness, third-party app support and it receives phone calls as well as iMessages and SMSs. It can act as a walkie-talkie and operate the iPhone camera as well as Apple TV. There is no camera but the iPhone's photos can be seen on Apple Watch.

Apple Watch runs on watch OS, which is a special OS designed with circular icons on the home screen, which are accessible via touch screen or the tiny crown on the side of the watch. watch OS 2.0 has already been released last month, which has introduced features such as activation lock and more native apps.

The Apple Watch was only launched in a some selected countries including US, France, Japan, and the UK in April, and has since seen a phased rollout in other countries.

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