Category: Google

  • Google’s Now on Tap Makes it Easier to Take Screenshots with Android

    Google’s Now on Tap Makes it Easier to Take Screenshots with Android

    Android users running on Marshmallow will no longer need to awkwardly take screenshots. A new update to Now on Tap gives you an easy option to take screenshots minus the lingering in your Gallery. Yes, the new update will let you take temporary screenshots, share it with whomsoever you want, and will get rid of the image after you’re done.

    You will now see a share button at the bottom left corner of Now On Tap’s pop up menu. Generally, screenshots are for instant sharing of say a game score you want to brag about or some interesting meme you found on the internet and just had to send it to your friends, after which you really won’t be needing that ever again.

    Furthermore, there needs to be a better way to take screenshots without having to press down on the Volume Down and Power Button together. And let’s admit it, getting the timing right isn’t always easy.

    moto-g-screenshot

    Now on Tap takes care of both these issues. When you tap the share button, it takes a temporary screenshot that you can share through Twitter, post it to Facebook, or send it as a text. Once you’ve shared the image, the screengrab disappears rather than fill up your precious internal storage. However, if you do choose to keep it around for a while longer, you can by simply sharing it Google Photos or Gallery.

    It’s a neat little update that helps declutter your phone of screenshots as well as provides an elegant way to take them as well. The update will rollout everywhere over the next few days.

     

  • Is Apple Maps a Better Choice Than Google Maps?

    Is Apple Maps a Better Choice Than Google Maps?

    The company introduced Apple Maps in 2012 and ushered in a series of glitches which involved the Madison Square Garden, New York being labelled as a ‘park space’ because of the word ‘garden’ in its name. However Apple acted promptly, fixed these goof-ups and now three years later Apple Maps has overtaken Google Maps as the most used navigation app on iPhones.

    Even though Apple Maps lacks many features which Google Maps provides, users end up using the former more because it is already installed on their devices. Even if the phone has third party apps, Siri and Mail automatically take the user to Apple Maps. This, along with Apple’s efforts to improve the over-all experience of the app, has helped them get more users to choose Apple Maps over other options.

    AppleMaps

    Google Maps, on the other hand, has not lagged behind either in improving itself. Starting last month, it now allows users to store maps and data on their phones to refer to it even without internet access. It also includes search tools for landmarks and business listings, transit maps that cover more region than Apple and options to exclude highways and toll roads.

    As more and more iPhone users switch to Apple Maps, do you think Google Maps could be a better choice?

  • Android 6.0.1 to Bring Quick Launch to Nexus 5, 6, 7 and 9

    Android 6.0.1 to Bring Quick Launch to Nexus 5, 6, 7 and 9

    Users of Nexus 5, 6, 7 and 9 are going to get the camera quick launch option with the Android 6.0.1 update. Among new emoticons, this is another feature users will now be able to enjoy with the update.

    Double pressing the power button would immediately launch the camera, as is possible with devices like 5X and 6P that run on stock Android. This sounds like a cool, short way to get to the camera.Google Nexus 6 15

    However because the feature is tied down with the power button, it might sometimes cause the device to go to sleep, or ask the user for a security password before launching the camera if there is extra security on the lockscreen.

    Google is sure to smoothen out these glitches as the update starts rolling. Let’s see where it goes from there.

  • Google CEO Sundar Pichai to Launch Revamped Android One in India

    Google CEO Sundar Pichai to Launch Revamped Android One in India

    News has been going around that Google CEO Sundar Pichai will be in India for the first time since his new appointment as CEO. Reports also highlighted that Pichai will be meeting PM Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee. Now, new reports suggest that Pichai will be launching the Android One version 2 in India.

    An event is scheduled to be held on December 16 and invites have been sent out already that reads, “At Google, we believe that technology can change people’s lives for the better. Indians are coming online at an astonishing rate with affordable smartphones. These new users have a completely fresh view on what the Internet has to offer. Please block your date for an event with Google as we outline our vision for these users.”

    android-one

    The invite refers to affordable phones that lets new users access to the internet. Google had launched the sub-Rs. 3000 Android One phones last year, but they failed to get noticed due to the onslaught of Chinese makers.

    India was the first country to release Android One devices that comprised of four phones – Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn Sparkle V, Spice Dream UNO, and Lava Pixel V1. All except Spice Dream UNO are now upgradeable to Marshmallow OS.

    While the first version failed to make an impact, Google has been talking of a revamped Android One for the Indian market. The company plans to launch the sub-Rs. 3000 Android device as part of Google’s (as well as PM Modi’s) push for a connected India.

  • Google Now Lets You Hear and Reply to Messages With Voice Command

    Google Now Lets You Hear and Reply to Messages With Voice Command

    Google Now has come out with yet another feature that will allow you to ask to hear your last messages and then proceed to give them to you.

    The voice command “show me my last messages” will lead Google Now to list your newest five SMS messages. It would first ask if you wish to hear them, followed by if you wish to reply to them. However, the user has to word the command either as “show me my last messages” or “show me my latest messages” for Google Now to decipher it correctly. A variation of these two manners might lead Google Now to simply open your Gmail messages and leave it at that.

    Additionally, this feature only works with carrier SMS messages. It is pretty much useless for Google Voice for SMS as of now. But if you use carrier SMS, it doesn’t care much for the default SMS app and should work with anything.

     

  • Motorola Spotlight is How Google Revolutionised Art and Technology

    Motorola Spotlight is How Google Revolutionised Art and Technology

    Back in 2013, Motorola and Google together came out with Spotlight Stories – a interactive medium to tell stories which puts users inside an animated featurette. The user would have to turn and tilt their phone in all directions and angles to let the story unfold, and follow the character on its journey.

    The first Spotlight Story was Windy Day in October, 2013, followed by Buggy Night in 2014, for Moto X phones.

    https://youtu.be/Fa0so7mjS_s

    Google got on-board the most talented and brilliant team for the first two installments of Spotlight. The director for the films was Jan Pinkava, creator and co-director of Ratatouille, and veteran animator Mark Oftedal -the animator of films like Toy Story and A Bug’s Life.

    The third Spotlight Story, Duet, which came out in 2014, completely outdid the previous Stories as French animator Glen Keane provided the most breathtaking film so far.

    With these three films Google had revolutionised story-telling and art by fusing it with technology. Mobile graphics processors now not only rivaled the capabilities of video game consoles such as that of PS3 and Xbox 360, but also put the tech to a very interactive use for the average smartphone owner. Gone were the days of the primitive world of Candy Crush and Angry Birds.

    Don’t believe us? Take a look at the Glen Keane film below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qnQqXr838E

    “…with Duet we learned to coax rather than control. Because of the nature of this virtual world technology there were no individual shots cut together. It is all one continuous living moment. I think of it less as a traditional film and more as a visual poem,” explains Keane.

    The Story can be viewed in its interactive form on the Moto X, Moto X (1st Gen.), Moto G (2nd Gen.) and Moto G 4G LTE. Take a quick look at what it’s like to follow a Spotlight Story.

    https://youtu.be/VAJXkZ0WB_o

    The interactive element of the Stories makes sure they last for as long as the user desires. The amount of time they want to spend exploring the world of Spotlight Stories directly determines how long the film will run for. The more the camera is moved, the longer the story will last. Thus, there is not only an element of physicality, but also direct involvement on the part of the viewer, who is now also the story-teller.

    This mobile-specific story-telling experience however did not go down too well with all users. The internet saw its own set of frantic questions about disabling Spotlight Stories. But there will always be haters now, isn’t it?

  • Nexus Devices to Get Android Update with New Emoji Next Week

    Nexus Devices to Get Android Update with New Emoji Next Week

    Good news for all Nexus users -stock Android Nexus devices are all set to receive an update as well as new emoji next week.  Android’s Hiroshi Lockheimer announced on his Twitter handle that the new emoji will require a “new keyboard, new font, new code”. This, in turn, means a new system update is very much on its way. These designs will be part of the Unicod 8.0 standard, already been incorporated by Apple iOS 9.1

    However, those without a Nexus phone will have to wait longer for the update to arrive. Lockheimer stays mum on other new features and says he doesn’t want to “spoil all the surprises.”

    Get prepared for new emoji -a lion, crab and unicorn -next week if you own a Nexus device. As for Android users without a Nexus device, hang in there for a little bit longer and the update shall be soon on its way.

  • Huawei Likely to Manufacture Nexus 7

    Huawei Likely to Manufacture Nexus 7

    If rumours are to be believed,Google will launch a new Nexus 7 tablet in 2016, and it might be manufactured by Huawei. Though Google is yet to confirm another partnership with Huawei post Nexus 6P, but scales seem tipped in Huawei’s favour.

    Teaming up with Google for the Nexus device has gotten Huawei a lot of exposure in the international tech circuit. Currently, the Chinese company is the third largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world in terms of the shipment volume, and the largest back home in China.

    Huawei Nexus 6P
    Huawei Nexus 6P

    Google launched its original Nexus 7 tablet, manufactured by Asus, back in 2012. Both the original as well as its successor fared well in the market and proved to be very cost-effective gadgets, quite unlike the Huawei Nexus 6P which is a premium device at a premium price.

    Let’s see what another collaboration between Google and Huawei -if it happens at all -is likely to bring to the tech world.

  • Here’s a List Of Android Games You Must Play This Week

    Here’s a List Of Android Games You Must Play This Week

    We cannot even remember the time when mobile phones were only used to make a call and send a text, today we can do almost everything on it. One of those many things include modes of entertainment; and we are here to bring you a list of six Android games that you must play this week.

  • The Fossil Q Founder Smartwatch Will Now Be Available On Google Store

    The Fossil Q Founder Smartwatch Will Now Be Available On Google Store

    The Fossil Q Founder smartwatch that was only available for purchase at select Fossil Stores and their website, will now be available at the Google Store as well. This watch is available in two model options – light stainless steel case with silver-finish steel bracelet and light stainless steel case with leather band.

    Fossil Q Founder 1

    The Q Founder is the result of a collaboration between the three companies – Fossil, Google and Intel. The smartwatch runs on Intel’s processor while Google provides it with an operating system that is compatible with Android and iOS. However, the Intel Atom processor isn’t named, and neither is the amount of RAM. Although we do know that it has a 4GB of internal memory along with sensors for activity tracking and Bluetooth; and comes packed with a 4,000mAh battery.

    The price for Google Store hasn’t been mentioned yet, however the smartwatch is priced at $245 (Rs.19,709) in stores across USA.

  • Google Glass Patent Hints at Possible New Design

    Google Glass Patent Hints at Possible New Design

    In September 2012, before the Google Glass became the creepy privacy invader that it is seen as today, Google filed a patent for a design unlike what the original Google Glass looked like. This new design depends on the user balancing the wearable on the side of their head rather than having it rest on the nose. The Glass is designed in a snake-like flexible headband that will sit on only one side of the user’s face. This patent was finally awarded to Google on November 24 2015.

    The device can be configured to fit around the user’s face keeping the display above one eye. Whether the display is limited to one eye or not is uncertain, though the use of a prism could allow videos to be seen in both eyes. The original Google Glass, as you may know by now, was criticised for privacy invasion and was banned in bars, movie theatres and some restaurants.

    Google Glass Patent

    Since the failure of the fist Glass, Google has been working on a second prototype that will look to make the Glass a lot less creepy. The patent could just bring the second version of the Google Glass to fruition, though nothing has been confirmed as of now. Google has been keeping the details of the Glass closely guarded.

  • Google’s Nexus 5X Gets Massive Price Cut

    Google’s Nexus 5X Gets Massive Price Cut

    For those of you who loved the Google Nexus 5X but held back because of its price; we have good news for you. The phone that was originally priced at Rs. 31,990 for its 16GB version will now be priced at  around Rs. 24,000. However, we need to first take note, that this price change is available not on the official store but on other major e-commerce websites.

    LG Nexus 5X 4

    As for the 32GB variant of the phone that was originally priced at Rs.35,990 is now priced at close to Rs. 32,000 on Amazon.

    Here are the specs :

    Specification

    LG Nexus 5X

    Display 5.2-inch Full HD IPS (1920 x 1080 / 423ppi)
    Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels (~424 ppi pixel density)
    Chipset  1.8 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808
    CPU Quad-core 1.44 GHz Cortex-A53 & dual-core 1.82 GHz Cortex-A57
    GPU  Adreno 418
    RAM 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM
    Front Camera 5 MP with F/2.0 Aperture
    Rear Camera Up to 12.3 MP with F/2.0 Aperture
    Storage 16 or 32 GB eMMC ROM
    Expandability  NA
    Battery 2,700 mAh (embedded)
    Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.2 / NFC / Type-C USB
    Operating System  Android OS, v6.0 (Marshmallow)
    Price Rs. 31,990/ Rs. 35,990
  • Google’s ‘Accelerated Mobile Page’ Will be Similar to Facebook’s Instant Articles

    Google’s ‘Accelerated Mobile Page’ Will be Similar to Facebook’s Instant Articles

    Google is trying to catch up with Facebook and Apple with Accelerated Mobile Pages that make loading web pages a lot faster on mobile devices. Facebook and Apple have been providing previews so far, and Google has stated that the first accelerated pages will “come early next year”.

    The project is similar to Facebook’s Instant Articles, which loads articles by publishers 10 times faster than the standard mobile web, using the same technology that goes into displaying photos and videos quickly. This means the stories are already being pre-loaded in the background as you scroll your News Feed, so it opens quickly when you tap on it, which makes it accessible even with a 2G connection.

    Instant Article

    Google has employed 4,500 developers working on AMP on Github. The AMP project has drawn in publishers including The GuardianThe Washington PostBuzzFeed, and Vox Media. Google has also attracted advertisers like Outbrain, AOL, OpenX, DoubleClick, and AdSense who are developing ads that abide to quick-loading specifications of AMP.

    It’ll be interesting to know just how quick-loading mobile pages will be when advertisers begin to push more data intrusive and data-intensive specs over time. For now, you’ll have to wait for early 2016 to have a taste of what accelerated mobile pages will look like.

  • Android Pay Purchases Will Donate to Special Needs Education

    Android Pay Purchases Will Donate to Special Needs Education

    Google has revealed that it will be donating up to a $1 million dollars to the education of 6.4 million special needs children. With every Android Pay purchase in the US, the company would give a dollar as donation for the betterment of the American special needs education system.Google donations for Android Pay purchase

    This announcement comes as an extension of Google’s Global Impact Challenge: Disabilities initiative. Google has teamed up with DonorsChoose.org and started the programme on the 24th of November right through to 31st December. Additionally, the donation amount will be doubled for every Android Purchase on Black Friday, owing to Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

    The initiative is only confined to the US as of now.

  • Nexus 6P Users Complain of Poor Microphone Quality During Calls

    Nexus 6P Users Complain of Poor Microphone Quality During Calls

    Seems like Apple is not the only company with its fair share of problems. Google makes sure its tech competitor never feels left out, even when it comes to running into controversies with their latest gadgets.

    JerryRigEverything.com put the Nexus 6P through a series of tests few weeks ago. These tests included heat test and checking the bending capabilities of the phone. Even though the phone is otherwise a sturdy device, it has a hardware flaw which meant -the phone snapped into two when it was tested for bending.Huawei Nexus 6P 25

    However, twisting your phone at unnatural angles is not something most users are likely to do. So this whole ‘bend-gate’ issue a second time over with a flagship could be simply overlooked, right? And all was well in the Nexus 6P paradise one more time…until new issues emerged.

    Users are now complaining of poor sound quality during phone calls. The person on the other side is unable to hear them properly. Other than standard phone calls, this is also happening during VoIP calls, like Hangouts.

    The poor microphone quality has been experienced by users in both the speaker as well as the ear-piece mode. People have taken to Google forums and reddit to talk about it. Google is currently looking into the problem.

    If you have used a Nexus 6P, did you face the same, or any other problem, as well? Let us know in the comments below.

iGyaan Network
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.