Category: Google

Google Confirms New Chromebook Pixel is on its Way

A fresh round of rumours surfaced that speak of an updated version of Google’s Chromebook Pixel. The Chromebook Pixel is the most premium offering from Google’s Chromebook family. This would be the first update by the company since the original released two years back.

The confirmation of the news that Chromebook Pixel 2 is currently in works was confirmed by Google executives on a YouTube video, which was later made private. The video showed Renee Niemi, who is responsible for running Google’s Android and Chrome programs for work and education. She confirmed at the TeamWork 2015 partner event about the same.

OMG Chrome translated the conversation of Niemi who said –

We do have a new Pixel coming out and it will be coming out soon. We will be selling it… but I just have to set your expectations: this is a development platform…This is really a proof of concept. We don’t make very many of these—we really don’t. And our developers and our Googlers consume 85 percent of what we produce. But yes, we do have a new Pixel coming out.

Chromebooks have gained popularity since last year, and many big companies are investing highly in Google’s project running on Chrome OS. It’s a high-performance gadget and is extremely beneficial for educational and business purposes. Samsung, Acer and Dell have their chromebooks, and they come at a much lower price than that of Google.

There is no news about the display size, the apps it will be equipped with and or any other details regarding the Chromebook Pixel 2. Considering it’s an upgrade, we can expect it to be priced slightly higher that the original Chromebook Pixel, which costs $1,299.

February 24, 2015
YouTube’s New Kid-Friendly App is Coming to Android Devices on 23 February

Google’s video-sharing service, YouTube is attempting to expand its user base by including the tech generation kids to its audience. The company announced in a statement that it would launch an app for kids called YouTube Kids app, which will have children specific content to create a safer environment for kids.

The new app will be an entirely separate division of the main YouTube service and will include age-appropriate content (videos, channels and playlists). YouTube Kids will feature a homescreen and will have eight options including kids TV shows and more. Kids can search for videos by typing in the standard search bar and can even browse through their voice.

Richard Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Global Distribution and International Consumer Products at Jim Henson Co. said –

The app is extremely kid-friendly and features a variety of content, including several of our series such as Sid the Science Kid, Pajanimals, and Fraggle Rock.

Google has partnered with many content providers like DreamWorks TV, National Geographic and The Jim Henson Co. to provide content. Earlier this month, it acquired mobile application maker Launchpad Toys Inc., the developer responsible for building Toontastic storytelling tool, to help provide kids with more games and services.

YouTube Kids allow parents to have a control over the content and for how long will your child be watching a particular channel. The free app will be available on Android devices through Play Store from February 23, and meanwhile, it’s limited to just US kids. The company is expected to extend the service to other nations as well. The app would be appreciated by the parents who wanted to keep their kids away from the massive inventory of non-kids friendly content on Youtube.

February 20, 2015
Google’s Upcoming 2-in-1 Chromebook Will Run on Both Chrome OS and Android

If Google is the frontrunner in the smartphone race with Android, Microsoft is the boss of laptops and computers with the power of Windows. The internet search beast wants to take the charge in this segment as well and is geared to release a hybrid 2-in-1 Chromebook that would be working on both Chrome OS and Android.

The yet-untitled device is a detachable machine that runs on Android in the tablet form, and when attached to a keyboard instantly switches to Chrome OS. Google has gone far ahead with the integration of Android ecosystem to Chrome OS.

Meanwhile, it’s not known that how the two operating systems are going to boot or if Android apps will run on Chrome OS. It seems like the 2-in-1 hybrid machine will switch between the two operating systems automatically as per requirement.

The forthcoming Chromebook is said to be designed by Quanta Computer and will launch under Google branding. The product will complete sometime in the first quarter of this year. Many vendors are said to be joining Google’s 2-in-1 Chromebook later this year.

The Chromebooks did tremendously well in 2014 with a worldwide shipment of 6.5 million units. But to retain that number and increase it, Google needs to carry on, on the path of innovation.

February 17, 2015
First Look at Toshiba’s First Working Camera Modules for Project Ara

Project Ara is an on-going endeavor by Google to create a modular smartphone for which the user can switch critical components in and out, thus allowing them to build the perfect phone for their specific needs. It seems that one of the third parties working on the modules is Toshiba, which is contributing towards its progress in creating the first swappable camera units.

Toshiba has created one prototype with a 2MP camera which is designed to be placed in front of the camera and 5MP and 13MP camera modules, which is to be placed as the primary camera. All the cameras are within a swappable module, which would allow the user to swap cameras according to their desired shot, or simply purchasing a better camera piece and replacing the existing one.

Toshiba had revealed some of the initial designs at the Modular Phones Forum. As of now, the company is now developing three different modules: a 2MP front camera and 5MP/13MP primary camera.

The video below shows Toshiba’s new 5MP prototype camera module working and capturing images.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo4GeSil9fU

February 17, 2015
After Internet.org, Google Plans to Bring Project Loon to India for Affordable Internet

Facebook recently launched Internet.org initiative in India which offers affordable Internet connectivity and basic services on the Rcom network. It is one of the major initiatives to connect the folks who still don’t have access to the information superhighway. Google’s Project Loon is also one of the major connectivity initiatives, and the company is bringing it to India.

Google has said that it is working with the Government of India to bring its balloon and kite powered internet initiative to India. The company plans to provide the entire planet with internet coverage by the year 2016. This is the brainchild of Google X, the companies secretive research wing.

Project Loon balloons travel 20 kilometers above the surface of the planet and use wind to pilot themselves. From there they offer access to communications at 3G-like speeds. It will be beneficial to empower users in rural parts of the country. This network will also be a boon during emergency situations such as natural disasters.

The communication age demands a population to be connected with the world, in order to grow. Currently, a massive population of 3 Billion people around the world are oblivious to the benefits (and the few misgivings) of the internet. Initiatives like Project Loon, Internet.Org and proposed satellite-based space internet will allow the entire humanity to interconnect.

February 13, 2015
Google Plans to Knock Down Apple Pay With its New Pay Service ‘Plasco’

The battle to bring out an invincible pay system is getting tougher by the day. Google launched a mobile payment assistance app called Google Wallet in 2011 but got overshadowed by Apple Pay, which made a late entry last year in October. The internet search beast is not quietly accepting the competition; according to reports, Google is now planning to roll out a new pay service.

Tentatively titled as ‘Plasco’, Google’s forthcoming service is one step ahead of all the payment services ever emerged. If the rumours are to be believed, then Plasco has been designed in a way that Android users don’t require to take their phones out of their pockets. The new system activates on its own when a user enters a store with Bluetooth on. At the time of paying to the retailers, users just have to utter their initials at the cash counter, and the payment will be made automatically.

Google Wallet

The service runs as an app and is provided to retailers by Google. When users step in a store, the retailers are notified of the Plasco users and can make the payment. Clearly the system seems too easy to be secure. Right now, Google is in the testing phase, seems like there is some time before we know clearer details and features about the service.

February 12, 2015
Google Glass Finds New Userbase in the Airport Industry

Google Glass is one spectacular device which failed to find an audience. The Glass had received unprecedented hype and was almost touted to replace all our other devices. But the technology felt victim to the “Bluedouche” legacy as people with the glasses were seen as intrusive. Maybe the Glass was too nerdy and ahead of its time to find a mass appeal. But Google seems to have found a new arena where its futuristic eyewear can find utility and that arena is the airport.

Virgin Atlantic, one the major names in aviation had begun using the device mainly for its gate attendants. Now Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport is providing the Google Glass to its staff and security professionals. Airport staff can coordinate with ease and share the information using the device.

Google Glass is being used to research the behavior of passengers to offer them more convenience in the future.

The airport is also put an initiative on trial to assist the passengers by providing them the Google Glass. The camera records what the passengers are looking at and records their voices too. The data is recorded for research purposes. The research will try to find out ways to make the travel more comfortable by providing the right information to them.

Airports have previously absorbed technology that didn’t find enough takers in the market. One shining example is the Segway, which was supposed to replace all other forms of travel, but was rejected by the market. It became a great tool for security personals who get to move around quickly in the massive airport terminals. Google Glass seems to be getting its second life in the airport too and being a good piece of technology it might just find a way back to the consumers. Google is also working on “Glass for Work” initiative with which its exploring utilities to promote the device in the enterprise environment. The Glass is clearly not dead yet.

February 10, 2015
Multiple Angle Viewing Feature For YouTube Is Now Under Trial

Viewing videos on YouTube is now going to be more entertaining and dynamic. YouTube is now working on a feature that allows the viewers to switch between different camera angles while watching a video. This feature is in its experimental mode right now and there is only one video which showcases this feature.

The video is of a live artist performance by Madilyn Bailey, a popular indie artist. The YouTube team took her performance and turned it to a multi angle video. The views show up with thumbnails and disappear once it commences. Angles can be switched using keyboard shortcuts. Though while switching, it may cause slight lags during playback. YouTube is allowing a selected few users to help in the testing of this feature.

This feature would be very gladly welcomed by sports, entertainment and concert viewers. Multiple angles would enhance the viewing experience. YouTube spokesperson told to Mashable

We want to give artists as many ways to connect with their fans as possible, and this experimental feature brings fans even further into creating the experience they want.

YouTube says the process of making these videos are automatic on the user’s side, though the technology is not yet ready to be scaled by everyone. Making of these kind of videos would involve additional production cost for the video-makers.

YouTube had also announced in January a 360-degree video viewing as well and an offline viewing mode for its mobile app, which would allow users to watch a video without any data plan of Wi-Fi connection for 48 hours.

February 5, 2015
Google Gtalk’s 9-Year-Reign to Come to an End on 16th February

Google’s IM service Gtalk after 9 fulfilling years will come to an end on 16th February. The internet search giant has decided to push its user base to Hangouts, the new app for chat.

The company is shutting down its Gtalk service on February 16, which will be replaced by Hangouts. Google declared the same via chat saying that Google Talk app for Windows will go non-functional on February 16, 2015 and users can download Hangouts Chrome feature to continue chatting.

Hangouts is also very user friendly to use and offers many more features with a convenient interface. It shows when the person was last seen, allows to chat with multiple people at a time, allows video calling and packs many more features than the Gtalk.

This move was obvious and Google is not being unfair by taking down Gtalk. The company gave users ample time to get used to it by announcing it on May 2013. Hangouts is the future of Google, but it is also true that Hangouts is not widely accepted. However, one cannot deny that the instant messaging application is the need of the hour as it provides smooth integration between PC, tablet and mobile.

February 5, 2015
Google Clears the Air, Uber-Like Competitor is Not in the Cards

Google was in the news yesterday after a Bloomberg report stated that the company would be launching a ride sharing service to take on Uber and Lyft. The story gained a lot of traction. Bloomberg was quoting an unnamed source at Google, but it turns out Google isn’t really keen on the idea. The company tweeted from its official account saying “We think you’ll find Uber and Lyft work quite well. We use them all the time.”

@business We think you’ll find Uber and Lyft work quite well. We use them all the time.

— Google (@google) February 2, 2015

Google was, in fact, one of the early backers for Uber; it backed the company through its venture capital wing. The above tweet is directly targeted at Bloomberg Business that puts an official end to the speculations, though Google’s entry into the field could have been great for the competition.

February 4, 2015
Google Brings Mortgage Calculator into Search for Quick Calculations

Google today launched a new feature that will help new homeowners make quick calculations of their mortgage amount. The internet search giant has added a mortgage calculator in the Google Search that will allow users to adjust interests and check which financial options fit their needs. The option works on both desktop and mobile.

According to the company, users can ask Google questions like “How much can I borrow at $200 a month?” or “At 5% APR how much can I borrow over 10 years?” and Google will answer them instantly, eliminating the need to jump to another website. The company says that users can even adjust the mortgage amount, interest rate, mortgage period and can choose other options that match your interest. You can even take advice if needed. The new feature seems handy and useful.

Along with total mortgage amount, one can also check the monthly payments for the mortgage amount. Meanwhile, this service is only available for UK-based users and there is no information when is it going to launch in other countries.

This small feature eliminates the need to recheck the amount with middlemen. Once again, Google making our lives a little simpler.

February 4, 2015
Report : Google is Prepping its Own App-Based Cab Service

You can always count on Google to come up with something new and useful. According to reports, the search engine giant might be prepping its own app-based taxi service; going head on against Uber. David Drummond, Google’s Chief Legal Officer and a member of Uber’s board, has revealed Google’s plans of developing an app-based taxi service.

GPS-based cabs have a tracking module installed in them which gives real-time location information to the central computers. This helps the companies keep a play by play track of the movements of their vehicles. When a cab request arrives at the call center, it gets forwarded to the cabs in the area. The driver who can make the trip, replies to the request and the tracking begins till the end of your journey. The trackers are part of the tamper proof meters which can give you a printout of the details of the journey and fare for your records.

Recently, app-based services have managed to gain massive popularity, which can be credited to their easy accessibility. Popular services in India include Uber and Ola. This move from Google may jeopardize Uber’s reliance on Google, as the cab service’s smartphone apps for drivers and customers heavily relies on Google Maps.

February 3, 2015
Lollipop 5.0.2 Slowly Rolls Out for 2012 and 2013 Cellular Nexus 7 Devices

Slowly but steadily, all Nexus devices are getting the latest Lollipop 5.0.2 update. Back in November, Google released the newest version of Lollipop for Wi-Fi only devices, and now the company has started releasing the same update for the cellular variants of the Asus Google Nexus 7 (both 2012 and 2013). Google has posted factory images on its official Developers page.

Users can download and install the update from the Google Developers > Nexus Factory Image.

The recent upgrade comes with build number LRX22G on the Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) tablets. The company has directly jumped from Android 4.4.4 KitKat to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, skipping Lollipop 5.0 and 5.0.1.

There is yet no information about the OTA (over-the-air) update and but users can keep a check on it by clicking Settings > System Update. The OTA update is expected to roll out soon.

February 2, 2015
Google Creates Fake Human Skin to Test Cancer Fighting Nanoparticles

Science fiction has for long imagined an idea of a wonder pill that takes on all the diseases at once. Now Google is attempting to transform that idea into reality. The project is being undertaken at Google’s secret research facility known as Google X.

The Silicon Valley giant had reported last year that it was working on magnetic nanoparticles that would locate cancer cells in the bloodstream. Once they’ve located the cancerous cells, they’d report back to a wrist-worn wearable. Now to test the technology, Google is also working on creating synthetic human skin.

The nanoparticles can be introduced into the body through a pill. These particles are so tiny that over 2000 of them can be stuffed inside a red blood cell. The nanoparticles will transmit the information they possess to the wristband through light signals, and this is where the need for the skin arises. The scientists at Google will study various types of skin based on color, thickness and other features to resemble real human skin. They have already created a pair of arms that have “the same autofluorescence and biochemical components of real arms.”

The study still has a long way to go. According Andrew Conrad, the head of Google’s Life Sciences department, the path ahead is long and hard but they envision it becoming a reality in years and not decades. If successful, this can be a great step ahead in the field of medicine. The nanoparticles can be later programmed to detect all forms of illnesses before they come to the surface. With this, Google once again impresses us with its world-changing research efforts.

January 31, 2015
New Update Brings Third-Party Integration to Google Now

Google Now, the service which focuses on bringing real-time information to your mobile device including traffic updates, scores, stock changes, travel times, your flight status, got a notable update today.

The new update brings the information from over 40 Android applications, in order to show things like last-minute hotel deals to home-buying tip. The update integrates popular apps like Trip Advisor, Book My Show, CricInfo, Lyft, Ford, Runtastic and many more.

The integration is optional, too, and you’ll be able to disable it from Google Now’s settings once the update is available on your device. Earlier, Google Now could pull lots of data from other apps through the email notifications they send you, but this direct app integration is new.

The new card-based feature only comes with a third-party app download, of course. You wouldn’t see a Lyft notification without the Lyft app installed. If you’re curious what you might end up seeing, Google has a full list of the new cards which is linked in teh source below.

The update makes Google Now very powerful. Google’s idea behind all of this is that you should get the information you need when you need it, without even having to ask for it. Obviously, there are some privacy concerns related to this update, but Google assured that no private information will be shared with third-party applications.

January 31, 2015