Category: Google

Google Nexus 6 is Back on Flipkart!

Good news for Nexus 6 lovers! It seems that this time Motorola has released ample stock of the Nexus 6 to be sold through Flipkart. In the past this device has been as scarce as feathers on a fish. However, the Nexus 6 came into stock on Flipkart on 31st December and is still available.

The Nexus 6 boasts a 5.96-inch QHD (2560×1440p) AMOLED display. It is powered by 2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor coupled with 3 GB of RAM. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box. The screen of the device is protected by Corning Glass 3.

On the camera front, it sports a 13MP rear and 2MP front snapper. The device gets its juice from a 3,220mAh battery. It comes in two colour options in the country – midnight blue and cloud white. We’ll be unboxing the device soon! So stay tuned.

Those interested in purchasing the Google Nexus 6 can click here:

January 2, 2015
Google Nexus 5 is Back in Stock on Flipkart!

The flagship smartphone by the US-based search giant, Google Nexus 5, was the most desired device of 2013 and 2014 alike. Those who were able to get their hands on the device were on cloud 9 and a few unlucky ones were anticipating for it to go on sale again. Google has come up some really good news for those waiting for the Nexus 5.

The smartphone by Google is back in stock on Flipkart with no comment on its stocks. Both the 16 GB and 32 GB versions of the phone are available on the e-commerce website. You can also choose from the three colour variants – red, black and white. The red, 32 GB variant is priced at Rs. 29,919, while the 32 GB version in black and white colours can be bagged at a price of Rs. 32,999 and 31,350 respectively.

A couple of weeks back, Google confirmed that it will halt the production of the Nexus 5 by the first quarter of 2015, which made the phone lovers rush to the retail stores.

Briefing its specs, then the Nexus 5 sports a Full HD display of 4.95-inch that is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The device is powered by Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset. It runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat and has 2 GB of RAM. On the camera front, it has an 8MP rear and a 1.3MP secondary snapper.

For the Nexus 5 lovers, it the perfect opportunity to grab this device at the earliest.

December 31, 2014
Google’s Gmail Service Blocked in China

Gmail was banned in Mainland China earlier this year, however, people were able to exchange messages, videos, pictures through the mailing service. Protocols like IMAP, SMTP and POP3 and third-party apps such as Microsoft Outlook and Apple Mail aided users to access Gmail but now, even that isn’t possible as the Chinese government closed the loophole. As per a recent revelation, the government has permanently shunned Gmail in the country behind the Great Firewall.

Google has continuously been observing a major traffic dip in Gmail from China and this has been evident through Google’s Transparency Report. A spokesperson from the firm said that there had been no issues from the company’s side, which could have led to this action, “We’ve checked and there’s nothing wrong on our end.”

The China-based freedom of speech advocacy group GreatFire.org argued that this is a step towards completely banishing Google from China,

I think the government is just trying to further eliminate Google’s presence in China and even weaken its market overseas. Imagine if Gmail users might not get through to Chinese clients. Many people outside China might be forced to switch away from Gmail.

The East Asia’s sovereign state has made a firm boundary around itself called Great Firewall of China, which it says is a sophisticated internet censorship mechanism. This wall restricts the Chinese audience to interact with rest of the world. The decision will lead to an awkward situation for companies doing business, as almost all use Gmail to exchange conversation.

However, the Chinese government has regulated the ban, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that she has no clue about the ban. Chunying added to her statement that the government is committed to provide a healthy business environment to foreign investors, “China has consistently had a welcoming and supportive attitude towards foreign investors doing legitimate business here. We will, as always, provide an open, transparent and good environment for foreign companies in China.”

Meanwhile, as the mailing service is blocked, the users out there are left with just one alternative, Virtual Private Networks (VPN). The Gmail ban hasn’t come a surprise decision as the country has a long list of restricted websites. Along with Google Docs, Google Drive, YouTube, Twitter and many more sites blocked earlier, the recent block record includes Instagram, Dropbox, Google Maps, Google and a few more.

December 29, 2014
Second Wave of the Android One Initiative to Include Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka

Even though Google’s Android One initiative in India did not surpass expectations, the company has announced to take this endeavor to other emerging markets. The internet search giant announced on its official blog that it is expanding its reach, and will be soon launching the initiative in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The initiative was launched in India in September as a test pilot. Google partnered with local manufactures namely Micromax, Karbonn and Spice and released three Android One smartphones in the country.

Recently, Spice launched their second Android One handset called the Dream Uno H which was targeted at the Hindi speaking audience. Karbonn has also confirmed a new Android One handset which will debut during the first quarter of 2015. Additionally, it was also reported that all Android One smartphones will receive a Lollipop update sometime this month.

For the second wave of the Android One units, Google has partnered with a wide range of manufacturers and network partners such as Bangalink to sell Android One smartphones in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Along with India manufactures, Bangladesh’s own Symphony will launch their first Android One smartphone with Symphony Roar A50. The exact timeline for the launch in these countries is not mentioned, Google stated that the smartphones will go on sale ‘in the coming weeks.’

December 22, 2014
Google’s Inbox Update Lets You Email Through Your Wrist

People are still itching to getting their hands on the Google’s new email client Inbox, though the company is all ready to update the new app. The task-oriented email client has been widely appreciated for its de-clustered and powerful algorithms that sought out your emails based on priority.

The new 1.2 version of Google Inbox will bring Android Wear support, letting you check mail, send replies and mark completed items from the comfort of your wrist. Earlier, when an email through Inbox was sent to your Android Wear device, it only let you dismiss or open the message on your device. This new update now allows you to read the entire message, reply, and mark it as done, without your phone.

Additionally, Inbox is getting an improved tablet layout, which is better optimised for devices with larger screens, especially for Nexus tablets. The new update has brought some useful features in the core app too, including suggestions for reminders and a better tablet interface.

The update is already rolling out to the users worldwide starting from the US. However, if you don’t want to wait and manually install it, you can download the .apk here.

December 18, 2014
Indian Government Files a Legal Case Against Google

It looks like tough times for Google are not going to be over anytime soon. After facing oppressive laws in Spain over the news service of Google, the internet search giant is under scanner in India as well. Of late, The Survey of India (SOI) filed a complaint against Google saying that it has been misleading people. As per the complaint lodged with Dehradun police, the multinational search giant has been disseminating wrong information about the coordinates of the Indian boundaries.

A senior official from the technical wing of the SOI stamped the news saying, “The faulty coordinates were noticed in Jammu & Kashmir and the northern side of India which are not as per our maps. The decision to file a written complaint was taken after consulting the highest level of authority.”

However, the police seems skeptical on this take of SOI. When inquired from the police official Anil Joshi about how far is the news reliable, he conveyed that the police is still on it. He commented that officials are trying to figure out the authenticity of the complaint. Meanwhile, the complaint has been forwarded to the cyber cell team as they will be heading all further investigations. And once they come to a conclusion, the subsequent course of action will be decided then on.

December 15, 2014
Google Confirms it Will Halt Production of Nexus 5, Limited Units Available Till Q1 2015

Google’s latest revelation is making all Nexus 5 lovers rush to retail websites. The multinational corporation has confirmed that it has stopped the production of Google Nexus 5 and only limited stock is left.

When asked about the status of the red and white versions of the Nexus 5, Google’s spokesperson commented:

Once they are gone, they’re gone, so we’d suggest people get them while they can

In a statement to The Verge, the company stated that the Nexus 5 will continue to be available for sale on Google Play and through select retailers in Q1 2015.

As of now, both 16 GB and 32 GB versions of the model are out of stock on Google Play Store. However, you can still buy one from select retailers like eBay and few more. With this move, it seems like the company is pushing people to its latest release, the Nexus 6.

December 12, 2014
Google Makes Virtual Reality Available for Everyone for Just $20

Virtual reality (VR) headsets have gained considerable buzz in the recent past. Oculus brought VR into mainstream, and several others followed soon after. Samsung’s Gear VR was the most prominent of all but to use it, you have to buy a Note 4. This is the reason it’s out of the reach of most enthusiasts. A Kickstarter project called ANTVR showed some promise with its innovative features and controllers. However, it’s Google who might bring the VR experience to everyone with the Google Cardboard project.

As the name suggests, the entire gadget is made up of just cardboard and some other small bits that you can find in your homes itself. You will have the support of Google; that will assist you in making the headset as well as provide software support for it. You can consider this as a gift from Google for all the big data you provide them.

Google has released new SDK for Android and Unity to create apps for the VR headsets. The Google Cardboard project can be considered the heights of jugaad device by a prominent company. The company already provides instructions to assist you in making your own DIY VR headsets. On a page dedicated to the Cardboard project, the company also featured several apps and games for the headsets.

The headsets work with any device and thus is accessible to all.

You can download the Cardboard app to start your VR experience. There are several demos already available in the app including a Google Earth flyby, a tour of Versailles and lets you watch Youtube videos on a virtual massive screen. Apart from this, you can download apps like Paul McCartney’s live performance, The Hobbit VR experience and several other fantastic visuals for your eyes only.

You can also buy the headsets, and they cost you somewhere between $20-$45. This is way cheaper than every other alternative in the market, and you can make it yourself for even less. The company says that it will be uploading instructions to make the device with extreme specifics such as how to cut using a blade, die-cutting or a laser cutter.

It’s great to see Google interested in an open source project for VR technology. The affordability of this technology is really encouraging. As it works with any phone, you don’t even have to buy an expensive new device to make it work. Of course, you might end up with nausea, headache and vertigo but it’s worth the effort to watch Sir Paul McCartney live, isn’t it?

December 11, 2014
Google to Show Off its New Project Ara Prototype Soon

When the makers of Phonebloks showcased their idea of a lego-type phone, we had a good laugh. It was an audacious idea and didn’t seem like a realizable goal. But when the project got the blessings of Google, a lot of folks started following the developments of the project. The company is just a few weeks away from unveiling the Project Ara devices.

Google will introduce the new generation Project Ara at the developers conference in January. There will be two developers conference; the first will be held on 14th of January and will target the US/European folks, while the second will target the Asian market and will be held on 21st January.

The company added the image of the printed circuit in its Google Plus post

The Project Ara developers conference will also see the unveiling of the Spiral 2 prototype hardware and the release of v0.20 of Module Developers Kit (MDK). On its G+ page, Google ATAP posted the printed circuit board for the new generation modular devices. The founder of Phonebloks, Dave Hakkens, recently showed us a working prototype of a Project Ara device. So, it seems we are pretty close to having the most consumer and eco-friendly smartphone experience.

The company will also be live streaming the conference on the Project Ara website for the nerds of the world. Project Ara is a necessary next step in the evolution of smartphones. Till now, the consumers were restricted by whatever was offered to them by the companies. With initiatives like Project Ara, the consumers will have a bigger say in the technological bits of their devices. This will also help towards a healthy environment as the phones will be regularly updated and wouldn’t be thrown away soon. We have been waiting a long while for it and hope Project Ara is worth it.

December 10, 2014
Google Translate’s Latest Update Decodes Speech and Text Within Pictures

Google Translate has become an essential feature of the internet. It is one of the primary tools used by folks world over to learn about other corners of the world. The service by Google lets you translate an entire website with just a couple of clicks. With the growth of global interconnectivity, consumer translator mediums have become more and more useful. Google is constantly working towards making its translator better and hence keeps actively updating the features. This time around Google is reportedly giving its translator the ability to decipher speech in addition to the text within pictures.

According to a report by Android Police, the updated Google Translate will use Google’s Word Lens to do the same. This will aid users in translating directions, menus, signs in foreign language into an understandable expression. Meanwhile, the conversation mode of Google Translate lets people of different languages hold discussion, but with the new feature, chatting would be much more instant.

With the new update, users don’t have to chose the language as the app will do it for you. It will automatically detect the speech and decode it. As for now, it recognises seven languages in total – English, Italian, French, German, Russian, Portuguese and Spanish. However, we can expect the inclusion of other languages later. The new feature can only translate the above listed languages to English and vice versa e.g. Russian message cannot be converted to Spanish or to any other language else than English.

December 10, 2014
Google Nexus 6 Out in India Today at Midnight via Flipkart

Earlier we announced that Google Chromecast is landing in India today and now it seems that Google’s flagship device Nexus 6 will be joining in. The device will be exclusively launched at Google’s Great Online Shopping Festival (GOSF) starting midnight. The 32 GB variant comes for Rs. 44,000, while the 64 GB model will cost you Rs. 49,000.

The Nexus 6 boasts a 5.96-inch QHD (2560×1440p) AMOLED display. It is powered by 2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor coupled with 3 GB of RAM. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box. The screen of the device is protected by Corning Glass 3, which means users need not have to worry about scratches.

On the camera front, it sports a 13MP rear and 2MP front snapper. The device gets its juice from a 3,220mAh battery, which the company claims to last for six hours on a 15-minute charge as it comes along with Motorola’s Turbo Charger. Nexus 6 offers wireless charging. It comes in two colour options in the country – midnight blue and cloud white.

The smartphone went up for pre-orders on 18th November and we saw an exciting offer by Flipkart where the e-commerce giant was tempting buyers to ditch their iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. However, the smartphone comes with a ‘Coming Soon’ tag as of now, we suppose the e-commerce website is planning to change the sign at midnight. Meanwhile, Flipkart kept its promise and started shipping the device last night for those who ordered the smartphone in the second week of December itself.

December 9, 2014
Exclusive: Google Chromecast Arrives in India Tomorrow Exclusively via Snapdeal

A source close to iGyaan has revealed that Google Chromecast is now going to be available for purchase in India. The unique device that helps mirror everything from your tablet and smartphone to your TV is arriving on 9th December i.e. tomorrow. Google Chromecast is the perfect device for those who enjoy the luxuries of big screen viewing.

Sources also revealed that the news will be announced at the Google Online Shopping Festival and the device will be available exclusively on Snapdeal. The company is also building a development platform for Chromecast users for easy viewing on smartphones. Google has partnered with telecommunication giant Airtel to provide customers cost-effective data packs for the same.

A Little About Chromecast

Chromecast is a thumb-sized medium through which you can easily transfer viewing from your laptop, Android phone and tablet to TV. For this, your mobile becomes your personalised remote control. You can browse your favourite movies, videos and more and cast it on your TV. You can pause, play, rewind, make playlists and can even control the volume. Just plug in, connect and enjoy. In short, it’s a whole new way to enjoy video viewing.

December 8, 2014
8 Recent Google Updates You Might Have Missed

Google is on an update spree. Lately, the company has been rolling out new updates across its Android apps and services frequently, however, it is hard to keep track of all the updates. So, we are rounding up recent Google updates that you might have missed.

1. Google Lollipop 5.0.1

After the roll out of Android Lollipop, Google has begun the process of getting Lollipop 5.0.1 out the door. The company quietly updated its Factory Images page to reveal a 5.0.1 built for the Nexus 9, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. Installing images from this page does require the flashing of devices in order to update them, and does not carry user data across in the process, unless backed up and restored by the user.

2. Gmail

With the new update, Gmail inbox allows users to edit Microsoft Office documents sent as email attachments. The new feature adds a Google Drive edit icon to Gmail attachments that says ‘Edit with Google Docs’. By clicking on this, the Office files get automatically converted into Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

3. reCAPTCHA

Google has announced that it is dropping Captcha, its anti-bot system that asks users to identify a deconstructed word or two in order to avoid spamming. The company has admitted that 98 percent of bots can now correctly answer a Captcha and so they are switching to a simple ‘tick the box if you’re not a robot’ system, with all the clever stuff behind the scenes rooting out impostors instead.

4. News & Weather app

Google has released an updated version of its News & Weather app on Google Play, which brings brand new dark themes and other changes. The company will roll out the update globally soon. In addition to the dark themes, which can be activated from overflow menu, the updated News & Weather app includes search option, new UI tweaks and bug fixes.

5. Device Assist

Google has rolled a new troubleshooting app called Device Assist that offers specific tips and access to support Nexus, Google Play edition, and Android One running on Lollipop. Device Assist will alert you about any settings that could give you trouble, such as battery drain from cranking up the brightness too high. The app also includes a list of common tasks and how to perform them, such as taking screenshots and customising notifications. There is also an option of contacting to the Google Play support via call. Apart from requesting a call, you can also submit your smartphone statistics for more elaborate troubleshooting.

6. Chrome Beta

Chrome Beta for Android has been updated by the company with minor design changes. The address bar has been redesigned for Lollipop users with Merge Tabs and Apps option enabled to go all the way across the display. Google has also added several new flags to the app, allowing users to enable a new bookmark manager and password generator.

7. Google +

Google+ has also received an update, debuting the app version 4.8. This update makes a few minor design enhancements too, like Chrome Beta. The ‘new post’ page has been slightly reworked with the publish button moving from bottom to the top and swapping places with the menu button.

8. Google Play Games (version 2.2)

This update adds a new interface for picking an account to use. The interface also now appears for all users, even those that have added only one account, with a new prompt to easily add another email. Finally, the game detail page has been enhanced with new ‘View in Play Store’ and ‘Share’ options.

December 6, 2014
Google Play Store Update Adds Attractive Visuals and Full-Height Navigation

Time to bid farewell to the Hamburger menu, as Google Play Store has been updated with its latest version 5.1.11. This version brings along a few changes, the most important of which is the useful full-height navigation.

The new version is being rolled out in phases and does not sport a lot of changes, though is filled with slight tweaks and minor improvements that should make the overall experience of the Play Store much better. In addition, there are a plethora of Android 5.0 tweaks which include various new animations.

Other changes include real time card shadows for Android 5.0 and onwards, visuals and scrolling optimisations in the My Apps menu along with a brand new look on the My Account screen.

You can download the updated version of the Play Store here or here. Though users need to be reminded that some features might only work on devices with Android 5.0 and onwards.

December 5, 2014
You Can Now Edit Microsoft Office Documents Directly from Your Gmail Inbox

Google has recently added another feature to the web-version of its popular email service, Gmail. Now, Gmail inbox allows users to edit Microsoft Office documents sent as email attachments. With Microsoft increasing its popularity in cloud space, Google has taken a right step forward.

This doesn’t seem like a major update, however, the new feature is a part of Google’s strategy to make its cloud service more universal and make it a one-stop from enterprise workspace. The new feature adds a Google Drive edit icon to Gmail attachments that says ‘Edit with Google Docs’. By clicking on this, the Office files get automatically converted into Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

Clicking this ‘edit’ option on an Office file attachment will convert the file to the preferred Google format, saving it in Google Drive to allow for continuous editing and sharing. Google has also increased the amount of Office file formats so as it can be imported to Docs to make the process easier. The list now includes 15 less-used Office formats including .pps and .ppsx.

The formats will be converted into Google formats according to their extensions such as dot, dotx, dotm*, docm* will convert into Google Docs; xlt, xltx, xltm*, xlsm* into Google Sheets and pot, potx, potm*, pptm*, pps, ppsx, ppsm* into Google Slides.

If you don’t want to change your file type, Google has a solution for that too. Google suggests you to use its Office Editing Chrome extension. It is also promising ‘improved charts, images, and tables support for these file formats, but didn’t go into detail.

December 3, 2014