About the Author
“It’s Google’s Alphabet’s world & we’re all just living in it.”
The above is truly Abner’s philosophy and why in his 5 years of writing about tech Google and Android has mostly been the main subject.
He resides in Los Angeles.
Send tips to [email protected].
Email or Twitter @technacity if you want to discuss anything remotely Android or Google related with him.
Today
GOOG: 947.16
The latest version of Google Keep for Android is rolling out with a minor, but sorely needed functionality. Version 3.4.803.02 of the note-taking app finally features undo and redo controls in text and editing fields.
July 12
GOOG: 943.83
At I/O 2017, a spate of new features and media integrations were announced for Google Home. The latest allows the smart Google Assistant speaker to stream uploaded and purchased songs from Play Music.
After a delay late last month, Google’s Backup and Sync desktop app for Mac and Windows is now available for download. With this revamped client, only one application is needed to back up files on a desktop to Google Photos and Drive.
Over the past year, Google has instituted a number of efforts to find harmful apps in the Play Store. The latest applies machine learning on a large-scale to a technique known as peer group analysis that compares apps in order to find malicious ones.
July 11
GOOG: 930.09
In addition to opening sign-ups for the Indie Games Festival today, Google is now taking nominations for the 2017 Material Design Awards. A more open selection process this year will look at Material experiences on both iOS and the web.
Reflecting a continued focus on machine learning, Google has announced a new venture fund specifically aimed at artificial intelligence. Gradient Ventures will focus on providing technical mentorship for early-stage startups focused in the burgeoning field.
Over the past year, Google has created several initiatives to highlight indie game developers in the Play Store. Continuing on last year’s efforts, the company has announced its second annual Google Play Indie Games Festival.
July 10
GOOG: 928.80
As teased yesterday, LG has officially announced the Q6, a line that brings the G6’s marquee “FullVision” display into the mid-range. However, that designation brings notable downsides, including a plastic rear, no fingerprint sensor, and a Snapdragon 435 processor.
Mid-range LG Q6 likely revealed in new leak before tomorrow’s announcement
After announcing a ‘Plus’ model of the G6 last month, LG appears to be going down to the mid-range with the Q6. With an official announcement teased for tomorrow, the device’s appearance and some specifications have already leaked.
This past Friday saw a flurry of developments in Waymo’s case against Uber, including the Alphabet company toning down its patent infringement claims to focus on trade secret theft. As part of the upcoming October trial, a magistrate judge has granted Uber the ability to depose Larry Page.
The shift from “mobile first to AI first” will require a major rethink of how people use and interact with technology. To ensure that this change benefits all, Google is launching a new initiative called PAIR (People + AI Research).
July 7
GOOG: 918.59
At the insistence of the presiding U.S. District Judge, Waymo has reduced the number of patent-infringement claims it is waging against Uber to all but one. Rather, the Alphabet division (via Bloomberg) will be focusing on the theft of trade secrets in its upcoming trial.
YouTube TV for Android updated with bottom bar navigation
In late May, YouTube for Android switched to bottom bar navigation as part of a broader redesign of its clients. YouTube TV is now following in its footsteps, with the latest update bringing the same redesign.
As previously leaked, Motorola is already planning an upgrade to the Moto G5 announced just this February. Referred to as a “special edition” in a new leak, the Moto G5S Plus features a dual-lens setup, larger display, and more premium materials.
Android Nougat finally hits double-digits in July distribution numbers
With several devices running Nougat launching in the past month, Android 7.0 — released nearly a year ago — has finally passed 10% in the July distribution numbers.
July 6
GOOG: 906.69
Motorola has just announced that it’s hosting a July 25th press event in New York City. The invite comes as a number of leaks in recent weeks have showcased the Moto X4 and the rest of the Moto Z lineup.
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL do not take full advantage of their AMOLED panels. While there is an Ambient Display, other devices like the LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 have long offered always on modes. Fortunately, Google appears to be working on such a feature for the Pixel according to code in the Android O Developer Preview.
Content for virtual reality is being created at a tremendous pace as the field sees more and more consumer devices and interest. Hoping to address how most 3D content is still created on 2D screens, Google is releasing Blocks, a simple tool for creating and sharing objects in virtual reality.
Google Maps is taking advantage of its large crowdsourcing aspect to make it easier to both input and find details about the accessibility of a location. In addition to this information appearing in Maps, it will also appear in Search result cards.
OxygenOS 4.5.5 update rolling out to OnePlus 5, third OTA since last week
OnePlus has been on a roll with software updates for its latest flagship. The most recent OTA for the OnePlus 5 comes on the heels of two similar updates just last week. OxygenOS 4.5.5 addresses bug fixes and includes several other optimizations.
