This is officially how Android smartwatches will be like

Google has just released a video on how Android wearables would work, specifically smartwatches. They also released the details in their blog and included a developer preview, giving us a glimpse into Android’s near future.

ANDROID WEAR

Android Wear is what Google calls it, and it will start with watches being extensions to Android devices. The whole idea is that all the information moves along with you through Google Now. The interface is full of Google Now design elements and the Cards UI, being operated by voice and by touch. As seen in the video, it gives you access to your time, weather, meetings, sports team updates, Hangouts messages, music and a lot more.

Google has been reported to be working on a smartwatch with LG already and the specs have been leaked here. The potential is there as we can all see, but we still have a lot to uncover as the smartwatch race rages on. Stay tuned!

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Google Nexus 6 concept image – how thin is enough?

While surfing the Internet, I came across this concept photo of the upcoming Google Nexus 6. I’m sure you’ve scrolled past everything by now and initially checked the photo before reading anything else. As you can see, it is mighty thin.

nexus-6-concept-sirkow-1

Now, again, this is just a concept photo of the phone and not official. It came from one Sirkdow Prismatiker who, according to his Twitter page, is an Android developer and a Concept Designer. In his concept, the Nexus 6 will have a metal sheet-like build with a curved top and a flat bottom, camera in the middle, and dual flashes. There’s also a color variation of gold, black, and silver.

nexus-6-concept-sirkow-2

After seeing how thin the phone is, I was impressed and already excited to hold this sexy device in my hand. Although after thinking about it, I thought that I would still prefer a thicker smartphone over something that’s for purely aesthetics. Why? Because I like my gadgets with a little bulk and weight in them — just the right amount for a solid feel and good handling. I feel like I would accidentally toss my almost-weightless phone away each time I pull it out of my pocket. Also, a smartphone this thin requires paper-thin internals that we currently don’t have. Even if lighter and thinner components like camera sensors and batteries are developed in the future I’m pretty sure they’re bound to cost a lot during the first couple of years mainly because they’re new innovation.

Personally I think we’ve already reached the ideal thinness with our smartphones today, as far as functionality is concerned.

So I raise a question: Do we really need thinner phones or should smartphone manufacturers shift their attention and concentrate more on other improvements like faster processors and longer battery capacities?

{Sirkdow Prismatiker}

The post Google Nexus 6 concept image – how thin is enough? appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Google Nexus 6 concept image – how thin is enough?

While surfing the Internet, I came across this concept photo of the upcoming Google Nexus 6. I’m sure you’ve scrolled past everything by now and initially checked the photo before reading anything else. As you can see, it is mighty thin.

nexus-6-concept-sirkow-1

Now, again, this is just a concept photo of the phone and not official. It came from one Sirkdow Prismatiker who, according to his Twitter page, is an Android developer and a Concept Designer. In his concept, the Nexus 6 will have a metal sheet-like build with a curved top and a flat bottom, camera in the middle, and dual flashes. There’s also a color variation of gold, black, and silver.

nexus-6-concept-sirkow-2

After seeing how thin the phone is, I was impressed and already excited to hold this sexy device in my hand. Although after thinking about it, I thought that I would still prefer a thicker smartphone over something that’s for purely aesthetics. Why? Because I like my gadgets with a little bulk and weight in them — just the right amount for a solid feel and good handling. I feel like I would accidentally toss my almost-weightless phone away each time I pull it out of my pocket. Also, a smartphone this thin requires paper-thin internals that we currently don’t have. Even if lighter and thinner components like camera sensors and batteries are developed in the future I’m pretty sure they’re bound to cost a lot during the first couple of years mainly because they’re new innovation.

Personally I think we’ve already reached the ideal thinness with our smartphones today, as far as functionality is concerned.

So I raise a question: Do we really need thinner phones or should smartphone manufacturers shift their attention and concentrate more on other improvements like faster processors and longer battery capacities?

{Sirkdow Prismatiker}

The post Google Nexus 6 concept image – how thin is enough? appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Google’s Project Ara, DIY smartphone starting $50

The build-yourself smartphone that’s being groomed by Google, Project Ara, is about to have its first developer conference in a few months. It was also reported that the basic device may be available next year with a $50 starting price.

ARA EDITED

For those wondering what Ara is, it’s Google’s modular smartphone project that lets users start from a basic device and eventually build the handset up with specific parts that users want — be it a kickass camera, more battery capacity, a bigger memory, etc. These parts will be available from a Google Play-like marketplace, but with hardwares instead of softwares. You can read more about Project Ara here.

The scheduled developer conference is the first of many — meaning this innovation is getting a green light so far and is inching its way to the market. The upcoming conference will focus specifically on the alpha release of the Ara Module Developer’s Kit (MDK) that’s been said to hit the web this April.

In addition, Time has reported that the company plans on making this smartphone available in the market next year for $50 (approx. Php2,200) as the starting price. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need to shell out more dough as you buy more parts one by one (it’s just like customizing your Tamiya all over again). For $50, you get the basic handset that comes only with Wi-Fi.

If Project Ara pushes through and makes it next year, would you find yourself getting one?

{Source}

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Google Now Launcher now on Play Store

Since Nexus 5 was launched last November 2013, it had an exclusive launcher that no other Google devices officially have. Three months after that, all Nexus and Google Play Edition smartphones can now have the same experience!

The launcher made its debut with the Nexus 5 along with the Android 4.4 KitKat release. Coming from the default Android launcher, you will notice a better and a more friendly UX. You can now swipe to the farthest left to access Google Now. You can also have a single or even multiple home pages according to your liking. There are a number of new beautiful wallpapers too. The app tray is also polished while the widget list can now be accessed with a long press on the home screen.

If you have a Nexus or a GPE device with Android 4.4 on board, head on to Google Play or hit the source link below and give Google Now Launcher a try.

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