Category: Gooooogle

Google intros Android Device Manager, out this month

Ronnie Bulaong Leave a comment

As the old adage goes, Better late than never. And that maxim couldn’t be more fitting to describe the announcement of Google’s very own phone finder feature called Android Device Manager.

Besides the fancy name, ADM is basically just the equivalent of Apple’s Find My iPhone/iPad app that has been around since 2010. As such, it also gives users access to basic features such as having the ability to ring the device even if it’s set on Silent/Vibrate.

android device manager

Moreover, ADM also allows user to track the whereabouts of their Android device on the map (as seen above) and remotely wipe all the data on their Android device, keeping the perpetrators from accessing it if and when the device was stolen.

Android Device Manager will be available on the latter part of this month and can be installed on devices running on Android Froyo (2.2) and up.

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Google launches Chromecast

Louie Diangson Leave a comment

Along with the new Nexus 7, Google has announced its new Plug and Play device for your HDTV, the Chromecast.


Google Chromecast is a USB thumbdrive-sized device that connects to your HDTV via HDMI. As the name suggests, it is powered by Chrome and allows you to use your phone, tablet or laptop to “cast” online content to your TV so you can play Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Google Play Music on a bigger screen.

chromecast

In essence, Chromecast is similar to Apple’s AirPlay but is more flexible since it works with Android tablets and smartphones, iPhones, iPads, Chrome for Mac and Chrome for Windows. Watch the video below to see it in action.

Chromecast costs $35 and can be ordered through Google Play, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

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GMaps with Navigation now in PH iTunes App Store

Louie Diangson Leave a comment

Google’s new Maps app for iOS is now available for download in the PH iTunes App Store, bringing with it enhanced navigation and indoor maps for local establishments.

gmaps

Google Maps is now on version 2.0 and includes the following new features:

  • New design for iPad.
  • Enhanced navigation including live traffic updates and incident reports.
  • Explore: A new way to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink, shop, play and sleep.
  • Simple 5-star ratings and reviews from friends, plus expert Zagat content.
  • Great deals from your favorite brands with Google Offers.
  • Indoor maps with walking directions for malls, transit stations, airports and more.

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The app is 11.6MB in size and can be downloaded through your iOS device here.

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Google rolls out new Maps app for Android

Louie Diangson Leave a comment

Google has rolled out its new Google Maps app for Android smartphones and tablets, bringing with it a refreshed UI, better performance and new features.

google maps tablets

The Google Maps app, which is now on version 7.0.0, comes with enhanced navigation including live traffic updates, incident reports and dynamic rerouting. It is also offers a new way of exploring local establishments by way of cards similar to Google Now.

google maps 7

Here are some of the highlights of Google Maps 7.0.0:

Explore: Explore is a fast and easy way to visually browse and discover new places without even typing. Simply tap the search box and you’ll see cards showing great places to eat, drink, sleep and shop.

Enhanced navigation: You can now see reports of problems on the road that you can tap to see incident details. While on the road, Google Maps will also alert you if a better route becomes available and reroute you to your destination faster. This feature is available only on Android and is coming soon to iOS.

Designed for tablets: A dedicated tablet design brings all the features of this new app to Android tablets and iPads, which makes exploring the world from the comfort of your living room much more fluid, smooth and fun.

Reviews and Offers: There’s a new 5.0 star rating system that gives you a quick read on how your friends and others rate places like restaurants, bars and cafes. This added feature is the fruition of Google’s acquisition of Zagat back in 2011.

Google has also removed Latitude (retiring on August 9) and offline maps feature in this new version. Fortunately, users can still access maps offline by simply entering “OK Maps” into the search box when viewing the area users want for later.

To find out if the new Google Maps has arrived for your device you can check the Google Play Store app on your smartphone or tablet for updates or head out to this link.

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Google Loon – the balloon-powered Internet

Daniel Morial Leave a comment

Google seems to be really pushing reliable internet access to everyone. From the promising Google Fiber which gives users 1Gbps of download and upload speeds to this, the Google Loon.


google_loon

As far as we know, Google Loon is one of the project of Google X, the “secret” division of Google that handles the not-so publicly announced and also the most advance projects by the company. Among these are the Project Glass (now Google Glass) and the Google Driverless Car. This project has the potential to provide internet access for developing nations that can’t afford to lay fiber cables or places that it can’t reach.

loon_connect

Loon works with a balloon sent high up to the stratosphere, which is higher than common airplanes’ reach. Then a receiver is installed within the user’s home that connects with the balloons. Now, these interconnected balloons floating smartly in the sky is connected with the local internet service provider creating a cloud network. Each balloon can provide 3G comparable speeds within a 20km radius. Mind you that the each balloon communicates with each other, so they know how far each are and moves to a certain location as needed. Also, they use specific bands for the receivers on the ground to read.

Watch the beautiful introduction video below made by Google themselves to understand what this is about.

So far, Google Loon is a promising project with good heart for people who needs internet connection. Like any, this is not a project without a concern: since Google is the largest advertising network, having more users means wider reach for their ads. But let’s not look commercially, because this is a ground breaking or maybe “sky breaking” opportunity for developing countries.

As of now, the town of Christchurch in New Zealand is currently where the initial trial is.
More info at www.google.com/loon

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