In the past, one of the biggest reasons to get a Nexus phone was because of vanilla android and the ability to get the next great version of Android from day 1. In the last couple of years, Google start making Nexus devices more competitive in terms of pricing and today, Google is once again putting up another reason for you to get a Nexus phone.
Google is calling this Live Cases and the new $35 case available exclusively through the Google Store will enable you to build a custom case from your personal image and in addition to that, when the case is attached to either the Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X, the wallpaper will automatically match the case you have. Additionally, on the back of the case is also a secondary button that users can map to launch any application of their choice
This new concept is pretty interesting and it looks like Google got some inspiration from Motorola's Moto Maker interface as the Live Case design dashboard is pretty similar. At $35, this new Live Case is currently exclusive to both the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P and is also limited to regions which have access to the Google Store. Users can opt in to print their favorite photo on the case or a map so you don't end up getting lost.
Learn more about Google's Live Cases for Nexus devices here
Google is overhauling their video and audio streaming application with the today's announcement that the Chromecast application will not just be called Google Cast. The Chromecast is notably one of the successful hardware products out of Google and currently there are about 20+ million Chromecast dongles out there streaming both video and audio.
With today's rebrand, Google is expanding the Chromecast streaming to not just Google's Chromecast dongle but also as an embedded hardware solution inside verious home applicances like Televisions and Speakers. Starting off this new Google Cast service is American electronics manufacturer, Vizio which has integrated Google Cast into their new P-series televisions meaning that users can now instantly stream video content directly to the big screens through the Google Cast app on an iOS or Android phone.
Google says that they are working with companies like Sony, LG, Harman Kardon, Vizio, Sharp, etc to integrate Google Cast into their audio and video devices. Learn more about the new Google Cast application here
Backstory...
In 2012, Google unveiled the Nexus Q which was a magical ball that streams video and audio around your house. But months after the debut of the device during Google I/O 2012, Google officialy scraped the Nexus Q. That failure however called for a new innovation which is the Google Chromecast dongle that was initially designed just for streaming video content but is now also able to stream audio with the Chromecast Audio unveiled last year.
During Google I/O last year, Google made it clear that they are putting forwards a yearly update cycle for Android versions just like how Apple does it with iOS. Usually, Google doesn't reveal any information up front prior to Google I/O but this year they are shaking things up a little by starting off the game with a developer preview of Android N which is still unnamed.
If you thought the brand new Galaxy S7 and LG G5 runs the latest version of Android, think again. While the current list of updated features on Android N is still pretty minimal, expect the bulk of the changes to be unveiled during Google I/O 2016 in May. But right now, Android N does include some well requested features like native split view multitasking (yes, it's finally here. If Apple can do it, so can Google) and improved battery optimization with an updated version of Doze.
This first Developer Preview of Android N will work with the Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 9 and Pixel C. Expect the final version of Android N to be released to the public by the end of the Summer in time for the second wave of android flagships.
The smartphone trend is beginning to normalize and the last year has shown that the next big thing in mobile computing is virtual reality. Just take for example Facebook's $2 billion acquisition of Oculus which is a company started off a very successful kickstarter campaign. The market is now quite saturated with the idea of Virtual Reality and companies like Samsung, HTC, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Valve all have their own idea of what virtual reality is supposed to be.
Google Cardboard convinced me about Virtual Reality — "in fact, you can build it yourself with some leftover cardboard with the provided schematics from Google. But what makes it special is not the two convex lens which magnifies the image on screen." Continue reading.
Bucking up on that virtual reality trend, a group of VR enthusiasts (and also friends) is launching a new product which they think have a lot of potential given the amount to hype around Virtual Reality these days. These group of friends call themselves RevolVR and the company's first product is a gun controller that will work with basically every VR headset out there. You name it, they'll support it. Google Cardboard, GearVR, Carl Zeiss VR One, Archos VR Glassess...the list of supported headsets go on.
Additionally, RevolVR is not only focusing on VR accessories for mobile devices and in fact, the RevolVR will also work with VR headsets built for the PC like the Oculus Rift. However, using the RevolVR Dominator (gun) on a computer will require their Spectator module attached to the VR headset in order for accurate tracking in the game.
"You name it, they'll support it!"
What's unique about RevolVR is that they are actually planning to make the hardware and software required to make all this possible available to the public. This means that upon the success of their Indegogo campaign, RevolVR will open source the hardware that they have designed and also provide developers with an open-sourced SDK so they can fork the repository and improve upon the project.
Most notably is that RevolVR's first accessory is actually just a gun that makes playing VR shooting games a little bit more fun. While the initial idea RevolVR is to create an immersive gaming experience, this is just the start as the RevolVR software created to make the Dominator (gun) work in the Virtual Reality world will be useful to create other VR accessories to be compatible with all the VR headsets out there.
RevolVR is currently looking to fund their project on Indegogo and the goal is set at $25,000 in order to make this project come alive. If you like what you're seeing, head over to the Indegogo campaign page to back this project and for only $49, you can get yourself a pair of VR guns compatible with smartphones. However, if you want a PC gaming experience in Virtual Reality, you will need to pony up $89 to get the gun (Dominator) bundle with the RevolVR spectator PC dongle.
Starting off MWC 2016 this year is LG and to no surprise at all, the company is unveiling their latest flagship creation which redefines it's previous designs. Firstly, the device will be called the LG G5 and unlike other LG flagship in the past, the LG G5 is the first one to sport a metal unibody design coupled along with chamfered edges. Another radical change is that the rear volume rockers which has been part of LG's flagship line for 3 years is now only left with a rear mounted power button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner on the LG G5.
But what fundamentally sets the LG G5 apart from other flagships is that LG has built in a modular system which they are calling as 'friends'. This feature utilizes the power of the LG G5's removable chin bar which also gives access to the 2,800mAh battery to enable the LG G5 to expand it's functionality to have features like a camera grip and a 32-bit DAC. Currently, there's only 2 options for the magic slot but LG is claiming that their partners will also be making accessories to take advantage of that special slot on the LG G5.
Another new addition in terms of the hardware is a dual camera setup on the back of the LG G5. No, this is not some crazy setup to get 3D images but LG is leveraging this dual camera setup on the LG G5 to provide wide angle photos and images in contrast will be 1.7 times wider compared to conventional lenses.
That's not all in terms of added functionality as LG is also announcing a range of optional accessories called 'friends' to complement the LG G5.
LG 360 CAM - A 360 camera that comes with dual 13MP 200-degree wide angle cameras and is capable of taking 2K video with 5.1 surround sound audio.
LG 360 VR - A VR goggle that connects via USB C to the LG G5 and is able to simulate a 130-inch TV viewed from 2 metres away. Compatible with Google Cardboard apps and photos and videos captured with the LG 360 CAM.
LG Rolling Bot - A companion device that rolls like a ball when capturing images with it's embedded 8MP camera. The camera can be used as an IP camera to remotely monitor through Wi-Fi from the LG G5.
LG CAM Plus - A versatile camera module that attaches to the LG G5's battery slot to provide a stable grip for the photographer and adds a physical power, shutter, record, zoom button alongside the extended 1,200mAh battery.
LG Hi-FI Plus - A 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC developed in collaboration with B&O PLAY improves audio quality on the LG G5.
At the moment, LG is not revealing the pricing of the LG G5 or the 'Friends' (accessories) but LG says the LG G5 will rolling out in South Korea on March 31 and the United States on April 1 followed by key markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Approximately 200 carriers and operators worldwide have committed to offer the G5 in their local markets.
LG G5 Key Specifications
Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 820 Processor
5.3-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 554ppi)
4GB LPDDR4 RAM
32GB expandable memory (up to 2TB)
Rear: Standard 16MP, Wide 8MP / Front: 8MP
2,800mAh (removable)
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm (159g)
USB Type-C
Bluetooth 4.2
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink
Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0
UPDATE 29/3/2016: Article updated to reflect global availability of the LG G5
After the successful launch of the Alcatel Idol 3 from last year, Alcatel is back again this year with the updated Alcatel Idol 4 series which updates on the previous success that Alcatel had with the Idol 3. The biggest change is that the Alcatel Idol 4 now comes in two variants; the Idol 4 and Idol 4S which both comes with innovative new features like the BoomKey which a a dedicated physical button that users can map to various functionalities like turning on the camera at a buttons' click.
Beyond the new Alcatel logo which does away from the OneTouch branding that the company has been known for. Specifically for the new Alcatel Idol 4S, is an innovative accessory that reuses the retail packaging as a Google Cardbord VR headset. So, you might not want to throw away your Alcatel Idol 4S box.
Last month, the Apple Watch finally launched in Malaysia after being available in just about everywhere. But if you are looking for something much more affordable that also works with your iPhone and also a modern Android smartphone, Motorola has got you covered. The 2015 Moto 360 editions is officially making an entrance to the Malaysian market today.
Both the Sport and the Standard Moto 360 that comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes will be available in Malaysia starting today through authorized reseller. Unlike in the US, the 2015 Moto 360 that is coming to Malaysia cannot be customized with Moto Maker and it'll come down to 4 version which is the 42mm model in Black and Rose Gold, the 46mm in Silver and the Moto 360 Sport in Black.
As mentioned earlier, the 2015 Moto 360 will work with both iPhone and Android devices but if you do pair it with a supported (iOS 8.2+) iPhone, you will be limited to select features only. But in terms of hardware features, both the 2015 Moto 360 and Moto 360 Sport comes with a nearly circular display, an IP67 rating, a 300mAh battery that will survive a full day of work, optical HR sensors on both and the Moto 360 has an extra barometer included.
The 2015 Moto 360 will be available through authorized resellers across the country or through Lazada starting today!
Despite the rise of instant messaging, email is still an important part of communicating through the internet. Launched in 2004, Gmail is still the most widely used mail service out there with Yahoo and Outlook mail trailing behind. Last year, alongside the overhaul of the Gmail app to introduce material design, Google officially opened up the Gmail app to become a universal mail app that accepts both POP, IMAP and exchange emails which includes Outlook and Yahoo mail.
But despite being able to browse through emails, there is no added benefit of using the Gmail app for reading mail from Outlook and Yahoo other than convenience. Well, today Google is unveiling that very solution which they proudly call Gmailify which basically supercharges your existing Outlook and Yahoo email with exclusive Gmail features like automatic foldering, spam protection and Google Now cards.
The catch here is that this currently only work on the Gmail app on Android and Gmailify currently only supports .outlook and .yahoo emails so those of you with private domains will have to wait.
Lenovo has been doing some great things recently with the devices and at CES, they are announcing a partnership between Google to build a Project Tango phone that measures in at 6.5" in terms of display size and will become the first consumer ready Project Tango device. Google's Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group first introduced Project Tango at Google I/O nearly two years ago and since then, there has been a lot of hardware designed for developers but this Lenovo phablet will be the first device that average smartphone users can buy. Provided that Lenovo/Google doesn't make this device a US exclusive smartphone.
This Lenovo phablet will be running Android (possible Android N) and the hardware inside the first consumer Project Tango phone will also include chips from Intel, Nvidia and Qualcomm as they are the partners of Google's 3D mapping technology. But what average users will end up getting out of this sub-$500 phone is yet to be known.
Google says they will be funding selected developers to complete their Project Tango specific application and these apps will be preloaded onto the Lenovo Project Tango phablet for end users to use. If you think the reports that Apple will be putting two cameras on the next iPhone to be amazing, the Lenovo phablet with Project Tango will come with at least 3 sensor to be able to scan objects in three dimension. We'll most likely see this during Google I/O 2016.
The trend on releasing two flagship smartphones have been set by Apple last year and this year Google is bucking up on that trend with the release of the LG made Nexus 5X and the Huawei made Nexus 6P. While the Nexus 5X is still not in the market, Chinese smartphone maker Huawei is officially launching the Nexus 6P in Malaysia.
A full metal anodized aluminum unibody, 3D curved glass, chamfered edges, a USB Type C charging port and Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The new Nexus 6P is not just a way to experience all the new additions to Android 6.0 Marshmallow but it retains all the premium grade hardware unlike previous Nexus devices.
Huawei Nexus 6P specifications
5.7" QHD AMOLED display
Octa-core Snapdragon 810 v2.1 CPU
3GB of RAM
32/64/128GB memory
12.3MP camera
8MP front camera
3,450mAh battery
159 x 77.8 x 7.3mm (178g)
Aluminum or Graphite color
Beyond all the fancy hardware that Huawei has built, the Nexus 6P comes with a new sensor on the back called Nexus Imprint. It is basically a fingerprint scanner that is fine tuned with Android and things like authorizing and unlocking the device is now officially supported on Android so you can rest assured that you data is safe. This does include support for the Android Pay system but there is no support for a mobile payment system in Malaysia yet.
As for the price of this premium Android experience, Huawei Malaysia is pricing the Nexus 6P it at RM 2,698 which is a pretty odd number actually but this puts the new Nexus 6P in between all the flagship android smartphones in terms of pricing. But do note that this price is for the 64GB model and that the Nexus 6P will support LTE in malaysia.
The Nexus 6P will be available for purchase online starting December 10 through both Lazada and Vmall for RM 2,698 and the first 600 customers will receive a free Chromecast.
In preparation for the comeback of Lucasfilm's Star Wars franchise to the big screen this Christmas, Google is increasing the hype for fans of the trilogy in addition to those super cut trailers which has been hitting YouTube in the past few months. Partnering with both Disney and Lucasfilm, Google will is rolling out a brand new product wide theme which will transform Google services like Chrome, Gmail, Google Maps, Waze and many more
Supported services include Android Wear, Google Calendar, Chrome, Chromecast, Gmail, Inbox, Google Maps, Google, Google Translate, Waze and YouTube.
But that is not all, fans will also be given the chance to choose between the dark or light side. This choice will indeed change how everything looks and by choosing the dark side, you will notice Google services to have a dark/red theme and a light/blue theme if you choose the light side. For example, you Gmail theme will be automatically toggled into either the light or dark theme with an accompanying Star Wars background and you can also get C-3PO to guide you in Waze.
In addition to that, Google says to expect to find some easter eggs all around and maybe there's a hidden star wars game around? Head over to www.google.com/starwars to pick your side. It will take some time before all the star wars goodness hits your google apps but everything will be reverted back to normal in Feb 1 next year.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters in Malaysia on December 17 and will be available in IMAX.
Last year, Vic Gundotra tendered his resignation as SVP and his biggest contribution is probably towards Google+ which is Google's very own social network. Since then, there has been reports flying around that Google is planning to split the social network three ways and shut down Google+ for good. But today, the rumor/report can be put aside as Google has just announced a brand new version of Google+
As expected, the new redesign includes a new design that incorporates Material Design elements like the cards and shadows. However, this new redesign seems to be projecting Google+ into a new direction. Google says this new site focuses on communities and collections moreover compared to sharing content with just your friends.
The redesigned Google+ is now available to everyone and you can either opt in to the new design right now or stick with the old one until you feel it's the right time. So, head on over to plus.google.com to experience it.
Earlier this year, Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer announced that they are partnering with both Intel and Google to create their first connected watch. Well, after the much anticipated wait, Tag Heuer officially unveiled the new Tag Heuer Connected smart watch that runs on Google's Android Wear platform and features a premium titanium frame with their signature precision lasered etchings.
On the front of this $1,500 Android Wear smartwatch is a 1.5" 360 x 360 circular display and as expected, powering Tag Heuer's first venture into the smartwatch world is an Intel processor (dual core 1.6GHz/500mHz) paired with 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage, a 410mAh battery and the usual array of wireless connections.
In terms of the software experience, Tag Heuer says that customers will get their hands on some exclusive sports applications as well as three custom watch faces that is exclusive to the Tag Heuer Connected. The software and hardware has been tuned to make the watch portion of the device tick like an actual mechanical watch.
But if you are planning to get this smartwatch, it probably isn't about the Android Wear experience as it is able to do the basics like beam notification to your wrist and track steps but it does not have features like heart rate tracking. However, Tag Heuer is mostly selling this as a high end timepiece with the 'connected to eternity' hashtag but while this is probably the most expensive Android Wear smartwatch to date, it is considered affordable when you compare it to other watches from the company.
Despite the theme to get you connected to eternity, Tag Heuer has already got you covered if you think that the digital smartwatch experience is not to your liking. After two years, you will have the option to trade in your Tag Heuer Connected for a genuine Carrera mechanical watch for an extra $1,500 which is actually a pretty good deal since the price of a Carrera itself is well over $3,000.
In the mean time, Tag Heuer will start offering their new Connected watch to customers in the US starting today for $1,500 and expect to see it become available in other Tag Heuer shops worldwide in the coming weeks and months ahead. As referenced by the microsite, the Tag Heuer Connected will retail in Malaysia for MYR 6,100.
It's official, Google is calling the next version of Android, Marshmallow. Announced earlier this year during Google I/O, this release of Android is not about all the big new features, it's about the small improvements made to the operating system that collectively make it a big upgrade overall.
Being showered with small white puffs, Google today also announced the final release of the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) SDK which is now available for developers to flash on to their devices.
Google will be officially rolling out Marshmallow in the fall alongside the launch of two new Nexus devices made by Huawei and LG. Stay tuned for more sweet goodness from the Android side.
Under the new Google leadership by newfound CEO Sundar Pichai, the company is announcing Android Experiments which is a brand new micro-site to promote unique Android applications. Concurrently, the site now features only 20 applications which feature creative and interesting interaction methods.
But that number however is expected to increase in the coming weeks as Google is starting to accept application submissions from developers to be featured on this new site. While the applications must be unique and implement interactive ways to interface with the applications, Google says that submitted applications must also be open-source in order to be featured on the site.
As for consumers, this is a new site for Android users to take a look at innovative new applications and you're sure to find something that suits your needs here. You can try these applications through the site and while Google is accepting Android applications, they can either be apps for smartphones and also for Android Wear.
While most of our attention is on Samsung's Unpacked event happening this Thursday and even on the new iPhone 6S, Google has made a big statement today. Technically, Google did not make this statement, their new corporate company by the name Alphabet made it. Yes, Alphabet is a brand new company which Utilizes the leadership of Google's Co-founders(s) Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
What is Alphabet? Alphabet is mostly a collection of companies. The largest of which, of course, is Google. This newer Google is a bit slimmed down, with the companies that are pretty far afield of our main Internet products contained in Alphabet instead.
Basically, Google itself is no longer the big company we know and it is the wholly owned subsidiary of Alphabet which is a brand new Corporate company which manages companies like Google. With Larry Page being the CEO of Alphabet and Sergey Brin being the President of this new company, the vacant CEO spot in Google has been filled by Sundar Pichai which previous oversees Android and ChromeOS.
The majority of consumer services like Google Search, Android, YouTube, etc is still very much integrated into the new Google whereas past Google acquisitions like Nest and Google's X Lab is a totally new entity under the new Alphabet name
The Alphabet name might need a little time to sink in but there's some things that will remain the same and that is Google's stock code which will retain it's GOOGL and GOOG code but will be trading under the Alphabet name instead. It looks like Alphabet will be a force to be reckoned with in the corporate world and moving beyond consumer technology, expect to see something more alphabet-y coming out from this new corporate giant.
And in case you want to learn more about Alphabet, the link to the actual site is abc.xyz and NOT alphabet.com
