Google unveils Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4 KitKat

With the release of much awaited Android 4.4 KitKat, Google has also announced its similar much awaited smartphone: Nexus 5. It is available to buy from Play Store.

Specs of this Nexus is quite similar to the leaked spec sheet. Display of Nexus 5 is a 4.95" full HD 1920 x 1080p IPS Corning Gorilla Glass screen with 445 ppi. It is loaded with 8 MP OIS enabled camera and a front shooter of 1.3 MP. On the inside there's a 2.26 GHz quad core Snapdragon 800 CPU, Adreno 330 GPU, 2,300 mAH battery, 2 GB RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, LTE, NFC, Dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wifi. Dimensions of the phone are: 69.17 x 137.84 x 8.59 mm and weighs 130 gm.

Nexus 5 is available in two usual color models: Black and White and two storage editions: 16 GB and 32 GB, which is twice than that of Nexus 4 as Nexus is available in 8 and 16 GB variants. Unlocked 16 GB variant from Play Store costs $349 and 32 GB variant is available at $399. 

Find Nexus 5 on Play Store.

Google officially announces Sweeter taste of Android 4.4 KitKat

Now we don't need to breathe hard. Google has just announced Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4. Yes, this officially puts the end to the rumors of arrival of Nexus 5 and Android KitKat. The name was announced back in September this year, but after seeing numerous leaks and rumors, it was hard to control. Finally, KitKat is official. 

This is a beautiful update to Android. KitKat has a new launcher, more clean look, system apps icon are brighter than the previous versions. Notifications bar become hidden or translucent when opening some full screen app. This version of Android uses maximum part of screen. And when you are using Nexus 5, you get better results. Although, it is still not so serious upgrade, but Google has added some important features. 

Touchless Control like that of Moto X is now a standard part of Android. You don't need to touch your phone, just say "Ok Google" and you're welcomed with familiar screen of Google Now. You can get directions, call a friend, play a song, search for images and links on web etc. Lock screen is also updated. This time on unlocking, if some music is being played or some video is being mirrored via Chromecast, the cover art/ movie art will be shown on the lock screen. 

Google has updated the dialer. It highlights those contacts with which you talk most. If you receive a call from some unknown number, then it searches that phone number on the web and checks out if it is from some business in local area, following by showing you the picture of that business. SMS and MMS integration is made in Hangouts, so you will stay connected with your offline and online friends. It is somewhat like Apple's iMessage. Google calendar, a third party app from Google, is also updated with more Emoji icons. 

Screen's beauty is enhanced by "Immersive mode". This feature is useful for developers who want to create apps that can use every single pixel of the screen. Android 4.4 also brings the feature of recording screen as a video and save it as a mp4 file. Multitasking has been enhanced to a greater extent. App switching works fluidly. 

After iOS, Android is also able to connect with cars enable of Bluetooth can share information with Android devices using Bluetooth MAP (Message Access Profile). This will help developers to create apps like Siri in car. Your Android phone can now be used as a TV controller. By adding IR Blaster support to KitKat, Google has made it simple for users as well as developers to control Televisions using a Android device. 

If you want to save juice of your phone or tablet but don't wanna stop your favorite music, then here's a nice feature: Low power audio playback. This feature consumes lower battery life and thus produce nonstop playback of 60 hrs of your favorite music (claimed on a Nexus 5).

Two new sensors are also introduced with Android 4.4: Step detector and step counter. These counters collect data about the users walking, stepping on stairs, move away or running. This kind of sensors will help developers to create health regarding apps. 

There are not only these features, there's a plenty of it. Even Android 4.4 is not a major upgrade, but it brings a bag full of updates and improvements. What's the good thing is, that all current Nexus devices i.e. Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 will receive taste of the KitKat soon. Wait till Google pushes out the updates. You can check whole changelog on Android Developers page (link given below). 

Links: 

• Android
• Android KitKat
• Google Developers
• Official Android Blog

Sprint Galaxy Nexus receives Android 4.3 update

After the announcement of rollout of Android 4.3 update to Galaxy S4, Sprint is rolling out Jelly Bean update to Galaxy Nexus. It has been 9 months till Galaxy Nexus received Android 4.2.1 update. This update will be rolled out OTA and will take few weeks to reach all users. Cross your fingers for your update.

A confidential leaked doc shows Android Kitkat support for wearable gadgets and low end devices

Android fans, here's an exciting news for you. A document has been leaked from Google and Amir Efrati has brought this to us. This document gives more information about Android Kitkat saying that Google's update to the OS will not only support wearable gadgets but also the low end devices. This is a "confidential" document that Google shared with companies that make Android devices to explain the most important new features.so this time, the report seems to be accurate, at the first glance. 

Google wants Kitkat be able to run on low end devices because these devices hold a major percentage of Android's total market share. 

KitKat “optimizes memory use in every major component” and provides “tools to help developers create memory-efficient applications” for “entry-level devices,” such as those that have 512 megabytes of memory, according to the document.

Not only limited to small devices and tablets, Google also wants to run Android 4.4 on wearable gadgets such as smartwatches and Google Glass. According to the confidential document, KitKat is expected to support three new types of sensors: geomagnetic rotation vector, step detector and step counter. These sensors will help in measuring the distance covered by the user and also will help to develop health related apps and gadgets such as Fitbit and Nike Fuelband This looks like a good response to Apple's Motion Coprocessor that was introduced with this year's release of iPhone 5S. These may be loaded on Google's smartwatch or new Glass. 

With addition to these sensors, Google is also working on NFC on a greater extent NFC is currently used in Android devices for payment such as Google Wallet but doesn't have made much scope though. Google seems to be enhancing the ways to use the NFC enabled devices. 

 This document also shows that Search giant is working on controlling your TV with Android device. This will help in improving the way the control to TVs using IR Blasters which was a initiative by Samsung, HTC and LG. Mountain Giant is also working to improve Bluetooth functionality by adding Human Interface Device (HID) and Generic Attribute (GATT) profiles. These profile will help Android devices to interact with each other using Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, which was introduced in Android 4.3. 

Android 4.4 shows signs of better improvements and introduction of new technologies. We are hoping to see Nexus 5 capable of all these sensors and communication support, running on Kitkat. Prepare yourself for a sweet new treat. 

Source: Amir Efrati from Jessica Lessin

Google updates Play Store Devices section UI

User Interface. The first thing with which we interact. And when it's eye catchy, who will not get impressed. Here, Google has updated the UI of Play Store's Devices section. Although changes are not much, but a drop down list is added for memory and connectivity options such as Wifi or 3G. It also shows suggestions when the device doesn't suit your required configurations.

Google has also recently updated Photos and Hangouts app, it is also reported to update its 14 service apps. Now we are seeing UI update to Devices section. We have also seen leaks about Nexus 5 and Android Kitkat. Is this everything hints towards a soon launch of new Nexus and next taste of the Android ?

Google is updating its service apps for Android Kitkat

Android is coming soon. Google has recently updated Google+ app. We also saw that SMS integration is coming to Hangouts app. Search giant is keeping updating apps to take user experience to the higher levels. Images of Nexus 5 are also continuously leaking, we have seen Black and White versions of Nexus 5, as well as retail boxes of forthcoming Nexus smartphone from LG Canada. So it all hints at one direction, Android 4.4 Kitkat is no far. 

Google is also preparing itself for the great rumored launch. Not only Google+ and hangouts apps, it is going to update a whole bunch of its apps which will be rolled out soon. There are 14 such apps: Google Play Services, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Earth, Translate, Chrome, Goggles, Play Magazines, Keep, Wallet, Blogger, Analytics and Fiber.

All of these preparations show that Android Kitkat is soon. When? We don't know. But when it is, we will surely let you know. 

Google introduces update to Glass with a mono earbud and better hardware

Google has introduced a new edition of Glass. This time it contains Earbuds, but let me correct, it is a mono earbud. Also these models support prescription lenses i.e. your reading lenses. Google says that instead of telling the world, it shows what it does and what it can do. Shown in a Google+ post, Google also says that new Glass Explorers will get new editions later this year.

LG Canada's warehouse images leaked, shows 30,000 units of Nexus 5 retail boxes

Recently we came up with the news that Nexus 5 was shown in a subscription page of Wind Mobile, a Canadian carrier's Facebook page. This time we have got something more interesting. Images have been leaked from LG's Canadian warehouse showing stock of 30,000 units of Nexus 5 retail boxes. The packaging is quite similar to the already leaked pics. 

These images were taken by some LG employee. These were firstly spotted on Neogaf forum and then on reddit. The LG's insider who leaked images says that there are 30,000 units out of which 26,000 are for Eastern Canada which will be mostly supplied to Rogers while remaining 4,000 units are for Western part which will be supplied to Bell and Telus. Disappointingly, this batch does not contains retail packages for Google Play. But don't worry, as soon as Nexus 5 is launched, it will come to Google Play. 

Canadian carriers are also rumored to launch Nexus 5 on 7th or 8th of November. All of these rumors, leaks and reports are justifying the close launch of Nexus 5. Google has already set a special event and we hope next Nexus to be announced there. 

Follow the heat: #nexus5

Canadian Carrier Wind mobile shows up Nexus 5 subscription page on Facebook

We've been seeing rumors and leaks regarding Google Nexus 5 from some time, and when the official announcement date seems to be close, these news are heating up. A page for Nexus 5 came to Google Play, then popular leak madman @evleaks posted images of Nexus 5 in Black and White versions on Twitter. This time Canadian Carrier Wind Mobile shows subscription page for Nexus 5, on its official Facebook page.

Wind Mobile says Nexus 5 will feature 4.95" 1920 x 1080p Full HD display with 445 pixels per inch, 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 gigs of RAM, 8 MP rear camera with optical image stabilizer and 1.3 MP front facing camera, and yes Android 4.4 KitKat. The dimensions will be as 69.17 x 137.84 x 8.59 mm and will weigh 130 gm. And you can predict already, that page has been taken down. But as these tumors are going high, we think Google is going to release it within few days.

Quick specs:

• 4.95 inch Full HD display Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• 445 ppi
• 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800
• 2 GB RAM
• 8 MP rear camera with OIS
• 1.3 MP front camera
• 69.17 x 137.84 x 8.59 mm
• 130 gm
• Android 4.4 Kitkat

Unofficial Android 4.3 firmware leaks for Galaxy Note 2, available for download

Good news for Galaxy Note II users. A report says that Samsung is developing Android 4.3 firmware for Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S3, and for Note 2, it is available to download, unofficially though. 

Sam Mobile has posted build version N7100XXUEMJ5 for Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100) which according to came to them via an insider. Samsung is releasing a test build each two days to wipe out the bugs. The official rollout is expected to start in November. Samsung has also updated its Touchwiz UI and has derived them from Galaxy Note 3 and S4; Samsung Wallet and security solution Knox is also available with this firmware. 

Well, you can download and install this unofficial firmware to have a taste of Jelly Bean 4.3, but keep it in mind that this will probably contain a lot of bugs. 

Image Courtesy: Android Central

LG's rumored curved phone G Flex announced in South Korea

Hey fellas, if you are looking for another curved phone to tackle back Samsung's Galaxy Round, then here's the news for you. LG has announced its curved phone "G Flex" in South Korea. As we accounted earlier, LG is manufacturing an Android based phone that will be vertically curved in shape. So, now the phone has been officially announced in South Korea and we've to wait it to be launched. 

The LG G Flex features a 6 inch OLED display, but this screen is not Full HD. Amused, ha? Yes guys, this device features a 720p display with a pixel density of 244 ppi. On the inside there's a Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.26 GHz that powers the phone, 2 GB RAM, 13 MP shooter and 32 GB internal memory and weighs 177g. Phone is juiced up by a 3,500 mAh battery. Dimensions are as 160.5 x 81.6 x 7.9 to 8.7 mm. G Flex runs on Android 4.2.2, there's no Jelly Bean 4.3. 

Design is implemented from G2, LG's latest flagship device. G Flex similarly features rear panel mounted power and volume controls. There are also some unique impressive features: Firstly, the curved screen produces better results when making a phone call. Second, LG has introduced Swing Lock screen. This lock screen moves the wallpaper on tilting the phone in the locked mode and features different unlock methods on touching different parts of lock screen. Third, and the major feature is a self-healing rear panel that can cure itself from the scratches. Company compares this phone with Wolverine's self remedy ability. 

LG G Flex is only announced for South Korea only and company doesn't seem to be interested it to launch outside the country. May be we'll get a hands-on soon if the phone gets hit and LG decides to make profit by launching in other parts of the world. 

White version of Nexus 5's images leaked on web

This is going to make you more curious. The rumors about upcoming rumored phone Nexus 5 aren't just nibble of leaks. Recently we saw that Google mistakenly published images of Nexus 5 on Play Store, and later on the Mountain Giant took the specific page down. Today, the prominent leak source "evleaks" tweeted something that makes the rumors about Nexus 5 more justified. 

Evleaks shows images of Nexus 5 in White color. There's just a text written "In White 11/1." What does this mean? Is it indicating towards the arrival of Nexus 5 on 1st of November ? Well we don't know but we expect it to be coming soon, possibly on the date hinted by evleaks. Oh well, whatever may be the date, if something goes official, we'll let you know. Till then, predict. 

Koushik Dutta shows Screen recording app for CyanogrnMod in a video

From a long time Android users were waiting for screen recording option. There's no perfect app which can do so easily. Although there existed the feature to take screenshot of the phone/tablet but recording a video of what's going on the screen was missing. Koushik Dutta, the founder and developer and CyanogenMod ROM comes up with the idea of screen recording functionality via an app. 

Koush has uploaded a video on YouTube showing how to record the screen using his app. User can start recording by pressing volume up and down simultaneously. What's the plus point is, this app also records the audio. While recording it shows touches (optionally) so on watching the video, the viewer will know where the video maker has touched. The status of recording is shown up in the notifications panel. 

This app is pretty useful for testers and those who want to point out bugs and errors in apps. App will come to CyanogenMod, but when word comes to when it will be official, Koush puts finger on his mouth.

Three Chrome devices are coming from LG's stable

LG is a well named techno-giant from South Korea. It has made a good presence in Android community, with recent releases like Optimus G, Optimus G Pro, G2. Rising in Android part, the Korean firm has decided to enter Cloud based Operating System "Chrome OS". 

A report from TMWatch says that Lg has filed trade marks for ‘ChromeOne’, ‘ChromeDesk’ and ‘ChromeStation' which directly indicates towards LG's transition to Chrome devices. Well it may be a good decision for LG as Samsung, Acer, Lenovo and HP are already working worthy in Chrome domain. So we may see three Chrome devices in future soon and in the stores most probably by the end of the year (if we are so lucky).

LG has made Nexus 4 device for Google in past. We are also listening rumors about Nexus 54 to be manufactured by LG. The recent trade-marking of these devices also indicate to have these devices announced in Google's upcoming October 24 event. 

Nexus 5 silently comes to Google Play

We have been hearing rumors of Nexus 5 from past few weeks. We have also seen some leaked images of upcoming Nexus phone. But no-one could have expect the Nexus 5 to be appearing so suddenly on the web. Yes. You've read right. Nexus 5 has made its place in Google Play's device sections and can be seen with other Nexus devices. 

Capture the everyday and the epic in fresh new ways

This phone is shown up in Black in color and 16 GB memory size. However, there are no more specifications given. It is listed at the price of $349. It looks like Google has published this page by mistake, like back in June 2012, when a Galaxy Nexus was displayed in Google Wallet section with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. There's no word on the Android version of this new Nexus, but it will be probably be the latest announced name: Kitkat 4.4. 

With description of Nexus 5 shown as : "Capture the everyday and the epic in fresh new ways", Nexus 4 has said good bye to the Google Play. Last Nexus smartphone is not listed anywhere in Google Play devices. 

Link to the Nexus 5 on Play Store

Apple's event for new iPads and devices confirmed for 22 October

It's Official. Apple. Yes.  

Apple has sent invites for its upcoming event that will take place on 22 October. It is rumored that it will announce a new iPad mini with Retina display. An upgrade for iPad is also awaiting, and the 5th gen iPad, which is also expected to come into Apple's stable line on the same day, with new 64-bit A7 processor and M7 motion co-processor. A TouchID fingerprint is also expected like that positioned on iPhone 5S. 

Earlier in June when Apple announced OS X Mavericks, they said the public version of this OS will come in October. Apple also announced the latest generation of Mac Pro with cutting edge design and features. Among all of these, a cheaper version of iMac is also rumored to be announced in this event, which ,if goes true, will actually be a correct decision by the company as the current lineup is costly. Macbooks may also see an upgrade with 2nd generation  Macbook Pro  Retina display powered by Intel's latest 4th gen Haswell processors. 

Whatever will be the event news, we'll get you covered. 

LG's curved phone images leaked on web

Korean giant Samsung has recently announced its curved phone Galaxy Round few day ago, so how another Korean manufacturer could stay behind. Recently LG has also announced its curved displays, and bendable and unbreakable" smartphone displays are already in production. Sources came up with the news that LG is manufacturing a curve phone and it my come soon within few months. There's no rumor about the hardware and software specs, but it has been confirmed that it will be a 6-incher. Well, there's some change among LG G Flex and Galaxy Round; Galaxy Round is horizontally curved while G Flex is vertically curved. 

HTC announces 5.9 inch One Max to take down Note III [Hands-on Gallery]

Hey oversized phone fans, here's your end to the waiting. HTC has officially announced its bigger version of HTC One. And it's really BIG. With 5.9 inch screen size of One Max, HTC has fully decided to take on Samsung. Phone is loaded with Full HD i.e. 1080p 5.9 inch screen at 373 ppi, 2 GB RAM, 16/32 GB onboard memory options, 4 MP Ultrapixel camera, quad core Snapdragon 600 CPU @ 1.7 GHz.. Connectivity options are Wi-Fi 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, 4G LTE and NFC. 

Everything is similar to it's ancestor i.e. HTC One except that it has Android 4.3 while One has Android 4.1, for which Jelly Bean 4.3 upgrade is already rolling out; and the biggest difference for which One Max was released is it;s size. It has a bigger screen than Galaxy Note III and doesn't has a stylus, so I can't imagine how people will use it. Well, the word is that HTC has launched the mos anticipated phone and now company seems to be free i.e. no rumors what they are gonna release. 

Who knows what will be the next step from HTC. Will they launch a tablet? Is HTC gonna be acquired by some other company? In the meanwhile, check out the Hands-on pictures taken by The Verge. 

Courtesy: The Verge

[Click on the each image to view original size]