Google unveils new Android 'N'

In a surprise unveiling, Google has given the world its first look at the next version of Android.

The yet-to-be-named Android update, codenamed "Android N," features a split-screen mode, improved notifications and better battery life. Google unveiled a preview version of Android N for developers this week.

Split-screen
 
The new split-screen tool would catch Android up to Apple's iPad, Samsung and Windows, which all give customers the ability to view multiple apps on the same screen.
Google said it could allow a video-playing app to continue to run while a person opens a different app. For example, you could continue to watch a YouTube video while opening up your Gmail app to respond to an email.
Samsung, which makes Android phones and tablets, has long given customers the ability to run split-screen apps. But it was an add-on feature, so people who owned non-Samsung Android devices have been left out of the multi-window fun.

Notifications 



Android N will introduce notifications that customers can reply to inside the notification itself. So if you get a text message, you can hit "reply" right in the notification and start typing without opening up the messaging app.

Interactive notifications have been a staple of Android for years, although they've been limited to actions like play, pause or delete. Unlike iOS, Android largely hasn't allowed people to type anything into a notification. Google's Hangouts currently allows customers to reply from an Android notification, but that still requires a pop-up window. Android N will just expand the notification window a bit to include a text box.

Android N will also include "bundled notifications," which will keep all notifications for a single app in one line. Customers will be able to expand those notifications using a two-finger gesture or by tapping a new expansion button.
 
Battery efficiency
 
In the current version of Android, Google (GOOGL, Tech30) included a feature called "Doze," which put phones into a deep sleep when they were sitting on a table for a while.
Android N will take Doze a step further, putting phones to rest whenever the screen is off. Google also said that Android N will make background tasks more efficient and less taxing on the battery.
 

And more!

 
Google said Android N's new feature set isn't limited to those new bells and whistles. Google will continue to release new features as it builds them.

Typically, new Android releases are unveiled during Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference. This year's I/O is scheduled for May 18-20.

"We're doing something a little different this year by releasing the preview early... really early," Google said in a blog post.

Google noted that a super-early preview allows developers to weigh in much sooner, giving Google more time to incorporate app-makers' feedback. It follows Microsoft's nearly yearlong preview of Windows 10, allowing anyone to download it and submit suggestions along the way.

The next version of Android will be named after some tasty treat that starts with the letter "N." The current version is called Marshmallow.

More details:CNNMoney (New York)

Android M likely to be star attraction at Google I/O 2015

Google's annual developer event has always been a host to some of the biggest tech announcements and this year too it is likely to be the same. From the announcement of Chrome OS, to Sergey Brin's jaw-dropping demo of Google Glass, Google I/O always promises exciting new announcements. Apart from the obligatory introduction of the new version of Android, there are some key developments that are expected. Read on to find out what to expect from Google I/O 2015, which starts in San Francisco on May 28. 

Android M incoming 

The biggest announcement could be the preview of Android M. While the name is not known, chances are we could end up with Android Marshmallow. The Google I/O 2015 schedule lists out a session called 'Android for Work'. This probably means that Google is working on enhancements so that Android has better management solutions for IT managers and is more usable at work. 

According to Ars Technica, Android M could have an integrated Fingerprint scanning application programming interface (API) that could be integrated with the Google Play store and even the Chrome browser. Previously, it was revealed that the Nexus 6 was supposed to have a fingerprint scanner on the back, but as Motorola could not procure a good enough solution, the scanner was dumped. A fingerprint scanner API built into Android would mean wider adoption of the technology across the ecosystem. While Samsung and HTC have built good solutions for the Galaxy S6 and One M9+, a standardised protocol will encourage more vendors to add a fingerprint scanner in their devices. 

Besides the fingerprint scanning API, Google could replace Google Wallet with Android Pay, a standard for wireless payments that would take on Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. This would also supplement the fingerprint scanner API. 

Google Hangouts is the default messaging app in Android and it could get smarter with the Android M update. A late 2014 update to Hangouts brought a location sharing feature from a start-up called Emu, which Google had acquired. More enhancements from the Emu team could be incoming. It could add actionable agendas, and could even list out information relevant for the conversation in question. 

A Google Calendar update is expected to add some interesting new features. Recently, Google had acquired an app called Timeful, which can make dynamic schedules for users. In simpler words, Timeful can make an agenda for you and on the basis of your schedule and priorities, make sure that your tasks are achieved. This applies to a number of use cases. Be it an exercise schedule to meetings. In fact, the Timeful technology doesn't apply just to Google Calendar, but also Inbox. 

Google could also make announcements that would make Android compatible with car infotainment systems as an embeddable operating system. What does this mean? Well, with Android Auto, Google allows users to mimic limited functionality of the OS and imprint it on the car infotainment system, but this solution always is tethered to your phone. Google could announce a build of Android that would work natively off the car infotainment system and will have broader functionality than Android Auto. 

It is also highly possible that Google will announce a native theme engine as a part of the next Android Build. Already, major smartphone manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, Sony and Huawei support themes in their respective builds of Android. Stock Android doesn't have theme support, which is found on Nexus devices and Android One smartphones. Sony long back had added the runtime resource overlay (RRO) framework, which allowed themes and this was leveraged by Samsung and HTC on their new phones -- the Galaxy S6 and the One (M9). With the latest build of Android this function could be part of the core OS experience. 

Other than this, Google could make Android compatible with virtual reality devices as currently Google doesn't have anything in that space. Yes, Google Glass is there; but under the Nest team it is going through a major overhaul. Google could also introduce a native multi-window multitasking feature similar to what Samsung and LG phones have had for years. Lastly, voice commands will be enhanced and as indicated earlier Google Now will have an open API so that any developer can integrate their apps with Google's assistant. There is also chatter about improved notification controls. 

Chromecast 2

In an interview with GigaOm, Google's Mario Queiroz revealed that a new Chromecast is in the works. Chromecast is almost 2 years old and it does not support things like 4k video, 1080p video at 60 frames per second or even 3D video. All these things could be added in the new Chromecast. Importantly, the new Chromecast could have the Wi-Fi 802.11 AC protocol built in. 

In January, Google also announced Google Cast. Google is keen also promote Chromecast as a casual gaming solution. In fact, the Google I/O session list lists out a session called Designing games for Google Cast, which could be a big highlight of the device. If gaming is a focus, then we could see a more enhanced GPU and CPU stack in the device. Of course, all this wouldn't be at the cost of the pricing of the product as Chromecast is a fantastic impulse purchase. 

Google Photos app

As we have reported in great detail for the past couple weeks Google+ Photos could be split from Google+. As an Android Police leak suggests the new app will allow users to post their photos on Facebook and Twitter apart from Google+, but will also come with a number of new features. Firstly, its user interface will be revamped and it will come with enhanced editing features and object detection. The app will also come with a new assistant feature. 

Google Play Store for China 

Google's relationship with world's largest smartphone market is frosty at best. Google's services are not censored as per the liking of the Chinese government so a lot of its services just don't work there. This could change according to the Information. The Google Play store could finally come to China, which will be music to the ears of thousands of developers. Google is planning to re-enter China as companies like Baidu are providing services and features in China that are normally part of a standard Android phone elsewhere. 

Google Glass reboot

As mentioned earlier, Tony Fadell's team could unveil a new Google Glass. Reports have suggested that it could be powered by an Intel SoC. Luxottica's CEO even indicated that it was working with Google on the project. Remember Luxottica is the parent company of eyewear brands like Ray Ban and Oakley. 

Earlier, Google Glass was a project lead by Sergey Brin at Google X. As the company failed to come up with useful uses for the product and also it caused a public privacy furore, the project was eventually handed to Nest CEO Tony Fadell, whose company Google had earlier acquired. 

Flagship Android Wear smartwatch

Google has partnered with iconic Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer and Intel to create an Android Wear smartwatch. They have already announced that they are working on creating a $1,400 product, with a targeted battery life of 40 hours. This could be Android's answer to the Apple Watch, which went on sale earlier in the year. More importantly, Google is also figuring out a way for its Android Wear devices to be compatible with the iPhone. If that happens then even iOS users could leverage Android Wear based hardware. 

Project ARA

The Project ARA module smartphone is perhaps the most ambitious project inside Google. Google plans on pilot testing the modular smartphone concept in Puerto Rico. Chances are we could see something from Google's ATAP group, which is in-charge of the project. They have a session at Google I/O and chances are we will see more on the Project ARA smartphone there. Already, smartphone maker Yezz has signed up and Toshiba has also announced camera and system on chip modules for the project.

more details : india-today

Apple promotes Jony Ive to post of Chief Design Officer

Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced in a memo to all employees that Sir Jony Ive has been promoted to a newly created designation of Chief Design Officer. This promotion will come into effect July 1 onwards, where he will handover managerial responsibilities of industrial design and user interface design to Richard Howarth and Alan Dye respectively.

Both Howarth and Dye have also been promoted. Howarth is now Vice President of Industrial Design while Dye is Vice President for User Interface Design. Both will continue to report to Ive and he will continue to oversee the overall direction of design at the Cupertino based company. The promotion for Ive means that he will relinquish day-to-day managerial responsibilities to Howarth and Dye.

"His new role is a reflection of the scope of work he has been doing at Apple for some time. Jony's design responsibilities have expanded from hardware and, more recently, software UI to the look and feel of Apple retail stores, our new campus in Cupertino, product packaging and many other parts of our company," said Tim Cook in his memo explaining the Ive's promotion to the newly created designation.

Howarth and Dye have worked with Ive for years and have been his key lieutenants. Howarth, for instance, has been working on the iPhone from day one and has worked at Apple for two decades. Dye started working with Ive more recently after he assumed control of design of human interface in the wake of former iOS chief Scott Forstall's ouster after the iOS 6 Apple Maps snafu. Dye worked on the dramatic redesign that Ive championed with iOS 7 and, in fact, was largely responsible for the look and feel of the OS on the Apple Watch. He joined Apple 9 years ago.

Ive is perhaps the most iconic modern industrial designer. He has his name on more than design and utility 5000 patents. Apple's design team is also quite star-studded. Last year, Apple also added famed designer Marc Newson, who is also Ive's friend.

Ive's influence doesn't just extend to the look and feel of Apple's hardware and software, but also the furniture used inside its campus, its stores, and even the packaging of its products. He has also had a say in the design of the new SpaceShip campus that Apple is building that will be home to 13,000 employees. A recent New Yorker profile of Ive even revealed that JJ Abrams the director of the upcoming Star Wars: Force Awakens consulted him while designing the new lightsaber for the movie.

more details : india today

Google will bring it’s balloon-powered Internet and wind energy project to India

Recently Facebook announced Internet.org in India, and now Google is also all set to bring its internet project offering connectivity to remote areas here. According to a new report byThe Times of India, Google is in talks with the Indian government to introduce its Project Loon, an internet project that uses high-altitude balloons to offer affordable internet across the globe to people without any access.

Mohammad Gawdat, VP of business Innovation at Google X told the news site that the company plans to launch a commercial format that will allow coverage on “every square inch” on earth by 2016. He also said that the company is working ‘closely’ with telcos and governments across the world to achieve this.

Project Loon uses balloons that travel 20 km above the earth. Using software algorithms, Loon determines where the balloon needs to go depending upon the wind. It started as a pilot project in New Zealand wherein 30 balloons were launched. Last year in November, Google announced that Project Loon has the ability to launch up to 20 balloons per day. According to a Google+ post, it was possible because the autofill equipment had improved and the time to fill the balloon had come down under 5 minutes.

The balloons can now last up to 10 times longer in the stratosphere, than they did in 2013 and a lot of them have lasted over 100 days – with 130 days being a record, Google had said.

Besides, Google is reportedly also working on a wind power project with an ‘aeroplane-like kite that is tethered up to 300 metres to do a manoeuvre aided by the direction of the wind’. Its movements generate power. “We believe through this we should be able to get a 100% improvement on the current renewable technology out there. It will be available at a much cheaper cost,” Gawdat further told the news site.

He further said that Google is in talks with the Indian government to deploy this wind power project here. The company hopes to begin production by 2016.

more details:tech2

Oracle picks Bengaluru boy Thomas Kurian for top job

BENGALURU: Boy from Bengaluru, Thomas Kurian, 48, has been elevated as president of Oracle responsible for software development, making him perhaps the single most senior executive in the company after co-CEOs Safra Catz and Mark Hurd. Kurian, who joined the $38-billion US company in 1996, was executive VP (product development).

Indians are now at top levels in many IT firms - the notable being Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, and Sundar Pichai, head of most major Google products. A recent entrant is Bhaskar Ghosh, management committee member and group chief executive of technology delivery at Accenture.

Kurian is an alumnus of Bengaluru's St Joseph's Boys High School. He holds a BA in electrical engineering from Princeton University, where he graduated summa cum laude (highest distinction). He has an MBA from Stanford University where he was an Arjay Miller scholar. He has served as an advisory member on the boards of several international venture funds and software companies. In Oracle, he has held various product management and development positions.

An Oracle India spokesperson confirmed Kurian's elevation, but did not respond to a question whether any other executive had been similarly promoted. On Oracle's website, the highest designation among executives below the CEOs is executive vice-president. If no other executive has been promoted, then Kurian becomes the only president in the company.

Oracle chairman Larry Ellison wrote an email to employees to announce Kurian's elevation. "I'm pleased to announce that Thomas Kurian has been promoted to president of Oracle, responsible for software development. He has a long track record of developing suites of software products that go to achieve pre-eminent success in the marketplace. His first major engineering effort was developing the Oracle suite of Fusion Middleware," he wrote. Oracle Fusion Middleware is a business innovation platform for the enterprise and the cloud that enables enterprise to create and run applications maximizing IT efficiency.

Ellison, in his email to employees on Thursday, said Kurian was focusing on engineering products required to transition software technology to the Oracle Cloud. "The transition is going well with the Oracle cloud sales starting to take off...The world can get a glimpse of how well Thomas and his team are doing their job," he said.  more details:TOI

A Pakistani extremist wanted me dead, says Mark Zuckerberg

 WASHINGTON: Facebook honcho Mark Zuckerberg triggered off an online avalanche of protests, and a war of words between Pakistani trolls and Indian baiters, after revealing in the midst of the Charlie Hedbo imbroglio that a Pakistani extremist had sought to have him sentenced to death because Facebook refused to ban content about Mohammed that offended him.

Zuckerberg did not identify the extremist but the mere mention of Pakistan brought that country's online defenders into the fray. ''You can't just blame the whole nation on the basis of one person's act,'' one Pakistani follower contested on Zuckerberg's Facebook page. Here's the full text of Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook post:



A few years ago, an extremist in Pakistan fought to have me sentenced to death because Facebook refused to ban content about Mohammed that offended him.

We stood up for this because different voices -- even if they're sometimes offensive -- can make the world a better and more interesting place.

Facebook has always been a place where people across the world share their views and ideas. We follow the laws in each country, but we never let one country or group of people dictate what people can share across the world.

Yet as I reflect on yesterday's attack and my own experience with extremism, this is what we all need to reject -- a group of extremists trying to silence the voices and opinions of everyone else around the world.

I won't let that happen on Facebook. I'm committed to building a service where you can speak freely without fear of violence.

My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the people of France and the people all over the world who choose to share their views and ideas, even when that takes courage. #JeSuisCharlie   more details:TOI 

Apple users spent nearly $500 million on apps, in-app services in first week of 2015

Apple and thousands of mobile software developers are feasting on people’s ravenous app-etite for apps.

Users of iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches spent nearly $500 million on applications and in-app services during the first week of the year, according to figures released. That’s the highest weekly volume recorded by Apple. since the Cupertino, California, company opened its App Store seven years ago and revolutionized the way people connect with online services and play games.

If sales continue at the same opening-week pace, Apple and the makers of the apps would split up about $25 billion in revenue. Apple’s revenue-sharing formula calls for 70 percent of app sales to be paid to the developers with the rest kept by the company.

This year’s fast start came after Apple’s app billings surged by 50 percent in 2014, according to Thursday’s breakdown. The increase produced more than $10 billion for app developers. That implies Apple reaped somewhere from $4 billion to $5 billion in revenue from its App Store last year, based on the company’s 30 percent commission. Apple didn’t disclose how much it made from the App Store last year.

Most analysts expect the App Store will contribute a bigger piece of Apple’s future profits as people become more dependent on their mobile devices, encouraging developers to create even more services tailored for the gadgets. The latest version of Apple’s mobile software, iOS 8, already is fueling demand with new categories for home and health management, as well as the opportunity to install alternatives to Apple’s built-in keyboard for the first time.

What’s more, Apple plans to release a line of smartwatches this spring that’s likely to unleash another wave of app purchases.

As popular as it is, Apple’s App Store lags behind Google’s Play Store for Android devices in terms of total downloads, according to the analytical firm AppAnnie. That’s largely because about 2 billion devices running on Google’s free Android software have been shipped so far. Apple has sold more than 828 million mobile devices since the 2007 release of the iPhone.

But the smaller number of people using Apple’s devices spends far more money on apps than Android’s largest audience, according to AppAnnie and other analysts. That’s because Apple’s products are higher priced and tend to attract more affluent buyers than the Android product line does. With less income to spend, Android users are more apt to focus on the wide range of free apps available for smartphones and tablets.

Google hasn’t released last year’s billing statistics for its Play Store. In late June, the company said the Play store had distributed about $5 billion to developers since opening its own app market in June. A Google spokeswoman said the company had no further updates to disclose.

Apple says its app developers have made $25 billion since 2008. The company’s store offers more than 1.4 million mobile apps in 155 countries.
more details:tech2