A few days ago we reported on the release of the brand new YouTube app for Windows Phone 8. Unlike the previous ‘app’ that was basically a link to the YouTube mobile site, the new app developed by Microsoft was a proper client that let you watch videos within the app itself.
It seems, however, Google isn’t particularly fond of this app and has asked Microsoft to take it down. The point of contention is the lack of ads in the app, which Microsoft has disabled. As you may know, Google earns its revenue from ads, as do some of the content creators who earn revenue from the YouTube videos through AdSense. Read more »
Leaks of the redesigned Maps spoiled the Google’s surprise, which was supposed to be the official release of the revamped service at Google I/O. Launching in the summer, the new Google Maps will sport an updated user interface as well as deeper Google+ synchronization
The desktop version of Google Maps got some very cool features from Google Earth such as flyover immersive images, 360-degree viewing and even taking a peek inside buildings. Read more »
Google+ has been one of the services that got a major update following the Google I/O keynote speech today. The social network now has a redesigned UI with a new stream, which is all about design and depth. Google has taken the multi-column design from the mobile devices and has brought it to the desktop, making the interface beautiful and dynamic.
The photos and videos in the design span multiple columns that are fast, fluid and fun. Google has also introduced delightful animations throughout its new design. Read more »
Google was rumored to unveil its own music streaming service and the internet giants has chosen its I/O event for its debut. The company officially launched an on-demand service called “Google Play Music All Access”.
The Spotify competitor features millions of songs that can be played instantly. The service offers you songs by personal recommendations and also allows you to have your own playlists and chats. Read more »
In addition to multiple new and cool APIs for developers, Hugo Barra introduced Google Play Game Service which introduces leaderboards, game progress saves in the cloud, real-time multiplayer and game achievements.
What’s cool is that all of the new game services features, save for real-time multiplayer, are going to work crossplatform between Android, iOS and the web. Read more »
Google I/O 2013 has just started and to get things up to speed Sundar Pichai stepped on stage and announced that Android is doing even better than before. The Google platform has reached a total of 900 million activated devices.
An device counts as activated when you get a new Android handset and log in with your Google account for the first time. There would be several devices out there that were purchased but never logged in, so they won’t be counted in this number. Re-sells haven’t been counted, either, but as you know not every device that was activated would be in use now.
At this rate Google is on track to reach 1 billion Android device activations, in a few months, rather than at the end of the year as earlier predictions suggested.
Realmac software, the creator of the popular Clear to-do app, has launched a new iPhone photography software called Analog Camera.
The newly built photography app features a simple user interface and comes with a set of filters for post-processing. The application is built on the existing Analog for Mac program, but with a much simpler and smoother UI. Read more »
The Samsung Galaxy S4 (I9500) international version – has received an early nightly build of CyanogenMod 10.1.
The version in question is based on pure Android 4.2 but the ROM, being a nightly, will likely have lots of bugs and may not be suitable for a daily driver. Read more »
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is rumored for a while now and the tablet was found in the AnTuTu benchmark database a few days ago. Now, the device has been officially listed in the Bluetooth.org website, hinting that its launch might just be around the corner.
The model number of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is confirmed to be GT-P5200 and the listing also reveals the existence of the LTE model. Read more »
HTC is leveraging Twitter’s obsession with what is known as “vadering” to promote its HTC One flagship. The message accompanying the photo reads “We find your lack of aluminum disturbing.”
There’s more going on with this post than just a dig at the plasticy competitors of the One. Read more »
HP is following up on its x2 line of tablet/laptop hybrids with two new models – the 13.3″ Split x2, running Windows 8, and the 10.1″ SlateBook x2, running… Android. Both are laptops with detachable screens, which turn into tablets on their own.
The 13.3″ screen of the HP Split x2 is an IPS LCD with 1,366 x 768 resolution. The device is powered by a 3rd generation Intel Core i3 or i5 (Y-series with 7W SDP / 10W TDP) with 2GB RAM (upgradeable), and has a 128GB SSD with an optional 500GB HDD. Read more »
An updated version of Google Maps for desktop is in the works and it managed to leak out before its official release, most probably at the Google I/O keynote today. The updated Maps was live for a short time and was pulled down later.
Among the list of new features is a map that adapts to your searches. The map learns from your past searches and provides a custom map for you based on your search history, highlighting places you might be interested in. The more you use, the better the suggestions will be. Read more »
It seems Spotify is going to have some tough competition soon. According to The Verge, Google is all set to unveil its own music streaming service today at the Google I/O event.
According to their sources, Google has already signed deals with two of the biggest music labels in the industry, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. Google had also reportedly struck a deal with Warner Music Group earlier this year. This means that they have sizable content to kick off the service. Read more »
