Android

Google announces first low-cost Android One handsets launching in India, starting at just $105

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

The Internet giant Google during a Monday media event in India announced the first wave of low-cost Android handsets running the company's optimized Android One software, with prices starting as low as $105.

“The world is filled with potential: people who are ready to leave their mark and need a phone as ambitious as they are,” said the firm during the event. The Android One project has been conceived to bring stock Android experience to inexpensive mid-to-low-range handsets sold in emerging markets such as Russia, India, Brazil and China.

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Poll: is leaked iPhone 6 design too Android-ish?

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 7, 2014

With 48 hours until Apple's big reveal, we've by now seen our fair share of leaked footage showing off a nearly-assembled 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and a new iOS 8 Passbook icon with a credit card pictogram on top.

There's also that fresh clip out of China making the rounds this morning, giving us our best look yet at purported iPhone 6 design and the smoothness of iOS 8 running on the device. Still, there's no denying that all some folks can muster after seeing these videos is Android.

I guess you could make an argument that the iPhone 6 design aesthetics are reminiscent of some high-end Android handsets from the likes of HTC and others. On the other hand, there are only so many ways to design a bar phone.

What are your feelings on the matter? Is the leaked iPhone 6 design too Android-ish for your tastes? And has the handset lost the design language that made it uniquely an iPhone, do you think?

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Motorola’s Android Wear-powered $249 Moto 360 smartwatch arrives

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Having previewed it in March, handset maker Motorola today launched its Moto 360 smartwatch with wireless charging, a rounded face, optical heart rate monitor, “all-day battery” and other perks.

Starting at $249 and available through Motorola's website, Google's Play store and Best Buy, the device runs Google's Android software for wearables dubbed Android Wear and features premium materials making the circular smartwatch feel “comfortable and familiar” on your wrist.

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Flappy Bird returns as an Amazon Fire TV-exclusive with new features

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

It's been nearly 6 months since Dong Nguyen pulled his smash hit Flappy Bird from the App Store. The game was reportedly earning over $50,000 per day in revenue at that time, but Nguyen didn't like the added attention it brought him, so he pulled the plug.

As he promised, though, Flappy Bird has made its triumphant return as 'Flappy Birds Family,' bringing along with it a new multiplayer mode and other additional features. Unfortunately, it looks like the title is exclusive to Amazon's Fire TV platform for now...

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iPhone captures 42% market share in the United States for May

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

The latest numbers reveal that the iPhone remains the most popular smartphone in the United States, with 41.9% market share for a three-month period ending May 2014. Samsung was the second most popular smartphone maker with a 27.8% share, attributed to its Galaxy-branded devices. LG (6.5%), Motorola (6.3%) and HTC (5.1%) round off the top five.

While the iPhone was the most popular smartphone, Android held a commanding 52.1% share among mobile platforms. iOS followed not too far behind at 41.9%, while Windows Phone (3.4%), BlackBerry (2.3%) and Symbian (0.1%) all trailed by quite a distance. Android also had 52.1% market share for the three-month period ending February, while iOS gained 0.6 percentage points… 

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Motorola shows off Android Wear on Moto 360

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Among the flurry of announcements yesterday, Android Wear files as the most exciting and talked-about aspect of the Google I/O 2014 keynote.

To help jumpstart Google's platform for wearables, both LG’s G Watch and Samsung’s new Gear Live started selling through Google's Play store yesterday.

Google also said that Motorola’s Moto 360, announced back in March, will launch later this summer with Android Wear. Motorola has now posted a nice video for those who couldn't attend Google's two-day conference for developers.

It gives a sneak peek at some of the cool features of Android Wear running on premium hardware so give it a quick watch (pun intended) and share your impressions with fellow readers down in the comments...

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Google I/O 2014 keynote recap: Android in your car, living room, on your wrist and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Earlier today, Google kicked off its two-day summer conference for developers with a keynote talk. It always pays to keep tabs on competition, my colleague Joe Rosignoll and I have been covering key advancements concerning the Android platform in the form of Android L, Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV announcements.

Making sense of it all, I've put together this recap of the most important developments from the Google I/O 2014 keynote. Give it a read and feel free to chime in with your thoughts and analysis in the comment section...

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Google details Android Auto with APIs for audio and messaging apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 25, 2014

More than forty partners have joined Open Automotive Alliance, which Google announced in January as an Android initiative for your car.

The program has received a significant boost with today's official introduction of Android Auto, an in-car software solution which strives to put the right information for the road ahead at your fingertips.

Android Auto extends the Android platform into the car in a way that Google says is purpose-built for driving and focused on navigation, communication and music. Jump past the fold for the nitty-gritty...

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Google unveils Android Wear enhancements, releases full SDK to write native apps for wearables

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Google has kicked off its two-day conference for developers with a keynote address in San Francisco and we're continuously covering major announcements to deliver you important news as it happens.

Company executes took to the stage to announce changes coming to Android Wear, Google's platform for wearables based on Android that was previewed back in March...

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Google announces Android ‘L’ developer preview, coming later this year

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Google has just unveiled a developer preview of Android L, its latest software version for smartphones and tablets. Android L has several improvements to its design, graphics, notifications, multitasking, battery life and more. We've recapped the major new features in Android L ahead, ranging from Material Design and Project Volta to Android Extension Pack and Enhanced Notifications ahead… 

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Watch the Google I/O keynote streaming live here

Joe Rossignol ∙ June 25, 2014

iDownloadBlog is providing a live video stream of the Google I/O keynote, which kicks off at 9:00 AM Pacific in San Francisco. Google's head of Android and Chrome Sundar Pichai is expected to unveil the latest version of Android, in addition to talking about the Android Wear and Android TV platforms. You can expect at least a few other announcements on top.

We'll be providing comprehensive coverage of the keynote as it unfolds, keeping you up to date with the latest news and announcements. While waiting for the special event, perhaps go back and watch the WWDC keynote or guess what you think the name of the next Android version will be in the comments section down below. Hint: it should start with an L. Join us for a chat…

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