Android

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...

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...

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...

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...

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…

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…

Google I/O teaser: the future of Android and more

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated March 20, 2018

Bloomberg Businessweek has published a feature-length profile with Sundar Pichai, head of the Android and Chrome divisions at Google. After a lengthy interview that details Pichai growing up in India, getting a scholarship at Stanford and eventually working at Google, the report drops some big news: the future of Android, Android Wear and Android TV will be unveiled this week, alongside other announcements…

Geohot “makes it ra1n” on Android with a rooting tool for the Samsung Galaxy S5

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Geohot—a name that's virtually synonymous with iPhone jailbreaking—has taken up quite a few different ventures since departing from the jailbreak scene. He's dabbled in Playstation 3 hacking, and working at Facebook. He was even rumored to have been on the precipice of an iOS 7 jailbreak, but nothing formally materialized from him.

But yesterday, Geohot (real name George Hotz) made his name known on an even wider scale when he released a new rooting tool for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and other Android devices. The tool, which is called Towelroot, is a downloadable package that allows Galaxy S5 users to quickly root their devices. This is especially helpful for GS5 users on Verizon and AT&T, because those two mobile carriers lock the bootloader.

I've tried out Towelroot on my Galaxy S5, and it works just as described. In fact, it reminds me a lot of Hotz's past jailbreak tools. Check inside for all of the details.

Google said to be building its own health platform called Google Fit

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Hot on the heels of Apple's big HealthKit unveiling comes word that Google is building a health platform of its own. The news comes from Forbes, who says the service—dubbed Google Fit—will be announced at Google's upcoming I/O conference.

According to the report, Google Fit will closely resemble HealthKit in that it will collect and aggregate data from popular fitness trackers and health-related apps. And Google is believed to have already forged partnerships with wearable device makers...

Microsoft mulls porting Cortana assistant to iOS

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 13, 2014

Microsoft has wont to arrive late to parties: following Siri's introduction nearly three years ago, Redmond in April of this year has finally gotten around to unveiling a personal assistant of its own, Cortana, at the Build Developer Conference in San Francisco.

Originally conceived as a Windows Phone 8.1 exclusive, the Windows giant is now reportedly considering bringing the virtual assistant to rival platforms, namely to iOS and Android.

Let me get this straight. Beats updates Android app. Microsoft launches Office for iPad before even releasing a touch-optimized version for Windows 8 tablet. Apple reportedly mulling iTunes for Android...

What a difference a few years make, eh?

Despite Apple deal, Beats updates Android app, plans on using Samsung shill LeBron James in ads

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 2, 2016

Looks like Tim Cook wasn't joking when he told The Financial Times Apple would keep alive Beats Music apps for Android and Windows Phone platforms. Keep in mind that Cook made that promise after Apple snapped up Beats' streaming-music service, headphones, brand and talent in a $3 billion transaction.

Indeed, Beats has now issued an update to its Android client, the first refresh post-acquisition. But that's not all: it seems Beats will continue to feature Samsung endorser and Miami Heat cager LeBron James in future advertising...

Meet Ringly, the smart ring that alerts you to iPhone notifications

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

At first glance, the Ringly appears to be an ordinary piece of jewelry. Slip it on your finger, and it looks and feels like a typical fashion ring. That all changes, however, when your iPhone receives a notification, as the ring begins to vibrate and light up.

Using the low energy Bluetooth standard, Ringly connects to your phone and sends you customized notifications through vibration and light. It's discreet enough for a meeting, but conspicuous enough that you'll never miss an important call or message...